One man’s hobby now fills a Jackson-area store with locally made furniture

MICHIGAN CENTER, MI – It started as a simple hobby for Cal McFate and his family.

McFate grew up working with wood and building furniture with his dad. Then, around five years ago, he started to make furniture for his buddies who were looking for gifts for their wives.

“From there it just kind of snowballed, you might say,” McFate said.

McFate and his family decided to turn his hobby into a business. They started traveling to vintage or flea markets across the state, but after carrying stuff around for years, they decided to open a more permanent store.

The store, Modern Farmhouse, officially opened its doors in March in Michigan Center. The locally-owned family business prides itself in making high-quality furniture at a fair price, McFate said.

“I try to keep the prices reasonable, hoping that I can have something affordable for everyone to buy,” he said. “The average is probably $140 for an end table, up to $1,100 for an eight-foot table.”

The 2,000 square foot showroom features furniture and home décor.

“We have more larger pieces that we couldn’t take to shows before,” McFate said

Customers will find a range of furniture mainly in the style of “modern farmhouse,” hence the name of the business. This includes tables, benches, TV stands and more.

The store has been popular in the community since its opening McFate said, adding that the staff loves working with customers to figure out what they want.

“We’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback, and everyone has been telling their friends,” McFate said.

The store keeps standard and popular items in the store, but takes personalized orders. If people want more traditional furniture, something larger or even in hot pink, they can make it, McFate said. The store also offers delivery, he said.

“I just like to make a quality product and see the expression on their face when they see it for the first time,” he said.

Modern Farmhouse, 4552 Page Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The store is closed Monday through Wednesday. Orders can be made at 517-740-6687 or on the store’s Facebook page.

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