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According to a study recently released by Duke University, EWG and other universities, the level of flame retardants in the bodies of adults and children has increased drastically between 2002 and 2015. According to the study, levels of chlorinated Tris, or TDCIPP, rose fifteen fold in adults while levels in children were found to have increased four times in that same time frame. While this isn’t the first time levels of flame retardants in humans has been researched, this study marks the first time the outcomes have revealed such dramatic shifts over a long period of time.

Flame retardants are used in everyday products to slow or stop the spread of fire. They’re commonly found in car seats, upholstered furniture, televisions, computers, clothing, baby toys and much more. While not all flame retardants are harmful, and there are Federal guidelines designed to limit the amount of the chemical in products, overexposure can be harmful to humans. That's because they have been linked to health challenges such as cancer, hormonal changes and even cause fertility issues.

Fortunately, customers of T.Y. Fine Furniture don't have to worry about flame retardants in anything purchased from us. That's because we don't sell anything containing flame retardants, or any chemical or unnatural material, for that matter. We are dedicated to promoting healthful, hypoallergenic living so our customers don't have to worry about anything unnatural contaminating them or their homes. That includes our hypoallergenic mattresses, bedding, pillows, leather recliners, luxurious massage chairs or custom-made wood furniture from us.

 We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Determine if the Custom Process is Right for You

Custom made furniture means that you are purchasing a one of a kind piece of heirloom quality furniture that was designed and made specifically for you and your home.  The process begins with you having a basic concept of the piece you want, its approximate dimensions, wood type, perhaps a photo or drawing of a similar item that you like. The custom design process allows you to be intimately involved in the creation of an item that will be one of a kind and only for you.  Some of our customers really enjoy the design process however we have found that others may benefit more from customizing our existing collections.  Whatever your preference we will help you through the process and make sure that you are presented with the finest hand-made furniture available. Tarik Yousef will personally attend to every piece, from start to finish.  And his Sales Manager, Wes Miller, will be there to assist with the process as well. This means they will work to:

• Help you determine the size, style and materials that best suit your needs
• Explain all important details for every item to ensure you receive exactly what you’re looking for
• Execute every design with an artistic eye and a perfectionist’s unerring attention to details

 **Please not that once the design process has begun it is extremely important that you follow up promptly with revisions/material selection or your project may risk delay in completion.

 Design Meeting

Tarik Yousef personally meets with clients to determine their needs, either at their homes or commercial spaces or via Email, Web Meeting or Phone. Since custom design is not for everyone, these meetings help clients discover their preferences—and if indeed purchasing collection pieces would be a better choice. Clients outside of central Ohio send photographs and specific measurements for their custom-made furniture, or email images and measurements.

 Confirmation

Once clients determine their design selections, they receive copies of original sketches, drafts or animated computer designs to better understand in detail, how their bespoke furniture will evolve. When construction begins, clients are notified of start and estimated completion dates.

 Construction

Your guarantee of top-notch custom furniture starts with our personally selecting wood boards with the design in mind. We use only premium solid wood that’s properly cured and won’t buckle or distort over time. Traditional hand tools and power equipment are employed in construction. If requested, we’re happy to send digital images of works in progress. You can also track the progress of your project through our client site (this is a website where customers can log in and see pictures, documents and most any detail of their project). Only the finest finishes and hardware are used—and specially selected to match your personal style.

 Customizing From Our Collections

We started out as a custom furniture design company; and we welcome customizing all items. Custom furniture typically costs more than a collection piece because of extra design time and labor. Therefore, there may be an added charge for customization. However, it’s still less for a customized collection piece than for customized furniture that’s specifically tailored to your needs. Please visit our custom furniture pages for more information on either: 1) customizing your collection item or, 2) for an entirely customized piece. As always, feel free to contact us for more information.

By Wes Miller

If you’re an entrepreneur living your life’s passion, you’re probably living this wry observation from Pablo Picasso: “It is your work in life that is the ultimate seduction.”

A large part of this allure is enjoying your environment as much as your customers—with quality furniture setting the ambiance to encourage social interaction and productivity.

For example, Third and Hollywood Restaurant is a top eatery in Columbus, Ohio. We were asked to design-build pieces there in four weeks. (BTW, this lead-time is uncommon for us.)

At our Custom Portfolio web page you’ll see a cherry and walnut burl host cabinet from this restaurant project warming up a stone façade. It’s equally at home by your fireplace, as a handsome console table or an entertainment center for flat-screen TVs.

We were also fortunate to have been commissioned by ‘Friends of the Ohio Governor’s Residence’ to build a Black Walnut music stand from our Fluidity Collection for the governors mansion where it is now displayed.

From architects and interior designers to corporate clients, we do fair amounts of custom marketing, award, display and art pieces. For instance, a local corporation commissioned a stand to display artworks by an artist they are sponsoring. This elegant and understated custom piece does triple duty—by also articulating corporate lineage and the people sponsored for humanitarian work.

Tips for Commercial Projects:

• What is the budget?
• For how many pieces?
• What will each piece function as?
• How reasonable is the deadline for quality, handmade delivery?

We focus on crafting unique solid wood and high-quality plywood—not trim work or paint-grade work. We welcome your commercial inquiries!

By Tarik Yousef

Many design variables make custom furniture cost more than mass-produced furniture. Clients find it helpful to understand what some of these variables are.

The Design itself can range from the essence of Zen simplicity to richly adorned details. For starters, ask questions such as:

• Will it require detailed carving and highlighting definitions including inlay and specialty trim work?
• Will the budget support many drawers, or is it more realistic to consider open shelving? Understandably, more time would be spent handcrafting a desk with more drawers.
• What higher-end materials will be used, or will high-grade plywood work better? Case in point—many people think solid wood is the only good option. However, depending upon design goals and functionality, quality plywood is better for some applications. We’ll be glad to help hone your selections with end-user goals in mind.
• What accessories will imprint it as your signature piece?
  • Quality drawer slides that close on their own, are more pricey than $5 slides.
  • What kinds of hardware?
  • Prefer exotic veneers?
  • Upholstery options—leather, fabric, stitch type, upholstery style?
  • Finish—hand-rubbed poly with a tung oil base, or our most eco-friendly water lacquer (also our most economical option for hard coatings)?

Materials and Accessories

• What higher-end materials will be used, or will high-grade plywood work better? Case in point—many people think solid wood is the only good option. However, depending upon design goals and functionality, quality plywood is better for some applications. We’ll be glad to help hone your selections with end-user goals in mind.
• What accessories will imprint it as your signature piece?
  • Quality drawer slides that close on their own, are more pricey than $5 slides.
  • What kinds of hardware?
  • Prefer exotic veneers?
  • Upholstery options—leather, fabric, stitch type, upholstery style?
  • Finish—hand-rubbed poly with a tung oil base, or our most eco-friendly water lacquer (also our most economical option for hard coatings)?

Whatever your preference, we’re delighted to hear from you: tyfinefurniture@gmail.com

By Tarik Yousef