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

McFate grew up woodworking and building furniture with his father. Then, about five years ago, he started making furniture for his buddies who were looking for gifts for their wives.

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

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

The store, Modern Farmhouse, officially opened in March at the Michigan Center. The local family business prides itself on making high-quality furniture at a fair price, McFate said.

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

The 2,000 square foot showroom showcases furniture and home decor.

“We have more bigger pieces that we couldn’t bring to shows before,” McFate said.

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

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

“We got a lot of positive feedback and everyone told their friends about it,” McFate said.

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

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

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

More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:

Get out and ‘walk, roll and stroll’ through Jackson’s parks this summer

Pets of the Week: Gomez has a silly bark. Measles is as unique as its name

Woman embezzled so much money Jackson company had to lay off employees

Firefighters battle suspicious blaze at vacant Jackson home

The Brooklyn Dam is being demolished with the help of state and federal funds