About Us

Family Business

J. Dana Design is a family business. Jeff's interest in antiques dates from his childhood. He often accompanied his grandfather, a country physician, on trips throughout the Hudson River Valley, where his grandfather sometimes took antiques in trade for services rendered. Indeed, life was simpler back then but no easier than today. Both Jeffrey’s parents were avid collectors; his mother was also an antique dealer. Weekends were spent repairing and restoring antique “finds”.

Jeff's wife Lynn, in addition to sharing Jeff's interest in antiques, is a talented painter specializing in historic folk art recreation and replication painting for furniture, tavern signs, and primitive scenes. The family tradition continues with their two sons, Jud and Justin. Each picked up his first hammer (plastic) as a tot. They completed their first historically authentic pipe box and saltbox, using vintage wood and nails, during their early teen years. Today, both are master cabinetmakers and millwrights.

This family heritage and acquired talent combines to produce practical and flexible home solutions for you. For instance, we can create unique millwork that duplicates such period styles as colonial, federal, Victorian, contemporary, or eclectic. We can also replicate existing or damaged woodwork found in an old home to create a continuance of theme. These highly customized skills can crown any restored or reproduction dwelling. Our broad woodworking capacity includes door and window trim, crown moldings, chair rails, wall paneling, wall sheathing, passage doors, entranceways, stair balusters and handrails, and window sash and complete window replacements – the last in a range of modes from the 17th to the 19th century. No ancient woodworking technique is past our ability. For example, our custom turnings go beyond simple vase and ring designs to include rope fluting and twisting.

Our hardwood flooring is available in a wide variety of woods, with character ranging from rustic to formal. Plank flooring is available in widths up to 9 inches. Northeast white pine is available in widths up to 20 inches and is sanded to a 120-grit finish, thus eliminating the need for an outside sanding contractor after installation. All finishes are available in an aged, distressed look – and can be natural, stained, or in your choice of authentic milk paint.

Having installed hundreds of them we know that the kitchen countertop has evolved from utilitarian work surface to a stylish focal point. We manufacture our own countertops, farmhouse sinks, and routed-in or grooved-in drain boards. They come in three grades of soapstone: original, ice flower, and our own proprietary slabs, which are very hard. Additional choices include limestone, slate and one-board or plank-wood countertops (not butcher block).