Have you noticed some new activity on Hwy 522 in front of the Sangre De Cristo Valley Market? A local businessman is moving back to town. Questa welcomes home a fellow craftsman, Jerry, or “Mose” Rainault. He will be opening his third Questa location for his ever-popular, hand-crafted, custom-designed Shaker-inspired furniture.
Mose’s first shop was called Graystorm Farm Woodworks, and it was open from 1997 to about 2015. After suffering a heart attack, Mose had to close for a bit, but later the shop reopened as The Furniture Barn. That location was open for about three years until additional heart issues arose and again Mose needed to take a break.
We are now happy to report that Mose is back in the saddle again and ready to create and explore at his new location, opening in May. “I am very excited to be working and interacting with the community again,” says Mose. The space is large and open and will house a beautiful display of his simple yet elegant custom designed furniture. He can make anything anyone wants, and comments, “You get what you want, not what you need.” He loves to collaborate with his clients to produce that one-of-a-kind special piece that will make their home a little bit warmer and a little more inviting, whatever you’re looking for—a cabinet, a table, a headboard or a bench—Mose can make it.
Originally from Canada, Mose has been in the U.S. for 50 years with 42 years in our area. He lives a simple life, spending his time reading, gardening, and creating. He once thought he would like to go into a monastery but after picking up a hammer and saw one day, he says, “something happened.” He realized that this is what he was meant to do. He had found his calling.
After visiting areas of the country with a strong Shaker influence, he fell in love with their simple, pure design aesthetics and their incorporation of color. This is how he works today, using pine in a soothing, almost healing way to create beautiful yet functional custom work. He spends time getting to know his customers and their likes and dislikes. Every piece of custom furniture is a reflection of Mose’s ability to listen and to incorporate the desires of others. “To create a piece is almost a spiritual experience,” says Mose.
Sometime in May you will see Mose placing his “Open” sign on his new Furniture Barn location. Stop in and feast your eyes on the beauty that can be created using simple but elegant construction that comes from the heart. “My work is simple, nothing complicated, but it is timeless and gentle.” Stop in and see if Mose can make something special for your home.
The Furniture Barn is located at 2381 Hwy 522 in Questa. Hours of operation will be Tuesday through Friday 10 to 5 and Saturday from 10 to 4. If you would like to set up a special time or want to get your order in before the doors open, give Mose a call at (575) 224-4326.
