Handcrafted Cabinetry Built the Traditional Way
Fifteen years of creating custom cabinets for homeowners who value authentic craftsmanship
Our Story
Period Designs Company was founded by Jeremy Emerson in 2010 with a simple mission: create handcrafted cabinetry the way it was meant to be built—using traditional joinery methods, solid hardwood construction, and meticulous attention to detail that can't be rushed.
For fifteen years, we've been creating custom cabinets from our West Union, Ohio workshop for homeowners across the United States. What started as a passion for Colonial and early American reproduction has grown into a full-service cabinetry shop that brings the same furniture-grade craftsmanship to every style—whether you're planning a kitchen remodel for an 18th-century farmhouse or a contemporary kitchen renovation in a new home.
We're a family business. When you call Period Designs Company, you speak directly with the craftsmen building your cabinets. No sales team. No project managers. Just experienced woodworkers who understand what it takes to create cabinetry that lasts generations.
What We Specialize In
Period Reproduction is Our Foundation
Our roots are in authentic Colonial, Primitive, and Early American reproduction work. We understand period-accurate joinery, historically appropriate hardware, traditional milk paint finishes, and the subtle details that make reproduction cabinetry feel genuinely authentic.
This expertise in historical craftsmanship—raised panel construction, hand-cut dovetail joints, mortise and tenon joinery—forms the foundation of everything we build, regardless of style.
Traditional Craftsmanship Across All Styles
While historic reproduction remains our specialty, we apply the same traditional techniques to Shaker and contemporary designs. Whether we're building a Colonial kitchen with hand-forged hardware or a minimalist modern kitchen with clean lines, every project receives:
Dovetail joinery for every drawer • Solid hardwood frames and doors • Premium furniture-grade plywood for boxes • Hand-applied custom finishes • Meticulous attention to detail
From authentic period reproduction to modern minimalist design, we bring traditional woodworking methods to every style.
How We're Different
We Build Everything In-House
Every cabinet is designed, built, and finished in our Ohio workshop. We don't outsource components or buy pre-made parts. This gives us complete control over quality and allows us to customize every detail to your exact specifications.
Furniture-Grade Construction
We don't take shortcuts. Dovetail drawer joints. Raised panels fitted into grooved frames. Precision dado joints. These time-intensive techniques cost more and take longer than mass-produced methods—but they create cabinetry built to outlast your house.
Direct Craftsman Access
When you work with Period Designs Company, you work directly with the people building your cabinets. As a cabinet maker in Ohio for over 15 years, we've built our reputation on exceptional quality and direct communication. We'll walk you through wood species selection, hardware choices, finish options, and design details—answering your questions with hands-on experience, not sales scripts.
Nationwide Service
We serve homeowners throughout the United States with professional installation or white-glove freight delivery. Recent projects include homes in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest.
Custom Cabinetry for Every Room
Kitchens
Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel or complete kitchen renovation, we create custom kitchen cabinets tailored to your home's style—from authentic Colonial kitchens with hand-forged hardware to contemporary designs with minimal detailing.
Bathrooms
Period-appropriate bathroom vanities for historic homes, custom bathroom cabinets in Shaker style, or sleek modern designs—all built with the same solid hardwood construction as our kitchens.
Built-Ins
Custom built-in cabinetry for any room in your home—home offices, mudrooms, pantries, media centers, and more. Designed specifically for your space with the same furniture-grade quality.
Our Process
1
Consultation
We discuss your vision, architectural style, timeline, and budget. For complex projects, we offer on-site consultations to understand your space.
2
Design & Planning
Custom shop drawings, wood species selection, hardware choices, and finish samples. We refine every detail before cutting a single board.
3
Handcrafted Construction
10-14 weeks of traditional cabinetmaking in our Ohio workshop. We send progress photos throughout the build so you can see your project taking shape
4
Professional Installation
The same craftsmen who built your cabinets install them in your home—or we provide white-glove freight delivery with detailed installation support for your local contractor.
Who We Serve
Homeowners undertaking historic home restoration projects, particularly Colonial, Federal, and early American properties
Preservation professionals who need period-accurate millwork and cabinetry for restoration projects
Architects and designers specifying authentic reproduction cabinetry for high-end residential projects
Discerning homeowners planning kitchen remodels or bathroom renovations who value handcrafted quality over mass production—regardless of style
Let's Build Something That Lasts Generations
Whether you're planning a historic home restoration, a kitchen remodel, a bathroom renovation, or building custom cabinetry for a new home, we bring the same traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail to every project.
Ready to start your custom cabinetry project? Get in touch today to discuss your vision.
Request a ConsultationCall (937) 515-8694 Download the Project Planner
We also create reproduction early American furniture on a limited basis for existing cabinetry clients.
Discover the Stories Behind Our Work
Visit our blog for behind-the-scenes stories from our Ohio workshop, design inspiration, and featured projects.
Visit the Blog →
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
Ready to start your custom cabinetry project? Whether you're updating your kitchen, bathroom, or other spaces, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project.
We proudly work with homeowners, preservationists, and architects who share our passion for historical accuracy and handcrafted quality.