Custom Woodwork & Design for Timeless Spaces.

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Blending Historic Craft with Modern Design.
Design, Fabrication & Interior Color Theory From Our Yorkville, IL Studio.

Old Modern transforms design visions into a hand crafted reality.

Our services begin with creative planning including interior design, detailed 3D renderings, and expert interior color theory to establish your vision. We then execute that vision with custom wood fabrication and one of a kind handmade heirloom pieces.

Our Process, Our Work.

Our process begins with finding the story. We're inspired by the enduring strength of nature and the rich character of history. Sometimes the design centers on a found vintage window. Other times it's a magnificent live edge timber slab. Our approach is always custom ensuring every final heirloom piece is a seamless blend of Old World Craft and Modern Design.

Ready for a one-of-a-kind piece?

A woodworking workbench with a rusted metal L-shaped ruler, two pieces of chalk, some powder, and a person wearing beige pants and brown shoes standing nearby.
A concrete planter with a textured, bubbly top edge sits on a wooden table in a workshop, with wood pieces and tools in the background.
Close-up of a woodworking setup with a combination square, a yellow pencil, and a piece of light-colored wood with a rounded edge, on a woodworking workbench.

Design Made Tangible.

This is where design vision becomes real. We take ideas and drawings and turn them into functional, soulful art for your home. Everything you see is a result of our true custom process. It might start with a vintage window that sparks an idea or a stunning live edge slab that dictates the direction of the entire build.

No two pieces we create are ever alike—just unique, heirloom quality delivered for your uniquely distinct home.

A wooden sideboard with a rustic finish sits on black metal legs against a beige wall. On top of it are framed black and white artwork, potted plants, and books.

Barnwood Side-Board Cabinet

Bedroom wall with a modern wooden wall sconce light, a floating wooden shelf with a black container, a decorative stone, and a small metal object, next to a bed with brown and orange pillows.

Live-Edge Floating Bedside Table

Interior of a room with a wooden bench against a light blue wall, decorated with potted plants and books, and a framed artwork of distressed painted wood panels hanging on the wall.

Chunky Farmhouse Bench & Reclaimed Barnwood Wall Art

Reclaimed Window & Hickory Wall Cabinet

A wooden console table with a vase containing green leafy branches and a framed art print of a heron, set against a beige wall with sunlight casting shadows.

Narrow Console Table

A vintage distressed white wooden display cabinet with glass door, standing in the corner of a light-colored wall room. The cabinet contains various small decorative items and knickknacks. A trailing green plant is placed on top of the cabinet. To the right, there is a large window with white trim providing natural light. The floor is light-colored hardwood, and part of a white rug is visible at the bottom.

Reclaimed Window & Barnwood Corner Cabinet

A neatly made bed with a distressed white wooden headboard, white pillows, a quilted olive-green bedspread, and a decorative pillow with beige, cream, and rust stripes.

Shiplap Queen Headboard

A cozy corner with a rustic wooden bench, two neutral-colored pillows, a white throw blanket, a round mirror on the wall, and two warm lightbulb wall sconces.

White Washed Mini Barnwood Bench

Decorative wall mirror with distressed wood frame, standing on a jute rug, surrounded by candles, potted cactus, ceramic vases, and books, illuminated by natural sunlight.

Reclaimed Barnwood Art Piece - 38”x50”

Beyond the Board.

What sets Old Modern apart? The answer is that it all starts with design. Our vision is rooted in the fine art background of our founder, Derek Massey, who achieved his BFA in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago. For 23 years, he was immersed in professional design, which taught him everything about balance, color, and making things look right.

But here’s the most important part: Derek genuinely loves making things with his hands. He’s a true, hands-on maker who takes immense pride in creating unique items. This history allows us to treat every project as a unique commission, blending industrial precision with artistic composition. This approach finds its purest expression in our new line of fine art, such as this barnwood monoprint, where we literally transform reclaimed wood into a one-of-a-kind piece of modern art.

Get In Touch: Design Your Timeless Space

Ready to transform your home with a one-of-a-kind piece?

Use the form below to initiate your custom project—from a built-in media wall to a live edge floating shelves. We specialize in design, color theory, and high-quality custom cabinetry and furniture for timeless spaces.

Tell us about your vision. We look forward to crafting it for you.