In 1970, John and Penny Ulery first opened their store, "Back to Eden" in San Diego California, out of a love for art and creating things. Knowing they were true artisans at heart, they began making ornately scrolled mirrors to decorate their store. John carved each one by hand and took great pride in his accomplishments. They traveled all over the United States to art shows where they won numerous awards for the craftsmanship and design of these immaculate pieces. This is how the title "Designs In Wood" was born. John founded Designs In Wood in 1972 from this passion for creating art out of wood. Having diversified interests in style and technique, His work began with primitive folk art pieces and hand carved mirrors, and blossomed into elaborately hand painted armoires.

           The couple decided to move to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, to a quaint town named Sparta for a slower paced life. They soon had a son named Devin, and continued living their lives to the fullest working with new mediums in wood. As John learned more about technical aspects of wood, he began to incorporate specific traditions such as mission and farm techniques. His influences came from master craftsmen such as Jame Krenov and Sam Maloof. Thus, he became increasingly interested in furniture making, particalarly custom pieces such as ornate sideboards, hutches and tables.

           These tables are what drew his son Devin into the family business. After completing his degree in photography, he came back to his roots. Being sufficient in design, advertising and business, he has brought quite a bit to the "table." He has been working alongside his father for six years now, and plans to keep it in his family as his father has done. His wife Anna helps in sales and advertising for the business as well, and together they have made it truly a family business.

           The custom tables they create are all one of a kind, rich in design and stable enough to last generations. All crafted by hand individually, their heirloom pieces are meant to enrich a house to make it a home.
           "From Our Home To Yours..."