1 Stunning Custom Cabinetry and Millwork at Shelborne Hotel

The Challenge: Designing Luxury Millwork for a Boutique Hotel

Creating millwork for a high-end hospitality setting involves balancing visual impact with functionality and durability. The Shelborne Hotel’s design team, led by ADD Inc. and supported by Stellar Construction and Parker International, needed a partner capable of producing statement pieces while maintaining practical performance.

Lignum CD was chosen for its expertise in luxury hotel millwork, with a clear mandate: transform the hotel’s atmosphere through craftsmanship that reflects the brand’s sophistication and cultural identity.

Reception Desk Design: Innovation with Impact

One of the most complex and celebrated aspects of the project was the reception desk design. The vision called for an eye-catching centerpiece that would greet guests with style and originality. Lignum CD delivered a fully custom-built reception desk featuring:

• Over 1,500 hand-mounted clear acrylic orbs

• Integrated LED lighting to enhance nighttime visual impact

• Solid framework with high-traffic durability in mind

• A golden tone finish that complemented the hotel’s warm lighting and marble backdrop

The result was more than a desk, it became a sculptural statement, reinforcing the hotel’s identity from the first point of contact.

Beyond the Lobby: Custom Hospitality Furniture Throughout

Lignum’s role extended far beyond the reception area. The team implemented custom hospitality furniture solutions across rooms and common areas, including:

• Built-in lacquer guestroom desks with solid surface countertops

• Floating base cabinets with open compartments

• Upholstered banquettes and cocktail tables

• Diamond-tufted seating in the lounge

• Wall-mounted custom vanities with mesh-pattern cutouts

• Headboards framed in wood and upholstered by hand

• A poolside towel station and freestanding kiosks

• Cabana benches and exterior wall units built with IPE decking

These elements were designed not only for elegance, but also for wear resistance, flexibility, and ease of use in a high-traffic environment.

Results: Custom Cabinetry and Millwork That Defines a Hotel’s Identity

The project received glowing feedback from hotel guests and industry partners alike. The combination of high-end design, expert fabrication, and seamless integration of materials resulted in a space that is both beautiful and functional.

The reception desk design quickly became a defining architectural element of the Shelborne Hotel, while the custom cabinetry and millwork throughout ensured that every guestroom, lounge, and outdoor area supported the brand’s commitment to luxury and comfort.

This transformation illustrates how thoughtful millwork can do more than fill a space. It can shape a brand, enhance guest perception, and support long-term operational excellence.

Why Custom Millwork Matters in High-End Hospitality

According to a 2023 AIA industry report, over 70% of luxury hospitality renovations now incorporate custom architectural elements to enhance guest experience and brand value. For hotels like the Shelborne, these features not only improve aesthetics, but also communicate investment in quality, originality, and care.

Custom cabinetry and millwork at Shelborne Hotel show how high-end execution can bring a designer’s vision to life and provide guests with an unforgettable sense of place.

Ready to Enhance Your Next Project?

Lignum CD brings unmatched craftsmanship and technical precision to projects across the hospitality sector. Whether you’re designing a lobby, outfitting guest suites, or creating specialty millwork, we’re here to help you create lasting impact.

📞 Contact us today to begin your custom millwork journey.