Transforming the Crosby Street Hotel with Custom Millwork

Tucked away in the stylish streets of SoHo, the Crosby Street Hotel is an eclectic, design-forward gem. Known for its distinctive interiors, curated decor, and uniquely British flair in the heart of Manhattan, the hotel offers a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to gather, unwind, and stay in style.

But behind the floral wallpaper and iconic neon accents lies something even more enduring: custom millwork by New York Custom Interior Millwork.

Our team was honored to contribute to the Crosby Street Hotel’s design story, crafting essential elements throughout the public spaces and amenity areas. From a hand-built oak reception desk to an expansive lounge credenza, a full-scale game and screening room, and detailed elevator surrounds, this project gave us the opportunity to showcase the full breadth of what we do best—elevating interiors with timeless, functional craftsmanship.

Let’s take a deeper look at the spaces we transformed – and the attention to detail that sets them apart.

A Welcome Like No Other: The Custom Oak Reception Desk

The reception area is the first point of contact for every hotel guest. At the Crosby Street Hotel, it needed to reflect the unique mix of sophistication, playfulness, and comfort that defines the property. So, we created a custom oak reception desk, built from the ground up using plain slice white oak – a wood known for its striking grain pattern and natural warmth.

The front of the desk features recessed panel millwork, adding depth and architectural interest. Behind the desk, we incorporated post-office-style key slots, crafted to be both decorative and functional – adding a vintage twist that nods to the building’s old-world charm while keeping it sleek and efficient for hotel staff.

The poly finish we applied to the oak enhances durability and provides a subtle sheen, allowing the natural texture of the wood to shine while standing up to the wear of daily operations.

Lounge Luxury: A Custom Credenza That Blends In – and Stands Out

Move past the front desk and into the cozy lounge area and you’ll discover another of our custom creations: a long, elegant credenza, built to blend into the room’s eclectic interior while offering discreet storage.

At first glance, it may be easy to miss – the room is filled with vibrant furniture and art – but this piece plays a quiet, essential role in the space. Hand-built with premium oak and finished in a tone that harmonizes with the room’s palette, the credenza provides functional beauty without distracting from the decorative elements.

Like much of the work we do in hospitality millwork, it’s both hardworking and harmonious, meant to support the experience rather than steal the spotlight.

Entertainment Spaces: Where Style Meets Play

Guests at the Crosby Street Hotel aren’t limited to lobby lounging. Behind the scenes, the hotel offers exclusive amenity spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Our team brought custom millwork to life in the billiards room, game lounge, and private screening room—each one tailored to its purpose and personality.

Key Design Features:

Raised panel doors in classic proportions, adding architectural structure
Wainscoting throughout the walls, finished in oak for a refined, cohesive look
Moldings and trim around the elevators and corridors, tying the spaces together
A blend of modern woodwork and traditional detailing, offering a luxury feel with a residential twist

For this part of the project, we used plain slice oak once again, this time finished in a sleek lacquer coating to highlight the texture while providing added durability. The result is a series of spaces that feel elegant but never stuffy – designed to support conversation, comfort, and a sense of curated leisure.

Details Make the Difference: Custom Elevator Paneling and Trim

Even transitional spaces deserve attention. In fact, we believe that hallways, lobbies, and elevators are the perfect places to add small but powerful design gestures. That’s why we crafted custom wall paneling and molding for the hotel’s elevator surrounds, using the same oak as in the rest of the project to maintain a cohesive palette.

With classic raised panels, seamless edge detailing, and trim that aligns perfectly with the architectural rhythm of the building, these areas feel like thoughtful extensions of the more visible spaces.

Because when your guests ride the elevator, they shouldn’t feel like they’re in a utility box – they should feel like the experience is continuing.

Why Custom Millwork Is Key for Hospitality Spaces

Hotels are more than places to sleep – they’re brand statements, immersive environments, and visual experiences. That’s why custom millwork is a powerful tool for hospitality designers and developers. It allows you to:

Create one-of-a-kind environments that reflect your vision
Seamlessly blend design with durability for long-term use
Add hidden functionality – like integrated storage or concierge systems
Elevate everyday areas into bespoke experiences

When executed well, custom millwork creates cohesion across an entire property, connecting reception desks to guest lounges, bars to guest elevators, and private rooms to public spaces.

And that’s exactly what we delivered at the Crosby Street Hotel.

Work with NYC’s Millwork Experts

Whether you’re renovating a boutique hotel, opening a new flagship property, or adding amenity spaces to a residential high-rise, New York Custom Interior Millwork is your partner in bringing character, craftsmanship, and customization to the forefront of your design.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Decades of experience in hospitality millwork, residential interiors, and retail environments
In-house shop drawings and material sourcing
A full team of artisans, designers, and installers
A collaborative approach with architects, interior designers, and contractors
A reputation for excellence across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and beyond

Let’s Build Your Space – Beautifully

Whether it’s a reception desk, a game room, or a built-in cabinet no one else has ever thought of, we’re ready to make your space unforgettable.

Call us at (718) 392-1600 to schedule a consultation

Email us at liz@nycmillwork.com

Visit nycmillwork.com to explore our portfolio

Let us bring your hospitality vision to life – with custom millwork that reflects the spirit of your space, down to every last detail.