A Christmas Dresser: Custom Maple Furniture by Conte Design & Millwork

In the heart of the Upper East Side, one of our cherished clients set out to surprise her partner with a thoughtful and practical gift—a beautifully crafted dresser designed to store all of his sweaters. This wasn't just any dresser; it was a special request entrusted to our designer and master craftsman, Jamie Conte, of Conte Design & Millwork.

The client envisioned a piece that would be both elegant and sturdy, fitting seamlessly into the narrow space she had in mind. Jamie embraced the challenge, setting out to create a piece that would be as functional as it was beautiful.

Designer Jamie Conte - Custom Maple Dresser with hand-craved wooden knobs

Designing the Perfect Dresser

Jamie selected maple wood for the dresser, a deliberate choice to match the existing furniture in the client's space. Known for its durability and fine grain, maple was the perfect material to ensure the dresser would last for years while complementing the aesthetic of the room.

To give the dresser a distinctive look, Jamie designed gently curved drawers, adding a touch of elegance to the overall structure. Each drawer was meticulously crafted to hold up to 100 pounds, ensuring it could easily accommodate a collection of heavy sweaters. This blend of form and function is a hallmark of Conte Design & Millwork’s work.

A Touch of Craftsmanship

Adding a unique touch, Jamie hand-carved three custom knobs for the dresser. These knobs elevated the piece from a simple storage solution to a work of art, reflecting the care and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

The Big Surprise

On the day of delivery, the client had one more request: Michelle and Jamie, the husband-and-wife duo behind Conte Design & Millwork, were asked to hide in another room to keep the surprise intact.

When her partner walked into the master bedroom and saw the dresser, his reaction said it all: “WOW!” He was thrilled to finally have a space of his own to store his sweaters. The client later joked about feeling "envious" of her partner’s new dresser and even considered stealing a drawer for herself.

Jamie Conte, doing his last inspection of the custom dresser

A Holiday Gift to Remember

This project wasn’t just about creating furniture; it was about crafting a meaningful and memorable gift that brought joy and utility to someone’s life. For Jamie and Michelle, moments like these—when their work becomes a cherished part of a client’s home—are the ultimate reward.

If you’re inspired by this story and have a vision for a custom piece of furniture that blends thoughtful design with exceptional craftsmanship, Conte Design & Millwork would love to bring it to life. Every piece we create is a labor of love, designed to fit perfectly into your space and your life.

Contact us today to discuss your custom furniture dreams!

https://www.contemillwork.com/contact