About
Artisan Milano
We help homeowners design unique, functional spaces.
Since 2000, Artisan Milano has been expertly renovating homes, kitchens, bathrooms, and more while crafting custom furniture and restoring furniture. Acknowledging the inherent challenges in renovations, we've streamlined the process, making initiation smoother and design more enjoyable.
Whether your vision involves renovating tired spaces or introducing fresh built-ins to your living areas, Francesco is your go-to expert. With his guidance, your dream space becomes a reality, featuring tailor-made rooms and your choice of custom or pre-assembled cabinets.
Our team of professional craftsmen, overseen by “The Maestro” Francesco Cataldo, collaborate to bring your ideas to life. Uncompromising standards for quality, excellence, aesthetics, and personalized customer service go hand-in-hand with what you can expect from Artisan Milano.
Every day we strive to wow our clients (design professionals – residential & hospitality and the public) so they return time after time.
With our considerable experience
We Deliver! —
Let’s work together, say hello:
Meet the mastro
F R A N C E S C O C A T A L D O
Francesco’s passion for art restoration and woodworking began at the age of thirteen in his coastal hometown of Siderno, Italy. Under the guidance of Franco Salvatore, a master artisan, he quickly developed an appreciation for the timeless techniques that have defined Italian craftsmanship for centuries. His natural talent and dedication led him to Milan’s Art Contemporary & Renaissance Institute, where he specialized in Furniture History and Decorative Arts. There, he immersed himself in Italy’s rich design traditions, learning the intricate details that distinguish fine Italian furniture.
Francesco’s pursuit of mastery took him to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where he honed the delicate techniques of Laccato and Doratura, the art of applying lacquer and gold or silver leaf finishes. After two years of intensive study, he returned to Milan to apprentice with Don Alfredo, one of Italy’s most respected restorers. Together, they worked on prestigious projects, restoring historically significant pieces for renowned Italian museums like the Castello Sforzesco.
In 2001, Francesco brought his expertise and passion for Italian craftsmanship to the United States. After several years working with a top restoration firm in Pasadena, California, he founded Artisan Milano. His goal was to blend Italy’s rich heritage of craftsmanship with modern luxury, offering custom furniture and restoration services. Today, Artisan Milano is recognized for its exceptional attention to detail and dedication to quality, attracting a diverse clientele who value the elegance and artistry of Italian design. From restoring family heirlooms to creating bespoke pieces, Francesco’s work brings a touch of Italy’s timeless beauty into homes across America, making fine craftsmanship accessible to those who appreciate its enduring value.