Accreditations/Experience: President's Circle Award Recipient; Bachelor of the Arts, Masters in Business Administration, Former President of Professional Women’s Network, Professional Women’s Club of Chicago Membership Committee, Interior Design Society
Inspiration to Pursue a Design Career: From that perfect missing piece to the blank slate of new construction, finding the elements my client needs within their budget is the thrill of designing!
Favorite Design Tip: Prioritize what you love about a space or piece of furniture and create your design around that piece.
Best Advice to Clients: Stay true to yourself, don’t just follow whatever is trending at the time. Take your time to find what is right for you.
My Personal Design Aesthetic Is: Collaborative, I will help you find what works for you, your home, and your budget.
3 Words that Describe Me: Classic, sophisticated, enthusiastic
Barbara Karstrom did an outstanding job helping me choose my new sofa and two new living room chairs. She helped me with the fabric, design, and size and listened to what I wanted. It was such a pleasant experience, I left the store feeling confident of my purchase. -Jennifer S
Purchased a sofa for a surprise present. Barbara was absolutely wonderful and able to help keep the surprise intact, even after my wife made every attempt at purchasing the same sofa. Thank you. -David B
Five stars from start to finish. Barbara was my designer, and she deserves a 10! The dining room table and chairs came out beautiful! Delivery team was professional and hard working. -Michelle S
My personal designer is Barbara Karstrom. Working with her is a true pleasure. She pleasantly offers her designer experience, and at the same time makes sure your personal likes are in the picture. She is always available and goes out her way to make sure a customer is satisfied. Walter E. Smithe is my favorite place. -LuVonia W
Everything was wonderful from start to finish. My room looks beautiful, and Barbara was a huge help as I’m no designer! I will be back! – Kristyn S
My Senior Designer Barbara Karstrom was absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable about my vision. I would recommend her a thousand times. -Darlene T
At the Orland Park showroom, I received the service I expected from Smithe furniture. Barbara my designer provides me with nothing short of excellent service. She took her time in showing me the right mattresses which I'm greatly satisfied with. I also was searching for a mirror I saw on your website and without hesitation she located the merchandise. When I'm in the market for new furniture, I will shop with Barbara the Orland Park Showroom. -Cynthia B
Everything was great! I am very happy with my purchase because I worked with Barbara in Orland Park. -Brittany W
Courteous service from Senior Interior Designer Barbara who found exactly what I wanted! Service was swift and everyone was extremely kind and respectful. I enjoyed doing business with Walter E Smithe and I would be happy to work with Barbara in the future. Sandra P
From the moment we walked in the showroom to delivering our furniture, everything was welcoming in a warm environment. Barbara was very pleasant and helpful. Her attention to detail is spectacular. -Sandra H.
Barbara was on point in store and helped us design our space. Client Services was a delight to work with, making my delivery top notch, and the two delivery men were the best. I was quite pleased and satisfied and your operation is highly recommended. Feel free to say Lorenzo Clemons said so.
Barbara Karstrom has done an outstanding job in helping me select our new sectional sofa and two new living room chairs. Her assistance and design guidance has been terrific. Pat F
Barbara Karstrom was fantastic! From visiting the store, her generous offer to measure the furniture to make sure it was a good fit, and then being there for delivery was "over & beyond" my expectations!! Judith K
Barbara is very professional while at the same time very easy to talk with. Very nice person & she made my selection very easy & comfortable! Great person! You are lucky to have her on your team!!!!! Lauren Z
I called our designer, Barbara, so many times with questions and she was always so nice. My husband was in the condo when furniture was delivered and was also pleased. Susan D
I have been sitting on your furniture for 30+ years and love every piece. When it came time to buy a new sofa there was no question where I would go. Barbara is amazing, wonderful, creative and thoughtful, Barbara made the whole experience a pleasure. Joan G
Barbara from you Orland Park store was wonderful to work with. She is extremely professional and helpful. Patty V
The furniture is awesome, Barbara was great, and delivery went very smooth. Sal V
Barbara was fantastic. We talked on the phone so she could get an idea of what I was looking for. She set up at date and time so that I could come into the showroom and sample sectionals. She narrowed it down to 3 based on our conversation. I was in and out in under an hour and she kept me under budget. Delivery was smooth and the delivery men were kind and thorough. We love our sectional! Valerie B
My designer Barbara has been outstanding with helping me decide on my couch purchase. She informed me regarding the postponement of delivery regarding the covid19 issues. She followed up with me regarding new delivery date along with my satisfaction of delivery. Barbara is now helping me with other purchases. She is an outstanding designer. Very pleased. Saundra B
Barbara Karstrom was great! She sat and listened to what I wanted to achieve she gave her suggestions and homework (haha) for me to do to make sure my thoughts could be achieved. She was also very patient with me during the process and helped delay the delivery until they finished the work at my home. The special part all of my items were delivered on my birthday. -Roslyn A.
Barbara K. was amazing! She's very professional and talented in interior design. Smithe furniture is top quality as is Barbara! Thanks Barbara for designing our new family room. -Leticia M.