Featured Designer: Wheaton Makeover  Click here to view.

In the Design Industry Since: 2000

Accreditations/Experience:  I have been in the creative field for nearly three decades; first as an advertising copywriter, then as a fine artist with my own company, and finally as a designer for Walter E Smithe. I have a BS in Marketing from Kelley Business School, with a minor in Graphic Design, all from Indiana University. President's Circle Award Recipient.

Inspiration to Pursue a Design Career: Design found me. My left brain and right brain are pretty balanced, but let’s face it, my right brain is more fun!  While in college, I changed my major from graphic design to business in an effort to be practical, yet I ended up in the creative field anyway. But even while employed as a writer, friends and family members would come to me for design advice: paint colors, furniture, even home building and remodeling.

Favorite Design Tip:  Finish the room.  Even the most beautiful sofa is lost without the accompanying chairs, rug, lamps and artwork. It’s not complete, and therefore, it’s money wasted. It’s like starting a painting and not finishing, or like buying the greatest little black dress but forgetting the shoes and jewelry.

Best Advice to Clients:  Listen to your designer.  We are here to help you!

My Personal Design Aesthetic Is:  Eclectic, if I’m going to label myself. But I hate labels.

But, it’s not about me. It’s about you. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years at Smithe, it’s that every style has its own beauty.  My task is to make your style, in your space, within your budget, be the very best that it can be.

3 Words that Describe Me:  Creative, yet analytical.

Caroline designed two rooms in our house perfectly. She listened and incorporated all of our ideas and presented us with a great plan. We are so happy with the results. -Kathy G.