In the design industry since:  1999

Accreditations:  Over 17 years in Interior Design. President's Circle Award Recipient

Inspiration to pursue a design career:  I am inspired by homes that have personal style and make you feel welcomed.

Favorite design tip:  Make you house your home.  Pick out the things you love.  Don’t be afraid to mix things up.  Your home should be a place you look forward to being in to get away from it all.

Best advice to clients:  I advise my client’s to complete one room at a time so you are able to approach the next room more clearly.

Personal Design Style: I love any design style that feels warm and inviting.

3 Words that describe me: Honest, creative and detail oriented.

"Diane, I absolutely love all my new furniture! Thank you so much for being part of my first home purchase.  Your expertise and patience are truly appreciated."  - Jeanne


"Dear Diane,  I cannot begin to thank you for all you help in making our home so beautiful and warm.  I appreciate all the time you have put into helping me.  You are truly a very special and very talented lady!" - Amy


"I have had the most wonderful experience over the last several months decorating my new home with the help of one of your designers, Diane M.  I purchased a new home in January that was in the process of being built.  I knew I would need a lot of new furniture for the house and a lot of decorating help – from the stain on the wood floors to the paint on the walls.  I walked into your Oak Brook showroom one Sunday in early February and the first person I met was Diane.  I asked her if she would like to help me with my new home and she readily agreed.  The next Thursday evening she was at the construction site and we began the process.  The only guidance I gave Diane was that I wanted the new home to be so comfortable that when friends and family came, they wouldn’t want to leave.

Over the next several months Diane and I met almost every Thursday night.  She did floor plans and had fabrics and furniture ready to show me.  We have enjoyed each other and when our work was done we missed the regular get-togethers.  Diane is a wonderful designer and a wonderful person.

I work long hours and Diane knew that I would not be able to be home for numerous deliveries.  So, she contacted the order status department to coordinate all of the orders and consolidate the deliveries.  The delivery people, including your delivery coordinator, were polite and helpful.  I could tell that their job was to make sure I was satisfied.

And of course, you will want to know whether I like the furniture.  I love it.  Everyone who has visited since has told me how warm and inviting the house is.  The sectional sofa in the family room is just as I had wanted – so comfortable that you don’t want to get up.  In fact, there are so many comfortable and inviting spots in the house that it is difficult to decide where to land.  What a great job Diane did!" -Mary Lee


"We have recently been working with your Senior Designer, Diane M., on a very detailed move involving a downtown condo, an Oak Brook residence, a Clarendon Hills home and a Downers Grove home.  She has been an excellent consultant as we measured and rearranged rooms of furniture to fit specific areas. Her expertise has guided us throughout this difficult maneuver.  We wanted you to know that she is a real asset to the Walter E. Smithe Company. We are still working with her to complete our project and purchase additional pieces of furniture to accessorize our home.  We look forward to doing business with her and your company.  She makes a difficult job so much more bearable for people who need professionalism in this field."  -Al and Pat