Inspiration to Pursue a Design Career:  Style, fashion and color have always been in my eye and I love the opportunity to help people design great living spaces. I think style and design are art. Our interpretations of art are as individual and unique as a fingerprint

Favorite Design Tip:  Area rugs are the canvas we design our art upon. Balance and symmetry are easy on the eye.

Best Advice to Clients:  Don’t be afraid to explore color, shapes and texture.

My Personal Design Aesthetic Is:  Earthy and colorful.  I enjoy the unexpected almost more than the expected.  Layers of colors and patterns and textures.

Words that Describe Me:  Caring, sensitive, stylish and lighthearted

It was finally time to update our tired family room, so we stopped in at the Walter E Smithe store in Vernon Hills on a whim. We were warmly greeted by Ray Hutchinson, who we connected with instantly! We exchanged histories and Ray got a feel for our likes and dislikes as we walked the floor, unsure of what our space should or could become. So, Ray came to our home, took measurements and pictures, noted our problem and keeper pieces and he met our Standard Poodle, Bruno. Ray developed some ideas and generated a rendering of the room, including Bruno asleep on the floor! We picked a sectional and swivel chair we loved and Ray presented a palette of fabrics from which we picked some real winners (Walter E, III himself happened by while we were doing fabrics, and chatted with us, too!).

Once we had the color scheme, Ray found an amazing, affordable rug from a new collection. Next, over several visits - many with Bruno - we cruised the floor and picked out tables, lamps, artwork, plants, knick knacks and pillows (many on clearance). Ray even came on his day off and helped us design a new fireplace! Ray was patient and accommodating in rescheduling delivery until that fireplace was done and exchanging a table once we saw it would be too small. Ray came again the day of delivery to ensure it all went right. We are very pleased with the transformation that wouldn't have been the same without the great work Ray Hutchinson did - and continues to do for us as we apply final touches. -Amy and Andy V. (and Bruno)

“Ray Hutchinson absolutely went out of his way to help me find my perfect chaise. He sent many pictures of chaises, then a lot of different fabrics. All was done on the phone. It was a wonderful experience. The chaise is beautiful, and extremely well made.” – Nancy P.