In honor of National Bring Your Kid to Work Day, which, let’s be real, is everyday right now in many homes, the Smithe Sisters are sharing their tips for how to juggle work and kids. With 18 kids between the 4 of them, they have a lot of experience to draw from. Check out their…
In honor of National Bring Your Kid to Work Day, which, let’s be real, is everyday right now in many homes, the Smithe Sisters are sharing their tips for how to juggle work and kids. With 18 kids between the 4 of them, they have a lot of experience to draw from. Check out their tips below, and remember, you’ve got this Moms & Dads! Have a tip or two to share?
We’d love to hear it! Post to Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can share with our followers.
Maureen Smithe, Buyer for Smithe & Mom of 6
Now that parents are expected to work and teach from home, finding balance in all areas of life is really, really hard. For our family, screen time was becoming a daily battle between parents and kids. While screens are a great way to keep kids busy while parents get work done, they can quickly become a crutch for everyone. We recently started a “two hours on, two hours off” schedule and it works great. Parents have time to get work done, and kids have time to play. While it still results in more screen time than we’d normally allow, we remind ourselves (often) that nothing is normal right now. As long as we find time every day to read to the kids, include them in household tasks and get out for some exercise, we feel like we’re doing just fine.
Colleen Smithe, Director of Advertising & Mom of 3
Routine is everything in my house right now! We have a schedule that we (try) to stick to every week day. School work immediately after breakfast, no screens until after lunch, and quality time outside. Throughout the day, my husband and I take shifts with the kids, so we each have time to get work done. My work time usually includes my youngest setting up shop next to me with her toys. Each day has it’s challenges, and not every day goes as planned, but I’m making it work and enjoying the extra time with my kids.
Caitie Smithe, Designer & Stylist & Mom of 6
My advice is do what you gotta do to get stuff done right now. These are unprecedented times and there is no rule book. My parenting has evolved quite a bit in the last few weeks. More often than I’d like to admit, my older kids are watching my younger kids or I’ve got my younger ones entertained on a screen so that I can work, or clean, or teach, or take care of another kid, or, gasp, just have a moment to myself! I’m very grateful for the “mute” function on conference calls, although I was recently on a conference call with my baby on my lap and I *thought* I was muted, but it turns out I was not… and of course the baby was loudly grunting! Thank God for coworkers with senses of humor!
Meghan Smithe, Director of Sales Strategy & Mom of 3
I was on a video conference call this week, presenting to about 50 people from our internal management team. My 4 year old wanted to show me something that he colored and started calling for my attention from the other room. In an effort to keep the presentation going, I ignored him. Well, this didn’t sit well with my dear little boy, so his calls for me only got louder and more urgent. As he entered the room, it became impossible to hear myself think, let alone keep my train of thought going. I had no choice but to tell all 50 people, “I’m sorry, but my 4 year old is having a moment”. I muted the phone, turned to my son and exclaimed, “Wow! You did a great job coloring. Now leave mommy alone while I finish my meeting.” I then unmuted myself and continued with the presentation.
We just have to accept that perfect isn’t possible. And 4 year old’s don’t care about what or who they may be interrupting when they NEEEEEEEEED to show you something they created. Thank goodness for understanding co-workers!
The right lighting can make or break the design of a home. When choosing a light fixture, the style is important, but equally so are the function and scale. Getting it right can be tricky, but with our expert guidance, it will be as easy as flipping a switch. Read below for our tips and…
The right lighting can make or break the design of a home. When choosing a light fixture, the style is important, but equally so are the function and scale. Getting it right can be tricky, but with our expert guidance, it will be as easy as flipping a switch. Read below for our tips and tricks to selecting the right fixture for your space.
Looking to update your lighting now? Our designers are ready to help with Virtual Design assistance. Everything can be done over the phone, over email, or by video chat. Connect with a Smithe designer now >
ENTRYWAY
Great home design is apparent the moment your guests walk through the front door. Wow them with a chandelier or flush mount that shows off your style. It’s easy to keep your entry on point with these 3 tips:
? Install fixtures 78″ above the floor to ensure ample space for those walking underneath
? A grand 2-story entry should have a fixture hung no lower than the floor of the 2nd story
? Sconces add style and light and should be hung 60”-66” from the floor
DINING
Nothing goes better with a great meal than a great dining table from Smithe, like this 60” round bone inlay masterpiece. But without a great light fixture, you’ll be left eating in the dark. To pick the best fixture for your dining space, adhere to these simple rules:
? Hang your fixture 30″-34” from the tabletop
? Select a fixture that is half the width of the table
? Fixtures above rectangular tables should be ½- ⅔ as long as the table
KITCHEN ISLAND
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the island is the heart of the kitchen. Pendants are a popular choice for their function and style. As are these Fritz Counter Stools. Get the light right with 2 simple tricks:
? The bottom of the pendant should be 30″-36″ from the countertop
? Pendants should be spaced a minimum of 30″ apart
FIXTURE SCALE
Yes, size matters. Cathedral ceilings and large open rooms call for larger fixtures that would otherwise dominate smaller spaces. When selecting your fixture, the room size and ceiling height must be taken into account. All it takes is some simple math to get this right:
? Fixture Diameter: room width in feet + room length in feet, then convert to inches. Example: 8’x10′ room = 18″ dia fixture
? Fixture Height: room height in feet multiplied by 2½- 3. Example: 8′ ceiling height = 20″-24″ fixture height
Contemporary
Contemporary lighting is often an understated statement.
Modern Farmhouse
Modern Farmhouse lighting is classic designs paired with updated contemporary finishes
Classic
Look for timeless beauty when selecting classic lighting.
Glam
A Glam light fixture is always a statement piece- and that’s a very good thing!
Dramatic
Let your light fixture be so dramatic that it defines the room. No need to go over the top with anything else in the room- a dramatic light fixture is more than enough! Like a little black dress with a big diamond necklace!
Whether you’re a veteran work-from-homer or a newbie trying to navigate this new office environment, there are some easy steps you can take to improve your home office surroundings to make yourself more productive, calm, and focused. Create a beautiful space. A beautiful environment can inspire creativity and create joy, so invest in high…
Whether you’re a veteran work-from-homer or a newbie trying to navigate this new office environment, there are some easy steps you can take to improve your home office surroundings to make yourself more productive, calm, and focused.
Create a beautiful space. A beautiful environment can inspire creativity and create joy, so invest in high quality pieces that you are drawn to visually. Working in an attractive environment is said to increase productivity.
Accessorize! Your home office is a room in your home, after all, so make it stylish! Some accessory ideas: photos of the people you love, decorative books, small sculptural objects, and a globe is a classic home office accessory. Just be careful not to overdo it with the accessories, no office needs clutter.
Get comfy. A comfortable office chair will pay for itself in dividends. With all the time you spend working in your office, being comfortable is a must.
Simplify. Most people are no longer using big, clunky computers and the only technology items needed in the office are a laptop or tablet and a small printer. Ditch all the cords and bulk! Same goes with bulky furniture pieces. A beautiful desk with some good drawer storage, a file cabinet and a bookcase/etagere usually are enough to cover storage and workspace needs.
Organize. Going through old files is no ones favorite task, but living with them piling up is even worse. At the end of every quarter, go through your files and ditch the ones you no longer need. It will free up space both in your mind and in your office.
Clean off that desk! Don’t be guilty of letting things pile up on your desk- it’s just stressful. When you get something like a new piece of mail, deal with it on the spot. Even if that means having a place to put things that you’ll get to later.
Short on space? If you don’t have a room in your home that can be designated as the office, carve yourself out a little corner. Ideally, find the quietest spot in the home, and a window with a view never hurts. A simple desk with a comfortable desk chair sure beats working at the kitchen table or counter and you’ll feel more focused being in a space that is devoted to just work.
Do you need some home office design help? Big or small, Walter E. Smithe’s designers are masters at creating beautiful and functional at home work spaces. If you are in need of home office furniture immediately, we can help with that as well. Please contact your Walter E. Smithe designer for help and more information. Don’t have one? Walt will personally select one for you here.
It’s the first day of spring! Just as a spring wardrobe calls for new color and pattern, your home needs a spring update too! You made it through another winter and the change of seasons should be rejoiced in your home. Here are some tips to get your home ready for this most enjoyable…
It’s the first day of spring!
Just as a spring wardrobe calls for new color and pattern, your home needs a spring update too! You made it through another winter and the change of seasons should be rejoiced in your home. Here are some tips to get your home ready for this most enjoyable time of the year.
Embrace Spring Colors! Flowers are blooming, leaves are budding, the sun is (hopefully) shining- there is so much color to be celebrated in spring. Bring some of that into your home… whether it’s blues, greens, pinks or a bright, sunny yellow. The spring palette is light and vibrant. Some easy ways to do that are with accent pillows, artwork, and other décor items…or go with a fun, colorful statement chair!
Let nature in! We’d all love to spend our days outdoors, but, realistically we just can’t. Decorating your home with organic elements like rattan, stone, live edge wood, and cane will create a serene oasis that brings the outdoors in.
Adler Dining Room
Declutter! “Spring Cleaning” is a term for a reason! Find a home (or donate) all the little things you have laying around, serving no purpose other than taking up space in your space!
Get your outdoor spaces up and running! Remember that sad feeling late in the fall, when you’ve given up on the odd warm day and you have to “winterize” your outdoor spaces? Well, now that it’s spring, you can de-winterize, or is it spring-ize? Seriously, why isn’t there a term for setting the outdoor furniture and accessories back up?
Need help getting your home ready for spring? Contact your favorite Smithe designer to help you over email or the phone while our showrooms are temporarily closed. Don’t have a Smithe designer? Let Walt personally select you one here.
#socialdistancing is trending for good reason. It’s the right thing to do to slow the spread of COVID-19, but everyone could use some tips on how to do it without going stir crazy. Walter E. Smithe is in the business of creating beautiful and happy homes, so we’ve put together some of our favorite ways…
#socialdistancing is trending for good reason. It’s the right thing to do to slow the spread of COVID-19, but everyone could use some tips on how to do it without going stir crazy. Walter E. Smithe is in the business of creating beautiful and happy homes, so we’ve put together some of our favorite ways to keep busy while staying home bound.
Please share your tips and tricks with us! Post to Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can share your ideas with our followers. We’ll get through this together!
@walteresmithe
@wesmithefurniture
Fight Boredom with Board Games
Looking for ways to pass the time that don’t involve screens? There’s never been a better time to bring out the board games. Yahtzee is a family favorite in Caitie Smithe’s home.
Pass the Time by Organizing
We’re all busy. But right now, things are slow. Take advantage of this down time by organizing all the spaces in your home that have been on your to-do list for months (OK…years).
One of our favorite home organization solutions comes from our very own Meghan Smithe. She is a mom of 3 and uses a sideboard to discreetly hide toys, books, art supplies, games and schoolwork.
Pop that Popcorn and Enjoy a Movie Night
With many studios releasing movies early and a literal plethora of options on streaming services, it’s time to zone out in front of the TV.
There’s space for the whole family to hunker down and enjoy some screen time together on our in-stock Edward Sectional.
Keep Moving
Of course, it’s important to stay current on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. At this time, it’s perfectly ok to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. In her home, Colleen Smithe is doing this by taking 2 walks around the block each day. To keep this fun for her 3 kids, she has created scavenger hunts with things to find as they walk around the neighborhood. Make your own tailored to the ages of your kids, or use hers (appropriate for kids 6 and under):
Red Front Door
Blue Car
Purple Flowers
Yellow Flowers
Kids Bike
Grown Ups Bike
Shamrock
House with 2 Chimneys
Swing Set
Sleepover at Home
Mix up the bedtime routine and set up a sleepover at home. Pull out the sleeper sofa or make up the sofa cushions into cozy beds. And of course! Bring out the sweet snacks and scary stories. Maureen Smithe’s twins were happy to test this out with our Goodwin Sleeper Sofa!
Redecorate!
Spending all that time in your house means you will be staring at the same furniture day in and day out. If you love it, great! If you don’t, then use this time to pick out pieces you do love. Smithe designers are available to work with you over phone, email, online and video chat.
There’s never been a more important time than now to make your home where you want to be.
Stay well, Chicago.
It’s 2020 and we have officially entered a new decade! In the design world, we are very anxious to know what design trends will define this decade. It was mid-century in the 60’s, orange and shag in the 70’s, mauve-mod in the 80’s, paisley and oak in the 90’s, Tuscan in the 00’s… and the…
It’s 2020 and we have officially entered a new decade! In the design world, we are very anxious to know what design trends will define this decade. It was mid-century in the 60’s, orange and shag in the 70’s, mauve-mod in the 80’s, paisley and oak in the 90’s, Tuscan in the 00’s… and the 2010’s? How will we look back and remember the last decade in terms of design? Will it be the resurgence of Mid-century? Or industrial? Boho? Country-chic? We would love to see some of these trends continue into the 20’s because we still love them!
So far, the 20’s are off to a great start- we love the design direction the trends are going. We are embracing organic pieces but also going a clean, modern direction. Here are a few trends on our radar!
White upholstery
Has everyone lost their minds? People are actually putting WHITE fabric on sofas, sectionals, and chairs? The first thing that comes to mind with white upholstery is stains… however with incredible advancements in stain resistant fabrics, you can finally get that white sofa you’ve always admired without worrying about stains. These fabrics are soft, beautiful and red-wine proof. They don’t look or feel like outdoor fabric but they perform like them. At Walter E. Smithe, we call them Worry Free fabrics because there is no need to worry about stains.
The Bilboquet Sectional is simply perfect in white – especially with a Worry Free fabric.
Now that you know not to fear white, let’s talk about how incredibly stylish and fresh white upholstery is! It’s truly a blank canvas that opens the room up to whatever direction you want to take it. A white upholstered piece truly anchors a room. It’s bright, leans modern, and always feels sleek and sophisticated. We look forward to seeing lots of white, Worry-Free upholstery heading out of our warehouse and into our client’s homes in the 20’s!
Shop this look: Bilboquet Sectional Eagan Cocktail Table
California Coastal Cool
West Coast vibes are traveling across the entire country. Think organic, sustainable materials like rattan, live edge woods, bamboo, and stones paired with clean, modern pieces. Wood tones are natural oaks that feel soft and sunny.
Shop the Look: Adler Dining Room
Nothing is matchy-matchy in this trend- it’s a curated, effortless look. Bright whites and off-whites make for a clean palette that compliments the natural materials and whatever colors (if any) you would like to bring into the room. With this look, the modern pieces are just as important as the organic pieces as they serve as a clean, minimalistic backdrop.
Crisp, clean, and simple, the Sawyer sofa is perfect for California Coastal. Shop the Look: Sawyer Living Room
A Pull Towards Modern
We’re living in a modern world for sure and furniture tastes are certainly reflecting that. What once may have felt extremely contemporary is now considered to be transitional as consumers tastes pull away from traditional design and pull towards modern looks.
Clean lines and polished metals give this room a contemporary feel. Shop the look: One To One Living Room
Track arms on sofas and chairs are replacing rolled arms as metals replace woods. Rather than carved, dark woods, homes have light and bright white oak. These sleek and minimalistic designs are gorgeous and chic!
Love these looks? A Smithe designer can create the look you’re going for. Get matched with a designer near you!
Blog written by Caitie Smithe, Design Stylist for Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design
HBO’s Big Little Lies is back for a second season! Another reason to be excited about the show coming back besides it’s absorbing story line, great acting and dark humor are the characters’ gorgeous homes! You don’t have to live in Monterrey to have interiors like Celeste, Madeline, Bonnie and Reneta. You can get this…
HBO’s Big Little Lies is back for a second season! Another reason to be excited about the show coming back besides it’s absorbing story line, great acting and dark humor are the characters’ gorgeous homes! You don’t have to live in Monterrey to have interiors like Celeste, Madeline, Bonnie and Reneta. You can get this organic California look that is taking the design world by storm without the murder and backstabbing that the ladies of Big Little Lies have to deal with. And even better, you can achieve this look at Smithe!
CELESTE
Image courtesy of HBO
She may not have the best taste in men but her taste in décor is amazing. The former corporate lawyer turned stay-at-home mom Celeste’s (Nicole Kidman) home is truly envy worthy. The house has a sleek but family-friendly ranch style home filled with a mix mid-century modern pieces and a laid back organic California vibe.
Get Celeste’s Look!
MADELINE
Image courtesy of HBO
Of all the main characters Madeline McKenzie (Reese Witherspoon) has the most traditional and classic taste. Her East Coast style beach house has a fresh and transitional look with white wood pieces and light linen upholstery.
Get Madeline’s Look!
BONNIE
Image courtesy of HBO
Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz) is a free spirited yoga instructor which is reflected in the colorful boho vibe of her rustic home. Her style mixes colors, bold patterns and fabrics juxtaposed with the natural setting and architectural details of the house.
Shop Bonnie’s Look!
RENETA
Image courtesy of HBO
Love her or hate her, career mom Reneta Klein (Laura Dern) has great style! Reneta is a total perfectionist. Her lustrous and contemporary home fits her buttoned up personality which craves order.
Shop Reneta’s Look!
St. Patrick’s Day is upon us and we’re extra excited about it this year because there are so many design trends that are Celtic Chic. Greens, golds, even sheepskins- all so in style right now! Makes us day dream about designing a perfect little Modern Irish Cottage, but you can bring these looks into any…
St. Patrick’s Day is upon us and we’re extra excited about it this year because there are so many design trends that are Celtic Chic. Greens, golds, even sheepskins- all so in style right now! Makes us day dream about designing a perfect little Modern Irish Cottage, but you can bring these looks into any home for a fresh update.
Here’s our St. Paddy’s must-haves that would make even Leprechauns green with envy!
1 At Water’s Edge Console
We love this sleek statement piece with subtle pops of sage green balanced with soft gold. It would bring instant glam to an entryway, dining room, or living room. Shop Water’s Edge
2. Tyrol Chandelier
Who needs a pot of gold when you can have a shiny, stunning gold and crystal chandelier?! Shop the Tyrol Chandelier
Pair up the Rondo Sofas for a super-sleek, stunning room
3. Rondo Sofa
This rich emerald green mohair reminds us of the deep greens of Irish bluffs in the springtime. Shop the Rondo Sofa
4. Cynthia Rowley Swanson side chair
Irish eyes are certainly smiling at this fabulous chair that mixes sheepskin with gold. Pull it up to a vanity, pair two of them in a living room, or add a touch of Irish glam to your bedroom. Shop the Swanson Chair
5. Ogden Antique Mirror
The blue-green in this mirror takes us right to the Irish seaside! Shop the Ogden Mirror
6. Gatsby Pillow
We love the Celtic design in this cute accent pillow- add it to your sofa for an instant touch of Irish! Shop the Gatsby Pillow
7. Preserved Garden Boxwood
Bring the outdoors into your home year round with this real boxwood preserved to last forever- and, as an added bonus, no watering needed! Shop the Preserved Boxwood
8. Jade Chest
Our Jade chest is a phenomenal way to bring a dramatic pop of green into any room. We can just about guarantee it will be the first thing your guests will compliment upon walking into your room! Shop the Jade Chest
Not ready for a fully green sofa? Add some pops of green to draw the eye.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!
Living Coral! So what exactly is Living Coral? It’s Pantone code 16-1546, to be exact, and it’s the magical color of coral deep beneath the sea that most of us will never get to see in person. A vibrant orange with pink tones, this is a joyful color that gets us in touch with…
Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year
Living Coral! So what exactly is Living Coral? It’s Pantone code 16-1546, to be exact, and it’s the magical color of coral deep beneath the sea that most of us will never get to see in person. A vibrant orange with pink tones, this is a joyful color that gets us in touch with nature. And that is exactly what Pantone had in mind when they crowned Living Coral as their Color of the Year 2019. As they stated in their press release: “Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.” In a digital world where we seek connection with our environment, Living Coral really does signify the times we’re living in and is just what we want to surround ourselves with.
Pantone’s Color of the Year always heavily influences interior design trends, and the furniture world is already embracing this color. At the recent fall High Point Furniture Market, our buying team saw a lot of this color in everything from upholstery to painted wood pieces. With pink tones already being so hot and oranges also gaining in popularity, Living Coral feels like a natural progression and merging of the trends.
Looking for ways to bring Living Coral into your home? There are so many fun ways to achieve this! It makes a magnificent statement color but also a wonderful accent color as it pairs with so many other colors.
Kildeer, IL Makeover, Designer Jessica Carter
We’ve always loved pairing it with just about any shade of blue. It really pops and makes the blue so bright and clean- kind of like living coral in the deep blue ocean! Sometimes, nature gives us the most beautiful color combinations! As humans, we are naturally drawn to them.
Besides for blue, Living Coral also looks gorgeous with greens, ultra hip and clean with blacks and whites, and bright and bold with reds. We also like incorporating it was a colorful color scheme that embraces many colors like reds, blues, yellows, and greens. A rug is a great way to pull all those colors together.
Whether you’re starting from scratch with a room or looking to brighten up an existing room, Living Coral is a great color to bring into your home. It’s a peaceful and happy color that connects us to nature, even in the indoors. Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design has so many beautiful ways to embrace this exciting color trend. Contact your favorite Walter E. Smithe designer today to learn more! Don’t have one? Visit one of our 10 locations or let Walt personally select one for you here!
We recently returned from the Fall 2018 High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina and what a treat it was for the eyes! So much of the furniture was just dazzling- it was an inspirational trip, to say the least. A big trend we saw this market was the way all the talented design teams…
We recently returned from the Fall 2018 High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina and what a treat it was for the eyes! So much of the furniture was just dazzling- it was an inspirational trip, to say the least.
A big trend we saw this market was the way all the talented design teams thought outside the box and in so many different ways.
We saw tons of color- anything from deep plums, to sage greens, to the softest pinks, to intense oranges. And this color was not just on upholstery- we saw lots of intense color used on case pieces! Pattern was just as fun and exciting- soft, watercolor inspired prints, color-blocks, masculine prints, traditional patterns in unexpected colors, tribal and bohemian, and lots of animal print. We saw plenty of showrooms featuring entire sofas done in pattern- which always grabs our attention and makes us smile!
Shapes were rarely linear. In upholstery, it was curved sofas, chairs, and sectionals, sweeping arms and backs that dipped or even slopped. In case pieces, it was tables in unexpected shapes, chests and credenzas with wavy fronts, and beds that with soft, curved angles that enclose you in such a way that you’re just about ensured a good night’s sleep!
We found furniture built with the most unexpected materials. Things like bone inlays, shells, and extra exotic woods. One showroom featured tables made out of recycled plastic bottles and organic materials. We saw many pieces made out of concrete. There was even a collection made out of slate- including a large, stately bar. When using stone and marble, the colors went beyond the more expected white and dark grey- one of our favorites was a little martini table made of pink stone!
Hardware was also something not to be overlooked this market. Rather than just performing its job of being a knob or a pull, hardware has become the jewelry of the piece. It was the thoughtful finishing touch that transforms a piece of furniture into a work of art.
We hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about our adventures at Fall 2018 High Point Market. Look for these looks in your nearest Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design showroom very soon!