Let’s be honest, Chicago weather is pretty awful a solid seven, eight months of the year- which is all the more reason to make most of every summer day and evening that you can! With the right outdoor furniture and accessories, you can transform your patio or roof deck into an outdoor oasis and it…
Naperville Makeover by Alfred Beam of our Oakbrook Showroom
Let’s be honest, Chicago weather is pretty awful a solid seven, eight months of the year- which is all the more reason to make most of every summer day and evening that you can! With the right outdoor furniture and accessories, you can transform your patio or roof deck into an outdoor oasis and it will truly become an additional room in your home.
Here are some outdoor style tips to ensure that you have your best summer ever- right on your own patio or roof deck!
Comfort is a Must!
If you spend cold winters looking out the window onto your patio daydreaming about reading your favorite book in the sun, ensure that you give yourself an extra cozy spot to finally enjoy that book. When choosing furniture, be sure to test-drive it to select what is most comfortable to you. While inexpensive outdoor furniture can be tempting, it’s often not the most comfortable and therefore the enjoyment factor diminishes greatly.
Gold Coast Makeover by Ellyn Anderson of our Arlington Heights showroom
Make the Space Entertaining-friendly
The best summer nights are spent al fresco with good friends and good summer cocktails. How do you like to entertain outdoors? Do you prefer large gatherings with everyone on the block? Probably best to maximize seating in that case. Outdoor sectionals are wonderful for this. Or, are you more of an intimate gathering with your closest friends type? If so, a circular set up with four chairs centered around a circular cocktail table or fire pit might be more up your speed.
Northfield Makeover by Gina Miosi of our Lincoln Park showroom
Accessorize!
Like the indoors, the outdoors need some styling with accessories too! Some go-to outdoor accessories: lanterns, potted plants and flowers in cool planters, garden stools, statues, throw pillows, and white holiday lights. Just be certain that you are using outdoor friendly accessories that can handle the elements.
Naperville Makeover by Alfred Beam of our Oakbrook Showroom
Make your patio your summer dining room
Dining al fresco is a must for summer brunches, dinners, and every meal in between so it’s important to select a table that you love and functions best for your needs. Be sure you have enough seating for your family or entertaining needs- it’s always a good idea to have at least two chairs kept off to the side when additional seating is needed. If the space isn’t covered, use a dining table with an umbrella. If you are limited on space and think you’d rather use your patio for “living room” style furniture, consider at the very least sneaking a small bistro table for two into a corner to have a place to enjoy a bite to eat in the summer breeze.
Keep the style going from the inside out.
It’s best to continue the style you have in your home outside. So whether your home be traditional, modern, or eclectic, look to transcend that style outside.
Northfield Makeover by Gina Miosi of our Lincoln Park showroom
Color Trends to take outside with you
Green is a huge color trend in 2018 furniture and it certainly can be applied to the outdoors. It’s a relaxing color that compliments the natural greenery of the environment surrounding. Throw pillows with a tropical leaf print are very on trend right now and make a gorgeous statement outdoors.
Want to go a little bolder with color? You can never go wrong using black and white with pops of red. It’s a timeless, stunning look for the patio that you really can’t go wrong with.
Quality Counts!
Investing in high quality outdoor furniture is wise. Since the furniture will be exposed to the elements, lower quality outdoor furniture simply won’t last. Spending a little more for a high quality set will ensure you many more years of use.
Our famous Adirondack chairs made from recycled plastic. Durable and easy to care for- and available in your favorite color!
Chaise Loungers are absolutely not only for pools!
Just because you’re not sitting poolside, doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself of getting to chill on a chaise lounger. If your space allows, a chaise lounger is a great go to for reading that book described above. It will be your favorite place to take a nap on a lazy summer afternoon.
Skye Chaise Lounger
Ready to make your outdoor space just as beautiful and comfortable as your indoor space? Our designers do indoor and outdoor home consultations! Contact your favorite Walter E. Smithe Designer or let Walt personally select a designer to do a complimentary in home consultation for you here.
AHHHHHH, summer!
Your foyer is the first thing guests see when they enter your home and can be a great opportunity to capture their attention. It truly sets the tone for your entire home, so it should not be overlooked. Whether your home has a grand foyer or a cozy quaint space, you can make it…
Your foyer is the first thing guests see when they enter your home and can be a great opportunity to capture their attention. It truly sets the tone for your entire home, so it should not be overlooked. Whether your home has a grand foyer or a cozy quaint space, you can make it so beautiful that you’ll find yourself using the front door more often!
To soften the space, add some upholstered seating. For a smaller space, a settee is the perfect piece of furniture to welcome you home. Their petite size gives them instant character and they fill up a little nook nicely. For a larger space, maximize seating as best you can. A large foyer truly is an additional room in a home and, if there is a comfortable space to visit, it can become a great space for guests to congregate during a party.
Every entryway needs at least one table. In a small entryway, a chest or console against a wall is ideal- this is a great spot for a lamp and a couple accessories that you love. For large foyers, there is nothing more timeless than a round table in the center of the room. Go a little more minimalistic with your accessories on this- one stunning bowl or floral makes a strong statement.
Pick a chandelier that defines your home’s style. Chandeliers are jewelry in the home and the entryway chandelier can and should have a little drama! They are a great first conversation piece when a guest enters your home.
Sixteen- Light Halogen Chandelier by John Richard Shop Chandeliers Here
Don’t be afraid to use a little color! No matter what their size, a foyer is never the biggest room in a home so it’s a great opportunity for bold, thoughtful use of color. This can be achieved either with a beautiful wall color or wallpaper, bright upholstery pieces or throw pillows, or a magnificent piece of artwork. Even a boldly painted door can be very impactful.
No matter what its size, your foyer can make a grand first impression when you or your guests enter your home. With your personal touch, it will become a place you are proud to welcome company into. To get started on your foyer project, contact your Smithe designer. Don’t have a designer? Find yours here.
This Valentine’s Day, why not get your Valentine what they really want – something beautiful for the home! Sure, roses and chocolates are nice, but furniture and home décor doesn’t wilt and is calorie-free! Here’s our Valentine’s Day picks from Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. Looking for more ideas? Contact your favorite Smithe designer…
This Valentine’s Day, why not get your Valentine what they really want – something beautiful for the home! Sure, roses and chocolates are nice, but furniture and home décor doesn’t wilt and is calorie-free!
Here’s our Valentine’s Day picks from Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. Looking for more ideas? Contact your favorite Smithe designer or let Walter personally select one for you!
Individual products linked below
Pinks:
A: The Crescent pillow delivers the perfect pop of pale pink with the slightest bit of rose gold shimmer in the pattern.
B: The clean silhouette of this Ondine Table Lamp makes incorporating pink into a room extra easy. (need link)
C: Rather than flowers, why not give a fabulous painting of a flower!
D: We love the soft tones of the romantic Carmen Chandelier
E: Our blush pink Mongolian Sheepskin pillow creates instant interest and texture to any room at an incredible price.
F: The Cecily pouf will fill that empty corner of your room with a fun punch of color, pattern, and shimmer.
G: These “Yours, Mine, Ours” nesting tables are a trifecta of our favorite metals, and a fitting name to boot!
H: The Glenn bed, in its rich blush pink velvet and ultra hip channel tufting, will make any bedroom feel cozy and romantic.
I: Are you lucky enough to get to call a little one your Valentine? This adorable print let’s you tell them “I love you to the moon and back” all year long!
Links below to shop individual items
Reds:
A: We love the instant drama of a lipstick red rug!
B: Our red and cream bistro chair can be pulled up to just about any dining table to bring in color, texture, and interest.
C: “A Paris Kiss“, with the night lights of the Eiffel Tour, and soft rain… doesn’t get more romantic than that! (need link)
D: Our Sanger Chandelier is so incredibly glamorous!
E: The Alimos lamp is such a cool way to bring red into a room!
F: The Rebecca Accent table is the perfect spot to hold your favorite pink Valentine’s cocktail!
G: The Alexis sofa, in this bright Sangria velvet, is sure to be the show stopping piece in any room!
H: The Estate mirror is a true work of contemporary art.
I: The classic midcentury design and wild yet subtle fabric on the Ana chair makes for one great statement chair.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xoxo
Pantone announced recently its color of the year for 2018 – and it’s Ultra fun! The color, Ultra-Violet 18-3838, is another bold choice for Pantone©, following 2017’s “Greenery” choice. A modern purple with a strong blue base, it’s full of mystery and creative expression. An intriguing mix of warm reds and cool blues, it’s…
Pantone announced recently its color of the year for 2018 – and it’s Ultra fun! The color, Ultra-Violet 18-3838, is another bold choice for Pantone©, following 2017’s “Greenery” choice.
A modern purple with a strong blue base, it’s full of mystery and creative expression. An intriguing mix of warm reds and cool blues, it’s contradictory nature is intriguing. Purple hues have long been considered mystical, often loved by those who push the boundaries of originality.
It “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at the Pantone Color Institute. So, why Ultra Violet? With the state of our world, Pantone listed several reasons for their selection, including is ability to energize, refresh and heal, (think amethyst crystals), and inspire creativity and originality. “It’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” explained Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone.
So Ultra Violet in design? It’s not something we’ve seen much as we watch deliveries go out daily, although every now and then we’ll see a pop of this hue. It’s not likely that we’ll see it much in large doses in interiors, but you never know – wouldn’t a tufted sofa in a purple velvet make a statement? We do know that pops of it are fun and inspirational, whether it with an accent chair, rug, or accessories. Let the color pop against grey or neutral tones, or rock it out with other bold tones of red, blue, and yellow.
How do you Ultra Violet?
However it is used, be creative, or let a Smithe designer show you how to best introduce into your home!
What do you think of this color? Tell us in the comments!
You heard right – it’s not too late to order CUSTOM upholstery in time for Christmas! Hoping to have a new furniture by Christmas, but fear you’ve missed the deadline? Our Quick Ship Custom program has you covered. Choose from 42 frames which include a variety of sofas, loveseats, sectionals, and chairs. And, everything…
You heard right – it’s not too late to order CUSTOM upholstery in time for Christmas!
Hoping to have a new furniture by Christmas, but fear you’ve missed the deadline? Our Quick Ship Custom program has you covered. Choose from 42 frames which include a variety of sofas, loveseats, sectionals, and chairs. And, everything is bench made in the USA! To top it off, delivery is right around 2 weeks. How much more fun will your holiday party be with brand new furniture to show off!?
The styles range from clean and casual to Mid-Century Modern. We’ve got 20 gorgeous fabrics to choose from, and some frames even let you select the cushion core that fits your lounging and entertaining preferences.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can have in your living room in just 2 weeks from ordering:
This clean mid-century modern frame is stylish and comfortable
Michael. Solid, stable, strong, but light on his feet and quick with an invitation to relax; Michael is our kind of guy. The long, uninterrupted seat creates an expansive look while the tufted back adds a little dash of eye candy. The Michael is available as a sofa, apartment sofa, or chair.
The Lily Sofa is clean and fresh, a great scale for any family room
Lily. Our modern interpretation of a 1960s vintage inspiration: timelessly cool, artfully tailored and delightfully detailed. An original take on a classic contemporary theme, the Lily is available in a sofa, loveseat and chair.
With its deep seating and plush cushions, you’ll just melt into the Grace.
Grace. Grace is an unbelievably comfortable piece, the kind you sit “in” rather than “on.” And if you really want to feel like your resting on a cloud, you simply must check out the Feather & Down cushion options. Grace is available as a sofa, chair and a half, and a sectional.
A little retro, a little rock and roll – the James Collection has it all.
James. The James is known for its signature tufted back and seat cushions, clean track arms, and tapered legs. So easy, yet so sophisticated, is sure to be the life of the room. The James is available as a sofa, apartment sofa, chair, and sectional.
So, what are you waiting for? Check these frames out here, or head into your local Walter E. Smithe location for all frame and fabric options. Order today and enjoy by Christmas!
Benjamin Moore announced its color of the year, and boy, is it RED HOT. Caliente to be exact! Quite the contrast from last year’s rich purple hue Shadow, and the understated Simply White from the year before. Caliente is bold and seductive, radiant, and full of energy. Caliente (AF-290 for those of you pulling out your paint deck) is…
Caliente AF-290 from Benjamin Moore – 2018 Color of the Year
Benjamin Moore announced its color of the year, and boy, is it RED HOT. Caliente to be exact! Quite the contrast from last year’s rich purple hue Shadow, and the understated Simply White from the year before. Caliente is bold and seductive, radiant, and full of energy. Caliente (AF-290 for those of you pulling out your paint deck) is a bold yet warm tone of red, strong and reassuring.
Our Summit Dining collection is warm and welcoming accented by Caliente tones
Based on color theory, red is known to be an emotional and stimulating color. People automatically associate red with love or hate, but it can also trigger other emotions such as passion, hunger, desire, and happiness. Red has been shown to increase enthusiasm, stimulate energy, increase heart rate, and boost confidence. Red signifies change and strength, a reason Benjamin Moore gave for selecting this stunning hue.
A pop of Caliente spices up any room!
So, how can you spice up your home with Caliente? Look no further than the front door to make your entrance the boldest on the block. Take it inside and pair it with trendy golds to get a glam, sexy look. Or, tone it down with subtle grays or neutrals to bring out its warm undertone. Spice up your kitchen or eating area with a splash of Caliente, whether it be on an accent wall, or simply bringing in some of the hue with table linens and accessories.
Timid about jumping in fully to this bold color? Start off with some red accessories – pillows, throws, tabletop items, and art. See what it triggers for you in your space.
Roll out the red carpet…or area rug in our case…2018 is going to be Caliente!
How will you use Caliente in your home?
“ Hot, passionate, and sexy, this is one of our most beloved reds. With a hint of orange, caliente has lots of personality and is the perfect hue for you if you are drawn to the warmer tones of red.” – Benjamin Moore
With recent heat waves, the last thing we’ve been thinking of is fall! But here we are at the end of September – the leaves are starting to turn, and pumpkin spice is once again blowing up! This change in season has us thinking about the impending holidays, especially when it comes to ordering furniture.…
With recent heat waves, the last thing we’ve been thinking of is fall! But here we are at the end of September – the leaves are starting to turn, and pumpkin spice is once again blowing up! This change in season has us thinking about the impending holidays, especially when it comes to ordering furniture.
When it comes to furniture, it’s important to plan ahead for holiday delivery
We specialize in custom order, but with the word “custom” comes “time frames”. Many of our vendors have already released due dates for fall orders. Time frames vary, but expect around 8 weeks, give or take, depending on customization. That means if you order this week, your custom pieces will arrive just in time for Thanksgiving. Our designers are available to tighten up that time frame based on what you’re looking for by guiding you toward certain vendors that have quicker ship options, or clearance and stock, both of which are typically ready for immediate delivery.
Get your dining room set for family gatherings
Having the whole family over for Thanksgiving? Now is the time to order the dining table and chairs. Mom and Dad staying with you over winter break? A sleeper sofa or guest bedroom update may be in order. Need the perfect gift? From bar carts to man-cave ready barcaloungers, we have it all and now’s the time to order!
What ever your needs, we’re here to help. Our complimentary design service will give you piece of mind that your furniture will be loved for the upcoming holidays, and for years to come.
Now raise that pumpkin spice latte and toast to the start of fall!
©2017 Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design
Traditional button tufting is, and will always be, a timeless and coveted look for upholstery and leather. But we’re excited to see a natural progression in the trend to channel tufting! The clean lines add interest and texture to a room and can be done both horizontally, vertically, and even diagonally. We like this look…
Traditional button tufting is, and will always be, a timeless and coveted look for upholstery and leather. But we’re excited to see a natural progression in the trend to channel tufting! The clean lines add interest and texture to a room and can be done both horizontally, vertically, and even diagonally. We like this look best using a solid fabric for an ultra sophisticated look. A wonderful modern update for lovers of all things tufted!
The simple lines add a luxurious look, but not overdone
This trend looks great in most types of fabrics, although we have a soft spot for luxurious velvet. Not only does it feel glam and luxe, the fabric lends itself to light and dark dimension, depending on the angle that you are viewing. Add the depth of the channel tufting, and voila! Magic.
Not just for seating! We’re seeing this everywhere, including the fabulous Glenn Bed, featured in Smithe showrooms
We totally love this channeled back detail – especially when floating in a room. Click to view more of the Michael Sofa
Click to view more details on these fabulous channel-tufted finds! The best part – you can customize the look for your space with your choice of fabrics and finishes.
The Noah Sofa features a low back, and just the right peek of channeling
Not to be overdone, we see this as being just a piece or two, avoiding the “matchy-matchy” look. A Smithe Designer will help you select the perfect piece and fabric to pull in this fabulous trend.
Kick back and relax in this fun mid-century styled Mason Chair
What do you think of this latest trend? Could you see this in your home? Tell us in the comments!
Written By: Caitie Smithe Your favorite chair needs a teeny table to rest your martini on…or whatever your favorite drink may be! Wonderfully petite in size, we just can’t have enough martini tables in our life. Smaller than your standard end table, they tuck into small spaces and provide just enough tabletop space – a…
Written By: Caitie Smithe
Your favorite chair needs a teeny table to rest your martini on…or whatever your favorite drink may be! Wonderfully petite in size, we just can’t have enough martini tables in our life. Smaller than your standard end table, they tuck into small spaces and provide just enough tabletop space – a small-yet-mighty addition.
The “Spot On” Martini table is a fun brassy accent that can be easily tucked in.
Don’t be afraid to go with a bold martini table- their small size allows for a great opportunity to get away with using an unexpected finish or material like rose gold, acrylic, or petrified wood – the possibilities are endless. Like the perfect jewelry, they can add just the right touch of personality to any space. Tuck one between two chairs as well for an intimate conversation over cocktails.
Available in many designs and sizes, these accents are very on-trend.
Check out a few of many martini tables that we adore, along with Walt’s martini recipe – a Smithe family favorite! Which one is your new favorite?
Luxe Martini Table
Lumiere Accent Table
Opal Martini Table
Metal Tray Chairside Table
Jet Set Martini Table
Walt’s Martini
Add a tiny bit of dry vermouth in the bottom of a glass, and swirl it around to coat the inside of the glass.
Shake the glass hard into the sink to get most of the vermouth out.
Fill with ice and your favorite gin or vodka. Add blue cheese or jalapeno olives. Cheers!
Jet Set Martini Table adds a little bling to your favorite corner nook
Caitie Smithe is a designer and stylist, working out of our Oak Brook showroom. In addition to working with clients, she partners with our merchandising team to scout industry trends and influence how those are represented across our product offering.
Walter E. Smithe was recently featured in Cedar & Rush in an article called “How to Pick Out the Perfect Sofa” — because… yeah, we know a little something about that, and Oakbrook designer Catherine did a fantastic job helping the author find her perfect sofa! Check out these easy-to-follow steps in your sofa-section process…
Walter E. Smithe was recently featured in Cedar & Rush in an article called “How to Pick Out the Perfect Sofa” — because… yeah, we know a little something about that, and Oakbrook designer Catherine did a fantastic job helping the author find her perfect sofa!
Check out these easy-to-follow steps in your sofa-section process…
