Cheryl Maiorano With Walter E. Smithe Furniture

I work by appointment and prefer to see my clients space before we make decisions. I come to the home to measure the space, and any existing pieces that will stay. I will take some photos for reference. I like to discuss the project with my clients as well as the budget and what that includes, and a time frame for the install. We can meet in the design showroom to review ideas and make selections.

I have 25 years of design experience. I started in the business selecting finishes for custom homes and have been involved in numerous new and custom designed homes. I have also designed several Showcase Homes in Chicago and North Shore Magazine events. Some of the projects are on my Houzz page and have been copied extensively on the internet.

My design fee is included with the purchase price of furniture through my company. I charge $100/hour for Design projects outside of my company.

I have always been an artist starting at an early age but I made a career change after working in Corporate America after rehabbing my first home, and getting caught up in several new construction projects. It started as a side job assisting General Contractors and grew into my career.

I work with many types of clients over the years.

Some that stick out in my mind

-2 year project ground up construction for Custom North Shore Home, 16000 sq ft with 18 car garage to house custom car collection. I worked with the clients to select everything in the home from Architectural plans to completion of project.

-Deerfield IL Commercial Office Design for Graphic Arts Company

-Schweppe Mansion Design for a 1 night event for North Shore Magazine

-Orlando Home Design

-Colorado Ski Resort Condo

-rehab Wisconsin Cabin

-i also work with hundreds of clients one sofa at a time...

I just finished a project for a retired couple who added hardwood floors to their home and brought me in to update. Their living room furniture was 25 years old, and we designed the room around the needs of their dog Chloe, who loved to look out the picture window!  We repurposed the casegoods in the room, but added new drapery and upholstery. They love blue and gold, and we selected a gold textured sofa with blue Kilm pillows and a neutral chair with a blue stripe contrast pillow, a classic rug and Navy linen panels. The lamps were updated and the room turned out lovely.  I took a few photos of Chloe on the sofa, and she looked pleased also.

Make sure you have a good relationship and it is a good fit.

A designer should listen to the needs of the client and be able to have a clear vision of the needs of the project.

 I have had to step in for many client who didnt click with their designer and couldnt finish the project.

Here are a few things that are important and will come up.

-budget what do you want to spend and what does that include

-time frame, how soon do you need it?

-how do you want to use the space?

-how many people will use the space

-who needs to be involved in the decision making?