We began shopping at this location a few years again when it was time to start upgrading from our "newlywed decor." What we like most (aside from the furniture we have purchased-that we love) is the journey. A designer, in our case Tonya, first comes out to your home to measure the room you intend to decorate. She took photographs, measurements, and drawings of the space. She then sat down with us and discussed our ideas. I handed over the mound of magazine clippings I had accumulated over time and she happily received them. Approximately a week later we set up an appointment to come in to the store. We arrived to a well thought out presentation; offering multiple options and various motifs. All of them were representative of our preferences and yet held additional tasteful nuances that we never could have aspired to on our own. We spent a couple of hours looking over the pieces and fabrics (over coffee) until we were comfortable with a selection. Since then, we continue to return a couple of times a year as we slowly decorate the house. As a younger couple; cost was a concern upon our first visit. We were relieved that Tonya inquired about our budget and gladly provided various options within that range. We have found that they inevitably have timeless and elegant pieces available at all price points which makes us comfortable referring family and friends to Walter E. Smithe regardless of what amount they anticipate spending. After shopping here; we find that pieces carried by other furniture retailers in the area tend to pale in comparison. We have begun to feel so comfortable in this store over the years. The staff is kind and professional; but most of all welcoming. read more

Cindy Holmer - What an angel!! My husband and I had a new home with a couple of pieces of furniture in it. We were in the area of the Geneva store and decided to stop in one day. We were looking around and had no idea where to start. It was our luck that Cindy approached us and asked if she could help us. We explained that we were in a new home and needed a lot and didn't know where to begin. Cindy advised us that she could come to our home and give us some ideas. We said great and set up a day and time. From the day she stepped in the front door, we knew we were in true professional hands. We have been working with Cindy since 2008 and feel like she knows us like the back of her hand. Cindy suggested doing everything in steps. So,the fun began. We now have a beautiful, perfectly furnished home, with furniture, artwork, window treatments and many accents. Our friends and family all say that our home looks like a model and is absolutely gorgeous. Cindy is very knowledgeable from start to finish. She has a great memory always kept us up to speed on delivery. Her follow up once the items were delivered is always timely and appreciated. We developed a friendship with Cindy and she is a great patient person to work with. We know that if it wasn't for Cindy's expertise, our house would be half completed. Way to go Cindy! We have recommended Cindy to friends and family. We had the pleasure of meeting Tim, Walter, and Walter Sr. and they are a very professional family. Love the commercials too! Bob and Barb Miller Hoffman Estates, IL read more

I could not be happier with my Walter E. Smithe experience. My designer, Lea Placek, furnished and accessorized the entire first floor of our home. Her services exceeded all my expectations. I came to Walter E. Smithe because I knew that I needed help from a professional designer. I told Lea that I wanted our home to have a complete, finished look that flowed together from one room to the next. I also wanted our home to have a very comfortable, warm, and inviting feel to it. I got exactly what I asked for and MORE! The best part of this experience was working with Lea to pick the furniture and accessories. Even though I had Lea's help, I still walk around my home and feel that I have ownership in the finished product. For example, I remember picking the artwork for the walls and the reasons why we chose one particular piece over another. In the selection process we would often narrow down choices to the top three and then Lea would explain the reasons why she preferred one over another. I learned so much during this process and really appreciated her patience and willingness to work with my family and meet our particular needs. I look forward to working with Lea again on the next project. I would definitely recommend this Geneva Walter E. Smithe store and my designer, Lea Placek. read more

I recently moved from Geneva to downtown Chicago and ran into Cindy Holmer at Walter E Smith, at their Geneva location. To say this experience was stellar would be an understatement. Not only does Cindy have an amazing sense of style, but she was jumping from one vendor book to another, as if she had the pages memorized, finding the pieces which fit perfectly in my new flat. I also appreciated Cindy's sensibility around my budget... she always made sure the choices were not only a perfect fit for my style but everything vetted out to what I ultimately wanted to spend. I would 1000% recommend visiting Cindy Holmer at Walter E Smith in Geneva. By far the best furniture shopping experience to date. Last point, if Cindy wasn't impressive enough, the support staff of delivery, customer service was equally complimentary to the experience. Literally within 5 minutes of each furniture delivery a call came in from customer service ensuring I was satisfied. A++ W.E. Smith. Developmental feedback: Get faster internet connections in store... too slow looking for product on vendor websites, it was painful. Get color printers for tear sheets... shocking you only give B/W... how are you supposed to match colors for complimentary items with B/W pictures. read more

Mr. Smithe, If you recall, I spoke with you a few months ago about our couch cushion cording that was fraying. I was in the process of writing a letter about it when my husband called the store for an address and you answered. After explaining my dilemma, you said we would split the cost of recovering the cording with us. Our two queen couches are 5 yrs. old and the material was no longer available. One of your designers suggested a contrasting material. Well, we got our cushions back yesterday and they look great. I just wanted to let you know that our problem was handled very professionally, efficient and courteously. I would not hesitate to recommend your store to anyone. We have been a customer since 1994 and will continue to shop at your store in the future. Thanks again, Mr. Smithe, for your assistance in the matter. D. Wolenberg read more

When we moved into our new house a year and a half ago, we wanted some new pieces to fit in with our design esthetic. We had been clients at Walter E. Smithe in Geneva for years, but hadn't worked as intensively with anyone until this opportunity to work with Cindy Holmer. Not only did Cindy find us the perfect pieces for our new spaces, but she made a home visit to get a feel for us and our home so she knew just what to look for -- even beyond what I would have thought of! I consider Cindy a friend as well as the most talented designer I know -- in fact, she helped us completely furnish our newly-finished lower level with great style, too. Our son just got married, so of course we turned to Cindy to help us get them something special! We consider Walter E. Smithe and Cindy Holmer to be our only source for furnishings and design expertise! read more

I had the pleasure of working with Cindy Holmer at the Geneva store. She helped me redecorate my sunroom with new furniture, fabric and drawings for window treatments and paint color. She provided me with several coordinating options, and I was so pleased with the fabric choices. She came to my home several times, she has a great eye and style and she will work to make you happy with choices. She helped me with repair of an older leather sofa (also from Walter Smithe). When I noticed some discoloration on tables that we ordered she was quick to have them picked up and new ones were ordered. We have been very pleased with our purchases and customer service from Walter Smithe. I will be shopping for future purchases there. Also, several of my neighbors have worked with Cindy as well and there rooms turned out beautiful. read more

We recently built a home and needed to furnish pretty much the entire house. I met Cindy Holmer at Walter E. Smith and she was amazing! She made what could be an overwhelming task easy and enjoyable. Cindy really understood what style I wanted and put rooms together that I absolutely love. Not only is she a talented designer she also is very cognizent of her clients budget and works with you to get everything you want within your budget. I would highly reccomend Walter E. Smithe in Geneva and Cindy Holmer for your home furnishing needs. Their product is quality and their people are talented and professional. I have no complaints about my experience with Cindy Holmer and will always look to her for future home furnishing needs. read more

Walter E. Smithe! What a great company with professional and skilled employees! When I bought my dining room set I had the pleasure of working with designer, Lea Placek. She did a wonderful job for me. There was a blemish on the finish of the table and Walter E. Smithe sent out Robert Cook to fix the problem. His work was remarkable, the table top looks beautiful. I couldn't be more pleased with the competance, the level of service at both ends of the sale, and the gifted and talented Smithe employees. By the way, no charge for the hours Robert was working to fix the issue with the table. Thanks, Smithe Brothers, I love your commercials and won't ever shop anywhere else for furniture. Leanne Hurley read more

I recently visited the Geneva store and purchased a sectional, dining room chairs and ottomans for my remodel. I did have a bit of a problem in the beginning of my shopping journey there, but my next visit I was approached by Cindy Holmer and she assured me she was going to take over my order and help me step by step through a warranty issue I had. She did just that and I have never met someone so genuine and extremely knowledgeable about design. She truly cares about keeping you within any budget you may have and answering any questions along the way. It was a delight to work with her and will continue to recommend everyone I can to her for their furniture needs. read more

Four years ago, we shopped for a new couch at W E Smithe. We were excited to purchase from here due to the excellent quality. However, my neighbor warned us that she had purchased two couches and they were a disaster after a year...falling apart. We did not listen. Our couch is now four years old and looks like we bought it from a frat house. Nearly three thousand dollars on a custom couch and it has foam cushions instead of down filled . Also, the fabric has torn away and there are stringy pieces hanging everywhere. We will never purchase from here again. On the contrary, our Room and Board couch is in our basement (15 years old) and looks brand new. read more

Wonderful experience working with senior designer/ manager Gary Lewis at the Geneva WES store. Our pieces arrived - we ordered both upholstery and case goods - and the items are fabulous. Gary is attentive, creative, talented and has a wonderful eye, but - most important - works with his clients to understand their preferences and needs. We also received regular status updates and responsiveness from the WES CustomerCare group between ordering and delivery, and the delivery team was professional, courteous and helpful...so there were no surprises...only happy results! We're looking forward to working with Gary and the entire WES team on our next project. read more

Walter E. Smithe is my favorite store because I appreciate the outstanding customer service. Over the past years, we have purchased several rooms of furniture most recently dining chairs and buffet. I've had the pleasure working with Cindy Holmer at the Geneva store, she is very knowledgeable about the store's product line and she's genuinely interested in helping you find items that met your needs and budget rather than just being focused on making a quick sale. Because of her efforts, I was able to find exactly what I needed and I am very satisfied with my purchases. I will continue to visit Smithe as well as recommend the store to others. read more

We had a wonderful experience picking out our new couch from Walter E. Smith in Geneva! Our designer, LeeAnn Jones, was absolutely wonderful! Professional and patient, she listened carefully to what we were looking for, and she picked out all of our fabrics. We never had to pour over fabric samples at all! She completely picked up on what we wanted and put together a wonderful ensemble. We ended up getting a couch and an ottoman, and we can't wait for it to arrive! She is a fantastic designer and I would highly recommend her, and Walter E Smith to anyone looking for beautiful, well-made furniture. It was a great experience all around. read more

My husband and I recently moved from PA. We downsized and fell in love with a home with a great room. We loved the room but then.. yikes.. how do you furnish a room like that? We were so lucky to meet Cindy Homer when we stopped into WES by chance. Cindy helped us put together a beautiful room that feels elegant, cozy and super functional. Cindy had solutions Rob and I would have never thought of. I was amazed at how quickly Cindy tuned into our likes & dislikes. She was amazing and lead us through furnishing a large/multi functional room with ease. Thank you Cindy! It was a joy working with you. Can't wait to do it again! read more

My husband and I started working with Cindy Homer at WES in 2006 when we decorated our dining room. Our delivery date of our furniture was the same day as the delivery date of our third child! It was a crazy time and Cindy made it so easy! It is almost like having an interior decorator of your own. She goes above and beyond to make sure you know all of your options. Since then, we have done several rooms with Cindy. Her knowledge of products and availability is unpararelled! My husband and I aren't the easiest clients to please--but Cindy has yet to fail. This spring will be the den and I know where we'll be headed! read more

What started out as just browsing 8 years ago, has turned out to be a long-term 'relationship' with Cindy Holmer. We initially started with a kitchen table and when it came time to buy furniture for our family room my husband suggested we go back to Cindy because she'd been so helpful and not overbearing. We've now purchased a couple more rooms of furniture from her and we are more like friends then acquaintances. While we don't have family or friends in the area, I always tell people that we've enjoyed every experience we've had and don't anticipate shopping anywhere else - and that's because Cindy has been so great. read more

We walked into the Geneva store in 2007 to purchase a few piece of furniture for our new home. We ended up furnishing our entire house from Walter E. Smithe in Geneva over a four year period of time. They were wonderful. Cindy Holmer was our designer and her expertise was so valuable. Our house looks like a model home. I highly recommend this store. The furniture is great. Selection is great. We custom ordered most of our furniture and it looks fabulous. I couldn't be happier and would never go anywhere else to shop for furnishings!! LOVE CINDY HOLMER and Walter E. Smithe!! read more

We were having decorating problems with local businesses and Cindy Holmer at Walter E. Smithe came in a saved the day for us! A local decorator suggested we order a ton of furniture for our living room and we gave Cindy the plan. She would not sell us the furniture which turned out to be a saving grace. Instead, she came over early the next morning and put together a new plan that has worked out perfectly. She also gave recommendations on paint colors and a few decorating tips to finish off the room. I am forever grateful and will definitely shop with her again. read more