Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Designer Cynthia Rowley Brings Fashion Home Furnishings Business
May 27,
2016 by in Business Strategy, Industry 
Beginning in June, custom home furnishing pioneer Walter E. Smithe will showcase a new line of furniture designed by fashion icon Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture.
Rowley’s signature bold prints, and fun and spirited aesthetic, translate well to home decor. Pieces will be available at all 11 Chicago area Walter E. Smith showrooms and on smithe.com
“We are honored to welcome Cynthia back home to Chicago, and proud to feature her unparalleled point of view,” says President, Walter E. Smithe. The renowned designer is a Barrington, Illinois native who attended the School of the Art Institute where she initially intended to become a painter. “We will feature a collection of her inspired furnishings—living, dining, bed, office, accessories, and more.”
Rowley’s collection represents three distinct personas. Sporty: Life in the Fast Lane pieces are bold, clean, and vibrant, boasting stripes and exotic woods. Pretty: A Charmed Life features timeless, delicate opulence—Mother-of-Pearl inlays, tassel drawer pulls, and a soft color palette. Curious: An Invitation to the Imagination is inspired by travel and adventure. Pieces are exotic with elements like gold and silver leaf, jade onyx, and Rowley’s signature black floral prints.
“Interiors and furniture have been a passion of mine ever since I can remember,” says Rowley. “Fashion and style reach beyond clothes.... It’s the art of living. I want to create furniture that will brighten your space and make your home a happy place! Beautiful fabrics and interesting materials combine in furniture classics with a twist.”
Walter E. Smithe’s team of on-site designers work one-on-one with customers to incorporate Rowley’s pieces into an affordable, custom look that complements their existing décor.
Customers are invited to a special event to debut the new Cynthia Rowley line. The evening, which includes a Q&A session with the famed designer, takes place June 2, 5-7 p.m. at Smithe’s Lincoln Park showroom, 2009 N. Clybourn.