Philosophy & Approach

Courtney B. Smith Design creates spaces that celebrate and honor clients by bringing their unique stories to life in tangible, meaningful ways.

CBSD thoughtfully considers a site’s architecture and a client’s personal style and story to shape every project’s distinct perspective. They often incorporate bold wallpapers that infuse rooms with personality and warmth, pair timeless furniture styles with contemporary accents for a fresh take on classic elegance, and encourage clients to display cherished heirlooms, weaving personal history into the design narrative.

By designing with intention, Courtney and her team ensure that each home is not only beautiful but truly reflects the lives lived within its walls.

Courtney Smith

Founder, Principal Designer, Chief Beige Banisher

After spending more than a decade on Wall Street, Courtney opened her studio in 2009, fueled by a lifelong passion for aesthetics and a yearning to craft meaningful spaces. Having moved frequently as a child—between Madison, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Connecticut—she developed an early love for family treasures and an appreciation for the profound impact of a sense of place. Courtney is captivated by the power of interiors to transform our experiences.

Courtney’s years in finance were formative, teaching her the nuances of managing high-stakes client relationships, where clear communication and proactive problem-solving were crucial. Today, these skills are at the heart of her design process—she’s an active listener who anticipates needs and navigates complex projects with precision and grace.

When not immersed in project details, Courtney is most likely hosting impromptu gatherings for family and friends, pestering her teens to clear a path in their rooms, enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of her husband’s garden labor, or hitting the Marin trails with her sweet but poorly-trained four-legged, Addie.

Photo: Pamela Casaudoumecq Photography

spotify recents:

Stevie Wonder, French jazz, Hall and Oates

super powers:

pattern-mixing and reading the room

never tire of:

crisp bedding, vinho verde, Josef Frank textiles, captivating conversation

currently chasing:

a clean car, family QT, the early seating, Mahjong

favorite color:

all shades of green

design pet peaves:

beige, awkward floor plans, the tail wagging the dog

dinner party dos:

bubbles, take-out served on china, s’mores

serving up:

west coast cool, east coast classic, midwestern values, southern hospitality

palette cleanser:

travel requiring a passport

hotel muses:

San Ysidro Ranch, The Carlyle Hotel, Le Sirenuse

rocket fuel:

iced oat milk latte, a clean house on a Friday afternoon, ecstatic clients

dream project:

Carmel cottage for a client who says “surprise me!”

“She is phenomenal at what she does.

my advice is to be open to stretching when courtney proposes ideas outside of your comfort zone, because they always work.”
-doug a.
“I appreciate that Courtney and Sarah are moms and understood my need to have family-friendly spaces.

their design process is beautiful and thoughtful, but also practical.”
-sara s.
“Courtney absolutely has a gift for mixing patterns and colors to create inviting, unique living spaces for her clients.

beyond that, her process and attention to detail sets her miles apart from other designers.”
-christy o.
“Courtney has an incredible eye for design, is efficient and fun to work with,

and is both wise and honest on where you should spend and where you can save.”
-dina s.
“Seeing her vision come alive was exciting! Courtney’s design captured the aesthetic we were looking for and reflected our unique personality.

i enthusiastically recommend her: she is talented, knowledgeable, and such a pleasure to work with.”
-eva k.

Sarah Crawford

Director of Procurement and Associate Designer

Sarah joined Courtney B. Smith Design in 2023 after completing several residential projects of her own in New England. Whether the team is seeking a statement fabric, the perfect piece of art, or the ever-elusive finishing touch, Sarah possesses an uncanny knack for sourcing magic. Beyond her procurement prowess, clients are drawn to Sarah’s fearless style and wicked sense of humor, which brightens every project.

Courtney and Sarah met through a mutual friend in 2005. Although they didn’t connect professionally for many years, they’d spent the better part of two decades hearing about their likely compatibility from Jen, who never missed an opportunity to suggest their collaboration. As is often the case, besties know best.

When she’s not truffle pigging for clients, Sarah can be found snuggling her pups, Sturgill and Posey, scouting for concert tickets, or avoiding skiing while in Vermont with her husband and twin girls.

Photo: Roxanne Bryant Photography