Our Approach

We create spaces that celebrate and honor our clients—bringing their unique stories to life.

A home’s architecture and setting inform our style direction, but a client’s (preferably technicolor) design dreams are always the best inspiration. Full disclosure: we’re pattern-obsessed, usually recommend wallpaper, love classic furniture styles and appreciate sentimental objects.

We never throw the baby out with the bath water.

We’re at our best when working in partnership with clients whose trust we earn through direct communication and by following a proprietary process from project launch to installation. With over two decades of collective experience and a bevy of established trade relationships, we haven’t yet met a puzzle we couldn’t solve while smiling.

We love the art of making homes, and are delighted you‘re here!

Courtney Smith interior designer

Courtney Smith

FOUNDER, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER,
& CHIEF BEIGE BANISHER

After spending more than a decade on Wall Street, I opened my design studio in 2009 to create timeless and vibrant homes for clients.

Having moved frequently as a child—living in Madison, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Connecticut—I developed an early love for family treasures and an appreciation for the profound impact of a sense of place. I am fascinated with the power of interiors to transform our experiences.

I’m indebted to my team and our trade partners, who help move things from concept to reality, and to our clients, who trust us to make their design wishes come true. Dream job!

Unless I’m immersed in project details, I’m happiest hosting friends and family for impromptu gatherings, eating out at our favorite Marin spots, and pretending to exercise while hiking with my husband, (sometimes) teens, and sweet dog Addie.

A graphic showing information about Courtney Smith

  • “She is phenomenal at what she does.

    My advice is to be open to stretching when Courtney proposes ideas that take you outside of your comfort zone, because they always work, and they always fit you.” – Doug A.

  • "I really 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 when it comes to having a functioning space with young children.” – Sara S.

  • “Courtney and her team were very professional, following a clear, staged process that helped us articulate our style

    (at the start, the best we could say is "we know it when we see it") and guide us through a large project so that it felt amazingly manageable and easy.” – Susan A.

Sarah joined CBSD in 2023 after completing several residential projects of her own in and around Marblehead, Massachusetts.

One of her many gifts is sourcing magic for projects, whether we’re seeking the perfect piece of art, a statement fabric, or something (anything!) else. Beyond her procurement prowess, our clients love Sarah for her fearless style and her wicked sense of humor.

Sarah and I met through a cherished mutual friend in 2005. Although we didn’t connect professionally in earnest for many moons, we’d both spent the better part of 20 years hearing about our potential compatibility through Jen, who knows a thing or two about each of us [thank you, Jen!].

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

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT
(AKA TRUFFLE PIG)

Sarah Crawford