Indy Women Creating Space // Lynne Smiley
Back in 2022, The Baer Minimalist was invited to participate in the St. Margaret’s Guild Decorators’ Showhouse in Indianapolis. This happens to be the longest running showhouse in the country, transforming a historic home by way of 20+ Indiana-based interior designers and landscape architects each taking on a space. And this year, the location is moving North to….ZIONSVILLE!! Yahoo!
The showhouse has introduced our team to many designers that we continue to partner with years later and the most selfless group of women who invest their time, energy and talent into the St. Margaret’s Guild. Lynne Smiley was one of the first guild members that I met and she immediately welcomed me into the fold with open arms. She is always smiling, is a true problem-solver and is incredibly invested in our tying the design community and the greater community together.
This year she is taking the reigns as President of the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild this year as they continue to raise money for Eskenazi Health. Since 1907, they’ve raised over $14 million and counting.
If you are a long-time supporter of the annual Decorators’ Showhouse or are only learning about it for the first time now, this is an annual tradition that takes places every April/May (and yet today is the day designers tour through to kick off the project). It is a true labor of love and I’ve felt so fortunate to put the TBM stamp on several spaces throughout the years.
Who are you and what lights you up? Tell us your story, your mission, and what you’re building in Indy.
I am currently President of the St. Margaret's Hospital Guild that puts on the Decorator's Show House and Gardens. I love interior design and how through the show house we collaborate with designers and work together to build something beautiful that elevates design in our city all while giving back and supporting Eskenazi Health.
What values anchor the work you do?
I want the Show House to be a place where kindness and encouragement inspire people (homeowners, designers, and the public) to think bigger than themselves, embrace bold design, and create with authenticity, all in service of something greater than any one designer or project.
Give us a peek into your space! Share what makes a particular space in your home or workplace feel utterly and totally "YOU."
I personally try to include different designers to showcase different styles so that everyone who comes through the show house can find a room that speaks to them so diversity of style and background is important.
Your go-to tip: What organization, mindset, or workflow trick has been a game-changer?
I believe every item should have a home. When everything has a place and is consistently returned there, daily life becomes simpler, clutter stays under control, and the home remains manageable.
Your Indy List: What 3 local businesses do you love, support, and want to shout from the rooftops?
Blue Mind Roasting, Eat Surreal, and Delicia
Anything else you'd love to share that captures your personality or your journey.
Coffee and a good book
Who are a few Indianapolis women who inspire you?
Stacy Stater, Sunshine Brooks and Heidi Woodman
And in honor of Showhouse Season kicking off today, here is a little walk down memory lane of the before + after transformations that TBM has taken on.
2022: Primary Closet (partnering with California Closets)
2023: Telephone Room
2024: Guest Bedroom Closet, Pantry Closet + Linen Closet (partnering with California Closets)
2025: Entertaining Pantry
Save the Date for the Decorators’ Showhouse 2027 - launching in mid-April and running through Mother’s Day. We will keep you posted throughout the year with lots of fun updates!
We encourage you to check out our most recent Signature Series posts with Jona Wells, Kristin Patrick Megan Mioduski Jessica Green and Cali Ahern here.
The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis. To keep up to date with all of the tips, tricks and inspiration doled out, subscribe to our newsletter, The Minimal-List, here.