Business Details
15 Years
experience
Award-Winning Interior Design & Art Gallery in Kansas City
MLB Designs & Boutique is an award-winning interior design firm, art gallery, and boutique founded in 2011 by Marie Bertholet Smith. With over three decades of experience in residential and commercial design, Marie combines her expertise in space planning, construction processes, and antique curation to create customized spaces that reflect clients' lifestyles. Her background includes senior design roles at Hallmark Cards, where she earned national recognition, including a Silver Art Direction Award. The firm's Crossroads Arts District location features rotating exhibitions of regional and international artists, blending art consulting with interior design services. Clients benefit from Marie's global sourcing of unique decor and her ability to integrate original artwork into functional spaces.The boutique offers curated gifts, jewelry, and home decor, extending the firm's design philosophy into retail. Committed to quality and attention to detail, MLB Designs & Boutique serves clients seeking sophisticated, personalized environments. The firm maintains transparent communication and leverages Marie's extensive industry network to deliver exceptional results. Operating hours are structured to accommodate client consultations and gallery visits, with extended hours on First Fridays. The business remains deeply connected to the Kansas City arts community, fostering relationships that enhance both design and curatorial offerings.
Services
Interior Design
Art Gallery
Boutique Retail
Art Consulting
Artist Representation
Space Planning
Custom Furniture Design
Residential Design
Commercial Design
Antique Sourcing
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Award-winning designer with 30+ years of experience in residential and commercial spaces
- Unique integration of interior design with global antique sourcing and art curation
- Recipient of national Silver Art Direction Award for design excellence
- Deep connections to Kansas City arts community for exclusive art access
- Personalized approach combining construction expertise with creative vision
Services
Interior Design
Award-winning residential and commercial interior design services combining construction expertise with artistic vision. Specializing in customized spaces that reflect client lifestyles through strategic space planning, material selection, and integration of original artwork. Services include antique sourcing, custom furniture design, and project management for both local and national clients.
Art Gallery
Curated exhibitions featuring regional and international artists in rotating solo and group shows. The Crossroads Arts District gallery showcases diverse contemporary works while providing art consulting services for collectors and interior designers. Regular exhibitions include local talent like John Marak alongside global artists, emphasizing unique perspectives and emerging trends.
Art Consulting
Professional art advisory services for collectors and design professionals. Leveraging decades of gallerist experience to source original artwork for residential and commercial spaces. Services include collection development, artist representation, and strategic placement of art within designed environments to enhance aesthetic and functional value.
Boutique Retail
Curated retail space offering unique gifts, sophisticated jewelry, and home decor items. The boutique features hand-selected pieces from global sources, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and distinctive design. Products complement interior design services while providing standalone shopping experiences for discerning customers.
Custom Furniture Design
Original furniture design services tailored to client needs and space requirements. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create functional art pieces. Each design integrates seamlessly with overall interior schemes while maintaining standalone aesthetic value, reflecting the designer's signature attention to detail.
People
Marie Bertholet Smith
Director, Interior Designer
Award-winning interior designer with 30+ years experience in residential and commercial projects. Recognized nationally for design excellence, including Silver Art Direction Award. Former Senior Designer at Hallmark Cards and owner of The Smith Company antique shop. Specializes in integrating original art with functional spaces.
Questions
What interior design services do you offer?
We provide full-service residential and commercial design, including space planning, material selection, custom furniture design, and project management. Our approach integrates art curation with functional design solutions tailored to client lifestyles.
Do you work with clients outside Kansas City?
While based in Kansas City, we serve clients nationally through virtual consultations and on-site project management. Our antique sourcing and art curation services also extend beyond local boundaries.
What types of art exhibitions do you host?
Our gallery features rotating solo and group exhibitions showcasing regional and international contemporary artists. Past exhibitions have included works by John Marak, Beth Weintraub, and Jason Pollen across various media.
Can I purchase art or boutique items online?
Currently, we recommend visiting our Crossroads Arts District location for in-person shopping experiences. For specific inquiries about available pieces, contact us directly for assistance.
What makes your design approach unique?
Our distinctive approach combines construction expertise with global antique sourcing and direct connections to the contemporary art world. This multidisciplinary perspective creates spaces that balance functionality with curated aesthetic value.
