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By Cassidy Mantor
The Picket Fence has long been a beloved destination in Ketchum, celebrated for its thoughtfully curated home décor, luxury linens, and timeless furnishings, but beyond the products, it has always represented something more: an abiding sense of welcome, comfort, and care that has anchored the store in the hearts of locals and visitors alike for a long time.
From the beginning, The Picket Fence was never just about retail—it was about connection. Owner Lynn Simpson envisioned it as a place that would bookend her customers’ time in town: the first stop when they arrived and the last before they left. She created a space that felt like home, filled with warmth and authenticity. Lynn’s approach to business was rooted in relationships. Customers weren’t just shoppers—they became friends, often returning year after year, season after season.
When Lynn purchased the store in 2006, she brought her personal touch to everything, from the inventory to the service. Her daughter, interior designer Kim Mauney, led a thoughtful remodel that marked a new era for the store. Lynn began placing pieces of her own furniture on the floor, and customers took notice. People began asking to purchase the furniture directly off the floor, sparking an idea that would evolve into something much larger.
By 2008, Kim and designer Heidi Stearns saw an opportunity to expand The Picket Fence’s influence from retail to full-service design. They envisioned an interior design studio that would extend the store’s ethos—one that could help clients create meaningful spaces, not just buy beautiful things. That vision became reality with the launch of The Picket Fence Interior Design Studio. Over the years, it has evolved into a trusted resource for those seeking elegant, livable interiors grounded in the same values that defined the store.
In 2017, the Design Studio moved into its own offsite location just a few blocks from the main storefront, marking another milestone in its growth. Though Kim later relocated with her family, her legacy remained deeply woven into the fabric of the business. Lynn and general manager Jennett Zimmerman were determined to preserve that vision. They knew The Picket Fence was about much more than furniture and finishes—it was about heart, home, and helping people feel truly seen and cared for.
“This is such an exciting time. We’re building on an incredible foundation and evolving it into something that feels fresh, inspired, and still unmistakably ‘The Picket Fence.’”
–Erin Kosach, Studio Director and Lead Designer
Jennett, who had worked alongside Lynn privately before officially joining the store in 2007, played a pivotal role in shaping the business’s next phase. She helped launch The Picket Fence’s online presence, ensuring it could reach customers far beyond Ketchum. In 2010, she became general manager, guiding the team with clarity, consistency, and care. Under her leadership, the store has remained a dynamic, evolving space while staying true to its roots.
That deep commitment to evolution—with integrity—continued with the arrival of a new design team. Erin Kosach joined as Studio Director and Lead Designer, Sophia Symms as Junior Interior Designer, and Anne Thurman as Purchaser. This trio brought a fresh energy, seamlessly blending new ideas with long-held values. From their first conversations, Jennett and Erin discovered a natural alignment in their vision—anchored by shared values of authenticity, creativity, thoughtful care, and an intuitive ability to navigate any challenge.
“This is such an exciting time,” Erin reflects. “We’re building on an incredible foundation and evolving it into something that feels fresh, inspired, and still unmistakably ‘The Picket Fence.’”
Erin brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to design—balancing creativity with practicality. Her background in architecture and interior design, combined with years of experience in both retail and custom furniture, has shaped a designer who truly understands how people live in their spaces. She’s passionate about creating environments that are not only beautiful but also functional and lasting.
Sophia has a background in design and a sharp eye for both style and function. Her fresh ideas and thoughtful approach have quickly made her an essential part of the team. She’s passionate about creating interiors that feel personal, balanced, and beautifully lived in.
Anne is the quiet engine that keeps the design process running smoothly. With a background in operations and a love for organization, she ensures that every detail—orders, deliveries, logistics, and timelines—is executed flawlessly. Her calm presence and behind-the-scenes precision allow the creative side to flourish without disruption.
Together, the team offers a fully integrated design experience—from new construction and remodels to furniture selection, textiles, and the finishing touches that make a house feel like home: dishes, utensils, linens, and more. It’s design from start to finish—with intention and heart at every step.
One of their first endeavors was reimagining the Design Studio itself, located just a few blocks from the main store. With its rope chandelier, soft shearling chairs, and inviting textures, the refreshed space encourages visitors to linger, explore, and dream. Though officially by appointment, the studio has organically become a place where people drop in—drawn by the same warmth that defines the entire Picket Fence experience.
This newly imagined studio reflects more than just aesthetic evolution—it’s a symbol of the brand’s continued relevance and growth. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where every project is approached with passion, precision, and personal connection.
Through it all, Lynn continues to be the heart of the business. Her trust in the team she’s built is deep and unwavering.
The Picket Fence has always been a reflection of her spirit—warm, gracious, and generous. And now, that spirit lives on through every member of the team who shares her commitment to excellence and her love for making people feel at home.
That legacy—built on personal connection, enduring style, and heartfelt service—is still at the core of everything The Picket Fence does. Whether you’re walking into the store for the first time or returning for the tenth year in a row, the experience remains the same: welcoming, inspiring, and unmistakably special.
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