HIGH POINT — Model, television host and lifestyle diva

Barbara Smith is expanding her licensing reach to include an upcoming furniture collection from Clayton Marcus.

Known as B. Smith, the former Wilhelmina model spent several days here last week shopping fabrics at Showtime for her 40-piece collection of upholstery and occasional tables that Clayton Marcus will introduce at the High Point Market in March.

Smith has serious credentials in design and creativity. She’s a top chef who owns B. Smith restaurants in New York, Washington and trendy Sag Harbor in the Hamptons. For nearly a decade she has hosted the lifestyle television show “B. Smith with Style,” now seen on Cable One in several markets. She also has shared her advice on decorating and entertaining on several broadcast and cable talk shows.

Smith entered home décor five years ago with the launch of The B. Smith with Style Home Collection of bedding, tabletop bath, rugs, window treatments, art and paper exclusively for the more than 750 Bed Bath & Beyond stores.

Because of that collection, she said consumers have wanted to know when she would offer furniture.

“I wanted to wait until I had a firm foundation (with those products),” she said, adding, “I’m at the right point of my career. And I’m really excited about working with Clayton Marcus. They have the same demographics that I have,” with an appeal to the mid-to-upper income consumer.

Smith, who appears to be a hands-on designer rather than just a celebrity name, said she was “like a kid in a candy store” looking at the number of fabrics available. “I’ve seen everything from corals to florals.” She said she prefers looks that are casual and comfortable.

“If I can wear it, so can my sofa,” she said, draping a fabric across her shoulder.

The collection will have sofas retailing from $1,199 to $1,499 in traditional to transitional styling with coordinating occasional tables.

Smith said the initial offering will take three directions: one group, called Central Park South after her home in Manhattan, will be upscale cosmopolitan; the Hamptons will take on a coastal contemporary look; and Global will be based on the time she lived abroad as a model. The first introduction will include about 40 covers.

As a model, Smith, now 56, appeared on 20 magazine covers and was the first African American on the cover of Mademoiselle. She also is a national spokesperson for several products including Betty Crocker and Pillsbury brands, Lawry’s seasonings and Absolut vodka.

Clayton Marcus President Mac McCall said the partnership with Smith will “create a line we believe consumers will welcome into their homes.”

Other products under the B. Smith Enterprises banner include a line of jewelry, two tabletop books she has authored, and a New York radio show, “B. Smart Tips for a Better Life.” She and her husband, Dan Gasby, who accompanied Smith at Showtime, produced four television specials for TV One.