Favorite Things

Farin’s Favorite Find

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The Ava Chair is a handcrafted accent chair, expertly made in the USA by Cisco Home. The curved back and wood plinth base add both comfort and style to any room. The chairs are shown in Bonn Birch with a sealed Walnut exposed wood base.

I love the look of this chair and how comfortable it is. With the tight back / tight seat offering, it makes it easy to add fun accent pillows or a cozy throw blanket. Also, the exposed wood on the base of the chair adds an extra detail that makes the chair stand out. It is a wonderful option to include in any design since it can look more traditional or contemporary depending on the fabric and wood finish selections.


Contact Farin, our Denver Furniture Specialist, at farinf@caidesigns.net or (303) 282-8100×697

Favorite Things

Kristen’s Favorite Find

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The Alternatives Sectional by Burton James is my favorite find this month. The pairing of a loveseat and “cuddle pod” creates such a fun, unique overall shape! Burton James does a nice job of combining softness with support, and that combination makes this sectional a real pleasure to relax on.

Burton James’ Alternatives program allows designers to create the perfect piece that complements their vision and fulfills their client’s need for comfort, function, and stylish looks. The designer chooses the piece’s overall style, sizing, arms/base shape, cushion “fills,” and decorative accents. This allows the designer to call the shots rather than having to use a standard furniture piece that might limit their vision and cause unwanted workarounds.

Burton James recently updated their fabric selection, and it’s gorgeous! A perfect combination of beauty and durability. Of course, COM is an option as well.

Contact Kristen, our Denver Sales Admin/Junior Seller, at kristeno@caidesigns.net or (303) 282-8100×6972

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Amy’s Favorite Find

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The Buoy Double Cone Pendant by BOMMA is my favorite find. The collection was designed by Václav Mlynář, Creative Director of BOMMA. The fixture features an unusual light rod that runs through the entire core formed by a monumental hand-blown glass body.

When seeing this fixture in person, one is taken by the sheer size of the glass. The mastery to create hand blown glass at this scale is beautiful. The simplicity of the design with the ombre of a soft white color is understated and impactful. The method of using a sandblasted light core perfectly distributes the light throughout the entire glass form.

Contact Amy, our Denver Lighting Specialist, at amyz@caidesigns.net or (303) 282-8100×6976

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Carol’s Favorite Find

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The Cadence Canopy Poster Bed by Century Furniture features a Mocha Oak finish and an Antique Brass canopy. It can be customized with various wood finishes and fabric options for the headboard.

The bed is simple yet elegant. The oak wood and fabric headboard give it texture, and the juxtaposition of the smooth metal canopy is a great way to combine materials. This bed can elevate any bedroom, whether it is a guest bedroom or a primary bedroom.

Contact Carol, our Scottsdale Showroom Manager, at carolw@caidesigns.net or (480)-565-3775 x 7060

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Carlita’s Favorite Find

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The modern Kano Sideboard by John Richard Collection features a book-matched faux crocodile pattern across each pair of doors finished in variegated cream and white. The case is finished in antique beluga with brushed brass on the front molding and metal base.

I love the 3D crocodile heavy textured doors that are in a cream finish and accented with brass trim and brass legs. I think this piece would look great in any space where you want to have a dynamic and impactful look. The unique crocodile doors are absolutely stunning.

Contact Carlita, our Arlington Heights furniture specialist, at  carlitap@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785×6761

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Kevin’s Favorite Find

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The Paola Wing Chair from Verellen is my current favorite find. The classic silhouette of a wingback has been updated with a gracefully flared back and sweeping arms, complemented by splayed metal legs and a wood base. The curved lines and curly wool fabric make this chair incredibly inviting. It is the perfect statement piece for any space!

Contact Kevin, our Arlington Heights Showroom Manager, at kevinb@caidesigns.net or (847) 398-4785 x6760

Employee Spotlight

Meet Jamie | Chicago Furniture Specialist

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What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.
I have almost 20 years of interior design industry sales experience. In Chicago, I worked as a Corporate Art Consultant for contract projects for several years. I then moved to Thailand for 3 years & relocated to Los Angeles where I managed a trade-only furniture showroom of beautifully antiqued bench-made pieces. From there, I went to contract fabric sales & then on to an outdoor furniture sales position. I recently relocated to Chicago to start here at C.A.I. Designs.

Where were you raised?
Northwest Indiana until I was 12 and then Central Illinois.

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Mostly from nature but also from visiting different archaeological/ architectural sites and wonders. I also find inspiration from perusing design industry imagery from multiple sources.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why? 
I love several of the lines we offer. Alfonso Marina stands out as the pieces are exquisitely designed. l love all the hand detailing & fine craftsmanship!

What is your favorite color?
I love all colors and, depending on my mood, it may go from reds to blues to purples or more.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I’m an avid foodie & love trying new restaurants. I enjoy live music and outdoor concerts. I’m passionate about travel and have spent much time in Mexico, Central America and Asia. I also love hiking, beach days, yoga and sometimes just chilling on my sofa with my cat and a good book.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?The roaring 1920s just because it seems like such a fun time.

How would you characterize your design style?
I like an eclectic mix of items from different eras, natural woods, more neutral palettes with lots of splashes of accent colors.

What is your favorite food?
I love all kinds of foods, but Thai food is my comfort food.

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m very excited to be a part of the C.A.I. Team!

Jamie can be reached in the Chicago showroom at jamiec@caidesigns.net or by phone at (312) 755-9163×7002

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Julie’s Favorite Find

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The Antonia Linear Pendant by Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting is handcrafted in the US with elegant options to make it uniquely yours. It has seven finish choices, mixed metals and elegant parchment options.

Every detail of this fixture defines elegance! I had the privilege of going to the Fine Art factory outside of Miami to see their team work. The process that goes into their manufacturing is intricate and precise from start to finish. The metals are all handcrafted and hand applied. The pendant can used in a home that is traditional, transitional or contemporary. It is a must-see in person, a photo certainly does not give it justice. I look forward to showcasing it when our clients come in!

Contact Julie, our Chicago Lighting Specialist, at juliej@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7005

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Steven’s Favorite Find

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The Wesley Hall Jamestown Swivel in leather is my Favorite Find for this month.

A wonderful update to our best-selling Jamestown Swivel in fabric, now shown in a beautiful new leather called Pickett Nutmeg, with channel quilting on the outside arm and back. Also shown with nailhead trim along the wood swivel base, this chair has always been my favorite, and the new leather options give it a whole new look and comfort!!

Contact Steven, our Upholstery Buyer and Chicago Furniture Specialist, at stevens@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7002

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Kyle’s Favorite Find

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The Edgewood Dining Chair by Lane Venture is my Favorite Find. It is hand-crafted from Grade A plantation-raised, natural teak and hand-woven synthetic wicker components woven to look like natural wicker. The synthetic wicker color is intended to blend well with both the teak in its new coloration and the “silver” it becomes as it is exposed to the sun.

Everyone wants a versatile dining chair, one that is easily cleanable, comfortable, and attractive. The Edgewood is perfect, with a rounded back that hugs nicely and offers a generous seat cushion. Originally designed for exterior use, it’s perfect for indoor dining as well. The soft golden-silvery finish of the weave blends beautifully with the teak in its natural finish or as it silvers with outdoor use.

Contact Kyle, our Chicago Showroom Manager, at kyleb@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7001