Favorite Things

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

Favorite Things

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

Favorite Things

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

Favorite Things

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

Favorite Things

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

Favorite Things

Deborah’s Favorite Find

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The Ravi Dining Table by Old Biscayne Designs is my Favorite Find. It features maple wood in a Sheer Night finish with a 60 gloss. While it’s a tricky finish to achieve, the result is truly beautiful! This new shape and style has just arrived in the Mart showroom, and I absolutely love the center leaf!

Contact Deborah, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at deboraha@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7003

Employee Spotlight

Meet Carlita | Arlington Heights 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 received my bachelor’s degree at Illinois institute of Art in Schaumburg for Interior Design. I worked for La-Z-Boy and Crate and Barrel as the interior designer. I worked for a real estate company as a home stager and I also worked at an architecture firm named Morgante Wilson Architects as the Design Coordinator. My love for art started in middle school with painting and I knew I wanted to work in a creative field as I got older. In high school I loved watching HGTV and I knew that wanted to be in the interior design field for sure.

Where were you raised?
Lake Zurich

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Nature

What is your favorite color?
Teal

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Dancing is my favorite hobby. I have been dancing in a small dance studio for 13 years.

How would you characterize your design style?
Contemporary design would be my design aesthetic. Warm, cozy and functional. I love neutral tones with the use of different textures with gold accents.

What is your favorite food?
Tacos

Carlita can be reached in the Arlington Heights showroom at carlitap@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785×6761

Favorite Things

Maria’s Favorite Find

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With its galactic appeal, Chandelier Pearl by Eichholtz makes a radiant focal point in your home interior. Its pearl-like alabaster shade is surrounded by four metal rings with a bronze highlight finish on the outside and a gold finish on the inside. The rings can be rotated individually.

This striking piece captures the essence of a fantastical, uncharted planet from a distant galaxy. Three rings in graduated sizes encircle a shade designed to resemble a pearlescent lunar surface. Each bronze ring is accented with subtle hints of gold, creating an opulent effect. Light emanates from within the shade, highlighting the intricate textures of the chandelier. Suspended from an adjustable stem that connects to a canopy above, this fixture is perfect for any space where you desire abundant light and plenty of attention.

Contact Maria, our Troy Lighting Specialist, at mariak@caidesigns.net or (248) 822-1300×2370

Favorite Things

Nathan’s Favorite Find

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The Focus x5 Chandelier by DCW éditions is composed of five luminous acrylic glass discs. Designer Yuji Okitsu was inspired by the beauty of planets floating in space when he created this fixture, reminiscent of soap bubbles suspended in air.

This product is a favorite of mine because its elegant design will add a level of beauty to any room it is hanging in. Each lens amplifies the natural beauty of the space by reflecting different angles of the room through each of the free-floating lenses.

Contact Nathan, our Troy Inventory Specialist, at troyinventory@caidesigns.net or (248) 822-1300×8201