Favorite Things

Melissa’s Favorite Find

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The leather Urchin Chandelier by Ngala Trading Company comes in many sizes and leather colors. Each piece of leather is hand draped to give every piece a unique organic feel. I have all the colors and materials in the showroom for you to touch and feel.

Every piece from Ngala is hand-crafted by Artisans in South Africa. They use exotic materials and transform them into functional art. They like to call their products “Contemporary Safari Chic” There is nothing like their products in the market today!

Contact Melissa, our Arlington Heights Lighting Specialist, at melissaw@caidesigns.net or (847) 590-9835 x6781

The CAI Edit

CAI’s Color of the Year

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CAI Designs Merchandiser Kevin Branum shares his approach to selecting CAI’s Color of the Year and how it’s currently being applied in our showrooms.

“I am always excited to see Pantone’s Color of the Year, but this year’s choice of Cloud Dancer was a miss. So I decided to pick CAI’s color of the year, and this year’s choice is Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe.”

Cozy up to this earthy neutral, warmed by notes of a mushroom undertone. Partners beautifully with wood trim.

“This color instantly warms up any space and immediately gives a feeling of coziness, and I am using this color in our showrooms to add depth and dimension to highlight certain areas.

CAI Designs Scottsdale
CAI Designs Chicago

This color also pairs well with different styles. In Scottsdale, it is paired with a grass cloth wallcovering in a more natural, textural vignette. For Chicago, it is paired with a bold colorful geometric print wallcovering in a refined mid-century vignette. Stop by our showrooms to check out our new favorite color.”

Contact Kevin, our Buyer/ Merchandiser at kevinb@caidesigns.net.

Favorite Things

Julie’s Favorite Find

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Made in America from start to finish, the Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting Elevate Pendant with Frozen Pages glass is my favorite find.

Fine Art is one of my favorite lines because of the magic and craftsmanship behind every piece they make. The Elevate pendant series is a work of art as the light reflects and glows in every piece of glass. With several sizes, glass types and finish options available, you can make your very own work of art on your next project.

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

Favorite Things

Deborah’s Favorite Find

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Two pieces from American Leather, the Cirrus Chair & Ottoman and the Kobe Swivel, are my favorite finds. American Leather offers a full range of looks, from traditional to current, plus best selling sleepers. Great leathers, great comfort, and best of all, great timeline!

Happy Holidays at the Mart! These pieces are the best place to relax during the busy holiday season. Come see the best holiday decor in the warmth of a classic building! Pop up to the fourteenth floor to CAI Designs.

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

Favorite Things

Rick’s Favorite Find

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The Mona Chair by Thayer Coggin is my favorite find this month. I really love the fabric and wood combination.

Designed by Rick Lee, this chair is defined by a soft, biomorphic modern shape that hugs for an unparalleled lounging experience. It is available in a variety of fabrics and can be customized to match any décor. It is shown on our Chicago showroom floor in natural walnut and an olive green fabric.

Contact Rick, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at ricks@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7002

Favorite Things

Connie’s Favorite Find

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The Palecek Duvall Lounge Chair features a hardwood frame, legs with pole rattan in a brown finish accented with wrapped natural rattan peel.

Everyone likes the sit. It is very universal to all shapes and sizes. We like Palecek for its combination of luxurious, handcrafted design and the use of natural and global materials like rattan and abaca. This chair is a statement piece that is both sophisticated and comfortable. This style appeals to customers seeking high-quality, organic, and unique home furnishings.

Contact Connie, our Troy Furniture Specialist, at conniem@caidesigns.net or (248) 822-1300×8232

Favorite Things

Maria’s Favorite Find

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The Meshmatics Chandelier by Moooi is my favorite find. It is made with galvanized steel and brass. There is a single light source at the bottom inside the brass dome and illuminates the steel mesh structure. It’s available in 2 sizes.

This chandelier, designed by Rick Tegelaar, catches the eyes of many who walk by the showroom. The illuminated silhouette is a beautiful and soft display of sculptural light.

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

Favorite Things

Scott’s Favorite Find

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The Jules Sofa by Hickory Chair is my favorite find this month. The curved corners give this piece a distinctive look.

It is is available in multiple sizes with arm, back, and base options. This allows the sofa to work in a variety of different projects.

Contact Scott, our Troy Furniture Specialist, at scottd@caidesigns.net or (248) 822-1300×8225

Employee Spotlight

Meet Scott | Denver Furniture Specialist

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What is your past work experience/education? 
I’ve been in the industry going on 12 years split between the design side and showroom side.

Where were you raised?
I’m a Colorado native but moved around growing up.

What is your favorite color?
Blues and greens.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Family and music. I enjoy spending time with my partner, newborn and our two labs. I also enjoy music. I love going to concerts and discovering new and old music.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
The summer of 1969. Watch the moon landing, go to Woodstock, and follow the Grateful Dead.

How would you characterize your design style?
I gravitate towards modern and mid-century modern.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace” Jimi Hendrix

What is your favorite food?
I love Mexican food and would have it every day if possible..

What is your favorite TV series?
Band of Brothers and The Big Bang Theory

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m excited to join the CAI team and continue working with the amazing designers we service.

Scott can be reached in the Denver showroom at scotts@caidesigns.net or by phone at 303-282-8100 6972.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Rick | Chicago Furniture Specialist

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What is your past work experience/education? 
I started my career in the Merchandise Mart 26 years ago and I have many years of experiences in retail showrooms here in Chicago, Los Angeles, and in Palm Springs where I was able have my own business for several years

Where were you raised?
I was born in Indiana, but later my family moved to Michigan.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Thayer Coggin has always been a true favorite but I really have enjoyed exploring many new lines that I have not worked with in my career

What is your favorite color?
Blue has always been my to go to color but lately I have been drawn to many shades of greens.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love playing softball, hanging out with friends and family and traveling.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
I don’t think I would like to go back in time, I am always looking ahead towards the future.

How would you characterize your design style?
Clean and minimalist.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Live the life you’ve imagined.”

What is your favorite food?
I love seafood and the many ways it can be prepared.

What is your favorite TV series?
I have many TV series that i love, I can’t think of one that stands out as my favorite.

Anything else you would like to share?
I am excited to get moving and working with clients.

Rick can be reached in the Chicago showroom at ricks@caidesigns.net or by phone at 312-755-9163 x7002.