Favorite Things

Jonathan’s Favorite Find

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The Faenza Cocktail Table by Alfonso Marina is my favorite find. This Primavera wood cocktail table is composed of two pieces that complement each other beautifully. The larger table has a top with rounded corners that rests on sturdy banded legs – the contrast between thick and thin elements is gorgeous. The smaller piece is intricately carved providing a foil to the smoothness of the larger table. It reads as a beautifully crafted piece of sculpture. 

I love that the pieces can be separated depending on the use case. It takes up space; this is one of those pieces that has presence! Alfonso Marina does such a beautiful job with their finish work and this is a great example of that. The sumptuous surfaces really pop against light upholstery.

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

Favorite Things

Julie’s Favorite Find

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The Sea Urchin Chandelier by Ngala is my favorite find. It is featured in our Chicago showroom in Cream-Stone Leather. This chandelier is handcrafted by artisans who have enhanced their craft over many years. Most of Ngala’s products are sourced from family-owned businesses, with the majority of whom are women-owned and women-led.

The chandelier’s varying lengths create a soft silhouette that feels sculptural and elegant from every angle. There are a variety of unique leather colors that allows for a more personalized and distinctive design statement. I love that Ngala combines hand craftsmanship with ethical and local partners that result in both high quality and beautiful products.

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

Favorite Things

Rea’s Favorite Find

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The Bubble Chair and Ottoman by Bracci is my favorite find. This modern club swivel chair is available in leather only and offered in some of the finest Italian leathers. There are 2 stitch thicknesses to pick from and you can even do a contrasting stitch.  The chair is also available as a swivel glider or in a non swivel version.

I love the clean lines and sharp design. It is a wonderfully comfortable chair.

Contact Rea, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at rean@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7004

Employee Spotlight

Meet Jonathan | Chicago Furniture Specialist

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What is your past work experience/education?

I went to college for business, but I ended up in design because of a blog post I wrote (remember blogs?) about a home tour I went on. Lo and behold one of the designers I mentioned reached out to me and I ended up working with him for a number of years.

Where were you raised?

I was raised in Woodstock, GA which is about 30 miles north of Atlanta.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

My collection of vintage books and design magazines, internet deep dives, cinema, music, travel

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?

Thayer Coggin is such a classic heritage brand; I love the textures you get with Palecek ; Alfonso Marina for the gorgeous finishes and detailing

What is your favorite color?

I’m a sucker for burnt sienna.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love a good estate sale – my side hustle is selling/buying vintage furnishings.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?

NYC in the late ’70s to go out dancing.

How would you characterize your design style?

Moody and masculine with references to classical art and 1970s/80s design movements.

Do you have a favorite quote?

This too shall pass.

What is your favorite food?

Mexican! I could live off of chips and salsa/guac.

What is your favorite TV series?

Golden Girls

Jonathan can be reached in the Chicago showroom at jonathanc@caidesigns.net or by phone at 312-755-9163 x7003.

Favorite Things

Maria’s Favorite Find

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The 05801 Trend Fabric is my favorite find this month. It is a 54” wide Paisley pattern velvet fabric and it’s in the cleanable performance category. It is 100% polyester & exceeds 51,000 double rubs and is available in 3 colors.

I love the ornate traditional look of this pattern. The colors are rich and give a muted vintage-inspired scheme. The pattern is very busy and tightly packed, creating a luxurious, tapestry-like effect with almost no negative space. The texture is soft and would make any upholstery beautiful.

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 Roxy Would Swivel Chair by Thayer Coggin is my favorite find this month. Originally designed in 1965 by Milo Baughman, this chair is a modern classic. Featuring a walnut wood base, button tufting and a unique swivel-tilt mechanism, Roxy Would is a timeless lounge chair for all spaces.

I love this piece because it works with modern and transitional styles.

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

Favorite Things

Eileen’s Favorite Find

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The Loggia Sofa from Lane Venture‘s Hemmingway Collection is my favorite find this month. It features hand-woven synthetic wicker weave over premium powder-coated aluminum. It is shown in our Troy location in a Honey finish and is available in any Lane Venture outdoor fabric.

This is a favorite of mine because it is as stylish as it is comfortable. I love to be outdoors on my patio enjoying the sunshine!

Contact Eileen, our Troy Showroom Manager, at eileenm@caidesigns.net or (248) 822-1300×8232

Favorite Things

Mark’s Favorite Find

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The Orchid Bouquet by Treemasters is my favorite find. Multiple faux plants come together to create a beautiful arrangement that can be used anywhere in the home. I have orchids at home and love to watch them develop new blossoms. This arrangement is very life like and a stunning display of blooms.

Contact Mark, our Indiana Showroom Manager, at markc@caidesigns.net or (317) 740-0025×8301

Favorite Things

Zach’s Favorite Find

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The Metamorphosis Large Vase by Bomma is my favorite find. This smoked amber glass vase looks like a dragon egg! It’s different from what we have in our other showrooms—ours is a little smokier. Bomma creates these vases from lighting pieces that didn’t work for them, which I think is very neat, creating something out of nothing.

Contact Zach, our Indiana Showroom Assistant, at zachs@caidesigns.net or (317) 740-0025×8303

Favorite Things

Heather’s Favorite Find

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The Roxy Swivel Tilt Tub Chair by Thayer Coggin is my favorite find. We have a pair featured in our Indianapolis showroom, upholstered in a fun velvet print. I love the chair’s compact frame and the velvet makes it feel irresistibly cozy and inviting.

Contact Heather, our Indiana Fabric Specialist and Furniture Customer Service, at heatherl@caidesigns.net or (317) 740-0025×8305