All posts by Alison Trovato

Meet Scott | Denver Furniture Specialist

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.

Meet Rick | Chicago Furniture Specialist

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.

Textures Interior Design

Lochmoor Project

“Alexis Elley of Textures Interior Design helped her client remodel a 90s home that had great structure, but needed to be brought into our modern world.”

“In the living room, she added molding to give some dimension to the walls, and fresh white paint. The couple loves to entertain so she decided to keep the pool table in the space while creating a cozy seating area around the fireplace for after dinner conversation and billiards. Window treatments of Italian velvet don the iron windows and custom window seat cushions make for ample seating. The artwork is a mix of contemporary pieces and “long lost relatives” sourced from a local auction house.

The sunroom had a beautiful pewabic fountain that she wanted to highlight, which truly makes this room a relaxation space for morning coffee or tea. Enter a boucle chaise with custom bullion and antique throw pillows, two swivel chairs and an antique fan chair. The smokey glass hurricane style sconces and lantern provide eye candy to the room. To soften the iron windows, relaxed roman shades were made in a soft linen.

In the dining room, she wanted to do something different that would be a conversation piece for the room. She chose a beautiful Italian countryside mural wallpaper scape. Antique dining tables, breakfronts, and buffets held the room firm while white lacquered and blue mohair chairs were added for sophisticated fun. A modern yet traditional chandelier and gilded gold antique sconces help set the lighting mood. Custom window treatments and window seats also add a layer of softness – and is reminiscent of a dining experience of the old world.”

Featured Products:


• Sonoma Storage Cabinet by Woodbridge Furniture
• Preston Chairs by Lillian August
• Carved Chair & Ottoman by Sherrill Furniture Brands
• Quarter Cocktail Table by Woodbridge Furniture
• Sofa by Lee Industries
• Brooks Spot Tables by Hickory Chair
• Salisbury Chair by Century Furniture
• MIY Round Ottoman by Vanguard Furniture


Kishawn’s Favorite Find

The Mesa Mandrel Chandelier by Hammerton Studio is my favorite find. Alternating beads of artisan blown crystal glass and metalwork evoke the bold look of modern jewelry in this linear chandelier. There are options for colors of metal and glass.

Dimmability of the light and the length of the fixture allow for a moody feel in a dining space.

Contact Kishawn, our Denver Inventory Specialist, at denverinventory@caidesigns.net

Farin’s Favorite Find

The Mira Dining Chair & Milo Arm Chair by Wesley Hall Furniture are my favorite finds. We are showing the Milo Arm dining chair with contrast buttons and with one of my favorite decorative options that Wesley Hall offers, the bridle upholstered on the back of the chair. On the Mira dining chair, we specified a contrast welt to show off the details of the frame. Wesley Hall can add all these options to their upholstery, making each piece truly unique for every project.

Dining chairs from Wesley Hall are a favorite of mine for many reasons. They have been family owned and operated for five generations. Every piece is constructed with premium cushioning, hard-wood frames, and traditional 8-way hand-tie spring systems to ensure long lasting comfort. Their products are made in the USA, including the wood, cushioning, and finishing supplies that go into them. They also have a lot of sustainability practices that I love to support including 100% of their packaging materials are recyclable.


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

Amy’s Favorite Find

The Bond Extra Large Pendant by Sans Souci is my favorite find.

This pendant had two glass elements; one convex, one concave fitted together with an integrated light source. Sans Souci’s signature nanocoating technology uses a thin and durable coating, which can be customized in the gradient, color and transparency to achieve the perfect finish for every piece in their collection.

The reflective properties of this technology are unlike anything else in the market. Their pieces combine artistry and unique designs offering designers the opportunity to create innovative installations that will captivate the viewer. I invite you to stop by the showroom in the Denver Design Center and see these beautiful pieces in person.

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

Katie’s Favorite Find

Individual sitting by a sleek, turquoise desk with a flip-up mirror in a stylishly decorated room, featuring modern artworks and elegant furniture.
Julian Chichester Silvy's Dressing Table with a floral orange stool in front.

Covered in a beautiful high gloss vellum, the Julian Chichester Silvy’s Dressing Table is my favorite. It has a feminine flare and is inspired by a 1930’s French original. In addition to the vellum, materials used include sycamore wood and aged brass hardware.

I love the bold teal color and the two-tone detailing on the pop-up mirror. I also love the materials used- with vellum being a natural skin no two pieces will be alike, truly one of a kind! Who wouldn’t want to pamper themselves at this beautiful statement piece?!

Contact Katie, our Scottsdale Jr. Furniture Specialist, at katieb@caidesigns.net or by phone at (480)-565-3775 x6930.

Claudia’s Favorite Find

The Bracci Regal Sectional  is my favorite find. The frame adapts to any transitional / contemporary setting, the leather is buttery, yet, easy to clean and perfect for families with kids. The power mechanism is individually controlled, and the head rest not only moves up and down, it also tilts back & forth.

Bracci does a phenomenal job as far as construction and details. The comfort level in all frames is amazing, and of course, the stitching adds an extra layer of design customization and uniqueness to this line.

Contact Claudia, our Scottsdale Furniture Specialist, at claudiac@caidesigns.net or (480)-565-3775 x 6933

Carol’s Favorite Find

The Pebble Armless Chair by Cisco Home is my favorite find. With an array of fabrics to choose from, this chair can be used in many different styles and applications. The Pebble Collection includes beds, sofas, and chairs to choose from.

This chair is surprisingly comfortable, considering it has a tight seat and tight back. The style is organic and contemporary with a low profile. With the swivel and no arms, this chair is fun and inviting.

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

Meet Katie | Scottsdale Junior Furniture Specialist

What is your past work experience/education? 
I have a BA in Interior Design, and I began my career working on both residential and commercial projects. I loved the creative process of transforming spaces, but over time, I found myself especially drawn to the furniture side of design—how the right piece can define a room, influence how people interact with a space, and bring a design vision to life. That interest eventually led me to transition into a role as a Furniture Specialist, where I could focus more deeply on the furnishings aspect of interior environments. Together, my education and work experience helped me see design not just as a creative pursuit, but as a way to solve problems and connect with people.That combination is what brought me—and keeps me—in the world of design.

Where were you raised?
I was born in New York but have spent majority of my life in Arizona.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Mainly from nature especially plants and water elements, but I always keep my eyes open as you never know when inspiration will arise!

What is your favorite color?
It’s a tie between pink and blue!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love spending time with my boyfriend and our two dogs—whether it’s going for a run together, taking them on hikes, or just relaxing at home. I really enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes, especially when I can share a good meal with loved ones. Travel is also a big passion of mine—I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and finding great food along the way.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
I would love to experience the Woodstock Festival. Three days of peace, music, and cultural revolution! Also, who wouldn’t want to see Hendrix live!?

How would you characterize your design style?
I would describe my design style as an eclectic blend of glam, bohemian, and mid-century influences. I love the sophistication and luxe feel of glam — think metallic accents, plush textures, and statement lighting — balanced with the laid-back, artistic vibe of bohemian elements like layered textiles and natural materials. I also draw from mid-century modern design for its timeless shapes, clean lines, and functionality.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” — Henry Ford

What is your favorite food?
Sushi!

What is your favorite TV series?
I am boring and don’t watch a lot of TV. If I can, I’d rather be enjoying the outdoors!

Anything else you would like to share?
I am grateful to be working with such a great team. Thank you all for being so welcoming!

Katie can be reached in the Scottsdale showroom at katieb@caidesigns.net or by phone at (480)-565-3775 x6930.