All posts by Alison Trovato

Favorite Things

Carol’s Favorite Find

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The Tatum Swivel by Century Furniture is part of their T-Chair series. It has different arm and base options you can choose along with different cushion options to fit your comfort.

The versatility of the options available really makes it feel like a built-for-me chair.  It is oversized and great for curling up to read, nap, or watch TV.  They now also offer a petite version which is perfect for when you want the look and feel but you do not have the space for a larger chair.  

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

Favorite Things

Kelly’s Favorite Find

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The Lomme XL Chandelier by Visual Comfort features a soft brass finish, and is led integrated. This fixture is offered in a single pendant and a linear chandelier.

I am infatuated with the elegancy of this fixture. The different shapes of the water droplet glasses that comes with this fixture are stunning. Having the option to position the glasses to your liking is another “wow” factor. Not to mention that is is LED Integrated.

Contact Kelly, our Scottsdale Lighting Specialist, at kellyh@caidesigns.net or (480)-565-3775 x6937

Favorite Things

Claudia’s Favorite Find

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The Carbon Sectional by Rene Cazares  is my favorite find. The structure and construction of the frame is superb, this fabric is lush, has a beautiful hand and the combination of white goose cushion fills and/or trillium provides great support and comfort.

It has such a beautiful presence; we have many options as far as bases and finishes. And it is extremely well built and comfortable.

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

Employee Spotlight

Meet Mark | Rug Sales Manager

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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 started my career as an on-location carpet and upholstery cleaner. I was then hired as a salesman, where I was bitten by the ‘rug bug’ and have been helping folks imagine and produce whatever they can dream.  AKA… The Rug Guy . “Art for the Floor, a Soul for you room”.

Where were you raised?
Woodstock, Illinois (not the famous one).

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
I’m a visual learner so nature and anything within view.

What is your most rewarding project and why? 
I love seeing the reaction of buyers when they receive their
rugs, so all projects are very rewarding.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
All things beautiful, inspiring and of course rugs!

What is your favorite color?
Any shade of green

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Cook, make things in the kitchen. . . My S>T>B>F> brand that I
have yet to get out of the kitchen. . .(Soon to be Famous). I’m
also a drummer. Married with an 11 year old son and 34 year old
daughter, proud dad.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Back to me in HS and tell me not to stress the future, just let it
roll, and it has 🙂

How would you characterize your design style?
Mid-Century interpretive “That’s a great idea, let’s make that”.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Let me take care of that!”

What is your favorite food?
Sushi

What is your favorite TV series?
Resident Alien

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love to share great food and drinks, look me up!

Mark can be reached in our corporate office at markr@caidesigns.net or by phone at 847-398-4785 x6762.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Kristen | Denver Sales Admin & Jr. Seller

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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 was a showroom coordinator for a countertop distributor and “got the bug” so to speak! I’m a homeowner and have made significant upgrades to my home. I have a lifetime love for design inspired from my seamstress mother, numerous art classes and work as a makeup artist too!

Where were you raised?
Phoenix, Arizona

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Design shows, publications and artists of all types.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Thayer Coggin and Verellen – exactly my aesthetic.

What is your favorite color?
Olive green

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I’m a dog lover and I like gardening, cooking, and socializing with my wonderful array of friends.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Mesopotamia – because I love the B-52s song!

How would you characterize your design style?
Modern with vintage, mid-modern, and pop art thrown in.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Do not trip over what’s behind you”

What is your favorite food?
Thai

What is your favorite TV series?
Dead to Me

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am thrilled to be working for CAI Designs in the best city in the country….DENVER!!!

Kristen can be reached in the Denver showroom at kristeno@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-7997 x6972.

Favorite Things

Melissa’s Favorite Find

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The Parel Chandelier by Modern Forms is made with Spanish Alabaster beads strung in an LED loop and draped over a whimsical metal frame.

This piece is so unique and graceful, there is no other fixture that looks like this. It is truly a show stopper! Come into our showroom in Arlington Heights to see it for yourself.

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

Favorite Things

Marcy’s Favorite Find

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The LAX Modular Sectional from Thayer Coggin features an architectural, cantilevered, solid maple base paired with smartly tailored upholstery. Extra soft and inviting poly blend down seat and back cushions provide LAX with a soft touch and easy comfort. Customize this sectional by choosing from sixteen distinct modular units to create the perfect configuration. Thayer Coggin also has fabrics that carry the same vibe as all of their beautiful handcrafted products. These fabrics can also transform all of their pieces into the classic modern design they proudly portray to the world.

Thayer Coggin created this clean line collection with style and comfort in mind. This striking frame is a dream to sit on with family/friends or relax by yourself with a glass of wine. Whichever scenario, the LAX will pull you in and will always be a favorite piece of furniture in any home.

Contact Marcy, our Arlington Heights Furniture Specialist, at marcye@caidesigns.net or (847) 398-4785 x6761

Favorite Things

Kevin’s Favorite Find

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The Panache Swivel Chair from Wesley Hall is one my favorite pieces. The combination of the comfort down seat and goose down back is truly comfort at its best. This swivel mechanism gives you the ability to move and engage with anything that may be going around you from conversations with friends to taking in the scenes from around you.

The beveled arm detail lends the chair to fit into any style, from traditional to contemporary, depending on the fabric. We chose a colorful, fun, bold print for this chair for a statement piece and to showcase Wesley Hall’s exquisite tailoring.  

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

Favorite Things

Julie’s Favorite Find

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The Corato Chandelier from Lib & Co. features elegant, handcrafted glass with petal-like detail and a unique design. This natural work of art casts an inviting glow to any room.

This fixture is beautiful from any angle, giving off a magical light. It is a must-see in person—a photo doesn’t do it justice!

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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Rene Cazares has been creating exceptional custom upholstery for over 34 years, and this 2-piece Carbon Sectional is a great example of his style and timeless craftsmanship. Key features to note about this collection include a wide arm that is perfect for your guests to sit on during parties, an oak arm tray for your coffee, trillium cushions for extreme comfort and minimal maintenance, and a sleek design that can work in a transitional or modern space.

As the C.A.I Designs upholstery buyer, I am always in search of a sectional that offers a wide array of standard components, stocked fabric selections, comfort, and great design. The Carbon collection is the perfect example of this. If the overall frame depth of 46” is too large for your space, we can look at the Fractured sofa/sectional series, which will sit just like the Carbon but at a 40” frame depth.

We are excited to offer Rene Cazares at C.A.I Designs.  This brand is a fabulous addition to our extensive upholstery line up.

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