All posts by Alison Trovato

Favorite Things

Connie’s Favorite Find

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My favorite find this month, the Etienne Sofa by Highland House, offers a fresh take on a classic tuxedo sofa. It can dress up for a living room or easily become more casual for a den. Thin shelter arms, a bench seat cushion and two 21.5″ standard bolster arm cushions make Etienne a stand out.

I tend to sell this piece to designers of all ages. Both younger and older clients love incorporating it into their projects. I like it because, for a smaller sofa, it feels incredibly comfortable and generous in size.

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

Favorite Things

Heather’s Favorite Find

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The Kent Tufted Sofa by Hickory Chair is my Favorite Find this month. With its tufted tuxedo styling and effortless Ralph Lauren vibes, it strikes the perfect balance between sleek sophistication and comfort. The high arms of this sofa make perfect for reading because you can cozy up with the higher arm.

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

Favorite Things

Tricia’s Favorite Find

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The Focusx5 Pendant by DCWéditions is my favorite find. The chandelier is composed of 5 luminous discs in PMMA acrylic glass can be found in either white or black. The designer, Yuji, has transformed discs into objects floating mobile in a
weightless world of refracted light.

I love how you can glance at the light fixture at different times of the day and it looks completely
different. This magical quality is like a childhood memory or a future daydream cast in a swirl of
light.

Contact Tricia, our Indiana Furniture, Lighting & Fabric Specialist, at triciaa@caidesigns.net or (317) 740-0025×8302

Favorite Things

Farin’s Favorite Find

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The Ava Chair is a handcrafted accent chair, expertly made in the USA by Cisco Home. The curved back and wood plinth base add both comfort and style to any room. The chairs are shown in Bonn Birch with a sealed Walnut exposed wood base.

I love the look of this chair and how comfortable it is. With the tight back / tight seat offering, it makes it easy to add fun accent pillows or a cozy throw blanket. Also, the exposed wood on the base of the chair adds an extra detail that makes the chair stand out. It is a wonderful option to include in any design since it can look more traditional or contemporary depending on the fabric and wood finish selections.


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

Favorite Things

Carol’s Favorite Find

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The Cadence Canopy Poster Bed by Century Furniture features a Mocha Oak finish and an Antique Brass canopy. It can be customized with various wood finishes and fabric options for the headboard.

The bed is simple yet elegant. The oak wood and fabric headboard give it texture, and the juxtaposition of the smooth metal canopy is a great way to combine materials. This bed can elevate any bedroom, whether it is a guest bedroom or a primary bedroom.

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

Designer Spotlight

Elizabeth Scott Design

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Bannockburn Renovation

“Surrounded by over three acres of lush forest preserve (including a koi pond and a private lake), this home remodel had enormous potential. However, its interiors were dated, and the floor plan didn’t suit the lifestyle needs of this young family.

Elizabeth Scott Design Group collaborated with the General Contractor to modify the existing floor plan, add new floors, a new kitchen, a new master suite and master bath, and make significant updates to the great room, dining room, powder room, and foyer. The home features custom artwork and furniture throughout and is a true embodiment of our ‘livable luxury’ philosophy.”

Elizabeth Scott Design Group

escottdesigngroup.com

@elizabethscottdesign

Featured Products:


• Brou Chairs by Alfonso Marina
• Sectional by Burton James
• Daralana Lantern by Visual Comfort & Co.
• Wales Regency Chairs by Alfonso Marina
• Claret Chandelier by Visual Comfort & Co.
• Calliope Sconces by Visual Comfort & Co.

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