All posts by Alison Trovato

Friday Finds: Expressive Interiors

This week’s feature: Marietta Calas of Expressive Interiors from Long Grove, Illinois!

“These asymmetrical channel back chairs by Burton James are the perfect compliment to the channel bed in this master suite. The velvet fabric on the chairs gave it a classic look and the asymmetrical design is sophisticated and inviting. These chairs complete the design of the room.”

Featured Product:

• Flamenco Chairs by Burton James

For more information on Expressive Interiors, visit expressiveinteriors.net.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds: Seek Interior Design

This week’s feature: Kristina Sterling of Seek Interior Design from Denver, Colorado!

“This living room reminds me of a room in Europe, combining old and new. Creating an inviting yet usable space to work and entertain.”

Featured Products:

  • Tamarind Table Lamps by Mr. Brown London
  • Belmont Desk by Mr. Brown London
  • Storm Cabinet by Julian Chichester
  • Slated Cocktail Table by John-Richard
  • Avery Stools by Palecek

For more information on Seek Interior Design, visit seekinteriordesign.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds: Lori Clarke Design

This week’s feature: Lori Clarke Design from Phoenix, AZ!

“We created this Master Suite to capture the elegance and sophistication of a french chateau, but we wanted to honor the design and ease of modern day living. Each detail speaks to our clients love for vintage, antiques, and a true appreciation for the french aesthetic.” – Lori Clarke & Summer Kraut

Master Bedroom
Office

Featured Products:

  • 3221-11 Apartment Sofa (Bedroom) and 3183-11 Apartment Sofa (Office) by Lee Industries
  • 3916-01 Host Chairs by Lee Industries
  • Ionia Coffee Table by Hickory Chair

For more information on Lori Clarke Design, visit loriclarkedesign.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds: Claudia Clouse

This week’s feature: Claudia Clouse, Showroom Sales Associate for C.A.I. Designs Scottsdale!

“The 629 Sectional by Burton James is a great addition to any casual elegant design project. You can customize the arms, backs, cushions and base. There are several sizes available, including a beautiful chaise to add another custom touch to your project. 

Available in several fabrics, luxurious velvets and Crypton choices along with many standard finishes and three new gorgeous options, it will definitely make a statement in your client’s home. Not to forget, it is extremely comfortable too! Please stop by to learn more. I’m looking forward to assisting you!”

Scottsdale Design District

Featured Products:

  • 629 Sectional by Burton James
  • Brie Cocktail Table by Old Biscayne Designs
  • Palisades Rattan Wall Decor by Palecek
  • Parkwood I and II Artwork by Art & Frame Source
  • Bowl by Legend of Asia
  • Rasstro Cutting Boards by Taracea
  • Twain Dusk Rug by Feizy

To customize the 629 Sectional or make an appointment at our Scottsdale showroom, contact Claudia at 480.565.3775 ext. 6933 or by email at claudiac@caidesigns.net.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Meet Carrie | Arlington Heights Customer Service Representative

What is your past work
experience/education?
I received my Bachelors of Art degree in Fine Arts at Illinois Institute of Art- Schaumburg. I interned at a design firm then stayed with the firm as a Jr. Designer for 2 years. I then worked at Robert Allen for 8 years and Pindler for 7 years in Sales.
Where were you raised?
Palatine, IL.

What is your most rewarding project, and why?
My most rewarding project is helping designers select materials/fabrics for their presentations to clients. When designers are in the showroom I get to see what they are working on and I like knowing that I’m there to help when needed.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Burton James, the furniture selections on the sales floor at our Arlington Heights showroom are wonderful!

How would you characterize your design style?
Traditional.

What is your favorite color?
Blue.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to go boating on Lake Michigan, camp, travel, do any water sport or even just sitting on the beach. I hike, read novels, ride my scooter when weather permits and hang out with family members!

What is your favorite TV series?
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Big Bang Theory and Friends.

Carrie can be reached in the Arlington Heights showroom at carriey@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785 x6763.

Meet Zack | Arlington Heights Inventory Specialist

What is your past work
experience/education?
I’m currently studying at Harper College, but I have worked for C.A.I. during my summers as a part time job to help inventory at the AH location. Working during the summers allowed me to have a good base for the Inventory position and hopefully I can fill the shoes of Ernesto as he’s been such an amazing worker here.

Where were you raised?
Arlington Heights, IL.

What is your most rewarding project, and why?
As a part time hobby I do video game streaming on the platform Twitch and have built a small brand and following in a short amount of time. I have worked my way up to be able to receive revenue from ads and people paying to be a subscriber to my channel.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from professional athletes from any sport due to their drive to always be better than they were the day before. I live by striving to be the best in my field and to never be satisfied.

How would you characterize your design style?
Comfortable, functional and fashionable.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
My favorite product line is Brownstone because of the sleek modern look of their products.

What is your favorite color?
Red.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Stream video games, hang out with my family, and hang out with my girlfriend at her apartment in the city.

What is your favorite food?
Anything seafood or any Asian dish. When both of those combine for a meal it is perfection.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go?
I would travel back to the beginning of the 80’s to experience Rock ‘n Roll at it’s peak.

What is your favorite TV series?
New Girl as it is extremely funny when I wasn’t expecting it to be. Top tier sitcom.

Anything else you would like to share?
I can’t wait to meet everyone working here and hope everyone has a great up and coming 2021.

Zack can be reached in the Arlington Heights showroom at ahinventory@caidesigns.net or by phone at (847) 398-4785 x6764.

Meet Logan | Chicago Sales Assistant

What is your past work
experience/education?
I studied Interior Design at Indiana University and graduated in 2019. I then moved to Chicago where I started working for
Haywoodmade Interiors as a Design Assistant.

Where were you raised?
Indiana.

What is your most rewarding project, and why?
Sourcing all furniture & lighting for a 3-story townhome in Lincoln Park at my last position. It felt especially rewarding because I got to take the lead and it felt more like my own project compared to others.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Observing all things design in my daily life, but also through photography and my favorite social media accounts.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Regina Andrew, I love the materials used and the mixture of different elements and styles to make unique pieces.

How would you characterize your design style?
I’m drawn mostly to mid-century modern.

What is your favorite color?
Blue or green colors.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two dogs that I spend majority of my spare time with. I enjoy studying astrology, refinishing old furniture, painting, and traveling.

What is your favorite food?
Strawberry Mochi.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go?
Probably the 60s – I like the clothing and interior styles of that time period.

What is your favorite TV series?
Stranger Things.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Following your heart is always worth the risk.” – Danica Gim

Logan can be reached in the Chicago showroom at chicago.admin@caidesigns.net or by phone at (312) 755-9163 x7007.

Friday Finds: Sarah Noel Interiors

This week’s feature: Sarah Noel Interiors from Denver, Colorado!

“Our laid back, city-centric clients wanted a look that could be dressed up for entertaining while maintaining a casual look for everyday use. This Burton James sectional gave us the unique, yet classic look we wanted to create a well-balanced space. Combined with the Arteriors drink table, this casual look morphs into an entertainer’s dream!”

Featured Products:

  • Alternatives Sectional by Burton James
  • Sloan Coffee Table & Turin Side Table by Arteriors
  • Geo Rectangle Floor Lamp by Regina Andrew
  • Rug by Feizy

For more information on Sarah Noel Interiors, visit sarahnoelinteriors.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds: Foote & Co.

This week’s feature: Melinda Foote of Foote & Co, LLC from Scottsdale, Arizona!

“The large seating area of this kitchen needed an anchor to pull together existing furnishings. So, the natural go-to was a pair of Lee Chairs and Ottoman, both tops in comfort and design. The perfect pattern matching created outstanding style and presentation.”

Featured Products:

  • 1845-01 Lounge Chairs and 1845-00 Ottoman by Lee Industries

For more information on Foote & Co, LLC visit melindaafoote.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.

Friday Finds: Leo Designs

This week’s feature: Georgeann Rivas of Leo Designs!

“I wanted to provide my clients with a refuge from their busy lives. They have demanding careers and four children, so this lake house is their sanctuary. The smooth, curvy lines of our Kagan Sofa combined with the softness of our Thayer Coggin Swivel Chairs contribute to a feeling of tranquility and comfort in this beach home.”

Featured Product:

  • Stockton Swivel Chairs by Thayer Coggin

For more information on Leo Designs, visit leodesignschicago.com.

Our showrooms are currently open and appointments are recommended. Please contact your local showroom for assistance.