All posts by Alison Trovato

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.

Friday Finds: Linda Peterson

This week’s feature: Linda Peterson, Lighting Customer Service for C.A.I. Designs Scottsdale!

“Hands down, my favorite thing is our beautiful Axis Ring chandelier by Hammerton Studio. This artisan glass fixture is completely fabricated right here in the U.S. and the quality and attention to detail shows. Invisible LED modules illuminate the glass, while unobtrusive LEDs provide task lighting. Suspended by thin cables, this sleek yet glamorous ‘ice sculpture’ seems to float on air.

Like so many of our light fixtures, this one really needs to be seen to be appreciated. Please visit us in our Scottsdale showroom and prepared to be wowed!”

Scottsdale Design District

Featured Product:

  • Axis Ring Chandelier by Hammerton Studio

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

Friday Finds: Melissa Watson

This week’s feature: Melissa Watson, Lighting Sales Associate for C.A.I. Designs Arlington Heights!

“We are so excited to bring in a new lighting vendor, Alora Lighting, to our Arlington Heights showroom. The luxury brand is known for it’s refined finishes and timeless designs. I love the clean lines on the Salita linear pendant. It would work well in any design plan from contemporary to traditional.

The Salita is available in 3 different finishes and you have the option of using a clear or ribbed crystal to make it your own. Come on by and see this incredible piece in person!”

Arlington Design Center

Featured Products:

  • Salita pendant by Alora Lighting
  • Chairs, bench and table by Fremarc Designs
  • Table lamps by Visual Comfort
  • Artwork by Soicher Marin
  • Table vases by Gardeco

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

Friday Finds: Hilary Bailes Design

This week’s feature: Hilary Bailes of Hilary Bailes Design!

“The entry sets the mood, and the view of the lake inspired the natural materials to complement it and not distract. The stunning 13′ tree root from Urbia imports anchors the long space. Cisco Home ottomans in leather and a stunning Arteriors chandelier create a dynamic entry.”

Featured Products:

  • Tree Root Console by Urbia Imports
  • Ottomans by Cisco Home
  • Chandelier by Arteriors

For more information on Hilary Bailes Design, visit hilarybailesdesign.com.

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

Friday Finds: Park & Oak

This week’s feature: Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto of Park & Oak interior design studio!

“This is an upstairs hall in a lake house that we wanted to make functional and interesting. A family of 6 lives here so the goal was to create a quiet and comfortable place to relax and read a book. We used organic textures and neutral colors to create a serene and inviting environment.”

Featured Products:

  • Chaises by Lee Industries
  • Star Pendant & Task Lamps by Visual Comfort

For more information on Park & Oak, visit parkandoak.com.

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

Friday Finds: Philip Chavez

This week’s feature: Philip Chavez, Creative Director for C.A.I. Designs!

“Coming from my favorite corner in the Arlington Heights showroom, my inspiration is from mixing materials reminiscent of my home in New Mexico. The use of refined pieces with dusty palettes from the sunset to tribal patterning coming from the surrounding reservations to organic shapes found in the river valley, they each evoke memories of discovering items in old barns or ranches and digging through my grandparent’s treasure trove of pieces from generations past.”

Arlington Design Center

Featured Products:

  • Wood Panel Carving by Asian Loft
  • Sectional by Burton James
  • Sideboard by John Richard
  • Dining and Cocktail Tables by Taracea
  • Art by Wendover Art Group
  • Dining Chair by Designmaster
  • Accessories by CAI Designs Imports

For more information on our Arlington Heights Virtual Tour, please visit caidesigns.net/contact/arlington.php.

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