Category Archives: Events

Holiday Inspirations with Candice Olson

Thank you to all who attended the annual “Holiday Inspirations” at the Arlington Design Center featuring renowned designer and TV personality, Candice Olson.

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L to R: Kay Para, Ilene Chase, Candice Olson and Randy Heller
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The crowd awaits for Candice to arrive

Over 200 guests enjoyed a special presentation in the C.A.I. Designs warehouse, where guests entered through a specially designed vignette featuring some of Candice Olsons fabrics and wallcoverings. The evening continued with an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres and carving station from Elegante Catering.

The concept of Holiday inspirations was not only created to thank our clients for a great year, but also to inspire guests with creative ideas that you use for entertaining during the holidays in your own home. Below is the vignette in the C.A.I. Designs Showrooms, created by the showroom staff.

A Red Carpet step and repeat banner stood in the center for guests to share the special event.

We thank our clients for a great year and look forward to a prosperous and Happy New Year! Cheers!

Old Biscayne Lunch & Learn

Thank you to all who attended Our Old Biscayne Luncheon – 

It was all about CUSTOMIZATION….162B0889

Gretchen Gabrielli, President of Old Biscayne Design did a beautiful job in explaining details. All pieces on their website are pieces that we can build from or order “as is” in a finish selected.

The finishes are stunning …layers of washes and painting techniques.

This manufacturer has its own foundry and fabricates beautiful Iron Beds and Iron bases for dining tables as well as different applications of finishes on all of the iron pieces.

Learn More about Old Biscayne Design

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The Staff of C.A.I. Designs with Old Biscayne Design

 

 

ASID Design Excellence Awards Recap

AZ Staff and Award Winners

C.A.I. Designs would like to congratulation the winners of the 2016 ASID Design Excellence Awards.

Designers gathered in the ballroom at The Phoenician Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Cocktail service commenced with the lovely 5 piece jazz band “Jazzola”.

The ballroom was decorated in textural black fabrics complimented with pops of pink flowers adorning the tables. Chandeliers were suspended on arc -style floor lamps wrapped in black fabric so the base disappeared into the background.

The owner of Alyshaan Fine Rugs opened the show with a video presentation on the importance of free-trade in our industry. Husband and wife team, owners of Think Art Galleries, hosted the awards ceremony. We all enjoyed the experience of viewing the award winning projects. Stand out designs included a floor to ceiling slab marble fireplace, a back-to-back sofa table/banquette room divider for a small living space, and a custom, eco-friendly, futuristic dog house.

Thank you to the designers who joined us at our table. It was a lovely and memorable evening we all shared.

2016 C.A.I. Designs High Point Buyers Market Trends by Philip Chavez

As with all things, there is a large evolution of trend within design. During spring market in High Point, North Carolina, warmer palettes seen in Feizy’s Neela Indigo rug hearkened Bottega Venetta’s s/s 2016 women’s collection, representation of color theorists from the past shown in minimalist patterns were seen in the art piled in the Trowbridge showroom and artisana products with heavy texture from Roberta Schilling were my immediate obsessions.

Adding to this mix, architectural details played with voids and solids in the latest release from Michael Berman’s collection for Theodore Alexander. His simplification of form to promote function with stunning surface finishes were stellar…thank you, MB. What really showed well at market was the explosive Southwestern palette portrayed by Hickory Chair. Their rendition of this aesthetic was astounding, and coming from a native New Mexican, that is a strong statement of approval. The Museum of New Mexico facilitated colors and patterns within the product showing and not only collaborated with Hickory Chair, but also with Kravet, Inc.

The idea of increasing the worth of primitive textiles seemed to be the most sought after ideology. Think Taracea, the company utilizing reclaimed wood from central America. Their ability to hone natural resources and induce the consumer’s feeling of luxury comes close to being unmatched. But we cannot finish this article without addressing the belle of the ball. Announcing the takeover of Kate Spade. This luxury brand OWNED market this spring. From silver bow sconces for Visual Comfort to the playful owls within luxurious fabric prints used in lines such as Leathercraft and Burton James designed and developed with Kravet, Inc., one must include a piece or two within their space.

All in all, I would have to say design trends continue to be a time to play. Play with space, play with color and play with form.

68th Street Desert Design Days

trioDesigner Amy Lundwall accepting her prize with Dana Bryant (left) and Eric Berkely

The CAI Designs staff in Scottsdale enjoyed a sunny afternoon meeting and greeting the design community at the design centers annual spring event. With the showroom under construction, the team served popcorn, prosecco, lemonade, and ice tea outside. Owner Joe Caminiti welcomed designers into the construction site for a behind the scenes personal tour. Congratulations to our Fox Restaurants Gift Certificate winners Amy Lundwall of Amy Lundwall Design, Kacie Lilley and Stacy Scharf of K&Q Interiors, and Dusty Brinsmade of Robert Burg Designs.

Be sure to join our Scottsdale Mailing list to receive VIP info on our newest showroom!

Burton James Luncheon

Thanks for all who attended our Lunch & Learn with Burton James. The Arlington Heights warehouse designed a lunch setting combining formal black and white with casual natural textures and modern florals to compliment a fresh garden salad to celebrate Spring!

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BurtonJamesSofaThe casual theme mimicked what Burton James represents – natural beauty, style and comfort. 

Click to view all photos from this event.

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Char Fleischhauer (showroom manager Arlington Heights),  Mark Landres (director of design & marketing for Burton James) and Philip Chavez (buyer and merchandiser for C.A.I. Designs)

 

Neocon Fiesta

It was a midweek fiesta in the CAI Designs showroom, as Tech Lighting presented products and features of their newest collections, including Element downlights.

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Mini Taco Salad

Many have asked for the “recipe” for the mini taco salad and pico de gallo served at the event. So, here it is! This is great for summer parties and graduations with its easy Grab and Go capability! Add some Sangria and let the fiesta begin!

IMG_5035-picoPico De Gallo

Sun Ripe Tomatoes, cubed
Red or Spanish onion, chopped
Jalapeno (de-seed for less spice)
Cilantro
Dash of Salt
Squeeze of Lime

There is no measuring here. It’s all taste. Don’t like onions much? Don’t add as many. Love Cilantro? Add alot. Use Mini Key limes to garnish. Don’t have time to make it? Jewel has it by the container in the deli department. Mini 2oz. Margarita glasses available at Party City.


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Mini Taco Salad

Layer the following in a 10oz plastic cup:
Shredded Lettuce
Taco Meat
Pico de Gallo
Chihuahua Cheese
Dallop of Sour Cream
Garnish with your favorite Tortilla Chip (or 2 chips for no meat version!) (ours was the Kirkland Organic chips)

Taco meat is ground turkey cooked with your favorite taco seasoning (ours is the Chipotle flavor from Costco)
Super easy and you look like you spent hours doing it!