And the Winner is….

Throughout the month of October, you voted for your favorite MADE IN AMERICA product. See below for the winners of Decision 2016!marta-img_2053

Made In America Winner:
LEATHERCRAFT EMILE CHAIR

Submitted by:
MARTA DOBRZYCKI
Arlington Heights Showroom

Click here for more information on the Emile Chair, or contact your local showroom.

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Made In America Runner Up:

HUBBARDTON FORGE THETA LIGHT

Submitted by:
WENDY CONVERY
Denver Showroom

Click here for more information on the Theta Fixture, or contact your local showroom.

Thank you to all the participants of Decision 2016. Click here to view photos of all the nominees.

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.

Meet Dana Bryant… C.A.I. Designs Scottsdale, Showroom Manager

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How did you get into interior design?

Being a self taught weaver and lover off all things art and textile, I had the blessed luck of meeting a most talented artist who had just returned from being educated in Paris. We created, wove, sold and shipped beautiful upholstery fabrics to interior designers across the United States, Canada and Mexico for over 15 years. I have continued to love the world of design ever since.

 

What was your most rewarding project and why?

That is really a very easy question to answer. All of them! Seriously, I get the same satisfaction in helping designers and their clients find the pieces that ultimately combine to create their perfect spaces no matter how big or small the project. Their happiness is my happiness!

 

Where do you see the interior design market going in the future?

Humans naturally want to be surrounded by beauty and furnishings that make them happy. Decorated cave dwellings and the stories of Josephine decorating Napoleon’s tents during long battles tells us this human desire has been around before man was even civilized, so it’s not going anywhere. Like most professions there is an art and an education to being an interior designer. The educated general public knows that an interior designer will ultimately save them money and create those beautiful environments we all desire but most cannot accomplish themselves. The direction the industry will go would require the purchase of a crystal ball.

 

Are their any insights or helpful hints you can share with designers when they are working with their clients on projects?

 Yes, two actually. The first rule of sales is to listen to your clients.

Secondly, manage client expectations. Giving clients realistic expectations of the products and process will eliminate a lot of misunderstandings and unrealistic demands.

 

What is your favorite color?

 I love White! White goes with everything; it is the presence of all colors.

Then secondly I love most all colors.

 

 

 

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)

 

Recipe of the Season

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INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter, cut into about 8 pieces 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups pan drippings OR 4 cups chicken stock

DIRECTIONS
*If using drippings from a chicken or turkey: Pour drippings into a fine mesh strainer then allow the drippings to cool a bit so that the fat rises to the top and starts to solidify. Use a spoon to remove the fat. If you don’t have enough drippings to equal 4 cups, add enough chicken or turkey stock until you have 4 cups of drippings. *If you’re not using turkey or chicken drippings, use 4 cups chicken or turkey stock. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper Slowly add in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, constantly whisking to combine. After a few minutes, the flour will be well incorporated into the butter. Slowly begin to pour in drippings and/or chicken broth into the pan, constantly whisking. Allow the gravy to cook for several minutes, so that it can thicken up. Serve immediately, or keep on very low heat until you’re ready to serve.

Thank you Center Cut Cook for an amazing recipe. ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving!