See all of the options here
Char can be contacted at (847) 398-4785 Ext. 6760 or by email charf@caidesigns.net
Char’s Favorite Things
Woodbridge Wows at C.A.I
If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Woodbridge Furniture owner Kevin Hinshaw, chances are the next time you see him, he will remember your name, your kids’ names and that of your family pet. It is this personalized approach to business that Kevin and his father have instilled within the company that truly sets Woodbridge apart in the furniture industry.
The story of this customer focused company began 16 years ago when Kevin and his father started the business. Inspired by design and in love with the design process, they set out to build a brand that would have a reputation for timeless design. Despite struggles and with a lot of hard work, they did just that. Today, Woodbridge offers high quality finishes, best in class construction, and even custom paint and upholstery options so that you get exactly the look that you envision.
C.A.I Designs is now proud to offer the complete Woodbridge line. Visit us and take a look at what they have to offer for your next project.
Have we peaked your curiosity? Visit one of our showrooms to see these pieces.
Meet Randy| Denver Lighting Specialist
What is your past work experience/education?
I started my career in financial services and insurance. After my partner graduated Design School he started his design business and we were hired by a furniture store owner to do window coverings in his home. He liked us so much that he offered me a job in his store. My love of design helped me to do well and I was recruited by clients to join their new boutique furniture store. One day I asked, “What kind of lights do people use with this great contemporary furniture?” As a result, we went to Market and opened a few lines of lighting, which led to us abandoning furniture altogether. As a result, in 2001, I started selling lighting learning the industry from the ground up.
Where were you raised?
I grew up in Ft. Collins, Colorado and we moved to the Denver area when I went into Middle School.
What is your most rewarding project, and why?
In my capacity at YLighting, I worked with the Set Decorator of Fifty Shades of Grey, among other film projects, who asked me for fixture suggestions, all of which made it into the films. Seeing my ideas brought to fruition was a great experience for me.
How would you characterize your design style?
My great love is Mid-Century Modern design. Using those clean lines as a base, I take the minimalist cold aspect of the style and warm it up with color, texture and restrained embellishment. Still clean and crisp yet warm and inviting.
In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Obviously Visual Comfort is a favorite, not only of mine but also of our design clientele. Hubbardton Forge and Hammerton are always great because of their custom capabilities. Modern Forms and Tech Lighting are favorites for pushing the boundaries while making LED lighting that can work well in residential settings. In furniture, Thayer Coggin is a huge favorite having sold them previously and always looking up to their iconic style.
What is your favorite color?
Blue of any hue
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My partner and I have a standing Pizza/Movie date for Friday nights and we are both avid music lovers. In my spare time I curate playlists on Spotify which have thousands of followers.
What is your favorite food?
Mexican food is my weakness. I was nearly 12 the first time I tried it and the memory is as fresh as if it was yesterday. Love at first bite, definitely.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? Is there anything you do to get inspired when you hit a slump?
My partner inspires me in many ways. Not only is his impeccable design style a source of inspiration, the fact that he NEVER complains no matter what’s going on has also taught me a valuable lesson. If I hit a slump, I remember to be grateful first of all. Next, being Danish, I go back and look at works by my favorite Danish design stars like Louis Poulsen and Verner Panton to get my creative mojo working.
Any last words for us you’d like to share?
Follow me on Instagram @LuxuryHomesStaging
Randy can be reached at the Denver C.A.I. Designs Showroom at randyj@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-8100 x6972
Meet Trevor | Denver Sales
What is your past work experience/education?
Both my mother and grandmother were interior designers turned entrepreneurs who started their own furniture showrooms. I grew up a child laborer taking out the trash and moving furniture during floor flips. I graduated from Catawba College which is just south of High Point. During college, I became familiar with going to the High Point market to assist buying for my mom’s showroom.
Where were you raised?
I grew up in Austin Texas so I’ve got a mix of city and ranch life in me.
What is your most rewarding project, and why?
Back in Austin, I had a designer who was chosen by Make-A-Wish to redesign a kiddo’s bedroom to be fit for a superhero. The child had been through several rounds of chemo and all he wanted was a bedroom filled with Marvel superheroes. The entire project was an ego check for me and the designer. We all have our own issues , but furniture is still furniture.
How would you characterize your design style?
I enjoy loads of bohemian color schemes surrounded by pieces that tell a story. I like the feeling of digging through an old crusty antique store for a conversation piece and knowing its going to live in a bright wallpaper-filled space.
In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why?
I love the versatility and customizing capabilities of Burton James and Taracea. Both are great lines managed by great people.
What is your favorite color?
Green.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
If I have a week off I like to backpack and travel. If I have a day or weekend off, I’ll spend time mountain biking, snowboarding, or hiking.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken Wings. Ribs is a close second.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? Is there anything you do to get inspired when you hit a slump?
When I hit a slump I like to talk with my close friends and family. They usually put my head back on straight.
Any last words for us you’d like to share?
I had the opportunity to meet the extended C.A.I family at our sales meeting in Chicago. It made me appreciate how close this company is with their employees.
Trevor can be reached at the Denver C.A.I. Designs Showroom at trevors@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-8100 x6976
Andreas Favorite Things
Andrea can be contacted at (708) 218-7376 or by email at andreac@caidesigns.net
Linda’s Favorite Things – Sparta Chandelier
Click here for details and information on the Sparta Chandelier
Linda can be contacted at (480) 565-3775 x6931 or by email at lindap@caidesigns.net
Pardon Our Dust
The Grafitti Walls at the Arlington Design Center 2018
If you have been in the Arlington Design Center, you have seen our Grafitti Walls become more consumed with inside jokes, inspirational quotes, images and words of wisdom. We are happy to announce that construction has begun!
Through the next couple months we will keep you posted as we move our mobile showroom around the construction site. We will be open during construction so please follow the building signs to guide you to our helpful staff. Currently we are in the warehouse space waiting to answer any questions you may have.
Two become one! The doors you see in the back middle is the “old” entrance to the warehouse from the hallway. The opening on the left is the walkway from the old furniture showroom to the warehouse. You can now see that the furniture and lighting showrooms are all one cohesive space.
New Year Cheer
Consumer confidence, low unemployment, and housing demand expected to fuel sales in 2019
Industry analyst Jerry Epperson thinks that the current spate of hot, heavy, and sometimes hateful political news is drowning out good tidings about our economy. “Yes, we should be concerned that Sears filed for bankruptcy, and about the tariff negotiations with China, but, economically, there are no bad stats,” he said during his Fall Market State of the Industry session.
Epperson, Managing Director of Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd. regaled his standing room only audience of industry leaders with evidence of real economic progress. “We have strong numbers across a range of indicators like housing turnover, disposable income, debt levels, inflation, and mortgage rates. Consumer confidence is at an 18-year high, unemployment is at a 14-year low, and we’ve had consistent industry growth over the past several years.”
Ken Smith, former managing partner of Smith Leonard, a High Point accounting and consulting firm, and author of the Furniture Insights® newsletter, concurred with Epperson’s optimistic view in the Executive Summary of his October issue. “New orders in August 2018 increased 9% over new orders reported in August 2017. August 2017 orders were up only 1% over August 2016 orders. The 9% increase in August followed three consecutive months of 5% increases reported.
High consumer confidence levels spur purchasing activity according to Epperson, as does the increase in consumer wealth, which has grown since the recession from $54 trillion to a record $96 trillion. He attributes this gain to home prices, the stock market and less personal debt. His bullish outlook is bolstered by the fact that corporate America is experiencing its best decade since the peak in the 90’s, investing in equipment, technology, and facilities, with over $2 trillion in cash accumulated. “Banks are healthy and lending, plus we have new consumer credit sources, often funded by private equity, giving retailers more ways to finance our customers,” he said.
Epperson’s most compelling reason for being upbeat about 2019 and beyond is the irrefutable shift in US demographics. 83 million Millennials (now 19-37 years old) are buying and will continue to purchase furniture and mattresses, with their potential for spending in this category increasing annually until 2034. Their proportion of spending changes with their age and income. When today’s 25-34-year-old households move into the 35-44 age group, their share of all pretax income will grow from 15.7% to 21.0% and their share of furniture spending will grow from 17.9% to 21.5%. It will also increase when they move into the 45-54 age sector.
Audience member Roger Hancock, owner of Town and Country Furniture near Buffalo, New York, agreed with Epperson’s positive outlook. “We experienced a sales increase of 425% from November 2015 to November 2016, as a direct result of offering motion seating to our customers. Last year’s sales were 51% ahead of that record year. September 2018 sales were three times ahead of last September. These gains are the result of the economy, consumer confidence, and the aging of our consumer base. We’re confident this trend is going to continue for many years to come.”
Jerry Epperson’s Industry Outlook is held at 9am Sunday morning at Market, in the Retailer Resource Center. Check the Home Furnishings Association exhibitor profile mid February for a complete list of seminars and networking opportunities.
Brent’s Favorite Things – Hubbardton Forge
Grand Re-Opening in Denver
Thanks to all who attended our Grand Re-opening at
The Denver Design District On Thursday, Sept 27th.
Guests were greeted with a welcome cocktail of champagne, wine and specialty cocktail custom created by our amazing mixologist Courtney Flynn.
While enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres by Footers Catering,
designers and vendors mingled throughout our relocated and expanded showroom including a lighting boutique, dedicated designer library, and many new product selections.
Special Thanks to our C.A.I. Designs corporate team and Denver Showroom Staff for making our new showroom a reality. 
Click Here to view all photos from our Grand Re-Opening. Feel free to contact our Denver Showroom with any questions on our latest expansion or product lines.