Tag Archives: themart

Meet Jamie | Chicago Furniture Specialist

What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.
I have almost 20 years of interior design industry sales experience. In Chicago, I worked as a Corporate Art Consultant for contract projects for several years. I then moved to Thailand for 3 years & relocated to Los Angeles where I managed a trade-only furniture showroom of beautifully antiqued bench-made pieces. From there, I went to contract fabric sales & then on to an outdoor furniture sales position. I recently relocated to Chicago to start here at C.A.I. Designs.

Where were you raised?
Northwest Indiana until I was 12 and then Central Illinois.

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Mostly from nature but also from visiting different archaeological/ architectural sites and wonders. I also find inspiration from perusing design industry imagery from multiple sources.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is/are some of your favorite product lines and why? 
I love several of the lines we offer. Alfonso Marina stands out as the pieces are exquisitely designed. l love all the hand detailing & fine craftsmanship!

What is your favorite color?
I love all colors and, depending on my mood, it may go from reds to blues to purples or more.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I’m an avid foodie & love trying new restaurants. I enjoy live music and outdoor concerts. I’m passionate about travel and have spent much time in Mexico, Central America and Asia. I also love hiking, beach days, yoga and sometimes just chilling on my sofa with my cat and a good book.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?The roaring 1920s just because it seems like such a fun time.

How would you characterize your design style?
I like an eclectic mix of items from different eras, natural woods, more neutral palettes with lots of splashes of accent colors.

What is your favorite food?
I love all kinds of foods, but Thai food is my comfort food.

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m very excited to be a part of the C.A.I. Team!

Jamie can be reached in the Chicago showroom at jamiec@caidesigns.net or by phone at (312) 755-9163×7002

Julie’s Favorite Find

The Antonia Linear Pendant by Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting is handcrafted in the US with elegant options to make it uniquely yours. It has seven finish choices, mixed metals and elegant parchment options.

Every detail of this fixture defines elegance! I had the privilege of going to the Fine Art factory outside of Miami to see their team work. The process that goes into their manufacturing is intricate and precise from start to finish. The metals are all handcrafted and hand applied. The pendant can used in a home that is traditional, transitional or contemporary. It is a must-see in person, a photo certainly does not give it justice. I look forward to showcasing it when our clients come in!

Contact Julie, our Chicago Lighting Specialist, at juliej@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7005

Steven’s Favorite Find

The Wesley Hall Jamestown Swivel in leather is my Favorite Find for this month.

A wonderful update to our best-selling Jamestown Swivel in fabric, now shown in a beautiful new leather called Pickett Nutmeg, with channel quilting on the outside arm and back. Also shown with nailhead trim along the wood swivel base, this chair has always been my favorite, and the new leather options give it a whole new look and comfort!!

Contact Steven, our Upholstery Buyer and Chicago Furniture Specialist, at stevens@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7002

Kyle’s Favorite Find

The Edgewood Dining Chair by Lane Venture is my Favorite Find. It is hand-crafted from Grade A plantation-raised, natural teak and hand-woven synthetic wicker components woven to look like natural wicker. The synthetic wicker color is intended to blend well with both the teak in its new coloration and the “silver” it becomes as it is exposed to the sun.

Everyone wants a versatile dining chair, one that is easily cleanable, comfortable, and attractive. The Edgewood is perfect, with a rounded back that hugs nicely and offers a generous seat cushion. Originally designed for exterior use, it’s perfect for indoor dining as well. The soft golden-silvery finish of the weave blends beautifully with the teak in its natural finish or as it silvers with outdoor use.

Contact Kyle, our Chicago Showroom Manager, at kyleb@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7001

Deborah’s Favorite Find

The Ravi Dining Table by Old Biscayne Designs is my Favorite Find. It features maple wood in a Sheer Night finish with a 60 gloss. While it’s a tricky finish to achieve, the result is truly beautiful! This new shape and style has just arrived in the Mart showroom, and I absolutely love the center leaf!

Contact Deborah, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at deboraha@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7003

Julie’s Favorite Find

The Corato Chandelier from Lib & Co. features elegant, handcrafted glass with petal-like detail and a unique design. This natural work of art casts an inviting glow to any room.

This fixture is beautiful from any angle, giving off a magical light. It is a must-see in person—a photo doesn’t do it justice!

Contact Julie, our Chicago Lighting Specialist, at juliej@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7005

Steven’s Favorite Find

Rene Cazares has been creating exceptional custom upholstery for over 34 years, and this 2-piece Carbon Sectional is a great example of his style and timeless craftsmanship. Key features to note about this collection include a wide arm that is perfect for your guests to sit on during parties, an oak arm tray for your coffee, trillium cushions for extreme comfort and minimal maintenance, and a sleek design that can work in a transitional or modern space.

As the C.A.I Designs upholstery buyer, I am always in search of a sectional that offers a wide array of standard components, stocked fabric selections, comfort, and great design. The Carbon collection is the perfect example of this. If the overall frame depth of 46” is too large for your space, we can look at the Fractured sofa/sectional series, which will sit just like the Carbon but at a 40” frame depth.

We are excited to offer Rene Cazares at C.A.I Designs.  This brand is a fabulous addition to our extensive upholstery line up.

Contact Steven, our Upholstery Buyer and Chicago Furniture Specialist, at stevens@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7002

Rea’s Favorite Find

The Tulip Chair is designed by Peter Jacob, who has created many pieces for Wesley Hall over the years. If you were to ask Peter about this chair he would simply say: “When I designed the Tulip Chair, I was not thinking of the flower at all. Instead, I was playing with reducing classical shapes. Peeling bits away to see what might be left, retaining a reminiscent form. The resulting silhouette looked a bit like petals unfurling and reaching upward. I knew the name had to be “Tulip”.

This is a fun chair for any room.  The design allows for many fabric possibilities and In Chicago we display the chair with contrasting fabrics.  The subtle eyelash fringe fabric on the exterior part of the frame and a rich green velvet on the interior. I enjoy clients’ reactions to this chair, especially after the sit test.  Many who walk past the Tulip admire its sculptural beauty and are blissfully surprised at how comfortable it is for its petite scale.  A great conversation piece for many spots in the home (foot of a bed, guest room side chair, foyer or fireside.) Truly striking from any angle!

Contact Rea, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at rean@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7004

Friday Finds: Deborah Alexander

This week’s feature: Deborah Alexander, Furniture Specialist for C.A.I. Designs Chicago!

“City on a Hill is a unique creation of console table as art by Paul Michael Company. The base is a sandstone boulder from the Ozark Mountains, Arkansas with hand cut, hand forged steel bound together for a cantilevered pedestal supporting the raw edge sandstone top. Not for the light of heart, the piece weighs approximately 600 lbs with the price reflecting the many hands it took to create. City on a Hill is a stunning showstopper for any home!”

Featured Product:

• City on a Hill Console by Paul Michael Company

For more information on our Chicago Mart showroom, contact Deborah Alexander at deboraha@caidesigns.net or 312-755-9163 x7003.

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