Designed by Yuji Okitsu, the Focusx5 Pendant by DCWéditions is composed of 5 luminous discs in PMMA (acrylic glass).
The kinetic nature of this fixture is entrancing and magical, while providing ambient light that brings a welcome energy to any space. Captivating as a Calder sculpture, this piece always brings me such joy.
Contact Kyle, our Chicago Showroom Manager, at kyleb@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7001
Hartmann & Forbes Window Treatments are my favorite find this month. Organic materials attract every customer who walks by our display wall in the Chicago showroom! The team at Hartmann & Forbes have a heart for the product which is helpful for every project!
The added layer window treatments bring to a room, a home of sunshine filtering, increasing palpable comfort all day long! From the most complicated window, Roberta, Dee and Chelle find solutions to every challenge.
Contact Deborah, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at deboraha@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7003
The Alfonso Marina Tarasco Buffet is my favorite find. It features primavera wood with yew and white cedar veneers, accented by antiqued brass hardware. The detail and hand craftsmanship are truly exquisite.
I love the colors of the wood tones and how the design is both contemporary and traditional at the same time.
Contact Jamie, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at jamiec@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7002
The Palecek Corsica Pendant is wrapped in hand-woven lampakanay rope with an antique brass finish. The combination of organic materials with geometric curves is the perfect mix for the Corsica Pendant collection by Palecek. With four different sizes and two hand-woven colors, the ability to mix and match allows for unique designs.
It’s exciting that Palecek continues to evolve their lighting collections with beautiful natural materials for both interior and exterior that add elegance before you even open the door!
Contact Julie, our Chicago Lighting Specialist, at juliej@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7005
The Mara Buffet by Taracea is my favorite find this month. American Oak, adjustable shelves to allow for all types of storage. It is in-stock and ready for pick up from the Chicago Showroom.
I am a huge fan of Taracea. The family owned and operated company is truly dedicated to sustainability, nature and the art of furniture making. The Mara buffet is a beautifully crafted one-of-a-kind piece. It‘s my favorite because of its sculptural yet architectural design. The organic American Oak veneer that wraps one side of the buffet makes for a great conversation starter at any dinner party. The Mara is truly a piece of art and best viewed in person, so stop on by to take a look!
Contact Rea, our Chicago Furniture Specialist, at rean@caidesigns.net or (312) 755-9163×7004
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
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
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
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
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