5 things design series

OUR CO-FOUNDER ALYSIA HAS SOME THINGS TO SAY ABOUT DESIGN

HIDDEN TREASURE

Concealed/Invisible Hinges: They offer such a clean, sleek look to any space.

stay stoned

Stone Cabinet Pulls and Handles: The addition of a natural material can soften a space and there are a lot of interesting designs out there.

the perfect purple (viola) touch

Calacatta Viola Marble: It's dramatic and I love it in a dark, moody bathroom or powder room.  

*sidenote: this is a shared love/obsession of all c.a.solutions co-founders

keeping it moody

Dark Purple-ish Plum Paint Colors: We're excited to use River Rouge by Sherwin Williams in an upcoming project. These colors look especially fabulous when color drenched. (pictured: River Rouge, Sherwin Williams, Brinjal, Farrow & Ball, Chambourd, Benjamin Moore)

Unfinished Business

Unlaqured Brass Fixtures: I love the way this material patinas and creates a truly unique look.

bonus spring-time non-design love

BONUS: Spring! I'm really into starting seeds inside for my summer garden. Even though the weather still leaves a lot to be desired, I have pops of green coming up indoors and it's getting me very excited for the warmer months ahead!

a few of my (very personal) not so favorite design things

Barn Doors: I'm over the chunky wood and heavy hardware version of this. I appreciate the space saving features but in a more refined, streamlined design. Gray Wood: It doesn’t always age well and can date a house. Modern Farmhouse Light Fixtures: For me there are better options out there that may be more classic. Word Art: You get it. Colorless Spaces: This just isn't interesting (to me).

bonus dislike (likely shared worldwide)

BONUS: The word "Moist": Save it, Betty Crocker.

Mural Mayhem

Catching up with our favorite local muralist, Erin Gajan

Creativity, love and always Maine

We recently had the pleasure of working with an incredible local mural painter, Erin Gajan (@edesignsmaine), who also happens to be a childhood friend. Erin pours her whole heart and creativity into every project she takes on, and her deep connection to Maine, her family, and her art shines through in each piece. We’re beyond excited to incorporate her unique work into our upcoming projects and wanted to share a glimpse into her artistic process. We sat down with Erin to learn more about her journey and what drives her incredible talent.

Do you have a favorite project? 

My favorite project was the plaid I recently completed for CA Solutions, and not just because I got to collaborate with childhood friends.  Working through the creative process with Chrissy and Alysia was awesome. Every detail of the design was tweaked and re-tweaked so that their client had the perfect plaid for their space.  But the best part was seeing one of my designs in such a beautifully done room. Chrissy and Alysia paid as much attention to every last detail in that project as they did to every line and every color in the plaid.  The end result was stunning!

How did you get started with your murals? 

I began painting my own home when my girls were very little.  My husband traveled weekly and after the girls were asleep I'd get to painting.  I gradually gained confidence with each project I completed. 

What is the easiest/hardest part of your murals?

A lot of people ask me if I'm bored when I paint.  But painting is the only time I get to tune out everything else and be creative. That's definitely the easiest part of the job.  Getting into the zone.

The hardest part of a job is always the incredibly awkward positions I spend hours in.  Head bent under the ceiling, contorting to get into the hard to reach spots.

what was your most challenging project? 

I designed a wall for a young girl who wanted surfboards, palm trees, pineapples and sunglasses.  That was the hardest design to create.  There were times when I thought I just wasn't going to be able to nail it.   And not nailing it wasn't good enough.  But in the end, it turned out perfectly.
what are your plans/hopes for the future?  I really enjoy working with design firms and seeing my designs in a newly reinvigorated, thoughtfully done spaces.  I'd love to continue that in the future.

do you like original designs more or the challenge of repeating an existing design? 

Working on an original design is always a fun challenge, but that doesn't mean I prefer it over repeating an existing design.  In all honesty the most satisfying part of any painting job is the end result. I absolutely love when a vision becomes reality. 

final thoughts

Starting a business has been a journey filled with valuable lessons, and one of the most enjoyable aspects has been working closely with vendors. Learning their processes, understanding different communication styles, and ensuring the collaboration is mutually beneficial has been a rewarding experience.

Working with Erin was just one of those rewarding experiences, she brought the perfect balance of creativity and open-mindedness to the table. Her ability to adapt and contribute to our vision made all the difference in ensuring the success of our project. Working with someone who is as invested and collaborative as Erin is truly a privilege.

If you ever have the chance to collaborate with talented childhood friends, seize it! There's something uniquely special about building together with those who understand you deeply. The result? A partnership that's not just about business but about shared experiences and mutual respect.

In the end, these moments remind us that business is not just about transactions, but about the relationships we build along the way.

(up)staged to sell

how we help you help your seller help a buyer

Location, Location, Location

We've had the privilege of staging in some truly breathtaking locations—from lush forest retreats to stunning waterfront homes. Each space offers its own unique charm, and our goal is to bring those outdoor elements inside.

Whether it's the vibrant energy of a modern city, the peaceful greens of a forest, or the calming coastal vibes of a waterfront property, we make sure to incorporate the essence of the environment into our staging. We focus on using natural materials, colors, and textures that resonate with the surrounding landscape—creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Look For the Light

One of the most compelling elements of a home is its natural light. We always aim to stage properties in a way that maximizes this precious resource. Natural light doesn’t just make a space feel brighter—it makes it feel larger, more inviting, and more welcoming. Buyers are naturally drawn to well-lit homes, as it gives them a sense of openness and warmth. It’s no wonder that homes with abundant natural light tend to sell faster and for higher prices.

By strategically placing furniture that allow for the most natural light, we create an environment where potential buyers can picture themselves living. They begin to imagine how their personal style and color choices will be reflected in the space—how their favorite furniture pieces will sit perfectly in the sunlit living room or how their plants will thrive in the natural light streaming into the kitchen. In home staging, light isn’t just a practical consideration—it’s an essential tool for creating the right atmosphere. By highlighting natural light, both indoors and outdoors, we help potential buyers and renters see the true potential of a property. It’s about giving them the opportunity to imagine how their personal style will thrive in the space, and how the lighting can enhance their experience of living in it. At the end of the day, staging for light can truly be the key to making a lasting impression and closing the deal.

keep it simple

Ultimately, our goal with staging is to keep things as simple as possible—for both ourselves and our clients. The simpler the staging process, the more effective it is. By choosing neutral pieces, adding a few pops of color, and embracing easy-care greenery, we create a space that feels inviting and full of possibilities.

When it comes to staging inventory, we lean toward neutral pieces that serve as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer’s imagination to take over. We choose furnishings and decor that have broad appeal—timeless styles, soft tones, and simple shapes—so that buyers can easily see themselves in the space. This way, we avoid imposing any personal design preferences on the potential buyers and let the property speak for itself.

One of the most effective ways to guide buyers is by showing them how simple changes can unlock a space’s full potential. Take, for example, the power of a single piece of art in a living room. A carefully chosen artwork can completely change the vibe of a room, making it feel more sophisticated or cozy, depending on the style of the piece. Or consider the impact of the size of a bed—what seems like a small detail can completely alter the perception of a bedroom’s size and layout. A large, well-placed bed can make a room feel more luxurious and spacious, while a more compact option can create a cozy, intimate retreat.

We also love showing buyers the versatility of a space. A spare bedroom doesn’t just have to be a place for a bed—it can also be an office, a reading nook, or a home gym. By setting up rooms in multiple layouts, we allow potential buyers to see how they can use each space in a way that works for their lifestyle. This flexibility is key in helping buyers see the true potential of a property, whether they’re purchasing a home or renting.

Final Thoughts

Staging is about creating a vision for the buyer—not imposing one. It’s about guiding them through the potential of each room, showcasing what’s possible, and allowing them to picture their own style and personality filling the space. By keeping our staging neutral and accessible, with thoughtful details that spark imagination, we help buyers see a home not just as it is, but as what it could become. And sometimes, all it takes is a piece of art, a well-placed plant, or the right-sized bed to make them realize that this could be their next home.

walk-in(to) the perfect bathroom renovation

a well deserved bathroom renovation for the ages

A walk-in 35 years in the making

Built in the early 90s, we could see the potential for a transformation in our client’s bathroom. While there had been a few small updates over the years, it was clear that this space was in need of a full renovation to truly bring it into the modern era. But every renovation begins with a conversation, and the moment we sat down with our client, we knew exactly where to start.

The first thing she said to us was, “I’ve always wanted a walk-on shower.” And just like that, we had our top priority. Our primary goal became clear: replace the outdated pink tub and create a serene, relaxing walk-in shower that would not only meet our client’s wishes but elevate her entire bathroom experience.

From that moment, we focused on designing a space that would offer luxury, function, and comfort. The outdated features were swapped out for timeless, modern touches that enhanced both the style and usability of the bathroom.

Renovations like these are more than just about updating surfaces. They’re about bringing a client’s vision to life, creating a space where they can truly feel at home and unwind. And for this client, that meant turning a dated bathroom into a sanctuary that was both functional and beautiful.

A CUSTOM PLAID YOU SAY, NO PROBLEM

At the heart of every great design project is the ability to infuse personal style and unique details. For this project, we had the opportunity to work with local muralist Erin Gajan to custom design a plaid that truly reflects the essence of comfort and warmth. We wanted to create something that didn’t just look beautiful, but also felt cozy and inviting—a design that perfectly captured the richness of the color palette and brought a sense of home into every detail.

Erin, with her incredible talent and artistic vision, helped us bring this concept to life in a way that was even more stunning than we could have imagined. Erin ever so patiently made every small adjustment we requested - a different shade of gray here or a thicker line there. Working closely with a local artist like Erin not only supported the community but allowed us to introduce a personal touch to the project.

Custom additions like this are an amazing way to elevate any project. They give clients the opportunity to express their style, point of view, and personality in a way that off-the-shelf designs can’t always capture, giving a truly one-of-a-kind feeling.

Erin’s expertise and artistic touch have made this plaid much more than just a wall; it’s a representation of the warmth and creativity we strive to infuse into everything we do. The collaborative process with her was a reminder of how art and design can work together to create something that is not only visually stunning but deeply personal.

We’re thrilled with how this custom plaid turned out as was the client as she commissioned Erin to replicate the plaid in her primary bedroom!

Vanity Fair: elevating your vanity with color

When it comes to bathroom renovations, sometimes the smallest details (or large vanities) can make the biggest impact. We wanted to add a bit of fun and personality to our client’s bathroom with a stunning, yet subtle, green vanity that was the perfect change of pace for our client. This vanity was not just about a fresh pop of color—it also delivered the storage and design elements our client was looking for. We added vintage inspired faucet hardware as a nice companion to the brass features throughout the bathroom. We love the unexpected aspects of this vanity - depending on the light or time of day it reads a little different from each angle, a little gray and a little green. This worked perfectly with our design choices - but always important to remember the light in rooms and how it affects your design.

from chaos to closet bliss

By swapping the old, overstuffed closet for an open concept with custom walnut shelves, we were able to create a bathroom that felt more modern, organized, and tailored to the client’s needs. The walnut shelves added warmth and texture, making the space feel inviting and stylish while also offering ample storage. It was the perfect solution for a client looking for a more unique and functional way to store their bathroom necessities while still maintaining a sophisticated, clutter-free design.

Final Thoughts

We truly had an amazing time designing and executing this renovation. We learned lessons in everything from sourcing materials, communication with vendors and incorporating our design style with our clients needs for their space. The best compliment we can get from a client is that they can’t even remember what it looked like before - and that is what we strive fro in our designs. Adding newness and functionality while our client still feels at home in what we create.

The dinner party of the (first) year.

Celebrating One Year in Business: A Night to Remember

Late last summer we had the opportunity to reflect on our first year of business, we were filled with gratitude, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment. What better way to celebrate than with a dinner that encapsulates the very essence of who we are? The evening was a true celebration of not only the incredible journey we’ve been on but also the passion we pour into every project we undertake. From the food to the decor, every detail was a reflection of our work, our style, and, most importantly, our commitment to exceptional relationships with our friends, family and clients.

The Menu: A Culinary Reflection of Our Style

We collaborated with a talented local chef, Colin Franklin to design a menu that was as fun-loving and dynamic as our design approach. Our dinner featured a beautifully curated mix of fish and meat, complemented by crisp, refreshing side dishes, appetizers and salads that spoke to our love of simplicity and freshness. To close the evening on a sweet note, pavlova was the perfect ending to the dinner experience.

Signature Cocktail: A Classic Touch

No celebration would be complete without a signature cocktail, and we chose a Paper Plane. This classic cocktail—perfectly balanced with its bitter, sour and herbal notes—mirrored the timeless, yet modern vibe of our dinner and our business. Much like the Paper Plane, we strive for balance in everything we do, whether it's creating stunning interiors or building lasting relationships with our clients. It was the perfect toast to a night full of memories and milestones.

Natural style in Every Detail

When it came to decor, we wanted to showcase our signature style—whimsical yet grounded, modern yet warm. Every piece, from the carefully chosen flatware to the elegant tablescapes, spoke to our love of design that’s both functional and beautiful.

finding your squad

Starting your own business can be intimidating and scary - we are incredibly lucky that we have each other to turn to day after day. But we know we also have an amazing group of family and friends that support us through all the ups and downs. We work with the most talented people within our community such as Colin, and Zack Bowen, our photographer who always treat us with respect and openness. We have been hired by the most unbelievably generous group of people who trust our ideas and are always up for an adventure with us.

Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright

As we step into another year, we’re excited to continue growing, learning, and creating beautiful spaces for our clients. We remain deeply committed to offering exceptional customer service, providing thoughtful design solutions, and staying true to the values that have gotten us this far. Here’s to many more years of creativity, collaboration, and celebration!