The new CB2 catalogue landed in my mailbox yesterday and I opened it with ambivalence. I have mixed feelings about CB2. It's not that I don't like uber-modern interiors, but rather that their take on modern often lacks personality. And in many cases, their pieces look very similar to those you can buy at IKEA but are much pricier. Still, I'm a gal who likes to find the good in everything, and CB2 does have a few nice things in the offing. I really enjoy the styling in the shot above: clean and warm, graphic but livable.
The Beale Chair is light and airy; I love how its skinny legs make it seem to float above the ground. The contrasting heft of the Piazza Sofa renders it a natural companion for the slimmer chair. And I'm trying my best to shush my inner design snob when she points out that the latter is a direct reference to Fritz Hansen's PK22 Easy Chair. Perhaps I can distract her with the sleek yet organic Teepee Dining Table...
In terms of accessories, the 9-cube Wall Shelf is kinda funky with its open cage construction and zinc finish---it would lend any office space a bit of industrial edge. The Flock Rug features a dynamic print whose vivacity is toned down by soothing shades of grey, navy and taupe. Finally, this Bike Pillow is super fun. But don't you think you could find something even cooler on Etsy?
However I must give credit where credit is due. Although many CB2 pieces resemble IKEA furniture on the surface, the quality of CB2 blows IKEA out of the water. I bought the Trig Desk for a client and own the Lubi Daybed myself---and I've been really pleased with the construction and durability of both. As well, the service at CB2 has always been excellent. So I'd say pick and choose pieces carefully, but buy with confidence knowing that this stuff will last.
What's your CB2 verdict?
Yes I am the first comment! I agree...I like CB2 just not always how they put things together. It it too "cold New York warehouse" for me.
Posted by: Jen | January 13, 2009 at 11:15 PM
I want that floorlamp. I've been searching high and low for one like that.
Posted by: trailingspouse | January 14, 2009 at 12:30 AM
I like the glass table and I agree that it isn't that hard to find something cooler than the cute bike pillow on etsy, hehe.
Posted by: Jenny | January 14, 2009 at 12:50 AM
Mmm, love that rug. It's just my colours too. I'm a little obsessed with flying birds so wonder how much it would cost to ship (a lot, I' thinking...)
Posted by: Lynne | January 14, 2009 at 04:24 AM
i know what you mean about these uber-modern furnishing companies, they do look like idea sometimes which is not a bad thing until you find out they're 10 times the price! but I do LOVE that first room!
Posted by: Luphia | January 14, 2009 at 05:03 AM
I love the marta glasses at CB2- they are the proverbial bomb - but I go sparingly with furnishings, rugs, etc. Everything is a little too on trend for me, although they do have some nice pieces.
Posted by: stephanie | January 14, 2009 at 06:28 AM
I like CB2. But I agree it can be hit or miss.
p.s. I have not mailed the 'goodies' yet but keep your eye on the mailbox. :)
Posted by: JILL | January 14, 2009 at 07:01 AM
What a coincidence, I have the Lubi daybed as well. I have to say I was happy with the service from CB2 and the shipping deals are very reasonable. I also purchased a set of lucite nesting tables that are so functional, and I love their Marimekko fabric panels. That dining table above is a steal!
Posted by: nkp | January 14, 2009 at 07:06 AM
so funny...i posted a small post about cb2 the other day and also liked the bike pillow. but you're right i found as i looked through the mag there was alot that didn't distinguish itself from other similar stores. instead of drooling over almost everything in it as i do in some of my favorite mags, i picked anc chose what to ogle. love the soap post below too! i'm off to check the etsy site out. i made soap one year for lots of x-mas presents, was fun. :)
Posted by: robin pulsifer | January 14, 2009 at 07:44 AM
i kinda have a soft spot for cb2 but agree with pretty much everything you say. and i really kinda love the 9 cub wall shelf.
Posted by: cevd | January 14, 2009 at 07:48 AM
I agree that CB2 sometimes comes off a bit 'cold'... but I still manage to find things I like whenever I go to the store. Usually its the accessories and tableware that catch my eye and not so much the furniture. I like my furniture to be much cozier.
Posted by: Kristin | January 14, 2009 at 08:06 AM
So I was looking through my CB2 catalog last night, and I really liked the lime green Go-cart desk with the Trig filing cabinet. I think the pop of color would make my bedroom a little more exciting. I don't have a lot of space, but they might fit in front of the window....
I mostly like CB2 for accessories (like the milk carton vase) and because I know it's better quality than Ikea. Of course, if I'm just looking for a cheap (and most likely shorter-term) solution, I'll just go to Ikea.
Posted by: Kristy | January 14, 2009 at 08:10 AM
I got this last week and was marvelling at how many things I loved. Though I think Herman Miller might be able to sue them for all of the designs they've paid homage to.
Posted by: ambika | January 14, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Great picks! I've never been a huge CB2 fan myself but I'm always willing to be open-minded. Still, I wouldn't mind things with a bit more color. Although I do like the brick wall and wooden flooring combination in that first photo!
Posted by: Megan | January 14, 2009 at 09:38 AM
Anne, thanks for the link to your gray room. It's beautiful! I love the tufted sofa or loveseat. I want to get a white tufted leather headboard or bed. But I love the monochromatic decor so, so much!
Posted by: hellogorgeous | January 14, 2009 at 09:49 AM
P.S. I also can't find P&L paint anywhere near here. Every place stopped carrying it due to difficulties receiving product, I'm told. Because I wanted to see Armory which is supposed to be "Dior Gray."
Over and out. :-)
Posted by: hellogorgeous | January 14, 2009 at 09:51 AM
I tend to agree with you. You have a good point about that first photo. It doesn't seem so furniture catalog shoot. Love the flock rug and the teepee dining table. Great names!
Posted by: dwellings and decor | January 14, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I can see myself snuggling with j on that gray couch and watching movies.
Posted by: Tina | January 14, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Their stuff is pretty neat, but I've never bought anything. Might need another looky.
Posted by: please sir | January 14, 2009 at 11:21 AM
CB2 - who knew? i'll have to make a mental note to check them out in the future .
Posted by: Michelle | January 14, 2009 at 01:13 PM
I have a few things from them, which I like, but I agree that the catalogue rarely inspires.
Posted by: Leigh Pennebaker | January 14, 2009 at 01:37 PM
I'm ambivalent too. Sometimes I love their little accessories, but for the most part, nothing really inspires me.
Posted by: Rachel | January 14, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Hmmm... CB2 is definitely hit or miss. And you're right - they definitely have better quality than Ikea. But sometimes, that doesn't matter as much - so price wins out.
I will say though, that I love that couch. How great is it that it could totally become an extra bed for a guest if you needed it? That would be great for my study....
Posted by: Rachel | January 14, 2009 at 02:12 PM
ahhhh! what a great loft space. you know, i think anything would look good in that space. but, i do love CB2. that couch looks so comfy.
and i LOVE the crate shelving!
some day i will live in a loft. some day.
Posted by: Georgia | January 14, 2009 at 05:21 PM
The shelving unit is very chic -- I totally would want a a vintage version. I wonder if they got the inspiration from mounted antique gym baskets.
Posted by: Grace@PoeticHome | January 14, 2009 at 06:17 PM