March 10--The second annual CB2 and SAIC collaboration offers an array of clever and sleek design solutions
A pyramid incense burner reminiscent of Tom Dixon decor. An elegant "watering carafe." A magnetic coin collector with a rose gold finish. The new collaboration between CB2 and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago features an array of space-saving solutions and on-trend decor designed by college students.
Admittedly, the adjective "student-made" doesn't always carry the best connotations. However, the 12 undergraduate and graduate students who designed this latest collection of furniture, lighting, storage and decor did so thoughtfully and methodically, working over the course of a year in an Industry Projects class, where they tooled and retooled their concepts. Now available in CB2 stores nationwide and online, the second annual design collaboration proves that this is anything but amateur hour.
The items -- created in response to the question "What does 'live well' mean in the context of home design?" -- are sleek, clever and, in some cases, downright ingenious. Most evoke the "Why didn't I think of that?" feel of browsing SkyMall, combined with the "furnishing my urban loft" aesthetic of, well, CB2.
The aforementioned watering carafe ($14.95), designed by Matthew Devendorf, melds an outdoor watering can with a tabletop carafe. Composed of handmade stoneware dipped in a matte white glaze, it's a utilitarian vessel that's nice enough to keep out. Meanwhile, the smart little coin slip ($14.95), designed by Jennifer Lee, provides an unassuming place to drop loose change. The quantum rocking chair ($699), designed by student Taeyoung Choi and featuring an ergonomic shape, neutral upholstery and curved catalpa wood legs, is more of an investment piece, but it's our favorite of the bunch.
To view and shop the entire collection, visit cb2.com/saic-collaboration/cb2-saic.
Laura Pearson is a freelance writer.
