When CB2 opens its first Minnesota store in Calhoun Square on Saturday, it will be an overdue gift to fans of modern furniture. "Reasonably priced modern furniture is in short supply in the Twin Cities," said Cy Winship of Cy Winship Design in Minneapolis. "It's odd that in the home of the prairie design school, we haven't embraced modern like Denver and San Francisco have."
Modernism, which started in the early 1900s, is defined by clean and simple lines. It's often confused as being trendy or contemporary, which it is not, said Lisa Peck of Lilu Interiors in Minneapolis. "It's a timeless classic," she said.
CB2 joins other modern faves, Ikea and West Elm, in the Twin Cities market. All three offer simple design to blend into any decor. They're also a treasure trove for anyone trying to furnish a small space on a budget.
WHO SHOPS THERE?
CB2: The average age is 34, but a buyer's age or gender is always secondary to clean, simple design, said CB2 director Marta Calle.
Ikea: Most are 25 to 35, but the spectrum includes young professionals, college students, families and empty-nesters, said spokeswoman Brooke Nelson.
West Elm: Age demographics are not disclosed, said Abigail Jacobs, director of public relations, but its customers have diverse, eclectic tastes.
CURRENT COLOR PALETTE
CB2: Neutral gray and oatmeal accented with teal blue, orange and in the spring, fuchsia.
Ikea: Gray and gray/brown with earthy industrial tones, but purple adds a surprise.