First meeting in art school, Los Angeles-based design-maker duo Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning immediately connected over a shared interest in California’s rich architectural and design history. Through run-ins at the wood shop and conversations about furniture and design, a blossoming friendship eventually led to a thriving design practice. Their new collection for CB2 builds on a decades-long passion for working and creating in California, bringing their unique design sensibilities—honed over years of practice—to a new audience.

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For their CB2 collection, Lawson-Fenning drew inspiration from the California Craft Movement of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, exploring the intersection of artisanal craftsmanship and utilitarian function. “They were doing pieces that bordered on art, but were so functional,” says Lawson of the midcentury movement. “You could live with these things and use them every day.”

Another reference point was the work of iconic California modernists like Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra. “We both really love the early California designers and the lack of excess in design,” adds Fenning. “The simplicity and the idea of indoor/outdoor—it was a revelation to see how some of these architects worked, and it’s still inspiring us today.” Taking cues from these architectural icons, Lawson and Fenning strove to honor honest forms in their collection of indoor and outdoor furniture, including seating, tables, storage, lighting, and accessories.

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Rich, warm, textures and earthy hues dominate the collection—with colors pulled straight from nature. “We actually looked at topographic aerial photographs of the California coastline,” shares Lawson. “We were using the vernacular of California visually and substantially.” Extracting blues, greens, and browns directly from the natural landscape, these earth tones became a connective thread in the collection. Wood species— including pine and oak—were chosen for their simplicity, allowing space to focus on the detail of a joint, or the shape of a chair leg. “We’re really excited by details that highlight the material, details that show what the material can do,” explains Fenning.

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Another objective of the collection was to feel aspirational: “People are looking for things that are soft, comfortable, and useful, but they also want to feel transported,” Lawson adds. “How can I be in my living room but feel like I’m not? What will take me somewhere else?”

The beauty of the collection lies in this design duality—grounding and transportive, familiar and new, comfortable and indulgent—bringing a sense of California escapism to any home in an understated way.

Learn more about the Lawson-Fenning collection and grab your favorite piece at cb2.com.

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