October 2002
Baker Updates Approach to Familiar Upholstered Forms

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Baker, a premier manufacturer of fine furniture, unveiled a series of significant upholstered forms at the Fall 2002 International Home Furnishings Market. The designs speak to Baker's traditional roots, yet have an updated appeal that contradicts for a refreshing alternative to standard upholstered offerings. The wide range of styles in its seven sofas, and six chairs, all with matching ottomans, lend flexibility and variety for myriad applications.

Making its debut in Baker Showroom's Grand Salon, the new designs by Baker blend soft, approachable silhouettes with significant, exposed wood tailored forms inspired by haute couture, and 1940s French design. The Grand Salon showcased Baker's complete line of upholstered product introduced this Market, as well as updated frames using the latest fabrics from its existing upholstery collection. Back and seat cushions have crowned cushions, mitered corners, and button tufting. Legs are carved and turned. Sofas and chairs offer fan-pleated rolled, tapered, and tuxedo arm choices. Sofas are designed with waterfall skirts, single and double kick pleat detail, and are completely finished front and back for endless room applications. Wood framed chairs boast carved arms and unique stretcher designs. Boxed and buttoned toss pillows lend soft personality to the silhouettes.

Independent consultant, and interior designer, Dan Carithers, orchestrated the Grand Salon's thoughtful color palette in soft nuance with colors that soothe. The choices include creamy café au lait, faded stone, velvety cinnamon suede, with touches of sable, all applied with a light hand for subtle sophistication. Visual nuances are expressed in textured weaves, cut velvets, and rich silks, and small-scaled checked, print, and floral pattern designs, along with creative accessory choices that span the globe.

"I sought out a selective palette to complement the comfortable forms and tailored details, then chose the right accessories to spark and light up the settings" explained Dan Carithers.

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company and Ann Sacks, it is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs.

Kohler Co. was founded in 1873. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.