April 2004
Exclusive Fabrics, Signature Trims
The Jacques Garcia Collection

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (April 22, 2004) - Baker unveiled an expressive palette of sophisticated color at the Spring 2004 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. The colors are provocative in their simplicity and based on the flesh tones of the world. Splashes of red, hints of melon, khaki, greens and gold add subtle to sharp contrast.

"The colors are spirited, with a secular sophistication and reference," explained James Nauyok, director - visual display, Baker Knapp & Tubbs. "The flesh tones seen on the beaches of San Tropez, the vibrant brilliance of the colors of Rio, the refreshing summer whites of Stockholm - all were inspiration behind my color choices for Baker this season. It is a multinational mix of layered, luxurious colors based in the shades of nude. It is a departure from the ordinary, not too sweet, a sexy, yet approachable color statement."

Baker has also married its two strong textile collections. The Baker fabrics are now joined by the Milling Road Collection of fabrics, and with over 2,000 fabrics and leathers in the combined line, offers an almost infinite assortment of colors, styles, and textures.

The Grand Salon - Luxury Defined

Nauyok chose a remarkable contradiction of color and influences to set the tone for Baker's Grand Salon. The main gazebo featured signature pieces from the Jacques Garcia Collection, including Jacques Garcia's trefoil cocktail ottoman as its centerpiece, upholstered in Theatre Red velvet detailed with a gold and red Greek key trim and skirted in Garcia's Fringe Mèche. French-inspired accessories, rich in period and historical reference, complemented the space and were matched with traditional and contemporary lighting choices from the Baker Knapp & Tubbs Accessories line. Mixed with the Jacques Garcia designs were a variety of existing Baker case and upholstered pieces lending a refined, collected atmosphere like that found in a fine French salon.

The Grand Salon also featured a series of sophisticated vignettes with distinctive, feminine couture styling. Graduated, sensual color variations in tone-on-tone shades of nude, charcoal, and fresh white were grounded with gray greens. To contrast the provocative, ultra-feminine colors, Nauyok also designed a dramatic, gentleman's library blending warm, rubbed leathers with textured solids and prints, brilliant touches of red and pillows in exotic animal prints. Pieces were chosen that fit the masculine character of the room, including Baker's substantial Chatsworth sofa upholstered in a soft green alligator leather, and the tailored Guinness Settee, which blended a crisp, straied silk and warm, caramel leather. A matte paint was chosen for the walls and moldings in the colors of white, black, and light brown.

Second Upholstery Gallery - Luxury Disarmed

By combining the elegance of the current Baker textile line with the Milling Road Collection's existing casual selections into one extraordinary offering, Baker now offers virtually limitless upholstery options. "Furniture is an emotional, personal choice," said Nauyok. "The fabric or leather chosen really decides the personality of the piece. By switching out Baker and Milling Road fabrics and frames we were able to show how choices can refine even the most casual form or disarm the most elegant frame, making it more approachable and less formal."

Nauyok chose simple cream walls to keep the furniture center stage. A wide palette of reds and browns were shown throughout the Gallery, including one grand scale Baker sofa comfortably upholstered in deep brown leather with red plaid back, toss, and seat cushions. In contrast, the relaxed form of a traditional style custom Baker sectional was elegantly dressed in a textured red and neutral chenille. Other fashionable fabric and leather choices included a deep, red leather, an array of rich silk and cotton velvets, textured linens, and crisp, geometric prints. Decorative animal print pillows in a unique assortment of colorways, traditional and contemporary lighting and diverse accessories rounded out the Gallery in an appealing mix.

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.