April 2005
BAKER INTRODUCES ITS COLLECTOR'S EDITION
A GATHERED INSPIRATION OF EUROPEAN DESIGN

CHICAGO (April 14, 2005) - Baker, a premier designer and manufacturer of fine home furnishings, unveiled the Collector's Edition at the Spring 2005 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. The Collector's Edition is a series of remarkable, individual forms that draws its inspiration from classic 17th, 18th and 19th century European designs. The collection is comprised of 27 designs for the living room, dining room, and bedroom that include occasional pieces and two mirrors.

Baker drew from its passion for past design to create its latest collection. "These pieces were chosen in the spirit of Hollis S. Baker's European tours in the 1920s and 1930s," said Jay Paschall, director - product development and merchandising, Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. "Mr. Baker traveled the world to find and bring home pieces that represented great design, seeking out the finest examples of carving, gilding or unique form. The Collector's Edition was built to capture that appreciation for superb design, a stylized mix of acquired, hand-chosen pieces, gathered to be passed from one generation to the next."

The pieces are crafted from maple and walnut and decorated with walnut, rosewood, and cherry veneers. Wood and paint finishes are rubbed through to expose the layers within, touches of gold and silver leaf, ebony line, delicate chinoserie and antique glass were selected to decorate and define, and custom Antique Brass hardware was developed to freshen and update the forms.

Other unique elements were chosen for the collection to update the traditional designs. "The Collector's Edition pieces are a spirited group," explained Brad Orrell, lead casegoods designer, Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc.

"We wove contemporary aspects into these familiar forms. We chose woods that would enhance and support established pieces within a home, finishes that provide depth and the hand-rubbed warmth that reflects pride of ownership, a collection of stand alone pieces that can be customized to adapt to surroundings or the flair to inspire new possibilities."

Six wood and paint finishes were developed specifically for the Collector's Edition. To appeal to individual taste, two wood stain finishes, Veneto Light and Veneto Dark, are both being offered on many of the wood pieces. Veneto Light shades the wood in a sheer, barely there rubbed glow gently enhancing the wood's natural beauty. Veneto Dark wraps the wood in deep color, defining and accentuating the wood grain and rich veneer figuring for a multi-layered effect.

One of the significant wood stories found within the Collector's Edition is the Italian Chest, a classic form crafted from maple and richly appointed in figured, hand-planed and hand-planked walnut. The chest is offered in both the Veneto Light and Veneto Dark finishes. An expressive top of figured walnut complements the field of highly figured walnut veneer used to decorate each of its three drawers. Antique Brass handle pulls are centered by a simple key hole and escutcheon plate. A unique, cut-away, angled corner design, repeated on the chest's lower base, speaks to Baker's craftsmanship.

Baker also developed four paint finishes to support the collection's custom approach:

Parisian Blue: A soft, 18th century style French blue.
Italian Crème: A golden, antique white.
Venetian Ivory: A crisp white with gray undertones.
Kelsby Black: An aged, 18th century style lacquered finish.

Six or more coats of paint are applied, then hand-rubbed to expose the layers underneath, creating depth and aged quality to the designs. "We wanted this collection to expand its custom choices by introducing paint into the mix," explained Orrell. "A painted piece creates excitement. It lends the perfect contrast by pulling together surrounding colors and woods to complete a room."

A unique, 61-inch headboard is one of the collection pieces offered in the solid maple and maple veneers, upholstered in a custom fabric or leather or in the signature paint finishes. The striking Venetian Bed design draws the eye to the wrap-around maple wood bed frame and the inundating framework that forms a stylized, rounded crown that sits between two carved posts terminating in the tapered, turned legs.

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

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America's oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, home interiors, and hospitality services.