BAKER INTRODUCES NEW FORMS TO THE BILL SOFIELD COLLECTION
Clean Modernist Form Unites with Traditional Elements In Bill Sofield’s Latest Designs for Baker

CHICAGO (October 20, 2005) - At the Fall 2005 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., Baker unveiled new designs by internationally renowned designer, Bill Sofield, to expand upon its success with The Bill Sofield Collection. This latest endeavor bridges Sofield's earlier Baker collection with an impressive line-up of living room, dining room, bedroom and upholstery, and expanded upon the breadth of the collection by introducing new lighting, accessories, softgoods, and fabrics all orchestrated under the watchful eye of this multi-disciplined designer.

This collaboration brings to Baker a refreshing take on modern design mingled with familiar, traditional elements. Sofield drew from personal facets of his life, his tireless curiosity of the world around him and his love for 19th and 20th century design. His extensive travels and expertise in the art of crafting fine furniture is a wellspring of inspiration that he continuously draws upon and is thoughtfully reflected in every facet of his designs.

"I draw distinct elements from a broad range of design then infuse these historical references with an understanding of usability and comfort." explained Sofield. "Traditional Asian form, the restrained elegance of Jean Michael Frank's work, and the sensibility of classical modernism all play a role in my latest designs for Baker."

Rich in presence and universal appeal, Sofield has again chosen American walnut solids and veneers for his collection juxtaposed with touches of pau ferro and mozambique veneers. The sophisticated designs are wrapped in the collection's signature American Walnut finish, its deep reddish-brown shading and sumptuous, almost ebony grain effects surround the wood, highlighting the subtle natural walnut crossfire and delicate veneer patterns.

American Walnut joins a series of historical lacquer and leafed finishes designed by Baker master finisher, John Kiryanoff, who also created the original collection's finishes. Kiryanoff worked closely with Sofield to craft these custom choices, selected to infuse excitement and color and artfully complement the existing repertoire of finishes. New to the collection is a warm, Antique Silver with warm, red undertones and two new color choices for Raku, one of the collection's signature finishes. Joining Bronze, this textured, forgiving application is now offered in Ivory or silver leaf. Two new Ivory lacquers also make its debut. The first is a creamy Ivory with tones that wax and wane to expose its base of aged gold patina, while the second is a glossy Ivory lacquer, its impenetrable depths achieved by multiple coats of lacquer, each applied after allowing the previous coat to completely dry, then buffed to a luminous glow.

In addition to the collection's original deep Basalt and creamy Ivory lacquers, a silver-leaf rice finish, inspired by the earlier gilt version from the original collection, was also created. This elegant finish uses an ancient Asian technique of applying coats of clear lacquer, then strewing its surface with grains of rice. Once dried, the rice is brushed off and then hand finished with squares of silver leaf.

Two metal finishes, Satin Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze, wrap the exposed metal bases and frames and the collection's custom hardware in warm, buffed incandescence. Luxurious elements in an earthy mix of onyx, marble, limestone, glass, leather, hand-hammered bronze and gold- and silver-leaf complete Sofield's decorative choices.

"The collection embraces nature's more lyrical elements but within a structured, modernist approach," said Sofield. "The finishes are sheer, with a subtle penetration that enhances walnut's unique tonal qualities. These I've combined with metallics, which evoke an age of quiet and rarified luxury, thereby gathering inspiration equally from contemporary and classical traditions."

The Valez Valet is one of Sofield's most dramatic silhouettes, an exceptional, versatile piece that can be used as a valet or entertainment cabinet. A solid walnut frame is finished in American Walnut and surrounds hand-hammered, textured copper door fronts finished in Antique Silver and fitted with unique Satin Nickel pulls. When opened, it exposes one fixed shelf, a centering drawer and lower adjustable shelf. The inside doors are fitted with small shelves finished with Oil Rubbed Bronze detailing.

Another inspired design, the Great Jones Server, is a remarkable contradiction of materials, its graphic form and rich decorative elements providing a piece with unmistakable elegance and chic character. The cabinet is crafted from walnut solids, its door fronts finished in highly figured mozambique veneers, while the sides and surrounding frame are finished in Basalt lacquer. Its top, a seamless length of warm chocolate marble with interspersed dollops of crème caramel and rich vanilla veining, is set into a frame of walnut finished in Basalt. The four, slightly recessed doors are surrounded by a molded cornice that slightly dishes out from the door fronts and finished Basalt. The two center doors and independent side doors open to an interior with one fixed center shelf and finished in Basalt lacquer. The cabinet rests lightly on a recessed metal base terminating to four straight legs, its sleek frame finished in Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Scale and proportion is extended with the same sensitivity in Sofield's upholstered designs. Expertly tailored by Baker, Sofield brings to the collection three sofas, a club chair, a wing chair, a slipper chair and two occasional chairs. All pieces are upholstered in Sofield's new fabrics – adding a rich palette of silks, linens, velvets, and leathers to his existing fabric collection.

One example is a handsome, roomy wing chair. Drawing its inspiration from Danish Modern design and grand traditional scale, the Manor Wing Chair is truly a work of art. The American walnut frame has a broad, curved, tight upholstered back accentuated in a stitched detail. The squared wings cut-away to form the straight arm supports then flow down to create its sleek, slightly flared legs. The chair sides have a unique cut-out design to expose the loose lower seat cushion that rests above a tight upholstered base surrounded by an American walnut border.

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company, Ann Sacks tile, stone and plumbing company and Kallista plumbing, 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, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.