Baker Introduces Lexicon A Vernacular of Modern Design


CHICAGO (March 26, 2007) - Baker, a premier designer and manufacturer of luxury furnishings, introduced Lexicon, a collection inspired by early 20th century forms, at the Spring 2007 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. Created by in-house designer, Shaun Melvin, Lexicon develops a look somewhere between art and furniture. Speaking to a natural, often sculptural aesthetic, the result is at once strikingly modern and altogether familiar - the meticulous handwork of a new generation. The sophisticated collection of 44 pieces includes casegoods, upholstery and lighting.

Paying homage to the origins of Modern theory, the case pieces are crafted from walnut solids and highly figured walnut veneers. What results is furniture on a distinctive urban scale with the veneer selection offering most of the ornament. Two unusually clear hand finishes - Natural and Amber - create a strong, very exclusive sense of collection. At the same time, a range of rich lacquers, hand rubbed metal, and premium glass offers a very inclusive series of accents. A complementary lighting collection adds both mood and visual texture through several boutique glass treatments.

"Lexicon is based upon the individuality and hand craft of the early Modernist movements," said Melvin. "Although we are not reproducing designs of the past, the pieces have clear reference, incorporating the design principles to create a new body of work. Like the Modernists, I am acknowledging the world I live in and creating objects for my own time and place."

Two wood finishes were created for the collection, imparting a low sheen and transparent quality revealing the remarkable beauty of the walnut. Natural is a clear finish with just a touch of honey for depth, while the deep cognac colored Amber simmers with golden highlights. Two lacquer finishes, creamy Ivory and midnight Black effectively contrast the natural wood finishes, with an almost impenetrable depth and glossy countenance.

An array of materials continues the story. Hand-cast brass is finished in a multi-step process to ensure the Polished Bronze, Satin Copper and Dark Bronze imparts a warm patina that remains true. To achieve the desired effect, artisans dip the finished brass in an acid bath, and then when dry, apply a transparent glaze and a finish coat. The result is a subtle layering of contrasting color. Hand cut in shades of Black and Bronze, tightly bound panels wrapped in soft leather, and shimmering cream-to-silver Travertine marble decorate table tops and shelves, while a variety of hand-cast hardware designed by Melvin exclusively for the collection is finished in Polish Brass and Satin Copper complementing the metal work in rich, golden detail.

"Like the best of vintage shops, Lexicon features objects that are simultaneously modern, tactile and warm," continued Melvin. "It evokes the memory of window shopping on Paris's left bank. Richly colored paintings from the Secessionists, perfectly proportioned settees from the French Rationalists, and lightly oiled tables from the Danish Masters. Everything feels contemporary and appropriate, but somehow connected to the past."

Referencing the past is an important facet in Melvin’s designs as is beautifully exampled in the Coffeehouse Chair. Inspired by turn of the century Viennese artisans, it is a study of fluid motion, painstakingly steam bent to achieve its undulating frame. The chair is seamlessly executed in wood, its curved back flowing down to create the open sides before splitting to join straight front and flared back legs. The tight upholstered seat cushion features a beautiful tuck point detail at each of the front corners.

Referencing the economy of line and scale so prevalent in Modern design is the Chest on Stand. Crafted from walnut solids and finished in an extraordinary display of fiery walnut veneers, the Chest on Stand is truly a functional work of art. Highly figured, quarter cut veneer decorates the front and sides of the chest.

The drawers vary in height, showcasing Baker craftsmanship and are fitted with a scattered pattern of hand cast brass hardware finished in Polished Bronze, its exclusive design featuring a perforated back plate set with a thin pull. The chest rests within a walnut lower base and is supported by thin, straight legs joined by an X-stretcher.

Finishing the collection is a series of sophisticated lighting. The thoughtful representation includes two chandeliers, one sconce, two floor lamps, and four table lamps, each reflecting the same timeless classicism of the furniture designs. All lamps are fitted with custom fabricated components, equipped to handle standard sized light bulbs and have vintage, in-line, on/off lighting controls switches.

The one-of-a-kind works of art are expertly handcrafted by Italian artisans. These small, family-owned shops pass age-old techniques from generation to generation to create distinctive pieces employing the finest quality materials. Custom shades were individually designed for each of the styles rendered from such materials as bone china, translucent and transparent glass, and linen. The distinctive table and floor lamp bases are handcrafted in ceramic or hand cast from brass finished in Dark Bronze, Polished Bronze and Satin Copper. The chandeliers are resplendently dressed in hand-blown iridescent glass hand cut into shimmering wafers suspended on fine link chains or laid in cascading rectangular lengths to catch and reflect surrounding light.

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.