BAKER NEWS

April 2009
BAKER UNVEILS ADDITIONS TO ITS COLLECTOR'S EDITION
A Remarkable, Eclectic Compilation of Forms Spanning Centuries of Design

CHICAGO (April 25, 2009) - At the Spring 2009 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., Baker, a premier manufacturer and designer of fine home furnishings, unveiled additions to its uniquely diverse Collector's Edition. First introduced in 2005, these new forms continue the fashionable span represented within this line. Drawing inspiration from classic 17th, 18th, and 19th century European and Asian design, Baker broadens the collection's eclectic scope with eight pieces for the living room, dining room, and bedroom.

The Collector's Edition pieces are crafted from mahogany solids and mahogany, chestnut burl and walnut veneers. Two new finishes were developed exclusively for this collection: Cognac, a warm, transparent brown finish that creates depth and brings out the wood's fine grain and natural irregular patterning, and Vintage Black, a dramatic, multi-dimensional black lacquer achieved by first finishing the form in Cognac, then applying layers of glossy black lacquer, which is then hand-rubbed to expose the warm Cognac shade underneath.

Touches of gold leaf, chinoserie, and antique mirrored glass were selected to decorate and define the forms. Custom brass hardware is finished in Opus, a new finish that takes on the characteristics of deeply patinaed, softly worn bronze.

An exquisitely designed chest showcases Baker's fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Executed from mahogany solids, the top is a fiery display of fine book-matched veneer work. The chest sets slightly in from the base and has four graduated drawers appointed with heavy brass pulls finished in Opus. The drawer fronts are a field of book-matched mahogany veneer framed with a maple line. In true European style, the chest drawer interiors and back are completely finished. Four exaggerated bun feet in a stepped design complete the piece.

An Asian inspired occasional table remarks on the collection's brilliant range of product, its slight scale contrasting its bold design elements. A black gesso top is decorated in a cherry blossoms and bird chinoserie design finished in gilt. The table is supported by four faux bamboo legs, the knuckles decorated in gilt before terminating to slightly flared feet. The legs are met by an X-stretcher joined in the center with an ornamental bullet pendant finished in gold leaf.

A show-stopping, beautifully scaled mahogany center table was also part of the presentation this Market. Painstakingly crafted in elaborate detail, the table boasts an octagonal table top of swirl mahogany veneer laid up in an eight point sunburst pattern framed by a raised beaded border in gilt. A turned pedestal base is similarly finished in a beaded gilt detail before terminating to four substantial curved feet. The tables are offered in the warm Cognac or dramatic Vintage Black lacquer finishes.

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, Kallista plumbing, and Mark David hospitality furniture, 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.