PRESS RELEASES

April 2009
BAKER REINFORCES THE MILLING ROAD COLLECTION WITH AN INTREPRETIVE MIX OF CLASSIC EUROPEAN DESIGNS

CHICAGO (April 25, 2009) - Baker, a premier manufacturer and designer of fine furniture, unveiled new designs to its successful Milling Road Collection at the Spring 2009 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. Inspired by European Provincial design, the collection features 17 new forms including a variety of dining room and bedroom pieces, cocktail and occasional tables, benches, and accent pieces.

Spanning over 50 years, The Milling Road Collection has built its reputation on bringing to the marketplace relaxed alternatives to classic traditional forms. Competitively priced, the collection continues to broaden its mix thoughtfully, remaining true to its European Continental roots, with functional and versatile designs, range of finishes, and the fine craftsmanship expected from Baker.

Mindi wood has again been selected by Baker for these latest designs, an abundant, sustainable resource that when expertly cut reveals a fiery veneer reminiscent of finely figured walnut. Two new finishes were introduced: Barley, a layered honey toned finish, which is hand-polished to a soft luster; and, Bone, a soft, distressed white painted finish, its surface rubbed through to expose the wood creating an acquired appearance. A series of cast brass hardware designed exclusively for the collection are finished in hand-rubbed, Dark Iron, its deep patina and soft luster a rich complement to the wood. Other decorative touches include drawers lined in French book paper, Oil-Rubbed Bronze nail head trim, finely woven cane, crystal glass, leather details, and rustic cast iron bases.

Anchoring the new bedroom designs is a French-inspired Upholstered Bed. The upholstered headboard is deeply tufted and surrounded by a scalloped wood frame with a similarly tufted and framed foot board. The head- and footboards are joined by wood side rails finished in fine rotary cut veneers and is raised on four delicate turned feet. Offered in Queen or King sized frames, the bed comes standard in the Tannen finish and is also offered in an optional low wood foot board finished in veneer.

To expand upon its dining room category, Baker designed two dining tables and two dining arm and side chairs for the collection, including a diminutively scaled, 54-inch round Dining Table. A French Provincial design, the top is laid up in a random pattern of finely figured Mindi veneers and is surrounded by a deeply recessed apron. A volute base in an intricate hexagonal shape rests above three elaborate, scrolled feet.

A unique curved mirror joins collection's accessories assortment. It features a hardwood frame expertly shaped in an elaborate play of flow and movement. The frame surrounds a crystal clear looking glass that duplicates its undulating form and is deeply beveled to capture and reflect 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, 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.