PRESS RELEASES

October 2009
BAKER UNVEILS NEW FORMS TO THE BILL SOFIELD COLLECTION
Sensual, Sophisticated, Sublime… Inspired New Designs by Bill Sofield

CHICAGO (October 17, 2009) – At the Fall 2009 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., premier furniture manufacturer and designer, Baker, and New York based, multi-disciplined designer, Bill Sofield, presented new furniture and upholstery forms to its highly successful Bill Sofield Collection. Sofield introduced his first collection with Baker in 2001, with a subsequent launch in 2005, and does not disappoint with his latest critical endeavor.

His forms pay homage to those areas he holds so close: the art of fine craft, the sensuality achieved through nuance and restraint, the necessity of functionality, and the modern timelessness that elevates the designs of today to become the heirlooms of tomorrow. Expanding upon the breadth and depth of product with an amazing compilation of individual pieces, Sofield brings to his collection a masterful host of pivotal and occasional pieces for the living room, dining room, library, study, salon, and his-and-her bedrooms.

This composition continues to explore his romance of 19th and 20th century furniture design and the iconic masters from which they evolved. Sofield especially embraces his love of 1920s sophistication and a strong nod to Hollywood glamour. He merges the breathtaking simplicity of haute couture with the reserved chic of classic French furniture form. There is a feminine expressiveness of line balanced by distinct uniformity and scale, with organic reference and individual personality that is playful, provocative and thoroughly sublime. Influenced by his travels and how he views the world and the diverse cultural pool of inspiration it holds, he also takes into account his personal pursuits and interests, weaving together a collection that is at once unique, yet familiar in detail.

“Creating shapes that have an individual personality that allows them to stand alone or mingle with an existing environment is very important in my work,” said Sofield. “The fact that I designed the piece should be secondary, almost quiet. I prefer that people are primarily drawn to the form. I don’t want someone to stand back and announce, ‘oh you have a Sofield piece.’ Strong character pieces and engaging supporting players that change the mood and environment; a kit of tools from which one can build. Furniture should enhance a setting – easily comfortable next to an antique or a treasured heirloom. I try to avoid monotony at all costs and no matter the space, designing pieces that slip into a room, become part of it, adding flavor and style.”

Sofield’s commitment to the arts and his passion for design is the golden thread that runs through his work, “In all my collections I cannot say there is a single influence,” said Sofield. “I certainly love the hybridization of forms. I travel so much and draw inspiration from all the diverse cultural beauty the world holds.”

Every facet of this collection was orchestrated by Sofield. It is his attention to detail, driven by his tireless passion that makes each a work of art. The pieces are named as a tribute to its imaginative origins, with finishes selected by eye, hand, and touch. Tailored details surprise and engage, with gentle curves, luminous finishes, luxurious fabrics and leathers and decorative touches to appeal to all the senses.

“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 Armand-Albert Rateau’s work, and the sensibility of classical modernism all play a role in these recent designs for Baker.”

Sofield selected American walnut as his wood of choice with a rich mix of veneers expertly cut by Baker in rotary and flat cuts to extract from it all the beauty and character of the wood’s natural figuring and burling. The range of handpicked and hand-assembled veneers include American walnut and walnut stump, French walnut, pau ferra, African rosewood, Mozambique, and ebony.

In addition to the warm transparent qualities of the American Walnut wood finish, creamy Ivory and Basalt lacquers, and his rice and raku finishes created for his earlier collections, Baker’s master finishers worked closely with Sofield to expand upon the sophisticated line-up:

Gold Leaf On Brick: An inspired layering of hand-applied color. This intricate, 15 step processes begins with deep brick and basalt lacquers overlaid with two shades of gold creating an illusionary mottling. Further dimension is achieved through the hand-application of a deep gold chevron pattern, its graphic lines contrasting against the mottled gold. Coats of clear glaze are then applied to seal and heighten the gloss and shimmer of the finish.

Silver Pearl: White gold powder is hand-rubbed into highly figured wood burl its crystal dust conforming and gathering into the whorls, rings and natural irregularities of the wood, then finished in coats of clear lacquer. No two pieces are exactly alike, with an effect that is a breathtaking symphony of silvered iridescence and almost impenetrable depth and mesmerizing, unusual patterning.

Other finishes that join the Sofield repertoire is a burnished Antique Bronze, a silvered Distressed White Gold and a rich Antique Bronze. “This is truly my most ambitious collection to date,” said Sofield. “The finishes complete the forms in the same way fine jewelry finishes the ensemble. They are resplendent and alive with saturated color, resonate with complexity and opulence – capturing the chameleon quality of the forms to either blend into the surroundings or become a startling representation commanding center stage. ”

As in the previous introductions, Sofield created hardware exclusively for the designs. The shapes curve to ergonomically fit the hand, each crafted from bronze exuding a timeless quality and permanence that play beautifully against the finishes. The collection’s standard Antique Bronze finish is now joined by five new shades: White Gold, Smoky Bronze, Gunmetal, Burnished Antique Bronze and Light Antique Bronze. “The comprehensive range of finishes is an intricate component of my vision for this collection,” explained Sofield. “I enjoy the juxtaposition of a hard with a soft, sinuous curve against graphic line, and the use of luxurious materials in a fairly quiet way.”

Other decorative touches include an organic mix of materials all hand-selected by Sofield. Restored and crystal clear glass are fitted within the mirrors, expressive marble tops including a satin finished nickel stone that begs to be touched, brilliant brass appointments and intricate wood inlay all add to the beauty and scope of the designs.

Perfect scale, proportion and curvaceous form are also present in Sofield’s latest upholstered designs. Expertly tailored by Baker, Sofield brings a range of forms that are sophisticated and complex in execution. Tight upholstered shape contrasts with plump cushions, faceted details, carved legs and sleek wood framing. One example is the Normandie Chair, a first of this kind in the collection, narrows to the back in a supporting, faceted design. Framed in wood with waterfall sides, back and front it rests on a balanced plinth swivel base.

Another design that nods to French form is the Astor Petite. Sculptural and diminutively scaled with narrow tapered legs and brass sabots it is utterly feminine and captivating. The collection also offers two elegant sofas, an inviting club chair, two arm chairs and an ottoman that is styled independent of the rest, with buttoned appointments and a waterfall skirt.

Completing the designs are new textiles ripe in fresh saturated color to complement the earlier, primarily neutral based Baker palette. Sofield introduced 36 fabrics and leathers, all exclusive to Baker and range in offering from linen, cut velvet and silk to draping leather with an incredibly dense hand, and organic woven patterns in contrasting tonal shades. Augmenting his earlier, neutral colorways of Dove gray, Ivory, Sable brown, light chocolate Mink, lustrous Vermeil, and weathered Rose are brilliant shades inspired by four distinct color families:

Vert: A softly patinae green
Bleu: A range from sapphire to silvery blue
Lemon: Shades of bright to burnished yellow
Cognac: Strong and passionate range of deep red to warm mahogany.

“I love color and the emotion it brings to a room,” said Sofield. “Fabrics are such an important part of interior design not only from an aesthetic level, but also on a tactile one. It should encourage touch, create dimension, and of course, be of such a quality that it can withstand the daily rigors endured by upholstery.”

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.