October 2002
Milling Road Takes Inspiration From Island Living With Significant New Pieces In Mahogany

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Milling Road continued its romance with the elegant furniture of the islands through its introduction of new pieces at the Fall 2002 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC. These pieces, rendered in rich mahogany, employ designs unique to the Caribbean islands that easily conjure up images of a sun-drenched, tranquil lifestyle.

"These pieces are truly island classics that evoke a certain island charm and elegance, as well as a more relaxed daily life," explained Joe McCambridge, manager - product design, Baker Knapp & Tubbs, and lead designer for Milling Road. "They also have decorative elements unique to the island artisans that cannot be found anywhere else in the world."

These pieces from Milling Road are the evolution of the unrestrained and exotic designs of the European adventure seekers who originally sailed to the islands of the Caribbean and built lavish plantation homes that they filled with furnishings that were locally made and employed many island motifs and embellishments. McCambridge, along with Michael Connors, Ph.D., an expert on the authenticity, appraisal, and excellence of investment quality period furniture and consultant to Milling Road, mined the rich history of the islands while staying true to the livability and high quality and functionality for which Milling Road is known.

Among the new pieces for this introduction is a remarkable armoire, which has its genesis in the French-inspired designs found on the islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Kitts. The mahogany piece has all the classic earmarks of Louis XV-style furniture with its rectangular overhanging cornice atop carved pocket doors fielded in English brown oak burl. The elegantly shaped base and scrolled feet are in keeping with the rococo style of the period.

Also new to the collection is a mahogany hunt table done in the Georgian manner with frieze rail drawers, tropical turned reeded posts, and a curvaceous, scalloped backsplash. For added decorative functionality, the piece offers candlestick shelves and a lower shelf. In addition, a remarkable four-panel screen is being offered. Created in the spirit of the 19th century style typical in Barbados, this mahogany screen has a window shutter design and a carved fins motif in the rich wood framing woven rattan peel panels.

A stylish arm chair is also offered adapted from a West Indies original and has its roots in the 19th century French Empire style. This chair has turned tapering legs that support a caned seat which is cleverly designed with comfort in mind with a front scroll that perfectly fits the back of the knee. Serpentine scrolled arms flank a curved crest rail. This chair is also crafted in sturdy mahogany with a glossy finish that brings out the wood's rich burls and textures.

"Milling Road continues to bring truly noteworthy options to consumers with these pieces inspired by the Caribbean islands," said Daniel R. Bradley, president - Baker Knapp & Tubbs. "We expect them to have a broad appeal for anyone who wants to capture the wonderful flavor of that tropical lifestyle."

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes Baker Furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker Stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company and Ann Sacks, it is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs.

Kohler Co. was founded in 1873. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.