BAKER ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH DESIGNER LAURA KIRAR


CHICAGO (March 31, 2005) – Baker, a premier designer and manufacturer of fine home furnishings, announced today its collaboration with multi-disciplinary designer, Laura Kirar, on a new collection line for Baker. The collection of living room, dining room, bedroom, occasional and upholstery pieces, and complementary lighting, tabletop accessories and textiles will be unveiled at the Spring 2006 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C.

"This collaboration with Baker is the culmination of what I have been working towards for the past 10 years," explained Laura Kirar. "It is rare to have the opportunity to design a comprehensive interiors collection for a company such as Baker, whose name is synonymous with style and great craftsmanship. This partnership is such a significant event for me because I've been given creative license to design a complete look for the market. I am incredibly enthusiastic about the Baker team, their capabilities and their willingness to produce my designs with the highest standards and attention to detail. It's an ideal collaboration."

Kirar brings to Baker a strong background in residential, commercial and contract design. Kirar is the founder and creative director of TRU design, a New York-based agency, and LKDL studio in Miami, creating beautiful residential and commercial interiors and an array of product designs for the home. "As we began to develop this collection with Laura, we were impressed, not only by Laura's knowledge, but her commitment to and understanding of the interiors of today," said Jay Paschall, director, product development, Baker Knapp & Tubbs. "Her Baker designs reflect that thoughtfulness. The pieces are fresh, yet familiar, a remarkable fusion of classic form with livable, functional design."

Beyond this most recent partnership with Baker, her impressive list of accomplishments include her plumbing collection for Baker's sister company, Kallista, part of the Kohler Co. family of businesses. Modern and refined, this diverse line of plumbing fixtures will be unveiled at this year's Kitchen and Bath International Trade Show, held in Las Vegas May 10 to 12, 2005.

In addition to her work in interior and product design, Kirar has also overseen such prestigious rebranding projects as Starwood Hotels Westin Spa program. Named as one of "America's Top Young Designers" by House Beautiful, and House & Garden's "At Home With...," Kirar's work has also been featured in Interior Design, W, Vogue, Self, Wallpaper and The New York Times and The New York Post to name a few.

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.