The inspiration for Baker Furniture was started in Michigan by a Dutch immigrant craftsman, named Siebe Baker. Hollis Baker continued the furniture craftsman tradition forming the beginnings of the company in the 1920's. Even dating that far back in history, the same hallmark theme has transcended the company which is construction of fine quality furniture made with high end woods.
An often seen sign with Baker is the technique of inlay and marquetry.The technique of marquetry is to decorate a piece where elaborate patterns are formed by the insertion of pieces of material (such as wood, shell, or ivory) into a wood veneer that is then applied to a surface. Baker has fine examples using this technique to enhance the style of a piece.Great traditional wooden pieces abound throughout the Baker collection. These pieces are built to last a lifetime. Though the prices may be higher than other lines on the market, Baker's pieces should remain in style long into the future.
In today's furniture market the age old saying, you get what you pay for has a definite ring of truth. One company that still focuses on making quality furniture with great design is Ashley. I especially like the depth of options they offer. From bar room to bed room, Ashley has something for every space in your home. Within each category, a wide selection makes it simple to create an outstanding décor. The line is mostly traditional however many of the items have a transitional look touching on contemporary.
The "South Barstow" dining room collection takes the idea of contemporary styling one step further. Using embossed faux laminate with cherry stained accents, your dining room can be transformed into an exceptional dining experience. Featuring bowed panels and a float glass table top, the "South Barstow" dining room collection embraces the unique contemporary style for your personal home environment.
Furniture influence by Isamu Noguchi is still seen in today's products. Born in Los Angeles in 1904, Noguchi spent the majority of his life in America and Japan. An early life experience which later lead to sculpture and furniture design began in Chigasaki, Japan in 1913 where he began an apprenticeship as a carpenter's aid. At the early age of almost nine he began working with his hands to create things.In the summer of 1922 Isamu began an apprenticeship with sculptor Gutzon Borglum in Connecticut. In 1924 he took evening classes in sculpture at the Leonardo Da Vanci Art School. His talent was recognized early and in 1927 he won the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship which allowed him to travel to Paris and Europe and further refine his skills.
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A popular addition to home décor this spring is Amish furniture. From benches to chests, these finely crafted pieces have garnered interest from designers and decorators. Amish craftsman still make everything by hand in the United States. Characterized by sturdy construction by hand, fine woods and simple appeal these pieces are getting new attention from shoppers. High quality woods such as oak and cherry are not difficult to find in Amish pieces. In today's market it is increasingly more difficult to find hand constructed furniture made with higher end woods.
How about a rocking chair as you prepare for summer from Claybornes?
As more and more manufacturing moves overseas and in particular to countries such as China, Amish manufacturers provide a niche for people looking for hand made furniture or for items made in the U.S.A.
Supernatural Armchair
Armchairs are usually such solid, massive beasts, with plush upholstered sides and hulking frames. Not so Ross Lovegrove's new Supernatural chair for Moroso (an update on his armless version, reviewed in Dwell Reports, May 2007). Though it appears to be a lightweight that would easily topple in a strong breeze, looks are deceiving: The chair is a take on air injection technology, reinforced with fiberglass and durable enough for any situation. Plus, the chair's curvy design would be pleasing in any interior, stacking up well against its heftier competition--both literally and figuratively.
www.moroso.it
Continue reading "Modern Furniture with Retro Styling" »
