Baker Announces a New Line
Baker is producing a new line of in-house designed furniture called Lexicon. It’s derivative version of early 20th century styles. They aren’t showing too many pieces, which aren’t available until this Fall, but from what I see it’s really the same old thing. Don’t get me wrong, Baker’s craftsmanship is impeccable. They make things that will stand the test of time and that you can pass on to your grandchildren.
But I don’t really understand what they’re trying to do here. This isn’t modern design, it’s not mid-century design, and it’s not Art Deco. I mention Art Deco because this style emerged in the early 20th century. Lexicon reminds me of furniture that you see in movies from the 1930′s and 1940′s that was half “modern” and half “Chippendale”. It didn’t want to offend or be too out there.
It seems to me that if you’re going to be contemporary then be contemporary. Go for it! This seems like very well built versions of a very safe product. But then, they know their customers far better than I do. You can read their press release here: here.
So, I guess the bottom line is, well, snore! But I could be wrong (egads!). What’s your opinion? Super stuffy, or Ooh La La?
2 Responses to “Baker Announces a New Line”
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Posted by Bacchus on July 21st, 2007 at 12:39 am
I have to do the same thing everyday when I buy for our store. I credit it to my epxerience as a Visual Merchandiser that I can buy things for my customers that aren’t exactly my taste.
I don’t know about super stuffy. There are a lot of people who don’t care for the very hard edged contemporary designs. These pieces say clean yet comfortable.
Sometimes product designers forget that someone has to actually use the item. Furniture should be pleasing to the eye and to touch.
Just my humble opinion.