The Timeless Charm of Contemporary Neoclassical Living

As light cascades through the arched glass dome captured in a VERONESE gallery photograph on the wall, shadows intersect with radiant highlights in an elegant symphony of contrast. The composition—refined and richly layered—evokes the timeless beauty of Parisian classicism infused with a modern lens. In the foreground, a Baker-McGuire piece reflects this same spirit: a poised silhouette that masterfully balances sculptural lines with intricate carvings. Rare materials are paired with geometric finesse, forming a seamless dialogue between past and present, craftsmanship and innovation. In doing so, the piece initiates a timeless conversation between historical grandeur and contemporary reinvention—bridging eras with effortless grace. In this interplay, furniture becomes more than function—it is a statement of elegance, a spatial signature that quietly radiates refinement. 

Honoring Tradition, Embracing a Global Vision 

Henri Matisse once said, "What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity." This pursuit of harmony lies at the heart of the Baker-McGuire experience—capturing the quiet desire for equilibrium that resides deep within us. Even while seated in a lounge chair, one longs for an aesthetic that extends from visual delight to tactile calm, a space where the senses are soothed and daily fatigue dissolves. That sense is immediately evoked upon entering Baker-McGuire’s flagship showroom in Taichung’s 7th Redevelopment Zone. Beneath the soaring ceiling, each furniture piece stands like a collectible work of art—individually present, yet in quiet dialogue with its surroundings. In this space, time seems to dissolve, suspended between eras of elegance and innovation. One is drawn into a world of classical luxury softened by contemporary minimalism—offering a retreat-like calm reminiscent of a private sanctuary.

This sensory richness speaks to Baker-McGuire's commitment to bridging heritage and innovation. Tracing its origins back to the early 17th century migration from Europe to North America, the brand's founder, Siebe Baker—descended from a lineage of Dutch woodworkers—successfully combined Old World craftsmanship with emerging American modernist design sensibilities. In 1890, he established Baker Furniture, setting a foundation for timeless design that continues to evolve. Over the decades, the Baker family not only refined its artisanal techniques but also established a museum-quality furniture collection through the Baker Museum. Under the stewardship of third-generation Hollis Baker, the brand drew inspiration from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, igniting a philosophy that wove fine art into the practice of furniture making. This fusion elevated Baker into a paragon of craft, culture, and sophistication. 

With more than a century of legacy behind it, Baker Furniture has evolved into one of the most esteemed names in luxury furnishings worldwide. Its continued appeal among connoisseurs and tastemakers is rooted not only in its exceptional craftsmanship, but also in its forward-thinking approach—constantly redefining its identity and standards to strengthen its foothold in the global high-end market. In 2024, the brand marked a significant new chapter by unifying with its once-independent sister brand McGuire, officially reintroducing itself under a singular identity: Baker-McGuire. This strategic merger reinforced its market position and operational coherence, allowing the brand’s signature duality—classic luxury and natural refinement—to flourish in equal measure. Boldly incorporating non-traditional natural materials such as rattan, leather cord, and agate alongside more conventional elements like wood and metal, Baker-McGuire reinterprets the language of relaxed luxury through texture, contrast, and cultural nuance. The result is a collection that evokes ease and sophistication while resonating across diverse aesthetic and cultural landscapes. 

Where Contemporary Meets Classic: An Artful Philosophy 

The essence of Baker-McGuire lies in its ability to blend the timeless with the timely—rooted in legacy yet forward-looking in form. Each piece articulates what the brand defines as "exquisite living": a synthesis of craftsmanship, comfort, and material integrity. According to Julia Lin, Vice General Manager of Baker-McGuire's Asia Strategic Hub, the brand remains guided by three pillars: comfort, craftsmanship, and originality—criteria that define its enduring promise to luxury furniture. 

Comfort, for Baker-McGuire, transcends physical ease. It is about emotional resonance. This is why the brand insists on using traditional eight-way hand-tied spring construction for its sofas, ensuring lasting support and deep seating comfort. From cushioning to upholstery, each layer is hand-assembled with care, evoking not just tactile pleasure but a sense of emotional sanctuary. Every piece is handcrafted by seasoned artisans using rare and precious materials from around the globe, imbuing the objects with both soul and collectible value. Baker-McGuire's legacy is continuously revitalized through partnerships with world-renowned designers such as Thomas Pheasant, Barbara Barry, Paola Navone, and Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. These collaborations infuse the century-old brand with fresh perspectives, allowing its collections to evolve with the times while maintaining a refined and distinctive character. 

Though rooted in American heritage, Baker-McGuire refuses to be confined by it. The brand embraces a global design narrative, creating pieces that speak to a range of cultural and lifestyle aesthetics. At the Taichung flagship, visitors are invited to explore four distinct style environments—Urban Serenity, Contemporary Classic, Next-Gen Eclectic, and Modern Neoclassical—each a testament to the brand's sensitivity to materiality, tradition, and trend. In the lobby, the Kimono Lounge Chair by Thomas Pheasant exemplifies this approach: its minimalist form and organic grain echo the delicate motifs of a Japanese kimono, rendered in oak and woven cane. Subtle yet expressive, it channels the calm elegance of the East through the lens of modern living.

From World to the Asia World: Expanding the Vision 

To further strengthen its presence in Asia, Baker-McGuire will launch its Asia Strategic Hub in 2025. This new platform not only consolidates top-tier global furniture and home brands under one, but also curates a refined lifestyle vision through collectible books, fashion photography, and a tightly edited selection of design objects. For designers, distributors, and elite clientele across the Asia-Pacific region, the hub offers tailored solutions and integrated services—including bespoke spatial consultations—delivered by a dedicated team that carefully evaluates individual needs and taste.