Supreme Sacrifice

On this Memorial Day 2010, I pray for a world that will one day realize that Peace is what we need most and I respect all the generations and those today who give and who have given of themselves for our freedom. We remember!

Sunbrella Right For The Beach!

The Laguna "Design Stars" came out to hear my presentation on Sunbrella fabrics. What a wonderful group of designers and what a spectacular setting at the Montage Resort (Laguna Beach, California) and a great location to tell the story of Sunbrella resistance to sun's fading and "easy care." Certainly the perfect solution for summer decorating inside or outside. Greg Rosendale from Sunbrella discussed the history of the parent company Glen Raven and Chrissy McCormack from Miles Talbott discussed how to purchase these new fabric introductions.

Just to mention a few of the companies represented: Ryan Young Interiors, Ferreira Interior Design, Michael Fullen and Susan Adams of M2 Design; Barbara Lee Grigsby Interiors, Charles Ray & Associates. More events planned in months ahead.

Sunbrella Presents in Beverly Hills, Ca.

The Peninsula Hotel, Beverly Hills was the site of my Lunch & Learn event to introduce the latest Joe Ruggiero Collections. A gathering of designers, architects and retailers joined me as I introduced products from the Spring Furniture Market. It is a great way to meet and and answer questions.

Meg Ruggiero Ovikian greets designer Jeffrey Alan Marks (left) and Greg Rosendale, Sunbrella ; Chrissy McCormack of Miles Talbott.(right)


Charles Ray and guest and Phyllis Brooks gather in the entry. (see below, right)

Perfect day for buffet on the terrace. Former president, ASID of LA Chapter, Bill McWhorter (plaid shirt) mixing with the guests. Edna Ulascwwitz of Classic Designs (green dress center with guests.)

Sunbrella/ Joe Ruggiero Lunch & Learn!

On the road this week with Sunbrella/Joe Ruggiero lunch & learns in Beverly Hills, California, Laguna Beach and Scottsdale, Arizona. I will have photos and reports for you when I return this weekend. I will also be presenting new furnishings from Miles Talbott, Gat Creek, Craftmade, W.King Ambler and Casa Fiora bedding & drapery.

Design Decisions & Questions

Believe it or not we are in the planning stages for the Fall Market Showroom at Miles Talbott and are in the selection process for our Sunbrella fabric collection. The fall of '09 we used a very monotone look which does sell extremely well. This past spring '10 we went for impact and used a deep rich, red and crisp white for the entrance to the showroom (both photographs are taken in the same entrance location). Let me know which you favor. This will help in our decisions this fall.

What's growing in the garden!

This morning it is all about the hydrangeas and the subtle colors going from blues to pinks and a sort of antique look. Large petals and small hydrangeas are the perfect mix for roses and scented geraniums with a touch of variegated mint. It is all out there this morning waiting to be picked.

Evolution of a Chair

Always exciting to see a chair evolve. Here our Conrad chair as it comes out of production. Then it is upholstered in Sunbrella fabric. All from the production facilities of Miles Talbott Furniture in North Carolina. Beautifully crafted.
Then placed in a room setting. Just like giving birth...sort of!

New Sunbrella Fabric for Fall

Sneak peak of what I am working on for Fall Introductions. A nutmeg and white combination with a pattern called Web. We are in the process of going through hundreds of Sunbrella fabric trials for this fall furniture market. This is one of my most favorite parts of developing a collection for Miles Talbott. More later!

Flowers From The Garden!

This morning the garden was in full bloom! For the studio I decided to pick one of each of the flowers & herbs that called out to me and here is the result. A good way to start the day.

May in St. Tropez, France!

Meanwhile back in the south of France ten years ago in May. I fell in love with the Chateau Hotel de la Messardiere in St. Tropez. It is a very unusual place. Feels like a private Chateau and it has a spectacular view of the water. St. Tropez, the village French movie star Bridgette Bardot made famous is a busy resort center in the summer but it is filled with excellent restaurants and stylish shops. I thought much like the Hamptons in Long Island or Montecito in California. One of my favorite spots to stay. Check it out at messardiere.com. Ah, Belle France!

Forgotten Jewel of the Cote d'Azur

It was ten years ago this May that I visited the Villa Ephrussi in Saint Jean-Cap Ferat in the south of France. This is one of my most favorite parts of France and I was there with our crew from HGTV to film the "Best of Riviera Design." Built in the late 19th century, it was the home of Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild and typifies the decor of the Belle Epoque or Beautiful Age - a lifestyle that can only be compared to our Newport summer palaces.

Our Executive Producer Stu Crowner prepares are segments with Alexis Vrousos the Museum's Director.(pictured below l to r)

For more information you can go to:

www.villa-ephrussi.com

What an extraordinary memory.

Made in America Furniture!

Am extremely proud of our Lloyd cocktail table. Clean simple lines hand crafted here in West Virginia of White Oak. This wood species gives the piece wonderful wood character and yet with the clean lines of the design it has a very organic feeling. The cocktail table goes in many design directions from Classic Traditional to Craftsman Style and slightly Contemporary. The artisans at Gat Creek know how to build solid wood furniture from sustainable forests right here in our own country: The United States of America.

For more information call 304-258-2343.

Design Cafe At Pacific Design Center

It's breakfast at the Design Cafe at the Pacific Design Center. This is a delightful place to have coffee or a full breakfast before shopping at the Design Center. You also have a view of the waves of grass and meditate on the day ahead. Have a great day!

Sunbrella Pastels for Summer!

Not sure why, but this summer I see a trend towards lighter colors and pastels for outdoor fabrics. I had introduced a collection of Sunbrella fabrics called Riviera for Woodard Outdoor Furniture. This group has some brights but a more subtle coloration. Pictured is my Harwick Outdoor Furniture collection in a crisp, white finish. I like this fresh look for Summer.