Flowers Inspire Sunbrella Fabric

The colors of the Agapanthus or Lilly of the Nile are all a bloom here in California. Their beautiful shades of Lavender inspired my Sunbrella pattern Flower Show in the color Lilac. Although my pattern has more grey in it, this subtle color makes it extremely easy to live with and a great environment for the colors of the Agapanthus flowers.

The Sunbrella Coffee Colors.

Yes, you must have your morning Latte but it also seems America must have their "Coffee Colors" as well when decorating. Our most popular colors are looking more like: Mocha, Latte, Cappuccino and Espresso. They are easy to live with. Here are three new coffee colors I will be introducing in my Sunbrella Collection for Miles Talbott in the patterns ZigZag and Meridian.

Mellow Yellow in Beverly Hills

The Flowers in the lobby of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel can't help but put a smile on your face. Yes, it is over the top but it has great impact especially with the morning "marine layer" that seems to be happening out here. The other morning when I came into the lobby it really made my day. Hope you enjoy as well.

I Miss the Hamptons

Don't get me wrong, I love living in California. I have been here for 22 years and have been traveling here since I was nine (9) years old with my parents; but when the summer comes there is something about the Hamptons that I really miss. We summered there for years when we lived in Connecticut and before that I would visit my sister who lived in Long Island and before that my maternal grandmother had a house in the Hamptons with an extended family. You can say it is in my blood.

Thanks to the New York Social Diary for this Iconic photo.

Sneak Peak of Fall Sunbrella Intro

Inspired by the legendary hotels of Paris during the 1930s, this new pattern for spring: Moonshine is one of my new introductions for Fall. Part of my new Sunbrella collection for Miles Talbott; it is very different than any designs I have introduced. I actually was taken by a deco mural I saw in one of these hotels and the architecture of the deco style buildings.

Breakfast a the Beverly Wilshire Regent

Can I say "scrumptious" when referring to the eggs at the Beverly Wilshire? What a treat to have this delectable combination with shaved Parma ham, spinach, just right poached egg and hollandaise sauce. The power breakfast.

Happy Birthday

Ten years ago I celebrated my Birthday in Munich while filming for HGTV. Today I will be with my family and extended family at Malibu for lunch and fun. What a dream. "We turn not older with years but newer every day." Emily Dickinson.

Thank You Friends for your well wishes.

Healthy & Easy Summer Supper

Supper at my daughter Beth's house. Simple, healthy and delicious. Flank steak on the barbecue with a dry rub of Indian spices; a tomato/ mozzarella salad,(fresh from her garden all different varieties and colors) with basil, avocado, onion and French vinaigrette. A nice red wine and you have a super summer supper. Anything she makes is thoughtfully and well prepared. Fresh fruit to complete.

We Are "Hat" People!

We are hat people. I have been collecting hats for longer than I can remember. My father loved hats and so do my children, grand daughter and my wife. During the summer it makes a lot of sense and when people visit there is a selection from all over the world. I guess you may say that I used them as souvenirs when I would travel. All you have to do is place one on your had before you board the plane. Easy. Each one holds a special memory. Including my grand daughters Easter Bonnet I made for her.

Sunbrella Goes Inside!

Sunbrella can easily move "indoors" with the same easy care and heavy wear that you may have experienced outdoors with awnings and outdoor furniture. Now through new technologies we have developed the looks of silks and satins and beautiful subtle patterns,textures and trims that will not fade and stand the test of guests, children and pets. Look for the Joe Ruggiero Sunbrella Collection at Miles Talbott.

Annenberg Community Beach House

As a grauduate of the Annenberg School at the University of Pennsylvania, I was so proud when I first visited this amazing site right on the ocean. A 5-acre public facility on Santa Monica State Beach, operated by the City of Santa Monica. The Beach House is open to everyone-no membership required. Parking fee is all you need to enter. The Annenberg Community Beach House is made possible by a generous gift from the Annenberg Foundation, at the recommendation of Wallis Annenberg, and in partnership with the City of Santa Monica and California State Parks. Just a few of the facilities beside the Pacific Ocean: Historic Pool and Pool House, Children's Play area, Beach Volley Ball, and inspired spaces available to rent for meetings and events. What a marvelous gift to us all.

Sunbrella Fashion Show

I have been taking my fashion designs on the road to demonstrate the soft hand of the new Sunbrella fabrics. These fabrics designed for interior and exterior rooms have improved with the technology of Sunbrella looms. We can now have the beauty of silks, boucles and chenille's and not worry for care or fading. These shows have proven effective to tell this amazing story. For more information contact Miles Talbott Furniture 336-885-7500. Ask for Larry Chilton.

The Beauty of Italian Teracotta!

The beauty of Italian Teracotta. The right pot can make the right plant look beautiful or just OK. I cherish my pots and use them from year to year and even change the plants in the containers. I also like to bring some of them indoors, like this classic Urn which I have had for many years. You will see this and its' companion move around my house to add interest in many different spots.

The Falling Garden

One of the most amazing art installations was created in 2003 by Swiss artisits Gerda Steiner and Jorg Lenzlinger for the 50th Venice Biennial in The Church of San Stae on the Grand Canal. This is magical. Enjoy! (Gregorian chant in the background would be sugested for viewing.)