MASTERPIECE Classic | Downton Abbey | Part 1 Preview | PBS

Sneak Peak of Spring Furniture & Fabric Introductions.

c o l o r c o l o r c o l o r

Home Made Pasta. The Best.

There is nothing better and having a daughter that likes making pasta makes it so easy. Thanks Beth.

James Andrew a Designer With Unique Style.

I am always on the "lookout" for new design talent and James Andrew fits the bill.

This talented designer has created a New York apartment that really makes an impression. James who many of you may know from his blog "What is James Wearing" has created a home that is uniquely his and very stylish. I applaud his creativity. We'll be seeing a lot more of this gentleman.

Photos: New York Social Diary

Joe Ruggiero Shows His New Colors for Sunbrella, Spring 2011

I am showing my Colors this spring and I am so excited about the look and feel of these new Sunbrella Textiles as part of the Joe Ruggiero Collection. I think we all need a little "color boost" and the showroom at High Point will be filled with color inspiration. Available now at Miles Talbott Furniture.

Simple Food Solutions.

An omelette with one and one half eggs (One whole and one white only) Toss in some chives and perhaps some "non-fat" cheese and a side of mixed greens salad makes for a nice light meal.

Of course pizza bread on the side is always a good idea with olive oil and rosemary. Now that our baby sitting duties are coming to a close, my daughter is giving us some lighter meals; like chicken salad with beets, and baby greens and pasta with grape tomatoes and spinach.

I will be working out a lot next week.

Laura Poole Brings Capitol and Sparkle to Charlotte, N.C.

Here is a lady who is bringing a wonderful "design sense" to Charlotte, North Carolina; Laura Vinroot Poole has entranced the country with her shop Capitol. Recently she engaged the talents of

"world famous" French botanist Patrick Blanc to design a vertical garden for the courtyard of her boutique. You can check out the shop at capitolcharlotte.com Thanks Laura for sharing your talents.

Reported in the current issue of Garden & Gun magazine.

Pie Cut Table. The Perfect Solution.

The Pie Cut table I designed for Gat Creek, West Virginia seems to be the perfect solution for bringing a table up beside a sofa or chair. This solid cherry ( Oak, Walnut or Maple) table can be easily the solution for the writer, snacker, TV dinner participant or the beverage taker.

I designed this table to accommodate all these needs and more.

Also happy to say it won the American Furniture Award and is crafted right here in the United States of America.

Jean-Loup Daraux Inspires Garden Storage.

In his book En Passant Par La Demeure, author Jean-Loup Daraux inspires with ideas to organize the garden with sheds that are charming and display areas to enhance the surroundings.

As we prepare for Spring, this book has a lot to offer for gardeners who are dreaming of getting back to work.

My Daughter Makes Cannoli and What a Treat!

It was fun to watch my daughter Beth create these Sicilian treats. She began with a sweet dough and then put it through the Kitchen Aid pasta maker. She then cut round pieces from the sheets about 3" in diameter. The rounds were wrapped around the cannoli tubes and then deep fried.




The shells are filled with ricotta cheese, sugar, marsala wine and chopped chocolate, dried cherries and candied ginger.

Salads, Gym, Salads, Gym, My Routine.

Now that we are staying at my daughter's house while my son in law is at Maison et Object; she has been feeding me like a gourmand. I have to watch the diet; so when ever I can, I have salads (she prepares, beautifully) and go to the gym religiously like I have since I was 15 ( with some breaks in between the years.) Love veggie salads and Chinese Chicken Salad.

Free weights and pulleys and then one half hour on the treadmill with my Nano loaded with show tunes.

Accents of France at Maison et Object, Today!

I am so very proud of the work my son-in-law, Philippe Le Manach creates for his company, Accents of France. These products can make any yard look like a "vest pocket garden" in Paris.

He will be showing his complete collection in Paris, today for the Maison et Object show and we are so pleased with what he will be showing. You can order here in the states at accentsoffrance.com

"The Red Shoes" a Classic Film for Art Direction.

For classic art direction, nothing is more beautifully produced than the British film, The Red Shoes. This movie seems to stay in my mind and has influenced so many of my designs. Hard to say why this has had such an impact but the attention to detail perhaps may be one reason.

Anna May Wong Influences Home Collection

Legendary Film Star Anna May Wong was the first Asian/American to star in films. Her elegance and style influence my Wong Upholstery collection: beds, sofas and chairs.

The subtle curve of the upholstery profile make this a timeless collection that can become part of just about any decor.

Featured are fabrics from my Sunbrella fabric collection. All available at Miles Talbott.

Breakfast On The Lloyd Table

As I may have mentioned I am staying with my wife Barbara at my daughter's house doing Grandfather duties for my new grand daughter Aurelie.

This morning, fresh baked pastries on the table I designed for Gat Creek: The Lloyd table in the Malibu Mist color stain. What fun to actually use this marvelous table; and does it take a beating. Thanks to my daughter for keeping me well fed and entertained.

Golden Globes. Ruggiero Picks the most Fashionable!

I vote for Anne Hathaway as the most stylish last evening at the Golden Globe Awards. Simply elegant.

Shutters, Santa Monica for Sunday Brunch.

One of my favorite spots for Brunch is the Coast Restaurant at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

Summer Day with 80 degree weather January 16th. What an enjoyable place. Nice to warm by the lobby fire after a swim.