Spring Comes to California!

After a drenching spring rain, my garden is beginning to feel like spring. There is nothing more refreshing than the glisten a California rain gives to the garden. My impatiens are re-growing, the succulents ready to send up blooms and the the geraniums flowing with soft pink blossoms.

The primroses are so happy in the cool wet planters and the topiary display is dotted with white blossoms.

Joe Ruggiero Designer/ March Newsletter

Spring Market Colors.

1. Getting ready for Spring Furniture Market's Introductions! I am finalizing plans for the JR/Miles Talbott showroom. Which of my Sunbrella color schemes do you like the most?
2. Blue & White Story.
3. Tuscan Golds and Sage Greens.
4. Sandy Beige
5. Malibu Mist (Grey)
6. Lipstick Red & Creamy White. Let me know your thoughts!

Bouchon,Restaurant Bev Hills/ A Favorite.

I really enjoyed this delightful Beverly Hills new comer,Bouchon. (waiter explained the name as a delightful chocolate brownie-like in the shape of a wine bottle cork.) Located at 235 North Canon Drive, tel: 310-271-9910 it has a beautiful atmosphere.

We started with the Fruits de Mer and what a selection of lobster, shrimp, clams and seasonal crab.

Next we had the Gigot d'Agneau (roasted leg of lamb with Swiss chard, pommes boulangere,thinly sliced potatoes that have been slowly cooked for 9 hours in veal stock & lamb jus.) The desert was Profiteroles with plenty of chocolate sauce for any chocolate lover. Thomas Keller really got this right. It looks on to a vest pocket park, right in the middle of Beverly Hills and what delightful service! Ask for Lucus.

Ruggiero To Introduce New Art!

My new art will be introduced this Spring at the Furniture Market, produced by W.King Ambler. It is in the works and I have time to change the framing. These are costume sketches I did while in Venice. I would like to ask your opinion. Should I use a gold or silver frame? I would love to get your input.

Thank You.

Ruggiero Appears on This & That Show

While traveling the country, I was a guest on a charming noon time show in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Channel 9, the ABC station has a show called This & That and it was fun to show and discuss my latest Sunbrella fabric collection. The host could not believe that Sunbrella had such fabrics for interior use on upholstery, bedding and drapery.

Laura Bohn Designs with Subtle Color!

I first met Laura Bohn about thirty years ago. I was moved by her unique take on color. This lady has been consistent in her color choices through the years and does not subscribe to fads or trends. Her vision transcends the design changes we see. She is truly a design icon!

Flora Grubb Gardens, California

Beautiful small wall planters with a mix of succulents and small, variegated geraniums at Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco.

Great New Store Los Angeles

Really like the look of this shop on La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles. Called Maison au Naturel it has a delightful mix of old, new and a twist of natural whimsy. A refreshing take on traditional, here in the land of mostly modern.

The Hutton Hotel, Nashville Tenn.

As I travel the country I visit some hotels that are unique and get my attention. When in Nashville I stayed at the Hutton. This was a delightful spot. Great service, interesting decor and delicious food. When I am away from home, this is what I look for...thought I would share.

Kristofer Ong Colors Our World!

Thought I would brighten your day with an interior by designer Kristofer Ong. What a marvelous colorist. Bravo Kris!

New York Fashion Week!

New York Fashion week is always a good time to remind me that Sunbrella velvets are the most luscious fabrics for upholstery...inside or out! These velvets are available from Miles Talbott...in stock! Call for more information 336-885-7500. Ask for Larry Chilton.

Ruggiero Visits Chattanooga for Sunbrella

I presented one of my Venetian paintings from W.King Ambler to Greta Long (right) as a door prize at the Furniture Shoppe (TFS) in Chattanooga, Tenn. Evonne Connally (left) and Amber Crouse (next to me right) were there to welcome me. Owner Carter Fowler and his sister Chappell hosted an evening of entertainment to launch my Sunbrella fabrics and Miles Talbott Upholstery. The Patio Shoppe also participated with my collections for Woodard outdoor. What a selection of great funiture brands...I am proud to be a part of this family run business.

Nashville Has Great Designers

Nashville is more than hearing great music; there is an incredible interior design community.

Donna Hysmith (left of me) is quite a talented marketer and design luminary herself. She has a "to the trade" showroom called Designer's Gallery and what a treat it was to present my Sunbrella Fabrics and Miles Talbott Furnishings to such an enthusiastic audience. Donna even made a wonderful lunch for us all including home made corn bread. The Sunbrella velvets were showcased on the floor. As well as my lighting collection for Craftmade. I can not wait to return to this design oasis with a lovely group of designers. Thank You Donna!

Ruggiero Presents Sunbrella in Atlanta

We were snowed in at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead (Atlanta) but it did not stop the designers joining me at lunch to see my new Sunbrella collection and furnishings from Miles Talbott.

Deborah Sanders, Managing Editor, Veranda Magazine joined us as well as many design firms such as Linda Williams and Ann Young of Outrageous Interiors and Tonda from

A la mode. What a wonderful group of talented designers.

Sunbrella Presentations in Southern States.

I am off to Nashville, Chattanooga , Tennessee, and Atlanta Georgia to present my new products for Sunbrella and Miles Talbott. I will have photographs for you on February 15th with lots of pictures!

Sacramento Design Super Star!

Sacramento, California designer David Gibson is by far one of America's superb design talents. I met David years ago when I scouted his guest house and we filmed it for Homes Across America. He is not only talented in designing homes but is a landscape architect with wonderful sensibility for style in the garden. He has European taste with an American flair. One of my favorite design talents today.

photos by Iris Byers

Lobster and More.

Anyone who has been to Santa Monica, California will know the restaurant called The Lobster. This landmark sits alongside the entrance to the Santa Monica pier. I had lunch there and what a marvelous chef they have with some very creative dishes. The Tuna is rare and tasty, the scallops like I have never seen prepared in a rich sauce and of course my favorite, the lobster enchiladas,with a side caesar, wow...sensational! Of course the view and the outside bar are just another reason to give this beach restaurant a try.