New Textures From Sunbrella JR!

Joe Ruggiero New Seascape Introduction

There is something "haunting" about this photo that I took in Santa Monica during a winter day. The ocean was like glass and the two sail boats seemed to be talking to each other. Those people on the beach appear to be pasted on the scene...not real. Not to sound overly romantic (which I am anyway) but it is almost Somewhere in Time! This is part of my new introductions for W.King Ambler and will be in my Blue & White Sunbrella room at the April Furniture Market. Showroom is Miles Talbott & W.King Ambler.

April Newsletter

New Textures From Sunbrella JR!

Much like the raw linen we are seeing in fashions this new JR/Sunrbella introduction called Mainstreet in the color Corn will debut on a modular sofa as part of the Joe Ruggiero Collection on display in the Miles Talbott showroom. For information call Larry Chilton at 336-885-7500.

Art of Japan Inspires Sunbrella Fabric

The Japanese are of Origami (paper sclupture) has influenced the designs for the Joe Ruggiero Sunbrella collection being introduced this April at The High Point Furniture Market. The pattern appropriately called Origami in the color Taupe presents a series of symetrical folds much like the paper sculptures of Japan. This will be presented at the Miles Talbott showroom.

"I see a definite influence from the runway fashions in Europe and America. This is evident in my new spring collections for home fashions."

Fashion Meets Home Fashion!

Another preview of fabrics I will introduce at April Furniture Market. Here is my new Sunbrella pattern Neimes in the color Spring. This classic French stripe in shades of Latte, Spa and Lime Green is part of my Tuscany collection. These soft European colors are at home on the runway as well as for interior and exterior design themes. Watch for more previews during the next two weeks. All will be shown in the Joe Ruggiero Collection at Miles Talbott.

Grand Californian Hotel

What a treat to visit the Grand California Hotel at Disney's California Adventure Theme Park. The hotel is patterned after the grand American Lodges such as the Ahwahnee Lodge built in 1927 in the Yosemite Valley. The attention to detail is amazing down to every light fixture and outfits for the parking attendants. The restaurant, The Nappa Rose is one of the best in Southern California. If you are heading to Disneyland, this is the place to stay!




The Nappa Rose Restaurant has one of California's finest selection of wines.

Luxe Magazine & Sunbrella Event

Luxe magazine held a designer event at Anaheim Patio & Fireside. I presented my new collections for Sunbrella and Terra furniture. Owners of the delightful Patio store (l to r) Kurt & Phyllis Lorig and daughter Bonnie Richins were the perfect hosts. I was joined by Sunbrella representative Robert Hernandez.


A great way to present products for the Outdoor Room.

Design Icon Thomas Britt

When it comes to Blue rooms designer Thomas Britt knows how to make a stunning impression. His theatrical approach to designing makes him a designer of the century.

Blue & White Sunbrella Preview!

Blue & White fabrics have always been a favorite of mine and this spring I will introduce a group I am calling Seaside. Sunbrella and I have been in development for a year to get this white/white and deep indigo blue combination for these new fabrics. (l to r) Joe's Paisley in the color Marine and Chevy also in Marine. For the showroom in High Point, I have designed a Master Bedroom using these fabrics and a new Trax color called Salt which is a crisp clean white. These fabrics are available at Miles Talbott this April. Ask for Larry Chilton 336-885-7500.

Minneapolis #1 Restaurant

Voted the Best Restaurant by Mpls/StPaul magazine readers, the Bar La Grassa was one of my favorites when I visited last week. The chicken (on the cover) was superb! A whole chicken was "de-boned" and flatened, grilled with spices/lemon and then sliced. We all shared pastas (Gnocchi with cauliflower & orange, crab ravioli, fusilli col buco with pork sausage) and assorted bruschetta. It was like a Chinese restaurant...a little taste of each. Located at 800 North Washington in the new wharehouse district. call for reservations a must. 612-333-3837.

Sneak Peak of Spring Sunbrella Intro

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Joe Ruggiero Collection I will be introducing a new pattern in my Sunbrella Collection called Signature. This is my signature enlarged many times to create a whimsical pattern of loops and curves that forms unique and different patterns when upholstered and because the way it comes off the roll, no two patterns are alike! This is an Exclusive for Miles Talbott Furniture. Call Larry Chilton for more information at 336-885-7500.

Great Minneapolis Chef!

Take a creative young chef by the name of Adam Droski and put him in a cozy, unique downtown Minneapolis setting: the Nicollet Island Inn and you have the makings of a delightful restaurant with a very interesting menu. I enjoyed the halibut on polenta cake as well as a vegetarian assortment of onion tart, and potatoe cake. Of course the real hit was the assortment of tiny deserts, like little jewels each a taste sensation. I especially liked the peanut butter and chocolate tart and minnature carrot cake.




The Nicollet Island Inn

95 Merriam Street

612-331-1800

Lodging also available.

Sunbrella at Minneapolis Art Gallery

A visit to Minneapolis is always an "art" experience, so this time we decided to host our "lunch & learn" at the Burnet Gallery. What a delightful space to display my new collection of Sunbrella Fabrics. Charles Ray of the Charles Ray Showrooms was there to help us record the moment, along with Dona Kondziolka the showroom manager. We were also pleased to have George Jordan, President of Miles Talbott Furniture, Greg Rosendale, Sunbrella and Sandy Weidemeir and Ric Hutterly the sales Representatives for Miles Talbott.





If you notice a bit of green among the designers who attended you are right...it was held on St. Patrick's Day!

Sofas & Chairs Minneapolis!

David & Greg Klopp had a wonderful party at their Sofa & Chairs Store in Minneapolis to welcome me, Sunbrella and Miles Talbott to town. A great evening of delicious Italian food and music. Here I am with (l to r) Margie Mumbleau, Nadine Yang and local design celebrity Eriko Grill who is the owner of Mode Esty, the socially conscious clothing company.

What an extremely fun evening.

Ruggiero To Present in Minneapolis!

I will be presenting my Sunbrella fabric collection and Miles Talbott Upholstery in Minneapolis at the International Market Square. 9am-10am in Studio 185 on March 18. That evening I will be presenting at Sofas & Chairs in the Minneapolis, Minnesota Store between 5-8pm. Call for reservations:952-831-7027. I will have a report when I return this Friday March 19th.

Introducing Sunbrella Trax Mink

Our best selling fabric is Sunbrella Trax ,shown on this chair. There is a very deep color line to this pattern. Here I show it in the color Mink with Murano stripe in the color Rosewood, on the pillow. Trax is a subtle herringbone that co-ordinates with any pattern. What we call a great "go-with" design.

This picture was taken in my studio/office.

San Ysidro Ranch Spectacular Gardens!

This historic 500-acre property just outside Santa Barbara is the result of a four-year renovation completed in 2007; L.A. landscape designers Laurie Lewis and Sally Paul reworked the 14 acres immediately surrounding the luxury retreat, giving the land the patina of its agricultural past. John & Jackie Kennedy honey-mooned here. Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh tied the knot here. Audrey Hepburn, Bing Crosby, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez have stayed here & I just presented my new collections for Sunbrella and Miles Talbott here.

Historic California Cottage for Sunbrella

What a beautiful setting to present my new collections for Sunbrella and Miles Talbott. The original Coleman Cottage at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California was the perfect spot to show a group of Santa Barbara designers the latest Joe Ruggiero Collections.
Caroline and Steve Thompson of Cabana Home.
Gail Claridge and her daughter (Can you tell which is the daughter?) arrive for lunch.
Sue Appel of Enchanted Attic takes notes.
Our CMA sales reps Ann Illions (l) and (r)Julie Schneidewind.

Anne Fortini of Fortini Design pauses to refresh.
The New Blue & White story was well received. Sunbrella patterns Joe's Paisley in Marine & Chevy Marine seemed to get everyone's Attention.