Designer Joe Ruggiero’s Favorite Places Featured at High Point
On September 25, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
Inspired by a career that has spanned several decades and the globe, designer Joe Ruggiero has tapped into his favorite destinations to create a High Point Market display that speaks to travel, tropics, trends and family. Textiles from his extensive Sunbrella® collection will be featured in five vignettes at the MT Company showroom October 14–18.
“I have fond memories from my travels and the places I’ve lived – from my son’s wedding in Hawaii to growing up in Manhattan, where I met my wife,” Ruggiero said. “Each of these locations are important in my life, and they represent perspectives that have influenced my fabric designs and reflect the trends that beguile designers and homeowners alike.”
The first vignette Ruggiero affectionately refers to as ‘Island Style.’ Largely influenced by trips to Hawaii with his family, including his son’s wedding in the tropical destination, the vignette also includes inspiration from islands around the world. Ando Sand comes from a traditional Japanese pattern, while Kinza Wren draws on kimono design.
The color palette, which also features Huntsman Salt, New HansenClassic, Mainstreet Classic and Visions Wren, is natural and neutral, allowing the sophisticated side of island style to shine through. A California resident, Ruggiero was born and raised in New York, where he later met his wife. City apartments with contemporary art and dark walls appealed to the designer for this vignette, which aligns with trends in urban apartment living. Espadrille Wren, Boss Tweed Wren and Kenya Charcoal give this space a masculine feel that is refined and sleek.
While living on the East Coast, Ruggiero spent summers in the Hamptons surrounded by landscape he describes as the most beautiful beaches in the world. This setting ties into the timeless appeal of coastal living, giving the next vignette a traditional blue and white palette with a beachy, contemporary canvas styled with Agra Indigo, Meridian Indigo, Cara Marine and Huntsman Salt.
On the border of Wyoming and Montana, at the foot of the Bighorn mountain range, sits Ruggiero’s niece’s ranch where the family often vacations. In the land of big sky, Ruggiero basks in the casual lifestyle where living rooms are meant to be lived in. In this vignette, Cross Country Indigo and Kenya Charcoal feature textural hands that – like all Sunbrella fabrics – are easy to care for. It offers a nice complement to interiors designed with the natural wood look.
Finally, Ruggiero’s home in California holds a special place in his heart and the last vignette is inspired by the classic homes of Beverly Hills. Featuring creamy whites and grays, the space is a nod to traditional but speaks more to the transitional. Fabrics Trax Smoke, Tamaran Stone, Trax Cadet and Quilted Storm are classic textures and subtle patterns that have been updated for today’s interiors.
“I hope visitors to High Point Market can connect their own travels, family time and favorite places to the fabric designs and vignettes in my showroom,” Ruggiero said. “And above all, I look forward to reminding homeowners and designers that the soft, luxurious fabrics they want for interior spaces come without concern for fading, staining and everyday use.”
Ruggiero will showcase his ‘Favorite Places’ during High Point Market October 14–18 in The MT Company showroom located on the second floor of 311 N. Hamilton Street in High Point.
