WARM SUNSHINE PAIRED with a cool island breeze and tranquil waters; pure white sand and lush, colorful landscapes: This tropical ambience inspired homedecor authority Joe Ruggiero in the creation of his new Sunbrella®fabrics collection—Island Style— introduced through The MT Company (formerly Miles Talbott Furniture) during High Point Market.

“I was in Maui for my son’s wedding, and the colors throughout the island really caught my attention,” Ruggiero says. “Hot pink and berry tones in flora and women’s textiles, the pairing of pure white in the sand and ocean blues for a classic look—these color combinations work together to bring a sense of the tropics to the home.”

A color pop expressive of island flora, pink is a striking color for interiors as well. Delhi II berry features large-scale floating paisleys with a hand-embroidered look in a tropical color. This fabric in The MT Company showroom complements the existing fabric Espadrille raspberry, a simple ticking stripe.

The combination of white and blue is a true island classic. The geometric design of Savvy indigo draws its roots from the Polynesian kapa, a cloth primarily used for clothing. Reminiscent of raindrops, Agra indigo was inspired by a Malaysian ikat dyeing technique in which tie-dyed yarns are woven into the design.

Tailored indigo features a subtle play of blue and white that brings to mind the seas surrounding the islands. Its hand reflects the feel of handwoven textures that are popular in island textiles. Tying the color story together with a fresh approach is the classic ticking stripe Espadrille II mariner.

Ruggiero adds sophistication to his island collection with the pairing of black and white. The combination of these classic colors with warm tropical hues is ideal for urban homes (such as sophisticated loft spaces) that still require the soft hand and durability provided by Sunbrella fabrics.

The ikat-inspired Agra classic elevates this pattern from an island classic to an elegant, natural look. Paired with Savvy black, the fabrics feature a neutral palette that is anything but boring. Tribal black brings native-inspired symbols up to date for a more contemporary setting. In addition to new fabrics and colorways, Ruggiero has a full collection of decorative tapes, cording, and brush fringe available through The MT Company.

“My signature has always been comfortable, easy-living interiors,” Ruggiero says. “The soft hand and stain- and fade-resistant qualities of Sunbrella play right into the island theme. The fabrics in my newest Sunbrella collection allow true island dwellers and those who are landlocked