“The Eye of the Designer” –
Joe Ruggiero’s Design Predictions
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Fashion forecasting is all about what’s new and next, from colors to fabrics and textures to materials. Home décor authority Joe Ruggiero effortlessly translates trends seen on the fashion runways to his designs for interiors. During the International Furniture Market in High Point, vignettes in Ruggiero’s showroom at The MT Company will showcase his design predictions for the world of interiors, dubbed “The Eye of the Designer.”
“As a designer, it’s my job to be on the forefront of trends,” Ruggiero said. “I then take that information and translate it in soft, beautiful fabrics and furnishings for the home. The vignettes at High Point will showcase how to create beautiful, high-performance, livable spaces.”
Ruggiero sees color as a prominent driver of home décor trends for the next six months. He predicts that we will see an influx of blue and white, taupe and cameo and menswear-inspired designs.
Blue and white – a classic combination – is fashion-inspired; indigo has made its way on the runways again this spring. Ruggiero’s bedroom vignette features various Sunbrella fabrics in this deep, rich shade of blue including: Slash Indigo, a new take on traditional plaid with a pattern that appears to be slashed into the fabric; Tailored Indigo, a fabric inspired by menswear tweed using chenille fiber for a luxurious feel; Symbol Denim, a fabric based on Japanese characters from ancient art; Meridian Indigo, a subtly textured solid with a soft hand; and, Espadrille II Mariner, a classic ticking stripe.
A nod to elegant French interiors, Ruggiero combines taupe and cameo in his living room vignette. The mixing of subtle beiges, taupe, cameo and blush creates a soft look and feel throughout the entire space. Sunbrella fabrics featured include: Maze Cloud, a pattern of concentric squares with a composition similar to menswear fabrics; Tailored Putty, a tweed-inspired pattern in a greige shade; Sensational Cameo, a herringbone weave, one of the oldest forms of weaving; Chipper Cameo, inspired by Chippendale fretwork; and Poka Café, a playful polka dot pattern shown on the reverse for this vignette.
Menswear is a repeating theme for Ruggiero, and he says it will become even more prevalent this year. A casual living space will feature menswear-inspired patterns and textures including: Hansen Classic, a traditional stripe with a dobby, herringbone weave; Tailored Coal, pushing the tweed inspiration to an even darker colorway; and, Hartley II Smoke, which evokes the aesthetic and the hand of a worsted pinstripe wool.
In addition to showcasing his color predictions, Ruggiero also will demonstrate how Sunbrella fabrics can be used throughout the home from upholstery and drapery to accessories. Ruggiero will show Sunbrella fabric on lamps and pendants available through Wildwood Lamps, decorative trims by Phoenix Trim Works and throws from Textillery Weavers.
“I’ve always said ‘every room should be a living room,’” Ruggiero said. “My Sunbrella fabric designs are not only beautiful with a textural hand; they also deliver the performance homeowners require, such as stain and fade resistance. These vignettes communicate how Sunbrella can be used for almost all of the soft surfaces in the home, ensuring everyday livability.”
Ruggiero will showcase “The Eye of the Designer” during High Point Market April 16-20 in The MT Company showroom located on the second floor of 311 N. Hamilton Street in High Point.
