THE SKIRTED ROUNDTABLE WITH JOE RUGGIERO

Since I got behind on writing about the Skirted Roundtable, I am trying to catch up, first last week with Jamie Drake, The King of Color – our first “live” interview, and now, this week with Joe Ruggiero, The King of All Trades! If you are like me, you first became acquainted with the warm and very friendly Ruggiero through HGTV.   He had numerous shows that ran on the channel, but the most popular was probably Homes Across America where he presented some of the most beautiful houses that ever were seen on that channel. Each week, with a sweater on his shoulder, he gave his viewers a history lesson and a design lesson, all tied into one.

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Remember his trademark sweater? I must have liked it because for years I never left the house without one slung over my shoulders!

Joe, today, sans the sweater!

Talking with Joe about his start in the design business could take hours. He’s done so many different things – worn so many different hats, it’s remarkable. He was in advertising and then ended up at Ethan Allen for 15 years which he followed up with a stint as editor-in-chief of Home Magazine.   He was also a national spokesman for Glidden and Kohler. After working on This Old House, he landed on HGTV where his national profile skyrocketed.   Now he has his own company The Joe Ruggiero collection where he designs furniture, fabric, lighting, and even art work.

Joe’s upholstery line is all covered in his own sunbrella fabrics. I really like that fabric on the ottoman – reminds me of the trendy feedbag look!

The Barrymore – I love this chair in Joe’s line.    This one fabric amazed me that it was sunbrella. It looks like a silk.

This is such an elegant chair – it looks much more than it costs.

Love these Carrington chairs and especially the ikat sunbrella fabric.

The Tribeca sofa is really nice. But, the price points are even better. Everything is so reasonable!!

This picture featuring the sofa, the Litchfield, reminds me of an interior Alessandra Branca once did. I really like the table – this is his design too, as well as the lamps.

I really love that striped sunbrella. His sunbrella damask fabric also covers the screen.

But without a doubt, the chair and ottoman was my personal favorite!   Love love love it!!!!! Soo cute.

If you haven’t already listened, please do. Joe was really inspiring, plus he was so very, very nice, very encouraging and extra warm!

After talking with him, it’s understandable why he’s been so successful. He just has that “it” factor.

To listen to Joe Ruggiero on The Skirted Roundtable, go HERE.

To visit Joe Ruggiero’s web site, go HERE.