CEDAR FALLS - Noted designer Joe Ruggiero's designs for textiles, furniture and interiors have one common denominator.

Comfort.

"I'm big on being comfortable. People need to be comfortable in their own homes. I call it the 'Burger King' theory of decorating - have it your way. You shouldn't listen to the dictates of other people, of trends or even mothers-in-law. People need to follow their own sense of style that is nurturing, and above all else, comfortable. A home has to give you joy," says Ruggiero, who is familiar to legions of HGTV viewers as host of such series and specials as "Homes Across America."

Ruggiero will be at Home Interiors in Cedar Falls on May 23. He will discuss "Fashion in the Home" at 9:30 a.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. The event is free but space is limited. Advance reservations are required by calling 266-1501. Registration begins at 9 a.m. May 23 at the store. His visit here is underwritten by Sunbrella, Norwalk Furniture and Home Interiors.

Home Interiors owner Nancy Meinders describes Ruggiero as being as charming, engaging and knowledgeable as he appears on television.

Following a light lunch, Sherwin-Williams will present a session on "Color Trends."

Ruggiero develops fabric designs for Sunbrella and has a Home Collection with Norwalk. In addition, he designs wood furniture for Caperton Furniture Works, outdoor furniture for Terra Furniture, lighting for Orbit and an all-seasons wicker collection for Woodard. The former editor of Home magazine, Ruggiero has been a spokesperson for Ethan Allen and Kohler, founder of the nationwide "IdeaHouses," and is author of "Found Objects."

His own home has been featured in magazines, including a recent issue of Traditional Home. Many experts credit Ruggiero as a driving force behind the popularity of home and garden shows on television. "Rooms for Improvement" and "Homes Across America" were among the first programming offered on HGTV.

"There is more interest in how one puts together a home, and I like to think I helped to do that. Our homes are our center of gravity, in many ways, and our lives are so fast-paced and so centered on technology, that we need that space for retreat and feeling grounded," the designer explains. "Personally, I've never been a fussy or overly decorative kind of guy. I'm inspired by the classics and when I design furniture, that's where I turn for inspiration. For example, a bergere chair has great lines with heavy carvings. My chair is called the Bergen, it looks similar but has cleaner lines and not a lot of folderol. It has the essence and spirit of the French-style chair."

Ruggiero also is a stickler for solid woods made in America, ensuring that the furniture is durable and long-lasting. His involvement with Sunbrella, known for high-end exterior fabrics, lead to the creation of an interior grade upholstery. "The line has blurred from indoors and outdoors, and the line and colors reflect that," he notes.

He is also working on a new cast-iron outdoor collection for Woodard inspired by Chippendale.

Stylish and sophisticated are words often associated with Ruggiero's work, and for many years, he worked with clients to help them realize their home interior dreams. He's given up working with clients because he has so many irons in the fire.

"There are so many deadlines in terms of new product that I don't have time to devote to clients. My spare time is consumed by my new granddaughter. Except my oldest daughter. She was my most recent, difficult client. She was demanding. She had her vision, and that's fine, but it was, shall we say, a challenge," Ruggiero says, laughing.

The design will be featured in an upcoming edition of Decorating magazine.

Ruggiero began his career in television network sports. Design was his interest and hobby, and eventually, "it began to manifest itself throughout all my interests," and a whole new career opened up that has lasted nearly 30 years.

"I remember in the 1970s, pitching an idea for a home design show, I really fought hard to forge that frontier. Looking back, I've always told my children not to resist the universe. It will push and pull you in all directions and will offer you a wealth of experiences. Mine have served me well, and now I'm sharing my experiences in design with people who come to hear me speak."