by Bambi Weavil(Out Impact on Facebook, Out Impact on Twitter)
We spoke to out designer Eddie Ross after his Atlanta trip in January to the world famous Scott Antique Market regarding his latest design tips, the importance of DIY, what projects he’s up to, what his experience was like on Top Design and with Martha Stewart and more:
Bambi Weavil: You were on Top Design last year, what did you gain most from that experience?
Eddie Ross: I made the best friends ever on that show, but also, it was such a great experience and great exposure to see what I could really do. From flowers to decorating to table setting, and it was really exciting that I went out and I was Eddie Ross. I was Eddie Ross from Martha Stewart, but people really saw that I was the one doing the work.
BW: Did you gain a lot of confidence from being on the show?
ER: Did I gain a lot of confidence? Yes I did…if you watched the show, I kind of got beat up a lot by the judges, but it was great to see that by having my blog, that it’s been so powerful, having that media blog.
BW: You have accomplished a lot in your industry, do you see yourself as a mentor and what are you looking to accomplish in this new year?
ER: I do view myself as a mentor. Everybody that I work with, especially all my interns that I ever had, they do so well and I’m friends with them all and it’s so great to see them go off, and get these amazing jobs. I like to help people and promote people and not keep people back. I love helping and seeing somebody grow.
My partner Jaithan and I are moving to the country, we got 1760s farm house in New York, so that’s really exciting. There are lots of things happening, I’m signing with William Morris for TV opportunities, talking about a book in the works, working with some people now for a product line…so it’s really exciting.
BW: You do a great blog…what are some quick and easy test, tried and true methods for sprucing up your living space for our readers?
ER: Doing research. Finding what you like..you never want to just go out and buy. You want to do everything you need to do, take your measurements, have your designer notebook, have your paintchip colors with you – don’t go out and just buy. Think about your living space, nd really make sure everything is going to work together.
BW: For people who are interested in becoming a interior designer as a career, what advice would you give that you didn’t hear about when you started out in the industry?
ER: Well, when you are in interior designing, you’re also like a therapist.
BW: (laughs)
ER: (laughs) You really have to talk to your clients, to do everything because when somebody is going to buy a $2,000 sofa, you are already like a decorating therapist. You have to talk to them through it, tell them it’s going to be alright, show them how it’s going to work. You have to have patience.
BW: What’s your latest thrift shop find that really surprised you?
ER: Being down at Scott’s…there were so many…one of my best finds was a luxor tea pot that I bought for $30. It’s really beautiful, and it’s just educating yourself what to look for when you are digging through piles of garage.
BW: What are some of your last minute design tips for a last minute change for someone throwing a house party and they know company is coming in three hours?
ER: Make sure your house is organized, even if it means throwing stuff in the closet or in the bathtub. Make it nice and neat. Having fresh flowers, plants… just adding life to your space where you’re going to be, make sure your bed is made. And this is the most important thing… make sure you have toilet paper in the bathroom.
BW: (laughs) That is the first impression to make with people. (laughs)
ER: (laughs) Exactly, there’s nothing worse then ‘hello!..‘
BW: Definitely not and I’ve been to some parties when that wasn’t considered… (laughs)
ER: (laughs)
BW: As far as your experience with Martha Stewart – what did you learn from her? What would people be most surprised to learn about her?
ER: She is so open-minded and with the times. She is so with the times, you wouldn’t think of someone like her to be so technical and computer savvy, but she’s so on top of everything. It keeps her going, she has been nothing but so amazing. I’ve read her magazine since I was 15 years old and it was such a accomplishment for me, to leave Martha Stewart Living as a Senior Style Editor at the age of 30.
BW: Is the door always open for you guys to work together again as far as collabarating?
ER: Absolutely, there will definitely be something, I would hope, down the line. Right now I want to keep myself away from the Martha Stewart umbrella, and use myself to start the Eddie Ross brand.
BW: I think that’s a good idea, you both are so driven, so I can see the parallels between both of you. I think you’re going to be successful.
ER: Thank you so much.
BW: You’re welcome. As far as your personal life, what’s the best way you and your partner support each other?
ER: We work together, and the way we support each other is by really just talking and getting a plan down…saving time for not working is the best thing we can do for each other. We have our date night, we make one day for us where we don’t work. We still have to have a life for ourselves besides our work life, by keeping our work and personal lives seperate.
BW: How do you guys unwind from everything?
ER: I will cook dinner and we totally get into Rachel Zoe, I’m obsessed with her, she’s such a hot mess I love her.
BW: (laughs)
BW: As far as non-profits, what non-profits do you support?
ER: I did Operation Backpack through my work with Martha Stewart but I’m going to continue doing that.
BW: What are you noticing as far as design trends this year?
ER: People want a bang for their buck. They aren’t spending as much, but they still want to entertain, have a beautiful home, so they definitely want a bang for their buck.
BW: Are you optimistic as far designing with the economy?
ER: Absolutely! My philosophy in my design as it’s always been, and I’m not a millionaire, and that is it doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful. My entire apartment that was featured in Domino, was all done with purchases from flea markets, thrift shopping, fabrics, and a lot of DIY.
BW: You are very good at that.
ER: Thank you – the DIY that I do, it doesn’t look like country craft. There is a decorator look into it. That’s something I learned through Martha Stewart, there is a high end way to DIY.
BW: What is your favorite design city for decorating?
ER: Scott Flea Market in Atlanta. It’s held at the Expo Center the second weekend of every month and it’s just amazing the stuff you can find there. The prices are so inexpensive.
BW: Thank you Eddie, we love you! Please check out Eddie Ross and his etsy store at EddieRoss.com. His blog is always so informative with ways of designing and thinking outside of the box, tips on giving your living space a face lift and more. Eddie also broadcasts live on Blog Talk Radio each Sunday at 9p EST for The Art of Living. Eddie will be visiting the Rose Bowl in Pascdena in March, so join him if you’re in the area!
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