Design Expert Eddie Ross

Design expert Eddie Ross knows his way around a flea market. As an editor at House Beautiful magazine, he produced the well-known "Weekend Shopper," a regular feature in which he'd travel to flea markets around the country, turning his keen eye on the clutter to zero in on the gems. After a stint at Martha Stewart Living and an appearance on Bravo's Top Design, he and partner Jaithan Kochar started Eddie Ross Inc., a design and lifestyle company that offers event and styling services, produces a daily blog and even offers guided flea market shopping trips. (He claims that attendees don't fight over the treasures he points out, but we're not sure we believe him.)

Often seen decked out in a bow tie, preppy Burberry scarf or some other preppy piece that gives a subtle nod to his Connecticut upbringing, Ross' signature style emphasizes an unpredictibe mix of old objects made new. Witness his recent winning entry at the Bloomingdales  Big Window Challenge, where he beat out other established designers for a stunning space designed for a "media mogul and mother of two." The room featured spatter paint printed wallpaper (a metaphorical starry sky apparently chosen to reflect the mythical owner's love of traveling to wide-open spaces), an oversize bust placed on a baroque bronze pedestal, a mod orange and white print, ikat pillows, antique porcelain lamps topped with shimmery shades and a complete collection of deltware-style pottery.

While Ross's spaces always look perfectly appointed, he steers clear of anything to matchy—whether for a permanent space or even a party. “I love placing something like 18^th century bone and ivory fish knives on a table and mixing them with great modern plates from the 1950s in order create an interesting and eye-catching dinner scape,” he tells us of his plate-setting philosophy. “There is nothing worse than sitting down at a table and seeing what a person got for their wedding. You don’t have to have full sets of things!” 

An antiques fanatic (he's ever-willing to offer up an impromptu tutorial on fish serving sets and asparagus tongues), he gets most of his place settings and dinnerware from flea markets, thrift stores, and eBay, and prides himself on his ability to find a deal. He is a firm believer in impulse buying: “If you see something, go with your gut. You might make mistakes, but learn how to edit as you go along and everything will fall into place,” he says, although he recommends doing it strictly sober. “I hate to say it, but having a cocktail or two and getting on eBay is my danger zone. The next morning, you’ll wake up and realize, ‘Well, we didn’t have [any] Wedgwood plates, but now we have a set of 12!’”

One of his favorite eBay buys (not purchased under the influence!) is a 12-piece collection of Jadeite Shell candy dishes made by Fire King (pictured at right). He told us that he once had them laying out on his desk at Martha Stewart right as Martha herself walked by. She loved them so much, she wanted to take them off his hands for her own use, but he had to turn the boss down.

Fortunately, Ross didn’t turn us down when we asked him to design a room for us from eBay.

Roll over items for details

Set of Eight Sheffield 9" Knives Mother of Pearl Handle Knife Set

"I love mixing in mother of pearl with sterling flatware."

(winning bid, $57.60)

Pair of Twisted Brass and Crystal Drops Candlesticks

"I would add these candlesticks to the other two pairs I've chosen [see 11 below]. 6 candlesticks on a round table would be perfect and would create fuller scene."

((buy it now price, $195))

Blue Opaline Portieux Vallerysthal Water Goblet

"I would love pairing this turquoise color (which is totally on-trend right now) with the Spode plates [see 12 below]."

(buy it now price, $42)

Set of Four Sterling Silver & Crystal Salt Cellars with Spoons

"This is a beautiful set of four salt cellars. I love the shovel spoons they come with. They're both raw and refined."

((buy it now price, $225))

Mid Century Modern Dining Table with Smoked Glass Top

"The smoked glass top, brass stand and juxtaposing wood around the base that make up this table give it a unique industrial yet raw feel."

(buy it now price, $1,195.00)

Set of Six Yellow Linen Damask Napkins

"These yellow linen damask napkins are very fresh and would be a great addition to round out this table."

(starting bid, $5.99)

Historical Crystal Chandelier

"I would love mixing this with the modern table and chairs. I love that the chandelier is historic and refined and that it looks as if it’s raining crystals over the table"

(buy it now price, $19,990.00)

Set of Five Portieux Vallerysthal PV Blue Opaline Wine Goblets

Here's what I mean by mixing and matching: I love the varying shades between these oplaine wine goblets and the previously shown water goblets

(winning bid, $152.50)

Set of Eight Harvey Probber Sabre Leg Dining Chairs Mid Century

"I love the clean lines of these chairs and the fact that they have these fantastic arms."

(buy it now price, $7,500.00)

Pair of Solid Brass Open Barley Twist 19th c. Candlesticks

I am loving brass right now. I'd put turquoise candles in these.

(buy it now price, $199.99)

Spode Pearlware Sheet Peacock Pattern 8" Plate

I love the vibrant colors and the Chinoiserie feel of the Spode plates like this one here.

(winning bid, $43.09)