It does not need to be expensive to be beautiful Not to mention space for Ross, who began his career in catering at the age of 15, to finally stretch his arms. Interested in entertainment and design even in his teens, he spent his free time delving into stacks of Martha Stewart Living, mentally pocketing every tip his hungry curiosity could stomach. Growing up in Greenwich, his early stint in catering opened doors, literally, to the area’s many affluent homes, where Ross began to develop an eye for beautiful, elegant, and tasteful design. The only thing stopping Ross from achieving this look for himself; that often inhibiting four-letter-word: cost. Regardless, Ross did achieve inspiration, motivation and a quickly growing passion, kicking off a roller-coaster of experiences that now all work together like a well-oiled machine. Culinary school landed him his first job as a food editor at (where else?) Martha Stewart Living, and in a whirlwind he found himself climbing the corporate ladder
through several design (both food and home) and decorating positions at the likes of the Food Network and House Beautiful, where he developed his acclaimed column, “Weekend Shopper”. Rounding out his décor career in publications, he found himself back at Martha Stewart Living; a Senior Decorating Editor at the impressive age of 26. “I’ve worked non-stop since I was 15, and extremely hard,” says Ross. “I’ve always been hungry for this life. I feel like I’ve made all the right decisions and have created a respected reputation [ for myself].”
A
reputation that continues to sing its praises in the quaint, traditional yet modern, comfortable yet chic space Ross has created for himself and Kochar. Made picture perfect with Irish hand pulled linens clipped to the backyard clothesline, bending lazily against the afternoon breeze, the home
is the perfect mixture of contemporary pieces intermixed with antiquated finds. More-so, it is acutely reflective of Ross’s now widely quoted mantra; “it does not need to be expensive to be beautiful.” Needless to say, Ross found a solution to the aforementioned problem of costly design; flea markets, thrift stores, a limitless imagination and occasionally some chicken wire. Greeted by barber jackets and cowboy boots lining the wall of the mud room as one enters the home, the space opens into the living room to the right and the dining room to the left. The former is home to a cozy fireplace, the mantle adorned with a collection of lithographs Ross has acquired at flea markets throughout the years, which he framed in all the same way to make them feel like an important collection as opposed to random pieces of art. Beside the lithographs is a convex mirror, outlined with an intricate design and an eagle resting atop, which Ross premiere issue
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