Designs from Elle Decor- Jan. 2007

As a side job to judging for Top Design, Margaret Russell is the Editor in Chief of Elle Decor Magazine. During the shoot for Top Design, Margaret still ran the magazine through Fed Ex and email, and has concurred that the grueling schedule was worth it; she was thrilled to see what the Top Design competitors created in under a stressful deadline and with little very little budget to work with.

Though she doesn't have formal design training, Margaret has a fine art background and got into the design world through publishing. (Perhaps she'll identify with John, Michael, Ryan, & Elizabeth?) It's been said that Margaret Russell has infused Elle Decor with refined elegance, while remaining true to the mission of inspiring designers, architects, and homeowners. Since becoming the Editor and Chief, Margaret has given the magazine a face lift, shifting the coverage to include a diverse array of talents, images, features and articles. In fact, one of the talents that was featured was an up-and-coming designer named Kelly Wearslter.

What Margaret is looking for in the contestants? How will the contestants score points with Margaret to become the Top Designer? Weigh in here.

In addition to overseeing Elle Decor for the last six and-a-half years, Margaret is a trustee of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, (DIFFA) and co-chairs the series of Elle Decor Dining by Design. Margaret has also written the book “Designing Women: Interiors by Leading Style Makers,” which profiles sixteen trend-setters in the design world.

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