What Maximalist Studios’ Jaithan Kochar and Eddie Ross Can’t Live Without
The design masters share their favorite places and things.
Jaithan Kochar and Eddie Ross. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
Wayne residents Jaithan Kochar and Eddie Ross are design whizzes and co-owners of Maximalist Studios, an impressive new creative and events space in Norristown. Here, all the things they can’t live without.
Favorite Things
Most-Worn Item: “A vintage scarf from an antiques store in Collegeville that I wear as a neckerchief,” says Kochar. “It has a vintage Ralph Lauren feel.”
The wallet Eddie Ross gifted Jaithan Kochar. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
Recent Splurge: The monogrammed Goyard wallet Ross gave Kochar for Christmas: “After one too many sour cherry margaritas in New York, we went out and bought the thing.”
Prized Possession: “My grandmother’s antique chinoiserie cameo lamp,” Ross says.
Eddie Ross’ grandmother’s antique chinoiserie cameo lamp. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
Jewelry: Each wears a stack of three gold rings, including bands they exchanged early in their relationship.
Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
Advice for My Younger Self: “When the bullies at boarding school want to bring you down just because you feel like voguing — strike a pose, honey,” says Kochar.
At Home
Go-To Gadget: A polishing wheel for vintage silver. “It’s therapy,” says longtime antiquer Ross. “Like with ironing, there’s an immediate sense of gratification.”
Current Project: Restoring Edgewood Hall, their 1923 center-hall colonial in Wayne — and documenting it in House Beautiful magazine.
On My Nightstand: Ross’s grandfather’s firefighter badge: “He was a landscape designer but still volunteered. It makes me want to give back.”
On My Desk: Dixon Ticonderoga number two black pencils for Ross; “organized chaos” for Kochar.
Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar’s dogs. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
Pets: Two Pekingese, Chutney and Shiitake. “Their father won Westminster,” says Ross.
Recent Accomplishment: Ross’s collection of just-a-touch-luxe knobs, handles and barware for Addison Weeks.
Adison Weeks knobs and handles by Eddie Ross. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
Out and About
Shop: Trove General Store in Paoli. “It has a very classic New England feel,” says Kochar.
Garden: Chanticleer in Wayne.
Hair Salon: Spruce Men’s Hair Salon in Bridgeport. “It makes me feel like I’m in Passyunk,” says Ross. “Or Brooklyn.”
Bar: Five Saints Distilling in Norristown.
Cornerstone in Wayne. Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
Restaurant: Cornerstone in Wayne. “I live for their clams casino fettuccine,” says Ross.
Annual Trip: Provincetown, Massachusetts. “We ride bikes, relax, and try to buy a piece of art,” says Kochar.
Provincetown, Massachusetts. Photograph by iStockphoto/Getty Images
Published as “Connoisseur” in the May 2019 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
