Editor-in-chief of Elle D?cor magazine since 2000, Margaret Russell is a native of New Canaan, Connecticut. She has a background in fine art and graduated from Brown University with a triple major in History, Political Science and American History. Though she has no formal design training, she entered the design world through publishing. It has been said that Margaret Russell has infused refined elegance with Elle D?cor. She remains true to the publication’s mission to inspire designers, architects and homeowners alike. Other than her career in designing, she has also been assigned as a trustee of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). She is also the co-chair of Elle D?cor Dining by Design. Margaret has authored the book Designing Women: Interiors by Leading Style Makers. She has also worked on another book, So Chic: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces.

In 2003, Margaret Russell was promoted as vice president of Elle D?cor. This Top Design judge ran the magazine even during her stint on the show, using FedEx and e-mail to get through. She decided that it was worth it, and was thrilled to be seeing designers competing for the title on the show. She was also delighted to have fellow design enthusiasts to be put under the pressure of a stressful deadline in order to have their taste of success. Ever since she became the head of Elle D?cor, Margaret Russell redefined the magazine and gave it a new edge. She shifted its coverage to include a diverse array of talents, images and praiseworthy articles. Her fellow Top Design judge, Kelly Wearstler, was even featured in the magazine as an up-and-coming designer. Russell also describes herself as a perfectionist, but is also said to be down to earth. She is also a fan of the shows The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Oprah, Law & Order and Sex and the City.