Whitney wrote:

Jonathan,
I have been a fan of yours for quite sometime now, purchasing my first "bottle" vase at the tender age of 15 :-) I wanted to quickly express my praise to you on your success, and also tell you how great I think you are on your newest venture, top judge on "Top Design!" -Whitney
P.S. LOVE your blog!

posted on February 1, 2007 at 12:19 AM

Stephanie wrote:

Wow. I have never been a follower of blogs, but Jonathan, you have changed my mind. After watching the premier of Top Design, I decided to poke around on bravotv.com to see if I could find out a little more of what went on behind the scenes. I stumbled upon your blog, and I will be an avid reader from now on. How very insightful, and funny you are! Thanks for a great read. Keep 'em coming! =)

posted on February 1, 2007 at 12:31 AM

Chris wrote:

I found it interesting that you are calling everyone an "interior designer" but when the first two were eliminated they we referred to as "decorators." There is a difference. I would like to know if they have all taken an NCIDQ exam so that they may be titled as an interior designer.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 2:00 AM

Diana wrote:

Dear Jonathan,
What a great and witty blog! You are super cute in your descriptions of the behind the scenes details. As an artist and designer I was thrilled to see a great show on television highlighting the world of interior design. I was even more excited to see real design professionals judging and hosting. I am eager to see what other challenges the contestants must face and all your great comments and reactions. Thanks again for an interesting read and bringing a fresh perspective on design.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 9:55 AM

Jane wrote:

In response to Chris' beef with the terms "interior designer" vs. "decorator," I think the phrase "see you later decorator" is just a sweet farewell. What would you propose: "Goodbye, you uncertified interior designer, wish your room was finer?" "Pack up your swatches you unlicensed biatches?"

If one finds it offensive that others deign to title themselves designers without the NCIDQ exam.... I would suggest that he or she call himself a "certified interior designer." Then that person can feel better about his or her special qualifications.

Peace.

P.S. Jonathan rules!

posted on February 1, 2007 at 10:27 AM

Missy wrote:

I love, love, love your blog!!!

Witty, funny, informative--it's a cut above just about every other Bravo blog out there. :)

posted on February 1, 2007 at 11:05 AM

Lara wrote:

Jonathan, I adore your style and now I know for sure that I also love your blog. AND your pocket square. I am thrilled to get to know you and the other judges + Todd via the show as you've ALL long been my design idols. Great work! Can't wait to see the rest of the season.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 3:08 PM

Ellyn Goldberg wrote:

I thought the rooms as a whole were nice, but not very innovative. Let's face it, if the client found a niche wall to be one of the most exciting things in the rooms there wasn't a lot of chances being taken. Niches are nice (I've incorporated a few into my own home), but they aren't exactly ground breaking. With a fifty thousand dollar budget, and the mod accesories as a jumping off point, there should have been a lot more to look at. The one thing that I did love was the painting in Matt and Felicias room. Could I get more information on that?

posted on February 1, 2007 at 4:53 PM

Diane L wrote:

It's so refreshing to be treated to a blog like yours. I haven't enjoyed one of these since Tim Gunn's last update. I thought it was ingenious for you to be inteviewed by Tim, and it gave validity to the show.

Stay on the high road, give us a designer who deserves the title, and you will have us all eternally grateful. I have no doubt that you will do this. You already strike me as witty, intelligent, and educated.

I look forward to the rest of the season.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 4:56 PM

chrissy wrote:

Best blogger on Bravo's site. Ever.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 5:23 PM

trixie wrote:

Dear Jonathan: I appreciate your admonishing Michael. Neither behaved well but Michael's brattiness cost him the chance to learn a lot from John's years of experience. It seems most viewers sympathize with Michael however. Hard work just isn't as cute or charming. (Oh and you're still pretty. C'mon, sing it: I feel pretty ... )

posted on February 1, 2007 at 6:02 PM

Jamie wrote:

I agree about the decorator/designer title. It would be nice if the show educated the public about the difference. Make those of us who put our time in going to an accredited school and taking the exam have the professional level compared to "martha stewart decorator types".

posted on February 1, 2007 at 6:15 PM

Pete wrote:

Hi Jonathan,
Great show. I was quite irritated, however, that here in AZ it didn't air until MIDNIGHT. I certainly hope it will be on earlier next week. I'm sneaking naps at my desk today.
I have been a fan of your work for some time and have a number of your pieces. Thanks for signing some of them at the Haus Modern event last September!

posted on February 1, 2007 at 6:55 PM

Metrochic wrote:

I am a fan of some of the other reality series on Bravo and the minute I saw there would be an interior design show added to the mix, I nearly squeed my pants. I loved the first episode and can't wait for the rest of the season. You were fabulous on panel but this blog is even better! Thanks for sharing your genius with us!

posted on February 1, 2007 at 7:00 PM

kathy wrote:

Hello Jonathan, I love "See ya later, decorator!" It's up there with "You're fired!" and "Pack your knives." It was pure genius following the finale of Top Chef, when everyone's blood was still boiling about the outcome of TC2. After seeing what spending 50k gets you for a room, I'm now even more impressed with BBA's Changing Rooms & their 500 pound budgets, and what I just spent at Ikea to redo my living room. Way cool! You got me. I'm hooked. Kathy

posted on February 2, 2007 at 9:20 AM

SarahJ wrote:

Jonathan-
I think you are great! But after watching the show I feel that the person you are when you spoke of your self in Happy Chic and in your catalog philosphy is very diffrant than the one showed on the show. I am sure through the power of editing but right now Happy Chic is really Happy Fraud. Being Bitchy may make for good tv but really under cuts your "Happy du jour" attitude. The rooms were great but this show is not interior design an should be called Top Set Design. Rooms have windows and doors. I also think the mst fab person is Michael Diva !!! He is great really made for the best entertainment on the show and if he does not know how to paint who cares. John is scary and gross and even if he did do more work he was fucking freaky!!!
Keep it cheecky and snarky fun but being an ass hole well makes you look like a real dick and guess you must like those 2 things.
SarahJ

posted on February 2, 2007 at 2:03 PM

Brandon Jackson wrote:

Fan-tab-u-lous show! Long before I became an employee of Jonathan Adler, I was a huge fan of your work. Not only are you responsible for creating numerous Happy Chic homes, you have created a very Happy Chic working environment as well. You are one of the few designers who has set his own design standards rather than following the traditional rules of interior design. The spaces you have designed are actually cozy, comfortable, livable, practical , and incredibly cheerful. Thanks for inspiring young designers like myself that are paying our dues.

posted on February 3, 2007 at 1:03 AM

cambel wrote:

I really enjoyed the first episode. I think sometimes it would be great if the judges would, instead of kicking off one team of two people, kick off one person each from the bottom two teams.

The team that got booted, only one of them chose that tacky theme, and the second lowest team, the one guy did nothing but complain while the other did all the work. I would liked to have seen one from each team go!

That said, I was worried that the show would be too subjective to enjoy, but....Bravo's made it work again!

posted on February 3, 2007 at 4:45 AM

Michelle wrote:

Hi Jonathan:

Love Top Design, and love you on the show. You are the best. Keep up the good work.

Michelle M.

posted on February 3, 2007 at 8:27 PM

C.M.Taylor wrote:

I am so delighted to see that my tradition of reading the blogs following a new episode will be so heavily rewarded! One week being far too long to wait for a new episode, I usually scamper here upon the end of a Project Runway or Top Chef show, and decided to check if Top Design would be doing the same. Thank god I did: I adore your little tidbits of behind the scenes info and witty humor, along with your shared experiences (really, the underwear drawer?) to help those of us who may not be so familiar with the daily lives and tribulations of a designer to understand just a little better. I look forward to reading your weekly updates, and wish you welcome to the Bravo family!

posted on February 4, 2007 at 1:58 AM

David Turner wrote:

Hi Jonathan-We met years ago at 'Accent on Design'/NYC- buying product for TM gallery and catalog in Palo Alto...it was the real beginning for you back then, and a new 'adventure' for us! We've been following your growth, and it's great to see all that you've been doing and now... here you are...a TV celeb! The show is fun to watch...(I freaked watching that 'other, old show-- Tr - Spcs'--when two designers turned the lesbian couples home into a Pepto Bismol pink fright-with the smooshed hay onto the walls- so the toddlers could have at it! I had to stop watching then.)
Anyway--the new show looks to be a hit...and who cares about titles, words, labels.....designer/decorator. It all comes down to the work and the people. Have fun..we'll be watching! David T

posted on February 4, 2007 at 3:25 AM

Jerry Wood wrote:

I thought the winning room was a joke. It was the sort of thing a TV show would contrive to make fun of interior design. But, on the other hand, the client was Alexis Arquette, so perhaps it was appropriate in that sense. But it reminded me of the way that conceptual art drew contemporary art away from serious expression into pointless novelty.

posted on February 4, 2007 at 4:29 PM

Sam wrote:

I just wanted to say that I find "Top Design" to be an honorable endeavor, because, to be perfectly honest, interior design is very important. However, I am not sure if using interior design as a sport is tasteful or appropriate. I like the hunt for talent, but I'm not sure if the vicissitudes of interior design translate to a gameshow.

posted on February 5, 2007 at 3:01 AM

Rachelh wrote:

Hello, Jonathan. Top Design was very interesting and . As a primitive viewer, squatting in my living room with odds and ends, photos of my family, scratching, it's really entertaining learning the difference between designer and decorator. And, watching the personalities conflict. You get a group of folks, and certain types will surface every time. Look at Top Chef, Project Runway, and all the various sorts of competition tv. It's so gratifying to think, "jeez, that person needs a whack to the back of the head!" And you did. Good job.

posted on February 5, 2007 at 1:25 PM

Pete wrote:

I have to say that I was disappointed with the show for many reasons that myself and others already expressed on the board. Having said that, I just happened to click on your blog by accident and read it. It makes a world of difference knowing some of your thoughts in relation to the show and I will watch it again. I know NOTHING about your profession or your background - never heard of you before the show, sorry :-) but I have to ask how someone like Michael got on in the first place. He may be a nice guy and he may turn out to be a great ID but he is clearly a novice in with a bunch of fully qualified and experienced people. I don't get it. Good luck with the show.

posted on February 5, 2007 at 2:54 PM

cg wrote:

In response to "decorator" vs. "designer"....A few years ago I met a high-end antique dealer from London that was trying to drum up business in LA. I asked her if she could sum up the difference between the interior design business in Los Angeles & New York. Her comment to me was, " In Los Angeles most of the designers I work with will buy directly from the photos, in New York the designers get on their hands & knees look under the antique for marks and authenticity, fly out to London to look at the item before purchasing and check thoroughly for any flaws or damage. In LA becasue of the film/tv business there are alot of "decorators" turned so call "interior designers". The room must function, be liveable and not dismantled at the end of the day for "wrap" as on a film set.
Unfortuantely, that's what the first episode produced.
I know the PDC can be daunting but surely not to those living/working LA designers??????

posted on February 5, 2007 at 5:20 PM

Robin Roberts-Gibson wrote:

Dear Johnathan!
I am a HUGE fan of your work. My husband is a potter and I work in the Interior Design field as a buyer. I must say, I LOVE the show for so many different reasons.
BRAVO too you for calling that "spoiled brat" to task. So many folks don't realize that getting down and dirty is what the task at hand requires. There are enough Divas in this profession, God forbid we inherit another one! Thank you for giving him a "come to Jesus" talk.
Keep up the pocket squares.
:)

posted on February 5, 2007 at 7:05 PM

DARLEEN wrote:

I AGREE THAT MOST OF THE ROOMS WERE DISAPPOINTING. INTERESTING THAT THEY WERE THE RESULT OF COLLABORATION. IN MY EXPERIENCE AS A "decorator" TOO MANY COOKS WILL DEFINITELY SPOIL THE SOUP. CLIENTS CALL THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW, THE GORGEOUS VITRIOUS GLASS MOSAIC SUCCOMBS TO VENETIAN PLASTER. THAT SAID, THE FIRST CHALLENGE WAS A REALLY BIG ONE. I HOPE TO SEE A BICKERING COUPLE OF THE 'OPPOSITES ATTRACT' SYNDROME PLAYED OUT ON THE SHOW. AND DEALING WITH RELATIVES--NOW THERE YOU GO! DESIGNERS: PLEASE EVERYONE IN THE MAXWELL FAMILY!

JONATHAN--LOVE THE PARKER. LOVE YOUR WORK IN GENERAL. NOW, YOU'RE NOT CERTIFIED, ARE YOU? I HOPE THE ANSWER IS NO. GREATNESS NEED NOT BE JUSTIFIED WITH A PIECE OF PAPER. DO WHAT YOU LOVE...

posted on February 5, 2007 at 11:02 PM

richard wrote:

Iwould like to know where to buy a black and white table I saw in one of the rooms

posted on February 5, 2007 at 11:31 PM

kathie wrote:

Sarah J,

It's difficult to seriously consider the opinions of a person who can't spell DIFFERENT!

posted on February 6, 2007 at 2:08 PM

LP wrote:

I like "See you later, decorator" as a send-off because, if said with some warmth (or even regret), it implies that this isn't the end of the road for the contestants. So they didn't win the show--it doesn't mean they won't make their mark. Sure, the line i's potentially belittling or infantilizing, but it's also potentially friendly and respectful. Certainly much more so than "you're fired" or "pack your knives." It could even be wistful--all depends, Jonathan, on how you choose to deliver the line. Let your empathy and humanity show through on the show as it does on your blog, and you could start a send-off-line revolution!

posted on February 6, 2007 at 2:13 PM

Andrew wrote:

Jonathan:

You are one of the best celebrity judges EVER. Witty, kind and cute as a button, too! Kind of like a sober, intelligent Paula Abdul!

Keep up the great work -- can't sait to see the remaining episodes!

posted on February 6, 2007 at 5:41 PM

Barbara Adams wrote:

Wonderful, wonderful blog, Johnathan! You compete with Tom C. from Top Chef for best blogger on BravoTV. Keep it up, and I promise to keep watching.

posted on February 6, 2007 at 9:02 PM

Daniel wrote:

I found your comment about Heather and Co. not spending their budget interesting. Are you saying that coming in under budget is a bad thing? Because you approached it as if it was a negative. As a consumer I would appreciate someone who acted as a steward of my funds. As someone who does hire contractors in my business, I look forward to those words : "coming in under budget." I think for most people this would be a positive, not a reason to be fired.

posted on February 7, 2007 at 11:36 AM

carol guinta wrote:

I agree with Jerry, what a joke that room with the sand box. A fifty thousand dollar budget and Alexis Arquette???? It was like a Saturday Night Live Skit....Sorry I think the show has pushed outa the envelope into irritating oblivion

posted on February 7, 2007 at 12:35 PM

min wrote:

Hmmm, I was hoping this would be different than the HGTV designer show. Much the same, though. I was hoping for a "quickfire" type of challenge in the beginning and THEN the regular challenge. Perhaps something like: your client has a room that looks like (show a picture) and she wants to address the problem of (new piano, bad lighting, traffic pattern, etc etc). Take 30 minutes to sketch and brainstorm ideas. You will present your ideas and the best solution will receive .....extra money for the challenge, 30 extra mintues, pick their partner, etc etc. I would really love to just hear about ideas as well as watch them come to fruition. Anyhow...perhaps this is a better post for the producers.

posted on February 7, 2007 at 4:13 PM

pops wrote:

how big is the knot in that tie, einstein?

posted on February 7, 2007 at 7:06 PM

Samuel Linz wrote:

Ok, I have never commented on one of these blogs but was compelled to throw in my two cents. First off, you were the best part of the show, so charming and funny. You rule!

I do agree with others that there was funky stuff going on with Todd O's edits, makeup, and voice over stuff. It was like someone behind the scenes was working on a science project. Todd is great, and surely they will let him be his cute self. Slap the producers!

I love Margaret Russell, all I can say is she is brilliant in everything she does and def has the experience to judge anyway she feels! Go Girl! Where is my ElleDecor???? Also, a hottie!

Kelly Wearstler, just to say in a "short and sweet" note ..you are amazingly talented and gorgeous!

To sum it up I just wanted to let you know that I have been a fan of your work for years. Love your designs, product, stores, and not to mention the Parker! Your like Madonna how you evolve and continue to re-create your work! Can't wait till tonite's episode!!

posted on February 7, 2007 at 7:13 PM

Mrs. Smith wrote:

All this talk about certifications and prissy Michael. Make a room work and roll-up your sleeves. Whether you went to the school at Parsons or in the homes of your friends, all that matters is whether or not you can help to create a room that makes the people who live in it happy. Isn't that what it's all about?

posted on February 7, 2007 at 8:19 PM

Jillian wrote:

I just wanted to say that I usually LOVE the shows on BRAVO, from Top Chef to Project Runway... but those shows were really made by their judges. In the case of Top Design, I was kind of disappointed by the judges. The judges were harsh and, while I think it is important to let the contestants know what is good and what is not, I think it is important to be nice while doing so. Honestly, the judges are really cold and nothing ever seems to be good enough for them. For example, one child's room in this evening's episode was not childish enough, while the Pirate room was too childish. I'm not an interior designer and I'm not trying to tell the judges how to do their job...but would it hurt to smile and actually be nice instead of egotistical to the contestants? I mean, remember, they are the reason you have a job.

posted on February 7, 2007 at 10:58 PM

tom wrote:

I'm a little confused, what the hec is Mrs.Smith talking about?

posted on February 7, 2007 at 11:15 PM

Jo wrote:

Here we go again...another "top something show." I was a fan of top chef until this year. I had hoped for some really honest judging. Why do the judges need to know who did the design before giving an opinion? Do we have to enter the designers looks and personality into it? How about an honest ruling of good or bad before we know their name?
Also, WHY Alexis Arquette???? Is "it" honestly a good judge of taste???? Come on Hollywood...less drama, less drama "queens"
and a little more honest to goodness taste, talent and real information on how to design and be a good designer.
As a professional buyer/designer/decorator of 30 years...yes you have to move with the times BUT never losing sight of good taste and sensibility. No more for me...Also "loosen up Todd" quit reading the cue cards and as for Jonathon...sorry but a lot less of him and a lot more of Elle for anybody's taste. Maybe it flies in LA, but you know that saying...what goes on in Las Vegas or "anywhere else west of the Mississippi" can definitely STAY THERE! YIKE...Somebody get Michael a brain to 'decorate'
Good luck...I'lll be picking up videos to watch for Wednesday nights from now on! Sorry BRAVO you lost me for your advertisers!

posted on February 7, 2007 at 11:34 PM

lisa wrote:

I like you, I think you know your stuff. I'm not a interior decorator but you liked the same things I liked and disliked
the things I didn't. So taste does still stand for something.
Keep up the good work. Oh, before I forget. See you later
decorator. I'll try to learn to like that maybe it will grow on me.
Hey, the show is started to.

posted on February 7, 2007 at 11:55 PM

manuel wrote:

thanks jonathan for being so sweet! it makes all the difference to watch a show with so much compasion and harmony.
good luck and don't change.
besos
manu

posted on February 8, 2007 at 1:59 AM

Maria wrote:

You're so smart! I'm glad you're head judge!

posted on February 8, 2007 at 2:02 AM

Steve Savage wrote:

I think having Alexis Arquette as the client was a stroke of genius. Talk about tossing a monkey wrench into the works! The whole idea of the TOP ---- shows is to mess with the minds of the contestants and put them in situations that stress and challenge them.
Top chef has to cook for street people and top design has to design for transexuals, what a better way to challenge an "expert" than to take them out of the comfortable insular environment they're used to and tossing them to the wolves.

I hope one of the shows has them designing for a person with special needs. Its one thing to have a sand pit with a swing, its another thing to have a good design that is practical.

posted on February 8, 2007 at 2:48 PM

CAP wrote:

I was uncertain about Top Designer/Decorator (whatever floats your boat). So what does float my boat about the show, your blog. I never posted on the Bravo site before, though I do watch Project Runway and Top Chef. I hope the copyright to your blog entries are yours, because if you ever did a book about the show your blogs would be a major selling point and I would buy a copy for myself and family/friends.

Cheers,

posted on February 8, 2007 at 3:33 PM

jimmy gimbels wrote:

God, this show is dull. It even makes Top Chef look good. When does Project Runway come back?

posted on February 9, 2007 at 11:22 PM

Brian Ward wrote:

I have to say that I truly admire Ryan's work. He is a great artist as well as a designer, plus he's HOT!

posted on February 10, 2007 at 12:46 AM

babs wrote:

I wish the show would devote more time to design issues and choices and less time to behavior. Viewers are not so dumb that we have to be lured to a show by the conflict and shock factors emphasized on the show.

posted on February 10, 2007 at 8:33 PM

Linda wrote:

I have seen several though not all of the series shows so far.. I loved the colors on the cabana you hated.. I loved the louver look and the completeness .. oh well would have been my winner.. :))

posted on February 15, 2007 at 1:07 AM

Lauren wrote:

I have chosen this show to be my "must see series" for the season. In fact, I have never had a show that I actually stop everything I'm doing in order to sit down in front of the television and watch. But I must say, there is a lot that I love about this show and there is a lot that I feel is lacking.

I just feel like there should be more challenges that are more creative. Such as :: make this 5'X5' room into the ultimate fort for a .... __________ girl/boy who likes _________.... or make a challenge to design an on set super 70's trailer into a haven for an actor who loves the color hot pink. I guess I would love to see more creativity in the show.

posted on February 28, 2007 at 12:11 AM

Ms. Vickki wrote:

Jonathan:

Are you French? Your command of French is just precious.

posted on March 19, 2007 at 9:18 PM

cait wrote:

hey jonathan! i am a fan of yours. i watch top design all the time! i also want to become an interior designer.

posted on April 2, 2007 at 3:31 PM

Allison Olmstead wrote:

Hi Jonathan - I had the priviledge of watching your show for the first time yesterday - quite impressed with the concept! I'm a designer and interested in auditioning for your show - how does one go about being chosen for your show? You are welcome to visit my web site at www.olmsteaddesigns.com to see if it's a possible fit. I look forward to hearing back from you. Allison

posted on April 11, 2007 at 3:00 AM