Warren wrote:

Jonathan: You a MUCH cuter than Margaret Hamilton. And FAR less witcht.

posted on February 28, 2007 at 8:49 PM

sam herz wrote:

um, miss adler, you DO look like margaret hamilton. in fact, that segues to my comment: is bravo trying to trademark their own less-than-bravissimo approach to reality TV? todd oldham is basically heidi klum: pretty, but robotic, stiff, with even LESS personality [which i didn't think was possible]. he's so awkward he's GAWKward, so they put on the snarky troll homosexual (michael kors/jonathan adler) to add sex-starved "personality," and a biatch with hair (nina garcia and whoever sits next to jonathan, i forget her name). does everyone agree? i thought so.

posted on February 28, 2007 at 10:20 PM

Kee wrote:

Dorothy Parker stated, "A little bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika."

posted on March 1, 2007 at 5:56 AM

AmyK wrote:

Your comment about why a designer should ignore a customer's request is why I do not like this show at all. On Top Chef and Project Runaway, the chefs and designer's have to meet the customer's needs. Becuase you just care about what you consider "beautiful" makes this show very unappealing and does not put the design industry in a good light. You can make storage needs beautiful and interesting, you just have to give it thought and effort.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 9:39 AM

Ilaynay wrote:

"Sometimes clients don't know what's best for them and they want dreary old storage instead of beauty, and you just have to ignore them."

...You're joking, right? In the first place, why does storage have to be dreary? Surely storage could have been worked in somehow without spoiling the happy feel of the room. In the second place, if all my stuff is all over the floor and every available surface because there's nowhere in my room to store it, that's going to make me a lot more unhappy and depressed than if the room, before I move my stuff in, doesn't say "happy!" to me.

I get that visuals are a huge factor in design, obviously, but surely practicality is as well. If the room has no storage, it's useless to me no matter how good it looks. I might as well live in a cardboard box for all the good it would do me. (Likewise on the cabana with no roof, while we're talking practicalities. Might as well have no cabana at all.)

Remind me not to hire you to decorate my space...

posted on March 1, 2007 at 9:49 AM

Surprised wrote:

Hey Jonathan, thank you for taking the time to answer some questions. I still have one for you: your criteria in judging - to make a room, which puts you in a happy mood - but it was not a requirement of any given challenge so far, it's not an equivalent of the creativity, it's your own criteria! The room should be remarkable and awesome, it could be gray or beige cleverly combined with the elements to focus on. I am from the North Europe. In our culture we have used only earth tones, wood, amber, ceramic, and stones to decorate - I wouldn't call those rooms "happy", but they were chic, stylish and edgy and could win "Top Design" easily by their originality. I am sure you are not against calm colors, but I am disagree with a termin "happy/depressing room" - that's why Carissa's room won. Orange is a happy color! But would I hire Carissa? Never! Would I hire Matt or Goel? Definitely! Anyway, you are great with socks or without them, and your smile is sincere. Mazaltov!

posted on March 1, 2007 at 9:58 AM

fgmnt48 wrote:

Your response just made me very angry. People use designers to help give them with all of the elements of a design, Beauty and Functionality. Apparently only beauty is being judge here. This room was supposed to be the client's living space, if so then, the winner should have been the one who came closest to meeting the clients wish list. You can have the most beautiful space in the world with the most expensive furnishings and it will look just like another hole in the wall without the necessary storage. What does the judge's decision tell other design students, that you are "GOD" and the client doesn't matter? Bull...s...t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You need to get back to reality! If a client hires you and agrees to your fees/salary, you are working for them and need to take into consideration their needs in your design.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 9:59 AM

Katrina wrote:

From one biatch to another...LUV THE SHOW...YOU MAKE IT HOT! And don't you dare put socks on! Keep servin up that attitude..."them birds"...u are too funny!

posted on March 1, 2007 at 10:16 AM

Connie McGoldrick wrote:

I have to agree with Amy. I keep telling my husband, "I don't know if I'm a Jonathan Adler groupie or stalker." Joking of course about the stalker. It's your attitude that captures me (i.e. "color is the new black" and your ten commandments, the list could go on and on).
So yea, I'm waiting for the new channel in your honor. I'd be more glued to the TV than my 10 year old is to The Disney Channel!

posted on March 1, 2007 at 10:41 AM

Fanfare wrote:

Hello Jonathan,

I thought that you were going to answer "intelligent questions". One answer to the judging of Carissa's dorm room does not a pertinent blog make. (Socks - yeah or nay? - , your personality, and the Margaret Hamilton comment that you were going to ignore - twice!)... How about answering the actual intelligent (or at least "on point") questions from the many viewers who have posed them regarding the judging schism that seems inconsistent and contradictory to many of us!

Regarding the previous challenge that auf'd Felicia: My question to you is this - If you "were digging her ideas and not digging Ryan's attitude", why was he allowed to remain to play another day? His room was just totally hideous. The client stated that she could never sleep there. I don't think I could just sit there! Whereas, Felicia showed promise in earlier challenges. Ryan's obnoxious personality could not be more important than turning out a more quality based contest.

It is also confusing that the designtestants are actually not all interior designers (or decorators, for that matter). Ryan is a self-proclaimed artist, Carissa is a set decorator, Michael is a new graduate from...?, etc. Couldn't Bravo attract talent from the actual field that they are now pushing? This current crop of wannabes seem so sad most of time, and without much creativity or completeness to their projects.

Judging the judges: "Y'all" are just too busy thinking up clever reparte, than being fair minded and consistent in your "decisions". Because of the small number of deserving designers (to participate) and the mystifying judging, the entire program seems more like fake wood rather than the real deal! It is difficult to view an entire episode without falling asleep.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 11:02 AM

Irma wrote:

Dear Jonathan!

I don't see "Margaret Hamilton" in you at all. That is certainly an odd comparison to make. However, it obviously created a rise in you for you to mention it 2 times. So, your response is referring to your viewers as, "Biatches"??? Do you really think it is a good idea to insult your fan base with name calling?
That is poor form, my dear!

I hope you get over yourself soon and return with a more informative blog in the future.

See ya later, decorator!

posted on March 1, 2007 at 11:08 AM

Connie wrote:

I already posted, but I have to pipe in on the designer ignoring the client. Several years ago I took some courses with an interior design school (I didn't finish the program so I'm in no way an expert) but my final project was to design a room. I went for my livingroom. While in my head the room was THE most fantastic creation since...well...Creation, my livingroom ended up with holes in the walls just above the trim. (Because) I had a choice of chairs or rocking chairs and I picked the ones that rocked! I had a huge livingroom window, floor to ceiling and outside of it was a beautiful garden I'd planted myself, complete with pond and stepping stones. The livingroom was SMALL. I wanted to extend it ot the great outdoors. I did so by buying padded lawn furniture, potted plants (you get the idea) and open the curtains and there you have it! Only I missed the mark. If a professional designer had done this room for me, I'm sure he or she would have ignored my really bad choices and still given me the look and feel I wanted.
The point being, what one thinks is great is sometimes horrid. And you've GOT to trust your designer to know what's best.
My kids still have a good time laughing their heads off over that one :-)

posted on March 1, 2007 at 2:07 PM

meliblu wrote:

No storage?!!! No storage when her client requested storage is a bad idea to me and why I don't think she should have won this one, that and the high schoolish speed limit sign on the wall. I watch design programs on another network and have seen some very good and hidden solutions to storage including budget solutions. If her client asked for storage, that should have been one of Carisa's priorities. Did like her colors, the same ones she uses over and over again, but her design wasn't my favorite. Too many failures in that episode to me. However, the granny afghan in Felicia's room took one's attention off everything else in that room and really made itself the terrible focal point of the room. No socks at all is not just a gay thing although no socks ever may be mainly a gay male thing. I'll have to go back and read the other posters' remarks for the wicked witch remark.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 6:32 PM

jenny wrote:

I think maybe your designers need to go back to school, the rooms they thought were great were the WORST i have ever seen in my life. And also don't you think if your designing a room for someone you should design it more to there taste and likes that yours. Your not going to live in it they are. Also, don't you think they should be based on there needs for the room also? If not then maybe you shouldn't be designing in the first place, I hate these so called designers that decide to do what they want instead of listening to there clients and there needs.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 7:16 PM

hughman wrote:

doll -

i left a comment on the infamous Pink Navy blog about Top Design last week mentioning the Margaret Hamilton resemblence. i was referring to a photoshopped pic they'd posted. and yes. from that altered pic, i saw a similarity.

however let me go on the record as saying, since i've met you in person with simon (who is a friend of mine) that you in no way "really" look like the wicked witch. you are much less green for one and while simon is an extremely witty genius he can not (as far as i know) fly.

please don't take it personally, je t'adore. totes.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 9:07 PM

To Jonathon wrote:

Don't take the comments in these talkbacks too seriously. People tend to be asshats when they have the opportunity to comment anonymously on the internet. They say things they would never dream of saying to your face.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 9:20 PM

Pedro wrote:

I was very surprised by your comments on the socks. I am also a gay man and I would never be seen without socks. Hygiene first and foremost. Nonetheless, I find you cute, so I can forgive you for now.

posted on March 1, 2007 at 10:07 PM

melanie wrote:

You should wear socks because if you don't your shoes will stink. Gross!

posted on March 1, 2007 at 10:59 PM

Robert "M" wrote:

Let's save this BLOG for intelligent feedback. If you are looking for fifteen minutes of fame by slamming someone...this ain't the forum and the few seconds it takes for someone to read and then ignore your thoughts actually penalizes you , so now you have fiften minutes and three seconds of fame to find.
I think TOP DESIGN is intelligent, innovative (despite the cloned similarity to PROJECT RUNWAY...but i digress)
I love Todd's work and his empathy for the designers. I find Jonathan as charming as ever, having followed him since seeing his work on an early Martha Stewart show (yes, I am a fan of hers as well). Jonathna's ceramics pepper my decorative accessories throughout my home, and I am CONSTANTLY in the market for more of his newer wares (DORA MAAR is fabby!)
Comment on the tasks at hand: the innovation of the designers, how there ideals augment your own ways of thinking. Use this production as a tool to expand your own private interior design ideals. It is all in the eye of the beholder.
Keep up the awesome work on the show. As for Jonathan...love every nuance of your personality. You are on the show for a reason...talent. Thanks!
Robert M

posted on March 4, 2007 at 9:02 PM

James wrote:

Great show at haus in Scottsdale in October. Enjoyed it. Is Todd Oldham doing any new products for Target? He is busy with set designs for the biz, I know. Are you angry that "grace adler" is using your name....lol.

posted on March 5, 2007 at 12:37 PM

Joe wrote:

Actually, I find Jonathan extremely sexy. He's not a toll in any sense of the word. In my view, he's hot.

posted on March 5, 2007 at 2:16 PM

MBlue wrote:

Just hate some of the designers' attitudes this time such as Clarissa and Ryan. Clarissa ignored her client's request for storage and really Matt should have won with his Armani Casa room on the Garage sale challenge designing for students. However, just despised Ryan's attitude with he only wanted to be a designer if he could follow only his own rules, which states a total disregard for his client. Am amused by your ad on the side which calls you "Johnathan Adler, your 24 hour pot dealer" and as it's a designer show ad, hopefully people won't get the wrong idea, but it does attract attention.

posted on March 5, 2007 at 6:17 PM

MelanieAnneMcF wrote:

Just love that going on about "them birds" but loved the rug. On seeing the episode again, I was highly amused because those birds in Michael's room do look like The Partridge family birds. Reminded me of a Florida cousin I haven't seen for years who was happy that she was so oft compared to Susan Dey and you forget how popular those campy, early dated shows like that are. Michael's birds transport one back in time to the Partridge family's Come on Get Happy, but I still didn't like them birds either. What was with Ryan's wooden black widow spider web around that bed? Did he not like his client and was he envisioning the client eaten by giant spiders or was that just his rage showing, his he-should-be-over-it art rebel? Was that the new Target logo in that room with all those bullseyes? Shooting range or archery range? Who is doing the shooting, Ryan or the client? Felicia's room just clashed and looked mish mash and cheap and wasn't unified or cohesive. Truly either she or Ryan deserved to go.

posted on March 6, 2007 at 12:16 AM

Laura Fullow wrote:

Just a few comments on the comments given.
First, I am no expert at design. I am completing my degree this spring and have worked in the field for 2 years so I do know a little about it. I do not think that TV gives the rooms justice. Carrisa's room did address storage, maybe not as much as one thinks, but she did do the best job. Very innovative as well. Functionality 1st, design 2nd.... and she did meet that.

Second, I do think rooms should be cheery and not dreary... great point.

Third, designers are trained to listen to what the client thinks they want and to know how to give them what they really need, plus make it aesthetically pleasing.

Forth and finally, Jonathan, we have been studying your design in my History of Furniture class and most of us adore you! Wouldn't it be GREAT if you made a guest appearance in my class(I would definitely get an A on my mid-century modern report if you showed)! So, if you are in the Las Vegas area, let me know! You have a huge fan base here in the design industry!!!!

posted on March 7, 2007 at 1:08 AM

juni wrote:

I think you add humor, taste, and liveliness to the show and I look forward to your commentary. I especially like your take on rooms being either depressing or uplifting and mood enhancing. Your lightness of touch but seriousness about design come across well.

I do think Mike should have been told "See you later," after the first episode, when he clearly let John do most of the work and wasted a lot of time clowning around.

posted on March 7, 2007 at 10:09 AM

Kristen wrote:

Jonathan, if you had your own network, I would finally buy a TIVO. Your blogs are the best thing about this show. Rock on!

posted on March 7, 2007 at 5:09 PM

Donovan wrote:

I'm always in awe at how high and mighty blog commentors are on this show. (Permit me for a moment to wax high and mighty myself!)

a) As one fair-minded commentor has expressed, poor Clarisa DID attempt to address her client's need for storage. Part of her design failed (due to the carpenter on hand) and she moved on - a quality that is obviously honored among Bravo's many judging panels - Even if you experience difficulty, find a way to adapt and stand behind your design, even if your design falls behind.

b) Regardless of how much you love the concept of a show and dream of it being all it could be, and regardless of how much it fails to meet those expectations - give the show and its facilitators a bit of a break!! 1st of all, it's a reality show, so they're constrained by who actually shows up to compete. 2nd, it's niche programming on a smaller budget than tripe shows like Big Brother and the like. 3rd, had they had your valuable (and might I say "expert") opinion from day 1, I'm sure they would have totally followed your advice, since you come with such a highly recommended record. Geez, it's not a personal dis, when they have content that you don't agree with.

Yes, you have your constitutional right to provide feedback and get as nasty as you want, but why would you want to? It's so karmically counterproductive - as another commentor has noted.

c) whoever feels insulted by Jonathan using the word "biatches" on his very general (and not personally directed) blog needs to chill. It's an expression and should be understood within the context, as any "derogatory" and potentially banned word should. The kind of thing you would only say to a friend - it's an ironic use of language - and would never actually use to hurt or demean. I know the use of "derogatory" language for terms of endearment is one that is publicly and HOTLY debated, but probably at some level practiced by everyone in the human race, come on, admit it. Give Jonathan an inch to be himself and have fun, it's not an insult to you personally. Represent, queens!

posted on March 7, 2007 at 6:38 PM

Sharlene wrote:

I think Carisa is the top designer by far. Her creations every week are consistent, beautiful, and well thought out. She listens to her clients and gives them everything they want and more. I would hire her in a New York minute. I think Michael needs an attitude adjustment from day one. Since it is getting close to the end result, tempers are flaring and some of the designers are beginning to sling mud; almost like a political campaign. They are picking on the ones they are most threatened by and it is obvious to the viewers.
Keep up the great work Carisa; you are my Top Design by far!

posted on March 7, 2007 at 11:29 PM

Stephanie wrote:

Can I just say that you are the best part of this show (aside from Kelly's completely dry and hilarious asides, and Margaret's hair)? Frankly, I hope you can Ryan Seacrest your way up from a reality show to a full E! takeover. Not that you would need to or anything, but I think it would be great to see more of that disgusted/a little confused/what the hell?/sucks for them! face... as in "if I had to live here, I would shoot myself" face. Love it!

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:42 AM

Stephanie wrote:

Can I just say that you are the best part of this show (aside from Kelly's completely dry and hilarious asides, and Margaret's hair)? Frankly, I hope you can Ryan Seacrest your way up from a reality show to a full E! takeover. Not that you would need to or anything, but I think it would be great to see more of that disgusted/a little confused/what the hell?/sucks for them! face... as in "if I had to live here, I would shoot myself" face. Love it!

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:42 AM

Joe wrote:

To quote Jonathan Adler, "Oy vey!" Does everyone out there realize that they are watching a show that is basically a compilation of video clips and sound bites? Hello people! Wake up! All of you are complaining about the designers, judges and Todd as if that is what they are like all the time. Alhtough the show is entertaining, what you are seeing is not total reality. Every character on that show, including the judges and Todd, are just that - CHARACTERS created with a spin from Bravo. Jonathan even admits that Michael is quite a loveable person despite what we see on television. This is meant to be a form of entertainment. Don't take it all so seriously...otherwise change the channel.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 10:18 AM

Chris wrote:

Is everyone guy on the show gay??

posted on March 8, 2007 at 12:43 PM

Julie wrote:

Why does Adler keep using French? Once in a while, it's fine and cute (sort of like Tim Gunn's "Durmstrang"), and even appropriate, but every other word? Highly annoying. This just means he doesn't have the vocabulary to speak well in English.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 5:12 PM

Manik wrote:

Thank you for the wonderful laugh. The part of your blog where you discuss your sockless state just gave me the giggles. It reminded me of the musical version of the Scarlet Pimpernel -

Peacocks!
Sink me!
Think ye, sir,
How those feathered boys love to flaunt their tails!
Stallions!
Zounds, sir!
Hounds sir! Stags!
Of the goosie and the gander, sir
Which gender is the grander, sir
To render total candor, sir, the spendour is the male's!
Be an example to your sex
Give your boot a dapper strap
And it's smarter if your garter has some snap!
Cravats should be flounced about our necks
Wear a nightcap when you nap
Be bewitching with some stitching on your cap!
Now, drape your cape
And puff your cuff
Embroider those lapels!
Be the king of the beasts in pastels!
La, but someone has to strike a pose
And bear the weight of well-tailored clothes
And that is why the Lord created men

posted on March 9, 2007 at 12:32 AM

Roppie wrote:

Socks can be quite fashionable, you know. In fact, wearing just the right pair of socks can make my day! :D

posted on March 9, 2007 at 10:12 PM

Jason wrote:

You crack me up! If you look like Margaret Hamilton, than I have to watch the O.Z. again. She must a H-O-T! You are truly an inspiration! It's an interesting thing to see that most of these people don't get your humor or your wit. You take Happy Chic to a whole new level and thanks for adding some playful punctuation to a classic network!!

When are you putting out your next book? What inspires you?

posted on March 12, 2007 at 4:01 PM

J. Golding wrote:

Getting back to the no sox thing. Tom looked like he almost looked uncomfortable with it and kept slipping his shoe off.

posted on March 29, 2007 at 12:31 AM

gloria wrote:

Jonathon--I just LOVED those faces that you make. Your humor and wit make my Wednesdays. I would totally watch your show!!!

posted on April 13, 2007 at 1:05 AM

Dylan wrote:

Hey, John ... As a small business owner, if I ignored my customers' wants and needs I'D BE HOMELESS!

Oh, and from one gay man to another, put some socks on. It won't kill your sense of fashion to wear ankle socks. Plus you'll save yourself the pain of blisters, the stench of bare, sweaty, stinky feet, and I'm sure your adoring partner will also appreciate the needed improvement in hygiene.

posted on April 18, 2007 at 11:13 AM