Laura wrote:

Carisa's room was awful! It looked like it was designed for a 14-year old boy. Perhaps the fact that I also dislike her attitude and personality are contributing to this opinion...however, her plain orange, red and lime green room made me throw up a little in my mouth. I am disappointed.

posted on February 21, 2007 at 10:55 PM

Carolyn wrote:

I just watched the show tonight and I was a little offended by your comments about the beautiful crochet afghan that was used in Felicia's design. I would like to let you know that I work with a group of women most of them are in 20s and they love the art of crochet. You talked about Ryan and his disdain for using swatches to create a design, but afghan's take time to do an someone, put a lot of time engery and love in that piece. I might not know what is chic out there, but I do know what kind of love goes into an afghan like that. Just because something is not store bought it does not mean that it is not fashionable.

I know you might disagree, but I was compelled to post.

posted on February 21, 2007 at 11:00 PM

Christopher KB wrote:

I cannot believe Felicia was sent home - yes, her room was awful. But did you actually see Ryan's room? It had a set of monkey bars in it! Ugh...he has consistently made horrible, horrible rooms that even the blind would avoid. Please, please, please start judging appropriately. Thanks.

posted on February 21, 2007 at 11:03 PM

M wrote:

WTF Jonathan. Carisa instead of Matt? CARISA instead of MATT??? Matt's room was clearly the winner. I dont see how you could have chosen that disgusting orange thing over Matt's amazing room. I just dont get it.

This is probably just my opinion, but I didnt find much wrong with Ryan's room. Granted, I'm an artist myself so I might be biased, but it was far better than Carisa's room in my opinion. I would have rather seen him go instead of Felicia though, but this is Bravo TV, and they always keep the "Dramallamas".

Speaking of which, if the three Dramallamas of Top Design - Ryan, Carisa, and Michael - make final 3, ESPECIALLY over the clear superior contestants - Matt, Goil, and Erik - I'm done. I'll stop watching. No joke. I dont mind Ryan, I'm kindasorta warming up to Michael, and I HATE Carisa, but none of them deserve to win. or make finale for that matter.

Seriously, I was hoping I'd never see Carisa again, and that she would finally get off my TV, but she has to f-ing win? Lame.

Make her go home soon so I can restore my faith in the judges on these shows. Really.

posted on February 21, 2007 at 11:09 PM

Shawn wrote:

Okay, so this is my biggest complaint...why is it that the judges seem to focus more on self-worship than on actually impartially judging the rooms? I mean, okay, so occasionally saying something witty is fun and absolutely spot on, but then to rattle off odd phrases that have obviously been worked and reworked over late night martinis alone prior to an episode is so transparent and almost detracts from the actual characters of the show - the designers. And, then to sit around after the designers leave the room and act like they've somehow adversely and personally affected your higher sense of style is tacky and boring. Funny how, in all their ingenuity and witticism, somehow the judges come off as done so many times before on so many other shows, while the designers are clearly the creative and innovative ones.

posted on February 21, 2007 at 11:17 PM

Ash wrote:

Carisa's room was too simple and dull. And also, Ahh! My Eyes! The color, it burns!

Matt was robbed.

posted on February 21, 2007 at 11:21 PM

Bill West wrote:

Boy did the judges miss the boat tonight (2/21)! Matt SO deserved to win that challenge and Carissa SO didn't. Even the judges acknowledged this in the discussion. All things being equal, the client's opinion should hold weight. Carisa's client commented on the lack of storage; Matt's client loved his. Plus, Carisa can't get along with anyone she works with, especially carpenters, and blames them for her own shortcomings. She's NOT Top Design material. I'm so disappointed with that decision. The second major blunder was the decision on who went home. It came down to two bad designs, both of which the clients hated. But based on Felicia's obvious talent, and her opponent's crappy attitude, she should have been given another chance. All in all a horrible episode. The disclaimer that elimination decisions are discussed with Bravo plays interestingly here. You have to wonder how much the network IS controlling the outcome of this show when you get decisions like tonight's. You guys, straighten up or it's "SEE YOU LATER, DECORATOR" for you!

posted on February 21, 2007 at 11:26 PM

Thea wrote:

Given your comments about Ryan, and the fact that his two solo rooms were completely unlivable (not mention ugly-) And he chose the most boring, banal furniture imaginable for the St. Tropez cabana (after exercising male macho to get to buy it), why on earth is he staying on the show instead of Elizabeth and Felicity? Both of those designers have show creativity, playfulness and a sense that a human being is going to inhabit the space.

Ryan's work is hostile to human inhabitants. And he is amazingly arrogant about it. His rooms are fit for posed mannequins, not living people. What his reminds me of somewhat (although no where near as iintriguing or talented) is Dali's Rainy Taxi. And intriguing piece but not anything that a real live human being would want to enter. Frankly I would shoot myself if forced to live in either the black prision cell or his depressing and discordant child's bedroom with its ugly colors (actually the only decent thing in the was the cat walk).

And I agree with a comment on the Oldham blog. It is very interesting that the judges have gotten rid of all of the older contestants--and mostly the female ones. A little age discrimination at play here?

Again why Ryan who arrogantly refused to work with his team (especiallly the female member) and who purchased furniture a the level of a college dorm or first apartment and did zilch with it stayed over Elizabeth who was creative, original (but human orient) and a team player is a mystery.

It is also a mystery why he was with his black horror room deeme, this third time he was in the bottom three, more worthy then Felicia to stay, is a mystey.

I guess this is going to be yet another example of Bravo keeping an obnoxious contestant on air to heighten the so called drama. Personally I only watch this show because I am interested in design and how designers get from concept to finshi.

O and one more beef, knowing that all has been shot and edited airing. The camera does not pay enough attention to the rooms. Maybe this will be useful for the next season if there is one.

Chow

posted on February 22, 2007 at 12:30 AM

Q wrote:

Ryan could take a hint or two from David the winner of Design Star on HGTV. David is first an artist - that is his degree. He had the smarts and the guts to use turn that art degree into a career in Design. All through the show he was pleasant, talented and respectful. Maybe that is just his personality or maybe it was having the smarts to play the game well - but for what ever reason - he won over the audience and wowed the judges.

Zaz

posted on February 22, 2007 at 12:58 AM

mary wrote:

Between Ryan and Felicia, Ryan should have gone. He seems to be more of a painter who can put things in a room. Felicia is a "designer". Another thing, Felicia had a afagan, Ryan had a jail wall. I (we) realize there is more to your decisions than is seen, but we need to have more rationalizations. Otherwise we will put it down to keeping in more interesting personalities staying. We know that the producers have something to say in the decisions. They know what goes on during the day that the judges don't. So saying personalities of the contestants doesn't matter isn't really true.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 1:00 AM

IHOP wrote:

Carisa's room? Really? As someone in the same position as the clients in this episode, let me just say... yaaaaawn. I've seen that room before - mod, bright colors (created by people amongst my peer group). Napkins as pillows are really that innovative? Well, gee, I could've won a Top Design challenge when I was eighteen and did the same thing! It might've been lively and appropriate, but there was zero innovation to the thing, including her treatment of purchased items. As I recall, part of the challenge was to manipulate the garage sale purchases (as Matt did brilliantly), which Carisa did not at all. She merely placed a couple good finds. Sure, she can get a pat on the back for doing well in her shopping, but a talent at finding matching objects does not a designer make. Design is about form, and Carisa's form was, fundamentally, boring.

Interesting manipulation of form: Goil and, to a lesser extent, Eric. Interesting manipulation of found objects: Matt and Goil. Carisa was, to me, a snoozefest on the same level as Andrea's. Color is important, sure, but an orange wall can only do so much.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 2:08 AM

AlbertCat wrote:

Alright! The challenges are getting really interesting. But it's still set design with no windows and no doors and only 3 walls [or no walls in the cabana] When are they gonna design a ROOM?

I think you chose the winner aright this week....but you judges need to stop fixating on color...or a single prop.

Michael's room on TV looked butter yellow, not banana, and the purple looked toned down and greyer than grape. I didn't mind it so much...the yellow especially. What was he thinking? An elementary school bag lunch of course! Banana and grape jelly sandwich! Mmmmm... Really, on TV it didn't look that bad. But colors change on video.

Felicia's room was dreadful...even without the 70's afghan. It was soot grey and the items look like they came from a garage sale. But you could have slept there and even the afghan would have kept you warm.

Not so for Ryan. Yuck... and not functional. All it needed was a sling and it would have been a fun leather-daddy dungeon! What is his problem? [The 1st time he bought fabric? What, is that too sissy for the leather-daddy?]

I'd have let them both go! But judging from past rooms, Ryan should be out. Don't you guys take into account past efforts? You talk like you do.

**********

OK... I have to say Ms. Wearstler may win awards and can design a room like ringing a bell, but she cannot dress herself. Last week we get a 16 year old hooker in knee socks and a bra and this week is a 1920's flapper evening gown at 4:30 in the afternoon....with 80's high school hair and a too short slip. Please....get her on Project Runway for a makeover! Were I a client, I'd be worried about her future design choices if I had to go by the way she dresses.

She is beautiful, and one of the most insightful and fairest of judges, so I'm too much of a coward to go to her blog and complain bitterly [I did a little last week].

Well, scene designers usually design bad costumes. I was a costume designer....can you tell? :-P

posted on February 22, 2007 at 2:22 AM

Nygrah wrote:

I love this. Keep up the good work.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 3:41 AM

Kim Lynh wrote:

Please please please don't leave a loyal watcher with a WTF?!? decision...it is bewildering to see Carisa's room chosen as the Top Design! It was obviously a major obstacle for all of the other designers to successfully garage sale shop for 3 destinct functions: sleeping, working, and dining in one space! Carisa's room completely neglected the dining aspect of the challenge, and still did not meet her client's request for storage. How was she chosen over someone who not only met the challenge of tastefully incorporating a dining area into tight quarters, but was also incredibly inspiring in transforming second hand finds into his client's high end taste. Carisa's major shortcomings seemed to be glossed over... isn't it unfair that Carisa got kudos for scoring a hot chair...a chair that was not serving any of the above mentioned guidelines of the room. How does she not get slammed for lack of storage if that is what her client asked for, when she did not have to navigate losing space for dining?
I am at a loss, for this is not just a matter of taste or opinion...what was she judged on, if not against the peramaters of the challenge and the request of the client???
A serious mistake has been made.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 3:45 AM

valerie wrote:

you are the most hilarious person, ever! this show really entertains me, love it! later!!!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:25 AM

Patti wrote:

The birds in Michael's room reminded me of the the anitmated partridges from The Partridge Family opening. Did he think they were kitschy?

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:59 AM

jd wrote:

I watched last night hoping things might be a little more honest...however...the judges were ready to dole out their
sniveling criticisms...Watch out Ryan you're next! All they want is some "wimp" or "wacko" as the next best designer. KELLY what's with the hair and knee sox????? I had thought YOU had taste! Come on Miz Russell why do you hate so much... are you afraid someone has better taste than you? I don't read Elle decor...never heard of it ..as is the same for many others I know...so get over yourself! The guest judges are also lame...Does everyone of them have to have some gimmick (i.e.brit accent)
The cabana episode I rewatched and thought...WOW for giving them so little time and so little perameters...the Miami group was scewed...there's WAS finished and I thought the colors were right on...check out MIAMI judges...there's all kinds of colors out there being used. I think Miz Russell has a thing against women designers...Jealous Hmmmm?
Time to change the channel AGAIN!!!!!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 8:09 AM

Elaine wrote:

I so totally agree with you about Michael's design...happy...HELLO...the colors were awful and the birds were well, I am not sure what they were...but did not make me feel happy...I have to tell you, I look at these rooms and think good lord if someone gave me the money that these designers are given...well I know the time constraints but even at that... it seems to me that sometimes good sense is just lacking...do these designers never look at a designer magazines? Oh well, enough of the rant...I watch every week and that is the point is it not!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 8:56 AM

Elaine wrote:

I so totally agree with you about Michael's design...happy...HELLO...the colors were awful and the birds were well, I am not sure what they were...but did not make me feel happy...I have to tell you, I look at these rooms and think good lord if someone gave me the money that these designers are given...well I know the time constraints but even at that... it seems to me that sometimes good sense is just lacking...do these designers never look at a designer magazines? Oh well, enough of the rant...I watch every week and that is the point is it not!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 8:57 AM

tracy m wrote:

I really enjoyed last night's challange, but i was saddened to see Felicia go; I didn't feel she had the least attractive room. I think Ryan (the artist?) should have gone home because his room was uncomprehensible to me. Talk about chaos; one thing our of place and the room would look untidy.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 9:28 AM

Joan wrote:

OK, I agree that this was not Felicia's finest hour, but to eliminate her? To use your words, "what were you thinking"? If Felicia's room made you depressed then Ryan's space would make you take that leap of the ledge. She didn't give her best to this project but you had many others to choose from. Maybe Michael's "come on get happy" partridges? Eric's trailer park chic? I also think that Carissa won due to benign neglect. She got lucky at the yard sales and she didn't get the opportunity to finish what she started. I think you made a HUGE mistake eliminating Felicia. I felt so strongly that she was one of the top designers that I'm really having trouble wrapping my brain around her departure. I'll keep watching but with a definite sense of disillusionment.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 9:58 AM

cate wrote:

Jonathan,

Just a quick question about tonight's decision. I was under the impression that pleasing the client was priority #1. Why then did Carisa win over Matt, given that his client was thrilled with the finished product while Carisa's client was less than thrilled? Carisa basically ignored her clients request for storage, a huge necessity in a small room. The decision left me puzzled. Can you shed some light on that?

posted on February 22, 2007 at 10:11 AM

Buck wrote:

I love you guys! This show is AWESOME!!
See you later decorator!
CLASSIC!
Love BUCK

posted on February 22, 2007 at 10:14 AM

joe wrote:

Hey, love the show so far! I hated Ryans room and with his attitude he should have been sent packing. You guys let Micheal stay after the HOME SWEET HOME pillow. Ryans bed enclosure looked like a crib, or one of those gates you put up to keep a child out of a room. However, Ryans attitude did make for good tv. Best wishes to everyone part of the production and we'll be watching!

Joe Kramer
Madison, WI

posted on February 22, 2007 at 10:31 AM

LK wrote:

Can't argue too much with the decision.

I think I could have kept Felicia, but for her squishy-ness on her choices. When a judge says "gee, I don't like the color" the designer shouldn't just agree, the designer should stand by their choices, explain the reasoning

Ryan sticks by his ideas, good or bad.
But its hard to see Ryan getting the magazine spread, so he's toast sooner or later.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 10:53 AM

faf wrote:

Why is Ryan still here??? Sure Felicia's room was hideous too, but like Margaret said, "it's an enigma". She had a decent showing on the past episodes as opposed to Ryan. Maybe the clients had some additional comments we weren't privy to...but still. Oh, I agree with cate's comments about Matt deserving to win over Carisa. I'll keep watching, I love the show! i'm going to dig out my crimper now.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 11:01 AM

Nick L. wrote:

My wife and I have enjoyed the other challenge shows on BRAVO, but this one leaves us cold. While all of these shows are subjective in nature, I felt that the judges on the other shows were trying to understand the contestants' point of view, their intent, their execution, their growth, and their ability to meet the challenge--not only the silly imposed challenge, but also the challenge of meeting the clients' needs; on this program, the judges impose their so-called taste and sneer at anything that falls outside their limited imaginative capabilities. We won't be watching any longer, and were we sponsors, we would withdraw our support.

BTW, did anyone notice the guest judge dissing of the use of green, a color that really "pops" on the advertising for this show? Just goes to show ya that the arbiters of taste can't agree among themselves and need to come up with more solid criteria.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 11:02 AM

Nicole wrote:

I loved the thing that Goil did with the chairs in his room. Week after week he takes design and reinvents its definition. He is a mastermind. Though some of his creativity leaves some to be desired in the "safety" and "ease of use" areas, I would choose him to design a whole house for me in a heartbreak. In the end, my vote is for Goil for Top Designer. Did you see the step he built? Come on!!!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 11:43 AM

Michael wrote:

I'm probably letting my dislike of Carisa cloud my judgement, but I didn't care much for her room. I see where you and the other judges were coming from, however. Certainly Ryan is still there for a very important reason. He brings a completely different perspective and sencibility (as does Goil). His designs might not always be completely successful, but they do offer an alternative view point which is legitimate and important.

To be honest, the minute Felicia picked up that horrifying afgan at the garage sale I knew she was a goner.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 11:56 AM

Pamela wrote:

I'm sorry to see that the producers have decided to keep that horrible, nasty, untalented little twit Michael, the Wendy Pepper of Top Design. He'll probably make it into the finals because the producers actually believe that having someone so awful on the show maintains viewer interest. Jonathan Adler's comment, after viewing a room that looked like a giant bruise with partridge cutouts on the walls, was that Michael was "improving." Well, it would have been hard to have done any worse than that hideous room he did in the previous episode!

I really wish you all would give the audience more credit than that. There is plenty of personality among the good designers--we don't need to have our interest piqued by someone whose only talent is making rude remarks about ALL his competitors!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 12:14 PM

Susan wrote:

One question -- Is Ryan perhaps blackmailing one of the producers, or an executive at Bravo? Behaves like a jerk, and delivers ugly, unlivable rooms that scare the clients. At least he's funny.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 12:20 PM

Dee Seifert wrote:

I can't believe your decision to keep Ryan over Felicia. This was not the best room Felicia decorated but Ryan has been a loser each week. Remember the pink cat room with the dangerous platform? How able the poor choice of furnishings for the "high-end" cabana? This week's room was down-right ugly especially the partition that looked like a child was playing in the back yard. I did not find his artwork appealing in any episode so far.

Also, Matt's room was superior to Carisa's. Carisa is talented and creative (especially the safari kid's room) but not superior in this episode.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 12:49 PM

kathy wrote:

The birds on Michael's wall reminded me of the opening of The Partridge Family, something Michael (and his client) is way too young to have knowledge of!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 1:02 PM

Linda wrote:

Can't believe Ryan didn't go home. What an awful room. I can't imagine living in that space. I absolutely hated that wooden monstrosity he put up. What was he thinking? Did anyone like that?

Felicia's room also didn't work but not because of the afghan. The afghan was an aside. It was simply a dreary room.

I liked Marisa's room but not enough for it to win. I don't like Marisa. She is so grating.

I liked Michaels use of yellow and purple. Loved the rug! What do the judges have against the color purple? I also liked the green and purple color on the cabana last week and thought it was the best.

I agree that Erik's art was "scary". Too bad because his room was really nice except for that. Very weird.

I liked Matt's room the best. It was very classy. Loved the lamp!

Goil is a favorite of mine but I agree that it would be a hazard getting into that bed.

The other's were forgettable.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 1:06 PM

A. Fan wrote:

Oh man, when I read your comment "Sorry, luv, last time I checked this was a reality television contest about one's ability to whomp up a room, not a MoMa retrospective," I laughed out loud at my desk. Your blog entries are really interesting and funny. Please keep up the good work! However, I didn't know what Casa Armani was, and sometimes a lot of design terms get thrown around without explanation. I think it might be helpful for the regular viewers out there, such as myself, if the show could be edited with more explanations.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 1:44 PM

Jeff wrote:

Hi John,

I would like to buy you some socks. What kind would you like? If you need to wear a sweater it is cold enough to warrant some socks.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 1:49 PM

chie wrote:

your quirky comments and goofy faces make me forget my disagreements with the judges' choices (as usual, goil/matt are my fave, carisa pissing me off...) it could be one of the reasons i enjoy watching.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 2:40 PM

erika wrote:

Ryan thinks of himself as an "artist" above all of the interior design drudgery. There are two problems with this: 1) This show is an interior design competition and 2) His "art" blows - it's pedestrian and obvious. Ryan can't hang in the galleries with real artists so to boost his ego, he denigrates interior designers. Get rid of him PLEASE. Besides the lack of talent - Ryan's just a bore.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 3:18 PM

NC wrote:

Apparently from reading all of these comments above, that I'm the only one who was offended by Ryan's t-shirt in tonight's episode in which the numbers 666 was featured prominently. I'm honestly surprised that he was even allowed to wear it on the air! For most people not of the Christian faith, it may just be a number to them, but show some respect for us like you would've to another religion!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 3:43 PM

-cj- wrote:

I would have put Carisa in the bottom two. Easily. That was a dorm room. A road sign on the wall? Maybe it's actually a room for a high school student away at the kind of boarding school that doesn't require heaps of money. Bad room with two cliche mod items. This decision is so bad it is hard to take any other decision on the show seriously. I'm not thrilled about a second talented designer getting off'd to keep the contraversial Ryan, but I'll live with it. It's a standard Bravo convention at this point.

Meanwhile... the structure of the show is getting better! The challenge was fun. I love that designers will get to pick their carpenter (not unlike picking the models on PR).

Jonathon, did you cast the A&F boys as carpenters? Hmmm?

posted on February 22, 2007 at 3:45 PM

Catherine wrote:

"And thank God for that cause his spaces so far ain't too MoMa-able." hehehe...I'm giggling again! You're just too funny! And what you said to Ryan about learning how to design a pretty room before turning it into a piece of "art
- that was brilliant. Well stated and succinct.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 5:10 PM

Amazon wrote:

Just a suggestion here...

The judging is one of the most irritating and "gawd-where's-that-damned-remote?" parts of the show. One of the reasons is that there is very little consistency regarding what makes a winning design.

It would really help if the judges could get together and decide on a rating-of-importance some very basic issues for the designs...AND THEN APPLY THEM CONSISTENTLY.

For instance, they could rate these basic issues from "most important" to "not so important":

***Does it meet the assignment specifics?

***Is it functional?

***Did it meet the client's needs?

***Did it meet basic design criteria? (i.e., balance, etc.)

***Would it appear on Elle Decor?

All of these issues have been mentioned during the episodes shown so far, but there is no consistency regarding how important they are. One week the main criteria seems to be if Russell would feature it in Elle, the next week it's whether it met the client's needs, the next is whether it's functional...

The way it is now it leaves the viewer with the irritating thought of, "Wait, a designer was sent home because it didn't meet the client's needs last week, but this week a designer who didn't meet the client's needs WON? WTF?"

The judges look like they are playing a game of Calvin Ball, where rules and requirements are subject to change at any nanosecond.

Just my opinion...your mileage may vary.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:10 PM

Joshua wrote:

I just adore this show! Johnathan you are an uber mensch. Your critiques are constructive and insightful, your body of work is amazing. I love those 60's retreads! You truly give hope to balding , whiny, middle-aged Jewish guys ( like myself :)) everywhere! And to thos who say you are nothing but an unoriginal copycat of David Hicks et al, I say feh! You are hip and funny, and so cool. Don't stop wearing socks, it's so Palm Beach!!!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:12 PM

Amazon wrote:

"I'm sorry to see that the producers have decided to keep that horrible, nasty, untalented little twit Michael, the Wendy Pepper of Top Design"

I think it's obvious at this point that Michael could design his room by doing nothing but standing in the middle of it, naked, wearing a Carmen-Miranda hat, and he will advance to the next challenge.

His room this episode was Karen's Kountry Kraft. It looked like his inspiration was a design-on-the-cheap show on a public access station in East Jesus, Arkansas which featured "An Homage to 60's Powdered Drink Mixes: Goofy Grape."

But, as bad as it was, it paled next to Ryan's Scary Outer Limits Prison Room.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:19 PM

Amazon wrote:

"Apparently from reading all of these comments above, that I'm the only one who was offended by Ryan's t-shirt in tonight's episode in which the numbers 666 was featured prominently. I'm honestly surprised that he was even allowed to wear it on the air! For most people not of the Christian faith, it may just be a number to them, but show some respect for us like you would've to another religion!"

You mean the same kind of respect they showed to Buddhism by featuring a Buddha head in a design? Like that?

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:21 PM

Chris wrote:

you're cute... definetly an inspiration to me in my i.d. major

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:23 PM

JimF wrote:

Not sure what you people were drinking/smoking when you made your decision this week. Seems you completely ignored that Matt's client thought he did a great job, whereas Carisa utterly ignored her client's emphatically expressed need for storage. Why tell the contestants at the outset that their challenge is to please a difficult client, if you aren't going to consider their success in that respect? (Secondary gripe: it is somewhat suspect that you eliminated Elisabeth last week for choosing an ugly green color and criticized Matt for his pale yellow-green, but didn't call Carisa out for using a bilious green that was not only hideous in itself but has appeared in two of her previously designed rooms.)

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:39 PM

CR wrote:

I didn't think Carissa's room was in the top 3, let alone the winner. What is going on!?! Matt should have won.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:55 PM

James G wrote:

Ryan needs to go home soon!!! He's delivered two terrible rooms, and contributed to the ugliness of a third (furniture of the cabana).

Seriously... No, but seriously...!!!

Also, I can't stand that blond judge... she's such a b-tch, and not in a good way. I love Jonathan and Margaret... they've got some class, even when they're trashing someone's design...

Kelly just trashes things for no apparent reason... Plus I hate her shiny-dead face and her ugly clothes, which pretty much sums up her personality as well...

GO JONATHAN AND MARGARET!!!

DOWN WITH KELLY WORSTB-TCH!!!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:57 PM

Nadine wrote:

Carisa's room was so been there yesterday. But it certainly wasn't bad by any means. But Matt's was a work of art. And so was Goil's. I put Matt and Goil together as possible winners and figured it would go to Matt. But Carisa...well, ok. Sending Goil off with Michael (of all people!) as just okay was a bit of an insult to my sensibility. Wow, Goil is so creative. I loved that bed that did not break the horizontal plane. Outsanding. (Although that arrogant judge's remark about hurting your shins getting in and out of bed was a justifiable complaint.) I had no problem with sending of Felicia, although I'm always sorry to see someone go. Ryan's room was much, but it certainly had more vision than Felicia's.

As for his attitude---well *I* don't care. If he bruises the judge's sensibilities, who cares? He's not gonna last much longer, but I love it when he paints stuff, and I don't care for the *granny* aspects of swatches or color tiles either.

Btw, this is a very very very talented group of designers. Bravo, all.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 7:37 PM

vicki vardaman wrote:

I love Matt's room. that green is hot. Carisa won because she splurged $200. on a fabulous chair, but let's please get over that ugly 1970's orange.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 7:40 PM

xberlin wrote:

Dear Jonathan, watching tonight's show made me realize that you are the man responsible for my current misery. Some months ago I surfed the net, looking for the perfect chair for my bedroom. I came across the Prescott chair and fell in love with it immediately. It was the perfect design -- clean, elegant, simply beautify, something I could be in love with for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, the price made me miserable. Not that the chair is not worth it - there is no question about that. It's just out of my range of affordability. I have been shopping around ever since and your chair has made it impossible for me to find anything I like -- nothing measures up to it! Tonight I put 2+2 together when the word "pottery" was uttered and I remembered that the Prescott was designed by a potter. Judging by the Prescott, you are one awesome designer.
Forever in love with your chair, xberlin

posted on February 22, 2007 at 7:54 PM

Chris wrote:

I have to echo many of the above sentiments. While Felicia's room was bad, she's obviously done some good work on past episodes, whereas Ryan really hasn't shown he has a talent for anything other than being a condescending, talentless jerk. Carisa's room was OK, but Matt's was far better. It seemed to please the judges more. It seemed to pleas the client more. It really seems like you are way more interested in displaying haughty personalities than talent (witness the frequent cut-aways to Michael's pathetically snotty comments about his fellow designers).

I've never watched a Bravo series before and won't again. It's sad to see you pandering to the belief that, in order to be successful in this world, one has to be petty, malicious and egotistical. Based on that assessment, I imagine it will be Carisa, Michael and Ryan as the final three, which makes my skin crawl.

Get over the Devil Wear's Prada attitude for a moment and show us that design isn't all about bitchy people telling everyone else with different tastes that they suck.

It's really a shame. This show could definitely impact some careers in a very positive way. If only the most innovate and interesting designers were put forward, as opposed to the most obnoxiously rude and abrasive ones.

Go Goil!

posted on February 22, 2007 at 8:29 PM

kitschnsync wrote:

Mr. Jonathan, I hope you read these comments because I don't think I'll get another chance to say I love you to absolute pieces! The face you made after "If I had to live here I would shoot myself," was the cutest thing on any channel in the 10 to 11 timeslot! Fo' rills.

However, what was UP with the judging in this episode? Ryan should've been latered, and Matt should've won. You know I'm right. Did the producers twist your balls to keep conflict (Ryan) on the show?

Ryan's poopsicle stick jail cell/archery range was Woof, and didn't work either as art or as design. I KNOW design students and I'm sure you do too; can you imagine coming home drunk and tired, and stumbling around your apartment only to catch some raggedy, jutting piece of wood on your eyelid? Then you recoil in horror and fall against the wall, where your skin is sliced to ribbons thanks to the broken glass in the paint treatment. And god forbid you oversleep and have to get out of that eight foot tall bed in a hurry. You'd break an ankle after your twenty minute fall from the mattress to the floor. That wasn't a studio apartment, it was Mousetrap! Serious misfire, much like his cat room, which felt like the inside of a Massengill bottle.

Matt's design was incredible, especially on a garage sale budget. I really liked the double lamp, and though I cheered with the criticisms of Ubiquitous Tea Green, I felt Matt's design featured a legitimate use of that color. It was great formal-cum-shabby room that I would gladly live in.

You're right about Carissa's room. It was happy and shiny and had a great "economy of gesture" (FYI I'm stealing that phrase), so I think she should be grateful her carpenter couldn't realize her moving desk design. I can't even begin to imagine sharing a twelve by twelve room with a huge, ambulatory piece of furniture! Felicia's big mistakes (and boy, were they doozies) were that afghan and that wall treatment...but -- I ask you -- was that enough to send her home over Willy Wonka on crack?

posted on February 22, 2007 at 9:00 PM

D wrote:

Once again, the choice comes down to a man and a woman, and the man wins again. I am in utter shock that you would get rid of Felicia and continue to cultivate someone like Ryan. Not one of you liked any element of his room except the art, and I have no clue how you even called that art. The room was absolutely hideous with no thought whatsoever about the client or whether the room would be functional. Granted Felicia's room was on the "outdated" side, but it certainly wasn't even close to the train wreck that Ryan's was. Her client didn't like the room, but she didn't want to shoot herself either when asked if she could live in the room. In addtion, Ryan pretty much thumbed his nose at your entire profession. He has been in the bottom three more than once, and yet the first time Felicia is in the bottom three, she's gone. This will be the last time I watch this show. It's quite clear that you are much more interested in completing a Bravo trifecta with another male winner, considering men have won both the Top Chef and Runway. When you actually decide to give women a fair shake, then maybe you show might actually be worth watching, but I really don't see that happening.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 9:11 PM

Bravo Reality TV Watcher wrote:

Last week, Carisa selected colors more appropriate for a living room in DC than for a cabana in St Tropez and Elizabeth selected a color that did not look like Miami (...to the judges..). Elizabeth went home, although she and Goil has the winning room in the first challenge. (???) This week Felicia constructed an interesting room whose only crime was a crocheted afghan that someone didn't like. The previous week, she led her team to the winning cabana design. Ryan constructed a room that looked like a jail (even to the judges) and that was more art installation than a livable space. In addition, Ryan considers himself an artist, not a designer (not even a decorator??) and was rude to the judges and to his co-competitors. In addition, does anyone remember his cat room? But Ryan's still there and Felicia goes home? Can someone explain this? It is un-real to me.

posted on February 22, 2007 at 9:21 PM

Donna A. wrote:

I actually thought Michael's room looked pretty good from my home-viewing perspective. The colors appeared as mauve and pale yellow (Spring colors?), and I think they were a nice choice against the dark brown wall. The 50's modern banquette and shelving made it a well-balanced focal point in the room. Speaking of Spring colors, that may be the reason the birds/chicks on the side wall are there - chicks are synonomous with Spring.
Jonathan, is it possible you had a bad childhood experience with grapes and banana's? hmmmm. Those colors clearly put you in a bad mood.
P.S. my nephew's name is Jonathan Adler, cool-huh!
P.S.S. To the previous blogger named A.Fan, who was wondering what Casa Armani means; CASA means HOUSE in Spanish, and ARMANI refers to the famed Italian designer GEORGIO ARMANI whose designs are classic and chic, hence the name House of Armani.

posted on February 23, 2007 at 10:47 AM

Joan wrote:

GOIL Rules - He HAS TO WIN! He is an incredible designer!!!!!

posted on February 23, 2007 at 10:51 AM

timmy wrote:

although i did like carissa's room, i would have liked to see erik win. his seemed a bit more post-grad rather than carisa's teenage mod room. i don't think the "scary artwork" was enough to discredit him from winning. oh, and come to think of it, matt's design was beautiful as well.. probably just a little more refined than someone who just graduated.

you're amazing!

posted on February 23, 2007 at 11:19 AM

suzanne wrote:

Felicia's room was just hideous. Hideous trumps wacky (Ryan). She deserved to go. That wallpaper! Ugh.

posted on February 23, 2007 at 12:33 PM

Amelia wrote:

Watch out, boys. Ageism is the new racism.

I guess being sexist is still fine on Bravo.

posted on February 23, 2007 at 2:08 PM

Sue wrote:

Micheals room had birds? Okay i went throught the whole judging section wondering why no-one questioned his use of slugs on the walls!

posted on February 23, 2007 at 2:24 PM

Amelia wrote:

Sorry, I have to quantify some of my rather harsh comments I made earlier.

I did not mean to spew accusations, but some of Ryan's comments towards Carissa were condescending and sexist. Not to mention that the people getting kicked off were in the bottom 3 less often than the younger / male contestants who got to stay.

I'm not judging anyone's personality nor am I accusing the network of discimination. HOWEVER some of the decisions seem clearly based on age and gender. I wanted to watch this show as a fun escapist routine - I hope reason prevails from now on.

posted on February 23, 2007 at 2:54 PM

Bridgeeboo wrote:

I have been very disappointed in the judge's decisions in the last two shows, but I mostly want to reiterate what a few others have said about providing more realistic challenges. I'm sick of the three blank walls challenge. Can't they find some real rooms in real houses (or restaurants or stores or offices) that need improvement? Is the show too cheap to provide realistic locations? And no more team challenges ... that just doesn't prove anything or make any sense ... just adds drama, I guess. I really want to like this show, but they're not making it easy.

posted on February 23, 2007 at 4:39 PM

susan wrote:

I liked Erik's and Felicia's rooms the best. I imagine myself truly living in those rooms and that's how I decide. I might take the artwork off the walls of Erik's room though. The others' rooms - the beds looked uncomfortable to me or too small. I don't like a room just becuase it looks cool or different - to me, it's what's pretty and comfortable - it has to be comfortable!!!! and if it's also cool well that's great! I think Ryan's room was ridiculous.

posted on February 23, 2007 at 8:40 PM

John wrote:

Hi, Jonathan! I LOVED Carisa's room! Matt's wasn't nearly as good! Felicia and Ryan... Tough desision, but Ryan does Not have any passion. But it was an okay desision.

posted on February 23, 2007 at 10:33 PM

Nancy Spivey wrote:

The problem as I see it is that the judges do not follow the rules they set down.
How well did they use the yard sale finds? All did this I guess. As stated, Andrea was the most creative.
Goil used damaged chairs and made them innovative.
Carisa did what?

Does it satisfy the client? Carisa's did not. Ryan's was too scary to think about, and the client said she could never sleep there.
As for Ryan making a "statement", that was not part of the challenge.
Ryan did not care if the judges or his client liked the room. Hello?

As far as the afghan, that could be easily removed. Ryan's room divider could not.

This episode fails the viewers. We like to play along, and make predictions. But if the judging is inconsitent and not based on the assignment, we are lost.

posted on February 24, 2007 at 4:08 PM

jd wrote:

I rewatched some of the episodes because I felt I might have been too harsh towards the show and the judges having been a judge in for a few contests myself. However...
I think I wasn't judging unfairly toward miz Russel... she remarked to Ryan "you can't design a room around a cat" and yet the pet industry is a huge business with the internet, boutique stores etc. carrying all kinds of dog and cat merchandise... i.e fabric beds, clothing etc. Obviously she doesn't think those people have taste or know anything about design...BUT they do know how to please pet owners AND make money! (PS i am not a nut about animals...I have a dog and he sleeps on a dog cushion and doesn't wear anything but his OWN fur!) If the client has a cat then so be it...He was pleasing the client by taking care of her prize possession.
In the episode where John didn't 'finish' his room...How come the Tahiti people won in that episode ? They didn't have a roof and 'fantasy' is just about the most ridiculous excuse ever yet! Where is your criteria as many others have asked? Why is there not a clear point system. I don't think 'touchy/feely' is any way to judge!
Also why did Jonathan Adler warn Ryan he could stay "for now" when he was in the bottom two? Is this a foreboding to come??
Why DID you keep him, if his room and Felicias were both bad...
why didn't you let him go too?
By the way you kept Michael and his 'home sweet home' pillow which was worse than Felicia's afghan...Shades of the 70's country!
PS Todd that pillow came from TARGET! NEVER bite the hand that feeds you...it might come back and bite YOU in the butt!
As for that design student room episode...I hope one of them gets to be a future contestant...& THEN have them decorate for Alexis Arquette and THEN have one of your dismissed current contestants as the guest judge...(it will give miz russell a break from being 'Judge Judy') & THEN call your show..
TOP DESIGN BLOOPERS! Sheesh...it's back to HBO for me!

posted on February 24, 2007 at 6:33 PM

ted whittlinger wrote:

So the fact that Clarisa didn't satisfy her clients request for storage room didn't matter. I will be sure to never hire any of you judges to work for me - its what the designer wants not the client! She didn't deserve the top design award!

posted on February 25, 2007 at 10:47 AM

beccathestylist wrote:

Hola to you... have to say you are my favorite part of the show every week. But every week I become a little more dissapointed in the challenges, the execution, and the winners. First of all would kill anyone to install a faux window or two into those blank spaces?? I'd love to see the occasional window treatment...the idea of living in a space with no natural light... now that's depressing!
Carisa's room was fine, cheery even. But, honestly, it looked like every bright fun redsign of an office/guest room/whatever I've ever seen on Clean Sweep or Design on a Dime or any other quick fix decorating show on cable.
Matt's room was divine... such a shame he did not win. And I liked Michael's fun little birds and quirky colors. I'll take cozy and kooky over clean and already seen any day!
Oh, and if Ms. Britney could get a little rehab ala Jonathan Adler bet she'd be better in no time!!
Ta ta for now!

posted on February 25, 2007 at 1:47 PM

meagan wrote:

I agree with many of the other posts. The judges are WAY off on their assessments and decisions and seem to be judging more to increase the drama and ratings of the show rather then the quality of the rooms. They kicked off Felicia and another talented person the week before last and are keeping bad designers just to create drama. I hope bravo bring new seasons of Top Chef and Project Run way soon!!! Top design is nothing compared to these great shows!!!!

posted on February 25, 2007 at 4:43 PM

Amelia wrote:

I work with cats and I wanted to point out that, although Ryan's heart was probably in the right place when he designed the cat room, the "cat tree" was extremely unsafe.

I saw a cat fall off of a badly designed cat tree and the cat broke his neck. Ryan's cat tree looked unsafe as well.

posted on February 26, 2007 at 3:52 PM

Katy wrote:

Are you guys listening to this? You are all crazy for sending Felicia home! Jonathan, Kelly, I love you both and have all of your books. I also get Elle Decor, but Margret, really...get over yourself. Ryan's design and his attitude could both use some zoloft. I think that's something we all can agree on. Lucky for Felicia, she's highly talented and doesn't need this truly underwhelming show.

posted on February 26, 2007 at 8:21 PM

selene wrote:

Ugh, the poseur- Ryan- reminds me of all the awful boys in art school with something to prove -- sans talent! His presence on the show does, at least, provide an ongoing trainwreck for the viewership, but I doubt the other designers, who have been sent home while he lives on to flex & posture another day, find his antics amusing.

From the minute he presented himself as a sort of Henry Rollins, I have been expecting something like the black + smashed glass + raw wood Krazee Kage barf-'plosion to take place. Any halfway decent artist would have been able to do much better even if limited to those materials. But a decent artist or designer would feel free to enjoy a swatch. As J.A. put it so well, "love a swatch!"

Please, let the tired old psuedo-rebel be on his way, with his number-of-the-beast tee and his Xtreme 'tude. The design world is no place im which to struggle endlessly with adolescent issues of creative machismo.

posted on February 27, 2007 at 1:51 PM

Rock City wrote:

I find nothing wrong with expressing sadness or melancholy in your design if that's what you feel. Longing and a sense of the dark can be quite beautiful. Granted, living in a room that expresses violence and self-destruction will exacerbate those feelings in the inhabitant. But one can find a balance. A room that isn't completely uplifting isn't consequentially depressing.

Jonathan, you're hot. And I love your positive attitude. But sad songs can say so much. Not all of us have found our Simon, after all...

posted on February 28, 2007 at 2:14 PM

Eric wrote:

i just rewatched this episode and have one overall question. why on earth did you give clarissa top design when she clearly ignored her client's request for storage?? apparently the judges also dismissed the clients wishes as being unimportant.

does this mean that the best interior designers live in ivory towers and scoff at their clients as being ignorant to the magical ways of design?

do the best interior designers create rooms for themselves and force other people to live in them?

don't get me wrong, personally, i saw nothing particularly wrong with clarissa's room. and i understand that the judges do not witness her incessant childish behavior which will alienate her from anybody trying to work for her. it's just that her CLIENT was disappointed.

so no, it wasn't the worst design. but it certainlly can't be considered the best either...when the person she was supposed to be making the room for would have to bring her own Target(TM) furniture in just to get some storage...thus kind of killing the original design concept...

please get off your high horses. your clients know what they need and what they like. your job is to use your clients needs as a canvas and their tastes as a pallet to create your room designs which combine practicality with style.

you had at least two rooms (matt and andrea) in this episode which were successful at both. i don't care if *you* didn't like matt's double lamp. the client said he'd rent that room. you hear that...he'd be willing to PAY to live in that place. clarissa's client would need to rent a space with more storage.

of course, you guys seem to care about your clients....nice...

posted on April 3, 2007 at 7:27 PM

John H. wrote:

Felicia was a really good designer... So is Carisa. But, Felicia's design was not bad, it was OKAY.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 10:43 AM