Dee Zine wrote:

BEST SHOW OF THE SEASON--BY FAR! The challenge was...challenging! The designers worked their butts off and fell prey to problems that were so emblematic of who they are! And best of all....MICHAEL WENT HOME!

The judges got it exactly right this time, and the whole judging discussion was taken up a level by the addition of the great Tom Calicchio. That man improves everything he touches, including the Top Design judging panel. Ironic that it was a chef who made the discussion be about design for a change!

Andrea's room was perfect. Matt's was gorgeous! (Jonathan, you really can't remember his design? I remember every bit of it!) Goil had some nice Goil-y touches, but he's right--he's a nooddles-in-a-bowl kind of guy and really didn't get the whole chef's table idea. Carissa was completely out of her element--she honestly doesn't know that brown-and-white plaid has nothing to do with Arts and Crafts??? How can a Top Designer not know the basics of Arts and Crafts?--and the room was a failure. Michael's, however, was a horror show.

I hope this episode indicates the direction of the rest of the series.

BRAVO!

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:27 PM

Dee Zine wrote:

BEST SHOW OF THE SEASON--BY FAR! The challenge was...challenging! The designers worked their butts off and fell prey to problems that were so emblematic of who they are! And best of all....MICHAEL WENT HOME!

The judges got it exactly right this time, and the whole judging discussion was taken up a level by the addition of the great Tom Calicchio. That man improves everything he touches, including the Top Design judging panel. Ironic that it was a chef who made the discussion be about design for a change!

Andrea's room was perfect. Matt's was gorgeous! (Jonathan, you really can't remember his design? I remember every bit of it!) Goil had some nice Goil-y touches, but he's right--he's a nooddles-in-a-bowl kind of guy and really didn't get the whole chef's table idea. Carissa was completely out of her element--she honestly doesn't know that brown-and-white plaid has nothing to do with Arts and Crafts??? How can a Top Designer not know the basics of Arts and Crafts?--and the room was a failure. Michael's, however, was a horror show.

I hope this episode indicates the direction of the rest of the series.

BRAVO!

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:35 PM

Heidi Schultz wrote:

I really enjoy the show except for one troubling aspect. As lead judge, I am directing this comment to Jonathan Adler, but I welcome and encourage comments from others on the show. The overall professionalism of those involved in "Top Design" is truly diminished by the amount of unneccsary swearing and crude language that is used, primarily by the contestants. I sometimes have a hard time undertsanding the dialogue because of the constant bleeping of the conversations! I understand that we all use "colorful" language at times. But I am amazed that the judges, if not the producers, haven't stepped in and warned the contestants to cool it. I would not be interested in working with a designer, regardless of his/her talent, who demonstrates such a lack of basic courtesy and respect for others. And that goes for the agency with whom the designer is associated, as well.

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:38 PM

Mirabella wrote:

Actually, I have to disagree. Michael was/is a crowd favorite. It is Carisa who should be latered. Her designs are more about pieces and less about a cohesive design.

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:38 PM

Nancy S. wrote:

I agreed with everything this week - a first - except that Carisa probably should have been "latered" for not getting any silverware on the table. Her room looked very unfinished. I think most viewers are happy to see Michael go, but I think he is more talented than people gave him credit for. His room was a downer, though.
(You gotta talk to Kelly Wearstler about her hair, and her clothes are the worst! How can someone who is so talented look so much like a comic book character week after week?)

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:48 PM

LK wrote:

Great episode, great winning room.

Good to see Michael get the boot, you nailed it exactly: he shops he doesn't design.

Goil has so much potential, just needs a mentor to edit and keep him scaled down when necessary.

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:52 PM

Juli wrote:

I am extremely happy that my beloved Goil wasn't 'latered'. To me, he's the most creative out of the whole bunch! Actually, to me he's better than the lot of them put together!

Sure, the other competitors are good, but Goil has shown his creativity to an extent that the others haven't.

Michael deserved to go. I hate to say it, but its true. He was a real diva and I think he was there longer than he should have been.

Much love,
Juli

P.S. I'm officially adding 'squillions' to my vocabulary! ^.^

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:58 PM

janeshannon wrote:

Good episode - I really liked the challenge and I LOVE Tom C. from Top Chef. Was really nice to see him - I miss that show! But to get back to Top Design I was really surprised that Goil didn't get the challenge. It was not luxiourous, not something I would want to hang out in. I didn't like that you could smell the food behind that "wall" and to step on the stones - what if the waiter falls!? Anyway, I do think that Andrea did deserve to win. Beautiful chairs in that room! Very luxiourous, upscale, stylish - a room you want to be in and eat in. Sorry to see Michael go because I do think he has some good ideas. He really takes a stand, which is something I like about him. But I hope he doesn't say to the client, more than once, "Oh, you don't like that chair? Well I disagree - I think it's a great chair." Better watch it Michael - remember, sometimes the client is right. I hope Goil surprises us next week - he seems to whine quite abit - I hope he grows out of that. Matt - always glad to see his design - I really like his room, too. Clarisa - I just don't know - did not like her room at all. Very shallow, depressing - nothing that sparks you. Till next week...

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:17 AM

Colinette wrote:

Someone from this show PLEASE explain how Carisa manages to continue to squeak by every week! She seems whiney and like a b****. And when reading the blogs everyone seems to think shes wonderful. What am I not seeing? And poor Goil...I feel his confidence is taking a beating every week. He just seems less and les sure of himself

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:18 AM

Colinette wrote:

Can someone please explain to me what it is we ARENT seeing that allows Carisa to continue to stay?! She's whiney. She complains. Shes negative in every way and her designs ,while ok, not up to the caliber of the others. I thought for sure this was here last week but again she squeaks by!! And PLEASE someone give some kind words to Goil. That man seems to lose more and more confidense every week!!!

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:56 AM

jd wrote:

Much better than past episodes...liked the idea of designing a chef's table. But please explain why there were no matching chairs left for Carissa?(much as I find her annoying, I do not understand the process by which they procure items...are they only allowed to use one showroom? Wouldn't those who rushed there first be given an unfair advantage? It was interesting that Andrea(another truly annoying person) and Matt ( I like his ideas) were able to get enough of the same chairs??!!
Michael had been extremely irritating in the beginning shows and was trying I believe to focus on why he was there and less of the dramatics as previous. I think his design did not merit him staying on ...HOWEVER...I take issue) with the comment about his rug! Did it not come from your so-called precious pacific design center?? He remarked how it was "hand-crafted". Was not the arts and crafts movement one that was mentioned as being of interest to the mystery chef? Michael had a serving table even if it wasn't staged with extra dishes...I agree (?) with him!...keep the extra napkins put away until needed! You don't bring out the whole coffee maker from the kitchen when you want to serve the coffee! Why would you need to stash bunvhes of extra linens? Expecting some sloppy guests?
I thought the design by goil was ridiculous. I feel sorry for him. He seemed so capable in the beginning and now looks like he is falling apart! what gives?
Frankly, I thought you could have come up with someone other than Tom Collichio. I watched top chef and I am tired of the same line-up of judges. As for Kelly...I am confused, is this Project Runway? The outfits are getting pretty weird!
I caught the eyeball signal from Maragaret when they were in Michael's room! She looks like she had already made up her mind even before the judges conferred!
What's the point in reprimanding Carissa and then keeping her on? I thought her design was worse than Michaels! They both needed to go. I can see where this is heading... a showdown with Matt and Andrea(?) you judges have short memories...she was a wreck in the garage deal and not much better when it came to the Bacardi Tent. As for her white chairs...any minute I thought someone was going to stick their head in the square openings and then be flogged to death! Her floor was just painted and her rug was just shopped for (just like Michael did)
So why was her room that great? It was filled with stuff and I didn't like her print black runners either...yuck!
The task was good, the designers did somewhat better working...but PLEASE LESS drama...and MORE honest editing!
And if Todd Oldham makes one more idiotic comment I think I will scream! Please get a new spokesperson ( the word says it all...ONE WHO CAN SPEAK! like a human!)

posted on March 22, 2007 at 2:05 AM

Connie wrote:

Tonights show was so good. Andrea's room was beautiful. I thought that Michael's attitude upon leaving was exceptional. The best attitude I've seen thus far from the designers who have had to go.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 3:22 AM

tod alan wrote:

i am impressed at how someone of your calaber and stature in the design world is so kind and genuine and sincere........with not an ounce of pretentiousness.........you are always so nice and kind........and make the show such a delight to watch...........you are classy and stylish and very handsome............thanks again for being who you are...........Very fondly......Tod Alan

posted on March 22, 2007 at 3:38 AM

FanFare wrote:

Hello Jonathan,

This challenge was my favorite so far. It really separated the "adults from the children"... I liked Matt's very much. The color scheme was "appetizing". But Andrea's dining room really was a knock-out. There were so many lush elements (i.e. those chairs, the fieldstone walls...) Overall, it looked well planned and was gorgeous!

Conversely, Goil's project may have been innovative, it was poorly executed and definitely not high end. The painted stripes looked like mistakes. The flowers dropping over the table looked limp and dying. The glass table was also a poor choice. Nothing in there looked rich. However, he keeps skating by because you just love the guy! (& luckily someone else there lays a bigger egg than he.)

Although I am glad to see Michael depart (finally), Carisa's room was incomplete. (When John did not finish his design - no floor - he was sent packing). Carisa provided no flatware (or other extra touches). Where is the judging consistency in that departure decision?? However, it is great that the annoying little gnat Michael is silenced. His taste was so depressing and off theme, he can go be an apprentice to someone who may teach him design skills. Maybe you would hire him, since you appreciate him so much?

As for Ryan's imaginary take: He probably would have dissed the project as being too pretentious for him and told Tom C. to take his "special guests" into the kitchen to eat with the kitchen help off the stainless steel counters!

posted on March 22, 2007 at 8:20 AM

Anne wrote:

I totally agree with you. I can remember the winning design because of the white chairs and the lights. I felt Goil cannot design something sophisticated and elegant. He is more of a designer of furniture and home. He lacks the putting together of the mood of the room and the fabrics. I was sad to see Michael go as he works better than Carisa. I just saw Carisa fighting with the carpentar and never really doing hands on work.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 8:27 AM

Joan wrote:

Thank you, thank you, thank you for telling Carisa that her excuses and whining are getting old. Let's hope she takes it to heart.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 9:02 AM

Jill wrote:

Jonathan, you are the master of the witty jab! I love your blog and hop right to it after an episode to get behind-the-scenes info, insight into the decision, and most of all, a hearty laugh. I love love LOVED Andrea's room. It was the clear winner and since I had her pegged as a potential winner from the start, I'm glad to see that coming true. Best to you and yours but for heaven's sake, put on some socks! Stinky piggies are not chic!

posted on March 22, 2007 at 9:58 AM

your fan wrote:

I thought Matt's room was warmer than Andrea's. It was my choice of winning design. Carissa and Michael share the bottom two designs and could go home together this week. Goil's room was not my favorite, but majority of his ideas are outstanding. He is so sophisticated and unpredictable. If he would be emotianally stronger, he would create one masterpiece after another. Carissa brings all the tension to the group in Ryan's absence. Didn't like any of her designs, including the winning one weeks earlier. To me it's a battle between Matt and Goil at the end - and I like both of them.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 10:08 AM

juni wrote:

Your blog keeps getting funnier and more insightful! I love how you sum up residential vs. commercial. You have definitely raised my consciousness about decor, color, and space.

But I disagree on Matt's design. I thought it was memorable, with the banana leaf place mats and the appealing colors that made me feel cheerful. Andrea's was chic but not cheerful. I am surprised that people didn't fault her on the impractical use of white cloth chairs in a food setting. It appears that these chairs dominate the room and could look very bad with spilled red wine or tomato sauce on them.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 10:32 AM

MarloW wrote:

Jonathan, Bravo. Best show of the season. I concur with your blog about the contestents. Leave it to Chef Tom to request Mid Century Modern with an Arts and Crafts feel. (The man's got layers). Andrea's chairs silhouetted on the field stone walls...It didn't get Mid Century A and C more than that.

I enjoyed hearing you and the judges this week, and I've been your biggest critics. If I'm going to watch the show, I want to learn a thing or two, otherwise, I'm just another voyeaur on the realty tv circuit. I think this episode was the best, the challenge, the judging, the white room and your moderation of the whole challenge was great. Bravo.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:13 PM

Kimberly wrote:

BRAVO to Michael for not stooping to the low level that was asked of the contestants! Although he's been a diva, it was GENTLEMANLY of him not to diss his fellow competetors rooms.

HE'S NOT THERE TO JUDGE THE ROOMS!!

Sorry, Jonathan, but that is YOUR job. The irratating fact is, ALL of the BRAVO shows ask their contestants to diss, and it is worrisome that the contestants oblige. I'm pleased that he stood up and said he wouldn't participate in bashing his competetion.

Just remember what your grandmother said: "If you can't say something nice, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL". His personal critique was not needed in choosing a winner.

Michael might have seen the writing on the wall (that his time was up), or perhaps, he REALLY is a GENTLEMAN.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:14 PM

chris wrote:

this was my favorite episode so far lots of money to spend, two days to work, individual challange and loose instructions . great judging . Andrea is a restaurant design teacher so for her sake I'm glad she won Hey who thought up see you later decorater ? How about you have the inferior interior and the winner the superior interior? Looking forward to the next episode

posted on March 22, 2007 at 1:02 PM

tracy wrote:

To Michael---I know you're on here every week reading, so here's one for you to take forward with you in life.

People who are actually clever don't have to tell people they are.

"I did such-and-such, which was rather clever." You actually said something akin to this twice in one episode, and the statement reflected your general demeanor throughout the run of the show. Granted, you were edited. Granted, editing "casts" you as a character. But that doesn't mitigate the fact that you really do go around telling folks that you think you're all that. Shut up. Pay someone else to say those things about you. Actually do something to inspire others to say it. Get on a blog and anonymously brag on yourself. But for chrissake, there's nothing less attractive than patting one's own back. Except mouth-breathing.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 1:05 PM

Jean Baudrillard wrote:

I predict that Ryan will become a star designer in Dubai. He will design the world's first 10-star hotel "Maximum Versailles" - capturing the clean lines of Louis Quatorze via the understated palette of Wayne Newton. Ryan will try to convince himself that his hotel is really an overdetermined parody of a luxury hotel, a 159 Squillion dinar way to say "Fight the Power".

posted on March 22, 2007 at 1:34 PM

tracy wrote:

Sartorial question:

How do you get the knot in your necktie that big?

Is the tie so long that there's enough yardage for a quadruple-Windsor?

or is it stuffed with something...tissue paper, or perhaps a rat of hair, like a Gibson Girl coiffure?

Don't get me wrong, I think it looks gnarly. I'm just wonderin'.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 2:55 PM

Lynda I wrote:

Hi Jonathan,

Your blogs continue to entertain. I may not agree with everything you say, I definitely like your attitude!

The two top designs deserved their positions. If Tom C. chose Matt's (based mostly on that innovative leather floor), I would not have been disappointed. However, Andrea's room was fabulously plush. It looked so much more expensive than the rest of the bunch. Goil (who had hysterical crying jags) looked like he spent only a fraction of the generous budget. It was very poorly executed and ill conceived. He continues to skate by in this contest in spite of his disappointing showing.

Carisa is just ridiculous. She was quoted as saying that she thought she could WIN, in spite of the absence of flatware... What was SHE thinking? She deserved to go WITH the overindulged "Michael-Mouse". He thought his painted red color (which looked very violent from Todd's comment) was appetizing. He will not be missed.

NOW To HEIDI SCHULTZ: The amount of curse words bleeped here is not as much as Top Chef or Project Runway (Starring Jeffrey the Jerkoff). We live in the real world. Top Design and the rest of its ilk are reflecting that fact. If you have a problem, you can always change the channel or channel surf during the offensive parts. Just watch the beginning and ending...

posted on March 22, 2007 at 3:30 PM

Amazon wrote:

I don't understand the emphasis this episode on giving the client what they wanted.

According to Jonathan Adler (when addressing criticisms over Carisa's win in the design-student-apartment challenge, even though she ignored the only thing the client really emphasized: storage):

"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."

Apparently ignoring what clients want isn't important, no? Or is it only for certain contestants? Certain issues?

Inconsistencies in judging is a recurring criticism of posters who watch TD. If the judges are going to engage in glaring inconsistencies, they should explain them to the viewer...otherwise, their judgments lose all credibility.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 5:17 PM

Charming wrote:

Doesn't anyone realize how similar Andrea's chairs and black symmetrical wall structures were to the black donut structures Carissa designed for the cocktail party room?
Carissa should get credit for Andrea's room.

In addition, what part of that room, besides the stone looked like "Arts and Crafts" ? Open a book on Arts and Crafts design and see if that room was anything like it.
It wasn't.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 6:01 PM

John wrote:

I'm a big fan of Goil's creativity, but come on! That chandelier was both impractical and silly.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 6:36 PM

Bud wrote:

I think the show is wonderful

posted on March 22, 2007 at 7:30 PM

Jerry Williams wrote:

Is Jonathan gay because if he is he is so HOT!!!!

posted on March 22, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Kai wrote:

The cussing doesn't bother me as much as Goil's swearing.

Actually I only saw it on the captions, I didn't hear it...LOL!

Caro Jonathan, je voudrais savoir si "soupçon" is the palabra de la semana. Will the canard descend? I know Tom C. used "soupçon" on his blog. I wonder if he was using that word during the time you spent avec lui?

BTW, do you talk OFF the show like you write here, you know, avec tous those dang foreign words que j'aime?

posted on March 23, 2007 at 1:29 AM

jake wrote:

Todd never mentioned leather in the meeting at norman's.
how could you let that wicked Tom use it as a measure of critique in the assessment? Perhaps his arrogance blocked your thinking processes?

posted on March 23, 2007 at 2:05 AM

Shirley wrote:

I agree, this was by far the best show ever. Andrea's room was elegant, a place where you would want to eat. Micheal's attitude was getting ridiculous, glad he's gone. Carissa should be next, then Goil,he really is beginning to be a whiner. Horay for Matt and Andrea, they need to be the top two.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 2:53 AM

joe bussell wrote:

Bravo really missed on this show, from Todd, nice person but should never do any public speaking, to the ridicously uptight judges and the lame contestants. I was so looking for an entertaining thought provoking series like Project Runway. If there is a next season I'll be expecting more from you. If you're interested in letting the public in on the creative process have you thought about following a group of visual artists or MFA candidates in situ?

posted on March 23, 2007 at 10:42 AM

chilly wrote:

Andrea's room reminded me of the winning room on last week's episode with the colors and squares which happened to be one of Matt's designs. Because of this i thought Matt's room should have won. I really thought Carisa should have gone home because she didn't finish her room, or Goil because he was mentioned by one of the judges as missing the whole point of the challenge. I adore Michael and thought he should stay. For some reason his designs remind me of Martha Steward??

posted on March 23, 2007 at 10:47 AM

TJ wrote:

Since challenge winner Andrea gets a $2,500 gift certificate from one of your shops, Jonathan, could you add a comb and a mirror to the selection on the shelves? Why anyone would hire an interior decorator who is unable to coordinate her own grooming is beyond me. And the Ally Sheedy in Breakfast Club look was never really a style to aspire toward, even for the teenage target audience. Come on, Andrea: Your designs are confident and sophisticated, and your personal style should reflect that instead of undermining your professionalism.

Overall, I enjoyed this week's challenge mainly because it was individual, not team-focused. Those team challenges are just a device to foment conflict between the contestants and attract viewers who enjoy strife more than good design.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:04 AM

Irma wrote:

I have just one question about this week's challenge:

Will Tom C. use Andrea's winning design for a chef's table in his new restaurant?? Otherwise, what was the point of the win?

Thanks!

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:36 AM

Faye Petty wrote:

WOULD YOU PLEASE START WEARING SOCKS! Don't you realize that you are just asking for a bad case of athletic's foot! Same for Tom C. You may think it is stylish but watching it on TV is in my mind showing very bad taste! If someone came into my home as a decorator without socks, I would send them home and tell them not to come back until they put socks on! Sorry but I think it is totally disgusting. Would hate to smell your shoes after a couple of times of this "no sock" thing! And powder doesn't always work!

As for this episode! Andrea rocked the room. Matt's was okay but not even close to Andrea's design. Doesn't Carisa know that you should not put blue in a dining room! Worst color because it is not appetizing! Goil, poor Goil! I think he is totally out of his realm and comfort zone but he is trying! Michael needs more experience and needs to get over himself. At least he was gentlemanly enough to not answer your question about whose room he would not want to eat in. He went out in style!

Think it will come down to Matt & Andrea. Would love to get hold of Andrea's hair though. It looks so dry & brittle. Kelly's hairdresser needs to be shot for sending her out looking like she got caught in a windstorm. Maybe that is because she is seated next to Margaret who always looks so put together!

Finaly word - WEAR SOCKS!

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:44 AM

Mary wrote:

OK, so I think I can answer the question about why Carissa remains.

We must remember that the judges do NOT see ANYTHING that happens during the actual designing/working portion of the show. All they get is the interviews, the walk-throughs, and the judging portion. When they detected that Michael and John were NOT good teammates, it was because one of the judges totally read their body language during the interview portion in the white room.

We get to see the Confessional B***ching and the actual working relationship, so in a sense, we have a bit better idea about what goes on and who is really the work horse vs. the Diva.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 5:02 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Hello Jonathan! This is the first show of ANY reality show that I totally agreed with judging from first to last. I gotta tell you how surprised I was at Andreas dining room. Oh my gosh, it was elegant, posh and harmonious. Matt's room was right up there in terms of practicality, style and warmth. Goil is so talented, but he is not acting as a Top Designer should. He is getting frustrated, angry and he needs to focus. The rocks for waiters to step on? Sorry.... not a great idea, but I did like his light fixture. Carisa also needs to learn to COMMAND respect, not DEMAND it. She works with carpenters and others as a pal.. unfortunately, this doesn't demonstrate she is in charge to them. There is a fine line between trusting others with what should be your responsibility and being a micromanager... it's called being a respected leader and I hope she understands that taking charge doesn't make you a "bad guy". Micheal was on borrowed time. This little guy is standing in front some of the most important people in design today and he is smug, arrogant and quite honestly, downright rude! Glad we can move on to the real talent on the show, which is at once humble, but "take charge" in their approach! Bravo! (By the way... loved your cool necktie!)

posted on March 23, 2007 at 6:14 PM

paradg wrote:

My god, Mike was finally gone. He just does not have the instinct. Sometimes that instinct is not learnable and he does not like to listen either.

Janathan, you are my favorite. We love your ceramic works and have a few of them. I was so looking forward to the show. I have to say I think that the show is a bit lame. Also when originality or creativity is not rewarded, mediocrity will prevail.

My favorite is Goil. He has great sense of space and very creative. However, I hope that he presents a bit more of versatility. I was disappointed that he commented about conflict between Arts & Crafts and Modern. He had architecture background and graduated from one of top architecture school. Modern movement just followed Arts & Crafts. Asian architecture, culture and philosophy had great influence for those movements. That could be a great connection to create a beautiful chic, rustic space. I do like his creation. By the way, this day people are so confused between modern and contempory. For me, modern is authentic and contempory is fake and just crap. Except Goil's room, none of others are even close to be modern or Arts and Crafts. And the guest judge picked Andrea's. I hope that Tom Colicchio should tell what he really meant is like contempory style. If you are not expert on something, do not pretend to be.

We have Elle Decor and enjoy it very much. I have high regard for Margaret Russell before I watched the show. She did not impress me much. Her comments just does not reflect the capacity of the editor-in-chief of that beautiful magzine. She just does not have a clear vision what it takes to create a great space with personal surrounding.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 9:59 PM

LK wrote:

Irma,

The point of the show is entertainment.

For those that don't like "whose room do you not like" question: The real world is not "we are all equal and everyone is nice and never says anything bad about anybody"

The real world is full of criticism, good and bad.

If Michael cannot look at another person's design and critique it objectively, he's no designer. He can't, so he didn't. He _is_ a shopper, and not a very good one in my opinion.

posted on March 24, 2007 at 12:10 AM

Maggie wrote:

I agree with earlier comment about foul language. To me it shows a lack of class, and I too, would not like to hear that going on in my home if I hired designers to work for me. The sad thing is that it has become totally acceptable everywhere so no one even blinks and eye at it anymore. Even the judges swear occasionally. Andrea's chef's table was by far the best, with Matt coming in second. Goil is extremely creative but let's his nerves and emotions get the best of him. Also, he needs to become stronger in his approach with others. He's a wonderful talent. Carissa, dear, get over yourself. Yes, you have talent, but you also have an attitude that needs a major adjustment. And Michael, quite frankly, I was sorry to see him go. I liked him and thought he was talented, but to be honest his chef's table really was the worst of the lot. And KUDOS to him for not answering that question at the end as to whose table he would not want to eat at! What integrity!! I was truly impressed by him. The judge's are there to judge the work. They shouldn't put the contestants into that position. It's like politicians using smear tactics to make themselves look better. Save it!

posted on March 24, 2007 at 4:26 PM

karen wrote:

Great episode. Andrea's room was fabulous, Matt's superb. The three remaining rooms were surprisingly bad: both Carisa's and Michael's were dismal, while Goil's lacked depth and cohesion (neither of which could the silly flower chandelier provide).

I loved it Chef Tom without the socks! Very sexy.

posted on March 25, 2007 at 8:51 AM

Jane wrote:

Why does everyone care about Jonathan's socks (or lack thereof) so much???!!!! Don't women wear heels without socks all the time? And... how can you be so sure he isn't wearing some kind of footsies under there? Jonathan, I guess you know you've made it when people spend time debating your footwear choices on the internet. Your ma should be proud. Mazel tov!

posted on March 25, 2007 at 12:46 PM

Vickie K wrote:

MM are yall for real or what. That Carissa needs to like go go go. I have watched alot of reality shows were they like to keep the one on that causes so much pain to viewers. Is this what is happening? The one room i thought would really get her booted she got top prize? Im gonna watch this out trust me.

posted on March 25, 2007 at 6:06 PM

febreze wrote:

T.J. & Faye - I am convinced Andrea will serve as the first challenge for the Shear Genius show.

posted on March 25, 2007 at 10:52 PM

Patrick Tanner wrote:

Umm, what happens when those flowers dry out and begin flaking into someone's cannelini bean and apple wood smoked bacon soup?

posted on March 26, 2007 at 10:23 AM

jd wrote:

Have you noticed (and the producers will now probably change this) in the montage of rooms ( no, not the designers) in the opening sequence of the show... I believe that is Andrea's winning room from last week? I speculate that whomever designed the other one ( I think several were shown) is our answer to who wins this whole shooting match!;)
and Yes, I agree that the language on top design is deplorable at times but come on folks...LOOK at the people who applied to be on this show and much more...look at the judges who are are on it. Todd for all his woodeness has at least kept his nice guy image in check. As for the rest...well ... I don't know about you but if I EVER happened to use a foul word, I wouldn't want it saved for posterity on a dvd or Tivo'd over and over!
Once someone has seen it...it's NEVER gone or forgotten!
See ya later...bloggagaters!:)

posted on March 26, 2007 at 2:05 PM

Michael Scott wrote:

Jonathan,
I have just discovered Top Design, and think the show AND YOU are the "bomb diggity"!! I love design, and have seen your work, which I also love, but never knew that much about you. How did you get your start, and who came up with the idea for the show?? You make me laugh every week with your comments, which are so on target, yet do not come across as mean or spiteful. The short of it is, you and the show are two of my new favorite things!! You are adorable, and I can't wait to see what you wear every week!!

posted on March 26, 2007 at 2:33 PM

vernita herdman wrote:

I have no idea what a URL is so this may not even get to you...

Top Design is the first reality show that I have ever gotten into. I enjoy it so much that when I happened on the Top Chef marathon, I ended up watching it with my husband from start to finish. Very enjoyable!

Just want to add my kudos to Jonathon, Todd and others, for the quality of entertainment given by this series. The various challenges have been inventive and energizing, in terms of their providing an ability for the viewer to gauge and judge the personalities of the contestants, not to mention their (intentionally or unintentionally) displayed weaknesses and fortes.

While I was taken aback at first by the judges' unwillingness to hide facial expressions and meaningful glances to one another, at some point I realized these only add to the drama and the guesswork about whose time it is to be later'd.

I was surprised in the restaurant judging, that Andrea's design took honors over Matt's. On its face the room WAS lovely and glamorous and rich-looking -- however it was also extremely conventional in some aspects. What stood out for me about Matt's design was his risk-taking in putting together the leather-tiled floor. The final product WAS what you hope for when you take that leap; and the floor accented what I thought was a very thoughtfully accented room.

WHY is Carisa still around? She reminds me of every horsefly co-worker I've ever had to tolerate -- self-centered, consciously annoying and conceited with absolutely no merit on which to base such conceit. Her designs have failed on a multitude of levels and every time the failure, in her blighted eyes, belongs elsewhere -- the carpenter, the other contestants, the judges blindness, whatever she can think of to distract from her own lack of clear vision, focus, creativity!

I did dislike Michael but have to admit he grew on me in spite of his little personality faults. Watching him fence with Carisa was a tremendous hoot! He had a knack for saying exactly what I would have said myself. I'll miss him a lot.

GOIL has talent of the deepest kind -- from the first episode I have enjoyed watching him work and have waited to see what little twists he might come up with. When he had to team up with others on the cocktail party site design, it almost physically hurt to see his wonderful ideas made mundane and ordinary by their ultimate execution -- that he had to help out with rather than direct because they did kind of just turn deaf whenever he tried to have his say.

I am looking forward to the finale! Somebody tell Andrea to comb over the skunk stripe where her hair parts so we can pay more attention to what she is doing rather than how she is looking.

Thanks again for your inventiveness and this great series.

VH

posted on March 26, 2007 at 3:27 PM

Jackie wrote:

I dont understand....Goil (who is talented) works for Parsons School of Design isant this a conflict of interest? you have probably addressed this before but i did not see it

posted on March 26, 2007 at 8:02 PM

THE FAMOUS GUY.COM wrote:

Great Show!!!

posted on March 27, 2007 at 6:41 AM

Irena wrote:

I respect that Michael refused to criticize other contestant's room. Judges shoudn't be asking this question. It's their job to judge and questions like: " Who's room you like the least?" cause drama and tension. I wish Tom would stay any longer and show how to be really involved in the show to three Top Design judges. Jonathan has "no socks" philosophy, so I guess my "no class" opinion vs. his "no socks" philosophy won't do anything. Kelly and Margaret involved in themselves too much to be interested in judging. Thanks for the nice wardrobe, Kelly. Would be great to hear more interesting comments about designers and their work. Margaret, you wardrobe is nice, too. Much closer to what I am wearing. I just don't feel passion when you are discussing something. Do you really like someone's work? Do you really dislike something? Fight for it! Let's us hear it! For me the winner is either Goil or Matt or Erik, although he was eliminated.

posted on March 27, 2007 at 11:13 AM

Irena wrote:

What is the next Bravo TV reality show? Top Shears? Is it because of Kelly's hair style? She is a potential client who needs improvement. I like to see what she wears, though - very brave, very Europian... But her hair...oh, mama mia...shouldn't be so vintage. Carissa, thanks for coming, but enough of you. Do you really believe that you are a good designer? Is there anybody else who thinks so? The color of the walls was awful(Todd, do you think it was OK?), the long bench was very unpractical(what if the person in the middle should go to the bathroom? what if the same person who ate with his/her fingers, got a diarrhea and should use the bathroom again?) Yeah, silverware is quite important component after all... How many people should be involved in this person's bathroom going? Michael was cool this week by refusing to answer unappropriate question. Would judges ever admit that they did or asked something not kosher? Will see...

posted on March 27, 2007 at 12:56 PM

booksie wrote:

Oh Jonathan I totally heart you! You are a God-send to reality television. And to all of those Adler haters out there...so what if J-Ad doesn't wear socks! He's perfect just the way he is! Besides I'm sure whatever poly-blend elastic waisted vomit you call fashion would send someone with taste (like J-Ad and myself) screaming and crying, "WHY?" as we look for some sort of shelter under which we could roll up in the fetal position as we dream of a world without mom jeans and fanny packs.

posted on March 28, 2007 at 1:14 AM

Katrinka wrote:

Hello Jonathan,
I simply adore your mannerisms... especially your cat-like hmmms and eyedarting! Fabulous.
As far as the chef's table challenge goes, I have a few observations.
Carisa's walls matched the shabby "little" t-shirt she was wearing... I thought teal was a color from the 80's and poor decorator karma, what do you think? The 30 yard bench looked like it belonged on the side-lines of a football field, not in an elegant dining room. Sheese, she is a mess!!! And those SLIP COVERS!!!! So much for arts and craft styling.
I really think Matt deserved to win the challenge as his room was opulent without being over done. Great floor choice too.
I don't know what to think about Andrea with THAT black hair, a massive part and teeny-tiny micro ponytails all over the back of her head. Her room matched her head, colorwise.
Then there is Goil. That man is losing it and it doesn't seem to take too much to push him off his game. C'mon Goil, grow a pair, honey!!! I really missed the point of his room, especially the primary color strips and the white "mobile home" rock border.
Michael! I like him as a person and I also respected his exit from the show. This room was unfinished looking, but I could see his potential. So he isn't a winner today, but in the future, I think he may be hosting a show like this.
Thanks for hosting such a great show and for having Tom as a guest host. You two make a great team.

posted on March 28, 2007 at 6:21 PM

David Kahauolopua wrote:

Hello all...my last couple of comments were not posted. I had simply requested the matter of the Online Challenge #6 be brought to Todd and Jonathan and Bravo's attention. The online voting results clearly shows my "Blue Hydrangea" one tenth of a point higher than entries #2 and #3, and I just would like to know why entry #3 was declared the winner. The contest rules do not specify exactly when voting ends for each challenge, but it does state that in the case of a tie in votes or votes being very close in number, then the "Sponsor" will decide the winner. I know my humble yet tediously made painter's tape flower is not saving any lives, but I campaigned hard for my votes and when my entry sat at #1 for quite a while before the official winner was announced, I was very disappointed.

posted on March 28, 2007 at 7:04 PM

Wes wrote:

Johnathan,
You are so correct; Michael was certainly the least favorite. Pretentious, bitchy; Do I really need to continue? Maybe now the show can actually be enjoyed. Happy to see you go (raise a toast to Michael)!!

Your humor is absolutely fabulous. Love you tremendously.

Wes

posted on March 28, 2007 at 7:54 PM

jean bennett wrote:

Jonathan: Hello .... fluffy towels are a "life affirming thing" ... WHAT! Reality should be setting in soon. Do you live in Egypt ... land of De Nile ...

Life Affirming does not come from the comfort of your towels Jonathan ...

Your never never land approach to life is so evident in your "judging" contestants ... and about as bad as Tom Colichio's ... that room he judged "best" was sterile, uncomfortable seating, a silver and black deep freeze ... if he thinks diners would be comfortable in that environment his food must not be worth eating... sorry your whole show concept is a downer and not worth wasting time on

posted on March 28, 2007 at 9:46 PM

jd wrote:

This post will not make it for the hotel room design, but it is getting late here in the midwest, so I will not wait for the west coast to catch up:)
Judges...I felt you had a 'somewhat' more difficult task in choosing...HOWEVER...it was the "expected" decision...not from the standpoint of design but from the the outcome of reality tv. Poor goil...I actually started to like the fella!
Andrea's room was TRULY disappointing...I'm sorry...NO I AM NOT SORRY... I AM COMPLETELY DISGUSTED ! Why you would choose her work! Since there seemed to be no thead of connection between each project and the designers wins from week to week, why pick her??? Her room was horrible! (more)
I have not been a big fan of Carrisa, but her room had better individual elements. Practicality- no...but at least I saw her room going somewhere.
I liked Goil's room. The walls, the seating arrangement, the tall red lamps...to me he emanated luxury. Even the gold drops behind the bed...I could see it in a small luxury hotel in let's say.. Las Vegas! But Andrea's design was ridiculous! If I want grass I'll find a park and as for the marble bench...I'll find a museum! The colors were strange and her furniture was not comfortable looking at all. WHAT ARE YOU JUDGES THINKING? Heaven help us!
Mat't's room was pleasant, elegant and the perfect fit for Metropolitan home. He was spot on. He deserved to win...I have not seen one bad design from him. He has been consistent throughout.
Cut out the drama and you would have a great show...
Give the viewers who really love design...what we want...
Fabulous interior design...talented people...consistent judging
Cut the crapola out! Enough with the drama queens and the
controversy...as viewers if we want that we can call our families or friends;) Top Chef...Project Runway and now Top Design...PLEASE can we have just one series that makes sense from start to finish!
BRAVO I'm through...

posted on March 28, 2007 at 11:20 PM

SASHA wrote:

Andrea's room was exquiste, it was the kind of room that gives you the level of comfort without taking away the additional fell of class and eloganceng of the throne type feeling. From the silverware to the vases of flowers surrounding the room everything just seemed to be in sync. Matt's room had a feeling of warmth , although very well illustrated and coordinated I still din't get that feeling of awe. As for Carisa, I truly don't understand why she is still on the show her issues are forming into novels and her designs are hideous. Goil I am just confused by him why would anyone want vegetables (which look dry and horrible) hanging over there food, BAD IDEA Goil. Jonathan and Kelly what is up with your wardrobe, before you leave in the morning check your mirrors, you two look like a hot mess. Kelly get over to Shear Genious and beg them to do something your head and then call someone with some class to design you a wardrobe and stay out of the vintage shops and make sure you have Jonathan and Andrea with you.

posted on March 29, 2007 at 10:03 AM

Steve Savage wrote:

Carissa's room was terrible, even compared to Michael. How she manages to even get top designs, much less not get shown the door escapes me. Her color choices are awful, and she was not let go for the unforgivable sin of making an incomplete room.
I know the women are dropping off left and right, but there's no need to keep guy/girl quotas at the expense of fairness.

posted on March 30, 2007 at 5:00 PM