Ken wrote:

I really liked Michael/Matt/Carisa's party design. It makes you want to party! Andrea/Erik/Goil's was hohum. The tables with those long old tablecloths and folding chairs, what was that??
Goil needs to stop letting everyone kick him. He needs to do some kicking.

posted on March 14, 2007 at 11:29 PM

Lynn wrote:

I was very sad and surprised to see Eric go. I was totally convinced he'd be in the final two, along with Matt who I think will win. It must have been stuff that as you said wasn't shown because from out here in watcher village he didn't seem like the weakest one, Andrea did. It seemed that Erik's choices weren't as good as Goil's could have been (if he'd raised his voice a bit and stepped out of the pity pot) but at least he thought in a practical way and got the implementation done. Andrea seemed useless, tonight and in earlier episodes. I know they're not cumulative which is kind of a shame on all of these shows (Project Runway, Top Chef) because the ones who have consistently good designs or products are sometimes "latered" when they have the leadership quality to take responsibility for a project instead of keeping safe in the middle. I do wish that could be taken into consideration because I think it makes people gun-shy of stepping up and taking risks and then being responsible for them. I'd be much more likely to let a designer go that contributed less to the final product. You guys do a good job though and there's a lot we don't see.
On another note, the next time Top Design gets made, could someone please put a stop to the use of the word "bitch" every two seconds in reference to the females? It seems to have become acceptable to use this extremely derogatory term and we've lost sight of how offensive it is to women. There shouldn't be this kind of name-calling toward gays, women, or anyone else and Bravo could and should do much better. Bleep that word out too, just like f***, s***. etc. Just a thought.

posted on March 14, 2007 at 11:34 PM

Brian wrote:

What a bunch of CRAP that was. Andrea squeaks by, and Erik who thought he was going for the extra hour gets tossed. It's a shame. Since most of the 'dissing' of Goil was HER doing.

Next, will someoe please shut Michael up. OY FREAKING VEY. What a yenta! He is also full of taco beans. What was that crap to Carisa about everyone having a voice. Everyone meaning Matt and Michael only? For a change I felt bad for Carisa. Her ideas were good.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:08 AM

ryan wrote:

why aren't you guys harder on michael. his stuff is horrible. he just keeps getting put in good groups. if you could only see what we see. he whines all the time

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:09 AM

jd wrote:

Okay...here goes...
Jonathan I have gained an understanding of your judging choices. However, the key word here is choices. I am not clear why the structure built by Erik was not shown on TV? If this was a part of the decision, and I were Erik I would have challenged the judges for letting me go!!!! Please explain why were we not shown his part of the 'horrible' design? What's the big secret? If he is 'going places'...then why not top designer?
It was clear Goil did not have a voice...But he was a team player and worked his fanny off! Thank you for at least recognizing that! I am not sure he has what it takes to be top designer...however he didn't need to be 'top slave' labor for this week either!
All of a sudden Andrea 'tries' to become the leader...and I say this because in the last garage challenge her leadership abilities were no where to be seen. Hmmmm? was it because she had immunity and hoped that she could eliminate a potential competitor last week? This week she targets Goil...she sees his nice guy side and strikes! This woman isn't wearing black for nothin' boil...boil...toil...and she sure is TROUBLE! I would like to know who died and made her queen? [anyhow I thought that was Michael's job?]
As far as Andrea's 'flower arrangements'...all I can say is ????
I create floral designs for corporate events and I think she could have come up with about a 100zillion other choices that would have made sense. What do you judges see in this woman?
Frankly...she scares the 'heck' out of me! I think designing a 'garage' is even too good for her!
As for the "others" ( they made a scary movie with the same title)...Carissa is not my idea of team player and as far as her work ethics...she should be the next to go...however in this male dominated field...you will keep her until hopefully she is no longer needed for that reason!
PLEASE... may this be a fair competition...you seem like an honorable person as do the other judges...don't bring that air of meanness to it! ( we bloggers have that market cornered!)
Michael has actually improved again...I think he does not deserve to continue on top design until one of his individual projects wins at least one challenge!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:31 AM

mark stockl wrote:

You voted erik off. I will never watch bravo again.... all of you are losers.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 2:02 AM

Danielle wrote:

How much editing was involved in Andrea coming off as she did--nasty! Goyle has talent out the wazoo, but he's getting lost in these group challenges. (Why so many group challenges?) I think if Andrea and Erik would have taken a little more care in listening, Goyle's incredible ideas may have saved that room. I do think the time constraints on this show are insane, but a little listening can get you farther than a lot of scatterred doing in most cases, as Andrea showed in spades on this show. Back to the individual design challeges please!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 2:15 AM

FanFare wrote:

I have to say even though you made an "explanation" as to Erik being THE choice to go, it still came off as an arbitrary decision. Let's review: Goil "name dropped" and got to stay. (He has been spared so many times because you obviously like him as a person.) His inability to put forth his own ideas makes him look ineffective. Why didn't he make the "chandelier" himself??? Although you could not figure out exactly Andrea's role, you absolutely did not like her flower choice. Yet, she got to stay. (Could it be that you are down to the last 2 femailes and want to keep a balance?) Erik was decisive and took responsibility. He was one of the more talented designtestants there. It appears that mediocrity wins over innovation everytime. Playing it safe translates into playing it smart with you... I find that to be disappointing indeed.

On the contrary, although Matt's team created a nice room, it was nothing special. It looked like any NYC club environment. The "Twit Michael" even stated that as well. btw: that team was also highly disfunctional. Michael jumped down Carisa's throat with her every suggestion. Then he had the nerve to complain that she jumped on his ideas. Somebody needs to muzzle that child!
I had to turn the channel every time he uttered a screechy sound. AAARRRGGGHHH!

As for the editors making it seem as though it was a particularly negative effect from you and the rest of your pack, it was! If the main reason that Erik got elimninated is not shown to the viewers, how can we understand the reason or even care, for that matter? The editing makes for an unbalanced and unsatisfying program...

posted on March 15, 2007 at 8:20 AM

juni wrote:

I'm glad you explained about the bench-thing in front of the bar, because it was not obvious why Erik had to go. I would have thought Andrea, for her deafness to Goil's design suggestions.

I really agree that the Clarissa/Mike/Matt team did well, in creating a cohesive design. I felt sorry for Matt's being in the middle of the bickering divas.

I hope this will be the last team challenge. I want to see what these designers can do on their own again. There is something contradictory in "teams" consisting of people competing with each other.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 10:13 AM

Jen wrote:

I totally agreed with the judges this week on who got Top Design. Michael, Matt, and Clarissa's tent was absolutely gorgeous, while Goil (as much as I love him!), Andera, and Erik's tent was discombobulated. I am glad you explained Erik going, because to be honest, I thought it should have been Andrea.

And for all who were complaining about Goil's not touching the chandelier, I don't know who else caught it, but Eric and Andrea made a concious decision to not let Goil touch his own design because (and I quote -) "He'd obsess over it way too much." I don't know what was cut out, but over here it seemed like every time Goil tried to say something, Andrea would just completely ignore him, and that wasn't cool.

Also, with Andrea, I've always found her designs up until this point...well, I've found them boring. I can't see her as Top Designer, because the only reason she's still here is because hers were safe, and in the middle. Basically, the way I see it, other people kept screwing up, so she got off.

As for Matt being the winner on the other team, QUIT COMPLAINING PEOPLE! Let's face it, with Michael and Clarissa going after each other every ten seconds, not to mention the constant bickering in the white room, did the judges really have a choice? Matt did his job and he did well. Personally, I think in the episode with the garage sales (the one Clarissa won), Matt got completely hosed. His room was WAY better. Clarissa's looked like it came from a yard sale and from Target. Matt's looked like he shopped someplace much more high end. I don't see where everyone's complaining about Matt this, Matt that, I think he's been holding his own weight myself.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 11:20 AM

Dee Zine wrote:

One more thing: Matt had better sever his ill-conceived alliance with Michael. Michael has roped Matt into his constant misogynistic bitch-fests and Matt seems to be going along for the bumpy ride.

Matt, you're a much better designer than Michael (well, my dog Poco is a better designer than Michael!), and teaming up with him is bringing you down.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:02 PM

LAS wrote:

I was struck this week by how childish several of the designers were. All I could think was would I want this or these designers working for me? I was leaning towards NO. I fast forwarded through a lot of the show since I just didn't want to hear the whining.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:48 PM

kate Shorter wrote:

Hi Jonathan,
I am glad Goil stayed. I feel like he has the most original and technically savvy approach to just about every project. The team dynamics are frustrating to watch because so often the most talented people are victims of the less talented loudest ones.
The one thing I'm amazed by is the incredibly ugly sofas that the contestants are sitting in to chat about the project while you make your decisions. How could a design show have such ugly yuck brown over-sized my parents in the 80's furniture.
I love you Jonathan and this isn't mean't to sting but I think a smaller tie would be more flattering on you. That large knot makes your head look small and you look tiny. Your cute. Don't over-power yourself with such monstrous clothes.
I think a bit more time would make the show more satisfying so the designers could polish a bit more. It seems a bit too undone to be enjoyable for me.
still watching
k

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:49 PM

Michael wrote:

I'm not sold on Goil. He has some clever ideas, but his work is so sterile. I've never seen him create a design that I would feel comfortable in. Even his cabana's design, it was a logistical gem, but in practical terms it wasn't inviting in the least. I understand Andrea's frustration with him. He seems to obssess on nifty concepts that don't really add up to complete interior design.

If Erik was the prime motivator behind the overall concept and design of their space, then yes, I agree he was the right choice to go. It looked scattered and oddly unfinished. the other team's design was very safe, but also very professional.

Right now I think Matt should win with andrea a possibility. Carissa or Michael winning would be an abomination.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 1:48 PM

MIndi Feldman wrote:

The Clarissa/Mike/Matt club was outstanding and chic. The judges made the right decision.
One of the reasons I watch the show is to see what Clarissa, Mike and Goil will come up with next. I feel all three are incredibly talented. I think Clarissa's style and use of color is outstanding. I think she was in a no win situation on the Garage project. She had no idea initially she would be in a separate space. If the space was less than perfect she would have been out. I didn't see anyone coming to see if she needed help but then she was then criticized for not helping others.
The only reason she agreed to the the yellow shamata on the ceiling in last night's episode is because she wanted to get along with the others. Michael was very disrepectful to her and would not listen to any of her ideas or suggestions. I have yet to see anything spectacular from him.
I very much want to see the designers work independantly again.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 1:54 PM

Mary wrote:

I don't necessarily think it is bad to use the word bitch. Sometimes that means that a woman is standing up for herself and not backing down -- it then seems like a badge of honor. I don't care much for either of the women who are left. I get a kick out of Michael and I feel like Matt will definitely be in the final two.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 3:15 PM

Angie wrote:

Jonathan, I respect the judgement to keep Goil on. He was the backbone of the design made and was hard to see his creative side come out because he was over ruled. I just wanted to note that on the winning side, there was at least two designers if only one, that should have been boosted off due to lack of design. Carissa and Mike are the weakest link, not only in their designs but their attitudes. Granite they both can produce some good products, they are not consistant. I agree with Lynn who wrote "I know they're not cumulative which is kind of a shame on all of these shows (Project Runway, Top Chef) because the ones who have consistently good designs or products are sometimes "latered" when they have the leadership quality to take responsibility for a project instead of keeping safe in the middle. I do wish that could be taken into consideration because I think it makes people gun-shy of stepping up and taking risks and then being responsible for them." Michael and Carissa have the weakest designs, and Erik should not have been voted off, for one thing he did. I think those you had consistant designs, who have been taken off the show, come back for another round, like they do in Project Runway :D. Just a suggestion, I know it would pick up the competition and show their true passion :D
Angie, a new viewer of Top Design.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 4:04 PM

Nancy wrote:

I'm surprised that you saw yourself as mean on this show, because I had the opposite response--on the last several shows the criticism seemed nothing but negative so on this show I was pleasantly surprised to hear you actually praise each of the teams. So did I hear that, or what? How odd this point of view thing is, n'est-ce pas? I'm not as hooked on Top Design as I might have hoped, I think because the challenges have all been three sided windowless boxes, oh, and a garage, so I was glad to get out of that rut, and I am loving your persona, both on the show and on your blog. You are coming off as a charming fellow, my man. I'm loving your voice: light, sweet, but also just a bit tart, knowledgeable and interesting. Keep it coming.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 4:13 PM

Rol wrote:

Sorry - I think Michael is the biggest bitch of them all. Too much attitude, too nasty, too critical, not a team player at all - or at least that is how he is edited on the show. His team always has too much conflict, too much drama. I'm not impressed with the show to begin with, and he is enough to make me turn it off each week. Yuck!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 4:47 PM

tracey wrote:

Please stop having them do team challanges.A really good
designer be it rooms or clothes and a top chef run a business where their ego is it.Everyone around them does what they say if they want to keep their jobs.You don't have three top designers or chefs working together in the real world.One voice is dominate and having all these egos working together is like watching cock fighting or a dog fight.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 4:58 PM

Doug wrote:

I have been rooting for Michael to leave since Show 1. He is untalented, untrained, and insufferable. I am hopeful that since next week is an individual challenge he'll make another gaffe like his "assisted living facility" room and be gone.

That said, I'm not especially fond of the catchphrase given you "See you later, decorator". The rhyme scheme is childish, and the use of the word "decorator" sounds pejorative, as though the person leaving isn't qualified to be called a designer. I know at one point the two were synonymous, but they have since diverged with "designer" indicating a multi-disciplined person bringing a wide array of talents from architecture to paint techniques to color scheme, while "decorator" indicates someone taking existing items and arranging them in a pleasing fashion. A decorator would place three vases on a shelf, while a designer would contract to have the shelf constructed and possibly even talk to the ceramics artist to commission the vases.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 5:13 PM

hildymarie1 wrote:

Jonthan,
You're really not a sour puss. Initially, I was taken back by the combo of French, Yiddish and NYC chic -- I am beginning to get it now.

I was really disappointed that Erik was cut -- but do understand that Andrea would have really the choice had she not won immunity. He is a total winner. And he will go far based on his design choices and overall attitude. I suspect he will be the Jennifer Hudson of Top Design.

As for Carisa, she speaks for herself. No matter how far she does, I would be hesitant to hire her for any project including the redesign of my laundry room. The show is part of her resume and it speaks volumes to the true essense of the negative Carissa.

Thanks for a great show and do keep us amused. Also love your pottery.

Best regards,

posted on March 15, 2007 at 6:28 PM

jonnywonder wrote:

Is Bravo supposed to be a channel for gay people?

I was just curious because Top Design is one of several shows that I started watching out of objective interest, only to notice that the website and show itself are full of gay double-entendres. It's so surprising because a lot of the people tied to the show like Jonathan Adler and Goil assume that all the watchers must know they're gay; they talk about their sexual orientation like it's blase common knowledge. In truth I would have had no idea that Jonathan Adler, John Gray, and Goil were gay, if they didn't come out on their blogs or in interviews. Especially John Gray, who seemed to be complaining in Episode 1 that all the men on the show were "like a bunch of girls," leading us to believe he was some kind of homophobic meathead, then in Episode 2 he busts out with his HIV positive status. My jaw dropped and I fell out of my chair -- I never would have guessed.

Erik and Michael seem to announce their gayness from 500 paces; I bet anything they play it up for the cameras and they're not really that stereotypical in real life.

But I thought Matt was the most obvious gay person and then I read he's married to a woman! In a way it's great that Matt is so obviously leading in this competition, because it proves that straight guys can design better than gay guys and all the stereotypes are totally false. Go Matt! Represent the breeders!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 9:32 PM

Renee wrote:

I never understand why the contestants have to rush and rush to do a challenge- whether it's the Top design, Top chef, project runway. This is so ridiculous! Why can't they be given an hour more to get their thoughts organized or to finished a project? I am getting so frustrated with these kinds of shows.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 12:43 AM

Ann wrote:

I really think Michael needs to go. His attitude is horrible and he is way too full of himself. He talked about his nightlife in New York too much. I can only picture him as a waiter or bus-boy. I would never hire him for anything. How can you expect someone to present a design to you that present himself the way he does. He needs to learn how to listen.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 3:15 AM

David K. wrote:

First of all everyone HELLO to all the artists/designers out there and people just wanting to see a little more DRAMA on TV! please vote a "5" for my "BLUE HYDRANGEA" in the Online Challenge #6. I also have it displayed in my shop window (antiques,antique/vintage textiles) somewhere JUST OFF melrose and somewhere between Jonathan's shop on Melrose and the Pacific Design Center...hmm...
Let's hope that Goil can keep it together! He cracked a little but c'mon, the guy got an architecture master's degree at YALE. i gotta give it up to him for that. perhaps because of his smaller size or high-strung seeming personality that the other two dismissed his ambitious ideas, or maybe perhaps because of the time constraints it just evolved into something else. in anycase, HANG IN THERE!

posted on March 16, 2007 at 5:55 AM

PW wrote:

I liked this show, but will probably stop watching as long as Michael is on the show. He is the rudest person I have seen in a long time. Mr. Big was rude to the carpenters and his teamates (of course he thinks its his show). He is making a phone call where everyone is working and motions for all of them to be quiet for him, when he should have walked out of the room, what a dork. Carissa runs a close second to Michael and she really has the attitude that she knows it all and my question is that if that is the case why is she on the show? I agree with the winner of this show but feel that I would have sent Andea home. She set Goil up really badly. They did not want him obsessing over the project so just used him as a work horse, he might have saved their butts if they had listend to him You always say you must get your voice head, how do you accomplish that when they talk over you and walk away so as not to listen?

posted on March 16, 2007 at 2:00 PM

Katrina wrote:

Huh??? Matt's Straight????? Who knew???

posted on March 16, 2007 at 3:42 PM

nancy wrote:

Erik couldn't pack his bags fast enough and I don't blame him. I'm finding this show very disappointing and basically I tune in because hopefully, one of these days, the judges will wise up and get rid of Michael. UGH!

posted on March 16, 2007 at 5:17 PM

jd wrote:

Liked the online challenge...never paid much attention until now! I voted for the blue hydrangea! It was a fun idea!
Why can't the actual episodes be more orginal like that? Why do they have to be so wierd. The party was a cool idea but time implementation is so unrealistic. If I was Smirnoff...I would have been angry...I guess that is the price you pay for advertising exposure!
Now I would have thought that Erik would have been one of the designers staying! However...to keep it EVEN...they have to have two women and three men...you guessed it...the next one will be a man leaving the building!
I was a fan of top chef until this year...I had hoped that top designer would be better...unfortunately it's NOT!
I guess all of us who have some style and taste wouldn't fit on a show like this...all they want are drama queens (straight or gay)
but then again what reality show wants REAL people ?
They only want those that can help them sell the show...
I watch it because I have nothing better to do...plus it really is good for a laugh...but isn't that sad...because it should be watched for the talent and abilities that these so-called designers should have...and could teach us something worthwhile... instead we watch & are amazed at how lame it all is!
I guess we should be happy that the economy is booming for the advertisers, the production people, the judges, carpenters etc. but instead of enjoying for what it should be I depore it for what it isnt...a BAD design show...comedy at its BEST!

posted on March 16, 2007 at 5:32 PM

Connie wrote:

David K, you got my 5 vote. I am a firm believer in supporting the arts. That is my personal "top" Priority. Guess you could say I'm the "Top Prioritizer" for art...lol.
Well folks, I'll keep my opinion on the attitude to myself. To share it would just make me look like I have attitude too.
But I am getting kind of anxious to see who the Top Designer will be.
I'm still Rooting For Goil!
You Go Goil ;-)

posted on March 16, 2007 at 8:21 PM

CR wrote:

Enough with these group challenges!!! Final two will be Goil and Matt. Andrea was a wreck this week she made a number of bad choices. She should have been later'd rather than Erik. Carissa is not a team player.

Love Goil. But Matt will probably win.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 9:52 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Hello Jonathan! My partner and I had breakfast at "your place" again (the Parker Palm Springs, that is!) We treat ourselves and enjoy your orange and cream surroundings whenever we get a chance. It's also our favorite place to meet with clients, so just wanted to say thanks for the inspiring ambiance. It certainly seems to work for us! I have long admired your retro-chic style. A respect for 50s design, unafraid of fun, yet totally classy and warm. Something difficult to achieve, yet you make it so harmonious. You certainly know what you are doing.

This last challenge was an interesting one. I have to disagree with you that I did not get the idea you were a "sour puss"... but like me, I wasn't terribly inspired by the Andrea/Erik/Goil party room. I don't think it was horrid, but it certainly seemed uninviting. It's interesing that the Michael/Matt/Carisa room did NOT look inviting to me from the outside.. at least that word did not come to mind... but rather, mainly because of the the bouncer it looked like a place that was more fascinating and upscale because of him, the plants and the open entry. It just made you want to know what was so special in there. Once I saw the interior, it was very clear the clean horizontal lines, "lemon tables" and choice of low or high seating was well thought out and comfortable. The room was just classy and chic. I was surprised because I am not a fan of Michael... mainly because he is so doggone defensive and hasn't seemed to accept constructive criticism from the judges very well. It's a "respect" thing for me. I have seen that Carisa is very talented, though. She may not have the confidence in herself I would like to see, nor has she shown she is much of a team player.. but I cannot deny she has a great sense of proportion, balance and taste. Matt was very assertive, which was refreshing to see in him... and overall, it paid off. Though I did NOT care for the ceiling piece, almost every other choice by the team rocked. Just beautiful.

Goil had some great ideas... unfortunately, he has a hard time being taken seriously. If he can learn to get his emotions under control, assert himself and stand by his design decisions, he will go very far. He is enormously talented and his archtectural training is rare when infused with design. That will really shine if he re-designs historic spaces or works with an architect on new interior spaces where furniture is integrated in the building itself. Sadly, Andrea and Erik just were not listening to him. They were afraid he would wrap himself up in one small aspect of the challenge, like his doggie bed in the previous challenge. This would have been the time when the chandeliers would have been the major element of the room and he would have made a far superior centerpiece, I am very sure.... thanks for seeing that in him. Erik is talented, but he failed to encompass the best in his team and it rightfully cost him.

I look forward to seeing the next challenge. I would like to see more of these designers doing work on their own, but I understand the importance of teamwork, as well. It's all good. Are we going to see some commercial design? Was thinking a dentist office waiting room, GMC dealership showroom, Elle Decor reception lobby, or have each cast member do a model home for a new housing community! I would think the builders would love to have the publicity!

posted on March 17, 2007 at 8:52 AM

Erica wrote:

Jonathan-you need to make up your mind. This last challenge was a team effort. However, when Goil complained he wasn't able to express himself as much with his own ideas, you commented that he needed to push his ideas out there. Well--is it a team challenge or not?? Carissa was pushing her ideas-and if you asked me, she was being a pushy b----. She was NOT being a team player-Goil was.

Nothing is more aggrivating for a viewer to watch, than when something ignorant and inconsistent as that is said. I can only imagine how your contestants feel.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 9:09 AM

LK wrote:

I've repeated my complaints about group hug challengers in two other blogs. So enough of that.

Clearly you were edited this week to show your bitchy side. Unfortunatly for a viewer like me, I'm not into bitch and snark and would rather see the skill and knowledge you possess on display. I'm sure there is miles of tape of reasoned thoughtful Q&A between the judges and contestants - but I guess I'm out of the mainstream in wanting to see that.

Its maddening to not see the rooms the way the judges get to see them. Much like its maddening to see Goil dong a ton of work yet his team mates dissing him likes he's worthless. - only to have the judges questioning his level of pushyness.

If there is a second season, I'll surely watch at least the first couple of episodes, but if the tone of the competition is more of the same: See ya later decorator!

posted on March 17, 2007 at 2:30 PM

Melissa wrote:

I am so much in agreement with Erica. How can three decorators with their own agendas be in a team and THEN get bashed because one wanted to at least try to be a team player? I can see both sides, Goil didn't get a lot of his ideas known but with the time constraints on the challenges, who has the time to fight and waste time? He made a decision, to be a team player. If anyone is at fault, it's the show, not the decorators for saying, "Hey, we're going to put several of you together and judge you on being individual AND being a team player!" I know, I got on a soap box, Erica said the same thing but I wanted to put in my two cents. Speaking of two cents, I do think the word bitc& is belittling to women, even if it's meant to be a compliment. Be fair, if you're going to trash women with that word, don't bleep words that trash men.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 9:34 PM

David K. wrote:

Thank you jd! Thank you Connie! voting's almost over though i'm in third...boo hoo. I'm thinking that #1 and #2 are getting a lot of votes because of the bold graphic designs of both are getting a lot of attention, and that the detail of the flower is not coming off so great in the pic! Put in another "5" vote for me. Thank you!

posted on March 18, 2007 at 3:25 AM

Amila wrote:

I agree with the decision that Matt, Michael and Carisa's design was the best. But, my comment does not reflect your attitude, rather your clothing choice. Before judging other people please judge yourself and what you are wearing. Just because you have every color and texture in your closest does not mean you must use them all in one outfit...everytime.

posted on March 18, 2007 at 4:01 AM

Suzanne wrote:

I understand the entertainment value that Michael provides, yes, the tired old analogy of the train wreck you can't turn your head from.... However, have you or any of the judges ever been tempted to call him out on his needing to develop some character rather than just being one? Listening to his self descriptives and claims to creative qualities he has yet to back up... When does he get called out for his vile behavior and dishonest claims? Furry flowers were worthy of mention - but his cabbage arrangements (did he really then refer to them as sculpture??) how was it possible nothing more was said. You do realize he may go forth after this competition and recreate this decor disaster ! MOST importantly, his treatment of others is unacceptable. It would be uplifting to see him confronted and for a panel devoted to good taste - to insist upon good manners and decency from all contestants.

posted on March 18, 2007 at 5:21 AM

SVAZZO wrote:

I agree with the decision for challenge winners, but I have to say much is being said about Michael, but what about Carisa? To me, she is teh one that has a bigger attitude, and has yet to prove herself. I always hear her trying to embelish her contributions. Anyway, I hope she changes at least a little bit. And yes, Michael also needs to step it up pretty soon or they will both be gone.

posted on March 18, 2007 at 8:34 PM

jd wrote:

Your welcome! I put in another '5' vote for you David!
Hope you win and I Hope the next show is as much fun because only the blogs have been so far!
I get a little bored with the dream room thing...when are they ever going to get the bedroom sight up and running? I think that thousands of combinations of the living room are now starting to get a little bizarro!:) I actually wonder if the designers who have been let go are using this site...posting comments and also 'designing dream rooms'? That would be really hilarious!:) Back on Wed nite!!!!!

posted on March 19, 2007 at 12:36 AM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Just a quick comment, Jonathan ... I just had to say your personal sense of style is not only appropriate, but like your design sense, you dress extremely well and tastefully. It's very clear to see why you pick the colors and fabrics in what you wear. I would love to know where you shop! By the way, I am not Jewish, but if I was, I would wear your yarmulke! Oh, by the way... please open a store in Palm Springs immediately!

posted on March 19, 2007 at 2:59 AM

Irma wrote:

Hiya Jonathan!

Your blogs continue to entertain. Unfortunately, you do not adequately illuminate the reason for your "latering" choice
(i.e. Erik). Erik did not seem worse than Andrea in this challenge. Goil seems to get a free pass due to his great ideas. However, he needs to actually implement them to completion to deserve all the kudos he receives.

From Michael, all we get is: whine, whine, whine. Will somebody please put him in the "whine cellar"?!? His sqeaky "Minnie Mouse" voice sends out vitriolic hissy fits. He really needs to get to the nearest mental health clinic!

This show is unravelling fast down a slippery slope of "design don'ts". Most of the rooms presented seem to be lacking in many ways (perhaps due to lack of time or talent). Don't know which it is, do you?

posted on March 19, 2007 at 9:19 AM

elaein wrote:

I don't like this show v. much, although I watch all of the episodes out of curiosity. I find the decorators (with the exception of Goil) not strikingly creative, talented, or appealing. And Todd is NOT a natural as a host. He feels stiff and self-conscious. The judges, however, do have a certain appeal even though they are often unnecessarily snide or mean (perhaps it's the way they're edited, which I suspect is the case). From the host to the designers, a similar show on another network was far more entertaining.

posted on March 19, 2007 at 2:53 PM

bungle wrote:

Dude,
I hadn't heard of you before Top Design. But as the show has progressed, you've made enuff of an impression.
You've made the "My Favorite Adlers" list. As it stands now:

Alfred Adler
Mortimer J. Adler
Jonathan Adler


(Dunno if any are remotely related to each other, just sayin')

posted on March 19, 2007 at 7:45 PM

David K. wrote:

hey again jd looks like your vote helped! myself - and my "blue hydrangea" included - are currently sitting at #1! i am not sure because it is not clear on the website when the voting is actually over for each challenge, because as recent as monday night i was at #2 so i don't want to get to excited and assume that i won just because voting has started on challenge #7. any help/info on this matter jonathan??

posted on March 21, 2007 at 4:41 AM

john doe wrote:

the show's okay...needs some improvements.
audio goes high and low and low to high - audio taping problems ?
experienced this on different tvs, different locations, different cable services...
todd talks to candidates as though they were 5 year olds...
show set design looks like something from the dating game....
needs more oomph with personalities and story-lines...maybe next season?

posted on March 21, 2007 at 7:18 PM

Joanne wrote:

"big butch daddy top"
Gee, are they going to get to design a dungeon next?
It's too bad Micheal is gone. He's the first one I'd like to torture.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:41 AM

Meleny wrote:

I think Andrea and Matt are the two most sophisticated designers on the show. The winning designs have been right on every week. Andrea's and team had an innovative but visually messy and unfocused execution. I am sorry that Goil's voice wasn't stronger as I was interested in his chandelier vision. Goil seems to have good ideas but doesn't work well within the imposed time constraints.The "wall" as you walked into their tent reminded me of Ryan's black bedroom fiasco. Matt and team's tent was stunning. I think that Carissa's contribution wasn't realized. As I reviewed the program it seemed that she had most of the design ideas. (Am I not seeing everything I should in the footage?) The following design, a chef's room, was interesting. Andrea's room was simply lush, hot, modern, and complete. Matt's room was something of a disappointment . I thought the table settings were a nice touch but I found the colors depressing. I wonderif Matt will stretch himself a little more colorwise. I know I am not taking the majority stand as I have read the blogs! I think Carissa is a type A but she has done some very good work and deserves her chance. She HAS had some carpenter issues! I think Michael left gracefully. I didn't expect this as he had been so annoying all through the show. But he is young and still learning and I wish him well. Chef Tom was a good choice as a guest judge. These are designers who are at the start of their careers. They will be addressing clients who will have definite ideas and they will be called upon to execute these ideas. Honesty is a premium commodity on reality shows.This Chef Judge doesn't mince words and earns respect as a result.
I look forward to the next installment.
meleny

posted on March 26, 2007 at 11:21 AM

Gia Karoline wrote:

You are right, you're not a sourpuss. You are a mindless weirdo who can't dress himself. What you wear isn't Fashion, unless you call oversized ties with orange polka dots that DOESN"T match your suit, Fashion. You can't judge rooms fairly you are wimpyI wish you could get replaced along with Margaret with her I can't say what attitude. Even though I haven't gone to design school, I can say I could do your job better. BECAUSE YOU GUYS SUCK! Exept for Kelly, she's okay.

posted on April 1, 2007 at 8:30 PM

Andrew wrote:

I love the show, love the contestants, challenges, desgins and executions. I think Top Design would be very sucessful if they were to get RID of Jonathan. He's got the personality of a DOOR KNOB. He reminds me of a very boring bad date I had a couple years ago. "See you later decorator". Send Mary packing.

posted on April 4, 2007 at 3:00 PM

ely wrote:

JD called it! Finally, someone else can see that the empress wears no clothes! Andrea makes up for her utter lack of talent by targeting those she deems to be her competition. Goil was the only one with the genius to have saved that sad tent (Goil's hanging lemons were the best part of the design) Unfortunately for Andrea, her wretched, bullying treatment of Goil -- resulted in her team's losing. She should have gone home instead of Eric. Her attitude was again in evidence in the dreadful garage project, wherein She consigned Goil to the role of gopher. She has succeeded in destroying his confidence, but it will not save her. Her designs are devoid of color and life. Only Andrea could have made a floral design that was so frightening. Yes, it is appropriate that she dresses in black.

posted on April 8, 2007 at 1:17 AM