jd wrote:

Okay here goes...
Jonathan I truly appreciated your comments as they were for the most part good ones...HOWEVER...from the scenes I caught on this episode I just didn't see where your comments about Ryan (and no, he is NOT my favorite designer) were right on...He even stated during the filming that he "would do whatever it takes to get the job done"!
Maybe Andrea, the carpenters and a few of the others needed to take more of the blame for why it was not finished...Where was Andrea's art vision in all of this? She needed to direct Ryan...It didn't seem to me that he worked that "scattered"! Andrea was the pm on this job! I'm sorry, but he was right in what he was trying to tell the family(clients). Maybe Ryan didn't have all the 'social graces' it takes to be a fanny kisser, i.e. designer! However... he WAS right on...Too much stuff...& Too many directions for the garage to take. He may not make it as a designer now that he's out...these shows tend to either help or hinder you, but at least he is more realistic about a project and I believe he will be fair to his future clients, whether it is an art or decor project.
When Andrea met with the couple at their home,
I almost thought the couple were going to say use the shed for storage! That's the way Andrea should have led them.
As for Michael( also not a particular favorite, he's a bit young and a little too arrogant, but i don't think he is a jerk as some might think) he chose the colors Andrea picked! His work was decent. Erik also was doing what was directed...his work was decent...however both he and Michael could have picked a lighter purple and teamed it with some other primary colors and it would have then been okay! A bad design choice on both their parts.(again, where was Andrea)
I was disappointed in Goil...up to now he had shown a lot of talent...but working on that one 'dogbed' was ridiculous...again Andrea should have stopped him! Was it in the orginal plan???
Carissa did her assignment...BUT I didn't think the office area was anything special...she seems a bit more "Bee itchy" than in earlier episodes...She's acquuiring that big "designer" head... If they needed her to hurry...give her a step up and help her finish it "quickly"! Come on Andrea....!
I think the shed/office idea was a last minute shakeup from the production crew. Wait a sec...one day...no original plan for the shed and then Andrea relies on carissa to make major changes & decisions in the office area????
If I was paying Andrea to be MY designer... I WOULDN"T!
(a word Carissa...quit acting like it's hard work...it is...but you would get paid to do it...I think your idea of a designer is more on the lines of 'diva'...one who directs with her mouth and not her 'hands".
The only one I respected on this project was Matt...I am a designer and one of the first rules IS you have to get your hands dirty...AND HE DID! "BRAVO!" But...speak up...If it means ticking off Carissa when she needs to kick it into gear, or if Andrea needs to wake up and be told what's going on...DO IT!
As far as Rios comment about storage being artistic...GET REAL! It's a garage, it looked neat, it was organized and you would have needed a week to clean out and reorganize that mess and he did it in ONE DAY! Matt deserves an honorary "Hantavirus" medal in my book! Everything looked colorful and in place!
Please Jonathan...quit making "little eyebrow remarks" and judge them all more on their design ability and less on personality...Kelly I felt you judged in a more honorable manner this time and Margaret...What is it about creative people (sigh even Ryan) that frightens you?
So here it is...
AS Gomer would say...SURPRISE...SURPRISE...
Goil you won't make it...too many "wheels"
Carissa you won't make it...you will be their token female
Andrea you won't make it...your "immunity" sealed the deal
the Finale will include Michael, Erik and Matt.
I'll wait until the final 3 before I say who will win it!
"Arriva-derchi- Decoeur-atuers"

posted on March 7, 2007 at 11:58 PM

Faye Scott wrote:

Hi Jonathan (and the other judges),
Maybe there's sound reasoning behind this but I still have to ask: why are the contestants challenged with these impossible tasks but given so little time in which to accomplish it? The judges are super critical - I mean, give me a break....those guys barely had timed to get all that "stuff" into containers never mind "compose." I still can't figure out what the guest judge wanted them to do once it (the stuff) was all stored. I know that you only have so much time and can only put so much into a one hour show but geez guys, can you lighten up just a little bit? Regards, Faye Scott

posted on March 8, 2007 at 12:36 AM

ellen wrote:

Ryan. What an ass. Parting comment on pottery as not being art.
That is so rich, and such an obvioius and bitter big fatass baby wail. He cries too loudly about being the misunderstood and underappreciated artist, one would almost think he was a poser. So he went through school and got degrees in art. I know a few people scanning at Big Lots who did the same. The emporer was naked, and nobody wanted to look. (would you?, yech) If those "target" graphics he did on a previous show were any indication of his "art",
I have a few dead cats buried in my back yard I'm sure he could make a "sociopolitical statement" with. Please disappear into a corporate cubicle where you belong Ryan.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 12:48 AM

Dee Zine wrote:

Whatever else you may think of Ryan, he pegged the judges perfectly: They ARE conservative--especially pinched, uptight Margaret. And I really wish the judges would provide some serious comments on the designs, instead of making inane comments like "What dog wants to be wheeled around?" In just about every show, the judges seem to miss the boat. In tonight's episode, for instance, Goil was the project manager--he didn't just make the dog bed. How I long for Michael Kors and Nina Garcia!

Jonathan says that Michael is really a sweet guy. I don't believe it. He's a horrible, manipulative little creep with nothing good to say about anyone (remember what he said to Matt about his child's room just before the judges arrived?...), a 'way overblown opinion of himself, and no discernible talent. Maybe Ryan didn't create a beautiful room or piece of furniture (although I liked his fold-out benches with the concentric circles), but what has Michael created, besides bad feelings among the other contestants and nausea with his hideous child's room (that pillow!!! Are you KIDDING ME?) and continuing use of bruise colors?

At least Ryan's attitude was interesting! Michael is just pissy and has wretched taste. He needs to go!

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:03 AM

Turbo Geek wrote:

Jonathan, you were correct. Ryan needed to go. He was being a nebbish and a pisher all at once. Certainly not one for fomenting nachis among the judges with his mishugatz and socio-politco artinista anti-designer schtick.

However, Jonathan, shame on you for letting the producers get faschimilt by allowing the homeowner to expand the project at the last minute to include the shed (without budget and schedule considerations.) You certainly would have requested additional funds and schedule from one of your own clients to put up with such chutzpah.

The producers also made ubertsuris for the designers by making them clean all of the chozzerai out of the garage. What a putchke! All of that dreck should have been carted off to the dump before the cameras started to roll or at least before the designers showed up to start schvitzing. The show is about design, not who is going to be awarded a ServiceMaster or Merry Maid franchise.

--TG

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:52 AM

MrsW wrote:

J'adore your "facial reactions" during the judges' deliberations..... Would love to see some downloadable wallpapers or screen savers!!! Thanks for keeping such an entertaining blog..... I check it after every show.

Laterz.....

posted on March 8, 2007 at 2:14 AM

CR wrote:

Garages are a huge challenge. I felt for these designers. They had very little time and even less money. The clients should have cleaned all the c**p out before the designers even got there.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 3:46 AM

meliblu wrote:

Hanta, oh yes, I've cleaned out rooms in my parents' house a couple of times full of mouse droppings, but they had mice only after the cilty began building a new housing devopment next door and one at the other side of the neighborhood and bye bye trees and woods. The mice living in the woods all needed new homes and took up residence in my parents' home and many of the neighbors. Droppings and mouse skeletons from the bait stations and traps set up and threats from a second cousin because I killed those poor little mousies as if he were some sort of giant pacifist cat with pet mousies. Angry, rebellious person yet he loves mice as it turned out. He wasn't the one who had to lie awake in bed and then sleep with the light on because the mousies were gnawing the furniture, so I killed them and cleaned the room where I was staying temp and anywhere else in the house with the same problem. AND the neighbors killed them. Pet mice go in cages, not running around the house and although I have had pet gerbils, I call mice, snake and tarantula food, especially white mice. Now, extremist animal rights activists can attack me over those poor little homeless mousies. Hated this episode. Hope this isn't a new pattern ala Project Runway's garbage and recyling type challenges. Just insanely hard to watch this one.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 6:25 AM

Deb wrote:

First, the garage was boring and disconnected. I did not see any real design work evident, and Andrea should be very glad she had immunity. Second, Ryan needs to get over himself. "Socio-political statement?" Do the gray tire lines on the garage floor represent the oppressed masses or something? It's hard to take a 35 year-old man who rides a skateboard seriously. Ryan's departing words to the other designers was the trite "Fight the Power." Give me a break. Angry and selfish young men like Ryan are ittitating. Oh, and should Ryan succeed in revolutionizing the design world, won't he become "The Power" for some other snotty badass to topple? I am glad to see him go. The competition is about design ability, NOT in-your-face me bad. And what was with the anti-Christ 666 T-shirt? Have I made it clear I think Ryan is a blowhard putz?

posted on March 8, 2007 at 7:05 AM

Greta wrote:

Jonathan ... you CRACK ME UP! A cup of coffee and your blog are a fab-u-lous start to my day. Keep up the quips ... you are the saving grace of this show! xoxo

posted on March 8, 2007 at 8:00 AM

becky wrote:

first off, i think it is ridiculous to even worry about curtains in a GARAGE!! where i come from, garages don't have curtains. period.
i think the family was annoying, especially the kids, and it seemed the parents were giving up functionality just to please those rugrats. those poor contestants were basically cleaning up someone's mess and i'm glad ryan told them they should throw some of that crap away!! obviously they didn't want to hear it, but that's some friendly advice worth taking. poor matt should've been the winner of this challenge: he was knee-deep in that junk all day. and what's up with that guest judge slamming his organizational skills? who cares man, it's a GARAGE!!!!

posted on March 8, 2007 at 9:34 AM

juni wrote:

I agreed with Ryan that the cients needed to lose some of that crap they were storing in their garage. I don't care how well you design a space, if the clients have the mindset of clutter and not pruning their possesions, the new space will fill up with crap too.

Those storage bins are packed and now new things will come in to fill up the newly freed space. So, from that point of view, Ryan was just being honest and looking at the problem from an insightful point of view. I will miss his bad-boy role because he had backbone--even though I though his student's room, with its lattice work gone bonkers and the kid's room with the garish waves were over-the-top.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 9:38 AM

selene wrote:

Well Mr. Adler, perhaps Ryan might have incorporated your sentiments into his sociopolitical rant-lettes, if one ever actually took shape. But alas, we were only treated to more Viagra-esque posturing, overpuffed machismo trying to justify its presence by claiming to be an artiste, one who knows better than "you" (me, the client, the world) how people just need to "Simplify, man."

What's hilarious about Ryan is that he doesn't realize he's a walking cliche, having utterly bought in to notions of art I had thought were (happily) extinct. In ways his ideas about artmaking (and the world in general) are so much more conservative than anyone else's on the show (except maybe ol' Home Sweet Home over there) because they are so unselfconsciously retro, really old-fashioned, and not in a good or fun way. Yet he complains about the judges being conservative - oh please. He has no concept of what that even means, sitting there in his tropical shirt (ooo, so in-your-face... that was a rebellious garment in the Midwest in 1983 or '84!)
Speaking openly about Xanax and Zoloft within your design commentary is more progressive and less conservative than his old "Simplify your life"/California-Closets-style credo! I can get a dose of that radical sociopolitical statement by watching old episodes of Clean Sweep.

Oh, this was probably supposed to be a more focused discussion about archetypes of Judiasm and related cultural milieu. Ironically or not, I wouldn't dare to comment on such a sociopolitically loaded issue! (laugh/wink)

With admiration and amusement,

Une gentile petite in texas

P.S. Will you ever design snack sets?

posted on March 8, 2007 at 10:33 AM

Jason wrote:

Can I just say that I love this show and I agree with the judge's decisions so far. And I must add that I love when Jonathan smushes his lips together when he doesn't like something! But that garage was just crazy, how did that family get chosen? They get their garage reorganized and a new car? And who puts a stage in their garage? The swing confused me...wouldn't it scratch the car when they pulled into the garage?

posted on March 8, 2007 at 10:34 AM

Jane wrote:

Oh geeeez! I am so glad that Ryan got put down.... with all of his rants about how revolutionary he is and his "I'm going to shake up the interior design world" agenda. What did he do???? Design a studio apartment with rainbow colored spirals and plywood nailed up like the windows on a condemned house? Taking the "initiative" to center and widen the stripes on a garage floor? His work and his attitude are equivalent to that of a teenager who has just discovered some cliche punk manifesto and thinks he's the first person to ever question the establishment. The truth is, been there, done that... when I was fourteen. I think I remember seeing art and design that looked a lot like Ryan's back then too. I think it was at my high school art show.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 10:59 AM

selene wrote:

In Need of Xanax or at least a Klonopin over here:

Michael's bitchy little comment about Carisa and "stretch pants" (whatever those even are anymore!) was sub-Bravo.
I thought that, in seeming more gay-friendly than other networks, Bravo might offer a more enlightened treatment to other socially stigmatized peoples. What a disappointment. Pissy little insults about people's weight are not creative or interesting, and sound particularly odd coming from little Mr. Grey (or should I say Grape?) Gardens over there.

If Carisa had referred to another designer's queeniness, or referred to another designer's need to come out of the closet or to shed his beard, I suspect there would be a firestorm in the media and especially here on the blogs. But since it's weight, and maybe since she's a she ... silence.

Now I can't attest to her design skills, and have real issues about the unflattering way she chooses to stlye and dress herself, but Carisa's physical curvature should not be the subject of ridicule on this program. Tacky and depressing, Bravo!

(I chose to comment here under JA's blog because it's the best one; clearly the most intelligent & with the best sense of humor of any of the Top Design blogpeople. Excuse the buttering, but it seems obvious. Plus I adore the Parker in Palm Springs - it has forever biased me in Mr. Adler's favor!)

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:07 AM

FanFare wrote:

Dear Jonathan,

"Ding-Dong, the schmuck is gone!"... Ryan's comments about clearing the clutter was probably correct. It was "the way" he delivered his message (i.e. "it is not what you say, but HOW you say it"...) In either case, it was HIS time to go, FINALLY!! He was long overdue to leave.

Actually, this challenge I equally disliked and enjoyed. I felt that the clients' desire to turn a garage into a multi-purpose room was assinine. They have a nice big house. Certainly, some of the rooms within that comfortable home could accommodate separate functions (such as a home office for MOM, playroom for the kids and dog, etc.) Why would Mom want to work in a storage shed? The very idea of this challenge made my teeth gnash.

However, the ideas that the designers showcased seemed thoughtful and interesting. Kudos to them for not laughing out loud during their 3 minute presentations to these foolish customers. I thought that Andrea's idea was nice enough. Her demeanor, though, lacked strength and direction in setting goals for her staff! She was too compliant to the clients - especially when they did a last moment request to change the home office location, without extra time (or money) to be added into the equation.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:17 AM

selene wrote:

Commenting on the other comments here:

Faye Scott - yes, more time needed. But not as bad as on America's Next Top Model, where girls were made to thrift an ensemble in 3 minutes! How criminal. Oh, did I just admit I watch that? Ooops.

ellen - oo, snap / hilarious/ ouch (in a good way) - Big Lots! hee hee. So true about hos need to head to the cubicle farm, the only place where his concepts would seem "counterculture" or "Rockin'!"

Dee Zine - I know, I'm confused that Jonathan says Michael is sweet too. Maybe he's blackmailing him into saying such a thing- i see a little creep from over here too - perfect description, btw.
"And now I have to take a piss!"
shudder.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:25 AM

pete wrote:

I'm not convinced that Ryan knows what the term "socio-political" means.
In previous episodes, Kelly argued for Ryan that "at least he has a point of view", but I don't think arrogance counts as a valid point of view.
What Ryan doesn't realize is that his posturing is far less anti-establishment than a simple cool room. He demonstrated that he is not a talented artist and his art has no voice whatsoever.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:39 AM

Jennie wrote:

Oh Jonathan!

You think THAT was a scary garage? Honey, you need to go to Klamath Falls, Oregon and see my sister's garage! You'll be popping Xanax for years...

I think Matt should get a special award for doing the most loathsome chore of all. There's a reason people have nasty garages--they don't want to do what Matt did, and it wasn't even his stuff. And as for Mark Rios and his organized vs. composed comments... He needs to get the stick out of his fanny, roll up his sleeves, and come to Klamath Falls and compose my sister's junk. That'll make a man out of him!

Jonathan, I so look forward to Thurday mornings now. I get my little guy on the bus, get a cup of coffee and settle down for a good laugh. I also pray that my coffee doesn't jettison out of my nose while laughing uproariously!

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:42 AM

Tad wrote:

jonathan, i say this with all do respect: i love your blog, and i think you have a fabulous personality. however, like many other people who are responding to the top design blogs, the choices you and the other judges are making week to week make no sense at all. every episode i am left scratching my head wondering as to what the heck y'all were thinking!

allow me explain: ryan is by no means my favorite designer, and i will admit that i am not sad to see him go. with that said, he was the only designer honest enough this week to tell the client that they should consider getting rid of some of their stuff. i was almost offended when the homeowners said they would be unwilling to do that. why would they be unwilling to do that? based on the 'before' picture of the garage, clearly they were not actively using most of the junk in that space. and it was painfully obvious that the family had a buck or two living in the house/neighborhood that they did. would it really cramp their lifestyle to donate their unused stuff to a charitable organization? i'm sorry, but the homeowners expectations for that space were just totally unreasonable, and ryan was the only person with enough forthought to point that out.

moreover, because the garage tried to be everything to all people, the entire design failed. yet, knowing that the design would fail, ryan worked hard for his team, and played his part. he took a different tone from the cabana challenge, and i think as judges, you should have acknowledged that. instead, he was sent home. sorry, but i just don't get it.

i think in this challenge, carrisa was the only one who did not act as a team player, and she should have been later'd for it. that silly little shed wasn't even in the original scope of work, yet she spent her entire time working on it. come on! sometimes it seems like your love for being on a tv show totally outweighs your role as head judge. i think this show has potential, but something is being lost in translation from design portion of the show to the judging.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:01 PM

Surprised wrote:

Jonathan, you are the writer! And very good one. Ryan was the only one who acted as a designer in the last episode. When he suggested to get rid of some junk in the garage. Designer is supposed to give his input or advice. It's up to the client to go with this or not. But he was the only one to say something. Andrea was an awful team leader, and then she blamed other people for poor choices, her choices. Shed could be used for the storage. It would be more practical, and it would add so much space to the garage, which according to the family is a multitasking entity. Why Andrea, Carissa or somebody else didn't suggest it? Please, check the footage. It was not Michael who picked the grape color fabrics. And I adored Erik when he didn't give Michael up and said that it was their mutual choice. Dora asked for purple, why Andrea didn't say anything? Royal color in the garage??? No, she accepted it and asked Michael and Eric to get this color. Then, she was blaming Michael for that. Eric, Matt and Goel are my favorites with the taste, personality and vision. Carissa is just a bad designer, but you probably would keep either her or Andrea till finals, to avoid anti-feminists remarks from the viewers. Am I right? Will see... I am a female, by the way. They just could go home all together yesterday: Carissa, Andrea and her immunity. Ryan needs to bring his self-confidence level down, but he was not the worst one last time, although his attitude is very unpleasant. Michael was speaking up? Blaming Carissa? We didn't see if she was carrying any bags, but somehow I beleve him. And I liked to see him in a new light. Team challenges are very hard to judge. The only thing you can see if a contestant is a team player or a leader or neither one. An individual input is camouflaged by others designerrs. That's it for now. So long...

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:13 PM

your fan wrote:

Are you going to make more faces Jonathan? Can we see them without the show? I like the one with the schmucken lips the most.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:32 PM

Nora wrote:

It has been painfully obvious for the entire show that the up-tight judges only want fanny kissing participants making nice! Ryan had the guts to stand up for what he thinks and his designs were interesting, although not always of my taste. I could say that most designs were unimaginative and done to allow the designer to continue on the show. The comments last night about Ryan's graphics were totally out of line. He couldn't even start the floor until all the other schleps were done - which really never happened. The organization from top down last night was pathetic. Why is Michael still there? He offers nothing.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 1:55 PM

Diana wrote:

Dear Johnathan,

I am glad to see that Ryan is gone - he was making artists look bad. I am an artist, and yes, I believe many of us do go on sociopolitical paths every now an then - some more frequent than others. There is nothing wrong with social and political awareness, and as artists we have that responsibility. But, let me just point out one disturbing fact about Ryan - he talks all bad about "breaking the mold" and being "unique and different" yet he was wearing a freaking Lance Armstrong band?!?! COME ON!! Everyone and their mother was sporting one of those LAST YEAR!! Get over it Ryan, and get over yourself.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 3:08 PM

Alona wrote:

Diana: I agree with your point of view, I just have to say one thing- the Lance Armstrong bracelets are more than a fashion statement, they're for raising money for the fight against cancer. Even if they're "so last year", it's still important to help and show your support.

And, yeah, Ryan's attitude was annoying me, and I feel that he deserved to go- why should he have stayed if he'd specified that he didn't really want to be there and wasn't sure if he even /wanted/ to be a designer?

Oh, and Jonathan, I just want to say that every Thursday morning when I tell my friends about the highlights of the Top Design episode last night most of it involves quoting every single funny thing you said (which takes a while). You give the show flavor and make it unique!

posted on March 8, 2007 at 7:22 PM

Jean Baudrillard wrote:

First, rumors of my demise are greatly understated.

Like Van Gogh, Ryan's talents will not be recognized by his contemporaries. Kidding. Although I would like to believe that Van Gogh's contemporaries, e.g.,19th Century Dutch prostitutes, would really GET Ryan's oeuvre. If Ryan learns Dutch for "socio-economic", LOOK OUT.

Setting Ryan's surly unrecognized genius/jackass-osity aside, he was right about getting the Bells to say bye-bye to their clutter. Indeed, I would like to point out that terrible sofa that took up more space than the GMC Sasquatch is MISSING.

Ou est le sofa du squirrel urine? I am afraid that one of the little Bells will find a liquored up Ryan passed out on it in the otherwise genteel front yard.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 7:28 PM

Paige wrote:

I thought I was the only person who freaked out about going into places like garages or sheds because of the Hantavirus. I feel your pain for having to be near not only that but all the family's old junk, I'm willing to bet there were more than a few rats, or worse, hidden away in there.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 9:10 PM

ruthy wrote:

I love all of the other competition shows on BRAVO...... Project Runway and Top Chef but this one......... Ugh!! There is too much DOOM and GLOOM. None of the contestants like each other, the judges dislike everything about the designers, the clients are never happy..... I need an antidepressant and a Vodka shot after I watch it. I'm done.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:02 PM

James Bondage wrote:

Not making a mean joke, but it looks like Ryan may be taking some psychotropic drugs that make him put on weight...like lithium...but that doesn't explain the skateboard and the hawaiian shirts. That guy was a douchebag.

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:17 PM

james bond wrote:

Jonathon, I love you and Simon, but what's with all the yiddish? Is that supposed to be funny? It sounds so hack...

posted on March 8, 2007 at 11:20 PM

peter wrote:

Dear Jonathan,

I love your show and I think your blog is hilarious! However, could you please tell the Bravo producers to give the challengers more time on their designs? I know you guys want to add the "thrill" factor into the show, but I think it would be much more "exciting" to see how creative their designs can be!

posted on March 9, 2007 at 12:41 AM

Maleko wrote:

I thought this challenge was absolutely ridiculous on so many levels. The purpose of a garage is to park a car - period, end of story. Granted there is many multi-functional garages out there, the Bell Family garage was not one of them. C'mon, a home office, storage space, some place to park the new car, and a stage, are you kidding? Ryan was absolutely correct to speak the obvious - you have a lot of STUFF crammed in that little space, perhaps you should think about getting rid of it, and the look of horror on Ms. Bell's face said a mouthful – all those precious antiques - please. By the way, the challenge is over and where was all that STUFF at the final unveiling? I don't believe I saw one piece restored to its rightful place in the garage. Oh, and one more thing, when did the outside shed become part of the project? I don’t recall it being mentioned in the initial challenge? The real deal here is - the Bell Family was simply too lazy to clean up after themselves and their own garage. So, Bravo created a show and a challenge to get a group of people vying for a coveted Top Design title to clean their garage for them.

Bottom line, I think the designers did the best they could under the given parameters and timeline, if I would have sent anyone packing it would have been Carisa simply because she did not really contribute to the success of the real project, redesigning the garage.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 10:46 AM

Connie wrote:

"Ryan. What an ass. Parting comment on pottery as not being art."
Whoa! He said THAT! I missed this weeks show. I get a kick just looking through Jonathan's catalog. I liked it so much I went and bought a clay boss. Everything I've made so far is in a plastic bag in a heap of moist clay. It's not as easy as it looks...lol. But it's definitely an Art. Pottery takes a real talent and physical strength.
I'm an artist also, but so far pottery isn't my forte ;-) For now I'll stick to the oil on canvas.
Wish I'd seen this weeks show.
I'm rooting for Goil.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 11:38 AM

trixie wrote:

Jonathan:
You had me laughing outloud on this post.
"I’ll start with the positives. He is a …… He is a …….. (thinking…..) He is a person who considers himself an artist."
Hilarious.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 12:17 PM

Connie wrote:

"Excuse the buttering, but it seems obvious. Plus I adore the Parker in Palm Springs - it has forever biased me in Mr. Adler's favor!)"
Same here Selene. My husband works at the Parker in Palm Springs (which has nothing to do with my admiration of Jonathan...he and my hubby clash and are complete opposites. But they do have a mutual respect for one another).
Anyway, my goal is to get up there and see it all again, it's been a long time.
I'm still kicking myself though for missing this weeks show. Sounds like I missed a lot. I hate going in our garage. It could use a make-over. We're in the middle of fields so yea...mice. But we have our cat named Puppy to take care of that.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 12:26 PM

chillie wrote:

All of this anger being put into these blogs for a television show?? Come one, it's not just about the show is it, it never is. Theres something deeper causing all this rage. Jonathon, why don't you and the producers step aside and let the few experts blogging from home take over.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 1:36 PM

Tom Rosenberger wrote:

I'm surprised that Jonathan Adler is allowed to post such bigoted comments. Maybe gentiles can also be hypochondriacs. Maybe Jews can be quite non-hypochindriac. Anyway, you should stop classifying yourself and the rest of the world according to Jew or gentile. It is extremely narrow-minded and is a way of avoiding personal responsibility for your own way of thinking and behaving.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 1:42 PM

Catherine wrote:

I especially love reading your blog becuase I learn how to spell words like aaaight. I've always wondered what that would look like spelled out...and now I know.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 2:07 PM

Julie Miller wrote:

Okay...Carissa was assigned the home office portion of the project by Andrea. Originally this was IN the garage where she would have been working with everyone side by side. It was the CLIENT'S decision to use the shed. Of course she wasn't going to be with everyone else! She was in the shed! At the client's request! I can't believe everyone is being so hard on Carissa. I also cannot believe this wasn't brought up during judging.

posted on March 9, 2007 at 2:44 PM

Steve wrote:

Hi Jonathan -
I agree with some of the other people's comments here.
First...Ryan.
That dude should've been knocked out the first episode.
Anybody that keeps calling themselves an "Artist"....isn't.
It's like he tried to convince us all by SAYING IT enough.
He never backed anything up.
He's lame.
Do NOT be on the lookout for him in the future because...he ain't gonna be there.
But, it's really the judges & Producers fault this nonsense went on so long.
You knocked out Felicia & Elizabeth and kept Michael & Ryan.
That just never made sense.
The show Producers & yourselves did it for DRAMATIC reasons.
And what the heck was with the GUEST JUDGE and chastizing Matt because he "organized" instead of "composed".
What a pretenious knucklehead that dude was.
And who is dressing Kelly ?
As an Interior Designer...she's doesn't seem to know HOW to dress except...badly.
And what was with your "white pants" outfit ?
You always look SUPER SHARP in suits but, the little boys outfit was pretty SAD on you.
And does Elle Magazine and Elle Decor have only one TYPE of Editor ?
Nina (from "Project Runway") or Margaret ?
They are the same person.
Back to who's still left.....Michael and Carissa NEED to be tossed next.
Michael has gotten a few free passes...although I do believe you when you say his a nicer guy than his earlier episodes indicted....but, his time is up.
Carissa...has really rubbed EVERYBODY the wrong way and I still think she hasn't done anything to blow any minds.
That leaves Goil, Matt, Andrea and Eric.
I suppose the next one out would be Andrea or Goil.
Erik & Matt seem for sure in the FINAL THREE.
Either way...the show has gotten better but, there hasn't been anything really AMAZING done yet with the designs.
Hmmm...maybe Ryan could come back and lay some his Socio-Political Ranting ARTISTE' nonsense on us and save the day ?

posted on March 9, 2007 at 10:04 PM

Erica wrote:

It's a bit depressing reading through these comments, seeing people rag on the judges for their decision. I mean, we really don't know what footage was cut out, and what was edited to make good "reality" television.

I have to say, I agree that Andrea's design wasn't all that. But the client's word outweighs the rest... I suppose they were looking more into practicality rather then chic. But, I digress, the end result was lacking.

The idea of the challenge being for redesigning a garage was interesting, but the iffy results may have just been due to the clients. I mean, most people would prefer functional over high-end design right? But this is Top Design, and I hope to see something more interesting next week. It's something to look forward to after school (junior year of high school is high-stress). =)

posted on March 10, 2007 at 4:47 PM

Kim Kraichely wrote:

Dear Jonathan,
I love love LOVE every hilarious facial expression you make. The eyebrow raises when you're trying to wrap up discussions with the other judges, your snarling lips when telling a contestant that the client wanted to shoot herself, your rolling eyes...all so amusing! Thank you so much for making those judging sessions the highlight of the whole show!

posted on March 11, 2007 at 11:51 PM

John wrote:

In defense of Ryan...
His attitude may have been a bit pissy, but at least he wasn't boring. The designs of late seem to be more Top Snore. I'll take provocative over boring any day.

posted on March 12, 2007 at 10:31 AM

Connie wrote:

Steve said:
And what was with your "white pants" outfit ?
You always look SUPER SHARP in suits but, the little boys outfit was pretty SAD on you.

I read in a magazine article a while back that Mr. Adlers favorite clothing are polo's (vintage) and jeans. I think he looks just fine. As in his manifesto...no such thing as over dressed or under dressed.
Too Cool!

posted on March 12, 2007 at 6:33 PM

JJ wrote:

Oh come on, Jonathan is clearly joking when he "classifies" people into Jews and gentiles.

posted on March 13, 2007 at 11:22 AM

Lynn wrote:

I agree with Selene about the stretch pants comment about Carissa. Shame on Bravo for not editing that out. Can you imagine the uproar if any derogatory remarks were made about any of the guys' bodies or sexuality? When are we going to get over this judgmental nonsense- it isn't funny.

posted on March 13, 2007 at 8:15 PM

Rachel wrote:

Hi Mr. Adler,
I have a question for you. I am wondering what your opinion is of designers on shows such as Trading Spaces. Do you approve of these design methods?
Rachel

posted on March 14, 2007 at 5:46 PM

julio gallo wrote:

Goil's toil is growing into a boil and it needs to be extracted before we all get infected!

posted on March 14, 2007 at 10:46 PM

becky wrote:

You are cracking me up with the Hantavirus. All I could think about during that episode was critters and "squirrel urine soaked stuffed animals." Arrogant Ryan was on the right track with his statement about "you need to lose a lot of your stuff." This garage needed Clean Sweep, not Top Design.

As a paranoid gentile who was clearly Larry David in a former life, all I could think was "my kids would not be putting on plays in the garage, and I would never drive that ugly GMC" I just saw a Crossing Jordan all about Hantavirus and recoiled when they showed a rat, then I read your blog and cracked up. Thanks for the laughs!

Becky

posted on March 16, 2007 at 5:59 PM

Peg wrote:

I'm sorry to see Ryan go, especially over a silly and impossible task like decorating a garage to be garage/office/theatre/playground after using half the time removing tons of household surplus. The shed should have become the children's theatre, which would have given more unity to the garage design, if anyone had known about the shed in advance. And the lines on the floor should have been children's hopscotch patterns, in colors, and might have been if the contestants were given enough time to think things through. But who cared anyway? The project was just a mess. Ryan was very obviously working hard at being a team player and Andrea was in over her head, as she can't coordinate. Ryan's comment that he would walk away from this project said what everyone else was thinking, as he often does. The show will not as much fun without his originality and his poise in the face of pretty ruthless criticism from the judges. I wish him well in his art career, where innovation is considered a plus.

posted on March 19, 2007 at 7:56 PM

Peg wrote:

A plug for Goil. I've liked everything he's done. There's an Asian flavor there, but it's in the background with modern, clean, practical and artistic lines in the foreground. I liked the bed he did, completely unexpected, and the chandeliers for the party tent were works of art. They got lost in the clutter. When you have a work that large, it should have breathing room and it would have if the tent had been his design. The problem was too many voices, all speaking at once, and overwhelming each other. I would hire Goil in a New York miniute and would like to see him win. His beautiful originality stands out from the pack, whcn the pack isn't stomping it down.

posted on March 19, 2007 at 8:03 PM

kariann wrote:

The name of this blog is the best!

I just made a similar comment to my Top-Design-watching pal. I think Goil is addicted to making things into wheels!

posted on March 21, 2007 at 10:15 PM