Jenny wrote:

Matt's designs may be chic, but the rooms are fragile. The sense I get when I see them is that I can't touch anything in them or just "be" for a moment, or the pristine element will get lost. Lost and gone forever with one fingerprint or ill-placed coffee cup. Am very surprised as a designer that he's still standing.

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:05 PM

bill wrote:

like most 'reality' shows the winner is not the most talented one. Tonights winner did not even complete his room - multiple items were left out. On previous shows, you penalized designers for the same deficits. The designer who lost tonight had the best review by the judges of her room. Did you know that architects have years of design education? Most have masters degrees in design when they graduate from school. She should have won, and the male who did not complete his design tasks should have lost! It is obvious that all the judges are biased towards the male on the show. And the editor judge was selecting the room that would best fit her layout, and not based on the weeks task. Such a sham. I am sure that most viewers have lost respect for the judges. Besides, your ceramics are 'updated' versions of what grandmother would display in her florida room. And tell the editor that the better design magazines are from Europe, not Elle design from new york.
get back to your kilm....
decorator

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:11 PM

Laura wrote:

Andrea's deserved to hear my favorite new phrase, "see ya later decorater." In the finale, I really hope to see the designer realize their ideas in a sense that's worthy of the final test.

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:32 PM

Glenna wrote:

I think as a consumer not as a designer. I would rather walk into my home and find myself in any of Matt's rooms. They are always Chic and put together. To me if you are going to spend $50G's to have one room done. You are creating a show room, a sitting room. Not a room you are going to throw your magazines around or sit your coffee cups. Anyway, I would rather have a coffee cup look out of place than have to move pillows to sit, and have to pick them back up when I am done to remove CLUTTER! Too much stuff to come close to Chic.

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:45 PM

C.S.P. wrote:

No. Enough of Matt's over the past 20 years. So cliche. Let's open our minds. Please, let art breathe.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Nancy wrote:

I have been a fan of Matt since the first show and love his designs. I actually had predicted Matt and Andrea for the final two. Carisa's designs are a little too loud for my personal taste, but I did like that wall with the added texture tonight.
I was a big Project Runway fan, but Top Design has proven to be as big of a success in my house!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:04 AM

clayton wrote:

Jonathan:

I think the panel was quite astute this week.

However, the judges did make a point of telling Carisa that her room needed “editing.” Too many pillows in too many patterns? You betcha.

But too many “tchotchkes?” I hope this edict for bric-a-brac applies only when the trinkets come from a bad B&B (Have you seen a mob of Precious Moment figurines atop a dresser– frightening).

If not, our design plan of covering every surface with a piece of Adler pottery now seems very ill conceived.

In all seriousness, love your fab designs, funny blogs and fantastic fashion.

Now Bravo just needs to give you and Simon your own show.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:11 AM

Bob wrote:

Argh--I read this blog not realizing that it reveals the ending to the episode tonight! I'm on the west coast and it isn't playing for another hour. Oh well!

I would like to say how much I've enjoyed this show. There are so many reality TV shows out there and the best ones educate as well as entertain. This show has been very interesting and educational.

Special thanks to the judges for being real and offering great criticism without being mean-spirited about it. Jonathan Adler is a real class act as the lead judge.

thanks for such a great show!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:23 AM

Stephanie wrote:

I think I'll scream if Carissa rolls her eyes one more time... She's like a petulant kid rather than a professional.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:28 AM

Laura L wrote:

But how can you not love Andrea's paintings?

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:36 AM

Steve wrote:

Jonathan -
Dude...I'm starting to think you're on CRACK.
Evidence to the fact: "Carissa's room rocked" was one of your comments.
I'm a FAN of yours so...what the heck is up ?
I'm still wondering WHY on EARTH you thought her college room "rocked".
It was sooooooooooo LAME, it started me QUESTIONING your thought process episodes ago.
Now...somehow, she's in the FINAL...with some gaudy-miss-molly nonsense room this week.
I guess you JUDGES all are excited about the finals but, I won't be watching.
Why bother ?
See ya later Decorator.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:38 AM

Lucas wrote:

Go Carisa!!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:08 AM

MeGo wrote:

Matt's room was the stuff of dreams, indeed, but dream analysis à la Carl Jung, complete with The Couch and a wall of pseudo-Rorschach inkblot imagery -- more $wanky $hrink'$ office than living room. It was the best space, however. And what do YOU think?

I still haven't recovered from the ousting of the Goil. I thought Andrea should have gotten the ol' heave-ho last week, much as I like her, for her Hotel Blandville offering and am quite surprised that Carisa -- She of Attitude -- is now in the final neck and neck. If she wins, however, I may have to defenestrate. I've already penciled in an extra visit to my analyst.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:29 AM

Ms. Vickki wrote:

Jonathan, really how can anyone be as chic as vous. I can't see any competition that could match your special assets. I mean, when I hear that voice, so manly, and look at that tie knot, oh so much sizzle, and those bare feet inside those little shoes, well, fella, you are sooooooooooooooooooo impressive. And just look at how you break all those rules and maintain your more than exciting edgy style! Your good opinion would certainly make me decide what to and not to do. And I adore your advice about fighting for your own special vision even if it stinks. When I look at your designs, I can certainly see where your coming from.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:37 AM

MeGo wrote:

I will concede, however, to really liking Carisa's goofy zig-zaggedy Abe Lincoln hat fireplace chimney. Props to her for that.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:50 AM

RJ wrote:

I don't get it.....I think Andrea is too sophisticated for the panel. The only reason Carisa gets to stay is because she has a bad attitude and the producers think it makes for interesting viewing. Matt's rooms are too sterile and I would be afraid to sit down or move for fear of messing something up or smudging it. It's obvious the producers of this show have way too much input as to who goes and who stays. This show would be better if the fans could vote on-line for who goes/stays. And why don't these designers show their ability to be diverse in decorating/designing by having them do actual rooms of more middle class/lower class homes. Most of us viewers wouldn't be able to hire someone like these people for fear they couldn't handle a minimal budget.....

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:57 AM

Gracie wrote:

I agree that while Matt and Carisa made their way to the finish line....Andrea can hold her head up high. Overall, she held her tongue when others wouldn't. Yelling at those helping you seems disrepectful...but not giving credit to others for their work is shameful. Despite Carisa's lack of experience, I think she has a flare for decorator....and Matt's style is elegant and refined......but in the end....I guess I'd just like to see a person win who had talent...yes...but manners and tact as well. For me, Andrea was the only contestant remaining with either of those qualities and I'm sad she was eliminated. :)

posted on April 5, 2007 at 3:54 AM

Michael wrote:

I just don't get Carisa. Every room she has done looks like a dorm room or cheap first apartment.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 8:53 AM

FanFare wrote:

Hello Jonathan,

You have some nifty ideas yourself (i.e. "Frankendecorator" is cute!)

This last episode was a disappointment. I thought that Matt's room was blah. The drapes looked sad and lifeless. The furniture looked like it belonged in a museum. I absolutely HATED those prints above on the back wall. They commanded more attention than they deserved. The empty curtain rod above the prints was superfluous. Therefore, I did not pick his room as the winner. It is too bad that you judges gave him the nod based on his previous performance, really. For shame!

Andrea's room did display nice touches, though. Unfortunately, for her, she missed the mark in furnishings. Her choices were dull and uninspiring. I was somewhat rooting for her, because she was so quiet in her manner and less obnoxious than the rest.

This brings me to "Miss Carisa"... Her room was quite the surprise. From all of the infighting between her and her carpenter, I am surprised that it was completed. Overall, it looked the most upbeat and exemplified the closest to the "inspirational" cover. I am also surprised that Carl "the Carpenter" didn't nail her ass to the wall (with all of her constant carping on his case). He is a braver man than most to put up with her crappy attitude. btw: the wall treatment execution was Carl's idea, not Carisa's. She took credit for it, which is very poor form.

From your blog, the die is cast. Matt will win because the judges already have that mindset. So spare us the phony ending and close this drab show. Move on to the next season, if there will be one...

posted on April 5, 2007 at 9:54 AM

Mindi wrote:

Matt's designs are so fragile they wouldn't last five minutes in my house. They are not condusive to conversation or warmth. While Carissa did need the pillow police this week, her design really popped. Can she come design a room in my house?

posted on April 5, 2007 at 10:13 AM

gene wrote:

What??? The judges loved the wall that Carisa's carpenter did and Carisa whined about it the whole time. Then during the White Room discussion, she totally embraced the concept and PRETENDED it was her idea. Blech! I hate dishonesty.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 10:21 AM

Marylou wrote:

I've really enjoyed the show, but why does every design have to be modern or contemporary or linear or whatever the correct interior design term is for decorating? I think there must be some viewers out there who would like to see a theme challenge of French country or American colonial or primitive or something other than all these lucite, white on white, orange and black low-slung, uncomfortable looking furnishings. The only thing I could identify with all season was Michael's pathetic little 'Home Sweet Home' pillow and Felicia's afghan. That being said, I do enjoy the show and hope Matt is ultimately the winner, even though I probably couldn't find a comfortable place to sit or slouch in any of his rooms.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 10:45 AM

Dee Zine wrote:

Ho hum. Back to the doldrums. The only sizzle in this episode came from Kelly's ridiculous (and not at all flattering) dress and shoes and Margaret's sad, and utterly pointless, comment on Carisa's room: "We're an upscale magazine and that room is NOT upscale." Oh, please.....

Matt's room wasn't finished. Period. How could the judges have given him the prize when he had a big, naked curtain road running across one wall and a completely naked wall on the other side? You can bet your paint chips that that rod won't be there when his room appears in ELLE DECOR. Other contestants were sent home because they didn't finish on time. Matt doesn't finish and he wins. The fix is so obviously in!

Is it time for the new Project Runway season yet?.....

posted on April 5, 2007 at 11:10 AM

Lesley wrote:

I wonder if Ms. Maturity (aka Clarissa) was woman enough to thank CARL for HIS creation. I could not believe that she stood there, took credit for his work and made it seems as though she had done this before when she specifically asked him how they could get the wall effect!! And then WHINED the entire time!!! WTF??!! I nearly jumped to my feet when Carl told her to stop talking to him like an "explicative" four-year old! FINALLY!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 11:39 AM

Isabel wrote:

While Clarissa's rooms are colorful they llok more like dorm rooms to me than anything else.. go Matt!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 11:40 AM

Connie wrote:

Wow! That was an exciting show. I can not imagine the stress those designers were under. I Loved Carissas stone wall. That was so creative to use five minute mud. I work with it a lot and it's great stuff! But I never thought of doing anything like that with it before.
Matt is always good. His rooms have a very soft feel to them and I like that, it's calming/relaxing. I'm really looking forward to next weeks show to see what they both do. I think both Matt and Carissa are really going to impress this week and it's going to be a tough call for the judges. I wouldn't want to be any of them...lol.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:07 PM

Gayle Q Rybicki wrote:

Everything in Carisa's room looked like it could have been purchased at Target - not that I have anything against Target, but thought the room looked cheap and garish - and enough with the "funky" pillows.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:10 PM

Connie wrote:

Once again, only now I'm on my knees begging. Can someone please tell me what the problem might be with me not being able to submit my photos for the online challenges? I don't know if I've got bad links or if it's something with my computer. And I really would like to be able to at least join in this last one. As posted yesteday, I can't even get to the registration form (I get the page not available). And the Submit Images Now doesn't click at all.
Jonathan? Todd? Bravo? Anyone?? Please help me end this pity party with some advice on how to join the challenge ;-)
You can email me at
LucidHighways@yahoo.com

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:15 PM

Donna wrote:

I find it hard to believe that Matt won the challange last night. Not only was his room boring, but by his own admission, he did not finish. For one thing, he had a drapery pole to nowhere just stuck on the wall and he stated that he was suppose to have a mirror over the console that he didn't have time to hang. Maybe if he hadn't purchased a sofa that he spent a ridiculous amount of time redoing, he may have had time to finish his room. He's in LA for God's sake, I really think he could have found a piece of furniture that worked for him. You even mentioned that there was something missing over the console. I get the impression that you only want to see "Elle Decor" rooms and there is no room for any other style of decorating. Carisa's room was bright and fun, not my style, but exciting to see. And stop making her out to be such a bitch. On the one hand you critize her for not taking control and the next critize her for arguing with her carpenter. She was only trying to get him to do what he was supppose to do....help her complete her vision for the challange, not his. If it was her business, she would have fired him. But she could not do that on the show.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:16 PM

John H. wrote:

I'm sorrry, but Matt is not a good designer. He has become rude over tyhese past few challenges... Do you really want a rude person representing the show? I don't. Sorry, Matt.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:17 PM

Adam O wrote:

I think you all got in way wrong this week - It should definitely be Andrea and Matt in the final. Carissa's one dimensional design aesthetic is getting old. I also hesitate using the word design when speaking of her work. She doens't seem to design anything. She's basically just shopping for anything flashy and euromod looking that she can pair with 18 eccentrically pre-fab pillows. There was no original design ideas in her room. She, again, put in her boring banquet seating. Haven't seen that idea in basically every room...The sad reality is, her one major design element (the faux stone wall) wasn't even hers but her carpenter (who also did all the executing). All in all, she's clearly not suited for the FINAL of this show. It's kind of makes you wonder that maybe some of the past contestants didn't deserve such an early "later'd"

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:05 PM

Judy wrote:

Hello Mr Adler, I have a question. You use phrases like "I was Diggin' it" Or "I wasn't Diggin it" and I even heard you say "Groovy" Once....Don't you find these expressions...Out of Style?

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:31 PM

Deb wrote:

I have to disagree with those of you who are giving Carl heaps of praise for HIS wall. It doesn't matter that the judges fell all over themselves expressing their awe. The fact is that Carl is supposed to ASSIST his designer, NOT take over the design. Maybe some of you are having problems with a woman supervising a man, hmmm?
Personally, I don;t particularly care for Carisa or her desings (I think she is kind of whiny and crass), but I have to stick up for her on this one. Some of the carpenters, especially Carl, imposed thier own tastes and work ethics (or lack thereof) on the people who have a real stake in this...the DESIGNERS. I would have told Carl to stick his wall idea in his ear. It was CARISA's job to design the room. A real professional would have respectfully but confidently recommended the wall treatment and accepted what the DESIGNER decided. After all, Carisa's rear is on the hot seat.
Maybe Carisa has at times acted like a 4 year-old (and her failure to credit Carl's idea was loathesome). but Carl acts like the playgorund bully, the overbearing jock, the strong armed HE-man who isn't gonna let the skirt tell him what to do.
I would have told him "See ya later JERKinator."

Go Matt Go. Carisa's fireplace w/o the funky stovepipe looked like something we built in the garage to have puppet shows in when we were kids.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:52 PM

LISN wrote:

Hey J,

Carisa is the "Wendy Pepper" of Top Design. In spite of the fact that the audience hates her (& her whiney attitude); the judges keep pushing her through to the end, for drama's sake!

It is too bad that TD is as formulatic as PR (& TC). Predictable and interesting are not the same thing... I truly hate this outcome. Andrea will go further than either Matt or Carisa!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:48 PM

LISN wrote:

For Donna,

Everyone else does not make Carisa out to be a bitch. She does that all on her own. And if it were not for Carl, the Carpenter's efforts on the wall project, she might not have gained the judges' nod to the finale. Carisa took full credit for Carl's idea. Shameful!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:59 PM

Greg Duffy wrote:

While I enjoy the show I do feel that Carisa's presence undercuts the credibility of the judges. Since all the judges are skilled in the field of design the only explanation is that the producers want Carisa around for drama rather than talent. I would never hire Carisa for any project as she has no character. Last night she took credit for a wall she was completly against and in previous episodes denied responsiblility for her actions numerous times. Someone like Carisa will overcharge you and than scream at your for catching her in another of her dishonest acts.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 3:06 PM

Irena wrote:

it didn't surprise me that Carissa once again took a whole credit for the nice element in her room - brick wall. In the team challenges she was claming that everything was solely her idea and her concept. I am sick and tired of this woman. Rolling her eyes is the only thing she is doing by herself, doing constantly, doing a lot...but this is it. Yellow is a nice color, but does an elegancy means tons of pillows? it reminded me of the country house by the lake.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 3:43 PM

Thommy wrote:

Another hopelessly frustrating Bravo finale-every week the viewer watches the designers,chefs,etc and believes they have
seen all the facts and the decisions thatare made make sense(usually)And again I was left with my mouth hanging open in disbelief at the final two.Carissa? You have to be kidding me-was this a producers idea to leave her in for "dramatic purpose"? The tantrums,the eye rolling,the dishonesty-and let's talk about her designs-ok,lets not(her sense of "exuberance"?
try sloppiness)Yet classy Andrea performed week in and out and
she is sent packing.Am I watching another show? What did I miss? My only consolation is that 70% of the audience agreed with me. Bravo,you need to rethink your approach if you expect viewers to be loyal in the future.See ya later indeed...

posted on April 5, 2007 at 7:03 PM

MizTom wrote:

When I saw the final three rooms, my heart sank. My Girl Andrea's room just didn't hold together and was too close to Matt's in over all "feel" for there to be an interesting Final Two. Bright v. Muted Chic had to be the winning combo. And even though the livability of Matt's room was risible (where and how would real people sit on the pretty but totally uncomfortable "daybed" with the juxtaposed chairs?) it was more cohesive than Andrea's. And I love her but the stitched wallboard are just dumb - SO "busy little hands at home".

I think it's miraculous that the contestants are able to pull off these challenges, given not only the time and surprise constraints, but the added stress of doing in front of camera and crews. Cooped up together in alien surroundings away from their real lives....bless their hearts!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 7:55 PM

Nancy S. wrote:

I am stunned. I think Carisa should have gone long ago. Her chef's table with no silverware, her inability to get along with anyone on the show, her endless blaming of others, and her claustrophobic rooms are not what I think of as top design. Margaret Russell said Elle Decor would not showcase a room like Carisa's, and yet here she is.

I always thought it would come down to Goil, Andrea, and Matt. Matt's rooms are beautiful, but a bit too symmetrical. Even this week, with the unusually placed chaise, the room was a mirror image, side to side. And this week's room, though elegant, was not a room three people could sit in...

Carisa designs dorm rooms - bright, funky, and loud. I could not imagine speding 10 minutes in any of her rooms.

And as far as I can see, the only criticism of Andrea's room was that there was not enough height. Hmm....

I think all in all, this show is pretty much a lost cause. If there is a second season, I won't bother.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 8:04 PM

colormeapeacock wrote:

I cannot tell you how dissapointed I am in the judges selections. I was looking forward to this show and week after week it is flat and except for what we were seeing with Goil. The final two should not be there. Carissa made this challenge because her talented carpenter forced her into accepting the wall. she never once gave him credit for the wall. Matt is boring, boring, and boring. His room was unfinished. I f I was his client I would not have been happy at all. The team challenges caused this misrepresentation of talent...see YOU later judges.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 8:26 PM

Janice wrote:

This is my second time writing, the first time you never posted what I had to say. Sooo, here it goes again, let's see if this one gets posted. Wrong, Wrong Wrong, you should have let Carisa go (actually a long time ago). She took credit for the faux wall in her room, when in fact it was the carpenters concept and she fought him all the way on wanting him to change it.....don't you people look at any of the footage before making your decisions? I hate watching her, she is always in conflict with everyone she works with (maybe that's why you are keeping her in). The designer's I thought should have been the last one's standing, were eliminated long ago, thanks you your poor judging. The entire show seems fixed. If you let the public pick the best designer, it would not include Carisa.... You took a vote on who "we" thought should go home and 70% said Carisa. See, you should listen you your viewer base. If a show like American Idol has the viewer's voting, why can't you????? Hopefully, your next show (if there is one) will come up with a different format. I really don't care any longer who wins, it just doesn't matter. Matt has become too smug for me, and Carisa just plain can't design. If she gets "Top Designer" you should all be ashamed of yourselves for letting it happen. If this is the best designer you could come up with, YIKES!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 9:27 PM

Jenny wrote:

I have a hard time rooting for a person who whines as much as Carissa does. She has not shown on ounce of maturity throughout this whole show. If she rolls her eyes one more time I may find myself jumping through the TV to slap her silly. While Matt does appear to be thinking he is above everyone else, he still has a very asthetically pleasing decorating style. However, the rooms I have found myself drawn to throughout the show were all Andrea. She is a classic designer and needs to hold her head hi. Andrea, you got screwed. Carissa needs to market her design to college students. I love orange, but she goes WAY overboard. Matt, what was up with the Rorshach paintings on the wall this week? Anyway, enough ranting. I will be watching with much anticipation next week. I hope that the judges take the whole competition into consideration when the choose the winner. For that reason alone, Matt deserves the title of Top Design. GO MATT!!!!!
PS: Is it time for Runway or Chef yet? Thank God for Workout!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 12:30 AM

mike Hanson wrote:

wow, doesn't anyone notice loose wires in Matt's room? It looks haphazardly dangerous and definitely not posh. Putting chairs around a daybed...hmm I just don't get it. Carisa's room is a shag away from gawdy 70's. Her shotgun design with too many modern pieces trying to out do each other is very amaturish. I like Andrea's rooml. I like her architech way of thinking, subtle, strong and disciplined (less is more).

P.S. I miss Goil's friendly voice and imagination.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 1:19 AM

Julie S. wrote:

I have been loving this show! It really gets my creative juices going! I have to say, that I think Karl is overly-invested in having his voice show up in Carissa's designs, and he ignores her a lot. I think Karl probably has a lot of designer genes in him. That's great, but he needs to listen to Carissa more, step back and get less invested in his own ideas. As far as the judges go, I feel they've been pretty accurate so far. The designers' personality quirks have been entertaining too. We need to remember that EVERYONE is at their emotional worst under the intense pressure these designers are under. They are bound to show their less pleasant side, but that is the nature of egos. How annoying someone is under pressure should never effect the outcome of this contest. Many of the most talented people in the world have unpleasant, if not nasty personalities under pressure. It's a shame that Carissa's design was judged not sophisticated enough to win top design this week, because, sophistication aside, her room was, in my opinion, spectacularly successful and complete. In truth, I would not have been comfortable sitting in Matt's room for any length of time, because I like to relax and recline on the couch in my living room, because I live in my living room. I can't wait for the next season of Top Design!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 2:10 AM

~E wrote:

Carisa's ugly fireplace and hideous wall treatment, the manic design drenched in a color combination any five year old would love and all her little whatnots implanted around the room literally made my eyes hurt.

Give Carisa Lego's to design something with but certainly NOT an entire room.

Matt? y a w n (although the arrogant attitude is a little amusing, I admit.)
But hey, maybe carpenter Carl will throw some excitement into the finale!

Andrea got robbed. ~~Why~~is the question.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 2:52 AM

Ms. Vickki wrote:

Does anyone notice that Carisa seems to have multiple personalities. Isn't she different when she's talking to Todd or the judges from when she is talking to Carl or some of the other designers? Is that how one is suppose to be as a designer or even a "decorator?" Maybe for these judges Carisa is a good combination of the people they want to know. And her designs-- so, so trading spaces--they actually look like they took 2 days and less than a thousand dollars! What a contest!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 3:31 AM

John H. wrote:

I'm soooooooooooooooooooo sorry... Three R's? What the heck? I'm losing it.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 10:35 AM

John H. wrote:

Tyhese is not a word... I need to work on my typing. Sorry (again)

posted on April 6, 2007 at 10:36 AM

Karyn wrote:

I have been a fan of Carissa since the beginning and love her designs. She just gives every room a punch of color and something you can actually live in. I think Matt should have lost the challenge because he did not finish alot of items in his room. He also plays "safe" with colors and a clean line room. He needs to step it up a bit I think. I agree with Andrea going home. Although she did have great designs they were almost always the same colors and design to them just like Matt. Go Carissa, Go!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 11:09 AM

Patty O. wrote:

Oh Matt, poor oh Matt. He left his family and because of that he feels he deserves to win. He is chich and does have enticing designs but he "disses" other contestents designs and he doesn't appear to be grateful for just having this opportunity. Matt said that if he doesn't win "he'd kill himself" - oh please. How about bowing out gracefully? Which is something I know Carisawould do if she doesn't win.

I love Carisa, she has this very colorful, funky, comfortable design taste! I hope she wins! You go girl!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 11:54 AM

Pat wrote:

I loved Matt's soft, dreamy bedroom. Eveything about it said, "Relax, you're home now and you can calm yourself just by gazing at this room." I was hoping to get more info on the materials and techniques used by the decorators. As one of the judges told Matt, "I was mesmerized by the color of the walls in your bedroom." What IS that color? I love it! I want it in my bedroom too! Can we find out what paint color was used for that dreamy, soft bedroom? Matt, Carissa is no matche for your talent and vision. Your taste is so much more refined and balanced. Please, please tell me what shade of blue you used on your bedroom walls!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 12:20 PM

Nancy wrote:

In my opinion, Matt has the win locked at this point. I agree with previous comments here about how Carisa's room furnishings look like they were purchased at Target... or worse, K-Mart. You and the other judges would be just foolish to name Carisa as the winner, even if her final project rocks. She really needs to mature before she is worthy of any title. I really felt sorry for her carpender, throughout the competition, not just this past week.
I was sad to see Andrea go, too, and agree that she had the most professional attitude of the three.... but I still think Matt is a better designer!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 1:41 PM

babs wrote:

I agree. Carissa's eye-rolling is annoying, and her rooms have no subtlety. Andrea's room was more sophisticated, but I'll bet it was vetoed by the PRODUCERS rather than the judges because it and Andrea were less shocking than Carissa.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 3:01 PM

Crystal wrote:

Andrea should be in the top two. I can't believe she was eliminated!!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 3:07 PM

Leslie Stavrowsky wrote:

Matt deserved to win this one. While it's true he didn't finish the room with 2 things - (the bare curtain rod and adding a hanging mirror), the rest of his room's design was so chic and elegant and beautiful that he had to win. He was by far the most successful in creating and designing a room with the style and artistic sensibility of the Elle Decor cover. Matt definitely did NOT copy the cover - he simply used it for artistic inspiration. Carrisa and Andrea tried to copy the cover, for the most part. That's not what they were supposed to do. Also, Matt's room was much more expensive looking than either Carrisa's and Andrea's. For all those reasons, Matt still deserved to win - even though he didn't quite finish his room.
Matt is by far the most talented designer in this contest.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 4:45 PM

JohnJohn wrote:

Matt's room wasn't finished? No one would have even known Matt's room wasn't finished if he didn't tell you himself.

Carisa is a one-note.. in fact she isn't even a one note. She can't even do the only thing she does very well.

And since when does carisa understand color? Did you see her chef's table room? Good lord..

And Andrea was incredibly boring.. the only reason she made it as far as she did was because she played it so safe..

Matt is the only designer on the show really.. I don't even udnerstand how the rest of them made it on there to be honest. How could they be so desperate for designers?

posted on April 7, 2007 at 2:19 AM

LISN wrote:

What is interesting is this: the judges dissed Carisa's accessories and stated that her room did not have enough luxury. Also, she was "too literal" with her interpretation of the cover... And yet Carisa was rewarded for her lack of following the directions of the task at hand: "Interpret the cover to make a luxury living room".

Matt's room was judged incomplete! The guest judge felt that Matt "BEST" represented HIS cover... OH, well. I definitely did not see "the cover" in any part of the room (except the color palette). The room looked far from luxe, and far from comfortable. It was a disaster.

Andrea's room was considered clever in her little touches (those baseboards, the tall French windows, etc.) Due to the eclectic element in furniture choice, she got "latered". It appeared that Andrea was penalized for being clever and calm.

The judging was obviously slanted in favor of Matt for the big win (albeit undeservedly). Are you judges drunk when you make your decisions, or are you simply forgetting your own criteria that you all set????

posted on April 7, 2007 at 9:07 AM

ely wrote:

Have we all been watching the same show??? Carisa did NOT steal her carpenter's idea. She specifically asked for a textured, brick-type wall. It is Carl's role, as the expert craftsman, to help her realize her concept, not to second-guess her or expect tribute

How is this different from a carpenter showing the designer how to build the furniture he/she wants? Or an electrician showing the designer how to achieve the lighting effect she wants? That is their ROLE in the project: the designer conceptualizes; the craftsman realizes. The designer is the star; the craftsman is a supporting actor, and should refrain from hogging the limelight or grousing each time he is asked to do or refrain from doing something! With experience, Carisa will learn more about materials and construction, and will be better prepared to control her contractors without so much personal frustration.

By the way, if Todd had not shown Matt how to finish re-upholstering the day bed, he still would have been working on it in an empty room when the final curtain came down. (I kept expecting Matt to give credit to Todd when the judges praised the welting on the daybed.... Alas. Another hope dashed.)

Somehow, I don't think that would have affected the results, since he won with an essentially half-done room. I do agree with the bloggers who believe Matt won this week on his past accomplishments, and that Margaret Russell was simply looking for another photo vignette for her magazine. Matt is not designing living space for living people; he is, as he admits, designing with an eye to what Margaret Russell will like. That's why he'll win. Smart, but where's the artistic integrity? Meanwhile, try to actually SIT in his Elle Decor room.

Give me Carisa's true voice --even with her kvetching --any day. I love her bold colors and brilliant design solutions, even if it's not always to my personal taste. And bloggers, what "dorm room" did you all live in?

Has anyone noticed that Andrea had a huge advantage in this week's episode? Give Carisa and Matt credit for their shopping accomplishments in an unfamiliar city. Andrea was able to go to shops she knew and where she was known (and presumably could get better deals). Notwithstanding, all she could produce was another dreary, grey-brown, ill-proportioned room with uninspired "art" that was jarringly at odds with the feel of the room.

Andrea should have gone home after the Bacardi Limon project, or at least after her ghastly hotel room. (Suite? More like Motel 6). I'm afraid some of you bloggers are confusing her soto-voce, passive-aggressive personality for class. Her rooms are dreary and lifeless, and rather than rise to the challenge, she keeps voicing the hope that the other designers will "tank". Like poor Goil, she can only hope to win if everybody else drops dead. She can be more cutting and cruel with her snide, bitchy asides than Carissa could ever hope to be. I was horrified to watch Goil de-gress from a brilliantly creative, confident architect to a crying loser, as Andrea alternately bullied and undermined him. Just because she did it without raising her voice does not make her any less a bully.

She, too, was smart. She remarked in an early episode that she saw Goil as her biggest competition. She set about squelching his creative voice and destroying his confidence at every turn to make up for her own lack of true talent. "Classy"? In what universe?

I am glad that Goil is gone, for his own sake, although I would have preferred to see him walk off the set. He needs to get his confidence back.

Finally, kudos to Jonathan for being a gentleman, and to Todd for being so nurturing. I look forward to the final episode, and hope only that the guest judge is not another editor looking for a magazine spread rather than an actual living space for people.

posted on April 8, 2007 at 12:35 AM

Gregg wrote:

I am so disapointed with the produsers & the judge panel for this show! the contestants are all great!!! but come on bravo!
how much thought went into putting this show together?
I cant beleive, that with all the great design thats going on
in the world right now! that the only judges you could come up with would be>>that of a pottery designer,that just so happins to be the partner of simon D.[that I love], and the other 2 are
completly one sided with their oppions of what [they think is a good design] and contredict them selfs weekly! IE:>the photos
of Jonathans home seem to have an [over the top,loud ,colorful,
lots of chachkis,goin on] but then he puts that down in someone elses design. and BTW,I love that back drop for the set,but why is it buckled up and wrinkeled in some spots?/ do the [design judges] notice that? come on bravo,this is a design show !!

posted on April 8, 2007 at 2:29 AM

Lynda S wrote:

Dear Mr. Adler,

I could not agree with your decision less!

Carisa's overuse of pillow power simply shows her lack of decisiveness. She cannot commit to the few that would punctuate the furniture, so she takes 'em all! For her future clients (if she manages to attract any - with her own personal style that is sadly lacking), it would be a financial nightmare to have her around...

Wimpy Matt (who should come out of the closet), needs to check his ego at the door. A little humility is in order. Being the "best of the worst" out there is no large feat! btw: Please stop whining that you have sacrificed so much to be on the show. Certainly, 100's of others were waiting in the wings, had you declined this opportunity. You are becoming too "entitled" for your own good. However, you will be better than "Brat-Girl" Carisa.

Andrea was the most innovative designer. She looked at the overall picture, yet decided to focus on the details that packed the most punch, bang for the buck... I would be the most comfortable with her working on my space than the remaining two nitwits. Andrea, call the police. You were robbed!

posted on April 8, 2007 at 12:58 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Hello Jonathan! I love the show and whoever wins, I will be fine with... both Matt and Carisa are very talented.... though I gotta say I loved Andrea and think she was "out of the box" on several levels. She was and remains my favorite. I also think Goil was hugely talented and remarkable in his innovations. I think he will excell at stage design for the theater or set design for motion pictures more than residential settings.

I am really looking forward to the finale show and certainly to season 2 of your great show. PLEASE keep everyone on the show. Todd has shown himself to have great compassion and has really relaxed in his role as mentor. Thanks!

Christian

posted on April 8, 2007 at 7:56 PM

juni wrote:

I agree with the people who think that Matt's room doesn't look finished or comfortable. How does one sit on a day bed in the middle of a room. There is no back support. You can't put your feet up on white fabric on a daily basis, so it is really a useless piece of furniture.

I loved Carissa's colors too. The room she was copying was not a stately room and she got the fun feeling well. But there is no suspense in this show--we know that Matt will win the final and neither he nor Carissa have enough watchability to carry the show--whereas Goil did.

posted on April 9, 2007 at 10:15 AM

carol.stee wrote:

After watching the first two challenges I predicted that Carisa and Matt would be the finalists, although neither won Top Design for those rooms, and I was right. They show a creative flair for design in different ways; Matt has an understated elegance using subdued colors and classic styling, while Carisa is lively and bold with her bright colors and contemporary styling. Regardless of who wins Top Design I think both will have successful careers as designers and I wish the best for them.
Matt's living room is chic but there is a problem with the furniture arangement that no one has commented on; that is, it would hard for people to interact socially in it. People seated in the two chairs against the left wall are isolated from everyone, so they would be left out of any conversation. Then in the middle of the area rug is a daybed and two chairs placed at its opposite corners. People seated at the daybed would only be able to face one of the corner chairs and would have to turn their back on the other chair, also they would block the view people seated in the corner chairs would have of each other. If it were my living room I would rearrange the furniture so everyone could participate in a conversation together.

posted on April 9, 2007 at 3:18 PM

Means wrote:

I am so disappointed with these last eliminations as I think the designers we're left with are so uninspired. I think Matt's aeshetic is so recycled and one-dimensional. And Carissa? I wouldn't let her design a dorm room.

But Goil has such a spark! He was so innovative and consistently saw things in a new way. Clearly, he choked on the deadlines, but that's learned. You can't teach or learn that creativity he has in spades.

And Andrea too gave us some new ideas. And I don't understand why she was continually criticized for being an architect. Did that diminish her results?

I'd far prefer a finale with those two instead of what I expect will be the furniture showroom display we'll get on Wednesday. That's me, doing a Carissa (great big eyeroll)!

posted on April 9, 2007 at 4:07 PM

Susan wrote:

I can't believe Carisa won and you guys told everyone before the final episode. I should have just watched this dumb blog instead of wasting my time all these weeks watching the show. Never again. They can't take this show off the air soon enough for me. A lying conniving STUDENT. Get real

posted on April 9, 2007 at 4:30 PM

joss wrote:

Carissa's room looks like a Bova store showroom...right to the fabric wall hangings...all color coordinated. Ugh

posted on April 9, 2007 at 4:41 PM

Mary Thomes wrote:

Dear Jonathan, I think you and Todd are great spokesmen for your profession.
Michael has great potential, personally and professionally, and I think that he benefited by his assoiciation with you and the judges. I hope he drops the snobbish, denigrating cliches that speak more of Ryan than you.
Ryan's ego and self indulgent artistry make me think he will have to vote socialist until he can get the government to pay for his inferior gifts and his inaccurate assumption that sucessful people can't think deeply, although that belief probably does comfort him.
I like Felicia and Andrea very much.
I agree with the comments above that Carissa is still on because of the controversy she creates. Also her decorating is fine for very young adults & young families. She might have given a moment's thought to what the judges were looking for the last 2 times. Did she really think that O'Keef & Russell would
promote her work in their magazines?
I like Matt's work. I would be comfortable in his last, unfinished room. It is what you want when you expect guests to be on their feet, mingling, networking, exchanging ideas before a dinner or leaving for the theatre. I would feel comfortable inviting my grandchildren into Carrisa's room, but my adult family, friends and clients would be comfortable in Matt's .

I liked Goyle's work, exciting, unexpected, so sellingng Andrea high and himself low was his biggest mistake ito my mind. Don't sell the competition if you wish to win.

I really loved this reality show better than any other. Good Job, do more of them

Sincerely. Mary

posted on April 9, 2007 at 5:55 PM

Connie wrote:

Was that a Noguchi table in Carissa's room? If so, a fabulous choice!

posted on April 9, 2007 at 8:07 PM

holly wrote:

Hi

I am a little confused by your commercials for the finale. It states that the show started with 15 designers. Ithought I had seen all episodes but only remember 12. Please clarify.

Thank you

Holly

posted on April 10, 2007 at 3:03 PM

Ms. Agiv wrote:

I have to be brutally honest about a few things....
I love all the Bravo shows, especially, the competition shows - they are the only reality shows that actually make use of peoples brains as well as talents ( as opposed to just running a race, or eating bugs).
I do , however, do not appreciate being fed advertisements throughout every single show. I understand about sponsors and advertisement money and how important it may be, But there is a time a place for everything.
I don't think you NEED to have "glade scented candles " everywhere , nor do the chefs on "top chef" NEED to use glade plastic wrap, and do we really NEED to design a whole garage around an Acadia - is couldn't be just any SUV???? we already know the winner is getting one at the end of the show.....
I don't appreciate being used, and I don't like the subliminal messages that I am very loudfully getting
Please take into consideration...
I love the show- and will continue to watch, but I will be rolling my eyes every few minutes.....

posted on April 10, 2007 at 5:00 PM

Kamilla wrote:

Just watched last week's episode, and did I imagine it or did Carisa say, "Me like-ee" when she saw the Chinese inspired mirrors?? If I heard correctly, it's appalling that she would use such a racist phrase.

posted on April 10, 2007 at 5:06 PM

Karol wrote:

Someone said this in an earlier post - but it bears repeating - the faux brick wall WAS Carissa's concept. The execution is where things got a bit testy. I'm with Carissa when she points out that the show is Top Design - not Top Carpenter. Karl is very talented and has his point of view, but he really, really doesn't play well with others - or at least one young designer.

I get a kick out of Carissa's facial expressions. I'm also guessing the show's producers pored over every second of footage to make sure they included each one of her eye-rolls. The show needed its Wendy Pepper (as someone also pointed out in an earlier post). But, watching the show, I think Carissa and I would get along fabulously. She's got loads of talent, that girl.

I've seen shows from the last 8 or so onward. All of them have talent. They've created some lovely spaces in very, very short periods of time. Amazing work. And fun, fun, fun dysfunctional personalities all around!

I suspect Matt is already the winner. But, what the hell ... Go Carissa!

posted on April 10, 2007 at 5:06 PM

Connie wrote:

I am such a liar. I said I didn't care if I won the online challenge or not. But now I want more votes...lol. Mine is the framed catalog of Jonathan's. It's actually hanging in my dinning room along with all my children's photos.
So anyway, check it out and if you deem it worthy, give it some loving votes :-)

posted on April 10, 2007 at 6:34 PM

Lynda I wrote:

The show has grown on me by this point in time, I must admit.. It is like a guilty pleasure. However, I find that Mr. Adler does his share of eye rolling, lip puckering, & grimaces too. Or are these facial mannerisms uncontrolled tics? Either way, it is rather rude when the contestants are answering your queries... Dind't your mother teach you (as a child) not to "make faces" at others while they are speaking??

posted on April 11, 2007 at 8:39 AM

Kami wrote:

I love the show.. and I know all judges have diffent tastes Well .. whether finished or not .. Matts design was more in the elegant side.. and to the one who said it cant be seated to view but one side . . is wrong... the daybed can hold someone facing the chair by the wall and another person could sit .. :love seat style looking towards the other chair and (towards the front) and both converse with the people one looking fron one looking back .. people dont just sit looking in one direction.!~
I like crissas lively rooms.. but not all the clients would..and it annoyed me her bossiness with everyone she worked with . i know she is acertive; but sometimes a little too much!~!. so my choice for the win would be matt.:) unless something drastic happens ..

posted on April 11, 2007 at 5:27 PM

Sree wrote:

I loved Matt from the very beginning. Infact,I am sure he would win. His attitude and the way he carries himself are very impressive. To me ,he seems humble enough to deserve the Top design award....
However,I cannot stand Carisa...she overacts most of the time and is too much confident of herself...........Go Carisa....

posted on April 11, 2007 at 6:26 PM

turbogeek wrote:

Eric and Goil should be in the finals. Carissa, Matt, and Andrea all took safety plays. Perhaps that is the nature of the game since this is a competition, but rarely do individuals conduct such extensive competitions when deciding to hire an interior designers. Eric and Goil's designs were far more edgy and sophisticated that the final 3.

posted on April 11, 2007 at 6:35 PM

Manny wrote:

Carisa's room was awesome! And, although I was not a fan of Andrea, her work was ten thousand times better than Matt's!! I'm still shock with the judges decision... Matt? REALLY?! His last two rooms have been the worst designs I've ever seen!

posted on April 11, 2007 at 10:19 PM

Eli S. wrote:

Matt is fabulous, but it bugs the heck out of me that someone as creative, intelligent, and stylish as he can, in this day and age, still live in the closet. I mean really, a wife and child? He may love them, but who is kidding? If he can unleash his true self, be out and proud, his career will be unstoppable.

posted on April 11, 2007 at 10:58 PM

Gloria wrote:

I really enjoyed this show. I never thought much about room design before this and didn't think that I would like it because I was such a fan of Top Chef but I loved the designs and the contestants. I am glad that Matt won. I would love to be in all of the rooms that he created. I started out not liking Carissa but I finally "got her". I am glad that Goil left, not because I didn't like him or his rooms, but because it seemed as though the pressure was too much for him. Of course I agree that Andrea may have orchestrated his demise (at least a little). When you hear the way she seemed to be plotting against the others, its possible. I also liked Jonathon and looked forward to his comments each week, even when the other judges were making strange comments and nit-picking. I do not intend to watch this hair show. No African-American female hair stylists?
Uh-huh! Madame CJ Walker is turning in her grave!
Yeah Chicago and Yeah Matt.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 12:49 AM

levin wrote:

My least favorite moment of the show is Mrs Sumner as the finale's guest host. What are her credentials besides being rich? She almost gave Carissa, the luckiest runner up ever, the title. Or is that all editing?

posted on April 13, 2007 at 7:09 PM