Manny wrote:

Oh, My, GOD!!! The judges were BLIND!!!!! Matt's designs have been horrible... I don't know who can live in those spaces he says he "decorate". But, I guess that he'll notice it now when his business doesn't take off. Although, there's always a couple of old ladies who like those boring colors and closeted gays' rooms...

posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:10 PM

jd wrote:

I haven't posted since I was pretty disappointed with the way the show was going...But
someone called me and told me who won!
Thank You for picking Matt!!! He has much talent and a natural eye for design!!
Good Luck Matt!:D

posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:17 PM

Bill Gossett wrote:

I really enjoy your program and tune in every week to see the new designs. However the one part of the show that just burns me is when you say "see you later decorator" I am an Architect and have worked with many interior designers over the years. Consistantly I have been informed by them that if I really wanted to insult an interior designer, refer to them as a decorator. A designer of your caliber has to know this. It is bad enough that the contestant lost but then you add insult to injury with your catch phrase.

posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:22 PM

Cathrine wrote:

J- I love you so much! You are funny and I adore your mix of French,ghetto and popular linguistics in your blogs. I got your book and now I get you, your dress, your humor and your likes. I laughed out loud when you commented on Carissa's bed. I thought Matt's red and blue chinese chairs reminded me of your red and blue bedroom in the book. Barclay Fryery uses those combos a lot in his designs and of course it is also is the colors of Ole Miss. I think that is were Barclay got his inspiration. Your bedroom made me think of the gentleman farmer's that Ole Miss raises. Not the bloated Frat boys that hail from there as well. Anyway, I digress. I wish you had your own reality show or show in general. I think you should continue your blog, because I want more Adler.....

posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:32 PM

Jani wrote:

Jonathan,
I certainly do hope there will be another season of TOP DESIGN! Start searching for that perfect white cat to stroke during your diliberations. This reality show was fascinating and so much more REAL in so many ways! I loved it.

posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:51 PM

Lacey wrote:

who designed the tie you wore in the finale? i love it.

posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:54 PM

Natalie wrote:

Jonathan - you speak so much truth, and your blog is wonderful. You need to be on tv more, and you love being on tv, so this is an easy fix!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 12:02 AM

GIA wrote:

LOVED YOUR COMMENTS ... YOU MADE THE SHOW WITH YOUR CUTE REMARKS AND SASSY TIES!
CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME AND I WILL DONATE THE WHITE CAT TO YOU!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 1:15 AM

elisabeth wrote:

great final episode. great outcome.
thanks for blogging the process, j'adler. i think i'll miss you most of all.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 1:24 AM

Diane Wiseman wrote:

I AB-SO-Lute-LYYYY agree, Matt did deserve to win. Not only was his designs consistently just-the-thang, his personality wrapped it up for me with a big red bow! Even on his worst days, he was very pleasant, didn't seem to want to dis the others too much, (even when they deserved it, Karisa). He is my new fav, top-notch top design-er! Love you too, john, todd, and the girls. GREAT SHOW!!!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 4:44 AM

NFW wrote:

Jonathan - I agree with your faves - except must note that Carissa's rooms must've looked A LOT better in person.
Why did Matt fly under the radar for so long at the beginning of the series? What a talent! And, I find it refreshing that he expresses confidence in himself instead of false modesty (yawn).

posted on April 12, 2007 at 7:18 AM

Doug wrote:

Jonathan, You are ALWAYS entertaining, and I love your lists of fave and bummers. It's been a great show, and I've enjoyed seeing a glimpse of the minds behind the great design of our time, and of course, seeing what all the contestants came up with every episode. Each one of them had unique approaches to the problems they were given, and I think my only regret is that many had to go before we could see what they could do. The energy they brought to each project was great, and I can only imagine the pressure they were under with such short deadlines to conceptualize and realize their solutions.

BRAVO to all the contestants, and most especially to the finalists and winner. What fantastic and totally different viewpoints and designs! Even where they veered far from my own aesthetic, I loved to see the thought behind their designs, and the challenges they face with execution. All that broadened my perspective and helped me appreciate many new things.

The blogosphere has been interesting too! - Never understood the fixation on your nekkid ankles, and I can't say I ever even noticed. I'm sure they are cute though, so what's the fuss? As to some of the sideline carping, it does make me wonder how viewers can forget the editing that must go into producing an hour of "show" from days of shooting - as well as any dramatic slant that editing can give. I thought we were a pretty savy viewing public in some ways - remembering that pictures do, in fact, lie - and that video clips are easily manipulated to tell whatever story a producer might want. Has politics taught us nothing? Didn't enjoy some of the postulating on contestants sexual preferences either - seeing which disappointed me... Would these folks have offered an opinion on this at a cocktail party? If not, why do so in a fora that anyone in the world might access? If so... well, someone's Mama probably did her best, but the lessons just didn't take. Leave that smack to "The Enquirer", folks, and think about what you'd like for yourself in such a situation.

All in all... LOVED the show, and am not sure what might tempt me to stay fixed to the tube on Wednesday nights now. Congrats on a great season, and best of luck for a repeater!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 7:47 AM

juni wrote:

Thanks for the re-cap, Jonathan. It was a great summary for a fascinating show that increased my awareness of my interior surroundings. I loved the style of the judges and was happy to see people who have devoted their lives to bringing even more beauty into the world.

I also agree about Heather. I think it was sad that she didn't assert her voice during the first challenge and allowed Lisa to take over completely. She recongnized this as a mistake and took responsibility for it--but it was too late. We never got to see her style. While John and Michael were fighting and John was predominating, at least you could see there was a push and pull. With Heather and Lisa, Heather was trying to be the cooperative good-girl and it got her nowhere.

People fault Clarissa for complaining and carrying on, but she is doing this so she won't be bulldozed or discounted as the "little fat girl." She had to stand her ground in group challenges--unlike Goil, who, instead of having Clarissa's take-charge attitude, felt like the ignored victim in two of the group challenges. The lesson I have taken away from all this is, "Speak up, even if some people criticize you for it--because people will criticize you for not speaking up too, so you might as well get your point of view across."

posted on April 12, 2007 at 9:02 AM

LIB wrote:

I travel with a theatre company five months out of the year and every Wednesday we cross our fingers we don't have a show that night and we have a motel/hotel that carries BRAVO. Most of us are hooked on PR, TC, and now TD. Yes, we will be watching SG. Thank goodness for reruns if we do have a show.

I too, am anxious to see the magazine pics of Matt's creation. The young man is extremely talented. The only thing that bothered me about M's design is it appeared so dark. The few seconds we viewers get to see the design, is not enough to understand the full creation. The magazine pictures will give us a better idea. Because of the darkness, my vote went to C. Her kitchen rocked. Put M's bedroom, even though it needed more work, in C's loft and I would have been happy. Both bathrooms were dark. I'm guessing because of the windows, both lofts were brighter than what we could see on TV. Both lofts were tasteful and beautiful. Best of luch to both M. and C. Two talented young individuals.

Well, the first season is over. I loved Top Design. More about the creation and less about the drama (except for Michael). (He will grow up.)

Socks or no socks, who cares. Wear what you want. You and the ladies were a terrific judges. Thank you for keeping our Wednesdays enjoyable.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 9:02 AM

Linda Somers wrote:

I agree with almost every favourite moment and least favourite moment of Johnathan's and would add one more least...the departure of Goil. He did have the most difficult element and I thought his statement was bold, creative and innovative. A hotel room with the "fire" element is a scary thought, except the "passion" thing. It was the best theme for a hotel room however that would not be for everyone. Goil's designs are hip and modern with a twist and because he is so unique, his vunerability was always exposed. Really missed Goil, but very happy Matt was the winner. Toss up between Carissa and Goil aa the second place Designer. Loved the show and watched re-runs because it was soooooo...good. Looking forward to the next "Top Designer". Thanks for the tips, the ideas, the fun and the memories. Cheers and see you later Decorator.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 10:06 AM

Bonnie B. wrote:

Jonathan, you were the best part of the show. Your direct/polite comments were delivered in a personal style I would love to have. Class act!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 10:17 AM

Emily Velazquez wrote:

I love when Jonathan say "See you later, Decorator........ talk about a reality check to any designer, but I guess when you design, you going have a variation of opinion.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 10:20 AM

Bonnie B. wrote:

Jonathan, you were the best part of the show. Your direct/polite comments were delivered in a personal style I would love to have. Class act!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 10:35 AM

Dee Zine wrote:

Well, no surprises here! It was clear from the last couple of episodes that Matt was going to win, regardless of how his final design turned out. Say what you will about Carisa--her loft was a much better design--so much more "loft-y"--and that bed-with-a-view was fabulous. Her overall architecture was also better than Matt's.

Matt revealed himself to be snotty and obnoxious and totally lacking in grace. "Was there ever any question?" Why, yes, Matt--there was! You didn't win by a mile, and you're not nearly as great as you think you are.

Some suggestions for a next season:
1. Find a new judging panel. Find some people who actually care about design. The best judging comments this season were made by a chef.
2. If it's true that the judges did make actual comments about design issues and they were edited out in favor of the catty, dopey remarks we got to see, STOP THAT!
3. Fewer group challenges.
4. Jonathan and his ridiculous fake French must go. He has no TV presence whatsoever. Todd must stay. And there should be more of him.

Better luck next time. This was a show with great potential that fell 'way short.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:02 AM

Brigitte wrote:

Jonathan, I am going to miss your blogs! Can you just blog on life in general? They were always hysterical! It was good to get a glimpse of the talented, witty man behind the name brand. Hope you and your bloke are well! Socks or no socks, you rock. Bit to express it as you would, what's up with them big fat ties? Hope to see you later fascinator!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:07 AM

Scott Raymond Schaffer wrote:

This was a great show... I miss some of the drama from the earlier episodes, but it ended well. While ultimately I feel that Matt deserved to win the entire competition, due to his consistancy, I feel Carisa should have won the final Challenge...so in short...Congrats to Matt on his TKO... Carisa...CONGRATS on a great design! Good Luck to ALL!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:08 AM

Shelley wrote:

I wish Andrea had been in the final two, she would have made the loft project a lot more interesting, Clarissa is so Pier One, so unclasssy. I'm glad Matt won, but would have loved to have seen Andrea get the chance to do the loft----

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:42 AM

Kandace wrote:

Love the show, and Jonathan Adler became one of the best parts about it-I hope it is back next year! I have to say
looking back, then after watching the finale, I felt that Carissa
was the top/best designer. I could not stand her attitude at first, but she totally got the concept of what the show was supposed to be. She was innovative, creative, hip and always unique- I would have lived in any of her rooms. It was really inspiring. I was hoping that it would be her and Matt in the end, so it all worked out. Awesome show!!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 12:02 PM

Faye Scott wrote:

To all of the judges and most especially Todd: I loved Top Design!Despite the conflicts and controversies - and I suspect some of that has to be edited in just to keep things interesting- this was a classy show. The majority of the contestants seemed to have a higher level of maturity (compared to that goofy group from Top Chef's 2nd season) and the Final showdown between Matt and Carisa was characterized by good sportsmanship and while still competitive, at least there was the appearance of support for one another. One comment - the last show almost seemed anticlimatic. I was yearning for a more in depth look at the 2 lofts. A 75 minute final show? Anyway, please tell me that you all will be back for a second season. And finally: Jonathan you were wonderful! My Wednesday evenings just won't be the same without you and the "girls"!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 12:21 PM

Valarie Wiloughby wrote:

I loved the show. Congrats to Matt, but I thought it should have been Andrea with him instead of Carisa. She should have gone early in the shown. She seemed as imature as Michael. Always whining and making catty remarks. I hope you guys are back next season, but without Kelly and Margaret. Get new judges. Margaret seemed to be mean for no reason and Kelly's WEIRD wardrobe was very distracting. Who dresses her?

posted on April 12, 2007 at 1:01 PM

kbf wrote:

I loved the top and bottom 10 things list -- and I agreed with most of it.

In terms of the show -- one thing that needs expansion is our view of the finished product. I feel like we barely got to see those lofts. Maybe for big projects like the last one a photo shoot of the results could be flashed up as you're interviewing or even as you're judging.

The white room twice got a little boring -- why couldn't the intital interviews be in the hallway outside the rooms? And the acoustics in that room were terrible. Everybody sounded like they were wearing stilettos and weighed 500 lbs as they walked across the room. And speaking of that why did we always see that walk if editing everything into such a small timeframe was a big issue?

In the end I liked the show -- good mix of group challenges and solo projects. Projects were interesting -- especially liked the beach cabana and the mag cover although I couldn't say any week was a dud in terms of the assignments.

Matt was definitely the strongest overall but I do think Carissa beat him in the loft. And I would have LOVED to see what Andrea could have done with that space.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 1:19 PM

jane wrote:

I enjoyed the show untill last night. I had always liked matt's work untill his win last night. I personally thought carrisa's loft was better, but Matt's late comments on the show were rude. I had never seen that side of him before, and as far as I am concerned, he is the most rude and sarcastic person on the show. He should of taken his win with pride, and been thankful instead of putting down the other contestants.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 2:12 PM

Anna Snow wrote:

I am done watching Bravo's reality shows. I came in on the third season of Runway, loved the couple shows I saw, ran out and bought seasons one and two. Hated the endings of all three seasons, the judging seems to be "in the bag" from the beginning. Jeffrey is out of money and back in California, proof that if Laura, who had a sophisticated taste for women, would have won instead of the trashy pop look of J, there would likely be an upscale boutique in place in New York as we speak. That brings us to Top Design. Again, the winner a foregone conclusion from the start even though his room showed no flare, so ingenuity, only good taste in painting choices and how to spend lots of money furnishing rooms. Bloggers kill Carissa for complaining about her carpenter, but look, even in the last episode THEY ruined her floor, broker her curtain rods and who know what else. Earlier the beam came crashing down, luckily she had just moved her table out of the way, and the desk on wheels the female carpenter made was so flimsy it brokes as they wheeled it out. She had a RIGHT to complain. They were awful and ruined her chances to win on many occasions. Then there is the "tent" episode where another guy took credit for the overall design of the tent, when initially it was hers. Remember the bar configuration and the DJ stand? They were hers, watch the replays. Continue Top Designs awful choices with Andrea and her depressing rooms. When they were down to the final three she changed the paint on the walls only AFTER Carissa commented on how depressing it was. THEN she changed it to the lovely, warm brown. YET, Matt won that challenge with a room that wasn't even completed, the curtains look awful and there was a rod on another wall that was supposed to be used for hanging the pictures, but he ran out of time and he didn't even get a chance to hang the mirror he bought. But, since the winner is already selected, he won. What a joke. Go on to poor Goil. What a gift! He had stunning rooms and ideas. So innovative, so free-thinking. On the tent challenge he got pushed to the side and his team mates ruined his chandelier idea which would have been marvelous. Instead they had a "deconstructed" chandelier that Andrea said to be sure to keep him away from. He deserved to STAY on the hotel challenge and Andrea definitely should have been out. Oh please, grass in a hotel room? There weren't any earth tones, and it would have been very easy to do. Goil has "IT." He is a top designer and deserved much better than what he got as Jonathan pointed out. Clarissa has "it." She still has a strong aesthetic and her room was a true loft. Matt's use of pink and purple in a girls bedroom, oh, that's fresh, new. A horrible bathroom with that eggplant, because he admittedly didn't know what to do with the ceiling. Then he puts a chandelier in the bathroom behind the sink and mirror. Good luck to Mrs. Matt putting on her make-up. And his master bedroom was BORING. Then, there was no place to live, to play, to entertain. But like I said, from the get-go it was in the bag, just like Project Runway. I was going to watch the premier of Shear Genius, but I have had it with mean-spirited, trash-talking egomaniacs. So, good-bye to Bravo TV and ALL of their fabricated, predetermined outcomes. Give me Idol where I can vote, or Survivor where THEY can vote rather than a stuffy set of judges, who often don't even abide by their own guidelines when determining their winners. Then end credits say Bravo producers are "in" on the outcomes. They sure are, from square one. Stop with the stupid challenges on any of these shows that never give the contestants enough time, or the means to prove their true capabilities. Matt winning was just as bad as Jeffrey winning on Runway. Bravo TV, you've lost me. YOU don't play fair. The fix is in, so I am out!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 2:17 PM

mark wrote:

what was the name of the paint color Matt used in the bathroom?

posted on April 12, 2007 at 2:36 PM

Shannon wrote:

My fave moments: your overall exuberance in each episode, you are awesome! I hope that you, Margaret and K-dubs (hee hee) will continue to be judges if (I hope!!!) there is a 2nd season. I am so happy that Matt won, he truly deserves it. Love Top Design!
All the best,
Shannon

posted on April 12, 2007 at 2:39 PM

Cristina wrote:

"Margaret’s 50s glamour and K-Dubs mesmerizing ensembles. H.O.T."

Ah. I see. You think Kelly W.'s fashion choices are GOOD ones. That does clear up a lot of my confusion over the judging in this series.

"When John revealed his HIV status and his housemates weren’t that supportive. I was surprised that nobody rushed over and hugged him. Not feeling that."

Well... you know, this might not be very PC, but being HIV+ doesn't give him a free pass to be a complete douche. When you act like that, you've gotta expect that people won't exactly be falling all over themselves to offer comfort in time of crisis. Being rude, mean, and offensive to people does not make them want to be your friend, no matter what the reason for it is.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 3:03 PM

Susan wrote:

I'm sorry to see how fixed this show was. If you review the last several shows, you knew who would win. I'm sorry, Matts loft was pretty, but nothing special. Carissa didn't get the respect she deserved. Maybe because she wasn't as smurk or rude as the others. Sorry to see BRAVO couldn't keep its diginity.

This was the first and the LAST time I will watch this show.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 3:24 PM

Indiana Cricket wrote:

WOW! What a series. I don't get into the "Reality" shows usually, but as I have wednesdays off, I was drawn into this one. I had desires, in High School, to be an Interior Designer, but don't have the artistic talent for it. Crushed me. Anyway, Jonathan, you must come back with the Kelli and Margaret, and do a second series. I found the series to be compelling, and interesting, didn't particularly care for the Drama, but was so interested in the designs, the techniques and the materials. Would love to have seen more on the planning of the designs. Also would have liked to have had contestants have more normal or real life sources for furniture instead of PCD. I think in reality, you would be hard pressed to find somebody able to afford a 50,000.00 for a room makeover.

I have to say that I think Matt, altough being very chic and stylish, was all about placing the most expensive items in a room, (not practical for a 4 year old to have a 7,000.00 desk!), and wasn't as concerned with the client's total package or interests. Didn't care for Carissa at all, I see her as an imature, bratty little girl who cannot accept responsiblity, everything was always someones else's fault, her carpenters, her teammates, etc. I am with the other person who much rather would have seen Andrea in the final two. I believe her being an architect would have greatly upped the score on the final challange. Carissa was going on about thinking outside the box, being young, vibrant, etc. and her finall project is BLACK AND WHITE!!! What is that? That's not desinging, that's a cop out. The only redeaming factor in her loft was the bed. Everything else was so Target/Pier One.

Jonathan, Kelly and Margaret, please come back and do another season, (socks or no socks), but let's get some real world in the show.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 3:25 PM

Kim Martin wrote:

Overall this was an entertaining show and you were by far the most fun.
But I have to say i agree NOT with the judges
Matt's designs are BORING
Sorry but energy and spunk should win over caution and dullness
And why should personality enter into the picture anyway
Immaturity and Arrongance----Carrisa and Matt
Why should it matter in the end?
I hope the show returns soon tho

posted on April 12, 2007 at 3:53 PM

katt wrote:

dude... what is with those wide ties??!!??

posted on April 12, 2007 at 3:54 PM

Shawna wrote:

I'm going to miss your "See ya later Decorator"!

P.S. 24 Hour Pot Dealer is brilliant!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 4:30 PM

alberto wrote:

The judges are blind or what! How is possible Matt won, his final design was out of sense in comparison with Clarissa’s, she just blew it, she is the winner! Besides Matt acts like a "B" with all his comments and unprofessional aptitude towards Clarissa.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 4:32 PM

colibri wrote:

Agree so much with what Anna Snow said. The shows' outcomes are SEXIST...they seem to demonize talented women or boot them off and tolerate straight white boys (winner of Project Runway, winner of Top Chef) who more times than not turn in mediocre work and are still praised. The men share this attitude of entitlement...just listen to Matt's victory video, or no better example of this than Harold of Top Chef. And Stephanie was demonized in that show. And just because you have women judges doesn't make the outcomes not sexist. Women often don;t support their own and get dazzled by arrogant men. Someone explain ho Mat with an unfinished boring room won the episode before the last...?

posted on April 12, 2007 at 4:56 PM

Sherry wrote:

What happens to the rooms after the show is over? There seems to be a significant amount of money, time and talent invested.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 5:34 PM

JohnJohn wrote:

I love this show! This is by far the best of all the Bravo design contest shows and the best interior design show I have seen. I also wanted to point out that I had little interest in interior design in the past but what intrigued me was the innovative design ideas from many contestants.. such as Goil and Matt. I would love it if you pushed this element further.. I am more interested in the design aspect than the decorator aspect but I did enjoy the decorator aspects too. Maybe a good spin-off show would be a purre design show -- such as product design or innovative home design.

Also.. just wanted to say I loved Matt's designs.. to me he was head and shoulders above any other contestant. Honestly.. to me he seemed like the only one with any true talent. Carisa to me just seems like your average home enthusiast. She really just seemed like a very good amatuer designer with bold color choices. Her design aesthetic was cliched to me. This is also probably why she appealed to the average fan so much.

And who could NOT like Matt? The guy was pure class through the entire show.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 5:44 PM

Charles A. wrote:

I'm so glad Matt won 'Top Design', he earned it. Since he was able to begin showing more of talents on the show it was clear that he had talent. Andrea or Goil were the only competition he had except for maybe Carrisa. N-e-who, I can't wait for the next season of Top Design.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 5:56 PM

ely wrote:

As they say in criminal trials – last night’s verdict being a crime in itself – I demand to poll the jury! The fix was in from the beginning, as exemplified by the viewer text-message voting. Viewer "results" were tallied before the final rooms were even shown!

Jonathan, I believe you really appreciate Carisa’s style and talent. On the Parker Palm Springs Hotel website, I found suites that could have been designed by Carisa. In fact, if you have any sense, you will immediately take her in as your business partner.

The guest judge, as well, seemed to prefer Carisa’s loft to Matt’s.

I have never understood anything that Kelly Wearstler might have been thinking – starting with her choice in clothing. I would be interested in knowing how she voted, although it seemed clear that she favored Matt.

Which leads us to Margaret Russell. Her bizarre admission that she was “prepared to hate” Carisa’s bed pit made it abundantly clear what the problem has been all along. This was that same unshakable prejudice that she has brought to each challenge; a prejudice that could not have been overcome by any brilliance on Carisa’s part or any fumble on Matt’s part.

Hypocritically, Margaret complained that Carisa’s space did not show evidence of life! As if hanging a bunch of baby pictures could have changed Margaret’s mind. Carisa’s space positively vibrated with light and life, while Matt’s was a dark, confusing jumble of mismatched colors, furniture and styles. He “decorated”; he did not design.

Jonathan, at the end of Challenge 9, you told Carisa that this contest was not a charity, but I believe that is exactly what it was. How else to explain the results?

Carisa herself seemed to have intuited it: For Matt to be beaten by a student would have destroyed his ego. HUH? So the show was all about being gentle to Matt’s ego? The same ego that impelled him to smirk brazenly at the camera and ask, “Was there ever any question?”
Sadly, there wasn’t, but not for the reason that Matt would have us believe.

In the end, Carisa was a true lady, while Matt revealed himself to be a smirking jerk.

Matt, with all your experience, this was the best you could come up with? I hate to tell you, guy, but you WERE beaten by a student, and most of the viewers know it.

Even Carisa’s detractors on this website seem perplexed by the decision. Despite the few who still confuse this with a personality contest (although they might do well to listen to Matt’s bitchy comments), the top three viewer-favorite photos on this site are of CARISA’S space.

Carisa’s space was coherent and beautiful. It respected and complemented the architecture. She displayed restraint and maturity while suffusing the space with color and life. It was sophisticated enough for any Boomer (like myself!), yet surprising and daring enough to delight younger clients. I so covet that bed pit, although I would probably break a hip getting in and out of it!

Matt’s loft was a dark, non-cohesive, maze of chopped up cubicles that squandered the potential of the space and left me frustrated and angry. Granted, he had to design for three people, but a truly “top” designer could have done so much more with 1,700 feet of light and airy space.

· The bedrooms were totally non-functional and claustrophobic. Matt himself said his goal for the bedroom was for it to be “sterile”.

· The furniture was mismatched, impractical, and decidedly kid-unfriendly. Margaret wants signs of life? Not when the toddler pulls that heavy glass table over on top of herself.

· The dining room was empty, and the drooping flowers made me nervous.

· The living room was just an impractical corridor abutting the “master bedroom”. As for those bedroom curtains! Yuck. Why not use sliding translucent panels that could have made use of the wonderful light, while providing privacy? The curtains were dark, claustrophobic and suffocating.

· And speaking of suffocating, the baby’s “bedroom”-- also swathed in thick, impractical, unhealthful curtains of a particularly ghastly hue -- was little more than a stifling, claustrophobic closet. Can you imagine the first time finger-paints get on those satin curtains? Really, can you even imagine a child living in that loft?

· And for those who complained about Carisa’s use of pillows, why does a 4-year old need a queen-sized bed buried under pillows? Why not give her an open, practical, functional, fun, multi-purpose room that would stimulate her imagination, instead of smothering her in nightmare-inducing pillows and satin? Only someone sterile and prissy (take your pick) could have found that space even remotely appropriate.

· And that bathroom! Dark, poorly lit, sure to induce constipation and shaving accidents.

Oh well. Matt’s not-so-fragile ego was protected, and I guess that’s the most important thing.

If Carisa has a website, please publish it. I want to follow her sure-to-be spectacular career.

As for me, I caught the first few moments of “Shear Genius”, and they will be my last.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 8:55 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Hey Jonathan.... I loved your sense of style throughout the show. I was taking notes the whole time. I am not quite ready for no socks, but I think I could go for tan socks... will that work?

Meanwhile, I can't help but think the final decision was more a matter of taste than in the work itself. Quite frankly, I found Carisa's kitchen, bedroom and color scheme superior to Matt's... but in his defense, he showed he was more in control during the challenges and seemed to command more respect. I will guess Carisa's going to be a huge success, however. She is young, but she has such a magnificent and fresh point of view. I just loved her work.

The show was a big hit for me and I will look forward to seeing season 2. A big part of that was because of you, Todd and Kelly, who are such incredible designers... and Margaret, who has such an acute sense of what is right. Thanks for a great season!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 9:24 PM

donovan wrote:

all humor considered - you should mos def have a white cat.

that would put the you back into see you later decorator.
Heidi is German and Auf Wiedersen belongs to her.
Tim Gunn has been saying Carry On and "Make It Work" for years, and they now belong to him.

Give Jonathan a white cat. "We really want to see the personality of the judging designers coming through in this design." Granted, we got that through the blog and the socklessness, and the windsor ties. Still I say, you should not deny thyself hotellish comforts or a white cat!!

I expect to see a white cat, Jonathan.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:41 PM

Cap wrote:

I usually don't watch reality TV but I have to confess that I adored this show!

I was thrilled to see Matt win - what a wonderfully talented young man - such sophisticated, elegant taste not to mention his incredible sense of scale. I was overjoyed to see the judges reward his understated classiness.

If I were a rich girl I'd hire Matt to do my house - I loved the loft and I want to sleep in that hotel BR!

The only down side is I wish I could have seen the rooms in person - you can only see so much on TV.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 12:43 AM

T wrote:

I thought Goli was the most creative designer on the show. I thought Karisa was young, energetic and creative. Matt was a typical designer, he was not at all creative. In addition, Matt seemed very gay, I wonder if his wife knows…..

posted on April 13, 2007 at 1:29 AM

mike wrote:

Hi

I have been watching Top Design for the past month and LOVE that show! I am totally in awe of the show for SO MANY REASONS!

PLEASE HAVE ANOTHER COMPETITION WITH NEW DESIGNERS IN THE NEAR FUTURE! Please please please!!!

The first reason I love this show so much is because I have learned soooo much about how designers think about spaces and how to decorate them. Also hearing the critiques by the judges is also extremely important information.

I am not a designer but have never had any skill or knowledge in home design and have moved into a new home recently and am really intrigued by how the designers put together spaces and how they are judged by their work.

Another reason I love this show so much is because I actually am learning how people interact with each other in not so pleasant circumstances. Seeing how Mike tells Carissa about her bad behavior and attitude was a very good way to tell someone they are being stupid or lazy or abrasive. Also seeing how some of the first designers made mistakes by being "too respectful" and how it cost them their win was also very interesting.

Also seeing how people eliminated THEMSELVES was also very interesting (either by bad choices, bad attitudes or bad designs).

Also hearing how the judges tell them they need to get their voices heard was very good to hear.

I guess the show is so interesting on so many levels it isn't just about the competition that I love. It is also the interaction of the contestants and judges that is so fascinating.

I am truly in awe of the designers and how they come up with their design ideas and how they lay them out and pull them together in such short amounts of time. The planning and detail and creativity is very inspiring as well.

I am an artist and paint abstract expressionism and I was wondering if you had any plans or ideas on covering a show for artists who compete for best painting or design. I am not interested in being in the show but I would love to see other artists compete in the same way that the designers competed.

I am totally inspired to design my home now by watching that show and getting ideas.

Watching them compete has been a very educational experience and I am sad that it is over.

Out of all the reality shows I have ever seen, Top Design is by far the best and most interesting. And if you ask anyone in my family if I watch TV, they would tell you NO way! I rarely ever watch TV and when I do it is usually only for a sporting event or for a ppv movie.

Please please please have another competition. I don't know how long I can watch reruns before I get tired of them.

Thanks
Brian

posted on April 13, 2007 at 1:53 AM

sm wrote:

I'm not a huge tv watcher, but I loved this show, and for me, you made it, L'Adler. Thank you!

posted on April 13, 2007 at 2:36 AM

michael wrote:

While Matt clearly had the most dignified taste of all the competitors, I don't think he should've made it to the final 2 based on his previous room.

A. that room was unfinished. B. it was another of his rooms, no surprises there.

I think if one of the competitors suddenly decided to copy Matt's style, then, maybe the judges' would have had to consider how great matt's taste was. I mean, he says that Carisa had only done her rooms. Well, Matt only did his, and if one noticed, in any of the group designs or other projects, Matt decided to clearly not to venture into the design process. He kinda hung back after the outdoor party after his team got a beating in which he then turned on Goil. After that, he took a backseat so he could wait until he had his own set to design.

Finally, I must repeat, his room that got him into the finals was NOT FINISHED!!! If anyone else did this, they would have gotten ripped apart. He should have gotten by on talent, but if the game is honest and true, based only on the project at hand, he should have not made it to the finals.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 2:42 AM

George wrote:

I was not a huge fan of Carisa's through much of the season; but I so disagreed with you judges last night on her. The design was much more interesting and forward-thinking than Matt's, in my opinion. I was also surpised at how graceful she was in her exit.

More than anything...

Judges! A huge desk like that one for a four-year-old? It would take at least three years for his daughter to grow into that properly... by which time she likely would have destroyed it.... and.... A glass table with a young child? Look at the customer (oddly, Matt's own family), and his choices seemed very out-of-place. So many hard edges, breakable things, etc. Seems like he made some very ODD architectural and design decisions for a family with a young child. Considering it is his won family... odder still.

Carisa had a temper, whined, and could be insufferable... but she really seemed to follow directions much better. And I think that if you put the two lofts in a rental publication, many more young people would take a second look at Carisa's.

What do I know, I guess. But I was personally quite shocked that you all seemed to favor Matt's room so highly. Maybe it just didn't adequately translate on the screen.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 2:45 AM

Bre Harman wrote:

J*

I love you and your attitude and style you are great!! I think picking Matt was the best choice!!! Hope to see you for another season!

See you later Decorator ;)

posted on April 13, 2007 at 3:56 AM

J wrote:

Well, I j'adored this blog, and it's good to know that I'm not the only lunatic who lives in fear of the hantavirus.

Although I kind of liked that Michael wouldn't say who he thought should get kicked off. After the way he was edited, I don't think he was in any danger of winning the Mother Theresa prize. I don't always want to see contestants treating each other like hantavirus-infected rodent droppings.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 4:13 AM

gail wrote:

Dear Top Design
I think the last show was too short. I really wanted to see more of the rooms. I'm glad I could go online and see them better. Maybe next year, you could make the finale two hours long.

Even though I think Carisa should have been expelled long ago because of her attitude and the dismal chef's dining room, not to mention her constant use of aircraft carrier elements, like couch or table or shelf, I still was really surprised at how good her loft looked. I thought she was a one-note designer, but that bedroom just blew me away, with its divider and sunken bed with view. Gosh, that was such a great idea. Still, I would have rather seen either Goil or Andrea make it to the final two. You've really got to watch the people who have attitude problems.

I hope you will keep the "design your own room" feature on the website. Thanks for your show and this website.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 9:02 AM

Connie wrote:

First: Jonathan, I agree 100% with all your favorites and least favorites. And you always manage to get the point across with a smile and giving me a little chuckle. That's one of my personal favs.
People, people, people. YES, this show is about not only the top designer but about giving us viewers some drama. That's part of why we watch. It's part of the reality of Reality TV. I get a kick out of it. In all honesty, I can see some of myself and my own habits and shortcomings in some of each designer. Makes one think...'am I really like that?'
So yea, it's all good.
People are so afraid of what is deemed "different," such as socks/no socks, how Kelly dresses, Johns HIV. I would have given him a hug. I'm not gay, I'm not homophobic. I'm human and I believe mans humanity to man should reflect compassion. Not judgement. So, Hugs to you John.
Kelly dresses cool. She's so way different. Scary huh? lol. we should all be so bold as to not give a damn what anyone else thinks and dress the way we want. If I had her figure I'd be dressing in all sorts of the crazy and wild. But I'm chubby.
Mr. Adler, I think everyone who's on the bandwagon about your sock issues just wanna tickle your toes. I like the no socks, and am guilty of it myself on occasion.
Matt and Carissa, I congradulate you both. Man, those lofts...both of them, I could not have judged unless I could have called a tie. And made you both compete again...heehee. Seriously, those were both so beautiful. I love each color you both choose, the furniture, everything. I just loved them.
Goil, you were just adorable and your designs innovative. I am looking forward to seeing what you do in the future.
Michael, oh man...I have 15 yr old twin daughters who give me "THAT" look when they're pissy. Talk about cat fights! You're young and I think that as time goes by you'll grow and "become"
Next Season? There's gotta be one!
I loved the show, all of it.
So Ya'll come back now.
And last, in the words of the sadly, recently leaving this earth, Kurt Vonnegut:
“Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you’ve got about a hundred years here. There’s only one rule that I know of, babies — ‘God damn it, you’ve got to be kind.’ ”

posted on April 13, 2007 at 11:18 AM

Jon wrote:

Carissa was far more creative than Matt in overall design. Matt's problem seemed to be that he whined, and whined and whined. He came across as an over-grown, spoiled brat, Macaulay Culkin look alike. And if he isn't gay, he sure should be, because he is one of the mose nelly sissy fags I have EVER seen.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 12:00 PM

Just waiting wrote:

Honestly, we are all just marking time till PROJECT RUNWAY returns. But your show was INFINITELY more entertaining than the two episodes of Top Chef that I sampled. They suffer greatly from the fact that we viewers can't taste the freaking food. Would PR work if we didn't get to see the clothes? Would Top Design work if you never showed us the rooms? The primary sense associated with food is not visual, folks. Sure, presentation is important but secondarily.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 2:05 PM

Stephen wrote:

First, I usually don't watch reality tv shows but this one was great - all season long. I thought the final two were correct. Matt's cumulative performance was best but I thought Carissa's loft absolutely nailed it. She really hit a home run. Matt's loft looked dark (kinda dank really) and nothing innovative whatsoever.

Minus Margaret, I liked the judges comments throughout the series. Margaret's dislike for Carissa was evident, especially in the last episode. Also, I would have liked the last eposide to last longer. And maybe a group get together at the end.

All in all, a solid A one the series. Very entertaining. Hope there's a season 2 soon.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 4:51 PM

Sarah wrote:

Loved the series. For Season 2, how about more focus on design technique and less focus on the drama. Also, love your wit, kindness, and fairness with the contestants, but in our house we all agree that "See ya later decorator" has GOT TO GO. Way too cheesy...

posted on April 14, 2007 at 3:42 AM

Chris wrote:

Jonathan I absolutly love you. You are so damn hot. If you werent on the show I sure that I wouldnt have been addicted to it as much as i was. Every tuesday I looked forward to seeing you, and some of the cast. I loved all of the judges, dont want them to get jealous! haha. See ya later decorator! Peace

posted on April 14, 2007 at 9:28 AM

Ann wrote:

Matt looks like Lady Elaine Fairchild from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood! I liked his designs, but I couldn't stand to look at or listen to him!

posted on April 14, 2007 at 11:51 AM

stephanie wrote:

I love this show. I was a little concerned at first with the way the rooms were designed but it got better with weeks. I'm a designer myself and I was impressed with what they got done in the amount of time they had. My hats off to all of them. I would love this oppurtunity myself...congradualtions Matt , you soooooo deserved this win...

posted on April 14, 2007 at 12:54 PM

starchild wrote:

It would be nice if next year, you didn't eliminate on the first show and give us a little time to know the characters. The show could have used a little more time with the people in their living paces. I'm sure the contestants could have used a tad bit more time too than the rush rush (or was it the manipulative editing of making it seem like they were running out of time?) The episodes could be better lit; Matt's loft appeared very dark. Matt's "was there ever any doubt?" was very ungracious - and I was a big supporter. His work toward the in was getting a tad boring and what did he have against a little color?

posted on April 14, 2007 at 3:41 PM

Donna wrote:

For everyone of you who thinks that Carisa had the best design and deserved to win. Did you not see the first show? Goil made the "sunken bed". Her dining room idea was stolen from Andrea's "Chef's Table". A top designer should be original not a copy cat.

Matt's last comments were tasteless. Another reason why in my opinion, Andrea is clearly the Top Designer.

posted on April 14, 2007 at 3:49 PM

carla wrote:

Jonathan--One of my favorite moments was when Kelly said about the dog bed---What dog likes to be on wheels? --good observation. And of course "Top Carl" was very funny, too.
As a comment to the designers. I felt that Carisa'a room was far more inventive, pleasing and Happy! You can't tell me that it wasn't. I feel that Carissa's style dosen't necissitate as much planning--it's more about the end result. Which was a WOW.
The fact that Matt planned the hell out of his rooms--sO what.
Wasn't the end result fairly predictable? I'd like to say one thing to Margaret. "What were you thinking"?

posted on April 14, 2007 at 8:39 PM

Dee wrote:

Some people say Carissa was whiney. I don't think so. She obviously had SHITTY carpenters that blatantly disregarded her wishe so she was already at a disadvantage. Matt's carpenter seemed like a God-send. Switch the two and there might have been a different outcome. Plus, on the finale, Carissa was extremely graceful about her loss to Matt.
Don't get me wrong, I loved some of Matt's rooms and I see his talent.
Pet peeves:
- Michael's over-confidence about everything. What is he, 23? He needs to learn first and then he can act like he knows.
- Andreas depressing rooms. I'm sure she is a fine architect but her designs are mundane and her colors almost always sad. Wake up Andrea!
- Group challenges: they suck and don't allow designers to shine
- Carpenters: they need to follow directions

posted on April 15, 2007 at 12:28 AM

kathy wrote:

Jonathan, you were a great judge & an even better blogger! Loved that you called Goil a little varmint! He was loveable. Nice way to sum up the season with Likes & Dislikes of situations. I thought the lack of support for John's HIV status sucked, too. Nice of you to notice that & send support. Later, decorator!

posted on April 15, 2007 at 6:43 AM

jayne wrote:

I have really enjoyed top design but the finale was too predictable. The judges have always liked Matt's style and clearly would have preferred a living space that he designed for himself. Remember they told Carissa that she was too young and needed to grow up. A better challenge would have been for Matt and Carissa to design lofts for each other. That would have been a true test of talent and professionalism for a designer to arrange a space for a client with very dissimilar tastes.. and one that the designer may secretly (or not secretly) dislike.

posted on April 15, 2007 at 12:23 PM

Nebula Rain wrote:

No snaps for Trudy ...

Matt may not be an architect .. but the show is called Top Design.

And that flapping on Matt's bedroom .. a room he designed for, ahem, himself.

And yes, yes, yes, yes glass tables are not kid friendly . . but why is that? Because of the sharp corners La Styler. And in case you hadn't noticed Matt's beautiful 14,000 dollar masterpiece was decidedly, perfectly, gorgeously r o u n d.

posted on April 16, 2007 at 8:42 PM

Barb wrote:

I almost didn't need to watch the final episode. I knew there was no way those judges would give the top prize to Carisa. They stuck with boring (zzzzzzzz!) Matt's dreary designs time after time.

posted on April 17, 2007 at 11:45 AM

JodyT wrote:

Jonathan,

I will miss your wit (and your French) the most. Enjoyed the show, regardless of results, and have filled my idea closets for projects near and far from fruition.

J

P.S. Love that Liberace is a feature model on your site.

posted on April 17, 2007 at 2:30 PM

Rod Stewart wrote:

I'm feeling YOU on the comments about dude revealing his HIV status. That was so lame how everyone reacted. He was being terribly honest and it wasn't "good tv" it was real. Those losers should have stood up and hugged his ass!

posted on April 17, 2007 at 4:13 PM

LYNDA I wrote:

The only box that Carisa is out of, is the one marked, "CRAYOLA". Yet, her color scheme for the final was black and white with a little red all over.

Matt's place was just so - DULL. However, if that is what he truly likes best, it explains exactly what he is all about. I did feel that he was more prepared than Miss Carisa. His loft was well planned and ordered - like an office (complete with little cubicles). As a living space, it seemed more austere than refined. If that was his idea of a fantasy, honey, he really needs to get out more...

Unfortunately, the judging was as flat and predictable as Matt's projects. There was no fun, no surprise. Is that the way you all really think?

posted on April 19, 2007 at 10:14 AM

kim wrote:

i would like to know how to get intouch with chris the winner

posted on May 3, 2007 at 9:56 AM

dave wrote:

There are some things I like within your collection but there are others that remind me of West elm or something of that level. Mid century pottery barn is getting old, I think you need new a inspiration

posted on August 2, 2007 at 10:10 PM

Marc Siden wrote:

Might be a great show, but please don't shop at his store unless you want to be treated as an expendable pupet in his charade he calls his customers.

I am just blown away at the treatment I just received, and was basically told that I am screwed- no apology, just the statement " Company Policy

Jonathan- The same elevator you take to the top will be the same one you take to the bottom. Forget your roots, and forget why you are here today.

posted on January 24, 2008 at 10:43 AM