kami wrote:

CONGRATULATIONS MATT ON WINNING ,TOP DESIGN:
may you continue to have success in your work and designs.
Great job to all .. I admire Carissa.. for making it to the top 2.
I'm sure they all learned a lot and will take the experience with them and continue to grow in their field...:)
I'll miss you all and the show.. anxious to see what next season will bring.
kami .Orl., Florida

posted on April 12, 2007 at 12:00 AM

kate wrote:

would have loved to have heard more the of judges comments. congrats! Thanks for everything, Kelly!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 1:10 AM

Marie wrote:

Thank you for being an honest, fair judge (and for your funky personal styling!). I really enjoyed the first season of Top Design!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 1:35 AM

Sean Hallisey wrote:

OK. girl! I have held my tongue all season, but we had a few drinks earlier tonight, and my partner and I agreed we had to tell you how fabulous your looked every single week. You totally pushed the 'rational' envelope regarding your personal sense of style, but never once went too far (and we thought EVERYONE did at least once a season-especially in RealityLand).

The best example?- Who would've thought a tiny little woman like you could have pulled off the Christina-Aguilera-cum-Lady-Marmalade-at the-Oscars coif (back in February, I think)? AND- to do it on a show where you know everyone at home is totally critiquing the judges as well as the contestants. Dang- you nailed it, just like you did every week. Hope to see you next year.

Finally- how did Clarisa make it to the final round when Andrea was sent home? You guys are crazy- and totally awesome!!

Kisses- Snopes

posted on April 12, 2007 at 2:19 AM

Aaron wrote:

I think of myself of a fashion person, and I've always had an eye for design- whether it be in apparel, product design, or interior design. I thought I'd give Top Design a shot (needed a new reality TV addiction until Project Runway came around again) and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed the show! The contestants were very creative- and I found myself drawing a parallel between fashion and interior decor. Truly, interior design is another way that one can express their own personal style.
Kelly- your outfits on the show are amazing, so I checked out KWID, and now I'm a huge fan of your work! You know how to give a space it's own life, and you know how to have fun. What I love most about your work is that it's of our generation. It pays homage to the past, it's glamorous and cheeky, but still chic and tasteful.You got mad style, girl! Can't wait to see what you do next!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 2:26 AM

juni wrote:

I learned a lot from your comments about each show and appreciate your sharing nuggets from your years of experience. Creative beings feel best on the cutting edge and you have proven yourself to be one of them. Some people may feel threatened by this because of their narrow view of the possibilities of style. I thought your outfits were refreshing and a source of curiosity, in and of themselves.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 9:37 AM

melanie v. wrote:

kelly, i love your style and i have really enjoyed the show. matt was a deserving winner of top design. please begin working on season 2, thanks

posted on April 12, 2007 at 9:39 AM

Dana wrote:

"Matt’s loft was calm, fluid, and steeped in a sense of permanence and quality."

Sounds a lot like his personality. I'm glad he won. I would have been so pissed if it went to Carisa. I don't think her taste level is anywhere near Matt's, plus his manner is so much more professional.

Congrats Matt! I'm very happy for you and your family. And I'm still in awe of your hotel suite. That was my favorite! :)

posted on April 12, 2007 at 10:02 AM

Lia wrote:

I don't understand what the judges find in Carissa, her designs are simplistic, amateurish, and repetitive, though I agree that her sunken bed pit was a great idea. I would've loved to see what Andrea or Goil would have done with that space, since both are architects with a unique point of view -- that would have been a great finale. (My dream season finale would be to watch Andrea, Goil, and Matt competing in the same loft challenge). Matt's designs are chic and polished but everything he does looks like something I've seen a hundred times in Metropolitan home or Elle Decor, it's like he's designing for conservative 50-year-olds, not young, fresh, inventive or hip.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 10:08 AM

nadine wrote:

As a interior designer working in high end design, I truly appreciated both the impetus for this show and it's content. I have great respect for Ms. Weastler's work and her thoughtful insighful opinions and reactions to each designer's work over the course of the season. Matt was truly deserving of the Top Design award and I have been moved by his spaces. I enjoyed this series and my only negative comment is the selection of Trudie Styler as a guest judge. Her comments and opinions seemed to come from a place of arrogance and she did not understand the goal of thefinal task for the designers. I found her negative and her opinions unfounded and not based in any valid experience or knowledge.Please don't bring her back next season. Speaking of which,I am looking forward to season two!!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:03 AM

michellefleet@aol.com wrote:

Congratulations to Matt and the rest of the team for Top Design. I loved the show and couldn't wait for the new episode each week. I am so happy with the judges choice for picking Matt. He was my favorite and I think that he is very talented and am looking forward to another season of Top Design!!!

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:21 AM

FanFare wrote:

Thanks for your comments, too!

Carisa's space seemed unfinished to me. It did not look as though anyone lived there (yet). Her high points: that kitchen was fabulous, a cook's dream and well thought out. The bed may have been a cute surprise, it seemed so lonely. Was there anything else in that bedroom? Her lows: stealing Andrea's dining room concept ("those" chairs with the black table...)with a lack of table settings (what was with the furry floor mat as a table topper?). Also, the floor from hell was just a mess!

Matt's space had higher highs and lower lows: Highs: the little girl's room was adorable and inviting; as was the bathroom. the artwall of family photos was nicely done too. Lows: The master bedroom seemed pedestrian and dull, very unsexy! The kitchen was awfully boring and lacked extensive storage. It was simply functional to a point! I wouldn't want to spent much time in there!

Both spaces seemed rushed to the end (given the 2 month leeway, it is surprising). Both spaces did not really look lived-in.

All in all the finale lacked suspense. It was preordained for Matt to win, no matter what! Poor Carisa really did not stand a chance. I must admit that in spite of her portrayal as a mini villainess, she took her lumps with GREAT humility and style! Good for her to come away from the grand loss with her head held high over "HIS HIGHNESS". By contrast, "Matt the Meek One" seemed so sweet most of the time until the end. He morphed into a pompous ass! Too bad for him.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 12:03 PM

Greg wrote:

I enjoyed the show and loved you and your fabulous outfits. Perhaps you could give Carisa a few tips or help get her on "what not to wear."

posted on April 12, 2007 at 12:29 PM

Shannon wrote:

Kelly,
I was so glad to see that you were a judge on the show, I think you, Jonathan, and Margaret were a great team. It was great to see your personalities and interactions with each other, as I am big fans of you all (LOVE your first book, must buy 2nd.) Hope you will on sign on for season 2. Love your fashion sense and looked forward to your outfits each week. Bravo!
All the best,
Shannon0

posted on April 12, 2007 at 2:52 PM

erin wrote:

Carissa got robbed on the last challenge. Matt's loft was hella boring. you'd think 2 months would give him enough time to come up with a fresh idea or 2.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 3:35 PM

Karen wrote:

I wonder why everybody is so concerned that Carisa "stole" Andrea's chairs. Did you all get why Carisa took those chairs? That the backs of the chairs so perfectly meshed with the replication of the windows panes that Carisa used all over of the loft.

As for Matt, he needed the glass table to give the space some openness because he took a beautiful open space and made it feel closed in and tiny. And a $7K white adult desk in a kid's room is just absurd. The kid needed a place to lay out the crayons and paints and legos and that room had no play space. It was a lousy room for a kid.

Carisa had the best loft design and I would have been very happy to move right in.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 6:07 PM

David Deatherage wrote:

I have loved Matt's rooms through out the show. I liked his loft quite a bit. I must say that I think Carisa really gave him a run for the money at the end. I was surprized at how much I loved her design(except for the bathroom which may have been a great design for her but I personally didn't care for it). Her bed was rocking! I can't wait for Season deux.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 6:21 PM

kelly wrote:

Congratulations, Matt, and Kelly, i love you. you were and always will be the best judge for me. you're very intellegent and beautiful and you have a very good sense of style. you were totally right in choosing Matt. i'm waiting for the next season of Top DESIGN!! i loved your book and your fab outfits, they were amazing. i think carissa was not yet ready to become a top designer because first, she would need to control herself. i'm glad you chose Matt, and i'm hoping to see you on the next season!!!i'm so lucky to have the same name as you!
Your fan,
Kelly

posted on April 12, 2007 at 6:29 PM

Leakey1 wrote:

Kelly, I also really enjoyed your personal style throughout the season. My comment is in regards to Carissa's treatment of her "carpenters". Every chance she got, she "blamed" the carpenters for her lack of time management. I was appalled by her total lack of respect for the industry. As a designer yourself, is it not important to have a good working realationship with the people who help "make it happen"? I kept wishing that the judges would call Carissa on this point and was dissappointed when none of you did.
Other than this issue, I loved the show and look forward to next season.
Leakey1

posted on April 12, 2007 at 7:26 PM

Tyler Edwards wrote:

God Carisa so deserved the win over matt. I am sorry but he kept tlaking about how is room was all sterile, how is that lived in people. All Matt did in the final episode is bad mouth Carisa, he never once said he deserved to win because of his talents but because he thought so low of Carisa. I will always remmeber Carisa's loft, vent concept, etc. Matt had no big ideas, unless you count low moldings. Stop my beating heart.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 9:31 PM

Mary McGee wrote:

Bravo - I loved this show from beginning to end. I am not high end, I'm just one of the common folk (my decorating style is Country & Western since we live in horse country) so don't look down your nose at me. But common folk know what they like even if they can't afford $20,000 tables. And I liked Matt's style from the very beginning. I liked his easy going approach, his way of starting with his overall plan and refining it down to the details. He seemed to get right to the heart of each challenge and didn't let very much ruffle his feathers. He was professional throughout and if I could afford him, I would hire him in an instant because I know he would listen to my preferences, study the style and hit the mark right on. I didn't feel that the others were mature enough to receive the top honors and I am happy for him.

I truly enjoyed the judges and wished more of their comments had been aired. This show was, to me, informative and entertaining and I am looking forward to season 2. Kelly, please continue to be a judge.

posted on April 12, 2007 at 11:57 PM

Jeff wrote:

Kelly:

Great job as a judge this season - instead of trying to become the focus, you put the spotlight on the designers and offered constructive comments (which often made me laugh out loud to - love your wry sense of humor). I very much enjoyed the show - you seem like so much fun - a party with you, Jonathan, Margaret, and Todd would be a hoot!

posted on April 13, 2007 at 2:12 AM

brian wrote:

i love the chemistry between you, jonathon, & margaret! it reminds me of mr. & mrs. howell + ginger.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 7:47 PM

La June Brown wrote:

Kelly, I have to admit that your outfits was one of the things that I looked forward to each week. Not just your clothes, but your hair too. Your look was always interesting and never boring. I love that you don't allow what's in style now affect what you wear and that you make it all look fresh!! My favorite was the T-shirt, strapless ball gown with the side pouf and jeans. LOVED IT!!

posted on April 14, 2007 at 10:33 AM

Ernest R. wrote:

Congrats to the winner.
One question: Wouldn't the winner need to be eligible for registration as a interior designer in the states that have practice acts in order to act as an interior designer? (IE: NY which requires a certain amount of education, experience and passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination before you can put out your shingle.)
ER

posted on April 15, 2007 at 3:30 PM

vivasolomon wrote:

Kelly:
you are so beautiful!

posted on September 27, 2008 at 6:06 AM