Patrick wrote:

The flowers comment is the most infuriating thing you've said on this season of this excrable show. Flowers shouldn't be furry? Perhaps you should take that up with Mother Nature who, after all, "designed" the flowers in the style they were. I just know that nature itself would change the look of the flowers to fit into the hallowed pages of Elle Decor.

Margaret, get a grip. Your judging parameters lack focus, lack cohesion, and lack any sense of human thought. You've lost a viewer, and it's all about the fact that you just don't know how to create a show that makes any sort of sense.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 11:07 AM

Jennie wrote:

Margaret,

I love your style and your commentary. I love the way you dress (where do all those magnificent dresses come from?). In fact, I love everything about you! No, I'm not some weirdo stalker, I'm just a mom in rural Washington who used to have style, but now I have kids... Love them--hate the wardrobe. If only I could figure out how to referee hockey games while wearing a dress...

Anywho, you rank right up there with Nina Garcia as one of my Bravo favorites--must be the Elle connection. I hope Jonathan won't be too sad!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 11:12 AM

anne wrote:

The chandeliers, originally conceived as hanging from the 'ceiling', would have been
wonderful. I worried that, in a crowded tent, someone would have stumbled into one and it would have all come crashing down.
I'm glad next week is an individual challenge ~ Goil might not have survived another group challenge right after this one. I hope he sends it out of the park!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 11:16 AM

Attaymik wrote:

Margaret--I found your blog to be highly insightful and the explanation on the impact an excellent interior designer has was very helpful in addition to referencing great parties in the past. Having said that, I'm extremely disappointed that the chief reason that Erik was latered wasn't shown to the audience. Andrea's ideas on this challenge to me were particularly lugubrious: her flowers were downright creepy, and the projections of the lemons was poorly planned and barely noticed. I believe Andrea should have been sent home, not Erik. As for Goil, part of being a top anything is the ability to succinctly communicate your ideas when others on the team are steadfastly holding to their own, make sure your voice is heard and that you believe in your voice, and work as part of the team. As much as I like Goil, sadly I don't think he's up to the leadership part (and not everyone is cut out to be a leader-but this is what this challenge is about isn't it?) but I hope I'm wrong about him. He has great ideas, his work ethic is unparalleled, and he did put aside his malaise to do what needed to be done to get the challenge completed.

I love all things interior, but I'm really having a hard time with this show. It's hard for me to really care about any of the designers and as the judges, your reasoning for keeping someone on the show as opposed to someone else is not always clear. We need to fully understand why someone is being sent home and not showing Erik's wall was a disservice to your fans. It makes me wonder if the editing has left out other issues that would have been useful to the audience in understanding the challenges. Keep up the good work on your blog, I appreciate your attention to the detail and explanation.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:02 PM

Emma Phelps wrote:

Dear Ms. Russell,
I have always enjoyed your magazine, so, when I saw the notice for this show in Elle Decor, I decided to tune in- I have never really looked at the Bravo channel before.
The show was quite enjoyable this week and I must say that you are excellent in your role as judge - just as poised, chic, knowledgeable, and decisive as I would expect from the Editor in Chief of my very favorite magazine. Keep up the good work.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 1:01 PM

trixie wrote:

Matt may have kept the project on schedule but he also encouraged and participated in Michael's tormenting of Clarisa. This was hardly very leader-like behavior. Their treatment of her was childish and mean. The judges' ideas about the cast members often seem very fixed and I suppose this is because of the limited amount of time you have with them. However, the high-five between Michael and Matt should have been a clue that maybe Matt wasn't really playing interference but fanning the flames.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 2:47 PM

Gary Edwards wrote:

Another great show!
But, Andrea and her furry flowers need to go.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 2:57 PM

Michael wrote:

Hi Margaret,
I loved this challenge. It's fun to watch the designers stretch their comfort zones.

What I found to be interesting was that there seemed to be a change in how the editors were piecing together the footage of the judges this week. Jonathan was snarkier and they lightened the mood of the footage of you. You were really well lit, they captured your dazzling smile, and you appeared more relaxed and little coverage of Kelly. (I read that she was under the weather.) It will be fun to track the coverage over the next critical weeks.

Can you have someone find out where Goil get's his glasses? They are totally chic and I can't get an answer to the question.

I look forward to the next challenge.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 3:07 PM

michelle wrote:

I am not a designer, but I completely understand what you mean about having a good floral arrangement for an event. There is nothing wrong with having "furry" flowers, they add warmth and texture.... for a holiday party or an event during autumn or winter, NOT an event like this. The tents required something brighter and modern since it was honouring a beverage that is usually used to be cool in temperature. The theme was CITRUS for pete's sake! If I were there, I'd expect see bright refreshing flowers and greens (and not just yellow either). Michael's floral choices were pretty, but bland. The fact that he chose flowers with little or no scent just seemed silly. The arrangements didn't have to have the contrived "lemons in a clear vase" look, but there are plenty of flowers out there that have aromas to evoke revitalzation, refresh the mind and cool the body. The winning tent was the better choice, I agree. Poor Goil, he seemed to have good ideas that fit better with the room since they seemed to be going for modern. Instead Andrea and Erik made the room look cheap and confused. Carrisa and Michael both need to learn to play nice, it is very distracting to the viewer to see these two bicker like school children. Carrissa should realize that the show is televised (edited or not) before she tries to take full credit for something and Michael should stop and wonder why this is the second team challenge that he's had issues with someone who's supposedly on his side.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 3:45 PM

Jen K wrote:

Definately my first time commenting. Overall, you, Margret, are my favorite of all the judges. Reading the blog and seeing a bit more in depth what wasn't shown on the camera just made me love you more.

I agree that while Michael, Carisa, and Matt's room is nice, it did seem a bit...well, boring. I think it could've been a lot better if they decided to try and streach beyond what is safe. It's when you go beyond what's safe that you get those designs that just wow you. On the other hand, kudos to Matt for putting up with Carisa and Michael. Personally I wanted to smack them both and tell them to grow up, but we all know that's not allowed. (OK, so the people who watched the latest season of Top Chef and saw what happened with Cliff know that's not allowed.)

As for Andrea, Goil, and Eric, until I saw the picture of that yellow bench with the red fabric and the lemons, I honestly couldn't understand why you sent him home instead of Andrea. I've frankly found her designs up until now to be kind of 'blah', (not horrible, but not eye popping either) and the way it was shown on television, she really did seem to just ignore Goil and anything he tried to say. At first I thought the chandelier idea wasn't the best, until I looked at your picture and saw what Goil meant. At that point everything clicked, and I fail to see how anyone could be happy with a design like that being turned into these pillars with shelves on them.

All and all, I think I still would have prefered to see Andrea go, but reading your blog showed me how Eric could be the one to go. I'm kinda sad to see him go (just like I was sad when Felicia had to go) but someone needed to head out. It's just a pity he lost to Michael, Carisa, and Andrea.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 4:34 PM

Sarkika wrote:

Why can't flowers be furry? Kangaroo paws and pussy willow are velvety-furry plants. They are delightful! Is it the same reason you can't design a room around a cat? Is it because someone has an aversion to wildlife? Oops. I forgot: curiosity kills cats...

posted on March 15, 2007 at 6:59 PM

Debbie B wrote:

I've already commented on Kelly's blog, but I'd wish I'd read Margaret's first. Now I understand better why the judges made the decision to let Erik go, and it does make sense. Although I, too, would like to see more of the individual work of the contestants, it really does take teamwork to put together a design. Anyway, thank you, Margaret, for your insight.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 7:16 PM

darrylG wrote:

i just wanted to say to you that i really apreciate your tough view on thing . i know that you have probably taken a lot of crapp for this but i thing your great. i do have one question for you. durring a team challenge it is natural for someone to take the lead and others to follow and when a person assert themselves an trys to give there point of view not just you but all the judges put them down for it also, when the person just follow the group you also put them down for that too. why? at some pointe durring the challenge you just have to say let's just get it done and later for the ego. i think on the part of the designers that is somtimes a smart move but it seems to work against them. why?

posted on March 15, 2007 at 9:05 PM

jennifer wrote:

I have to say Margaret, you really amazed me with your comment about how flowers shouldn't be furry - clearly landscaping isn't your area of expertise - imagine how flat a yard would look with plants having all the same leaf textures..............thank goodness someone with far more design sense and intelligence was in charge of creating our universe. I can only imagine how dull it would be if you were in charge. I guess it explains why so many of the pictorials in your magazine showcase the same pieces of furniture over and over....insert saarinen dining table , african stool there, and charles sofa here... snore

posted on March 16, 2007 at 3:46 AM

Zack wrote:

My wife makes me watch the show - so I did not start out a fan - but who knew I would find something so interesting to enjoy...no, not the show that much...but Margaret Russell!!...WOW!! For all of us semi-literate heterosexual males out there - the rest of you can have Brittany, Jessica, Pam (insert whatever Hollywood sex kitten's name you like here) - Margaret Russell smokes them all.

A New Top Design Fan - converted by M. Russell

posted on March 16, 2007 at 12:53 PM

Greta wrote:

Jennie ... why can't you referee a hockey game in a dress? Style is what you make it. Just cause you have kids doesn't mean you're relegated to sweats for the next 10 years. Dress sassy!

posted on March 16, 2007 at 5:42 PM

Erica wrote:

I have to agree with many people not agreeing with your "furry flower" comment. I personally didn't feel the flowers were appropriate for this challenge-but it had nothing to do with the fact they were "furry". The colors and texture seemed more reminiscent of a Fall theme. Not a cocktail party.

Also-I personally won't be watching this show any longer. Your attitude is very entitled and demeaning. You should take lessons from Kelly in constructive critisism.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 9:02 AM

LK wrote:

While I understand that a designer has to work with others, those others are usually not competing to win a title, let alone seeking to stay in a competition by snarky back stabbing snitty comments etc etc. In a collabrative project there is authority - no such authority exists in this show during these group hugs.

I liked the losing room for its various spaces. It seemed warmer, more fun I guess. The winning space was cold to me, but more conducive to people mingling about.

My objection to this episode isn't about who went or stayed, it was the whole group thing. Next season, if there is one, lets see individual designers design individually. Or change the show to Top Team Designers and then perhaps the contest will properly reflect the participants.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 2:20 PM

juni wrote:

It wasn't so much that the flowers were furry but that they did not fit the theme of the room. It seemed that Andrea just thought they were cool and did not see them as part of the overall design. That was the problem with the whole room. The team was trying too hard to be creative without having a total look-and-feel in mind. Then, each was off doing his or her own thing and it didn't come together.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 5:46 PM

HK wrote:

Patrick, I believe Margaret did not mean in any way that nature should change its way. She meant that designers should use flowers that are described in words such "inspirational" and "beautiful," not "furry." In other words, "Floweres [used in an interior design] shouldn't be furry."

Margaret, I think your comments ARE focused and cehesive. Your blogs amaze me every week. Who is your favorite designer in Top Design by the way?

posted on March 17, 2007 at 11:27 PM

FanFare wrote:

I was with you in the first part of your critique... You echoed my sentiments to a point. I found that the "winning" design was too safe and not special. It looked like any NYC club as Minnie Mouse voiced Michael expressed. (He is exasperating to view each week. Please send that cherub to the "whine cellar" until he ages to a better vintage!") Conversely, the "losing" design actually WAS more interesting for the reasons described in your commentary. It did remind me of a more progressive space, perhaps found in a Scandinavian country.

We part company with your dissing of Andrea's flower choice. I thought the deep red color and soft feltlike quality added contrasting texture to the sharper edged space. It was DIFFERENT!!! (Michael's choice was more funereal -AGAIN!)
Since you seemed so offended by Andrea's flower choice and overall contribution to the task, she should have been auf'd.

Erik was hands down, the more calm and focused designer of the 3 of the "losing" team. It is interesting to note that you stated he was "latered" because "he took responsibility for the group". Maybe, the remaining designtestants should simply point fingers and shrug their shoulders and look dumb when they get into trouble at the Judges' Chairs... Oh, yeah - some of them already do and remain to play another day.

posted on March 19, 2007 at 4:46 PM

Allison M wrote:

Margaret,
I agree with you, completely! Andrea's flowers were hideous, and although Michael's were better, they didn't fit the occasion either, did they? There were fresher ideas in the losing tent, but they weren't cohesive. I can't tell by the way things are edited on the show, but I hope that all of the judges have taken these young "divas" down a few pegs for their overblown ideas of themselves and their inablity to work with others.

By the way, I appreciate your classic approach to your outfits. It's nice to see you in something attractive each week. Chau!

posted on March 20, 2007 at 1:45 PM

John wrote:

Many of Andrea's designs just plain read sad. From her faceless photos in the child's room challenge, to the black and funereal purple garage stage, her aesthetic choices seem very dark and depressed. The "furry" floral arrangements (looked like celosia) in the party challenge were creepy, and again, sad. Why would you want "odd" flowers at a party designed to promote Barcardi? I understand and commend the fact that Andrea wants to take risks and think outside the box, but "odd" for a party??!! WTF

posted on March 21, 2007 at 9:57 AM

john doe wrote:

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

posted on March 21, 2007 at 7:19 PM

gvassallo wrote:

With regard to the comments made by Patrick in the previous blog, I would just like to say that "furry" is not an aesthetic that any floral arranger should attempt to achieve.

My father who is an award winning floral designer himself and successful shop owner. His designs are often avant-garde and yet even he began to laugh out loud when he saw Andrea's arrangement.

He also pointed out a fact that you seem to have missed; the arrangement was also ugly.

But more importantly, if both Margaret and this "excrable show" upset you to such a degree, I can only advise you to take a deep breath, make use of your remote control and refrain from wasting precious moments of your life personally insulting people you don't know. IT"S. JUST. T.V.

posted on March 25, 2007 at 4:34 AM

donna wrote:

Hi,
I was surfing along when I found your wonderful site. Looks like I'll be checking out the Bravo channel....
I'm not a big TV fan, but you seem to have something interesting to say!

posted on June 26, 2007 at 10:50 PM

Timothy Jones wrote:

Hey Margaret, the flower deorations are awesome. I am a flower lover myself, and Love flowers any way, whether they are in their physical form, ar virtual in pictures.

By the way, i came around some cool flower ecards. if you are a flower lover, do check them out! They are really cool!

posted on July 5, 2007 at 9:26 AM