Skip wrote:

I have to say, i did like Carissa's room tonight, but she has a serious affection for the toss pillows. When it showed her at the store pulling out all those pillows...I wanted to call her and tell her to STOP. Poor Andrea. She is an architect.
I'm glad Matt didn't have a nervous breakdown - I was kind of waiting for the camera to all of a sudden show him in a fetal position under a table. He was having a very hard time, but his sense of style, placement, and scale doesn't ever seem to fail him.

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:29 PM

skip wrote:

...and how HOT is Margaret Russell???

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:30 PM

Marylou wrote:

I hope Carisa does not win Top Design.Her designs are no where near matts sophistcation..but mostly because she has a BAD attitude and she doesn't hide it.I would not hire a designer who makes that face and rolls her eyes and treats her crew the way she does.That to me is very inportant in being a Top designer..pleasantness..Matt has been consistant week after week with gorgeous spaces.

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:39 PM

karlyQ wrote:

Margret looked fabulous tonight plus her smile was so more pleasant then a scowl. I'm glad to see that Adler was just as appealing with a kind gestures to the designers and his clothing is also very cool to watch. I must agree that Matts room was far the best. I thought the other 2 designers were to literal in their takes on their rooms. I usually prefer Carissa over Matt but this next challenged will be the real deciding factor won't it, literally. As usual love love SIR TODD and Kelly always superb. I can't wait for next season already. love this shooow! KarlyQ

posted on April 4, 2007 at 11:57 PM

Editor Too wrote:

Margaret Russell -- the most talented editor and perhaps most gracefully critical editor in the world, writer extraordinaire, person I would most love to work for ...

Another lovely blog. Your comments are, of course, fair and meaningful, and the latest issue of Elle Decor is spectacular.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:23 AM

LK wrote:

Sadly, despite copying the cover, despite her lying about how the wall came to be (she wanted fake stone paneling and the carp. to do a different style, etc), Carisa gets to stay.

Only so Matt can win. For if Andrea were to do a chef's table level of work in the final, Matt, who is obviously the judges choice to win, would have to lose.

So because Andrea buys a couple of wrong chairs, she's out.

Its hard to imagine you putting Carisa in the magazine. Many viewers could have taken her cover choice and replicated that room, and many viewers could have produced a better room.

Matt work is not remarkable, not innovative, nothing special. I found his room blah, cliche, looking like a page from furniture catalog.

Oh well.

One to go.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:23 AM

Laura L wrote:

Let's start a Carl the Carpenter fan club. Over drinks, we'll shout out "Oh, Carl."

Isn't Carissa a bit "one note"? Not that I'm in love with Matt.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:46 AM

Preferred Customer wrote:

I do agree with the judges but wish Andrea could have been in the final 2. Several times the judges stated she takes thing too litereally. I love her sense of style and of all the people on the show would let her in my home and that is saying something.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:56 AM

kate wrote:

So, Matt's inability to actually finish all the surfaces didn't matter? Imperfect finishes had counted against people before. I'm deeply disappointed in the two remaining designers and think that the producers decided to chose for drama, rather than design. This series has been a huge disappointment.
Carisa has been kept because she's unpleasant and nasty, and thus, good tv.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:51 AM

brian wrote:

i'm so surprised Andrea didn't make final two. Her history on your show made her look like a classy designer.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:52 AM

Jodie wrote:

This was a great episode, though my favorite designer Andrea is now gone. Carisa has a bad attitude, and so-so designs.Although, I do love color in a room, she just didn't impress me at all. I was relived to see the other female judge didn't scare me with her horrible outfits and messy pig's nest of a hair style...I still wonder how can her designs be so wonderful.. You're by far my favorite judge and can't wait to see the finale!!!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 1:55 AM

Suzanne Kiner wrote:

Very exciting to read how a judging designer thinks about the challenges presented and why a particular design is a sucess or not.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:13 AM

Chatell wrote:

''it seems that she spent most of the time quarreling with Carl the Carpenter'' ~ My sentiments EXACTLY!! ~ I mean, what ELSE is new? Carisa's name should be changed to QUARREL! I SO want to protest her making it into the finals over Andrea. Ugh! Ive got to say I'm extremely disappointed Top Design... After this competition, my kids are no longer buying my ''Character Counts'' philosophy! Boo Hoo!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:14 AM

Jacqueline wrote:

You are, by far, the clearest and most inteligent voice on the show.
And your dress was stunning!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:54 AM

Joy wrote:

Margaret -- I love your taste and commentary. I wish I could adopt you as my chic big sister. I was shocked that Matt won this week. On TV, his room looked flat and unpleasingly monochromatic. I understand the problems with Andrea's room, but I liked her artwork and pops of orange. Carissa has a lot of drama each week, but she pulls off amazing rooms. Will Top Design lead to other non-Elle projects for you?

posted on April 5, 2007 at 4:27 AM

Patrick wrote:

Margaret, this is the second straight week you've stolen the show! Not everyone would jump at the chance to sit next to Playmate Kelly on television each week, but you pull it off with style to spare!

I thought this week's decisions were spot-on, and I am very eager to see what Carisa and Matt do to finish out the competition.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 9:57 AM

FanFare wrote:

Hello Margaret,

My sentiments exactly, to a point.

I agree with practically everything you stated, except the winning choice. For me, Matt's room bombed as badly as the cover he chose. I hated the color palette, curtains (they looked drab), the empty curtain rod above those annoying prints, the high back chairs, the daybed from "museum world" and so on... I really found his room the least successful in grabbing my interest.

I appreciated Andrea's clever touches, but her furnishings were uninspiring. However, her calm demeanor & creative ideas won me over as a fan. Truly, I wish she could have moved ahead of "Carisa, the Complainer".

"Miss Carisa's" room was the most inviting, much to my surprise. However, the background banter between Carisa and Carl made me wonder how much more of her can that man take! She was just infuriating to witness. If she wasn't chastising him, he was doing her famous "eye roll". I did not appreciate her taking all of the credit for walls that Carl had created (against her wishes).

posted on April 5, 2007 at 10:13 AM

anne wrote:

I always enjoy your take on the
challenge and the choices the
contestants make.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 10:55 AM

Mary Riemn wrote:

Andrea was robbed.
Matt unfinished room
Carisa's room was not classy enough for the mag
The viewers voted Carisa off on the poll?
So, how did this happen!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:55 PM

Walter wrote:

Last week you criticized Andrea for lack of color and a bland design. This week Matt wins top design using a color scheme similar to Andrea'a last week. Except Andrea's was more colorful. I thought Matt would stick with black and white. But he chose tan, tan, and more tan. Notice the lack of green in any design. Since kicking Elizabeth off for using a green shade you didn't like, the designs continue to be bland, except for Carisa who has a love affair with orange. Could anyone really stand to live in an orange room for more than a week.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:21 PM

Jim wrote:

Margaret Russell is a class act! I liked Andrea's room, but her lack of sincerity (she was always hoping fellow designers would loose) was a turn-off. Andrea will find success in the design world - I did think her chef's table was a standout design. I appear to be in the minority, but I like Carissa. I find her designs to be vibrant, bold, and interesting. Before we all jump on her, remember she is an interior design student who has made it to the "Top Design" finals -no small feat. Her lack of experience, insecurity, and little confidence in herself are not unusual for someone new to one's profession. She is always surprised and grateful for getting to the next level of competition. Interior design is not for the weak of heart! Her comments reflect her "newbie" status. None of us know personally what it is like to be on "Top Design" - we only see the edited version. Matt has a stronger design sense and years of experience over Carissa. Matt's design was sophisticated, chic - he was true to his design instincts. Matt will certainly win unless Carissa really knocks the socks off of the judges. I am rooting for Carissa because I have been in her shoes - she is the underdog. She could still surprise us next week! I can't wait for the finale!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:45 PM

LISN wrote:

Carisa's rooms all look like they spilled out of a crayola box. Bold may not always add up to beautiful. Obnoxious and interesting are not the same thing... That girl needs to go on a "low pillow diet". Obviously, she has a nervous tick (i.e. eye-rolling). She needs to be sent to the "Whine Cellar" the next time she complains to Carl, the Carpenter. Or better yet, he should simply walk away and leave her high and dry...

I miss Andrea already. Her calm demeanor was a steady and mature presence amidst all of the rest of the mixed nuts.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 3:05 PM

Edward wrote:

This is Television; do your viewers get it? At the end of the day the show must be entertaining in a timely fashion. I am sure so much goes on behind the scenes that we won’t ever see and yes the producers and editors jobs are to cut the show down to about 40 minutes - and they will around the drama. No Drama no show. Each designer has a voice. And I don’t feel the Carisa bashing is fare. Based on the clips, Carl should learn to take direction; it is NOT the Carl show. Carisa asked for a specific stone shape, but Carl did as he pleased. A client would not argue with the carpenter, the client would take the issue up with the designer. Was she rude to Carl? I think she was frustrated. Step out in the real world and tell me that designers and carpenter don’t clash. At the end of the day, both Matt and Carisa each have their own personal style. Matt is grown-up, he shows it in his work. Carisa is just starting out, and if I recall stepping out from the theatre world of set design. For all those anti Carisa individuals, may your children be where she is at 23. I wish them both luck next week.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 4:24 PM

Kerri wrote:

I can't believe Carissa is still on the show never mind the top two. Her designs always appear so tacky, her color choices too obvious.

Andrea had a lot more class in her designs.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 4:37 PM

BeyondBored wrote:

I knew before I even started watching the show last night, that Carissa would be in the final two. Bravo--your reality shows are getting soooo predictable--and, frankly, boring. As a fashion designer, I'll watch Project Runway when it comes on (though I declined to try out for it), but I'll now pass on the rest of the shows. Manipulative and boring--a fatal duo.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 5:10 PM

Sharon wrote:

Margaret,
Where can I find out the paint brand/color used in Matt's design in the suite (week 8) challenge?
I'm dealing with less than ideal bedroom furniture. Is there a particular color you would suggest to tone down a wood stain that is on the orangey- side? Thanks

posted on April 5, 2007 at 5:46 PM

Donna wrote:

I am very disappointed with the outcome of your show. How could you judges seriously choose Carisa over Andrea? Matt's room was incomplete but yet he still wins! Give me a break!! This show is so rigged!!! Carisa is the "Sunjaya" of cable television. Your viewers thought they were watching a reality show, not a comedy show. So Sad!!!!

posted on April 5, 2007 at 6:05 PM

Tony wrote:

Margaret as usual you have made your presence known with your sense of style and elegance, you have brought an immense of class to this reality show, a trait that lacks in so many shows. I particularly enjoyed this challenge because it is something that clients bring to my attention all the time, by bringing some similarities to a room without mimicking the room is quite challenging yet very fun. Unfortunately, the only one who "copied" the Elle Decor cover was Carisa, which is sad because this young girl is so capable of bringing life into an Interior just NOT in this challenge.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 8:48 PM

Pamm Swanson wrote:

I work for many designers and would like to say that Carisa is going to have trouble getting quality custom work. I make the drapes, pillows, duvets, etc that go into some of the most beatiful homes in the country. We have been in many design magazines and travel all over the country because our company had such a talented group of craftswomen. We would drop Carisa because we are so busy we don't need to tolerate people that don't appreciate that we are experts and atrists. We DO know things about fabric that the designers don't and we have to have input in the process so that you get a quality product. You may have a picture of something that isn't functional and we are drying to help you translate it into something that is beautiful and functional. Tell these top designers to BE POLITE. We have been around longer than you and we are just as educated and talented.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 9:15 PM

Carla Calo wrote:

I hope Carisa wins. I love her no-nonsense, vibrant designs. She has a great smile and a sense of humor. I'm sure the show's producer editing had a lot to do with the overabundance of eye-rolling, expletives deleted, etc. They needed the drama. Matt's a stiff, by-the-book decorator full of himself. I wouldn't let him do my house even for free.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 10:07 PM

AC-QB wrote:

For what it's worth from a humble armchair quarterback:

Carisa has good ideas but seems to have a limited pallet from which to execute them. She'd be great, say, doing IKEA-type rooms, but I'm not so sure that Elle Decor's targeted segment is the right match.

Andrea is sharp and seems to have great instincts for commercial spaces and restaurants, but not quite as confident or comfortable with living spaces like apartments or hotel rooms. Her determination and toughness are impressive.

Matt just seems to have "it"- that thing you can't quite teach or put your finger on, but you know it's there. Hope he wins.

Margaret is top shelf: way smart, way stylish , and way hot. If NBC (parent of Bravo?) has any sense they will give Donald the boot and give Margaret her own Apprentice show.

posted on April 5, 2007 at 10:14 PM

Miss Otis Regrets wrote:

Margaret!

I'm sure you actually had nothing to do with this change - but for some reason it's entertaining to believe that you might have that kind of power - so thank you, thank you, thank you for Kelly Wearstler finally not looking like a maniac. She actually looked quite beautiful without losing her identity, i.e. I still wondered if she was going to fall out the top of that dress or break an ankle walking on handmade wood floors or treacherous carpets - but beautiful.
On a more serious note, I really enjoy reading your blog and hearing your comments on the designs. I hope producers will figure out that we enjoy watching these competition shows for the opportunity to watch creative process and very talented people being mentored and growing and not so much for rancor and unpleasant drama or snarky comments or the distraction of someone who we're being told is a style leader looking like fashion roadkill.

Sincerely,
Miss Otis R.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 12:19 AM

Kenneth H. wrote:

Margaret is hot!! Id like to

posted on April 6, 2007 at 1:11 AM

~E wrote:

Must say, I'm very disappointed to see Carisa awarded the coveted spot in the finale over Andrea. I thought her design and colors something would be something I'd find in a cheap furniture store display window. There was just too much going on and no where for the eye to ~rest~. Simply put, the room was manic.
Andrea has an elegant touch, perhaps too simple for many, but I love her clean designs. What even impressed me more was her thought process in creating them. I just connected on that level so well with her.
Matt? I must be missing something. I fail to see any thing exciting in his work. Most memorable for me was his light sky blue wall. Funny, cannot even remember many details from his last design, that's how impressed I was.

About Carl. Well, what can I say...Carisa did hit it on the mark, 'it's not the Carl show'. I think next season these carpenters ought to be given a little less exposure.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 2:11 AM

kbl wrote:

In your blog, your kindness to the contestants always shines through!
I would love to know who designs your dresses, especially the dresses you've worn the past few episodes. They are gorgeous.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 10:31 AM

linda wrote:

Margaret -
Matt's room seemed to miss something this week - like... comfort? However, I would love to hang out in Andrea's room. I can't believe you sent her packing. It is pretty obvious the judges are going to pick Matt to win it all. ho hum!

posted on April 6, 2007 at 10:31 AM

Doug wrote:

I really didn't feel that Andrea's "floor-to-ceiling" doors worked as well as they could have. The inspiration cover featured doors that were gigantic in scale-- nearly twice the height of the gentleman in the photo. Andrea's doors could not achieve that immensity, so they just looked like dollhouse imitations to me.
Loving Margaret's honest and insightful blog. And she always looks impeccable.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 11:20 AM

Irena wrote:

Since Andrea unfaily was sent home, Carl and Matt should've be going to the fimnals. The carpenter never lied on the show oppose to Carissa, he never rolled his eyes (guess who did), he has an ability to work under pressure(guess who was causing it)and at the last challenge he came with a great idea - faux brick wall (guess who took a credit for that). Without Carissa's interferer Carl's designs would be so much better.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 1:24 PM

Leslie Stavrowsky wrote:

I agree with the judges that Matt should win the competition this week. His designs are always in great taste, classy, stylish, beautiful and interesting. He was able to achieve the most expessive and tasteful look, on a very limited budget. The funishings and accessories in Carissa's room did not look nearly as expensive.

I disagree with the comment Andrea made when she said that Matt does not take risks. That is NOT true - Matt does take
risks. He just doesn't take loud, obtrusive risks. He has a more subtle color pallette, but he still takes risks. What about that fantastic black LEATHER floor he came up with for his dining room? That was very different and VERY dramatic. That was definitely thinking out of the box. The floor he created on the Elle Decor living room challenge was brilliant, very complicated, and so interesting. It just was not LOUD, like Andrea would like. So what? And what about those fantastic Hollywood lights Matt designed in the child's room he created ? Very dramatic - always in great taste. The artwork Matt picked for the walls of the Elle Decor living room was also in terrific taste. Matt is by far the most talented, and he should win "Top Designer."

I agree with the judges that Carissa deserved to stay this week. She turned out an interesting, balanced, FINISHED room, with very fun and interesting accessories (even if there were too many of them). Her design was well thought out. She does have a big ego, but we ARE NOT JUDGING HER ON HER PERSONALITY - the final test always has to be her DESIGN.

Andrea's room was just not good. I didn't find it interesting or tasteful. The furnishings she selected were bad - and she didn't know how to put them in the room in an interesting way. Matt and Carissa DID know how to arrange their furniture in an interesting, balanced way. Also, I often find Andrea's color pallette boring and unattractive. It doesn't come together right. She chooses the wrong colors and doesn't know how to mix colors in the room in the right way. I thought the best thing about Andrea's Elle Decor living room was her molding with the yarn design in it. Very original ! But Andrea does not produce a finished, BEAUTIFUL room. The only time she was really successful with a beautiful, finished room was with her Chef's Table room - and she did well because she teaches restaurant design. I also don't like how extremely competitive she is - she made comment after comment after comment about how she hoped the other two would mess up and get kicked off - that is a definite turn off.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 2:52 PM

Violet Squire Veen wrote:

Although I agree Matt deserves to be in the top two, I just didn't care for his room this week. The placement of the chairs around the settee gave me a creepy feeling. It suggested to me that someone who was reclining would be surrounded by people who were seated. I didn't get it. And the colors, at least from a tv view, seemed bland. It received high praise from the judges, yet to me it just looked a little dismal.

posted on April 6, 2007 at 7:18 PM

Shania wrote:

Carissa is such a mean person. I hope she doesn't win this competition. Its terrible that she is around for whatever reasons. She is a horrible person. She treats her carpenters like salves, sure no one in their right mind would work this humiliating pain in the butt..hope she doesn't win, you would lose me as a viewer

posted on April 6, 2007 at 10:29 PM

mary wrote:

I was shocked that Carisa would take the credit for the wall that her carpenter did when she whined at him the entire time! The judges loved it and she took the credit for the design when what she wanted was something entirely different. I guess to win you just have to have a good design and integrity is optional. Since Carisa has had a problem with anyone she has had to work with, I hope Matt wins. His designs are much more sophisticated and classic than Carisa's and he seems to get along with people much better. I hope Carisa's drama does not get her the win.

posted on April 7, 2007 at 4:28 PM

Brodrick Worthington wrote:

Dear....
You are always classically elegant and fabulous. Your comments on the show are the wisest and the most self assured. I admire how simply gorgeous you are. Thanks for the inspiration in the magazine, in your inspiring attire and your glamorous life. Best!

Brodrick Worthington

posted on April 8, 2007 at 5:33 AM

Jo-Beth Hale wrote:

I must say you are the only one on the judge's side that has sensibility with what to wear - what's up with the clown outfits on the other judges? Could you possibly give them some help?

posted on April 8, 2007 at 8:41 AM

Lynda S wrote:

I've got news for ya, honey...
Carisa proved to be just a shopper, not a designer. Her wall that you all were so ga-ga for, was Carpenter CARL'S improved idea and execution (against Carisa's will). The only thing bigger than her eye-rolling tantrums, is her considerable derriere...
You even stated that her room would not be considered favorable for inclusion in your illustrious magazine!

Matt's drab room was incomplete, period! In addition, the furniture seemed discordant with those loud Rorschach-test pix. The curtain rod to nowhere was purposeless. All of that adds up to dudsville for a blah winner-to-be...

Andrea possessed the best attitude of the bunch! (Doesn't that count for anything anymore?) Not only that, she utilized clever details to pack the most punch! Her rooms were memorable. Yet you and your brethren decided to auf her.

It is clear that the judging for this sham of a contest was inconsistent at best, totally skewed at worst!

As for the finale, it's a "who cares?" for me...

posted on April 8, 2007 at 1:25 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Hello Margaret! Between the final 2 rooms, I really love Carisas. I think Matt is a huge talent.... as is Andrea... but Carisa has been imaginative, inventive and consistantly terrific. Being nitpicky, in the final challenge, I was not really in love with Matts room. Number one, he did not finish it (which would have disqualified a contestant at Top Chef), he had a weird idea with the curtain rod going around the room and I did not like the lamp cords all bunched up at the sides of the sofa. The idea was really interesting, but alas, I don't think I would be comfortable sitting with my partner in such a room, much less with friends. Carisa does need to edit.. but in her room, she is unafraid of color and used it well and she showed a lot of imagination aside from her inspirational cover. Okay, if Matt won, I would not be terribly upset, because I see his talent and he is a good man... but Carisa just seems so fresh and NOW.

I appreciate your growing compassion for the contestants and I also appreciate that you also dress so well. You show a lot of class! Love you and the show!

Christian

posted on April 8, 2007 at 8:32 PM

EbonyLadawn wrote:

I am so over this show and I hope that there isn't a season two. The judges are tired and boring and really over the top. I am glad Matt is in the final two, but Carisa is very one note. I am so glad that whinning ares Golid is gone he was working my last never!!! Then the host of the show he is always popping out like a kebbler elf with nothing to say........My God When is Project Runway back on the air??!! I am so sure that the public and most of the population is so OVER Top Design!

posted on April 9, 2007 at 12:04 AM

Margaret wrote:

Carisa's dramatic eye-rolling "communication" is really getting old. It's disrespectful to say the least, and quite immature. What a contrast to the other designers with professional personas.

posted on April 9, 2007 at 4:10 PM

Margaret Bour wrote:

Just happened to catch Carl on another - older - design show that also showcased his talents. Oh Carl! You're so talented!

posted on April 9, 2007 at 4:13 PM

modbeatnik wrote:

Carisa should win Top Design because she has a point of view, delivers every time, and is young and energetic enough to mold into a fabulous designer. Matt is loved by the judges because he is what you expect from a designer--he appeals to the older demographic. ALSO--in response to Marylou
"I hope Carisa does not win Top Design.Her designs are no where near matts sophistcation.." next time PLEASE edit your work before publishing it. That is a clear sign of your lack of sophistication!

posted on April 9, 2007 at 8:49 PM

juni wrote:

I wasn't in love with Matt's Rorschach inkblot paintings. They reminded me of the scary-looking psycho paintings Eric produced in his art student's room. These paintings were not in keeping with the understated elegance of the room. Add to this the uncomfortably awkward day bed setting and you do not have an inviting room. It reminds me of the reception area at a boarding school I attended. Stately but not really welcoming.

Mat should have taken out the curtain rod. Contestants on Top Chef were penalized for leaving in parts of dishes that did not work. They were penalized for not finishing their dishes in the alotted time. I don't see how Matt was excused for these infractions.

On the other hand, I loved the sunny use of color in Carissa's room. You could see she was thinking of the comfort of the people living there. She was doing much more than placing throw pillows--though I do agree, luxury is not the first thing one thinks of when looking at her room. She brings a cheerful spirit of color to the rooms and she is willing to fight for it. She doesn't want to be discounted for her youth or her size or her gender. She is willing to squawk and be the squeeky wheel.

I would hire her because I know she would fight for her vision. I don't care what goes on behind the scenes and I know Bravo shows it for drama, because I can't think of anything more bland than Andrea and Matt being the finalists--I mean, they may be talented, but they do not make for good TV. At least Carissa is willing to bring a little feistiness into the mix, even if it is immature and annoying at times.

posted on April 10, 2007 at 9:00 AM

emjay wrote:

While I agree that Matt's design's are often pretty sophisticated (which is why I think he'll win Top Designer over Clarissa's youthful decor) . I was glad to see the designers had to shop on a budget during the Elle Decor cover challenge. I thought Matt was very clever picking the pieces he did and mixing some old and some new... it's how many of us "non designers" would like to furnish our own homes - - which I think is part of Matt's appeal as a designer. His rooms just look COMFORTABLE... you really could move right into them. They're (normally) finished and look really rich. However I do think that Matt is more comfortable doing UPSCALE designs where "the sky's the limit" as far as budgets go. When this show is over, I hope he keeps in mind this last episode when he was able to modernize some shabby chic items and update them creating a very classy and stylish room.

posted on April 10, 2007 at 9:58 AM

bb wrote:

Adrea wasn't all that wonderful to me. She kept commenting that she hoped the other two would mess up instead of just trying to blow them away by designing a superior room. I found that to be quite unattractive. Another point: who is in charge, Andrea or Carl? I found his attitude toward her to be very disrespectful. I don't blame Clarissa for becoming frustrated with him. I would go to the producers and see about getting another carpenter.

posted on April 11, 2007 at 8:12 PM

Melissa Slater wrote:

Margaret-
How could you say a room (Carissa's) which had obvious inspiration from a Noguchi coffee table and Eero Saarinsen's Womb chair was "not expensive"!! Does MidCentury Modern not count with Elle Decor? If not - I'll be happy to continue to buy Modernism, Metropolitan Home and Atomic Ranch and leave Elle Decor sitting on the stands at the Barnes and Noble (since I didn't renew my previous 3 year subscription). Please take into account that their are many different taste demographics that are purchasing the "upscale" design magazines these days...

-Melissa

posted on April 11, 2007 at 10:06 PM

Barbara George wrote:

What a disappointment - If you were judging the final top design - then you would have had to go with Carisa- More complete and - Matt's kitchen was incomplete - dark and dreary - Entry and pics were wonderful but....neither one seemed to really hit the mark. Andrea would have probably nailed this one with the budget and time that she had. ....I do hope I missed something on tv - would have liked more time actually showing the rooms than all the messes.

posted on April 13, 2007 at 7:34 AM

ChildrenFurnitureTwo wrote:

Hello,

Just wanting to say great work!

posted on January 24, 2008 at 4:58 PM

ChildrenFurnitureThree wrote:

Hello,


Another great post…thank you for your continued contributions. I totally agree with your approach and conclusion.

posted on January 25, 2008 at 3:29 PM