LK wrote:

Andrea nails the task perfectly.
The stone was a wonderful touch.
Best work we've seen yet.

Matt had a great feel going, but just not quite there for me.

Goil needs some serious mentoring and he'll be fantastic. Still his room was light an fun and I could easily see it in a sort of hip Thai place.

Toss up between the bottom two. Both rooms very empty. Don't like BENCH seating, no matter how you slice it. Nobody wants to be in the middle, the ladies don't like scooting in and messing up their dresses or skirts, its just a pain.

Michael finally goes because he hasn't nailed a room yet, and only lasts this long because of his hiding in the team challenges.

Good episode.

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:50 PM

Glenn wrote:

Here's an idea for a challenge for top design, I think you need to do a home theater design challenge, of course with twist. As we all know, many of us don't own a home and have or choose to rent a place, make this home theater stylish and portable....yes portable. Form must follow function, it needs to look cool but be easy to assemble and disassemble, durable and well built. I work in the a/v industry...see if you can guess what I'm looking for...I dare you

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:16 AM

jen wrote:

Andrea did a wonderful job. I don't think she couldn't made it work much better for Chef Tom if she had known who her client was.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 3:04 AM

Connie wrote:

This weeks winner was an awesome choice! Her room was beautiful.
Also, What is this weeks online challenge?

posted on March 22, 2007 at 3:15 AM

marcia wrote:

Okay Bravo, You have forced me to my second blog. This one was obviously rigged. Carissa, give me a break. What was even functional about this room?
So here's the deal. I won't watch Top Chef anymore, I won't watch Project Runway any more.
The idea of the Real Housewives of Orange County makes me nauseas. Work Out is ridiculous.
And now you have eliminated Top Design. And I can tell you I don't give a sontime about hair dressing, so I will never watch Shear whatever.
A word of advice to Todd Oldham.:Run like hell from this disaster.
If Andrea or Goil doesn' t win this, then we know the truth.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 6:19 AM

juni wrote:

I thought Matt's room was the most glamorous and creative. His use of color created a happy atmosphere, instead of the staid, neutral colors of Andrea's room.

I didn't like Andrea's choice of chair. Pure white around food is not practical. The chairs also dominated the room and were too much like you would see in a commercial showroom for the masses.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 10:21 AM

Jennifer wrote:

Hi Todd,
I totally agree with the choices made on the last show...as far as who won and who went home! One thing I just don't understand is Goil and Michael's use of mis-matched chairs at the table. Now...I am no professional designer nor an artist but I hate that look. It just in no way, shape, or form works for me. Is that a new style? I would like to see one instance in which something like that worked somewhere........I understand mixing and matching ..........just never thought it would be used on something like a chef's table!

posted on March 22, 2007 at 10:30 AM

babs wrote:

Finally, the person who deserved to be eliminated actually was eliminated.

The closing credits mention that the winners and losers are determined only PARTLY by the judges we see on the show. Producers, and heven knows who else, also participate in the winner/loser selections.

WE BE ABLE TO SEE/HEAR WHAT THESE OTHER PEOPLE SAY AND DO TO DETERMINE THE SHOW RESULTS.

How about broadcasting the deliberations of EVERYONE involved in the winner/loser decisions.

Just knowing that you have this backstage action reminds me of Drew Carey's protests on Last Comic Standing. He thought the judges had more influence than they actually did.

Who has the power on YOUR show?

posted on March 22, 2007 at 11:37 AM

MarloW wrote:

OK, OK...I've got to give some positive praise....I've been harsh over the past episodes pointing out that this show was about the judges and not the contestests. "Bravo" to Bravo for editing the last two episodes to be more about design (and for the better challenge assignments). Also, "Bravo" to the judges for offering clarity in their discussions and allowing us peons to get a glimpse into the minds of the artistic. "Bravo" to Jonathon for the increased effort in moderating the "white room" and offering his comments on the design, colors and styling of the projects. And, Bravo that we actually get to see Todd on the show...finally meat instead of snacks.
Now on to the contestents.

Matt. Clearly a forerunner. He just gets it.
Andrea. Don't discount her, she's got it in her, just needs to find her groove in the maze of Top Design.
Goil. I would hire him...for any job. Design job or other. He's just fun to watch. He's fresh and and looks at everything from a perspective that no one knew existed. (Who knew rooms should be activated?) The challenge with him is to see if his confidence will win over his uncertainty.
Carisa. I might hire her based on her portfolio and breadth of work, but I would have to fire her once the work begun. I get that the artistic believe they have rights on the eccentric and cranky, but one roll of the eyes at me and it's all over...plus I don't even like orange.

As for Michael. I can't believe he made it past the "Home Sweet Home" pillow from the death room. Give him ten years in the trenches and then bring him back.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:05 PM

MarloW wrote:

P.S. Loved seeing Chef Tom. Made me realize how much I miss him. He's even good judging a room...You know...Everyone should have access to a Chef Tom in their life.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 12:06 PM

Southern Gurl wrote:

All I can say is Andrea's room was WOW...just WOW.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 1:40 PM

Mommy C wrote:

I liked the decision last night. I have always said that Micheal has either skated in by being on a great team or being just better then the worst room. I am getting pretty tired of Clarissa's "it's everyone else's fault but mine" routine. Last night I wanted to smack her. I think she or Goil is next. Poor Goil is falling apart a little more each week

posted on March 22, 2007 at 1:53 PM

cmiller wrote:

This challenge was the best. Each designer was clearly featured and fairly evaluated. Finally, Mikael, the designer of purple & banana quail -print, old folks bedroom, and queen of whining is gone. How he lasted this long is a mystery!!!!

posted on March 22, 2007 at 2:35 PM

sparky wrote:

I liked Michael. I know everyoine made fun of his little girl's room.. but I thought it was sweet, the little girl liked kt, and when I was 9 or 10, I would have liked it. At least he didn't put a granny afgan in it. I also love his flower arrangements. He is truly talented in this area. Also, the way he sizes up space in his head is definitely on the Goil level. I am shocked that the judges sent Michael packing over Carrisa. She annoys me so much!!

posted on March 22, 2007 at 3:42 PM

Bill wrote:

A couple weeks ago I wrote that I really didn't like the show (after the garage challenge). However, I think the last 2 episodes have been much better, and this challenge was the best so far.

Andrea's room was simply gorgeous and elegant. Who would not want to have that room in their house or restaurant?

I agree that it was Michael's time to go. He hadn't done anything to impress the judges to date and the other designers are showing way more in terms of talent, although Carissa and Goil's rooms were nothing special either.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 5:04 PM

Robin wrote:

Hi there.

Well, I really do love this show. So much that I went out to purchase paints and am painting my walls. Really appreciating working in space, and the endless possibilities and magic. Thank you! I have never ever been more inspired. (especially after seeing you work in your own store that day). In fact, I may consider another degree and go back to school for interior design. I work already as a fine artist, figurative painter. I hope this show stays on the air.
Andrea's work this week was brilliant!

I love Goil...His style is fun. However, I think he really could have incorporated his own style and fun while still adhering to the key words describing the chef's work and naturalism. You must listen to your client's needs and you still can have your own voice, stamp in your style that makes it yours.

I think Carissa gets lazy, the excuses are getting old. And of all the choices in fabric for seat covers, I don't understand why she chose what she did.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 6:51 PM

PW wrote:

Really great show, too bad you could not fire 2 people, Carissa is not anyone I would allow in my home just because she is very rude and whinny, will be glad to see her go. How does she think she is?

posted on March 23, 2007 at 10:55 AM

Jona wrote:

I really liked Matt's design - I will be extremely surprised if he does not end up the winner of the show. The leather floors were definitely something i have not seen before. I am surprised though why he had to make his own - I've checked out curiosity and the ready made ones exist and are for sale from such manufacturers as Ponte Vecchio and Interior Leather Surfaces. You can even buy them online from www.floorhub.com

I wander if they are not used more? Is it because they are tacky? expensive? easily damaged?

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:06 AM

D Gilmore wrote:

Hello Todd,
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo! Finally we get to see some great design work. Matt's room was fantastic. I would have loved to enjoy a meal at his Chef's table. It was exotic and sexy. The scale was perfect as well as the mixture of textures. What a floor! Matt truly is a professional to watch. Andrea was a winner. WOW...her room took my breath away. Just as one of the judges commented...there was so much to take in. And her use of textures, variations in scale, the light to dark was perfect. I feel Goil was successful with the different chairs...that was interesting. Where as Michael's room was missing depth. Goil is another great designer to watch for the future. But we continue to live on the edge, knowing there is greatness in this designer somewhere. He needs to bring it on and show us what he can do with a design project. Since Andrea teaches resturant design, she had a leg up on this one. Her experience came through. It will be interesting to see how well she can come out of her element. Matt has been consistently right on target on each project. He shows flexibility and thought to his designs. Carisa.....please help her and save us! Where did she think a 10K table was the extent of the design? She has a lot of growing to do, professionally and interpersonally. I am amazed we have to listen to another week of her moans and groans and whinning. Over all....a good show this week.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:11 AM

Irma wrote:

Hi Todd,

Your blog has improved in content. I am curious to know whether Andrea's winning design will be used in Tom C's new restaurant... Otherwise, what was the point?

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:42 AM

Lizz wrote:

Wonderful show...spot on. Too bad that Goil is having a meltdown right before our eyes. I am dissapointed that he is unable to withstand the pressure. Wait until he meets and greets real clients on his own. He thinks his fellow designers are difficult?? Too bad, I really like his work, but he is starting to worry me. Carissa is always to quick to blame her workers. She treats them like dirt, shame on her. I think the carpenters should have thier say in a segment, I would really like to hear what they have to say about the designers. Matt, Andrea, and Goil in that order for me!!!

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:52 AM

Irena wrote:

Todd, I adore you, but your blog says only niceness about each designer. If you would be their counselor or therapist it would be great positive approach on your part, but I would like to hear your voice what is good or bad in their designs. Please, be a little more open and a little bit less nice and surprise us with your broad knowledge and things we don't know. I was surprised that Matt decided to do the leather floor by himself(instead of delegating it) while Carissa was giving any possible job to other people (then she would blame them, of course, but that is Carissa). Matt was a winner to me in tnis challenge. Everybody's favorite Andrea's room was too cold for me, too formal and her big white chairs dominate. The side table was a great idea, though. I would spend hours in Matt's room enjoying food, wine, laugh, nice company...everything was in harmony: bright walls, vases, tableware. In Andrea's room I would eat and leave. Goil's design was not my favorite this time, but he is an amazing designer, so innovative. His personality is so charming. Carissa's choice of her own clothes scares me. Can you really be a great designer and totally don't understand what you should and what you shouldn't wear? I am looking at Kelly. Of course, I believe that her design is amazing, because her taste is outstanding. Thanks for Michael's departure. I wish it would be either Matt or Goil. Thanks for reading my thoughts.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 1:33 PM

Lori Hamamoto wrote:

Can anyone tell where Andrea found those great white dining chairs?? I just loved them!

posted on March 23, 2007 at 2:11 PM

teresa wrote:

andrea had a great room, but so did matt- i think that it was a hard choice, but i think that andrea won for all her use of nature and natural and of course becuase she was able to proide open space for extra "napkins" and such- she did have a great classy room... just wanted to say that i liked matts room very much and had a hard time choosing between the two..........
now for clarisa--> what the hecks going on with her? she should have been off shows ago.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 6:03 PM

teresa wrote:

andrea had a great room, but so did matt- i think that it was a hard choice, but i think that andrea won for all her use of nature and natural and of course becuase she was able to proide open space for extra "napkins" and such- she did have a great classy room... just wanted to say that i liked matts room very much and had a hard time choosing between the two..........
now for clarisa--> what the hecks going on with her? she should have been off shows ago.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 6:07 PM

teresa wrote:

clarisa has consistantly moaned and groaned her way onto my last nerve. she should have been kicked off on the beach show- just for her back-stabbing moaning and groaning. but for her to win the college (?) room - garage sale challage was a joke..how do you win a room challage when your client speciffically asked for storage and you provide NOT ONE!!!!!!!???
and how do you not get kicked off when you make such an UGLY chef's room and DON"T even provide silver wear... i guess the chef was serving fried chicken legs and watermelon as a contsant offering since there was nothing provided to eat with so one muct assume that ones fingers are the next opition.... REALLY how does she get away with not providing the most basic of needs in her rooms. BOOT HER OFF>>>>>>>>

posted on March 23, 2007 at 6:17 PM

LK wrote:

Goil.

Can't wait to see him next week.

I would hire him in a minute, but certainly would not let him play without adult supervision.

posted on March 23, 2007 at 7:15 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Todd, you were so gracious to Michael upon his departure and it was genuine. I could not help but wanting to take him aside and ask him how much longer he plans to sidetrack his career by his disrespect for people who have proven themselves in the industry and how lucky he was to be privy to the amazing amount of information they could bestow on him. Very few new designers have such an opportunity and many years from now he may realize how precious their words could have been to him.

I have to say how much I enjoy your very comfortable and unintimidating style. You infuse the designers with encouragement, but you also don't make them anxious or create stress in them as they work. You remind me of my favorite instructor in graphic design school who celebrated those elements in us he felt were true to our personal style, he also gave us the commercial polish we needed to really make a difference professionally. Thanks on behalf of every former student who was lucky to have such a teacher!

posted on March 23, 2007 at 11:38 PM

Diane wrote:

What I like about this particular show is that we have seen a lilttle less personal drama and more "drama" involving the challenge. I don't mind watching contestants struggle to make their project work. Not even Carissa annoys me because I get to see how she works vs how someone like Matt or Andrea work. If I want to hire a decorator, I know who I would use and why. I'd like to partner Matt's and Eric's creativity with Andrea's self confidence.

I loved the challenge from the other day. I said this on Tom's blog and I'll say it here. I'm surprised that no one else figured out who the obvious mystery chef was. This is Bravo - really- who else would it be but Chef Tom. I figured out that mystery right away. He was an excellent judge and just as tough as I expected him to be. I'd love to see more of these types of challenges for Top Design 2. Thanks to everyone for adding some human dignity to this show. I have been enjoying it.

posted on March 24, 2007 at 2:02 PM

hildymarie1 wrote:

This is the first time that I totally agree with the judges. Andrea did an awesome job -- it was stunning. Matt also just pulled out all the punches. They really took this task very seriously. ANd it showed!!!

Michael and Goil just threw things together believing that it was fashionable. They both failed.

Carisa just makes excuses and demonstrates that she can't even work with the carpenter she hand selected. She is difficult to say the least. I do hope that she looks bad at this experience with an open mind. She needs to watch and re-watch every single episode. If she realizes that she has the talent -- but not the personality required to success -- she may catch her errors early in her career. If she desn't -- she will become another statistic.

I look forward to Andrea and Matt being in the finals.

posted on March 24, 2007 at 4:21 PM

Walter wrote:

Michael surprised me a lot. Throughout most of the show he seemed like a real jerk. But in losing I think he displayed his best side. He had a lot of class. He was gracious to the judges and to his fellow designers. His decision to not answer the question his criticizing his competitors demonstrated real principle. I wish him well.

posted on March 24, 2007 at 10:16 PM

kbf wrote:

I too love this show and particularly your presence on it. It's nice to have a person like you there -- sort of a mix of Tim G. and Tom C. -- who advises and advocates for the contestants and gives us a personal touch.

You should be part of the judging -- that part of the show is lacking. Jonathan A. is kind of vague and wobbly and the two women are like vipers -- I cannot even tell them apart. The judging needs more personality and real critical analysis -- we're not getting that.

I do wish you'd say more about what's happened behind the scenes of an episode or at least be a bit more opinionated in your blog to give us a little more scope on the show. I agree with another poster that your extened plug for Amy Sedaris was inappropriate. Stick to the show!

In terms of the real contest -- I like Goil for sheer originality and Andrea and Matt are both great on producing a stunning room but what's new about that? For a few weeks I was a real Carissa fan mostly because I got the impression her lack of a "beautiful people" look was what was underneath her schism from the group but I'm now thinking she is more of a whiner and blame-giver than I thought. Michael was ridiculous both in his rooms and his grating personality -- good to see him finally get the boot.

posted on March 25, 2007 at 7:50 AM

Connie wrote:

I've already commented on this past show. It was truly the best one yet. Looks like just about everyone is in agreement on that! Too cool.
I've sent email to the webmaster and a couple of blog post about this weeks online challenge (posts aren't posting) and email wasn't answered.
Can anyone tell me how to get my submission submitted for the challenge? I worked really hard on it and I've only got a couple hours left to get it included.
Thanks in Advance!
Connie

posted on March 26, 2007 at 12:49 PM

VickiM wrote:

I loved Andrea's room and thought Matt also nailed what the challenge was all about.
Michael is young and needs more experience. His remark that he is only 23 and got this far was a good comment on his time on the show.
I used to work with a personality like Carisa's and it is totally exhausting and counterproductive to group projects. No single designer can do everything in a room, projects will always be group projects.
Carisa is all about HER drama and needs to remember that she is not the only one on the job. When working with others she needs to be able to clearly lay out her plans and timetable and then be sure she as well as her carpenter follows it. Learn to trust the people you work with and let them do their jobs.

posted on March 26, 2007 at 4:42 PM

Devon Pavlovits wrote:

WHERE are ANDREA'S DINING CHAIRS from?! I MUST HAVE THEM! How do I find out?! I wish there was a list each week under each room telling us where each item was from! PLEASE someone tell me where those chairs are from!

posted on March 26, 2007 at 8:53 PM

PW wrote:

Great show, beautiful work.

Glad Michael is gone now get rid of Carissa. She seems to be of the opinion that if your artistic you must have a nasty attitude. She has no class about her and he work does not shine as they others have. She really need to get over her self

posted on March 27, 2007 at 1:48 PM

Mario wrote:

Last week's challenge great. Matt's room was good but Andrea nailed it in color, style and it particularly functional by including the side tables for the plates, glasses and other supplies. I'm a Top Chef fan and it was nice to see Chef Tom participating. And may I say that I'm also now the biggest Todd Oldham fan? What a sweet personality, sexy voice and hot to look at. If you're ever in Philadelphia, look me up! :)

posted on March 28, 2007 at 9:56 AM

rachelle wrote:

Goil, stay focused, your amazing....i hope you end up winning this...
Carisa, why arn't you off the show...you present yourself in such a bad way...
to all the other contestants...great job...

posted on March 28, 2007 at 3:39 PM

Devin wrote:

Letting Goil go,,, I cant believe it,, Goil you were robed.. really... but at the end of the day,,, you know you have it,, enjoy going to the next level,, you dont need a show to tell you youre great...

posted on March 28, 2007 at 11:03 PM