j.p. wrote:

Okay....so why don't the judges just go ahead and give Matt the freakin' grande prize. I think it's MORE THAN CLEAR that he's going to be the winner since the entire show I get stuck listening to PRAISE FOR MATT!!!!! Why don't we just call it the Matt show and be done with it? It really makes for a boring show, guys....sorry! But true! "Matt, you're so wonderful!" "This room is great, you MUST have been the lead designer in it!" "Everything we have seen from you thus far has just been perfect!" *gag me* Just so you realize, the other desingers (ESPECIALLY the one you sent home tonight) are JUST AS GOOD AS MATT!!!!!! If Matt wins, I'm sure I will NOT be watching the next season of this show (if it even gets a second season). Because the judging is BIASED!!!!!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 12:17 AM

Joycelynn wrote:

Thank for the information about Amy's book. I have been very much a Project Runway fan, it was not a big strech to add Top Chef as another favorite. I was delighted when Bravo started Top Design. Tonight's episode was a winner. You have definitely joined the ranks of my favorite mentors (I know, Tom C. is a judge, but he is more than just judge)... TIM, TOM & TODD.

I enjoy your warm supportive manner with the designers.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 1:53 AM

karleen wrote:

LOVE LOVE Amy Sedaris she is a comic genius. Im so jealous that she gets to hang out with colbert. Her book looks hysterical except Im a vegan and cant stand to see any dead animal meals. I love top design especially Todd O . I hope Carissa or Goil win.
KarlyQ

posted on March 15, 2007 at 5:46 AM

KARLEEN COHEN wrote:

Artistic RYAN was my favorite designer. I was upset they took him off, but i wasnt surprised since the judges seem up tight except maybe Kelly. I thought the viewers and the show were unfair to Carisa. I thought micheal and matt were rude to Carisa. Carisa is such a better designer then the two little odd boys- grow-up YUK !
Goil is my second favorite designer and then Carisa. I did think the viewers were blind when they voted Carisa as the mayor of excusess. She kept working and had to get her point across with the two little boys unlike Goil who cried and had to hug up with M att and Micheal. KarlyQ

posted on March 15, 2007 at 6:08 AM

FanFare wrote:

Uh, Todd,
What are you talking about? This is the first (& last) time that I am reading your blog. You page 1 started out to be your opinion of the challenge at hand. Unfortunately, you veered off into a plug for a good friend's book. Who cares? IF you want to give a reference that you feel is relevant to a particular episode, at least keep it brief!

posted on March 15, 2007 at 8:57 AM

juni wrote:

I would much rather read more commentary on the designs than a lengthy pitch for Sedaris' book. Did you get a kickback for this?

I don't understand why you chose to make such scanty remarks about the Goil/Andrea/Erik team and really nothing about the Matt/Clarissa/Mike team. Yet you are forcefully pitching a book that has nothing to do with design.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 10:04 AM

Stacey wrote:

Last night's show was a bit odd. I don't know, it seems to me that the judges kick off the wrong people, with the exception of the artist guy who seemed to have a serious dislike for interior design. (Ryan, was it? Seriously, what are you doing there if you don't have a respect for the profession.)

I honestly feel like there's this measured attack on the older contestants, while the young, immature ones (Michael?, Carisa, Goil to some extent) get to remain on. I'm not saying they aren't good int. designers but I am blown away by kicking off the girl who had impeccable taste for on bad decision with an afghan while keeping Michael on. That kid is an overly dramatic brat who seems to be hellbent on making the worst out of what he feels are group leader's decisions. Don't like purple but are told to get purple fabric? Fine, but get a suitable shade.

And yes, people seem to be ganging up on Carisa unfairly. Not that she hasn't made some interesting decisions about how to spend her time and I don't think she has the best approach for getting her voice heard. Still, she's been working, she's had some great designs, and she seems to want to work as a team but when members are equal, not let two guys run the show and you just fall into place.

Matt? Yeah, it does seem like he's the favorite and well, whatever. His rooms always look finished. But so very, very safe. They are the type of rooms that anyone off the street might be able to have in their own house and it not look out of place. Is that what the show is going for? The every day, every person's designer?

If Goil can pull himself together, he should have a good shot at this. Still, I think some of the better designers, Erik included, are gone and that it's being set up to be the Matt & Michael show.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 1:08 PM

Tammy wrote:

I think Michael treated Carisa like crap. Every time she tried to input some of her ideas into the project he ran his mouth that he didn't like it or whatever. They didn't work together because Michael is a big sissy boy throwing a fit.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 1:26 PM

Doug wrote:

Why oh why oh why is Michael still in this? His choices have been wrong wrong wrong at every stage of the game: The "I don't paint" room, the "Assisted Living Facility" room, the "Grape and Banana" room, the Grape Drapes, and now this episode where he is flat-out mocking and deriding Carissa at every turn, then gets a poopy face when she questions his choice of GO-GO DANCERS IN GOLD LAME. The boy has no taste, no class, and certainly no justification for his attitude. I'd never hire him. Ever.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 1:40 PM

trixie wrote:

Todd--I like you because you like Amy and vice versa. You both have a sensibility that is open and offbeat and has a sense of humor -- well, Amy Sedaris is actually wickedly funny. Why isn't she a guest judge?

posted on March 15, 2007 at 3:03 PM

Wendy wrote:

I can't believe that Carissa is still on the show! Do the judges get to watch any of the film footage before making their decision? or do they just judge based on the actual final project?

I was cheering for Michael when he stood up to Carissa. She has been bullying him for weeks. Go Michael!

I like Todd a lot. He is very calm and gives them all helpful ideas and suggestions. I'm very impressed with him.

I love the show and if I can't stay up that late, I tape it for the next day.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 3:33 PM

Robin wrote:

Hi there. Your show is so inspiring to me. As a fellow artist and designer. I used to work in SoHo...and I will never forget seeing you inside your store... You were closed, and had papers up over the window. I sneaked a peak inside between two sheets of paper...you were there, hammering away at making some shelves. It was neat to see you just doing your thing, creating your space. It made me feel so wonderful and I took that image and memory home with me from that day forward.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 4:46 PM

MTO wrote:

Clarissa is a whiny, snotty brat - Mike is actually behaving more maturely than she does. It's like witnessing puberty - eye rolling, blaming, whining, finger pointing - ick. Ryan's an actual artist, which seemed to threaten the "judges." Erik was very articulate, great vocab, diction, poise and taste. Matt's "look" is urban hotel room. Goil's a genius and he's trying to be a team player, unlike Clarissa. I think they keep her to generate friction. If it goes to Season 2, ditch Jonathan Adler, please. I only tuned in for Todd Oldham, Thom Filicia should replace Adler...

posted on March 15, 2007 at 7:22 PM

heather wrote:

Todd should have plugged Amy's book!!! Todd, Amy, Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello deserve mainstream attention. They are entertainers who can critically think, are very creative and are f'ing hilarious... Can you really say that about others in "the biz". Oprah basically does infomercials. Anyone up in arms about that???

I own the book Todd's referring to and it deserves it's own blog for crissake!

sincerely,
loving amy & todd

posted on March 15, 2007 at 7:52 PM

jimmy wrote:

LOL... I echo the sentiments of the posters who feel you veered off a little to pitch Sedaris. But thanks for the nice words for Goil. Matt is a force to be reckoned with, but Goil is still in there.

posted on March 15, 2007 at 10:47 PM

D Gilmore wrote:

I have great hopes for the next season of Top Design. The key word appears to be "Design", not Designer. This week's team challenge was quite interesting and the work completed by Carisa, Michael and Ryan was an eye catching and functional design for a party. Yet I feel the intention of this program was to choose a non professional or individual with the least experience in interior design. The most experienced Designers have been voted off, with the exception of Matt. Gone are Elizabeth, Felicia, Erik, Lisa, & John. So, who do we have left? Carisa, with a severe ego that gets into the way of working with others. She may have potential but is too immature as well as Michael who is also very insecure and too much in love with his own design thought processes. Both Michael & Carisa devalue all around them. Left also, is Goil, a talented architect & designer, who for some reason in this last episode, seemed to have been ignored by Andrea & Ryan. Although Elizabeth lead the cabanna design she goes after her team looses due to color and Andrea stays for loosing. ???????? Erik goes for working Michael stays for not working....or effectively whinning his way through the program. All in all it is of great comfort to know Matt is still on the design challenge. His stability, maturity, focus and talent are a blessing at this point. Next time, please choose mature, creative interior design professionals that have been exposed to working different types of design work, who can critique & appreciate their own work and their peers without malice. Take care.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 12:09 AM

Walter wrote:

So Michael chooses a calle lilly for a party. And I always thought they were for wakes. His flower choice was as dreadful as his designs. And he remains while seven others have been eliminated. (It couldn't be the producers like Michael, could it. Of course not.)

If Kelly Wearstle had not fallen for Ryan's pseudo artist shtick and protected him when he deserved to go, Elizabeth would probably be one of the remaining designers. But Kelly chose to get rid of an attractive woman (hmm, I wonder why). I would have loved to see Elizabeth compete against the remaining designers (minus Michael). She would give any of them a run for their money.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 4:26 AM

wendy wrote:

This show is the worst spin-off of a great show (Top Chef) that has ever been made. Andrea, Matt, and Goil are the only one's who have any sort of sense about design. Carissa is the bitchiest no talent person! I wouldn't let her pick out my toilet paper! Michael, although great for TV, has no clue. You might as well have picked pre-schoolers to be on this show. What does it take to make a reality show nowadays. Although I hate the show I guess you did something right bc I hate it so much that I do watch the reruns, but only after a bad Sci-Fi movie!!

posted on March 16, 2007 at 9:13 AM

MariAnne wrote:

Love, love, love the Amy Sedaris book!!! I read it during a less than thrilling visit to the inlaws over Christmas and didn't remember that you were involved! Although it is informative, you failed to mention that it is also hilarious! I love all of her brother David's books and can't wait for her to produce another fabulous book. Maybe with her funky upbringing it will be on "Dysfuntional" interior design.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 12:29 PM

jewelee wrote:

Can't wait to get away from the team building crap. The adult to kiddie bedroom was individual but with impractical twist. The cabana and garage were disasters. Bring us something TOP DESIGNER worthy -- no more crap.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 3:12 PM

Leila wrote:

I just found out how rehearsed the show is. Erik has a job deal already lined up with Bravo.... Andrea Keller was the featured winner of Designers Challenge on HGTV and is slated to win Top Design. I can't believe that Bravo would have viewers suffer through those DREADFUL judges and their "I'm better than everyone in the world" attitudes for an entire season; while it is clear the only reason they are on the show is because they know the right people. What Bravo attempts to accomplish with the designers in an hour is IMPOSSIBLE; I'd like to see those snotty nosed judges design ANYTHING in the time they give the people who actually do the work (without their precious assistants). Give the trophy to Andrea and STOP pulling the chains of your viewers. I mean, how phony can you be?

posted on March 16, 2007 at 4:12 PM

Michael Young wrote:

I just wanted to say that I LOVE GOIL! I think he is extremely talented, inventive, focused, sweet and unique. He actually made me cry last night when he got upset and teared up while the judges were in discussion. Then I saw the promo for next week and I see Goil upset at the floor he was putting in. I got even more upset. So upset, I even said a prayer for him as I went to bed. I know...its silly. I don't know him. I would love to meet him one day and give him a hug and tell him it will be okay. He is probably going to win the contest anyway...and if not, his professional standing has taken many leaps forward. If you could pass my email address to Goil, I would love to make contact with him. Thanks. - Michael Young (New Jersey)

posted on March 16, 2007 at 6:09 PM

patrick wrote:

I am an event designer, and after having watched the Bacardi show, I wanted to add my two cents... BOTH tents had pros and cons..... the standing "chandeliers" in Erik's, Goil's and Andrea's tent were a very good visual, and with a little more punch, they would have been perfect. the flowers OY!.. actually in both tents, the flowers were dismal. Goil's hanging lemons were GREAT.. they should have been hung fronm the ceiling of the tent as well. Carissa, MIchael (ICK!!!!) and Matt's tent deserved to be the Top Design. Strong clean lines, bold visuals and shapes.... I would have forgone the bouncer and went with the GO GO dancers. I have used GO GO Dancers in several parties. ALWAYS a big hit with the guests. THey would have added a great sense of movement and energy against an other wise static background. One good use for the Doc Hollywood would have been to bounce Michael right off the show. Yes, Carissa is whiny, but she does have a much better eye than Michael. He has the WORST color sense I have ever seen. The judges have called his color selections "depressing" and I have to agree. and if he had spoke to me the way he spoke to Carissa, he'd be pulling a shapened paint stir stick outta his forehead.

posted on March 16, 2007 at 10:34 PM

jimmy wrote:

Leila,

I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but I can assure you that Andrea was not the winner on that HGTV challenge. I saw it a few weeks ago--she was not the winner. My money is on Goil--he looked completely at ease sitting next to Ms. Russell, like a real winner would.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 2:20 AM

cmiller wrote:

Please , no more group challenges! It is torture to see talented designers eliminated because of group dynamics and limited freedom of expression. I want to see beautiful designs and fresh ideas, not petty power struggles and thrown together projects. Also, I love that Todd and Jonathan let their personality shine, but the ladies are boring. Each judge should have a unique and clear perspective.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 10:28 AM

G Hoffman wrote:

I literally clapped to myself when Goil was not eliminated. I would have stopped watching if Goil was kicked off. I was soooooo hoping that Michael's team would lose just so they could give him the boot. I thought the judges picked the safe room, once again. I'm sure it was a tough decision, but the second I saw Matt's room I said "BORING." WHile I thought Goils room had light and texture.

PS--what's up with the extended pitch for Amy Sedaris book??? What kind of blog for Top Design is this? WHy wasn't Amy a guest judge instead? I love her, but it seemed kinda off topic...

posted on March 17, 2007 at 1:34 PM

LK wrote:

Another group challenge when what we really should be seeing is individual efforts. Yes while they will have to work with others in their careers - those others will likely be either superior or subordinate. The designers in this show are working to be the boss, not an equal partner.

Unfortunately another bad result from a group challenge is that the show becomes a popularity contest, a test of pushy personality vs quiet. Goil lost that battle, and probably has all his life. Simply not fair in life, but totally undeserving in a show that is supposed to be about individual concepts of interior design.

I hope the remaining challenges were set to allow personal success or failure, as was the very first. The team/group challenges are soo high school, and turn an interesting show into a run of the mill back stabbing, snitty little "he said she said" snit fit.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 2:08 PM

Melissa wrote:

I hated seeing Goil cry, I personally think he is the greatest interior designer I've ever seen. Also, I appreciate his personality, I think he would work really well with clients, (and probably already does) because he can make suggestions in a way that would be acceptable and respectable in the real world with real people. If he reads these blogs... Goil, you might have felt like Jan Brady in the last challenge but to me you'll always be "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha"!

posted on March 17, 2007 at 9:16 PM

SVAZZO wrote:

I think Goil is 1 of my favorites so far, and it was really a shame those chandelier pieces didnt go as he planned them. I think it would have made a world of difference. He has great vision and the fact the he is always concerned about the architecture while others disregard it, will take him very far!

posted on March 18, 2007 at 7:11 PM

Andye wrote:

I really have alot of respect for Goil and for Todd. I've watched Todd since House of Style(during my former MTV days). He really is an enjoyable person and so pleasant. That says alot.
Goil is gorgeous and talented! I have to admit that he is one of the reasons I watch the show. Seeing and hearing both of these guys is a real treat. They have so much to offer.

I was sad to see Goil cry on this episode as well. He was trying very hard to be cooperative and help out. If he had yelled or expressed himself I'm afraid they would have used it against him.
Glad he is still on the show. I really hope he wins.

posted on March 19, 2007 at 1:44 PM

kathy mcfarland wrote:

Howdie Todd! You won't remember, but I covered a few of your shows and went to some sample sales when you were starting out in Dallas. I worked for WWD. I live in CT now. Just wanted to say I love the show and love how kind and thoughtful you are to the designers. Do you style yourself or is there a show stylist--love your clothes. Do you ever get back to Big D and is your family working with you still? In LA? In TX? I remember you said you had lived in an Arab country while growing up for a time and wondered how that experience has served you, or has impacted your personal politics or world view? In the USA, we just don't bother to know enough about the Arab culture, language, etc. I'm personally focused on that now for some reason.... So, anyway, howdie! And break a leg! --Kathy McF.

posted on March 21, 2007 at 8:07 PM

Kathy wrote:

I was thrown by your plug for the book! Reading along about the show and then two pages on a book. Disappointed -- would have liked to have heard more on you opinion about the events on the show. Mentioning the book would have been okay, but two pages?????

posted on March 21, 2007 at 11:53 PM

shazam wrote:

Goil should win. Everyone else should make displays for West Elm.

posted on March 22, 2007 at 10:22 AM