March 29, 2007
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Let me say that I have tremendous respect for all the people involved in “Top Design”. All of the judges are friends or colleagues and they are all talented, consummate professionals, all tremendously respected in their fields. And how brave are the contestants for putting themselves in the line of fire where they had to conceptualize, design and execute room settings in the blink of an eye? That’s a daunting challenge for a seasoned pro let alone a novice.
I’ve produced, styled and art directed interior design stories for magazines and books for more years than I can remember and I know that a still photograph of a room can be easily achieved with smoke and mirrors. A still photograph portrays and isolates a moment that may not be truly representative of an overall project. A moving camera is more brutal – it can’t deceive in the same way so all of the spaces needed to be able to stand the scrutiny of a camera peering into drawers and under beds. Talk about pressure!
When I arrived on the set all I knew was that the contest was down to the wire. I would be meeting the final 4 contestants, the ones who had made it through the other grueling episodes. These were the stars whether they made it to the final episode or not. I knew that people at home would be rooting for their favorites and that they would be household names at this point.
For Linda O'Keeffe's bio, click here.
Comments
Kathy Napierala wrote:
Linda,
I've been a Met Home subscriber for over 20 years; it's a great magazine. Your comments really illuminate the concerns and responsibilities of a guest judge - thanks!
posted on March 29, 2007 at 2:09 PM
LK wrote:
I enjoyed your musing here.
I disagree with your choice as Matt for winner - and we were told it was YOUR choice. Clearly you chose someone who would be 'safe' for your magazine, perhaps not the best hotel room designer of the show.
If C's slats are a nightmare for housekeeping, what is Matts room? Fingerprints, the slightest bit of dirt, food/beverage stains, body fluids, etc its a disaster.
But the reality, of having an established reputable magazine or sponsor putting their reputation on the line, is that the "winner" is perhaps not the best or most creative, but the safest to do a spread with.
And those little words at the end of these shows, about the producers having a say in the outcome, should be taken serioulsy and serve as a reminder of what we are watching: Its entertainment folks, and the words "top" or "best" or "winner" are not to be taken too seriously.
posted on March 29, 2007 at 6:30 PM
katie wrote:
As a fan when you watch a reality television show you wonder how accurate and real it is. Has it been edited, or have certain standards been lowered to make it popular for the masses? I'm happy to hear that the judges on Top Design have extremely high standards for the contestants and uphold them. I love the show and this makes me love it even more.
posted on March 29, 2007 at 8:17 PM
juni wrote:
Well expressed commentary on the seriousness of your role as a judge. It is interesting that the element of luxury was lacking in three of the rooms, at least--with Matt's being closest to the concept of visual luxe.
posted on March 30, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Dawn wrote:
I would really love to know the name and brand of the paint that Matt used in his Water room. It's positively dreamy.
Dawn
EDITOR'S NOTE: "WHITE SMOKE" BY PRATT & LAMBERT. READ THE DISH STORY HERE TO LEARN MORE.
http://www.bravotv.com/blog/thedish/2007/03/matts_blue_wall.php
posted on March 30, 2007 at 4:46 PM
corey pulice wrote:
Linda, you have a very strong presence and authority. I am enjoying the show so far, but there have been quite a few disappointing moments and unecessary drama. I am so over the staging, the looks, the music, the pauses. Oh gawd.
But you brought something very real. I don't know that much about design, but I do know that you brought a seriousness and expertise to the show I really wasn't feeling before. And you seem so cool!
I do love your magazine and read it regularly for inspiration. There is nothing else quite like it. It was great to see the person behind the logo!
Claire
posted on March 31, 2007 at 12:12 PM
corey pulice wrote:
Linda, you have a very strong presence and authority. I am enjoying the show so far, but there have been quite a few disappointing moments and unecessary drama. I am so over the staging, the looks, the music, the pauses. Oh gawd.
But you brought something very real. I don't know that much about design, but I do know that you brought a seriousness and expertise to the show I really wasn't feeling before. And you seem so cool!
I do love your magazine and read it regularly for inspiration. There is nothing else quite like it. It was great to see the person behind the logo!
Claire
posted on March 31, 2007 at 12:13 PM
FanFare wrote:
I found your comments on air to be the most pertinent to the challenge. In addition, you were the most sympathetic guest judge intereacting with the designtestants. For example, when you told Goil that you appreciated what you thought he was trying to accomplish was a very kind preamble to the important question that followed. You asked if Goil thought his room was luxurious... Unfortunately, he didn't get it.
Thanks for your professional participation!
posted on March 31, 2007 at 3:12 PM
gabby wrote:
linda,
it was great to see you on the top design. hopefully you remember us from high falls. jimmy and gabby. it was great to see our old neighbor again. yoiur very talented in the work that you that do. i had no idea.
posted on April 7, 2007 at 5:15 PM
Amy Hill wrote:
Do you know the color of Matt's bathroom I think it was Aubergine? I want that color for my bedroom. Thank you so much!
posted on April 19, 2007 at 5:21 PM