Saturday, March 31, 2007

Preview Videos - Episode 9, Elle Decor Cover Inspiration


Click here for a lengthier Bravo preview video for the ninth episode of Top Design. You can click here for the always popular Yahoo Top Design preview. And click here to watch Top Carl as the designers discuss materials.

It's down to three; who will the final two be? Note: Poll has closed. Click here to see the results.


Who Will the Final 2 be on Bravo's Top Design?
Matt and Andrea
Andrea and Carisa
Carisa and Matt

Friday, March 30, 2007

From The Mailbox


Click here for an article about Top Design Carpenter Blair Toland. Wow, he's tall! (And so is Andrea!) Thanks, Aletta.

Here is a review of Bravo's Top Design from the Boston Globe.

Finally, we've been getting questions about the paint color that Matt Lorenz used in the 'Metropolitan Home Suites' challenge last Wednesday. 'The Dish' on the Bravo site reveals that the color is "White Smoke" and is available from Pratt and Lambert.


Thursday, March 29, 2007

Click Here for Yawnur's Take on Chef's Choice

Congratulations, Matt



Your rooms, as the judges say, are always chic and yet you never resort to a formula in creating form and function. This week you successfully blended luxury with relaxation in a suite that was a cool drink of imported water to sate a thirsty traveler's spirit. Your choices, from the paint color to the low wainscoting to the variety of surfaces, were perfection evoking your element. The colors could have looked cold but in your skillful hands the palate read both sophisticated and cozy - a difficult feat. Your win was well deserved; bravo, Matt!

Let's use this post to congratulate Matt; only positive words belong in the comments please.

Send Some BTD Love to Goil



You won the difficult first challenge and established yourself as a designer skilled in wit and innovation. Consistently you surprised the experienced judges with your touches of whimsy and your novel styling approaches. Your colors are always cheerful and your rooms were unmistakably your clever product. You aren't Jan Brady but you really are an adorable design Rock Star.

This post is only for positive comments about Goil.

Your Turn to be the Judge - Episode 8

We saw the rooms that the teams created and now it is your turn to weigh in on the results. This week you get to be Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, Margaret Russell and Linda O'Keeffe.

Click here to tell us who you think should have won the challenge. Click here to tell us who should have heard, "See you later, decorator."

Rooms shown at the left, from top to bottom, were created by Matt, Andrea, Carisa and Goil.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Reactions To Episode 8

Three designers are left and only two will move on to the finals! Post your reactions to Episode 8 here.

Episode 8 Party!

Let's see - so far, we've partied on the beach, in the garage, the kitchen and a tent. Tonight, we unveil our new swank party suite, "Chez BTD". We don't care what Carisa says, our suite is sweeter than her suite. Come on in and let us show you around...

BTD Live Play-By-Play: Episode 8

Is your TV on the fritz? Stuck in a hotel without Bravo? Never fear! You can follow all the drama right here as Tbone provides live play-by-play coverage of Top Design Episode 8: "Metropolitan Home Suites". Comments on this thread are for Tbone's posting only. If you have something to say about tonight's show, see the party room above!

Poll Results for Episode 7



Our poll results are in for Episode 7. In our 'Who Should Have Won' poll, you agreed with the judges and said that Andrea had the best room. In the 'Who Should Have Been Latered' poll, you felt that Carisa needed to go. You can click on each of the pictures to see how you voted.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

BTD Interview With Erik Kolacz

It's Erik with a "k" day on BTD! We are thrilled to check in with the birthday boy who was latered far too soon:

BTD: Erik, we were sorry and surprised to see you go. What did it feel like watching yourself on TV?

EK: I was sorry too. I should still be there. I think I was just a little too real for reality TV. I wasn’t going to cry, kick or scream my way thru the show, that’s just not me. In the end my drama was not enough. As far as watching! It was different watching myself at first. The picture of “me” in my mind was a little different than what I saw. It was all in good fun.

BTD: Those eyebrows of yours look like they could do some pretty interesting tricks. Tell us a little bit about your “magic eyebrows.”

EK: I have been working on these eyebrows for years. I’m not kidding. As far back as 7th grade I would sit in front of the mirror and practice. I’m getting ready for that point in my life when I’m real old and have a magic dancing unibrow!

BTD: How did you get interested in interior design?

EK: As a kid the only thing I ever wanted to do was build cities or houses. We had a small woods by our house growing up and every year we would rebuild our forts. Mine was the only one with skylights and a water feature. I also L-O-V-E legos. They are the perfect toy! I should be a spokesperson!

Click here to continue reading our interview with Erik Kolacz as we talk about Carisa, Goil, Tim Gunn and painted toes. Plus, pirate rooms on sale now!

Birthday Greetings From BTD

Monday, March 26, 2007

Speculation - Episode 8


We know the challenge and we've seen the previews; you're probably thinking, "What is there to speculate about?" You're probably also wondering why we're going to ask you to watch the Bravo preview (featured here) yet again. Our very own Phaolo noticed some clues and we want you to discuss. We're not giving you any spoilers (our policy is 'If Bravo doesn't consider something a spoiler then we feel the same way') but we're just trying to fuel some debate to make things a little more interesting. With that in mind, click here to see the images we are talking about.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Recapalooza!

Top Design definitely seems to be gaining steam as it heads towards the finish. Let's see what the recappers think:

Tom&Lorenzo are always a must-read...

Eric3000 wins the best title award this week: My Dinner With Andrea...

Kora is in fine form, and we love her compilation of Margaret observations...

Laz: "...for this episode, the part of Kelly Wearstler, normally played by Kelly Wearstler will be played by Sir Isaac Newton." HA!

Linda Merrill has done some spring cleaning on her site, it looks great!

The Grits to Glitz girls drool all over Tom Colicchio...

Still waiting on Moi, Elisa and FBLA. Thanks gang!

Friday, March 23, 2007

Preview Videos - Episode 8, Metropolitan Home Suites


Click here for the Bravo's preview video for Top Design's eighth installment. You can click here for Yahoo's Top Design preview. And click here the designers working through the elements of the challenge.

It's the final four. Discuss!

Click Here for Yawnur's Take on Life of the Party

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Congratulations, Andrea


You had the chops to create a perfect chef's table and this week you did not disappoint. Your room was composed of delicious layers and tasty textures that appeared to have cost a multiple of your budget. You listened to the client's desires and you perfectly synthesized palatably luxe surroundings in your typically calm, capable, collected fashion. Team BTD would love to dine at that table and toast you with a flute of Krug. Good show, Andrea!

Let's use this post to congratulate Andrea; only positive words belong in the comments please.

Send Some BTD Love to Michael


Twice you collaborated successfully and created a cabana and a party tent sure to encourage lingering and conversation. Your styling ran the gambit from sophisticated to kitschy and you proved that you had taste and range well beyond your years. Your retro references made us smile and we gratefully became your Minions. And, darn it, we're just aching for one of your therapeutic hugs.

This post is only for positive comments about Michael.

Your Turn to be the Judge - Episode 7

We saw the rooms that the teams created and now it is your turn to weigh in on the results. This week you get to be Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, Margaret Russell and Tom Colicchio.

Click here to tell us who you think should have won the challenge. Click here to tell us who should have heard, "See you later, decorator."

Rooms shown at the left, from top to bottom, were created by Andrea, Carisa, Goil, Matt and Michael.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Reactions to Episode 7

We are down to the Final 4! Post your reactions to Episode 7 here.

Episode 7 Party!

It's appropriate that tonight's episode is called "Chef's Choice" since everyone always ends up in the BTD kitchen whenever we throw a party. Not that we have any food or anything in here. We certainly like to talk about food!

Oh, and there is a new episode of Top Design as well. Maybe we'll talk about that, too. Feeling a little snarky tonight? Cme on in, the kitchen is open!

BTD Live Play-By-Play: Episode 7

Tbone is back once again to provide live play-by-play coverage of Top Design Episode 7: "Chef's Choice". Comments on this thread are for Tbone's use only, party guests and crashers are invited to the BTD kitchen for weekly party post above!

Poll Results for Episode 6


Our poll results are in for Episode 6 and you told us your opinions. In our 'Who Should Have Won' poll, you agreed with the judges and said that Matt should have won. In the 'Who Should Have Been Latered' poll, you felt that Carisa needed to go.

Wednesday Is BTD Party Day!

A reminder that tonight BTD will be hosting it's usual line-up as we watch a new Episode of Top Design: Tbone's play-by-play, the party room and our reactions thread. Come join the fun!

BTD Interview With Carpenter Cary Kirk


BTD: Hi Cary, Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Are you a full-time carpenter? How long have you been doing this? What interesting projects have you worked on?

Cary: I was born in Hollywood, California and I'm 55. I've been a finish carpenter for over 30 years. In that time I've worked for many in the Hollywood set: actors, directors and producers. Its always interesting to see the diverse styles of these clients.

BTD: How were you contacted about Top Design? Did you have to demonstrate any skills? Do carpenters keep portfolios?

Click here to continue.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Kelly Got Fugged


Those wacky and completely fabulous gals over at Go Fug Yourself have outed Kelly as being deserving of their attentions. Fuggers Heather and Jessica have declared Kelly the reason to watch the show. I can't help but wonder what Intern George thinks of Ms. Wearstler. (I'm sure that regardless of his opinion, some healing hug therapy will be offered.) Could there be a style smackdown in the future between the Fug Gals and Tim Gunn?

I'm just going to take this opportunity to confess that I, too, LOVE a swatch.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Preview Videos - Episode 7, Chef's Choice


Click here for the Bravo's preview video for Top Design's seventh installment. You can click here for Yahoo's Top Design preview. And click here to see some drama, shopping, obstacles and more drama.

Is anyone still with us? Anyone at all? Go ahead and talk amongst yourselves.

Recapalooza!

Sorry so late this week. The recap posse is in fine form:

Andrea Keller on the blogging community: "I love you, come hang out, let's go on adventures and save the world." From FBLA...

Some Carisa love from the Grits to Glitz girls. One of them, at least! And Moi, too? Even Tom and Lorenzo defended her last week. There seems to be a theme developing here...

Benny Hill and Oprah and Peewee Herman and Elton John all rolled into one recap from Eric3000....

kora in hell is back this week with The Brady's vs. The Mean Girls...

Elisa on Michael: pot, kettle, black...

Linda Merill takes the gloves off: "I think that this is an interior design show and Andrea and Goil - while clearly super talented conceptualists - aren't interior designers."

New to the 'looza this week is Laz, with a very funny take...

The 'looza returns to its regularly scheduled time next week ( I hope!)

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Here's Heather!


BTD welcomes back Heather Ashton (early this week!) for her exclusive recap on Episode 6: "Life of the Party."

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!

I am not completely oblivious to the fact that I have a tendency to make my recaps just a tad, teeny bit about me. It’s about to get worse.

I am sooooooo jealous of the final six right now. While most people in Los Angeles support their dreams of the entertainment biz in the service industry, I was the lone decorator slinging drinks in LA. Not only have I worked more parties, premiers, launches and award shows than I would ever admit, I also art directed for a huge event production company for over a year as well. I was fortunate enough to design everything from the annual Frederick’s of Hollywood Fashion Show and Charity Event, to the Nintendo DS Launch. I even got the opportunity to turn a loft into my idea of an Eighties NYC underground club(a la Area) for the Soros family. Are you tired of hearing about me yet?

Event design is totally different than interiors or architecture. It’s about shoving the product down the throat of “influence” both visually and literally while creating a space that can amuse a bunch of people that are paid to go to parties. All without losing the true point of the event: Brand (Bacardi) exposure. Oh and all this has to be accomplished in minimal time, with limited budget and must be dismantled, removed and trucked away at 2am. I love events. A designer will never get the freedom to run with the inner crazy more than on events. I hate events. The longest hours, the most stressful challenges and the lowest budgets I have ever had…until Bravo cast me. I had the confidence to think I could handle the physical challenge of the show because I designed events.


Are we tired of hearing about Heather? Short answer: no. Click here to learn even more about her and her take on Episode 6.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Congratulations, Matt


You are the antidote to the drama, quietly bringing sophistication and order to everything you touch. This week you were the calm in Team Perfect Storm and you nailed all five senses relating to Bacardi Limon. The interesting thing is that your work never is about you or your ego; you always have the client's desires at the heart of everything you purchase, fabricate or arrange. And we would have just loved to have been invited to your party. Congratulations, Matt!

Let's use this post to congratulate Matt; only positive words belong in the comments please.

Send Some BTD Love to Erik


You showed us that you always listened to the needs of your client and that lead to your win in the 'Child's Play' episode when you created a bedroom that would satisfy any kid's inner pirate. This week you owned your leadership role and that seems to be the only real reason you were eliminated. Your skills and aesthetic might be traditional but your wit and work ethic are equally timeless.

This post is only for positive comments about Erik.

Tim Gunn declares Kelly Wearstler is "IN"

If you listened to Tim Gunn on Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens" show last night, you heard our own Scarlett ask about Kelly's wardrobe. Although Tim sounded a little verklempt that it was our blogmistress on the phone he recovered enough to answer that yes, indeed, Kelly Wearstler is "IN."

Personally, as a big fan of fleurchons (and the bigger the better) I salute Ms. Wearstler for her daring fashion. Her outfits each week provide more entertainment than any of the designer challenges. Who else could combine a t-shirt, a strapless floral number with a ruffled flamenco-costume train, a giant fleurchon on the knee, gray leggings and lilac stilettos with such confidence?

Thanks Tim, for confirming what we have known all along. Kelly's wardrobe rocks!

Your Turn to be the Judge - Episode 6

Click here for a larger view.We saw the party spaces that the designers created and now it is your turn to weigh in on the results. This week you get to be Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, Margaret Russell and Ben Bourgeois. Click here to tell us which designer should have won the challenge. Click here to tell us the designer you think should have heard, "See you later, decorator."

Photos, from the top, the party space designed by Goil, Erik and Andrea; Team Goil Amornvivat, Erik Kolacz and Andrea Keller; Team Michael Adams, Matt Lorenz and Carisa Perez-Fuentes; the party space designed by Michael, Matt and Carisa.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Reactions To Episode 6

Only 5 designers remain after tonight's team challenge! What did yu think ofthis week's episode? Post your reactions to Episode 6 here.

Episode 6 Party!

Who will be the "Life of the Party" in the BTD party room tonight? Everyone is welcome to our weekly celebration. This week's special: Bacardi Limon.

The more snark, the better in this joint. Come on in!

BTD Live Play-By-Play: Episode 6

Tbone is back for live coverage of Top Design Episode 6, "Life of the Party". Follow along as he provides play-by-play on the challenge, the drama, who stays and who is "latered". Comments on this thread are for Tbone's use only. If you are checking in tonight, make sure to belly up to the party room bar in the post above.

Poll Results for Episode 5



Our poll results are in for Episode 5 and you told us your opinion. Interestingly enough the 'Who Should Have Been Latered' poll resulted in a tie; you felt that both Ryan and Carisa should have gone. You can click on the picture to see how you voted.

Here's Heather!


BTD welcomes back "latered" contestant Heather Ashton for her exclusive commentary on Episode 5:

Better late????

So that lost hour on Sunday morning turned into a lost weekend and then a lost Monday; I got a little flustered by DST. Don’t hold it against me.

Let’s just say it ... this challenge kind of sucked. The intention of the challenge was cool and I liked that for the first time, the project yielded a lasting benefit. I usually shy away from any socio-political comments, but after 5 episodes of tear downs, I have started to become mindful of the amount of good design and solid materials that could have potentially made some folks happy outside of the controlled setting of the cubes. And after spending way too much time reading comments all over the blogs, team challenges bum everyone out. While I have my little soap box out, I have one more idea. I think season 2 should be teams, like Amazing Race with paint and hammers. It would eliminate the need for team challenges since the teams would have enough people in them to complete the challenges in the time allotted. Plus the teams would have the same design approach and aesthetic so you wouldn’t have to see the confused collaborative effort of a bunch of designers with widely different tastes. f course I think I’m a genius, but what do you think? Anyway - what am I supposed to be talking about?

I have had some pretty shady design gigs while building my resume, but cleaning someone’s garage ... I’m with Ryan. Even Matt offered the solution to torch the whole thing. I think the team did an amazing job with what they had to work with and the family seemed pretty happy on the reveal.


Click here to continue reading Heather's take on Episode 5 as we learn about her secret weakness for purple and her love of organization!

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Recapalooza!

As we plod through another week of Top Design, let's see who is still with us:

Tom & Lorenzo love Betty and Veronica...

The Quiet One is back after a hiatus with lots of interesting insight...

Eric3000: Meet the Bells from the Planet Clueless...

Linda Merrill: Nothing to judge,
lots to say...

Andrea Keller
tells her side of the story at FBLA...

Kora is sounding more and more like one of Michael's Minions...

The Grits to Glitz girls want to know what kind of dog wants to be on wheels...

And we are really late in getting Moi's rant up this weekend, here it is!

Thanks recappers! It's gonna to get better, isn't it?

Friday, March 09, 2007

Preview Videos - Episode 6, Life of the Party


Click here for the Bravo's preview video for Top Design's sixth installment.You can click here for Yahoo's Top Design preview. And click here to see some carpenter action.

So, we're not speculating about the challenge anymore. Hey, why not speculate how many times they say 'Bacardi Limon' during this episode!?

Don't even ask about a prize. Long story.

From Carl The Carpenter

Carl Mueller, the first pick by Carisa in the carpenter assignments this week, is a little hot about the garage challenge. He sends along this note:

I can't stand by on this one.

Carissa got no credit for the work I did on her behalf. My focus was completely in the garage. I built the storage cabinet in the back, built the sliding ladder on the front of the loft (that noone seemed to notice was designed to access all parts of the loft storage space) and built the benches for the theatre audiences.

Carissa got no credit for any of this. She did not need my help in the little office space, she had it under control and, in my opinion, did a great job given the circumstances (with the help of Sarah, of course). It was the most finished and functional part of the overall design. What was she supposed to do? Not finish her task to the best of her ability?

Ryan did some major hands on helping with the actual work while he waited for the floor to be cleared so we could do the floor treatment. That never happened. There simply was not enough time to finish the work, clear the floor and get it painted as was intended. So rather than bitch and moan, and get under foot, he pitched in banging this project out in the ridiculous amount of time that was available to us.

I won't say who I think should have gone home. But if the criterion was helping Andrea realize her design, it should not have been Carissa or Ryan.

C

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Congratulations, Andrea!



It was a tough challenge to satisfy all of the needs of the Bell family but you pitched a strong concept, winning immunity and the leadership role. Neither the limited time constraints or being given the additional task of turning a shed into an office could shake your cool confidence. We loved seeing how well you worked with others and in the end the family was thrilled with the results. Congratulations, Andrea!

Let's use this post to congratulate Andrea; only positive words belong in the comments please.

Send Some BTD Love to Ryan


You showed us that you were first and foremost an artist. This week you were a strong team player, following the directives of your leader and always working toward her vision. In the end, you didn't go because you created the least successful room; you left simply because someone had to go. You made bold statements with paint in 'Child's Play' and 'One Man's Trash' as well as audacious statements in the white room adding overall color to the show. And you did indeed demonstrate that you CAN design a room around a cat.

This post is only for positive comments about Ryan.

Your Turn to be the Judge - Episode 5

This poll is a little different in that we are only going to ask you who should have been 'latered.' This week you get to be Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, Margaret Russell and Mark Rios. Click here to tell us the designer you think should have heard, "See you later, decorator."

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Reactions to Episode 5

Another episode down, another latered designer. Only 6 are left! Post your reactions to Episode 5 here.

Episode 5 Party!

BTD is moving this week's party into the garage as we celebrate Episode 5 of Top Design. We know how noisy you party people can get, so we'll keep the door shut so as not to disturb the neighbors. Come on in, it's party time!

BTD Live Play-By-Play: Episode 5

Top Design is back after a one week hiatus and so is BTD's live play-by-play! Join Tbone as he provides live coverage of Episode 5: "Garage Band". Remember, comments on this post are for Tbone's use only. If you have something to say, see the party post above!

T.G.I.W.

Tonight, we reach the halfway mark for Top Design. Five episodes down. Five more to go.

After taking a week off, BTD will be back with the usual line-up: Tbone's play-by-play, the party room and the reactions thread.

Don't forget about Watch What Happens on BravoTV.com immediately following the show. Andy will have the host of Top Chef, Padma Lakshmi, and tonight's latered contestant from Top Design. How can you top that?

Come join the Wednesday night fun on BTD!

Poll Results for Episode 4



Our poll results are in for Episode 4 and you told us your opinions. In our 'Who Should Have Won' poll, you disagreed with the judges and said that Matt had the best room. In the 'Who Should Have Been Latered' poll, you felt that Ryan needed to go. You can click on each of the pictures to see how you voted.

Click Here for Yawnur's Take on One Man's Trash

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

BTD Interview With Sarah The Carpenter

After re-watching Episode 4, we sensed some tension between Carisa and her carpenter Sarah Miller that was never fully explained. We decided to go to the source to find out more:

BTD: After Carisa went shopping at the garage sale, how much money was left in the budget?

Sarah: Unfortunately, she had only $160 left over, including tax, for me to work with. I explained to her that that budget was a problem right from the start. The carpenters had to buy everything that we needed, right down to the screws and paint brushes. I bought what I could with the money that I had to work with, and I was determined to try to make the best of it. I told her that the desk was not feasible, but she told me to “build it anyway.” I did, and you can see how that turned out!

BTD: What exactly were you supposed to build?

Sarah: Carisa wanted a sliding desk that would roll on casters in a slot on the built-in “desk.” The sliding section was to be 10 feet long, and she insisted that it only float about ½ inch above the built in desk, which wouldn’t allow for any reinforcement or support. She also wanted there to be one narrow singe leg at the other end. You can’t have a 10 foot length of MDF being subjected to the stress of being pushed back and forth on one narrow leg. Due to the fact that she wanted it to stand only ½ inch above the built in, meant that I couldn’t give it any support. Any way you slice it, a 10 foot long length of MDF is going to sag, unless she were able to eliminate the forces of both gravity and friction!

BTD: Did you paint it?

Sarah: Carisa did the painting and I did the carpentry, as she was not experienced with many tools. In her defense she was tired and frustrated, and you could see that her painting wasn’t going well. The paint was splattering and spilling, making a really big mess. She stared to freak out a bit, and you can see that I was trying to help fix the problem. Instead of complaining and flipping out, I tried to move forward and fix what was wrong. To me, getting upset and losing valuable time just makes matters worse.

BTD: What was the problem, exactly?

Sarah: I think that the problem boiled down to the design on paper was quite interesting, but translating her design to an actual structure was impossible—especially with only $160! A skyscraper made of toothpicks might be artistically amazing, but ya just can’t build it!


Do you think Carisa appreciated Sarah's effort? Click here to read more...

Monday, March 05, 2007

Bravo Top Design Press Release

Our policy is that it's 'not a spoiler if it comes from Bravo' but in this case we are going to warn you in advance that key details are revealed in a link. Bravo issued this press release about upcoming episodes. In it we learn details about future challenges as well as the identities of guest judges.

Friday, March 02, 2007

Preview Videos - Episode 5, Garage Band

Click here to watch the Bravo video for Episode 5 and click below for another video.



Finally, click here for a Yahoo preview video called, "The Pain of 3D Models on 'Top Design.'"

Speculation, anyone? Anyone at all??