BTD Love for Kerry Howard

Kerry Howard - aka Big Daddy - proved himself to be a true Southern Gentleman. A little sass and a lot of class. He took full responsibility for his team's loss without hesitation. We'll miss his funny quips and dedication to his craft.

This post is only for positive comments about Kerry or his work. All other comments can be made here.

Poll - Episode Three - Your turn to be the judge

click image for larger view
• Shazia Kirmani and Nathan Thomas with client Andre Gonzola
• Preston Lee and Andrea Schroder with client Daniel Franco
• Wisit Prapong and Kerry Howard with client Jeffrey Sebelia
• Eddy Ross and Teresa Keegan with client Santino Rice
• Ondine Karady and Natalie Williams with client Sweet P

As we all know, in design, one day you're in and the next day you're out. In your opinion - who was in and who was out?

Click here to tell us who you thought should have won.

Click here to tell us who you thought should have been latered.

Reactions to Episode 3

Episode 3 saw our designers creating display windows for five Project Runway designers. How'd they do? And, which fashion designer was the most difficult client?

Episode 3 Party Room - Let's hit the runway

Welcome Top Design fans to the Episode Thrww Party Room! Our designers will meet their matches when LA based Project Runway alums Jeffrey Sebelia, Sweet P, Santino Rice, Andrea Gonzalo and Daniel Franco turn up as the clients. Join us for some designer-on-designer action!

If you're new here - welcome! Just click the comments link and come on in!

Last week, I spent a lot of time chatting with myself... so, please speak up! Really... please?

Results in - You were the judge on Episode 2

Episode 2 Bunker designs by: (left) Andrea Schroder and Eddie Ross (right) Robert Reid and Jennifer Newsom

Our polls for Episode 2 are closed. This week you again agreed with the judges and felt that Andrea and Eddie deserved the win. Click here to see the results. You agreed with the judges that Robert and Jennifer were the least successful team, although a slight majority felt Robert was the most to blame for their loss and a sizable block felt that only one should have been latered. Click here to see the results.

Check back with us tomorrow for our Episode 3 poll.

And, join us tonight at 10:00PM - the Party Room will be open!

The Market Basket - Episode 2 finds

In Episode 2, our designer went shopping at Plummers Furniture store and Pier One.




The screen used in Teresa and Natalie's room can be found at Plummers.




This 4-tier Pagoda etagere was used in Eddie and Andrea's room. From Pier 1. Eddie painted theirs cream.

From the Mailbox

As previously reported, Preston Lee participated in this years' Dining By Design event at the LA Mart Design Center. Here's an image of Preston's table courtesy of Apartment TherapyLA. Great job Preston!

Inside a High Schooler is back with his predictions.

Eddie Ross is appearing on Martha Stewart on Wednesday! He'll be discussing flea market shopping and blogging! 11:00AM EST/10:00AM central. But, check your local listings.

Andrea Schroder shared with us this pic of her premier party in Malibu. Fun!

Previews!

Our Top Designers hit the Runway

More Previews

From the Mailbox

Top Design is helping Bravo post some really big ratings. TV By the Numbers has the score.
Kerry Howard talks celebrity.

Serge Van Lian goes all Freud over at Media Bistro.

MamaPop judges the judges.

And Sara from the New York Observer is openly struggling with a Bravo addiction. Sara... this is your brain...

Designer Reunion: Michael R. Adams

We welcome back Michael Adams to Blogging Top Design! Michael was clearly one of the strong "characters" on Season 1 - he was either loved or hated. Those who loved him formed a passionate Michael's Minions group on MySpace; those who did not were no less vocal. But, through it all, Michael seemed to retain his sense of self and a great sense of humor.

BTD: How is business and what have you been up to since TD1 ?

Business is great. I just finished my 1st large project where I combined 2 Upper East Side brownstones into one 12,000 sqf home that consists of 14 rooms, 2 kitchens and 8 bathrooms and cabana. I have been working on this project for 3 years its incredibly fulfilling to see a project of this scale complete and I did it!. I have 2 great new projects beginning this fall and am super stoked. I was also asked to participate in my idol famed interior designer Albert Hadley’s charity show house Rooms with a View this November.

My personal life has remained about the same I have my amazing BF of 5 years Joe and my Pooch Coco. We just live a very low key Brooklyn lifestyle lots of lawn bowling and Budweiser.

Click here to continue.

BTD Podcasts with Jennifer Newsom and Robert Reid

This week Linda Merrill interviews two designers. Click here for her interview with Jennifer Newson. Click here for her interview with Robert Reid.

Recapalooza for Episode Two

It's our favorite time of the week - let's check out what some of our bloggie friends are saying:

My Monkey Could Do That does a great play-by-play.
The Egoiste wonders what our children IS learning?
Design Crisis gets the award for the catchiest title.
Becky on Decor8 thinks the designers are watching too much HGTV.
Fu for Thought is providing a valuable lesson in geography.
Eddie Ross tells us his inspiration for the Tree of Life wall art.
Hooked on Houses wonders about Kelly's wardrobe choices.
The Recapist clues us in as to what different aesthetics means in designer-speak.
AfterElton is wondering if Kelly is off her meds...
Everything Eric is seriously thinking about the future.
Ciffieland wonders about the timing of this episode.
TLo offers their unique wit and wisdom.

Got a recap to share - let us know!

Poll - Episode Two - Your turn to be the judge

Ondine and Preston (Row 1, left)
Jennifer and Robert (Row 1, right)
Kerry and Shazia (Row 2, left)
Natalie and Teresa (Row 2, right)
Nathan and Wisit (Row 3, left)
Eddie and Andrea (Row 3, right)
Photos courtesy of Bravo. Click to see a larger view.

Twelve individuals, six teams and the prospect of fifty years living underground. Who was da bomb and who just plain bombed?

Click here to tell us who you thought should have won the challenge.

Click here to tell us who you thought should have been latered.

BTD Love for Jennifer Newsom

Jennifer, you were the calm center in a whirlwind of paint chips and passementerie. We wish we'd gotten to see your architectural skills in action and applaud you for stepping outside the box to try something new.

This post is only for positive words for Jennifer Newsom or her work. If you have anything else to say about other designers or this challenge, click here.

BTD Love for Robert Reid

Robert, we'll miss your self-assured confidence and quiet demeanor. It would have been nice to see how you did on an individual challenge, but, it was not meant to be.

This post is only for positive words for Robert Reid and his work. If you have anything else to say about other designers or this challenge, click here.

Congratulations - Eddie and Andrea

Congrats to Eddie and Andrea for being winners of Episode 2! You worked together beautifully and as a result, your space was harmonious, elegant and comfortable.


This post is only for positive words for Eddie and Andrea or their work. If you have anything to say about other designers or the challenge, please click here.

Reactions to Episode 2

Episode 2 is done. We visited some '50s era Fall Out shelters. What did you think and whose shelter would you want to live in for 50 years. And, more importantly - who would you want to be there with?

Episode 2 Party Room - Let's get Bombed together!

Welcome Top Design fans to the Episode Two Party Room! Tonight, our intrepid designers learn to duck and cover with style and panache. How will they do?

If you're new here - welcome! Just click the comments link and come on in!

The Waiting Room

As we wait for tonight's episode, here are a few mailbag items to tie us over:

The New York Times is thinking that interior designers should be included as one of "America's Toughest Jobs".

Kerry Howard sent along a pic of his premier party. Thanks Kerry!!

Point Click Home - which is the website for Elle Decor and Metropolitan Home - has dedicated a section to Top Design.


The BTD Fallout shelter (aka Party Room) will open a little before 10:00EST tonight! Join us!

Results in - You were the judge on Episode 1

Team Kelly Wearstler, "Form Over Function": Teresa, Ondine, Wisit, Nathan (left column)
Team India Hicks, "Caribbean Classical": Andrea, Shazia, and Serge (left column)
Photos courtesy of Bravo. Click to see a larger view.

Our polls for Episode 1 are closed. This week you overwhelmingly agreed with the judges and felt that Team Kelly deserved the win. Click here to see the results. You agreed with the judges that Team India did the worst job, but you disagreed with who should have gotten 'latered and thought that Shazia should have gone home. Click here to see the results.

Check back with us tomorrow for our Episode 2 poll.

Previews!

The Market Basket - Kelly's Loft Wallpaper

There's been a lot of buzz about the wallpaper that Team Kelly used in the entry of the loft.


I did a little research (I googled the word chrysanthemum) and came up with Linda Barker for Graham & Brown's Tempting wallpaper in turquoise.


The colorway looks different, but I cannot find that they have anything closer, so I'm thinking that this is it. If anyone has any thoughts, let me know!

Designer Reunion: Erik Kolacz

A fan favorite from season 1, Erik Kolacz showed himself to be level headed in a crunch and loaded with lots of talent. Who can forget how Erik turned his adult bedroom project around on a dime and turned it into the perfect pirate themed escape for a 10 year old? Erik stops by to let us know what he's been up to.

BTD: How is business and what have you been up to since TD1?

EK: Business is wonderful, I am working hard and working on projects that I really enjoy. Since the show we sold our condo at the Montgomery in Chicago and purchased a great single family home. Now of course its my mission to make it ours. It is my newest obsession. Another highlight for me this year will be my involvement with the Dream Home at the Merchandise Mart Here in Chicago. I was asked to do the foyer this year. And let me just say it will be damn sexy! The Dream Home opens on September 24th and will run thru December. If you're in the area check it out. I have also made a really strong effort to donate more of my time and resources to causes I believe in. I have been pretty blessed the last couple of years, Its time to pay back a little.

The show brought attention to me and my firm from areas that I did not do a lot of work in previously. I have been lucky to work with some real big name companies on a number of projects. Cocktails by Jenn, Out Magazine, Sargento Cheese, and Basil Hayden's just to name a few. I also had the opportunity to work on Oprahs Big Give Chicago this year. A team of 6 of us raised over 450,000.00 Dollars in 4 days for a local shelter here in Chicago. Yes I said Oprah! 4 Days and a half of a million dollars! My new goal is to work on my own show. If you know anyone in the business please send them my way.

Click here to continue.

From the Mailbox

The New York Times was party hopping on September 3rd as they visited the premier parties of Eddie Ross, Ondine Karady and Nathan Thomas. (image courtesy of eddieross.com)




And click here for a new video, which includes TD judge Kelly Wearstler dressed up as... um... well, who knows what.

Todd Oldham tells the Winston-Salem Journal that he'd never want to be a contestant.

Eddie Ross will be on Martha Stewart Living Radio's Living Today show to talk about how to make the most of flee market shopping with tips on looking past the object sitting in front of your eye. Monday, September 8 at 1:00.

Preston Lee has decorated the LA Mart Table at this weeks Dining By Design event to be held at the LA Mart Design Center. It runs from September 13-15.

The Market Basket - Top Junque

Welcome to the Top Design Market Basket! See a product or store on Top Design and want to know where or what it was? Post a comment or send us an email. Or, if you have information or sources to share, let us know!

First up, have you been wondering where our designers went shopping in Episode 1?

Junkyard: Freeway Building Materials
1112 S. Boyle Ave.
Los Angeles, CA.

Thrift Store: St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

210 North Avenue 21
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Happy shopping!

Recapalooza for Episode One

Episode One is done and we visit some of our favorite bloggers to get their take:

My Monkey Could Do That has a great play-by-play.
Becky of Hatch, the Design Public blog is dishing Top Design over on Decor8.
Dan from AfterElton laments the loss of SYLD (aka See you later, Decorator)
Julia is Hooked on Top Design.
The Recapist does her thing.
Erin from Elements of Style thinks the designers were being prima donnas.
Other Eric of Everything Eric has taken over recapping from Other Other Eric from Eric3000. Get it?
Fu For Thought noshes on Episode One.
Leah at More Ways to Waste Time is feeling the love for Wisit.
The Cliffieland Reality Show Drinking Game™ is underway!
Moodboard throws some vintage Ricky Schroder into the mix.


Doing a recap? Let us know!

Poll - Episode One - Your turn to be the judge

Team India Hicks, "Caribbean Classical": Andrea, Shazia, and Serge (left row 1 and row 2)
Team Jonathan Adler, "Chic & Dreamy": Eddie, Jennifer, and Natalie (right row 1 and row 2)
Team Kelly Wearstler, "Form Over Function": Teresa, Ondine, Wisit, Nathan (left row 3 and row 4)
Team Margaret Russell, "Crisp & Glamorous": Robert, Kerry, Preston (right row 3 and row 4)
Photos courtesy of Bravo. Click to see a larger view.

The first episode is always kind of a blur. So many contestants to get to know! But, we know you have opinions! So...

Click here to tell us who you thought should have won the challenge.

Click here to tell us who you thought should have been latered.

BTD Podcast with Serge Van Lian

Linda Merrill interviews Serge Van Lian of Season Two. Click here to check out his website.

Click here for the podcast.

Congratulations Team Kelly

Congrats to Wisit Prapong, Ondine Karady, Teresa Keegan and Nathan Thomas for winning the first challenge!! And a big challenge it was! A two story loft, two days and a lamp size budget didn't stop you from creating a lovely space filled with interesting textures and accessories. Designing for one of America's preeminent taste makers could have been daunting, but you were all professional and hardworking. A great team effort!

This post is only for positive words for Team Kelly or their work. If you have anything to say about other designers or the challenge, please click here.

BTD Love for Serge Van Lian

The first contestant to be sent home is always in the toughest position - you've not had a chance to really show what you can do and we the viewers haven't had a chance to really get to know you. But, someone has to be the first and we're sorry it's you. You were a trooper and a real team player all while trying to show your unique design aesthetic.

This post is only for positive words for Serge and his work. If you have anything else to say about other designers or this challenge, click here.

Reactions to Episode One - "Impress the Best"

We've met the thirteen designers and one is already out. So - were you impressed? What do you think of the new "Top Design"? Do you miss the white boxes in the belly of the Pacific Design Center? Who do you like and who do you think is next to go?

Episode One Party!

Welcome Top Design fans to the Episode One Party Room! Are you ready to "Impress the Best"? Join us as we meet the thirteen designers who were willing to put themselves on the line for $100,000, an editorial spread in Elle Decor and the title of "Top Designer".

If you're new here - welcome! Just click the comments link and come on in!

The Waiting Room

Top Design airs tonight! Here are a few tidbits from the mailbox to hold us over until 10:00 PM EST. Don't forget to join us in the Party Room to watch and dish together! It's all decorated - wait till you see it! Come back a little before 10:00 and join me! I'll be the one thumbing through the swatch books and sipping a designer Cosmo.


The New York Daily News dishes apartment design with New York based designers Nathan Thomas, Eddie Ross, Ondine Karady, Jennifer Newsom and Serge Van Lian.

CasaSugar gets the goods from India Hicks. Sweet!

TD mentor Todd Oldham was out and about with interviews with the Seattle Post Intelligencer and TV Guide.

Kerry "Big Daddy" Howard tells the Forsyth News that he's gained a fresh perspective since appearing on the show.

Natalie Williams talks about the 90-to-nothing pace of competition with the Montgomery Advertiser.

The importance of the right footware was on Shazia Kirmani's mind when she shared her Top Design experience with The Star Telegram. [editor's note: as a gal who always has the wrong shoes on, I always wondered about the pull between cute shoes and comfort on these shows!]

It's Top Design Week!

Only one day away! Are we excited?

If you are new to Blogging Top Design, here's a little preview of what to expect:

- BTD Party Room - join us right here on Wednesday nights at 10:00 EST to dish about the show - who we like, who we don't, and anything else that comes up. BYOB (bring your own banter)

- BTD Reactions - at the end of each show, you will have the opportunity to share your opinions!

- BTD Congratulations - Your comments and thoughts on the episode winner (if any)

- BTD Love - Support and comments for the latered* contestant of the week

- BTD Podcast - each Thursday we will be chatting with the contestant who was sent home the night before to find out what they've been up to since they taped the show and their experiences doing the show.

- Recapalooza - at the end of each week we will post a roundup of recaps from around the blogosphere. These are some of the best, most insightful and laugh-out-loud funniest recaps you will see anywhere. Please send us your links if you post a recap.

- Top Design news - all the news that's fit to print (with apologies to the New York Times)

- TD Market Basket - if an episode showcases a product that you would like information on - or you know how to get it - let us know!

All comments are welcome - but we encourage you to please read our Commenting Guidelines. We're a family friendly site - so please, no profanity or personal attacks on the contestants or each other. We have fun here, but not at each others expense. Thanks!

* - what is "latered"? An homage to judge Jonathan Adlers Season 1 send off line "See you later Decorator" for the contestants who have been sent home. Thankfully, the line itself has also been "latered".

A little J'Adoration for Episode One

I've just viewed a screener of Episode 1 and am very excited! After Season 1 ended with a sort of soft plop there was a lot of debate over whether a second season was even worth considering. After season 1 ended, I wrote a long post with some ideas of what I was hoping for in a second season. Magical Elves seem to have come through in a big way for all of us who wanted the show to succeed. The drama comes from the situations and not just personality conflicts. That's sure to come at some point. But, for at least the first episode, we get to know the designers as professionals, which is pretty refreshing.

Here is an exclusive sneak peek from the epi:

The designers actually get a little fresh air this season - no white box in epi 1!

Shopping with Nathan Thomas and Teresa Keegan.

Starting off where season 1 left off - it's a loft makeover challenge!


Todd Oldham is the perfect mentor - full of caring and great ideas!

The judges panel - India Hicks, Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler (looking quite demure) and Margaret Russell.

Margaret and Jonathan enter the contestants loft. (Loving the Cole & Sons wallpaper)

And here are a few details from the finished projects to whet your appetite:

Top Design airs this Wednesday at 10:00 EST on Bravo!

The party room (maybe we should call it the Cutting Room?) will be open, so come on in, open a long, tall one and let's all enjoy - and dish - together!


All images courtesy of BravoTV ©2008.