what did you think of top design last night?
So, yes, I stayed up late and watched the first episode of Top Designer, and then had a restless night dreaming of empty rooms that needed filling. Oh, the angst! It’s always strange when reality-tv verges too close to your life. In this episode, we met all the candidates, most of whom are pleasantly above the age the of 30 and seem to know what they’re doing. As soon as I saw Goil re-arranging the furniture in their temporary home, I knew he was a winner. And, yes, when Lisa said she was thinking Asian, it instantly sounded like a bad idea. Obviously the “client” of the night was some one with a love of the kitsch and strong sense of humor. I think they all missed the boat. I hope the rest of the episodes move away from the Pacific Design Center and $50,000 budgets. What’s the challenge in that? Did you watch last night? Which room did you like the best? Which designer would you hire? — Angela M.
February 1st, 2007 at 7:17 am
I am thinking that Goil and Andrea will be the ones to watch (although I thought Goil’s room looked too much like an exhibit installation). Hopefully the challenges will get a little crazier…. only being able to shop at Goodwill would be great!
February 1st, 2007 at 10:17 am
I thought Todd Oldham was a TERRIBLE host!! He had the personality of a sack of potatoes.
February 1st, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I wasn’t wowed by the show, the designers or the judges, but I have faith in Bravo TV and am willing to watch a few more episodes before I decide for sure. Like you, Angela, I had a good feeling about Goil and a bad one about Lisa. And poor Todd Oldham seems like such a nice guy but he does not look comfortable on screen.
February 1st, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I agree, Todd Oldham seems like a great guy. Maybe he was such an awkward host because the format of the show is not that hip. I loved the challenge and some of the designs, but the bickering and the way the judges talked to some of the contestants like they were bad children didn’t work for me. I’d love it if they injected a little humor, devoted more time to design, and had more interesting scenarios - like my living room.
Regardless, it beats Trading Spaces.
February 4th, 2007 at 7:59 am
i thought it was fun, but 50 grand (plus 12 more for materials) isnt much of a challenge. i dont like that everyone on the show is already a pro. they almost all have their own firms even. its hard to call people that have been designing for years “wannabes”.
but i thought todd was really cute. like a preschool teacher.
February 5th, 2007 at 7:48 am
I’d have to agree with all…a good start but not a great start. I love design challenges and no one seemed to really do anything breathtaking, nice, but not breathtaking. With 50K I am sure a lot of us reading could do as well if not way better. Going to keep watching as I really want to see where this ends up heading in terms of talent and less about personalities.
February 6th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I was a little dissapointed by the show. It was very formula and that formula was not original. It reminded me of HGTV’s Design Star way to much. I agree with Angela M. what is the challenge in designing a room for 50,000. 50,000 sounds like a dream to me and the result was not impressive. Goil and (sorry I forgot her name)’s room that won I thought was good. The fact that the room was not going to function as a living space and was in a gallery setting I think granted them that freedom to come up with a concept room and it indeed impressed the judges. (me too).
So I am excited about the rest of the season. I hope that the designers are good designers and not just good characters. Although the characters are fun to watch I can’t wait to see what design trends if any come out of the show. I hope they can take it past the lime green and brown “contemporary” style and push the envelope a little for your typical design show.