Blogging Top Design

Eddie Ross Featured Guest Curator at Etsy Today

2009-04-22T16:02:00.004-07:00

Photo: Jaithan Kochar

Top Design Season Two contestant Eddie Ross is spotlighted today on The Storque. Eddie selects his personal favorites from among etsy's amazing offerings.

From the Mailbox

2009-04-14T08:05:00.003-07:00

The leading lights of the design world descended on Christie’s Rockefeller Center galleries Monday evening for a cocktail party and auction preview co-hosted by Christie’s and ELLE DECOR. Guests browsed through galleries highlighted by paint colors by event co-sponsor Ralph Lauren Paint and admired furniture, fine art, and decorative objects to be featured in the auction house’s two-day Interiors sale on April 1 & 2. Read more here.

Pictured: Nathan Thomas and Margaret Russell

From the Mailbox

2009-03-25T07:42:00.005-07:00

Nathan Thomas is interviewed over at Design*Sponge. And offers a tantalizing little tid-bit about his latest foray into television!

Eddie Ross' online empire has expanded to include a fantastic vintage finds shop on Etsy.

Jonathan Adler Does Barbie

2009-03-09T10:06:00.004-07:00

TD lead judge Jonathan Adler is part of the big Barbie 50th Birthday Bash. Click here to see images of the real life Malibu Beach House designed by Adler. And, there's even a Project Runway tie in!

Nathan Thomas' DWR Challenge: How'd he do?

2009-02-16T13:32:00.002-07:00

Click here for the details!

Nathan Thomas' DWR Challenge

2009-02-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Nathan Thomas Design Challenge at Design Within Reach, NYC
Thursday, February 12, 7:30-9:30pm

Nathan Thomas will be faced with a new design challenge at Design Within Reach's Upper West Side location. His brief? Create a warm and welcoming personal work space using the items on hand. The twist? DWR will throw in a few curve ball pieces sourced from local Housing Works (www.housingworks.org/) thrift store. After Nathan presents the results of his inspired choosing and combining, there will be time for questions and to meet the him.

Click here for more.

Image from NathanThomasStudios.com

Eddie Ross on BlogTalk Radio

2009-02-08T07:40:00.003-07:00

Eddie Ross will be appearing on Olivia Wild's Blog Talk Radio show tonight! Sunday, February 9th at 9:00PM EST. Click here to listen! The show will be archived in case you missed it.

Ondine Karady in the Washington Post

2009-02-06T12:52:00.002-07:00

Read the story here.

Margaret Russell and Eddie Ross at the CFDA Auction

2009-02-03T20:20:00.005-07:00

Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO Michael Gould and ELLE DECOR Editor-in-Chief Margaret Russell co-hosted the Right-Off-the-Runway Designer Chair Auction, held by Bloomingdale’s, Bernhardt, and The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) on Bloomingdale’s 59th Street new furniture floor on January 28.

The charitable silent auction featured nine one-of-a-kind designer chairs to benefit the CFDA Foundation, including designs created by such esteemed designers as Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Monique Lhuillier, Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Anna Sui and Diane von Furstenberg.

Each of the nine designers took a traditional Bernhardt “Bloomingdale’s” chair and created a special piece inspired by their own spring 2009 runway collections. In addition, Bloomingdale’s will create its own limited edition version of the chair to be sold in the store, from which a portion of the proceeds of sales will benefit the CFDA Foundation.

Nathan Thomas Feature in Elle Decor

2009-02-03T20:13:00.006-07:00

The March issue (now on newsstands) of Elle Decor features Nathan Thomas's winning design. Click here for more information. Congratulations again Nathan!

From the Mailbox

2009-01-27T21:32:00.004-07:00

Season 1 contestant Erik Kolacz and his firm participated in the Chicago Merchandise Mart 2008 Dream Home. They designed the beautiful foyer above. Click here to read more.

Ondine Karady has been on a media roll this month and shared with us this full page spread in the February 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan!

From the Mailbox

2009-01-26T23:32:00.006-07:00

Ondine Karady will be featured in the February issue of Cosmo and the March 2009 issue of Traditional Home (see image above).

And, most exciting - Ondine was one of an assuredly small and highly select group of designers asked to submit their portfolios to the office of a certain Mrs. O! While she was not ultimately selected (that honor went to designer Michael Smith), it must have been an huge thrill to be asked!!

And, speaking of the political - here are Ondine and Andrea Schroder - both looking gorgeous of course - attending the Huffington Post Pre-inaugural ball. Ondine was right on trend with her bright yellow clutch (yellow is the color of the year!) Check out Andrea's blog for more inauguration images.

Top Design Mini Reunion

2009-01-14T19:38:00.004-07:00

Eddie Ross took his now famous flea market shopping tour on the road last weekend to Atlanta. And, who did he get to spend time with? Two TD Season 2 favorites - Kerry Howard and Natalie Williams! Click here for Eddie's sneak peek into Kerry's lovely home.

From the Mailbox

2009-01-10T12:45:00.004-07:00

Andrea Schroder is appearing on Blog Talk radio on January 11th at 9:00PM EST. Click here for more information.

Eddie Ross has taken his flea market tours on the road with a trip to Scott's in Atlanta. Looks like he'll be visiting with Kerry Howard and Natalie Williams while he's there!

Wednesday Mailbox

2008-12-10T04:00:00.003-07:00

Andrea Schroder is decking the halls for Staples in their first ever holiday window display in New York City. All decorations are available at Staples and will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs. Andrea also visited with some Boys and Girls Clubs of America students who came to the Staples store and participated in a craft hour with her, where they learned how to make their own ornament out of office products.

(image courtesy of Business Wire)

Ondine Karady and Eddie Ross stopped by to visit Andrea as well!

Preston Lee chats about TD and what he's looking for in life with The Edge Boston.

Nathan Thomas talks art and lofty inspiration at Loft Style.

Saturday Mailbag

2008-12-06T09:20:00.002-07:00

Margaret Russell chat's about what makes a stylish room and her thoughts on Top Design and Teresa Keegan here on Las Vegas Review Journal.

Eddie Ross talks elegant holiday table settings here on the Greenwich Times.

In the Mailbox 12.04.08

2008-12-04T09:17:00.004-07:00

Eddie Ross and Andrea Schroder go antiquing in Santa Monica. Image and story courtesy of EddieRoss.com.

Andrea has revamped her website, so check it out here and offers some holiday decorating tips on Making This Home.

BTD Podcast With Preston Lee

2008-12-02T08:41:00.007-07:00

Linda Merrill interviews Top Design Season Two finalist Preston Lee. Click here for the podcast.

Preston has launched a new business called Design and Style with business partner Jennifer Dyer. Click here for their new website.

More Monday Mail

2008-12-01T22:18:00.001-07:00

From Women's Wear Daily:

OVER AND OUT: Eddie Ross, senior style editor at Martha Stewart Living, recent contestant on Bravo’s “Top Design,” and flea-market-chic blogger, is parting ways with Martha Stewart Omnimedia, WWD has learned. Ross confirmed the move, saying that he wanted to work on his own brand. He plans to expand on his blog at EddieRoss.com (which, in a crossing of the corporate aisle, was featured in last month’s Domino), launch an online store of tabletop antique accessories under $100 and continue offering flea-market tours in various cities. He and his partner are looking for houses in Rhinebeck, N.Y., to “focus and live a good life,” Ross said. He also hinted at a book project and possibly more television.

He said he was leaving of his own volition. “I adore Martha,” he said of his boss, who featured Ross and his blog on her show earlier this fall. “She’s been nothing but so supportive of me.”

Ross became a controversial figure on “Top Design,” where he butted heads with other contestants and with judge Jonathan Adler. (When Ross was eliminated in the ninth week, Adler did not mince words on his official Bravo blog: “Eddie Ross flaunts his overly high self-esteem, but he doesn’t realize how unappealing it is and, ultimately, how self-defeating it is.”) Of his portrayal on the show, Ross said, “It was the magic of an edit. Granted, some things did come out of my mouth.” — Irin Carmon

Monday Mailbox

2008-12-01T17:05:00.005-07:00

Our favorite TD judge Margaret Russell shared with us these photos of a recent cocktail party she hosted at Armana/Casa in LA. With her are TD2 finalist Preston Lee, Wisit Prapong and Andrea Schroder. What a fun (and gorgeous) group!

Reader's Choice Poll - Chandi Challenge!

2008-11-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations to Fifi Flowers for winning the BTD Swarovski Challenge Reader's Poll! Click here to view the results.

And a big thank you to all who entered our contest and for all of you who voted in our Poll!

Monday Mailbox

2008-11-24T09:05:00.002-07:00

Eddie Ross talks about his favorite guilty pleasures and best hometown pizza.

Kerry "Big Daddy" Howard chats about living in Atlanta and his thoughts on the "Real Housewives of Atlanta".

TD Season 2 contestant Serge Van Lian and Project Runway Season Five designer Suede and will be among the celebrity guests at the first annual Lynx Ensemble Theater Benefit Gala. Click here for more information.

BTD Podcast with Ondine Karady

2008-11-19T12:31:00.008-07:00

Linda Merrill interviews Season Two Top Design Finalist, Ondine Karady.

Click here for the podcast.

Click here for Ondine's website.

Readers Choice: Swarovski Chandi Challenge Poll

2008-11-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we announced that Margaret Russell had chosen Sheila O'Meara as the winner of our Swarovski Chandi Challenge. We had fourteen excellent entries and now it's your turn to voice your choice. Click here to view all fourteen designs and come back to vote!

poll by twiigs.com

And the Winner is...

2008-11-17T09:44:00.007-07:00

A big congratulations to Sheila O'Meara - you are the winner of the Blogging Top Design Swarovski Crystal Palace Chandelier Design Challenge!

Our esteemed judge, Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of Elle Decor magazine and Top Design judge says of your design:

"I’ve chosen Sheila O’Meara’s formal dining room with the Light Sock chandelier as the winner of the Swarovski Chandelier challenge.

It was terrific to see all of the entries—and I appreciated elements in each of them—but Sheila created the most professional and thoughtful presentation. She chose to not include a proper rendering of the room, but her mood board and detailed written description provided a remarkably realistic portrayal of her space; it was very easy to imagine being inside her dining room.

Though the Light Sock was my least favorite of the light fixtures, Sheila conjured a dreamy space that suited the texture and scale of the piece. Her color palette is a tad somber, but she deftly described the layout of the room (including a fireplace; who doesn’t love a fireplace in a dining room?), her mix of textures, and even how she would set the table."

Click here to view Sheila's winning design.

Sheila has won a signed copy of Margaret's fantastic book So Chic and a bag of sparkly goodness from Swarovski.

A big thank you to Margaret for being our judge and for offering her book as a prize and to Swarovski for offering a crystal surprise as well. And a huge thank you to all fourteen of you who took the time to create beautiful design boards for our consideration. We so appreciate your time, talent and efforts! You made this a very fun contest for all of us!

And stay tuned, we'll be hosting a Readers Choice challenge later on this week.

The Results are in and you were the judge!

2008-11-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

In our season 2 finale poll, we asked you who you thought should have won Top Design. It's clear that you disagreed with the judges decision and you felt that Preston Lee should have been named winner. Click here to see the poll results.

From the Mailbox - It's all about the Judges

2008-11-13T09:45:00.004-07:00

The lovely ladies over at Material Girls blog have been hosting a very fun design board contest where designers create a board based on a particular television character or personality. Lana from Topsy Turvy created this gorgeous design board for our own Margaret Russell's bedroom.

UPDATE: Lana won third place for this design! Congrats Lana!

Want a chance to go shopping with TD head judge Jonathan Adler? Got $10,000? Read this.

BTD Congratulates the Swarovski Crystal Chandi Challenge Finalists

2008-11-12T22:04:00.004-07:00

Click on image for larger view.

The BTD team - Laura K, Tbone, The Scarlett and Linda Merrill have confabbed and we have selected

Fifi Flowers
Francoise McAree
Sheila O'Meara
Anne Payne
Annilee B. Ramirez
Kimberly Saquing

as our finalists in our Swarovski Chandi Challenge. We were originally going to pick five finalists, but couldn't totally agree, so decided to give judge Margaret Russell one additional design to ponder. Margaret is currently viewing the finalists' design boards and we are awaiting her decision!

Meanwhile a big congratulations to the finalists and a hearty THANK YOU to all fourteen of you who took to time to create such beautiful design boards! I can promise, it was not easy for us to cull the list down to six!

Click here to view all the finalists entries.

Click here to view all the entries.

In the Mailbox

2008-11-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

Lovely Andrea Schroder was interviewed on Blog Talk radio this week. Click here to listen!

Nathan was not-so-exclusively interviewed on BuddyTv about his win.

Reality Blurred thinks Top Design is the new Top Chef, which is the new Project Runway...

A big thanks to Margaret Russell for her BTD Shoutout!

And, we're almost ready to announce the finalists for the Swarovski Crystal chandi contest! Meanwhile, we'll be doing a "Reader's Choice" poll next week to see if you agree with the BTD team and Ms. Russell herself - so stay tuned!

BTD Podcast with Nathan Thomas

2008-11-10T09:36:00.003-07:00

Image courtesy of Nathan's Facebook.

Linda Merrill interviews Season 2 winner Nathan Thomas. Click here for the podcast.

Click here for his website.

TV Guide Interview With Nathan Thomas

2008-11-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

TV Guide Interview With Ondine Karady

2008-11-10T07:28:00.003-07:00

TV Guide Interview with Eddie Ross

2008-11-10T04:00:00.005-07:00

Watch more Top Design videos on AOL Video

Recapalooza!

2008-11-08T23:41:00.006-07:00

The TD recapping crew close out Season 2 in style:

Miss Becky is a Season 2 recapping star...

Cliffie calls it the "$100,ooo Sarcophagus"...

Everything Eric loved Obama's room...

Tom and Lorenzo give Nathan some more love...

Karly's line about Kelly Wearstler is hilarious...

The Modermdomestic thinks it may have been more Top Time Management...

Liz says the Season 2 makeover was a success...

Toyouke thought it was going to be Ondine...

Thanks for the laughs recappers! Will there be a Season 3??

BTD Chandelier Challenge! A few more excellent entries!

2008-11-08T07:47:00.007-07:00

We're almost done posting submissions for our Swarovski Chandelier challenge! I am so impressed with the quality and creativity of all of the entries! Thank you all for your hard work. These projects are all very time consuming and we really appreciate you sharing your creativity with us all!

Here are a few more entries:

Designer: Jean Marie Keil - click here for more details

Designer Tiffany Kim - click here for more details

Designer Annilee B. Ramirez - click here to view details

Design by Kimberly Saquing - Click here to view details

Designer Ann Payne - click here to view more details

The BTD team will select five finalists whose work will be forwarded to our celebrity judge Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of Elle Decor, who will pick the winner! Comments are welcome. Good luck!

Click here to view all the entries.

BTD Chandelier Challenge! Friday Entries

2008-11-07T04:00:00.002-07:00

Here are more entries for our Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Contest. The deadline to submit your entries is today (but, just between you and I, if you send something in over the weekend, that'll be okay too!)

Designer Fifi Flowers - click here to view details

Designer Becky Harris - please click here for details

The BTD team will select five finalists whose work will be forwarded to our celebrity judge Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of Elle Decor, who will pick the winner! Comments are welcome. Good luck!

Click here to view all the entries.

Your Turn to be the Judge - The Finale

2008-11-06T13:26:00.002-07:00

1st row: Ondine Karady
2nd row: Nathan Thomas
3rd row: Preston Lee
Click on images for larger view

poll by twiigs.com

BTD Congratulates Nathan Thomas!

2008-11-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nathan Thomas - you are the winner of Top Design Season 2! You bested 12 other highly accomplished designers with your truly unique style. You wowed the judges who were clearly enamored with you throughout the season and you were a consistent favorite with the viewers.

This post is only for positive comments about Nathan and his work this season.

Click here to comment on the episode.

BTD Love for Preston Lee

2008-11-06T03:58:00.001-07:00

Preston, your quiet demeanor and purposeful attitude made you the dark horse this season. You've produced some incredibly beautiful work and there is no doubt that we will see much more of you in the future. Which will please many, many people.

This post is only for positive comments about Preston and his work.

Click here to comment about the episode.

BTD Love for Ondine Karady

2008-11-06T03:49:00.001-07:00

Ondine, you made it to the final three - a big accomplishment. Your colorful and whimsical design style is charming and full of life. We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

This post is only for positive comments about Ondine and her work.

Please click here to comment on the episode.

Reactions to the Finale!

2008-11-05T20:41:00.005-07:00

We made it! Tell us how you feel about the winner. AND - tell us what you thought of the whole season. Do you think it was successful or is Interior Design too big to cram into this format? And, what happened to Fan Favorite???

The big Finale Party Room!

2008-11-05T19:19:00.002-07:00

Welcome Top Design fans to the FINALE Party Room! Who will win Season 2 of Top Design? Will there be a fan favorite?

Join us one last time to watch - and dish - the designers and judges.

If you're new here - welcome! Just click the comments link and come on in! For those who come later, we'll be providing some play-by-play as well as ongoing commentary. So, join in!

TGIW and the Finale!

2008-11-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Join us tonight in the Party Room at 10:00PM! We've made it to the finale along with designers Nathan Thomas, Ondine Karady and Preston Lee. Join us for one last Party Room as we see what our finalists come up with for their last challenge.

While last week our poll showed that voters thought that Nathan was a shoe-in for the win, the picture is a bit murkier this week. So far, you believe that Nathan WILL win but you are split 50/50 between who SHOULD win - Nathan or Preston. Click here to view the results.

Entries are coming in for our BTD chandelier challenge, and you still have time to submit your entry. Deadline is Friday!

The High Schooler has done his homework and offers his final predictions.

Following the Party Room, you will be able to post your reactions and comments, send love to the latered and congrats to the winner.

And, stay tuned for my interview with the Winner and the other finalists!

See you tonight!

TGIW!

You were the judge - Episode 9

2008-11-04T21:59:00.006-07:00

Preston Lee, Eddie Ross

Images courtesy of BravoTv. Click image for larger view.

Our polls are closed and you overwhelmingly agreed with the judges that it was Eddie Ross' time to pack up his swatch books and head back to the big Apple. Click here to view the results.

While the judges did not select a winner on episode 9, you have spoken and deemed Preston Lee to have had the Top Design. Click here to view the results.

Thanks for contributing your votes and your thoughts as Season 2 has progressed! We could not do this without your voice and your voting!

One more poll to come!

BTD Chandelier Challenge: Tuesday Entries!

2008-11-04T07:09:00.001-07:00

Here are more entries for our Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Contest. Don't forget, the deadline to submit your entry is this Friday, November 7th!

Designer Chris Praley - Click here to view details

Designer Diana Hathaway Timmons - Click here to view details

The BTD team will select five finalists whose work will be forwarded to our celebrity judge Margaret Russell who will pick the winner! Comments are welcome. Good luck!

Click here to view all the entries.

Oh, these previews!

2008-11-03T18:04:00.004-07:00

Ondine is freaking out, Preston is calmly going about his business and Nathan is hanging bowls on walls... it's the FINALE!

Previews!

2008-11-03T18:00:00.003-07:00

Gee - wonder who the special guests are? Generally, on these shows, they bring back latered contestants to help out. Who do we think it will be? We know Eddie, who of course, he will be helping Preston for added dramz! Who else? Maybe they drug (dragged, drugged then dragged) Andrea back from home?

A lot of history, a little preview..

2008-11-03T17:55:00.003-07:00

...and one final bit 'o cheesecake.

BTD Chandelier Challenge! Monday Entries!

2008-11-03T08:21:00.007-07:00

We've started to receive some pretty excellent entries for our Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Contest. Starting today, I will be posting the entries on a daily basis. Don't forget, the deadline to submit your entry is this Friday, November 7th!

Designer: Sheila O'Meara - Click to view details

Designer: Wesley Willis - Click here to view details

Designer: Francoise McAree - Click here to view details

The BTD team will select five finalists whose work will be forwarded to our celebrity judge Margaret Russell who will pick the winner! Comments are welcome. Good luck!

Click here to view all the entries.

Who Will Win Top Design Season 2

2008-11-02T13:27:00.009-07:00

Preston Lee, Ondine Karady, Nathan Thomas

So, here we are. We started with 13 hopefuls and in nine weeks we're down to the Final Three. A huge congratulations to Preston Lee, Ondine Karday and Nathan Thomas for making it to the finals. With three completely different styles and personalities, I don't think many would argue that they all deserve to be here.

Here is a little recap of their work, select:

And, come back and vote in our two polls. Who do you think WILL win? And who do you think SHOULD win?

poll by twiigs.com

Recapalooza!

2008-11-01T15:17:00.006-07:00

The TD recappers lead the way to the finale:

Miss Becky obsesses over Jeff Lewis...

Cliffie is a wee bit cranky...

Toyouke gets it all down...

Nobody does it like TLo...

The Moderndomestic loved Ondine's room...

Karly takes a peek into the Final 4's real homes...

Liz puts out the APB for Kelly Wearstler...
Why did Everything Eric kind of verbally, freakishly inhaled?

And speaking of Everything Eric, a BIG BTD congrats to EE and E3K for tying the knot this weekend!! Congrats!

Julia at Hooked on Houses is also running a poll. Guess who's winning?

BTD Podcast with Eddie Ross

2008-10-31T10:49:00.002-07:00

Linda Merrill talks with Eddie Ross, the exuberant designer from Season 2 of Top Design. Click here for the podcast.

Click here for his website.

Episode 9 - Your Turn to be the Judge

2008-10-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

OK Top Design fans and friends - this was our final elimination challenge. What did you think of the judges decision?

Click here to tell us who you think should have been latered?

While they didn't select a winner this week, we know you have opinions. Click here to tell us whose room you thought was the most successful.

BTD Love for Eddie Ross

2008-10-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Eddie - you made it to the final four and along the way you've made a name for yourself. Some names haven't aways been the most positive, but your taste and style is clear. Your new blog became a must-read within the design blogosphere within a matter of weeks and your apartment has appeared in both Domino and The Washington Post. Pretty good!

This post is only for positive comments about Eddie and his work.

Click here to post your comments on the episode.

Reactions to Episode 9

2008-10-29T19:42:00.004-07:00

So, what do we think? Do we agree with Margaret - "pretty rooms aren't memorable?" How do you feel about the final three?

Episode 9 - Party Room

2008-10-29T18:55:00.001-07:00

Welcome Top Design fans to the Episode Nine Party Room! We're down to the final four. Who's going to make it to the finals? Do we have a dark horse coming up from behind? Only time will tell.

If you're new here - welcome! Just click the comments link and come on in! For those who come later, we'll be providing some play-by-play as well as ongoing commentary. So, join in!

TGIW!

2008-10-29T13:00:00.001-07:00

Join us tonight in the Party Room at 10:00PM! The final four - Preston, Eddie, Nathan and Ondine - duke it out to get into the finale. Jeff Lewis is guest judge and is sure to bring the snark. The previews alone show some fireworks.

Our Poll showing who you think will win shows a big blowout for Nathan. But, is that because he's a fan favorite? Or, are we thinking he's a judges' darling? Time will tell.

Entries are coming in for our BTD chandelier challenge, so we have those to look forward to.

Following the Party Room, you will be able to post your reactions and comments, send love to the latered and congrats to the winner.

See you tonight!

TGIW!

Episode 8 - You Were the Judge

2008-10-29T07:55:00.006-07:00

Our episode 8 polls are now closed and you voiced your choice loud and clear!

You agreed with the judges this week that Preston Lee had the most successful design. Click here to view the results.

You also agreed with the judges that Eddie Ross had the least successful design. However, since Eddie had immunity, he was safe. Click here to view the results.

Swarovski Challenge Update

2008-10-28T09:22:00.008-07:00

Don't forget that we are holding a fantastic BTD Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Challenge! Entries are starting to come in. The deadline is November 7th. If you've wanted to enter but are not sure how to create a design board - here's a GREAT resource. LauraK emailed over the link to Polyvore - a site which allows you to collect images from all over the web and drag and drop them right into a design board!

Here's a quick one I created for the Horizontal Peridot Glitterbox chandelier. It's free and the instructions are very easy to follow - so now there is no excuse not to enter!

Glitterbox glamour by Surroundings

Oh - and UPDATE to the prize package - not only do you get the chance to have your design ideas reviewed by Margaret Russell, and not only will the winner receive a signed copy of Margaret's book So Chic, but Swarovski is providing a sparkly something something as well! (sorry - no chandeliers!).

Tuesday Mailbox

2008-10-28T07:59:00.004-07:00

Nathan Thomas is on the cover of OutFront Colorado. Read the story here.

Eddie Ross was featured in November's Domino Magazine in a story on decorating and entertaining.

Easy and Soothing on the Eyes

2008-10-27T22:00:00.002-07:00

What's up Nathan's Sleeve?

2008-10-27T21:51:00.002-07:00

It's a preview!

The Final Four!

2008-10-26T08:49:00.004-07:00

Top: (l) Eddie Ross; (r) Ondine Karady

Bottom: (l) Preston Lee; (r) Nathan Thomas

We're down to the Final Four with two episodes to go! So the questions is...

poll by twiigs.com

Recapalooza!

2008-10-25T06:11:00.001-07:00

Photo by Jonathan Skow/People Magazine

And who wouldn't want to go back home to all that? The TD recappers weigh in on Andrea's departure and other issues of the day:

Miss Becky could go on talking about Eddie all day and also has the scoop on Andrea's wallpaper...

Cliffieland has the real prices on those chandeliers...

Other Eric gives us The Angst and The Ego...

Tom and Lorenzo drool over the chandeliers...

The detail that Toyouke delivers never ceases to amaze...

J-Mo at TVgasm has a brush with Top Design stardom...

The Moderndomestic was entertained...

Karly has some hilarious alternate titles...

Liz wasn't the only one missing Kelly Wearstler...

Donna Kauffman kinda, sorta likes Preston...

Karen Shih at the Baltimore Sun watches Eddie give the Martha Stewart commercial...

Have a recap to share? E-mail Team BTD to get in on the fun!

BTD Podcast with Andrea Schroder

2008-10-24T09:01:00.001-07:00

Linda Merrill talks with Top Design Season 2 designer Andrea Schroder. Click here for the podcast.

Click here for her website.

Your turn to be the judge - episode 8

2008-10-23T20:22:00.002-07:00

Andrea Schroder
Nathan Thomas
Preston Lee
Ondine Karady
Eddie Ross
Click on image for larger view. Courtesy of Bravo.

It was a wild episode filled with drama and tears. The question is - who did you think should have won and who should have gone home.

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

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

BTD Chandelier Challenge!

2008-10-23T07:00:00.005-07:00

Blogging Top Design and ::Surroundings::
invites you to join us for a fantastic contest!

The October 22nd show challenged the contestants to decorate a room around a fantastic Swarovski chandelier from their Crystal Palace collection.

How would you have done? Now is the time to find out! You are invited to submit a design board that illustrates your design creativity. It can be a standard mood board created with paper and or you can create it digitally, or step outside the box and paint a picture - the sky’s the limit! (okay - the digital image is the limit!)

Here are the details:

• Select a chandelier. The images will be available for download here.

• Contest starts: Thursday, October 23rd

• Contest deadline: Friday, November 7th.

• Submit one .jpg image of your design plan to bloggingtopdesign@gmail.com

• Provide a brief write-up describing your design, tell us a little about yourself and include your contact information.

• All projects will be showcased on Blogging Top Design and on ::Surroundings::

• Team BTD will select a small group of finalists from all entrees.

• Our judge will be Top Design judge Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of Elle Decor! This is your chance to put your work in front of Margaret’s eyes!

•There will be one first prize winner who will receive a signed copy of Margaret’s book So Chic AND a little something sparkly from Swarovski! Plus, the title of Top Virtual Designer!

Contact us at bloggingtopdesign@gmail.com with questions.

Although I'm not eligible, I've put together a quick design board to get the party started. We look forward to seeing your creativity in action!

Congratulations - Preston Lee

2008-10-23T04:00:00.001-07:00

Preston, you did it again! You have been the stealth designer this season, but you're coming on strong at the end! Your room was elegant and polished. A real showstopper.

This post is only for positive comments about Preston and his work.

Click here to comment about the episode.

BTD Love for Andrea Schroder

2008-10-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Andrea, you have been the epitome of elegance and maturity during this competition. You finally hit your breaking point this episode and realized that you had achieved what you set out to do and it was time to send yourself home to your family. It takes a lot of courage to know when to say when. We'll miss you all the same.

This post is only for positive comments about Andrea and her work.

Click here to post comments about the episode.

Reactions to Episode 8

2008-10-22T19:46:00.004-07:00

How did the designers do this week? What did you think of the Pop Design challenge? Did Andrea make the right decision?

The BTD Swarovski Chandelier Challenge

2008-10-22T19:26:00.010-07:00

This time, it's YOUR turn to be judged. Can you decorate a room around one of these fantastic Swarovski chandeliers from their Crystal Palace collection? Check back first thing tomorrow for all the contest details and deadlines. All I'll say now is that there will be a fun prize for the winner - and we have a spectacular judge on board.

And you just watched he or she on the television! All will be revealed soon!

Episode 8 - Party Room

2008-10-22T18:55:00.002-07:00

Welcome Top Design fans to the Episode Eight Party Room! The designers create a room around a chandelier. Come on in and join the party!

If you're new here - welcome! Just click the comments link and come on in! For those who come later, we'll be providing some play-by-play as well as ongoing commentary. So, join in!

TGIW, a little mail and a big announcement!

2008-10-22T13:05:00.003-07:00

Join us tonight in the Party Room at 10:00PM! We're down to the final 5 and based on the previews things aren't looking good for Andrea, but you never know what will happen!

Check out The High Schooler's predictions for who will win and who will be latered.

And, we're having contest! Stay tuned after the show tonight for all the details. And pay close attention to the show - our contest will you put in the shoes of the designers - in more ways than one!

Following the Party Room, you will be able to post your reactions and comments, send love to the latered and congrats to the winner.

TGIW!

Episode 7 Poll Results

2008-10-21T20:57:00.003-07:00

(l) Nathan Thomas (r) Andrea Schroder
Click on image for larger view. Courtesy Bravo.

Our episode 7 polls are now closed and you resoundingly disagreed with the judges on all accounts last week. Over 50% of you felt that Nathan Thomas should have won the episode. Click here to read the results. Likewise, but nearly the same percentage, you felt that Andrea Schroder should have been latered. Click here to view the results.

Stay tuned for our poll for Episode 8. We always want to know what you think!

Previews!

2008-10-20T17:03:00.002-07:00

A lot of bling, bling...

2008-10-20T17:00:00.002-07:00

... and a little Simon Doonan to light up the rooms!

Monday Mailbox

2008-10-20T09:00:00.001-07:00

Ondine Karady was looking lovely a few weeks ago at the Holiday House kickoff party in NYC. Ondine is one of the designers for this charity showhouse, opening November 3rd, to support the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Andrea Schroder and family attended the premier of High School Musical 3.

Andrea and fam also appear in this weeks' People magazine where they share just how normal their family life is - filled with ups and downs - just like the rest of us. Except - well - most of us aren't as photogenic!

Recapalooza for Episode Seven

2008-10-18T09:16:00.006-07:00

Lots of recaps this week. Kelly's outfits play a big role in the commentary (and the TD production stylist can now ask for a raise), Eddie's comments get some attention and body parts are always popular! Onward...

•Fans of Reality Television provides a great play by play. Check 'em out if you missed the show.
•Karen at the Baltimore Sun laments Our first week without Wisit … ah, sad times.
•The future is a sparkly strip club says TVgasm.
•Moderndomestic says Space Age rooms bring yawns and heart attacks
•Kerrianne takes on Scary Kelly's wardrobe.
•And Kelly's turban (the talk of blogdom this week) is taken on over at DeSmitten.
•Everything Eric sees a Boring Future after this epi.
•Erin at Design Crisis comments on the Science Fair Project on Steroids and wishes they were given another day
•Becky from Hatch and Decor8 covers Kelly's comments, Preston's pronunciation of 'chaise lounge' and asks who has a tougher time with constructive criticism - Eddie or Kenley from Project Runway.
•The Recapist is missing her little singing angel.
•It Happened Last Night calls one room MC Hammer/Circus/Serial Killer chic. Who's is it?
•My Monkey Could Do That reminds us of Eddie's "Top Design" castmate cloning scenario.
•Cliffieland anoints Medium Madame Ethel Mertzola.

And, having nothing much at all to do with this episode, I wanted to share a post I did on ::Surroundings:: comparing the Project Runway finalists' designs to interior design. Just a little diversion.

Have a nice weekend and happy reading!

BTD Podcast with Natalie Williams

2008-10-17T04:00:00.001-07:00

Linda Merrill talks with Natalie Williams of Top Design Season 2. Click here for the podcast.

Click here for Natalie's firm.

Your turn to be the judge - episode 7

2008-10-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Row 1 (l) Preston Lee, (r) Ondine Karady
Row 2 (l) Nathan Thomas (r) Eddie Ross
Row 3 (l) Natalie Williams (r) Andrea Schroder
Click on image for larger view. Courtesy of BravoTV.

Please click here to vote for who you think should have won.

Please click here to vote for who you think should have been latered this episode.

BTD Love for Natalie Williams

2008-10-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

Natalie, you were the quintessential ingenue - young, perky and likable - with a lot of talent bubbling up. It's obvious that your fellow designers adored you and so do we.

This post is only for positive comments about Natalie and her work.

Click here to comment about the episode.

Congratulations - Preston Lee

2008-10-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Preston, you've been a strong contender all season and it looks like you really hit your stride with your room of the future. Your design was confident, stylish and practical. Congratulations!

This post is only for positive comments about Preston or his work.

Click here to comment on the episode.

Reactions to Episode 7

2008-10-15T19:59:00.001-07:00

How did the designers do this week? Who is an optimist, who's a pessimist, and who just didn't get it?

Episode 7 Party Room!

2008-10-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome Top Design fans to the Episode Seven Party Room! The designers create the room of the future. Who will win and who will be left behind?

If you're new here - welcome! Just click the comments link and come on in! For those who come later, we'll be providing some play-by-play as well as ongoing commentary. So, join in!

TGIW and a little mail

2008-10-15T14:00:00.001-07:00

Join us tonight in the Party Room at 10:00PM as we dish together. The designers face their futures. What will be the result?

Check out The High Schooler's predictions for who will win and who will be latered.

Serge Van Lian is interviewed over at Juxtaposition Design.

Following the Party Room, you will be able to post your reactions and comments, send love to the latered and congrats to the winner.

TGIW!

Results in - You were the judge on Episode 6

2008-10-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Nathan Thomas (l) and Wisit Prapong (r)

Episode 6 polls are now closed. When asked who should have won, you disagreed with the judges and felt that Nathan Thomas deserved the win. Click here to see the results.

However, you were in agreement with the judges that it was time for Wisit to go home. Click here to view the results. Our thanks to all who voted.

And stay tuned for our Episode 7 poll! We're getting to the final 6!

Preview - Future Rooms, Stripper Poles and Glinda, oh my!

2008-10-13T21:01:00.002-07:00

Episode 7 Preview

2008-10-13T20:57:00.001-07:00

It's the morning after. Who's here and who's ...? And who is that singing on the sound track?

From the Mailbox

2008-10-13T12:02:00.001-07:00

Andrea Schroder and family are shown in this week's People Magazine where they talk about their son's car accident in 2007.

Upcoming TD judge and Jonathan Adler's husband, Simon Doonan, has a new show on British television, based on his memoirs.

Eddie Ross was interviewed in the Washington Post.

Recapalooza for Episode Six

2008-10-11T09:00:00.001-07:00

Epi 6 is done and we're down to the final six. Let's check out what our favorite bloggers are saying:

Becky over at Decor8 is blogging while tired (but then, who doesn't?) and shares her notes on the Bubb Report.
As usual, TLo doesn't mince words.
It's rock, paper, scissors with My Monkey Could Do That.
Moderndomestic asks "And this is supposed to showcase their individual design aesthetic how?"
Design Crisis says zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Reduce. Reuse. Respoiler - and so it goes on It Happened Last Night
Reality Check disagrees with the judges.
Donna Kauffman is having problems with Eddie.
Casa Sugar offers lots of episode pics.
Everything Eric turns Tim Gunn into a verb.
Cliffieland offers up the Ole' Switcheroo.

BTD Podcast with Wisit Prapong

2008-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

Linda Merrill talks with the operatic designer Wisit Prapong of Season 2 of Top Design. Click here for the podcast.

Click here for his website.

Your turn to be the judge - episode 6

2008-10-09T22:04:00.006-07:00

1. Eddie Ross
2. Wisit Prapong
3. Natalie Williams
4. Nathan Thomas
5. Andrea Schroder
6. Ondine Karady
7.Preston Lee
Click on image for larger view. Image courtesy of Bravo.

Time to voice your choice!

Please click here to vote for who you think should have won.

Please click here to vote for who you think should have been latered this episode.

Congratulations - Eddie Ross!

2008-10-09T04:01:00.000-07:00

BTD congratulates Eddie Ross for being the winner of the Eco-Green challenge. Who knew you were green? From your creative re-use of the blind slats to the carpet treatment. You were smart enough to keep Nathan's original concepts while laying on your own style. Bravo!

This post is only for positive comments about Eddie or his work.

All other comments, please click here.

BTD Love for Wisit Prapong

2008-10-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Wisit, your sweet demeanor and killer countertenor voice made you a truly unique contestant. You did some truly standout work along the way - from your first episode Pop Design fashion sketches to your Parisian garden room that was a clear fan favorite. We'll miss you and wish you all the best.

This post is only for positive comments about Wisit or his work.

All other comments, please click here.

Reactions to Episode 6

2008-10-08T19:54:00.001-07:00

So, how did they do? Who understood the green concepts and who missed the boat?

Episode 6 - Party Room!

2008-10-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome Top Design fans to the Episode Six Party Room! It's another individual challenge and we're going green.

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

TGIW and a little mail

2008-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

How many decorators does it take....?

Can you imagine a reality show with Kelly Wearstler? Would you watch? Kelly hosted a big soiree at her home this week to celebrate the launch of Domino Magazine's new book Domino: The Book of Decorating. Attended by Hollywood glitterati, the poolside party (attendees were not allowed inside the house) has been the talk of the web.

Teresa Keegan kept her focus and her smile, via Unbeige.

Chris, our favorite high school prognosticator is laying the odds.

Join us tonight in the Party Room at 10:00PM as we dish together. Guest judge is "eco-stylist" Danny Seo. The designers are tasked with making over offices in an environmental consulting firm. It's another indi-challenge!

Following the Party Room, you will be able to post your reactions and comments, send love to the latered and congrats to the winner.

TGIW!

Results in - You were the judge on Episode 5

2008-10-07T21:19:00.004-07:00

(l) Wisit Prapong and (r) Teresa Keegan
Click on image for larger view. Images courtesy of Bravo.

Episode 5 polls are now closed. This was a hard episode to run a poll on as we had two triathlon winners and one over all winner. Since Bravo only provided us with images of the final leg, our poll was based on this leg of the competition.

When asked who should have won, you disagreed with the judges by a wide margin and felt that Wisit should have been the winner for his Paris themed garden room. Click here to view the results.

However, you were in agreement with the judges that it was time for Teresa to go home. Click here to view the results.

Our thanks to all who voted.

And stay tuned and voice your choice for Episode 6!

Previews!

2008-10-06T21:08:00.001-07:00

We have insecurity, cockiness and a little touch of modesty... the final 7!

Previews - straight up with a twist!

2008-10-06T21:01:00.003-07:00

Another indi challenge!