Boy, what a crazy week it’s been. If you follow me on Twitter, then you know I spent Election Day in the hospital while my husband had surgery. Now he’s home and recovering nicely. Thanks to all of you who wrote and asked how he’s doing! I have the best, most caring blog (and Twitter!) friends, I have to say.
It was fun to come home that night to see that so many of you had voted for your favorite kitchen in my Election Day post. The blue kitchen won by a squeaker! The white kitchen was a close second. The polls will remain open a little longer, so if you haven’t voted yet, now’s your chance.
Okay. So last night was the “Top Design” finale. Did you see it? Well, here’s the run-down for you. (Spoiler alert! Don’t read any further if you don’t want to know who won!)
For the final challenge, each of the designers had a townhouse to decorate from top to bottom in only 4 days. They were each given 2 carpenters, 1 seamstress, and 1 former contestant to help them out.
Eddie Ross came back to help Preston, noting that since he had just been eliminated himself, he felt “like slitting my wrists right now.” But he would be happy, you know, to help. Sure. Just so long as Preston didn’t ask him to do anything like fetch him coffee. “I am NOT his assistant.”
Natalie returned to help Nathan, throwing herself into his arms and squealing with glee.
Andrea came back to help Ondine, which was a little ironic because it was her decision to bail on the competition that got Ondine into the finals in the first place. Andrea commented that she’s been kicking herself for quitting. Yeah, I bet. I mean, wouldn’t you?
So we watched them work. We watched Eddie mouth off, as usual. We saw Ondine panic that her carpenters wouldn’t finish their projects on time. We cringed as Nathan had a crew of about 7 men move a giant Indian chest (which he referred to as a “sarcophagus”) upstairs to the family room, only to realize it was way too big and out place there.
Then it was time for the judges to tour their spaces. First up: Ondine’s place, which she described as “retro modern.”
Kelly Wearstler was back with yet another “interesting” outfit. This week she was channeling “Heidi”:
Ondine’s living room:
Little girl’s room with built-in bed alcove:
Master bedroom:
Here’s a better view of the interesting mirrored headboard Ondine created in her master bedroom:
Now on to Nathan’s townhouse, starting with the living room:
Nathan’s dining room, with the paper-plate chandelier he created:
Here’s a view of Nathan’s chandelier in progress. You can also see the (awful) wallpaper that he hung up the stairs and into the dining room:
The “sarcophagus” in the family room took up way too much space and left no room for a TV or anything else remotely practical, but Nathan couldn’t bring himself to ask the guys to move it back downstairs.
Finally, Preston’s perfect and pristine-looking townhouse (here he is putting the final touches on the landing):
Even though his “hearth room” off the kitchen won the challenge last week, he turned it into a dining room for the final challenge. I’m still not completely sure why. They criticized the dining room for looking like everything came right off the showroom floor (they hate “matchy-matchy”):
Did you notice how much wallpaper they used in their houses? I liked some of it, but it was all a little too much for me. That’s the big trend now, though, so I know I’m probably in the minority here.
The judges loved the moldings Preston used in this small sitting room:
The judges deliberated for a long time. Jonathan Adler reports on his blog that they had a hard time choosing the winner:
My God was it difficult to choose! Our otherwise harmonious judging crew nearly came to blows over who should win. Honestly, I almost came to blows with MYSELF over who should win! I J’ADORED Nathan’s house (of course), but I was in love with Ondine’s and Preston’s creations aussi. Any of the three could have won and I would have been happy.
In the end, they agreed that Nathan had the Top Design, despite the sarcophagus, despite the ugly wallpaper, despite the fact that his best room was the entry, which couldn’t actually be used for any practical purpose beyond “setting the tone” for the rest of the house.
They really tricked us with the editing–showing us all of the critical things the judges had to say about Nathan’s room, and all of the glowing praise they had for the others. I was sure Preston was going to win!
The polls taken by Bravo, Blogging Top Design and here on my own blog last week all showed Preston being the clear front-runner to win this thing.
Nathan’s space was very creative and artistic, though. I think the judges rewarded him for taking chances. Congrats, Nathan! And congrats to all of us for sticking with this show to the very end. There were a couple of weeks when I frankly wasn’t sure I was going to make it.
How do you think they could improve this show next season? My personal request: hire Jeff Lewis as a permanent judge, Bravo!
What do you think? Did the best contestant win? Or were you rooting for someone else right up until the end? Discuss.
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Nathan for sure!
Glad he won.
AS for Ondine…she is horrendous.
Ick!
Can’t stand the bimbo!
I loved this episode! All the houses were great in their own way, but Nathan was my favorite. That Indian chest was really cool, however if I saw it, I would have no idea what to do with it! LOL Great recap! I was waiting to see what Kelly would wear…she never disappoints! I did a little recap of my own, feel free to check it out! Have a great weekend girly!
With a newborn in the house I haven’t be able to watch and knew you would have a brilliant recap! Thanks!!
Nathan may be a risk taker, but his risks are butt-ugly. Chicken wire and paper plates??? And just say no to wallpaper. I could live in Preston’s house in a heartbeat…but minus most of the wallpaper.
Man, I loved all their houses! That painting of Nathan’s was awesome. I think that won it for him! I want to make one of those. I think Preston’s was very pretty, but boring for Elle Decor. Nathan’s design will make a good article.
I still like Eddie’s Granny/Martha Stewart style! ha. I guess I’m old!
Personally, I think Nathan’s home was the worst of the 3. He was creative but almost too much. I hated the front room, I hated the wall paper, I hated the paper plate light fixture. The only think I liked was his painting in the dining room. Ondine should have taken this one. That little girls room was so cute and I loved the headboard in master. I wish I could have that sculpture that was hung over the pink couches! loved it!! Preston’s home was rather boring. I liked it but it needed more. Well, Congrats to Nathan, but I’m still an Eddie loyalist!!!
I thought that Nathan should win, and that was based upon the entire season, not just the last house challenge. I think he had the most imaginative decor generally. I didn’t dislike Preston’s stuff generally, but it was all very magazinesque being so polished and perfect. It lacked originality even though it had great taste. Ondine I love for her uniqueness even though it wasn’t always my personal taste. This last challenge of the house is what I actually like most from her out of the entire season. I think all of them will have successful careers.
Now when does another design reality show start, I’m ready for the next round LOL!
Well, I don’t understand any of the judge’s decisions, but then I also don’t understand the designs they’re judging.
What is it with these getting-too-boring design shows anyway? I heard Trading Spaces is coming back–give me that (and cable–slight technical difficulty there).
Maybe to spice things up, they should have a design show with people who have no idea what they’re doing but do know enough to not put pink flamingos in the front yard, or front room, since I guess it’s not a landscaping show. Now THAT would be interesting, and I bet we’d still see light fixtures made out of paper products. Or rather, they’ll go for shiny and use Hefty plates. (Brings more light into a room with all the reflection!)
Put me on there with a Lowe’s credit card (or better yet, Wal-Mart–ick, by the way) and see what I can do, me and my ignorant self.
I loved Preston’s house and came to like him throughout the season (I REALLY disliked him at first, mistaking his quietness for being stuck-up). I felt all 3 did a great job though; Nathan is just too..umm…’artistic’ for me.
I have to disagree with you though. I think Jeff Lewis, while he makes for good tv, would be an awful judge. As a realtor/stylist and not a REAL designer, he can’t see beyond his own style/taste to judge others (as margaret russell pointed out). He’s contentious though and makes for ‘good tv’. I personally can’t stand him.
Random question: It looks like the chair in Nathan’s kitchen (under the paper plate chandelier) is the same chair that is in Preston’s office room??? That makes me wonder…
Thanks for the recap! I honestly don’t know if I could have kept up with this one on tv!
Angela–wow! Good point! I didn’t even notice until you mentioned it. Preston also used that same chair in his sitting room (with the moldings). They did shop at some of the same stores. Must’ve been a popular item!
ArchitectDesign, I know everyone’s not a fan of Jeff Lewis, but I thought he made the two episodes he was in much more entertaining. You’re right that he might not make the best judge, though, even though he’s good for TV. -Julia
Julia, I’m sorry about your hubby but glad to hear he’s doing better.
Thanks for the TD recap. I always feel like Ondine’s rooms look like a bed-in-a-bag. I liked her headboard (don’t know how practical it would be), but the bedding was so predictable.
I hated Nathan’s design. Hated the wallpaper and the chandelier. I thought Preston’s rooms could’ve been punched up just a bit, but if the judging was based on this challenge alone, I think Preston should’ve won.
I was conflicted. It didn’t think that Nathan’s house was the best, but for that girls’ room of Ondine’s I needed sun glasses…. When does Project runway come back?
Julia, what happened to your hubby ??? I am just learning of it now….I hope everything is on the mend….how awful for you dear bloggie friend
((((hugs)))))
Kathy
I know that wallpaper is in right now, but I’m knee deep in taking down some pretty “eightified paper” so it wouldn’t bother me to NEVER see the stuff again!
thanks for the recap. I have to come to you to get my fix.
k-
I always enjoyed Nathan’s designs. For me, he was surprising and not afraid to take risks. So many reality show contestants always play it safe. Preston is incredibly talented and young and I always felt like Ondine would do better if she had more time. I love that show…sigh.
I finally found this show on television and taped it. I saw probably the last 3 episodes and then the finale. I did not think that Ondine would win in comparison to the other two, but I was truly most impressed with Preston’s home. BUT, I do realize that Nathan definitely was the most creative and innovative of the three, so I could understand how he won. I just didn’t feel that same flow in his home – it all seemed so chaotic to me. But, I’m not a professional.
Nathan’s house was not livable and just for (the) show. Ridiculous!
As to Kelly’s dress it is the daughter of Seinfeld’s Puffy Shirt (aka International Male’s Poet’s shirt).
Did you hear India tell Nathan to copyright his chandelier? I would never want that in my house. I am also surprised that he won. I watched most of the show and fell asleep for the results! That’s my life with a newborn…sleep when I can! Thanks for the recap on everything!
Yes, yes, yes on Jeff as a permanent judge. Even if it’s just for the next few years while the housing market recovers and he gets way too busy again.
I’m with you on the over usage of wall paper accent walls. I like it now and again as a whimsical twist but every single room having a wall papered accent wall…my Mom just got rid of the one in the house she bought down here. That was apparently big in the 80′s/early 90′s down here because all of the older model homes have the same thing.
Now a little bathroom enveloped in a gorgeous wallpaper, making it a precious little jewel box of a room…yummy.
Sheesh, got on a rant and forgot to say I’m glad your hubby is doing better…hope it wasn’t anything too serious!
I really like this show and I am going to miss it. I will also miss your weekly posts.
I cracked up when Eddie left his cell phone on the stairs while Preston was giving him instructions. It was predictable behavior by Eddie though.
In the end, I am glad Nathan won because his designs are unique – things you wouldn’t see everyday.
Whew! Just got a chance to watch TD on the DVR, Julia. (I’ve been waiting to read your recap until after I saw the finale!)
Harrumph. Well, I think Preston should have won. And, I think his design would have been a better match for Margaret’s Elle. (I think it was Kelly who really fought for Nathan.)
Nathan was just too … too … too … I don’t know the word for it! Creative? Indulgent? No, neither of those is right. Personally, I wouldn’t want a paper plate and chicken wire chandelier in my house, but that’s just me. Also, and this really bothers me … his “wonderful” foyer and his master bedroom (from last week’s challenge) just had plain ol’ bland walls (except for that horrible wallpaper on the stairwell leading out of the entry).
I loved Sandra’s comment about Ondine’s design seeming like “bed-in-a-bag”. That’s a very good description! It always seems (and she always seems!) kind of rumpled and uninspired. The bed in the girl’s room was messy looking!
Anyway, for design style, professionalism, organization, and “best-all-around” … I vote for Preston!
Next up … Top Chef!
I thought Preston’s design was better overall, but they were all 3 pretty impressive. I personally like Ondine’s rooms the best from my own personal taste. but, what do I know? LOL It was fun watching & I really enjoyed cathing it on my DVR after the fact…breezing through those commercials. I’ll watch again, I’m sure!
I really think Preston has the most promising career ahead of him. His designs always looked meticulously finished and polished to me, where Nathan’s and Ondine’s looked more thrown together. Of course, I’m a “throw-it-together” kind of girl, so I can certainly relate…lol. But I think Preston should have won. And YES to Jeff as a permanent judge–dude is CRaZy mean! I love it!!
Hope Dave is recovering well.
I have those same Target brown & white pillows (on the bed) in my living room.
I am new to the site and new to home design ideas being that we just recently moved into our first home. I like your site.
I hope your husband is recovering well….
Hi Julia,
Thanks for the recap, and all the photos! I’ve told you before I don’t have BRAVO, so I don’t watch. But you brought it to life for me. I just wish there was a sound track with Ediie’s smart mouth ha ha.
I have been super busy and not tending to the blog addiction, so I missed the news about your husband. Hope all is well now.
You are loved for sure.
xo xo xo
Hoping Dave is doing much better!
Ok…Just watched it last night. Loved Nathan’s den with the wall of old boyfriends…very Elle Dekker! Great art too…
Preston’s was just too safe for what I would think to be Elle Decor taste. Perfect. But safe.
Ondines had some very great moments.
I guess in my mind, for what they were looking for they made a good choice. Coulda woulda shoulda been any one of them. They were all THAT good.
Thanks again for the recap!
I am certainly surprised that Nathan won. I thought it would have been Preston.
I did notice all the wallpaper. It makes me want to wallpaper the wall behind my headboard. I even made my husband watch the three houses with me, so he could see what I was talking about.
I agree with the other commentors here. I wouldn’t want to eat beneath a chicken wire, paper plate, and glue gun chandelier. I did love the art though. I may just try it.
I am glad that unlike Season 1, the contestants stayed and finished the houses they started without sending them home and bringing them back. I think this format worked a lot better.
Any of them could have been a winner. I am so glad that the finale ended strong!
Ahh.. time for Top Chef. I can’t resist…
I also waited until I watched the DVR’d finale. I hope that your husband is doing well now! Spending time in the hospital always sucks, for the patient and those waiting.
I was happy to have them air Margaret’s comments regarding the judges understanding how difficult it all is, like boot camp. In fact, I think that the judges were very correct in their assessments of each of the finalists this year. I actually liked Kelly’s dress, but hadn’t we seen it before? I think that she is probably the most down to earth of the three. Margaret always looks impeccable, has excellent taste and knows what she wants to see in her mag. Jonathan is an ass, as became more and more apparent throughout the season. HE is the one they need to replace. Him, his phony as hell smile and product placement crap. Bring on his boyfriend, Simon Doonan! He seemed much nicer and has better taste (well, since he’s with JA, perhaps not). Why don’t they just place Todd on the panel?
I do think Nathan won because of the culmination of his work and not solely on this project. He and Ondine both had hits and misses here. Preston’s work, as usual, was very polished. It’s amazing that he’s able to pull that off in the allotted time frame. I could see Margaret pulling for him.
I think one of the things about Ondine is that she’s a set decorator, so her bent is to make things look lived-in. Magazines these days seem not to do that. There are always people like Eddie called in to make sure that everything is styled down to the last pin. Even Domino. Like any of us could actually live that way.
At least once Eddie was out of the running, you had sympathy for all three of the remaining contestants. All of them seem to be very nice people. Something that is sorely lacking in reality TV because everyone wants Drama.
I’m already watching Stylista…
Oooh! That wallpaper is atrocious– so 70s. And it is a b*tch to take down!
LOL.
Love your recap. I agree it was hard to choose, but I think that Nathan overall this season was truly the winner.
When is Top Design returning to the screens?
I am missing it very much
Best wishes
Val
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