Last night was the premiere of Million Dollar Decorators, which follows five top-tier LA decorators as they design the homes of the rich and famous. You've probably heard of the decorators, all of whom are featured regularly in shelter magazines and blogs: Mary McDonald, Kathryn Ireland, Jeffrey Alan Marks, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Nathan Turner. The personalities are huge, the egos are huger, and the budgets are basically irrelevant in their enormity. What did you think, hilarious window onto the world of dream budgets and decorating divas, or depressing caricature that reveals too little of the process and profession of design?
I am on the fence. Watching last night, I kept cringing, lamenting the possibility of the design profession being sullied by these over the top characterizations of decorators who seem to think that the price they command is commensurate with their importance. But over the course of the show I found myself softening. The personalities are certainly outrageous, but I they are also mostly self-aware — they take themselves very seriously as professionals, and every design decision is obviously life-or-death, but otherwise, they have a sense of humor about themselves that is pretty appealing. Plus, there promises to be more insight into the design process as well as some seriously hot real estate porn in future episodes.
My favorite and/or most horrified moments included the following:
In the end, I kind of can't wait for next week.
What do you think? Will you be watching?
MORE INFO: Million Dollar Decorators | Bravo
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I think its a great idea it's time for Americans to know what Rich! looks like again.
The recession is so ovuh. At least on this show!
I love how out and proud they all are -- so far at least. Honey, nearly everyone on his show is gay.
And you didn't even mention the shower scene with the blond South African model. Who is that guy?
Not interested. To me, the most interesting design is what happens when people have constraints - budget, time, imperfect spaces etc. I'm shamelessly nosy about how other people are able problem solve and create beauty within their constraints.
Million dollar budgets, no constraints, make the process kind of boring to me. Who cares? Not me.
I'm a huge Martyn Lawrence Bullard fan. However, I suspect that after all the contrived drama and fighting on the other reality shows that the same nonsense on a decorating show will seem particularly silly. The stuff about having only five minutes to finish the big project before the client/judge will get there has been done to death.
Rubbish like this makes me very glad I no longer have cable TV.
Really, when almost 80 million American families make less than 25,000/year. When 40 million American children depend on food stamps to eat. When people are working two jobs just to stay at the same income level they were in the 1970's. When you add the price of food and fuel to the inflation level and find it's over 11%. Sure, what the Hell. I'll just pretend it's 1930 and the Rockerfellars and the Carnegies and the Astors are graciously letting me peek into their windows for a bit before they sic the dogs and the Pinkertons on me. "We're number ONE!!! YEE-HAWWW!!!!!!"
I didn't know about it *gasp* but I'll tune in next week to see for myself. :)
I completely agree with Dulcibella.
It's not very difficult to create something amazing with a million dollars.
The best design shows are ones where there is some kind of a challenge... maybe creating a room that looks like a million bucks for under 1000???
I guess I just don't see why theses designers think so highly of themselves. You could give my design-impaired husband a million $ and I can guarantee it would look pretty darn fabulous.
www.daniapple.com
I agree with Dulcibella that not having a limited budget makes things kind of boring.
ITA with Dulcibella.
Just yesterday, I tossed aside the latest issue of the Canadian House & Home Magazine. I was totally disgusted. I am not interested in McMansions that typically exceed 5,000 square feet and that have furniture and appliances imported from all over the world.
It can't be that hard to have a nicely furnished house when money is no object and the interior designer will change it on the customer's whim.
The issue featured houses owned by a famours photographer; Karen Kain (an artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada); and a house of some upscale furniture mogul. It was one of the most boring issues ever.
I much prefer getting my ispiration from fellow AT-ers who probably struggle with budget and other restrictions just like do. To me, it is about taking pride in "I did it myself" and in personal creativity as opposed to a kitchen reno that cost $60,000.
Another complete agreement with Dulcibella. I used to watch some of these shows as guilty pleasures, but I'm done. This obsession on Bravo with "Million Dollar....whatever" is played out already. As we all know by now, reality tv is anything but.
Obviously, it's a pass for me.
Hilton--
It's really no different than America's obsession with Hollywood movie stars back in the Great Depression...
...except then everything was prepackaged to make everything perfect - and now everything is prepackaged for maximum drama.
Either way, they're equally irrelevant.
I watched it and at the beginning, I was annoyed. I wanted to see more of the design process and less of their home life but, It was just the first episode so I guess we needed to be introduced to their surroundings.
I have to disagree with most and say that I don't think having a larger budget makes it less interesting. Good design is about problem solving and executing a challenge and sometimes a certain personality type could be the most challenging thing to your process. You may have a million dollar budget but you're dealing with someone whom you know has ten million dollar taste.
It is extravagant and not at all the norm but in a country where we love rags to riches stories, I'm not going to knock any of these people for being financially successful because I don't know what that road was like for them.
I agree with modernguy. Taste and style are the goals however they can be achieved.
The designers are so full of themselves I'm surprised they had ROOM for all that guacamole. Kathryn Ireland's housekeeper is hysterical.
I am a bit bummed; I really thought it would feature more design as well, but on Bravo - I should've known better.
All that said, it was disgustingly addictive and I totally set up a season pass, just so I can bitch and moan about how awful they are, and, like the others, how yeah - with an unlimited budget, a monkey could be an award winning decorator. Maybe that'll be next season.
How do I crack into this profession. Hello, dream job! Btw, I'm totally qualified: I'm gay (albeit the wrong kind), I'm an aesthete, and I look good in black.
I love how Martyn somehow had TWO assistants named Demetra. "I don't know what she does, but she's needed." Too funny.
Right now, I have to say I'm not dying to see the next episode but would probably watch if there was nothing else on. Too much drama -- not enough design.
Thought I was gonna love it, but didn't.
Designers who think more about their vision and don't involve their client in the decision process is just so so boring to me. What I love about AT & Design Sponge is that many of the homes were lovingly created by its occupants. Even if I am suddenly blessed with barrels of moola, I still don't think I'd hire a decorator, an architect yes, maybe a space planner. I would feel robbed if I didn't get to to do it myself. That said, other people don't enjoy it and can use the services of an astute decorator.
What turned me off:
-This is my house! (Oh really do you pay the mortgage and the maintenance?)
- The kind of fake sounding accent of the osbourne's decorator (if its not fake, please forgive me)
- He's not getting any more work from me (said this on tv after the vendor sent out 10+ people to get it done on time?)
I did like the guy with the store and the cute blonde boyfriend (& the adorable dog in the outdoor shower).
Not interested. I prefer to watch a show where the people are more inventive rather than just throw money and quips around. I'm sure there are some pretty cool outcomes, but I've decided to table any programs which glamorize shrill and over-privileged characterizations of what reality is.
Bring back the 90% top tax bracket!
Um I think I'll stick with Architectural Digest for my rich-people-guilty-pleasure...at least the design elements are things I can incorporate into my own life and the true feature is beautiful art rather than just expensive 'things'
I found it difficult to care about these designers or their plight. I would love to see shows move away from the trend of making personalities out of the professionals and make it more about the process and the design. It made me miss Debbie Travis. How sad is that?
As a design student working a full time office job, I find shows like this pretty depressing. They really do make me feel like I'll never make any money as a designer unless I suck up to insane(ly) wealthy people. I guess I didn't realize when I enrolled three years ago that schmoozing is a (too) big part of the job, and that talent means nothing when you have boatloads of money and a huge personality.
Didn't know it was on, nothing here makes me interested enough to tune in. I try not to think too much about all the various professions and specialty trades that cater pretty exclusively to the Rich. That's the only real "tickle-down-effect" in the economy, and it makes me depressed.
(I'd rather watch a new show featuring designers who do "habitat for humanity" style decorating for people in "bad neighborhoods" with the concept of helping them imporve aspects of their lives starting with their homes. It could include thrifting, rehabbing, learning basic maintenance skills, using public resources like libraries to develop an aesthetic and get ideas... Hollywood, are you listening???)
I'm ashamed, very ashamed. I couldn't stop watching, and I will continue to watch. Between Kathryn Ireland's tippling housekeeper, Martyn's naughty vocal inflection, and the shower scene with the topless blond boyfriend/assistant-- I think I've found my 'housewives'.
I would never want to walk into my house after it was designed by someone else. If I had alot of money I would be right there with every choice. That collaberation is not shown.
I do agree that the drama went overboard. Honestly, the we are running out of time thing has been done to death and the editing make all of them look ridiculous. I would like to see more of the design process. These designers are succesful and it would be more interesting to see how they do the job rather than barking at the painters and fretting if their teenage sons can cook a dinner for 12.
Mary McDonald, to the camera: "This is a total tragedy, because it's my house!"
I haven't seen this, so what did she mean? It is "so her"? It is the same model as her house? It is "hers" because she decorated it?
If I watched tv this would probably be a show I'd watch, honestly. Back in the day, MTV had a show where they went to the dwellings of celebrities and such to see how they lived (Cribs?), and I enjoyed that too (though I think the "budgets" there were more variable.)
This cracks me up. At Christmas dinner, Nathan's mom (an in-law of sorts) was telling me about some of his clients and filming situations, and it definitely sounds like the producers push for drama and entertainment value. I've interviewed Martyn before and he was lovely and perfectly cheeky. I can't speak for all the designers, but these two at least have serious talent. I hope it's not diminished by this show!
I don't agree with all the comments that diminish these peoples' talents on account of budget not being the main concern.
Every job involves creative problem solving, whether it's space, structure, time, a client's particular needs, etc.
I'm sure they're hamming it up for the cameras... but these people are legitimate talents. I found many of their homes inspiring.
I'm watching.
It went on and on, about "Mary's house," Martyn's diva-stress b/c he couldn't tell Mrs. Osborne it couldn't be done (no drama - throw money at it and have hissy fits 'til it's done) and Ms. Ireland's silly birthday party. Why not hire a caterer if you know your son's are going to f it up?
That red socks brown shoes combo with that suit sucks
I'll have to download it, as I believe it's not available in my country.
I agree with most comments about big budgets makes the process a little boring. It will be interesting to see how these designers interact with their clients.
When I was doing my design studies, I was always under the impression that our role was not to fullfill our "art", but to try and make the spaces a home for the client, using our skills to inject the clients personality and dreams into the mix. I am intrigued to see how this pans out when using big personality designers with huuuuuuuuuuuuge budgets.
www.chantaeuxcarter.blogspot.com
I don't think there is enough about design on this show to warrant watching. Granted, if they did that, they'd be on HGTV. Still, when they revealed Sharon Osbourne's apartment, I wanted a better look but they didn't show much.
As to people who have a lot of money; well, if it's not earned on the misfortune of others, good for them.
What I don't want to watch is more people fighting on television. If they show design, then fine, I'll watch. But I'm not going to watch these decorators act like petulant children and argue with each other. I can't watch the real housewives shows for the same reason: people fighting diminishes my humanity.
Oh, I'd totally watch a house about Habitat for Humanity.
These decorators must feel hopelessly distressed and out of place among their uber rich clients: They are doing reality TV for money.
There's a word for people who sell themselves, and there's an idea for a new show--Decorator Rehab. It would showcase their agonizing economic insecurity and indebtedness. We could relate to that reality.
As an actual interior designer, I can tell you that I despise these kinds of shows. They give people the wrong idea about what it is like to work with a real designer, who is there to work for you, and make a space that is about you, not the designer's own personal taste.
These shows are a black eye in the face of real interior design.
I watched the two-minute preview ad and wasn't interested. As we used to say in the 70's, I can't relate.
This show seems to contain everything I HATE about TV! Obnoxious designers, temper tantrums, women who think they are diva's, rich people who don't have anything better to do with their money than to re-decorate their home every six months, Drama over stupid stuff.
Thank you Lane Design! Those are my thoughts exactly. This is just what our profession does not need. I have gotten to the point where I don't tell strangers what I do for a living because their comment is always "well you should come help me pick out some curtains for my kitchen". Like my work is free and easy. Anyone can do it! Or like this show is portraying that designers are ego maniacs and over priced. I design multi million dollar commercial and residential spaces for a living. My work is hard and my hours are long. Show how hard TRUE interior designers work and then maybe I will tune in.
"I don't get out of bed for anything less than a million bucks."
$30k for a framed photograph of The Beatles?!
You are a fab designer, your children are making your bday dinner and one of them blows their nose and does not wash their hands before preparing the food. Ummm.. I hope that was just editing. Or, I guess not only do they all have guac in common they also have a taste for boogers?
All these shows do is help me realize that being rich is not always the best thing. Money doesn't hurt and luxury is certainly enjoyable, but I will take my comfortable middle class life with a side of humility any day before I start acting like these jokes! - booger free please!
At a dinner party, I chatted with another guest who turned out to be an interior designer. I politely expressed respect and a little envy since I wanted to hear more. Somehow, what she heard was that I thought I'd make a good interior designer without any education, which I'd never even thought, much less said! Bristling, she described her coursework and the challenges of understanding and complying with ADA legislation and building codes, and coordinating with architects. She mentioned the technical background knowledge needed and how even an understanding of physics was important.
What she said was very interesting, but the chip on her shoulder was surprising. After I reasserted my admiration of her profession, she revealed that she was tired of being mocked by ignoramuses implying she merely arranged vases of flowers for a living. I think some interior designers get defensive from taking cryptosexist flak due to theirs being what has been called a feminized profession. Like being a nurse, teacher, or librarian, being an interior designer here still means having to push to get the respect accorded automatically to a doctor or an attorney.
Gonna have to go with "depressing caricature." Like all those horrific "Real Housewives..." shows, they leave me alternately infuriated and appalled. I'd happily watch a show featuring real folks with real budgets, but this kind of OTT crap served up on a silver plate in this economy? Ugh. I'd much rather watch real folks with minuscule budgets trying to thrift their way to a stylish home, or one about a Habitat for Humanity home. Raging ego and obscene budgets? Can't relate to that at all...and it's so Reality TV Cliche it's not even fun to mock.
Can't believe Martyn Lawrence Bullard attributed the legendary Barcelona chair (from Mies Van der Rohe) to Eames.... what a shame...
Those decorators give bad press to the profession... working in the same field for the same clientele I am shocked by their attitude and lack of skills... they are shoppers not decorators, like bored housewives who needed something to occupy empty lonely days......
giant cliche.... again Bravo brings us trash tv....
I wanted to love it, but I found their arrogant personalities so repulsive.
Hilton - I am so with you. People are LITERALLY starving in America and we are watching the people who don't give a darn. No thanks. I will watch up and coming designers who need their jobs. And when is the egofest of reality TV going to end???
I used to work at a charity for the homeless where a number of the social workers were huge fans of reality television. People who lead stressful lives enjoy escapist entertainment. No harm in that.
I was soooo ready to like this show and it was very disappointing t me. I want to see more of the process of interior design and the inner workings...I could care less what celebrities you design for. Just show me products, contrast, fabrics and why this goes with that or that is a total mess. I LOVE Mary McDonald's work as I have seen it in magazines...She is an absolute nightmare to actually watch. YUCK! ):
I LUV ME SUM MARTYN LAWRANCE BULLARD AND KATHRYN M IRELAND AND MARY MCDONALD...I MUST BE THEIR BEST FRIENDS IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!
SherryBinNH and Terry:
You might be interested in the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project that I am decorating with 29 other designers and project managing near Downtown LA. This will be the 2nd project I have decorated/project managed where designers are actually giving back! Open house for all 30 rooms is in late July - take a look!
http://gscharitydesignproject.blogspot.com/
It looks like the top of the bookcase is sagging in that photo.