Top Design is getting good. We think it has something to do with the fact that there's less designers which means more time for an individual to show us what they're all about. We caught up last night with our infamous team of judges and contestants in the sixth episode of Top Design. The designers challenge was to re-design the new offices of The Cadmus Group, a eco-friendly consulting firm. The other challenge was to incorporate repurposed materials in their design...
In Nathan's office, he cleverly chose to use the cardboard tube of a fabric bolt to hang his window treatments. We don't mind the organic look of cardboard but we were thinking that a coat of paint, contact paper or cool design paper on the cardboard roll would give the rod a whole new look.


We love Eddie's use of carpet padding repurposed as a textured wall which also doubles as a pin board for notes. We never would have thought to rip up the old carpet and use the carpet padding (which alone looks drab). But cut up in squares and applied to an entire wall--it's an alternative to cork board.
Related Repurposing Ideas
- How To: Use Leftover Fabric Scraps
In order to use your cardboard tube from your fabric bolt, you'll have to finish up using the scraps of fabric--but you don't want to waste the leftover fabric. This is such a neat idea on how to use leftover fabric scraps.
- 5 Uses For Placemats
If you have a ton of never used placemats lying around, you'll appreciate these easy DIY projects.
- How To: Tear Up Carpet
In case you've been dying to rip out your old carpet, this post will guide you through the process.
[Images from Top Design]
"Top Design is getting good."
Really?
Endless catfights between contestants and 500 baskets nailed on walls does not equal good television, or good design representation.
Even if Eddie, Martha Stewart's shallow little man-monster, does make it to the finals, I doubt the producers will let him win the whole show for fear of what kind of publicity disaster he would elicit upon receiving his title. Did anyone see him try to out-fierce the boutique owner a few episodes ago? I have never wanted to actually punch someone through my television before.
Considering this year's lack of inspired work and the dated circa-2003 production quality and soundtrack to the show, enjoy this baby while it's still on the air.....
.....everyone just watches it to see the human trainwreck that is JA anyway. What planet is he from? What a strange (yet somehow endearing), creepy, muscle-bound little man.
view Thomos's profile
p.s. I love Jonathan Adler.
And Top Design, as a concept/platform.
Rant over (as long as Eddie behaves).
view Thomos's profile
Wasn't the carpet padding thing the other guy's idea and Eddie just conveniently took credit for it?
view charlenemcbride's profile
Yes. The carpet padding was Kevin Spacey's Doppleganger's - I mean Nathan's - idea. It was lame that Eddie got -and took- the credit for it with a stupid grin. Though Nathan handled it very maturely. I think that- and his talent - will get him far... He's easily the most creative thinker in the crowd, I think.
I like Andrea but I think she needs to grow some self-confidence. Her "Whoa is me- I don't measure up" approach is wearing thin...
view teeze's profile
Can't deny that Eddie is talented but thinks he is the shit! Nathan is just as good. Both of them will definitely be in the finals.
view cscamp20's profile
Eddie is really a snob and condescending..calling his client a "dork"
view tweety's profile
is there anywhere i can watch this online? i'd love to know what all the fuss is about.
view chambrey's profile
eddie. and i mistakenly thought prison was the worst publicity martha would ever have. talent yes (thanks for highlighting his blog earlier this season). manners, humility, and poise, not so much.
you know the expression "he's got a face for radio", well eddie's got attitude best left for print.
view healthyhome's profile
fewer. There ARE FEWER designers. Not there's less.
view kat98's profile
I hope this is a joke. Carpet on the walls. Sorry it sounds awful and looks worse.
view hrhprincessfiona's profile
Nathan's great. Unless he starts screwing up or mouthing off like Eddie he should win easily.
view reef1's profile