apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I couldn't stomach it. I tried it out, but then he went into some bit dressed as a woman, with a bad Long Island accent and I had to change the channel.

just too, too gay.

Yes, drag with a beard ain't pretty.

Love his enthusiasm, generally even like his end results.

The evangelical tone of "salvation through design" skeeves me a little (but seems to work for his hardcore viewers, so god bless 'em). And his need to establish "rules" (albeit an attempt to demystify things) can irk me, but again, whatever works.

All other comments withheld in deference to "my people."

P2- being one of "your people" I'd love to hear all other comments.

He seems like a bad character actor stuck in a design show. Why can't he just do the show without the schtick? His talent and design know-how might be more evident without it.

I used to watch him before we had HGTV. I also used to eat bologna sandwiches with potato chips and ketchup.

I've heard people say that he often refers to a wife, when actually that seems to me like something that flies in the face of the laws of physics. I don't remember ever hearing him refer to her.

But I do believe that if you do drag, the world needs you to not have a full-on beard.

I even think that the beard, otherwise, looks good on him, when he's being himself, and I like the bald head with it, actually, and I think he seems to have, over the years, really started to take care of himself.

If I am sick and at home, and there is literally nothing else on TV, I can make myself watch him, because there is some merit to what he does. (For instance he did an adjustable dining room table that was pretty clever.) But honestly, there are times when even Carol Duvall is easier to take than him (and that's saying something), so if it can be said that I could be not-so-crazy about a home improvement show, his would kind of have to be that show.

With Christopher Lowell, it's the thought that counts. I can't take him most of the time, but he is one of the few home design shows that is willing to consider what you can do in honest-to-god small spaces. I don't always like his mannerisms or his end results, but I often do like the idea behind the show, namely that you can get good results without having a McMansion.

I used to watch him sometimes when he was on HGTV but like so many others here, I just hate the schtick, especially the face make-up on the beard as if we wouldn't see it that way! Some of his solutions were very good. He did a bedroom to look like a master bedroom on a ship that impressed me and he did a tiny studio apt. that had a clever wall bet. bed and living area. But on the whole I thought his rooms got too fussy and busy for my taste. Too much tchachka (I don't know how to spell that). I like cleaner lines and less "stuff" - more like P2's place.

I will go along with Christy... Back in the day, before there was much else (remember Lanette Jennings?), I would watch him just because there were so few shows dedicated to design. But that was the 90s, I don't live in the 90s any longer. Unfortunately, Christopher Lowell still does.
He has plummeted to the bottom of the preverbial design barrel as far as I am concerned.

some shtick i can tolerate, like the designer guys (or even their design rivals incarnation), but only when i like the actual design. christopher lowell's stuff just isn't up my alley, so i have no motivation to suffer through the shtick. (the designer guys did my fav tv designer room -- remember the canadian tv personality's bedroom with the gorgeous burnt sienna bedding? it's part of their opening credits now. it's my absolute fav, apart from P2's apartment on the recent SSBS, natch!)

Christopher Lowell is a "used to" for me. I used to watch him when I first started checking out design shows and it was pretty much him and that show Home Matters with the former Miss America lady on the Discovery Channel. Kind of like a high school boyfriend. I'll always have a soft spot for him but I was young and inexperienced.

I'll admit it: I have secret fantasies about a TS special episode in which Christopher Lowell goes head-to-head with Sherry & Matt from Room by Room. John Waters would have to direct.

When I think about Lowell's show, I strangely associate it with that Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee show on the Food Network.... Must be a personality thing.

OMG, Wende! LOL!! that is a hilarious thought!!

I never watch the Food Network because I almost never cook, but the semi-homemade concept sounds like a fun idea.

Curtis - isn't that what Rachel Ray is all about?

Stefani,

I sort of get the comparison, although Sandra Lee is more annoying. I can't watch Christopher Lowell because of all the dress up and dodgy accents. His stuff isn't up my alley either although I do think he has some talent.

Reef

Oh, Christopher Lowell - interesting fellow, well, it goes like this - About 6 years ago when I lived in LA I was invited to interview as a guest artist on his show. It was then called, I think just The Christopher Lowell show. He was always showing his faux marble, which I think pretty much sucks (Can I say that here?) So I interviewed and the producer said they wanted me on but I couldn't do marble because mine was better than his and he wouldn't like that. Well, yeah! While his drag thing is non of my business, I have to say he's more difficult to take in person (I had a slight glimpse). He's just so in your face that you want to smack him and give him a valium. But then he was at the height of his popularity when there were tons of bored housewives who wanted to be crafty.

Wende, that is hysterical. Seriously, who can possible tolerate Sherry & Matt? And how does that show survive? I would rather watch the dust bunnies collect underneath my bed, or maybe paint dry.

Again I forget to complete my post....

Speaking of Sandra Lee, tell me how she can eat that crap and stay thin. Does she throw up after? Based on her show, if she eats this stuff, she's heading toward high blood pressure and a clear out stroke.

well it's good to see that the old "wizard" from sigmund the sea monster is busy with a new show and all, I wonder if he still has his glitter gun, funny i never remember him with a beard though? I'm so glad that my community isnt still hung up on that whole twink/ bear stuff and we can find our older torch bearers work in tinsel town
Kudos Sigmund

Only way to watch Christopher Lowell is recorded on my DVR, where I can FF through the shtick and the boring glue gun crafty parts. He's had a lot to teach me about design, though. Color on the walls, for one. How to use fabric. Smart furniture purchases (glass top tables are useless space hogs in a small room, for example). And he knows from lighting with his background in theater.

Seriously, I can zip through a half hour show in 10 minutes and have at least 3 great ideas at the end of it.

And PLEASE, don't get me started on Sandra Lee. I watch her as you would watch a car crash---I can't believe she actually gets paid that much money to stuff so many chemicals and preservatives into so many homes. Let's scoop out an apple pie into an angel food cake and POP some cool whip on it! Whheeeee! She POPS everything everywhere---POP 75 plastic-wrapped caramels into a saucepan, POP artificially sweetened frozen blueberry concentrate into the freezer, POP two smoked salmon strips with mayonnaise into the oven...

That woman is so annoying, I can't even describe it. If I didn't have a life I'd start a website.

anne-
Since I never cook and never watch Food Network, I have only the vaguest notion of what Rachel Ray is about, because of a Today Show appearacne she did that I caught for a moment.

I have never seen Christopher Lowell until seeing the top photo, but I cannot resist the urge to snark on two things.

1. It would be sooo easy to Photoshop a trident in one hand and some little devil horns. He sort of reminds me of the old Underwood Meat devil character in that photo.

2. His beard looks like a chin thong.

Wow. I've never seen him dressed up in drag - and I had no idea he'd been around for so long. I only saw his show for the first time a couple of months ago.

He has probably done the thing (by now) of showing a tiny version of himself in a devil costume on one shoulder and in an angel costume on the other. If he hasn't, give him a minute -- he will

Hey, Sharon...

I agree with you on Sandra Lee. Word on the street is that her husband is some dotcom millionaire and he essentially bought her the show.

For all of the immature that have commented on the fun aspect of Christopher's show, you really need to grow up. Since watching his show I have learned so much. I purchased my first home with my children 2 years ago Christmas Eve receiving keys. Since that time and with the (mommy dosen't know what she's doing looks)I have laid flooring down in my foyer with a faux finish on the walls and refinished a dumpster find, retiled my living room floor-walls in progress, painted my dining room walls red(beautiful), the suspended tiled ceiling tiles gold to coordinate with the red and antique white, retile the floor and in the process of refinishing and antique given by a friend and expanding an existing dining table to acommodate my growing family. Because of Chris I am not afraid of color, and I hope to have a different but complimentary color in each room of my house. I have also invested in book cases because I can change one room into an efficiency suite for my sons, and by this summer I will have a rec-office-laundryroom-exercise palace tht will be envied. If you all could get past your negative energy that is within you before you turn the program on, you might find that you will learn something that will bring tears of pride and joy to you instead of the darkness you are so blinded by. And you might learn something and save you some money.

I have been a fan the Christopher Lowell Show for years, and because of his decorating skills, I was able to do miraculous "things" with my military quarters. Because I move so often, I don't like to invest a lot of money into something that doesn't belong to me, and something that I may only live in for a few years. Unfortunately, I have been in Germany for the past four years and I am unable to watch his program (and I truly miss it!!!!) Despite the negativity I read from others, Christopher Lowell has been a decorating godsend for me and my family. My husband loves to come home to a beautiful, well-coordinated house after putting in 12-15 hour days at work. He beems with pride when we entertain our friends, his soldiers, co-workers and associates and they walk into our quarters and their jaws drop at how gorgeous it looks. Our wall color and faux fireplace gives a dramatic statement that screams "chic-sophisication". Our house went from drab to dramatic, and it caused a stir of curiosity from other family members within our community. So, for all of you negative, Christopher Lowell-bashing critics, stop hating, and start creating....then maybe you could "fully" start appreciating his talents.... Then maybe, just maybe......"YOU CAN DO IT" and make your house (temporary or not)a home that you would love to come home to. Marie D.

Christopher made me feel OK with color on the walls and now i have NO white walls and love the color. i have found many new home shows but he was the first and the one that made me 'brave'.

The show is very good. Finally we have someone that is willing to give more indepth information than those other channels. Thank you!

He is extremely good at what he does. He makes high design accessible. The personality, we all have one. Hopefully, people will assess how Christopher uses his gifts and talents. If each person gave away as much of their creative and gifted self as Christopher, wouldn't this world be a better place. And yes, I know he makes money doing it. That's what happens when you're good.

I lost contact with the Christopher Lowell show for almost a year because my digital programming
but know I am back. I am so sorry to read the viewers and the nasty commits perhaps there is some jelousy there because the man is creative it's so amazing how he can take a blank ugly space and turn into a room of beauty.To you that
can not stomach Christopher don't watch get lost
find some stick in the mud with no talent leave the wonderful ideas of Christopher Lowell for people like me that appreciate creativity. I am building a new house and I would give anything to have Christopher at my side. In the words of a poet " long live the Christopher Lowell show".They changed the programming on HGTV and except for a few shows I think their programming stinks so raisaed the flag to what ever rings your bell and Christopher Lowell rings my bell.

thanks,

Gloria

I learned a lot from Christopher. I quit watching when he started pushing his products and advocated hiring decorators. I believe though he is the original master...the designers on now learned from him. He is the only designer that can take a basic box room with no architectural detail and turn it into something fabulous.

Anyone think that someone posted a link to the negative comments on some CL fan board?

Like some others here, I really liked CL back in the late 90s, saw some cool projects on his shows, think there is much better available now.

As far as the "wife" - I think Curtis may have been thinking of Frank on Trading Spaces, who has similar vocal and physical mannerisms and is apparently not gay (unless his wife is t/g or something, which I doubt, specifically because of the context of some stuff he's said).

Christopher is a delightful human that is fully cabable of showing people how to create a comfortable home. Unlike many of the other design show host he has the ability to put things in understandable terms.
When I hear his voice on the tellie I always drop everything I'm doing to sit down and watch. He has been an inspiration to me. I move often and each time I do I create a realm that my soul can rest in. He has taught me how to enjoy what "I" like and not to dress my home to impress others. I consider him to a staple in my life. I simply adore that man.

Christopher can be a little hard to take at times on his show but you can't deny his talent. He may be annoying at times but I'll bet you'll never forget him!

What really sold me were his books. If you take the time to read the material - something I almost never do! - he has some very valid points not only about design but about the pyschy behind it.

I am convinced that you have to have an open mind in order to access your creativity. Try it with people and personalities and you'll be better for it.

I agree with all those that made positive comments. Christopher seems to be a marvelous person very talented and he is very funny at times(its a proven fact that laughing is good for you) Hope he gets back on tv. Thumbs up Chris Sue

I started watching the Christopher Lowell show in the late 90's, and if there's one thing I can say - is that he showed me the endless possibilities of decorating when you just go with the flow. I am not afraid to decorate, paint, or invent. I think that is the whole idea about decorating.

Unfortunately you see too many goods shows get cancelled.

Beyond what everyone else says, he is still one of the most creative and innovative designers. I always learn something from him and look foward to his room redos.

Beyond all his fluff he is still very talented and I'd like to see his shows stay!!

Hello,
I have watched the Show from the Very first one, and I always love the garden and cottage styles he does. This team is the best on the air to date!

The man is a buffoon. It never ceases to amaze me when these sheep follow everything some nescient moron suggests. I wrote to him years ago and expressed my disdain for this charlatan who for allintents and purposes solves everything with shelving, low budget knick knacks, and a floor lamp. His sister wrote back (how classic is that) and was so upset that her brother was laughed at. People, just because someone camps it up and plays the flame card, does not make him the designer du jour. He is talentless (check his bio) and has some nit wit art student in the wings giving him these suggestions. Move on, La Cage a Fake gives real artists and designers a bad name. He is marketing nothing and the emporer is indeed naked.

I love the show. I've gotten some great decorating ideas from watching the show. Like anything else, not everything is useful to me but the show is enjoyable. I hope that it remains on the air.

For those that don't appreciate exceptional decorating advise, then do yourself a favor and don't watch Christopher. For those that do.......you will appreciate the varied approaches that he provides.
Does he have all the answers, who does. For my wife and I, and our children he has provided us with an oppotunity to go beyond the simple and expand our interior decorating ideas.
Thank you Christopher.....
Best Regards, Victor

Christopher Lowell has alwyas been Christopher the outrageous. He is wonderful and never tries to be something he is not. I find him entertaining, flamboyant, yes men can be this word and hold up their pants, talented and caring. He helped me understand that I could do a decorating project and not be a professional. I haven't seen him on TV for quite awhile but am looking forward to seeing his twinkling eyes and characters he brings to his show, him in drag, OK I love it. Who cares. Get a life you guys.

My, my, my! You people get really upset when someone gets ahead who has more talent than you do. Christopher has talent and he knows how to market himself. And, I hate to break it to you, but CL is not gay.

I have been watching Christopher since his early days when he had a studio audience. You have to be pretty quick and clever to keep a live audience entertained. If you looked at the audience, you would see mostly older ladies (Carol Duvall crafters) and stay-at-home moms all with their eyes aglow because Christopher was showing them how to make their homes beautiful. They didn't need an expert. They didn't even need a lot of money. Just creativity! And isn't that what his show is about?

My son, who is an artist, walked in one day when I was watching Christopher's older show. He couldn't believe I was watching this flame acting like a goof. He stood there awhile and then he said, "Man, that guy is good!"

So, if you don't like schtick, you don't like his philosophy, or even if you don't like his hair (or the lack thereof!), turn the channel and watch more of the same switching-spaces-while-you-were-away-surprise-decorating shows.

I'll sit back with a cup of tea and spend time with my old friend, Christopher, while he makes his decorating magic and reassures me that I, too, can do it! After all, don't all our old friends get on our nerves once-in-awhile?

Martina

Thank heaven for the last few positive comments, I thought this was a gossip site for bitter people with nothing better to do! Martina beat me to the punch--my thoughts exactly. I enjoy DGuys and Divine design but they can't touch the personal level that Christopher does to enable you to get large results with little dollars.
The person who "almost" did marblizing forgets that Christopher has a talented hand in a great many things and may no longer have time to buff one talent to perfection. I've seen many of his shows where the visiting expert barely got through the demo. It's not easy to be spontaneous in front of a camera or to dig up material for new seasons.
I passed this site searching for new bedding otherwise I have no time for such nonsense. Those critics should go get creative, unless,of course, it's easier to watch than to do .
Long live the Christopher Lowell Show!