Episode 3 of Top Design was tropical, fanciful, and whimsical, and yet left me wanting more. I think because the challenge was a bit more awkward due to the fact that the nine finalists were put into groups of three and I felt like I spent more time watching the groups try and "work" together as opposed to experiencing each of their individual talents as in the weeks prior. Summer bummer. 

Each beach cabana was unique and exotic in its own way but clearly the judges were disappointed in all three to some degree. Holly, at Decor8 was just glad that the challenge took place on the beach and not in the Pacific Design Center. Although I will say, I do enjoy watching them shop with loads of money in that place.

Franki, from Life In A Venti Cup has jumped on the Top Design Bandwagon and is totally hooked. Even though the show in itself still falls short in some areas, Franki comments in her blog, that you can’t deny the talent of the off-screen designers that are involved in the show, especially that of Jonathan Adler….. 

"Jonathan has taken quite a bit of heat (as have all the judges) for
being less than warm to the competitors. But in the end I applaud his bravery for blogging
and sharing experiences that viewers don’t get to see. The camera may
well add 10 pounds, but TV show editors posses the power to add 10
times the drama. Why else would we watch?"

In light of all the "poor" decorating choices the designers made in this episode, I suggest they spend their next shopping spree at the Jonathan Adler Mega Sale going on now until February 24th. Decor8 says, "hurry"! Frank says, "scandalously low prices for tabletop couture." Shakinstyle says, "see ya later, decorator, I’m off to the sale"…..