Ramblings on Design TV

How sad are you that Million Dollar Decorators' first season is over?  I didn't get to watch the last episode until last night and it may just be me, but it seems as though the inaugural season was too short!  I am sure they will get signed on for another season, so I am not worried.  I am still having trouble deciding who my favorite designer was since they all have such different styles.  Any picks?

Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Designed by Mary McDonald

Designed by Kathryn Ireland

Designed by Jeffrey Alan Marks

Designed by Nathan Turner

If you are craving another dose of design reality TV, fear not.  Bravo has signed on many more great reality shows.  I don't know if any of you are fellow Rachel Zoe fans, but she is coming back in full force.  

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Rachel Zoe's old assistant, Brad Goreski, has signed on for It's a Brad Brad World, which I am assuming will be similar to RZP, but with the spotlight on Brad.  Although both of these shows focus on fashion, I love seeing how current fashion trends spill over into the world of interior design.  And who can resist the fast-paced fashion industry pulling together all of the stars' looks for the red carpet events?  Bananas.

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Bravo, Bravo!

I have absolutely loved watching the first season of Million Dollar Decorators.  I am always down for watching designs come together with unlimited budgets, defined style, and sarcastic designers to add a bit of sass.  What good is a reality show without a little humor?

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I am having trouble deciding who my favorite designer is.  I love Mary's bold quips - reminds me a bit of my girl, Bethenny Frankel.  But, I also love the dramatic English accent and over-the-top "decadent" style of Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard's Website

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This week's episode featured a couple of the designers hunting for things in antique stores in England.  I am a huge fan of the quality, feel, and stories behind antique pieces, but I didn't always feel this way.  When I was young, my grandmother would pay me twenty dollars to not complain while tagging along with herself, my mom, and my aunt while antiquing our way through Virginia and Pennsylvania.  She would be so proud that now I am the one inviting my mom to go.

One of my favorite places outside of Richmond to hit up is Through the Garden Gate.  They have an awesome mix of authentic antiques and shabby chic pieces that have been revamped.  I love to pop in and get ideas for my mantle or small DIY projects.  They have very reasonably priced pieces that serve as great birthday presents, too!  

 Mantle display at Through the Garden Gate

On a more worldly scale, if you happen to be in England this fall and want to shop around where the Million Dollar Decorators score their finest pieces, check out the Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair.  I would LOVE to make it there one day!

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Do you have a favorite designer on the show or spot you frequent in search of antiques?  Do tell!  Don't forget about Bravo's Flipping Out, tonight!

I miss you, Jeff Lewis!

I am super excited for Jeff Lewis' return to Bravo this July!  Is anyone else counting down the days?  I do believe that Flipping Out is what originally made me fall in love with Bravo.  I can't quite remember if his show began before or after the Real Housewives of OC, but it was one or the other that snagged my heart.

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I realize he is neurotic and type A to the max, but I tell my husband all the time I could seriously work for him.  I am in love with his brutal honesty, on point sense of urgency and organizational skills, and of course his passion and talent for design.  I can hardly wait for all of the new and hilarious debates between Jeff and his housekeeper, Zoila. Oh yeah, and obviously the seriously to-die-for kitchens and baths.  

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There is a new series rumored to be in the works called Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis...any word on a date?  I can only imagine this will be just as addictive!