Page 1 / 2 - Home

Both Oldham and Adler are quite comfortable with each other on the show; Oldham even refers to Adler as “Johnny,” and both men have appealing senses of humor. Asked when he realized that he wanted to be a designer, Oldham answered, “I realized it once I realized I didn't want to get a real job. I still have that complete phobia now, and I will never get a real job.” He added that his participation in Top Design “is actually a part of some community service that I am working off.”

As for Adler, Bravo contacted him about the opportunity: “Bravo called me up, which was very exiting for me because I am like the biggest reality show-obsessed lunatic on earth. So it was practically like getting a call from God as far as I'm concerned, such is my obsession with Bravo reality TV. They asked me to do it, and I leapt at the chance.”

Oldham and Adler report that gay viewers will definitely have something fresh to watch on Top Design. “I think we are going to see some new expressions of creativity,” Oldham said. “What I like about it is that it's not just for a gay viewer; it's for everybody. … We've got plenty of gays on the show if that is what you are looking for.”

Adler added, “Certainly, the gay audience will see lots of new, interesting design ideas. So that's what new and interesting. But what they will see that's old — but always welcome — is lots of drama.”

Indeed, the first episode is full of drama. Oldham explained: “Not only do creative people all believe that our way is the best — which is one of our great attributes — but also, you have 12 people all believing that their design is the top design. Believe me, some tension arises.”

A prime example of that tension arrives in the first episode via 23-year-old New Yorker Michael and 40-year-old Chicagoan John, who are teamed together. The two have instant sparks that quickly grow into dislike, and their working relationship erupts into open hostility during the judging of their design.

Michael complains about John treating him poorly throughout the episode, claiming John didn't give him anything to do when it came to building and painting their room. But when John did give him something to do, Michael instead gossiped and joked with other contestants. Nonetheless, John also comes off as a jerk. After first meeting the other guys, he says, “I would rather go live with the girls because I would be living with girls regardless.”

Given the number of gay men on reality shows — particularly shows having to do with design — Oldham and Adler might be expected to feel some responsibility to represent the gay community in a certain way, but neither designer says that he feels a burden as such. “I don't feel any pressure from that,” said Oldham. “I don't really think about people in terms of gay or straight whenever I am doing things. That said though, I think it's remarkable that we have such a great presence on Bravo. It's amazing their support systems and the fact that they are so fair and it's quite neutral. So, I was happy that one could see [one]self easily on Bravo.”

Adler said: “I think we are lucky to live in a time when you can be openly gay on TV and it's OK. Again, Bravo has been really supportive to the gay community. Certainly, in the design world there are lots and lots of the gays.”

Despite the bumpy ride of the first episode, Top Design is worth watching to see if it gets its sea legs. Adler gave as good a reason as any when asked whether good design is the Prozac of 2007. “Definitely,” he said. “In my book I say that your home should be like a good dose of Zoloft. I think people really underestimate the emotional impact that their interior design can have on their health. Like a certain under-designed gray interior can make you feel gray, whereas an orange front door can make you feel instantly happy.”

And given the current state of the world, isn't that something we could all use a dose of?

Top Design debuts Wednesday night on
Bravo at 10:00 p.m. EST.

Page 1 / 2 - Home