Would you do it again? That’s the question readers and reporters ask me time and again after hearing of all the stress and exhaustion of Top Design. Truth is, if it weren’t for the show, I would have never met some of the most fun, generous, and talented people I know! A couple of months back, while Jaithan and I were down in Atlanta for Scott’s, we had the great pleasure of catching up with Kerry and Natalie. We even got to stay in Kerry’s gorgeous house in Cumming! Nathan and Ondine, both such sweethearts, we run into all the time at events in the city. And Andrea…well…from the moment we started working together on the show—I’m still having flashbacks to that bunker challenge!—I knew the two of us would be longtime friends.
There’s such a warmth and generosity of spirit in her that those of you who watched the show know well. As a contestant, Andrea, like all of us, struggled with the isolation and fatigue of 18-hour days with little or no access to the outside world. But as a mother of four, fiercely devoted to her family, Andrea’s burden felt somehow greater, deeper, and as difficult as it was for her to leave the show as she did, it’s a decision she’s never since regretted. I know because I’ve spoken often to her in the weeks and months that followed. And what’s more, I’ve seen, firsthand, how devoted she is not only to her family, but to everything she does. Do you remember her beautiful guest house we stayed at on her Topanga Canyon farm back in November?
Everything felt so fresh and comfortable, and that’s exactly how it was this time around during our visit last Sunday, just after our shopping trip to the Rose Bowl. (More on that to come!) But with so much going on between work and the kids, Andrea never got a chance to put flowers in the house! Of course, everything was perfect as is, but as soon as we settled in, she insisted that we have them, fresh from her own garden! For the bathroom, Andrea created a small, sweet arrangement of rananuculus, lavender daisies, tulips, and hot pink geraniums.
And for the bedroom, I did white garden roses and purple verbena in an opaline glass vase I found at the Rose Bowl as a hostess gift for Andrea.
We even got a chance to tour the hen house, where Andrea keeps chickens providing plenty of eggs for farm fresh breakfasts.
Aren't they pretty?
And so perfect for soft-boiled eggs the next morning!
It's great to be back, everyone! Our little farmhouse is coming along, and I know you're anxious to see more pretty pics! So are we! Soon, I promise. In the meantime, this weekend we'll be a posting a round-up of all the wonderful house-warming gifts we've received. We'll also be putting up a handful of beautiful new things over at our Etsy store. Then next week, it's the full recap of our Rose Bowl Flea Market trip, including all the folks who joined us and everything they found!
It's beautiful flowers vase. Good design!
Posted by: montreal florist | April 30, 2010 at 03:43 PM
Hi Eddie,
I just watched Top Design, and I LOVE your dining room... the one with the crystal chandelier.
It touched me, because I'm an artist and lover of nature.
Who cares what the judges said... you were RIGHT, some people do like it- I was touched.
I just wanted you to know.
Posted by: Amelie | February 27, 2010 at 09:10 PM
Eddie,
Greetings from Sweden?
Why did u appear to be such a moron on that Design Show??? Hope u r not like that in person. U have a lot of talent.
How many did Preston sleep with in the apt?
Posted by: Johan | July 30, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Speaking of Top Design and your "bunker" - it's finally come to Ireland and I saw the "bunker" episode yesterday! So much fun and so great but then I didn't expect anything else!! HOpe all is well- can't wait to see photos of your house. All my best
Posted by: Lisa McGee | July 08, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Love it all!! Even Andrea's awesome boots :) Um... any idea where I can get myself a pair? They're exactly what i've been searching high & low for...
Posted by: Stiney | March 23, 2009 at 03:18 PM
isnt this site like a poor mans Martha Stewart ?
Posted by: Mike Debrois | March 16, 2009 at 05:07 PM
everything's just picture-perfect!!! love andrea's style. glad you had such a great time!!
xoxo,
lauren
Posted by: Lauren Liess | March 15, 2009 at 03:20 PM
she and her guest home is stunning. I love that she has her own garden.
Posted by: paula | March 15, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Looks wonderful!
Posted by: Purple Area | March 14, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Those floral arrangements are gorgeous! Great picture of you and Andrea.
Posted by: kris | March 13, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Terrific photo of you both & fun to see you together again. I was a huge fan of your "bunker".
Andreas guest house is beautiful and serene. Combine that with the Rose Bowl trip & what could be more perfect, except those eggs?!
Lucky man Eddie!
Posted by: Deborah Milne | March 13, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Dear Eddy, Please give us suggestions on how you get all the "stuff" you buy, home on an airplane. With the fees you have to pay per bag...the money you saved at the flea market is suddenly wiped out. You have to really be really careful these days to make it worth while? How did you get all the things you purchased home.....and I hope you don't tell me "parcel post".
Posted by: michele miller | March 13, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Never be sorry for the things that you've done (unless they're horrible and mean!) 'cos it makes you the person you are today. You learn from each experience -- good or bad. We're glad you were on the show! Joanne ~~ glamourgirljoanne@yahoo.com
Posted by: Joanne | March 13, 2009 at 09:12 AM
I could tell from the very beginning that Andrea just wasn't going to fit in. Your so right when you say that is special. As I said before they were looking for a certain kind of person and designer to win the show. Maybe I am showing that I live in the country and spend great amounts of time outside getting ready for spring but....I haven't heard too much from the winner of Top Design, have you?
I think you were just destined for greater things than to be confined by Top Design and I know others, like Andrea, will go on to do greater things that will be more inspirational because it will comes from the heart!
Can't wait for those picks of the house! Also to hear about your Trip!
Posted by: Lucien | March 13, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Eddie, we've missed you. Katie and I are headed back out to Scott's Antique Market this weekend, and I'm doing a signing next weekend at the Lakewood 400 Antique Market. Y'all come on down--spring has sprung down here in Atlanta.
Posted by: Mary Kay Andrews | March 13, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Looks fabulous! Welcome back. I've missed you.
Posted by: desiree@lookiloos | March 13, 2009 at 02:25 AM
Eddie, are you working on your book yet? You know the one that's a mixture of entertaining how-to, DIY and interior inspiration?
Keep me posted.
Posted by: Shoshana | March 12, 2009 at 11:40 PM
WE are so glad you two are back and ready to push your sleeves up and show us pictures of the new home...cant wait!
Posted by: Susie Harris | March 12, 2009 at 09:56 PM
Just lovely. The flowers are gorgeous..I'm ready for Spring! Her guest house is as lovely as she is.
Posted by: Diann Weckbacher | March 12, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Aren't dear friends the best! You were hands down my fav's on the show, each for different reasons, which is probably why you work so well together!
Posted by: JJ | March 12, 2009 at 07:44 PM
The people we love make us who we are! nothing means more than great friendships, and maybe beautiful flowers!
xoxo,
Cathleen
Posted by: Cathleen | March 12, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Positively sunny -Oh, it felt good to get away, and to see those fresh cut flowers and the breakfast of simple boiled eggs left me sunny and satisfied. I completely forgot all about the economy and all the bad news.
pve
Posted by: patricia | March 12, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Love that vase you purchased as a gift for Andrea. Hope you also picked up a similar one for the Etsy store!
Posted by: Sarah | March 12, 2009 at 06:35 PM
I'm so glad you participated in Top Design!!! Lovely flower arrangements!
Posted by: decorpad | March 12, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan,
What a joy it is to read your blog. Your enthusiasm is very contagious. Andrea's guest house is fabulous. I love the bright colors of the the arrangements. Everything looks so easy and relaxed. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: ABCOroville | March 12, 2009 at 01:25 PM
I feel so relaxed just looking at the photos. I can't imagine what a wonderful experience it would be in person.
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | March 12, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Hi Boys!
Great post as usual!
Im glad you had a good time! Did you drop of any CA weather when you were flying over WI! ??? No! Ha , it is still so cold here, probably the same at your farm.
Cant wait to see the Haul from the rosebowl!
Its a great spot, I have been there only once...but I loved it!
You guys sure are the world travelers! How fun!!
see you tomorrow!
P.S. I still have the Hollyhock seeds and some heirloom French lettuce seeds waiting to send to you! (ie: need an address!)
Think Spring!!!
~Vanessa
http://vjohanning.blogspot.com
Posted by: Vanessa Johanning | March 12, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Welcome back, Eddie! We've missed you (such a lovely addiction!)
Posted by: Sharon in Chicago | March 12, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Very alluring getaway and the florals are awesome!
Posted by: Karena | March 12, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Andrea is so charming. I wish that I had a chance to see what she would have been able to do with the final challenge on the show! Her guest house is lovely and that vase that you bought for her is beautiful!
Posted by: hanako66 | March 12, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Glad you're back! I loved Andrea on Top Design too & thought you 2 had the best designs going. Can't wait to see more of your farmhouse.
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | March 12, 2009 at 10:24 AM
now, Eddie, I must run back to the junk shop I went today to buy that skinny milk glass vase I was looking at and decided not to buy. Your flower arrangement looks so beautiful next to the white bedding!
BTW, check out what I found at the junk shop today here in hong kong to start my new collection a la Corey Amaro :)
Irina
Posted by: Irina | March 12, 2009 at 10:02 AM
oh I would love to have fresh eggs every morning! So glad you got to see Andrea - she is so sweet. Can't wait to see what you scored at the Rose Bowl!
Posted by: jerusalem | March 12, 2009 at 09:51 AM
What a gorgeous space.
Posted by: Anna O'Reilly | March 12, 2009 at 09:45 AM
How simply refreshing. The flowers are just great. I adore it when someone uses what they have on hand. It makes the arrangement feel like an extension of themselves. Just great. Glad you had a fine trip.
-GSG
Posted by: Granny Smith Green | March 12, 2009 at 09:44 AM
What a beautiful time with friends in a gorgeous space!
Posted by: Lazy Mom Leslie | March 12, 2009 at 09:37 AM
What a fantastic getaway! It's so lovely to hear about the close relationships you've made (and kept) as a product of your time on Top Design.
And those floral arrangements - wow!
Can't wait to see more about the Rose Bowl : )
Posted by: Arlynn from Fleur De Licious | March 12, 2009 at 08:48 AM
It's great to have you back. Thanks for this lovely post on Andrea. Such beautiful images.
Posted by: Kwana | March 12, 2009 at 08:40 AM
It looks as though you've made some wonderful friendships along the way. What fun to get to go to the flea market AND a brief vacation with good friends. :)
Love that tablecloth in the bottom pic!
Posted by: Bridgett | March 12, 2009 at 08:33 AM
That looks like paradise! Whole grain toast please.
Posted by: abby jenkins | March 12, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Again, lovely photos with beautiful things! Can't wait to see your house warming gifts!
Posted by: Kathi | March 12, 2009 at 06:45 AM
Sorry, never saw Top Design (don't own television :). But how beautiful chez Andrea. Wow. Gotta love that California light!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | March 12, 2009 at 06:38 AM
What a charming guest cottage~ it is nice to feel spoiled, isn't it. Such a gracious host. Looking forward to seeing what the next project is at your new, lovely new home.
Posted by: Debra | March 12, 2009 at 06:35 AM
Gorgeous vase. Dang, next time you are in the neighborhood...stop on by! I need a basement room makeover advice. We live in Cumming as well.
Posted by: Kimberly Archer | March 12, 2009 at 05:48 AM
You are adorable and fab! And talented!
Posted by: petunia | March 12, 2009 at 02:34 AM
What a beautiful vase. A perfect gift.
Topanga is the coolest area. I'm so glad someone like Andrea lives there because that's a place for earth lovin' people like the Schroeders. How does she protect her chickens from wildlife? They can be pretty crafty.
Posted by: Marie | March 12, 2009 at 02:34 AM