Howdy, Partner - TD Episode 1

One by one, the designers entered their lofts. They checked out their competion and sized each other up.

All the usual suspects were there: the diva, the loud one, the prima donna, the ingenue, the villain, the pretty one, the bully, and the quiet one to watch out for.

The designers were summoned by Todd Oldham to meet up at the Pacific Design Center. Todd delivered their first challenge: in teams of two, they were to design a serene inner sanctum for the mystery judge. To clue them into who this mystery judge could be (or more importantly, what his or her taste would be like), Todd presented them with five funky objects that came from the mystery judge's home.

John and Michael clashed from the onset. John turned out to be an overbearing ogre who didn't want anything to do with his new partner. Try as he might, Michael kept getting the brush off. Even in the White Room, the judges could feel the tension between the two. I think ultimately this ogre will have a change of heart. As the fairy tale goes, we know the ogre will soon discover his fondness for the ass.

Lisa and Heather worked together on their room. I knew trouble was brewing when Lisa said she likes to be in control and she likes to work by herself. She's been in this business for quite some time so she knows exactly what she wanted.

Heather hasn't been doing this quite as long, but she seemed pretty eager to pitch in. But Lisa thought otherwise. She made sure Heather knew who was in charge. Lisa went on to create a zenful asian room centered around a huge Chinese wedding bed. How she arrived at that from those five funky objects? I'm not too sure.

Goil and Elizabeth created a fun swinging room. Carisa and Erik created a tasteful, albeit chunky, room with a long wooden fireplace and mantle. Ryan and Andrea went with a bright and funky dormroom. Felicia and Matt created an understated room using a neutral color palette.

The judges eliminated Lisa and Heather. They thought their room was too theme-y. Heather started to beat herself up wishing she could have voiced her objections louder to help steer them away from the Chinese restaurant theme room.

Goil and Elizabeth were named the winners for this week's competition. The judges thought their room was innovative and fresh. Well actually, Margaret Russell, judge and Elle Décor magazine's Editor in Chief, didn't really like it that much. She thought the sand and rake reminded her of the litterbox she had at home.

Meoooowwww!