HGTV Star: Review of Episodes 1-3

The editors of Creative Influences are interrupting our regular programming to bring this special HGTV Star review, Episodes 1-3.  HGTV Star, formerly known as Design Star, is in its eighth season!  The wait for  the new season of Design Star is always too long!  I'd be jonesin' if it weren't for Project Runway, my other favorite.  And what's up with their lousy programming?  Too many real estate shows - but that the subject of another post.

This is going to be a short season, because there are only 10 designers, but they've really upped the bar.  The challenges thus far have been fascinating.  The editing is much improved over past seasons, there's not much drama between designers so far.  And thank goodness for that.  I watch design shows to see design.  Not drama.  There's enough drama going on with the almost impossible challenges they give them.  I don't care for the meanness. That said, I am a little suspicious, however, wondering if one designer has been sabotaged a couple of times, but we'll get to that.

Not only is the editing improved, the judges seem a little nicer.  That's cool.  Makes me feel like they've read some of my comments on their blog.  I like to feel like I'm participating.  I love the addition of Sabrina Soto as a judge, she brings a much needed gentle warmth.  Genevieve seems tired to me (as I stated last year).  I'm not sure why she keeps doing it.

I'd like to speculate for a moment on the name change.  It fits a little better.  It used to feel a little odd to me that a stylist or a decorator could be a "Design" Star.  Just didn't seem right.  Seems like the designer is the more talented of the two.  But that's just my impression.  Also didn't seem right that some contestants were educated, and some were not.  Didn't seem fair that some were expert carpenters, and that some were not.  There are so many factors that go into winning a show of your own, the biggest being that you have a point of view the judges haven't seen and that is that you have a certain je ne sais quoi.  David Bromstad has it.  Antonio Ballatore has it.  To a lesser degree, Emily Henderson has it.  I adore Emily's quirky personality, just not her style so much.  IMHO it seems a little overdone.  I always want to edit her rooms, though she does fascinate me.

Also, design is fun and shouldn't be taken so seriously.  My opinions are just that.  Mine.  Don't take them to heart.  Design and art is all about fun and freedom.  I admire these artists so much.  I'd never have the courage to do what they are doing, and I am grateful they are doing it.  I get attached to them.  I understand their passion.  And I cry when they are eliminated, even if it's not someone I'm rooting for.

Episode 1

Episode 1 was similar to the White Box Challenge, which has been my favorite challenge in past episodes. I prefer to see the designers work alone.  I did an exhaustive review of the White Box Challenge, Seasons 1-6, if you are interested, click here.  For Season 7's review, click here.  (BTW - anybody know what happened to Danielle?)

The designers' first challenge was to create a vignette, rather than a whole room.  Great, that's not so hard.  The challenge was all about branding.  What would you want your brand to say about you?  Again, this is a fairly easy challenge.  As an artist, you should know who you are.

One of my favorite moments was when Professor Brooks Atwood walks on to the set the first time.  Look at this guy!  He looks like a nerdy professor, I thought.  I love me some nerdy professor types.  Indeed, he IS a professor.  I had to look him up on facebook.  Yep, he's fascinating.  I'm in love. I'd love to take one of his classes.  He's all about letting go of the inhibitions that stand in your way.  In addition, he's the principal designer behind POD (a New York design laboratory).  I haven't spent enough time on the site yet, but it looks fresh and inviting of participation.  Can't wait until I have more time to review it.

Anyway when the Professor walked in, I started rooting for him immediately, even before I'd even seen his work.  Isn't it odd that I'm talking about the show like it's in present tense? He may have already won.  Amazing how they keep a secret.

Okay, yuck.  He went for the taxidermy.  You know how I feel 'bout that.  I'm hoping it's faux.  I had to crack up, though, the poor beast actually looked little him.

Here's his room.  What impressed me is the combo of masculine and feminine.  The walls are pink, but they are painted with a treatment influenced by military camouflage. I dig those purple curtains and that hanging light.  I'd edit the chicken on the table, but...I still wanted him to win.  And he did.  He made his brand a total sensory experience by leaving a smell-me-card with his cologne on it.  Genevieve fell in love.  I don't often agree with the judges, but I believe he deserved the win, hands down.  Genevieve did say his pink walls were a juvenile, which pissed me off.  I've said it many times, pink can be edgy.  I've proven it many times on this blog, and Brooks has proven it here.  His room (sans taxidermy) is the perfect mix of hard and soft.  I loved that Sabrina disagreed.

He had the honor of having his wall art reproduced by One Kings' Lane.  I'm a little concerned the show has become so commercial, but that's the topic of another post.  Sorry, folks I couldn't find his art on their site.  Their site is a huge disappointment to me, in that it is so unwieldy.

Other designers that interest me are:

Abby Vasek.  She's adorable and quirky.  The artists had to design their own patterns for this challenge.  Abby used a Rorschach inkblot for her pattern.  And, unbelievably, she rocked it.

The challenge was to show your brand, and she did just that.  Is this a room that I'd like to spend time in?  Probably not.  It's too OTC for my taste.  But it is fascinating, and her personality is all over the place.  I adore Abby, but I'm not sure I'm ready to watch a show with another quirky blond.  And what is it about Texas?  A bubbly, pretty blond Texan woman appears to be part of the formula for this show.   Or maybe Texas just has a lot of talented artists.

Jeribai Tascoe is the professor's biggest competition.  He's good looking, charming, disarmingly gentle and kind and a helluva talent.  He can build or make anything.  And he's fearless.  The judges weren't happy with his splatter painting, but Jeribai knew it had been a hasty after thought.  But there is no denying his skill at creating graphic branding.  His initials were all over the space, on the clock and on the wallpaper.  One of the best uses of branding I've seen.  Very sophisticated.

I was really disappointed that Tobin Green was the first to go home.  His style is industrial, which is  a fascinating genre.  HGTV needs this style of show.  Industrial is hot, hot, hot.  But Tobin wasn't that day. He didn't show his brand and he knew it.  He was unable to stand behind his work.  Hated to see him go, but understood the judges' decision.

I was a little torn, because I also thought Cris Mercado could have been sent home.  She did buy a fabulous chair, however.  I wouldn't mind having that chair.  Cris stated she was all about color, but she really didn't bring it.

Episode 2

For Episode 2, the designers had to decorate an empty loft.  I was drooling.  I was really excited for this challenge.  I mean look at this fabulous space.  How can you go wrong?  They had to make sure their designs were cohesive, because the space is open.

What a great space.

Abby did the entry way.  The rug is fab, but the space is not as welcoming as you'd think her space would be.  That's because she made the cardinal mistake - Abby, honey, haven't you ever watched the show?  HGTV wannabe-stars, never, ever become a laborer.  You are not there to labor, you are there to design.  Abby spent all of her time painting. Poor baby.  And she trusted Boris to do her shopping.  Another mistake, his eye is no where near as keen as hers.  This space needed a really grand chandelier and table.  I was worried she'd go home.

I love David Bromstad, but he pissed me off.  He called this color scheme juvenile.  That's right - Color Splash David, the king of juvenile color called this color scheme juvenile.  Now, I could do a whole post demonstrating some of David's less successful uses of color, but I won't.  I love him.  He's very talented.  But he's become a tad arrogant.  Don't take my word for it.  Watch the first Season of Design Star.  To see his humility is refreshing.  Every time I get pissed at his arrogance, I watch his much deserved win again.  I loved David's show because I love color, and because David was so kind to his clients.  But when the show moved to Miami it lost its charm for me.  Don't take my word for it.  Watch his show.  All the episodes are on HGTV's site.  I must say I am jealous of his painting skills.  I wish I could paint like he does!

As you know I'm a lover of color.  I think the color scheme of purple, hot pink, turquoise and black is fabulous!  Also, I'd like to remind the judges of something architect John Gidding told Emily in Season 5.  You need to be careful not to offend your audience.  Someone in your audience may have done something you've just said was bad.  Or in this case, juvenile.  Since when are colors juvenile?  This was the second reference to juvenile color, in only two episodes, and it's offensive.  End tangent.

Here's the gorgeous kitchen in this loft.  Talk about an easy challenge.  The kitchen is perfect as it.  No design work whatsoever, just shopping and styling.  I was shocked that Jessie Miller totally blew this challenge.  Jessie bragged that she is a loft queen.  That's another thing Design Star wannabees - don't brag too much because you might eat crow.  She even left those open shelves - which were begging for beautiful dishes - empty.  Wow.  When I saw that I knew she was packing her bags.  The judges made the right decision.  But, I felt bad because I love her personality.

The bedroom was designed by Anne Rue and Tiffany Brooks.  I love the purple chairs, but that's about it here.  Tiffany wanted dress dummies, which I think are fab.  Anne nixed that.  Anne is very bossy, I adore her hair, but would never watch her show.  Tiffany did the head board.  It's cool but I wouldn't want to sleep under that heavy ass thing.  So sick of animal skin rugs.  Wish PETA would get all over HGTV.  Anne won the competition, and totally did not deserve it.  They made a big deal out of the fact that she can make a bed.  Yawn.  The reason Anne won was her camera challenge.

These poor artists are falling apart at the camera challenge.  Even my beloved Professor.  It's a mystery to me.  You'd think they'd practice before the season starts, or go to an acting coach.  But hey, I don't want to fault them.  There's no way I would be brave enough for this competition.  Nor would I have the stamina.  Their time crunches are ridiculous!  Like I said, I'm grateful they do what they do.

Brooks and Jerebai worked on the den/office.  They were robbed.  Their room deserved the win.  Much more rich and interesting than the bedroom.

Jeribai did this amazing corrugated metal wall.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find a good picture of it.  He deserved the win.  He was a little shy on his camera challenge.  But hey, I'd rather watch an amateur at the camera with good design, than a camera wiz with poor design.  And Jeribai is so easy on the eyes no one will really care what his delivery is like.  Judges, please go for the design talent.

Brooks did an amazing hanging light installation.  Love it.

Brooks also painted a vintage record player hot pink.  It looked hot pink on the episode, even though this picture doesn't look hot pink.  Notice the pink player with the yellow chair.  Pink and yellow, one of my favorite color schemes.  I'm on the hunt for a vintage record player to paint pink.

And, oh yeah, Brooks,  I need the t-shirt you were wearing in this episode.  Here is one that is similar.  From his facebook page, number 8 of 20 design tips.

Tyler and Cris did the underwhelming living room.  Cris didn't like the VW hood on the wall, nor did she like Tyler's treatment of it. She thought it looked cheap, and she was correct.  Cris is a bit shy, and doesn't speak up which will cost her dearly in the next episode.  I love the hood, but would have preferred to see it a pristine silver, like the lamp.  I love that the purple and turquoise are repeated, as well as the yellow. 

Ya'll know I love me some funky lamps.  Cris made this lamp from a vintage camera.  It was enough to keep her in the competition.  The judges loved it and had never seen anything like it.

Tyler made this coffee table out of a vintage cigarette machine.  Interesting.  It was enough to keep him in the competition.

Episode 3

This was another great challenge.  One couple, unsure of their style.  Four identical, small, open apartments.  Designers are in teams of two.  They interview the couple to ascertain their style and needs.  The couple will choose the apartment they'd most like to move into, and the designers who completed the room will be the winners.  Brooks and Tiffany are paired up, and I can tell by their questions they are going to nail it.  They do. Wasn't easy because dude hates pastels.  Chick loves Tuscan.  Dude rides a motorcycle and loves black.  Chick doesn't want too feminine.

They do indeed nail it.  Perfect combo of masculine and feminine, with a little global flare.  Fabulous graphic on the wall.  These pictures do not do the room justice. I like Tiffany's style.  She's a little reserved on her camera challenge, but I kinda like it. The judges keep encouraging the designers to bring their energy levels up.  I'd rather see low key than manic.  I could watch a show with a mellow, low key and rather humble designer.  I think Tiffany may surprise us.

Anne and Jeribai also created a beautiful room.  But, the lack of window treatments may have cost them the win.  The plan was to do a wall of beautiful gray curtains.  But the curtains went missing.  I'm suspicious of this.  Is someone sabotaging Anne?  Lost bedding in Episode 1, and now lost curtains in Episode 3.  It's shameful.  I don't care for Anne's bossy personality, I wouldn't watch her show. But I can't deny she's talented, this room is gorgeous and I love the art she chose. She does not deserve this kind of sabotage. It's shameful,  HGTV should be taking better care of their brave designers. The producers should have run out and got her a new set of curtains when hers were stolen.  Genevieve was really taken with the skill and execution of Jeribai's stripes on the wall.  He said that was a signature move for him.  He has to remember not to become a one trick pony, nor a laborer.

This was a double elimination.  Abby and Boris were paired up.  Tyler and Cris were paired up. I hated both rooms. Any of these four could be eliminated, but I wasn't ready to see Abby leave.  There's something very endearing about her.  Cris is just too shy, again she didn't speak up and it cost her.  Tyler and  Cris were eliminated.

The show airs Sundays at 8:00 pm ET.  Unfortunately, I can't watch it until Monday, when it is on their website.  It's tricky not to see spoilers.  As of this writing, I haven't seen Episode 4, which airs tonight.  Please don't leave spoilers in my email or comments.  Thanks.  :)

Here's my prediction for the final three - Brooks, Tiffany and Jeribai.  I'd watch any of these shows.  My prediction for the win - Brooks.  I'm a member of Team Brooks. 

Can't wait to see Episode 4, unfortunately I won't be able to see it until late afternoon Monday.  Thank goodness for modern technology.  If interested in my other critiques of Design Star, click here.

Old News

I know this post is woefully late, but did you watch Design Star All Stars?  It was great fun, and even though it was only four episodes, it eased the pain of the Design Star season ending.  I was happy to see some of the designers for a second time.  Although I must say that I disagreed with the judge's decision to crown Leslie as champion.  I think Hilari Younger was a clear stand out throughout the competition.  Hilari exhibited constant growth both in her designs and behind the camera.  I imagine we will see more of her, and I'm sure she'll get her own TV show soon.  If not on HGTV, then someone will scoop her up for sure.  Her personality is so likable and her style glamorous.  For the finale, the designers had to design a room, including sleeping space, in a home made of repurposed shipping crates.  I am endlessly fascinated by alternative, green and sustainable housing solutions so I love this challenge!  Here is Hilari's design.

This is Hilari's glamorous interpretation of mid century modern.  I love it!  I especially love the book case.  It divides the space, but still gives the look of being open.  There's a few little tweaks I'd make.  I love the color, but may have opted for only an accent wall in this color since it's so strong.  Also notice the floor area to the right of the sofa.  What is that basket and plant doing there?  They both have to go.  This is something I see on HGTV a lot and it drives me crazy!  You need room to walk, especially in a small space.  I'd also lose the vases on the coffee table, I like a coffee table unencumbered.   Plus that table is so gorgeous I think it should stand on its own without competition from those vases.  But all in all a gorgeous room. 

What is that diagonal rug doing there?  Definitely needs edited out.

Love the bookcases and love the pillows!  I'm not usually one for mixing patterns, but I love the way Hilari has done it here.  Here is the outside of Hilari's container.

Fabulous!  She is the only one who actually expanded the living space by thoughtfully designing a comfortable place to sit outside.  For that alone she should have taken the win. See another of Hilari's fab designs here.  Leslie took home the prize.  I love Leslie's personality, but not her style so much.  However, I have to give Leslie props for the hanging lamp she chose for the first challenge.  

Gorgeous!  One of my favorite parts about Design Star is the lamps!  See previous post with more fab lamps here and here. I probably should have done a post devoted to the fab lamps seen on Design Star.  

Update: HGTV Design Star, Season 7

Design Star is my favorite show.  I am amazed at what the designers come up with given the constraints they have on materials and time.  The show is on Tuesday at 9:00.  I don't have a TV, so it takes supreme control not to get on any of the Twitter feeds.  I don't want any spoilers.  Fortunately, HGTV is great about uploading the program to their website so I can watch it first thing Wednesday morning.  Tonight is the kitchen challenge, my least favorite challenge.  Everyone knows the kitchen is the hardest room to design and it seems impossible given their time constraints.

Last week was episode 5, and it was my favorite episode this season.  I love the individual challenges more than the team challenges.  They don't have to compromise their styles and there is no bickering.  It's really the ladies who are dominating this season.  My first prediction was that the final three would be Danielle, Britany and Rachel.   Unfortunately, Rachel has really fallen apart in the last couple of episodes, I fear the stress is too much for her.  I think Rachel may get eliminated tonight if her performance is again lackluster.  Hilari has really stepped it up and her quirky personality is growing on me.  I am still routing for Danielle to win, but I believe the final three will be Danielle, Britany and Hilari.

If you haven't seen episode 5, you must.  The challenge was to create Hollywood lounges based on different time periods.  The designers really stepped it up.  Danielle created a Parisian Art Deco lounge.  Not an easy style.  Not one of my favorite styles, but it was incredible nonetheless (although I'm not sure I get the panther, which the judges gushed about.  I know I would stub my toe on that.)  She took the win, and I was really happy for her.  Britany designed a gorgeous Hollywood Regency lounge.  Love, love, love the bookcase.  Again, not my style, but it was gorgeous.  Britany is the only designer who has not made a single misstep this season, except in her camera challenges.  I was disappointed what a bad sport she was when she didn't win.  But her camera challenge was really bad.  She frowns and stutters, she seems really shy and I'm not sure why.  Not only is she incredibly talented, she's beautiful.

Hilari got on my nerves at first, but she's growing on me.  She is really blossoming.  I adored the 80s inspired lounge she designed.  It doesn't scream 80s to me, maybe that's because I was stuck in my dusty rose shabby chic style at that time.  But I adore the room and could live in it!  You've already seen the PVC pipe dividers, in the post below.

Beautiful!  Love the sofas, the Mondrian-inspired floor, the hanging lights, the mirrored table.  Mikel has been in the middle throughout the competition.  I feel like there is a lot more to him, and that he's been kind of playing it safe.  He designed a Mid Century inspired lounge, and the judges found it a little sparse and incomplete.  Actually, I adore it.  It fits my aesthetic very well.

I adore the Rothko-inspired painting.  Looking at this picture makes me want to do a room with a red rug, red pillows and all white furniture.  I adore the large amount of white with the pops of color, and the minimalism of this room.  It's so easy to critique from my armchair, I realize how difficult it is for these designers.  That said, here I go:  I wish he had placed that bench under the painting and used a Noguchi table for his coffee table, to add an organic pop.  Of course, the room is lacking in vases.  Mid century style has a multitude of fab vases to choose from.  He could have put some lovely German op art or some Holmegaard vases on the Noguchi.  Also, I wish there were a few more of the Saarinen end tables.  After all, it is a lounge, and there is no where for people to set drinks.  Still, I am digging this color scheme and the pops of silver from the sculpture and the chairs in the corners.  Mikel is a prop stylist, so I am a little shocked he hasn't stepped up his game a bit.  I hope he surprises me.

I had to show you this set he designed from his portfolio.  Man, I could live there!  Love the white, the pops of hot pink and the ottoman covered in black fabric.  Love silver poofs.  Can't wait to watch Episode 6 in the morning!  Thank you to all these brave designers who put themselves out there!  I totally understand your passion.

A New Obsession - PVC Pipe

Like many design bloggers, I am addicted to HGTV.  My new obsession for PVC pipe came from HGTV.  I upcycled materials, and materials used for an unexpected purpose.  The first time I noticed PVC pipe was while watching Antonio Ballatore's show (I love Antonio.  See previous posts about Antonio here).  I really dig this coffee table he made.  PVC pipe cut at various heights and a piece of glass on top.  Simple but very impactful.

I am itching to experiment with PVC pipe.  I think I'm going to take a power tool class.

Bex Hale from Design Star, Season 7 used PVC pipe in her white box challenge.  I think it would be awesome to make a room separator using PVC pipe.

For an 80s inspired Hollywood lounge, Hilari Younger used PVC pipe to create the illusion of separation while keeping the space open.  Groovy.

Do you read the fabulous blog Vintage Revivals?  If not, you must!  Mandi, the author, does the most amazing renovations of vintage pieces.  She gives great instructions on how you can do the same.  I love this dresser she embellished with pieces cut from PVC pipe.  I will be adding Vintage Revivals to my link list.

Ya'll know I love me some vases.  These spray painted PVC pipes used as vases are too fun!  I think I will steal this idea.  Sorry, I don't remember where I got this image.  Please contact me if you know the source.

I found a shop close to my home that sells PVC pipes and connectors.  I think it would be totally cool to use these as vases in a garden.

They even had pipes in a beautiful turquoise color!   Slap a piece of glass on there and you have a cute end table!  Perhaps I have found the table for my balcony.

Design Star, White Box Challenge, Season 7

I'd like to take a quick break from the scheduled posting to talk about my favorite show, Design Star!  Have you been watching?  It's great fun (except for some of the drama and the fact that HGTV runs far too many commercials).  My favorite challenge is the White Box Challenge.  Designers have a chance to really cut loose and show who they are.  Before I begin, let me say this:  it's much easier to criticize than it is to do.  I would like to applaud all these brave designers who put themselves out there.  I could never do what they do!  And I am really grateful they do what they do.  Okay, here are some of my humble opinions.

This year my favorite entry is the box designed by Stanley Palmieri.  Stanley used the drab furniture to create light sculptures.  I love it!  I've always wanted to create a minimal room and paint only with light.  I've often wondered what I would do in this challenge, and I think I'd create something blindingly white.  Stanley didn't win this challenge because his first camera challenge was less than impressive.  But hey, the amazing David Bromstad (Season One winner) was not always the seasoned professional he is now, David wasn't that great on camera at first.  It's been great fun watching David grow.  I hope Stanley can step up his game a little.  He might start by getting a hair cut.  Sorry, Stanley.  Just sayin'.

This season is different from past seasons because many of the designers had very strong starts.  Karl was the one to watch last season (and in my opinion should have won).  This season it is the ladies who dominate.  My prediction for final four:  Danielle Colding, Britany Simon, Bex Hale and Rachel Kate.  My favorite to win:  Danielle Colding.

Here is Rachel's white box.  I'm a little worried that the judges have chosen Rachel as their pet.  She was the winner of both episode 1 and 2.  I do dig the back wall layered with the chevron dressers.  The graphics are executed with a high level of skill.

And I really dig her fashion illustration, but the rest of the room falls a little flat to me.  Great job, but not worthy of the win in my humble opinion.

Here's her room from episode 1, which also took the win, and again I disagreed with the judges.  She painted the black accent wall and hung the moose head on it.  The judges gushed incessantly about it.  I am probably biased on this point.  I've seen it a million times and I was over it the first time I saw it.  Taxidermy whether real or faux makes me want to barf.  C'mon at its worst it glorifies dead, hunted animals.  At best it is boring and over done.

This is Danielle's room from episode 1.  She definitely should have taken the win.  This was a huge task!  She conceived of this room almost single handedly.  Love the gorgeous color, the layout, the art and accessories.  Love how the blue accent wall is repeated in the pillows.  Love the balance.  I am not a huge fan of the applied moldings.  But having watched the show many times, I knew the judges would ding her if she did not deal with the verticality of this room.  Astonishing beginning.

Here is Danielle's fabulous white box, inspired by a photo of her mom from the 70s.  Again, I felt Danielle should have taken the win with her sleek, cool, glam room.  How many times have we heard Vern say to make things look expensive?  She did that with spray painting the sofa and with the gold touches.  How many times have we heard Vern say to wrap a graphic around the corners of the walls?  She has obviously watched the show.  The lamp was an unfortunate last minute touch, but hey it's a small detail in an otherwise amazing room.  And her camera challenge - she nailed it!  She's incredibly poised.  I like that.  I'd watch her show.

 

Ya'll now I am a lamp tramp.  I am always amazed by the custom lamps on Design Star.  Luca is one of my least favorite contestants.  He talks with such bravado and then does not deliver, nor can he articulate his thought process.  I expect he or Hilari will be next to go.  I probably would have sent him packing this week.  That said, the custom hanging lamp he designed is gorgeous, I could see this in Danielle's room.

Or maybe this gorgeous hanging lamp designed by Britany Simon for her white box.  I'd like to make a copy of this lamp.

Here is Britany's room from week 1.  The room was largely conceived of by her.  Mikal was paired with her, but really rode her coattails.  I love the 3D graphic on the wall and the color scheme.  Animal skin rug, yuk.  Faux ram heads over beds, yuk.

Here is Bex Hale's white box.  I am in love with those cut PVC pipes.  I'd like to make a room divider similar to that.  Man, I wish I were handy!  I adore Bex.  Her personality is sweet and engaging and she looks adorable in her hats. 

One thing is for sure when it comes to Design Star.  I really prefer the individual challenges.  Oftentimes, design suffers when they pair up designers, and there are some difficult personalities that I would not want to work with:  Kris, Luca and Stanley.  I am looking forward to next week.  The designers will be creating an office space for the Kardashians.  It will be interesting to see who is paired up.  Danielle and Rachel would be a formidable, unbeatable team.

I was really sorry to see Jordan go.  He's such a cutie and I love his style, but when it came to the white box challenge it's like he gave up.  Here are my predictions:  Next two to be eliminated are Luca and Hilari.  Neither have impressed so far.  Followed by Kris and Mikel.  Not sure about Miera yet.  Hope Stanley can step up his game.  Final four:  Danielle, Bex, Britany and Rachel.  Final two:  Danielle and Rachel.  Winner:  Danielle.

Have you been watching, dear readers?  What's your take on this season?  Who is your favorite so far?  To see my comments on the previous six seasons of white boxes, click here.

Design Star Obsession - Six Seasons of White Boxes; a Lot of Opinions; Tips for Design Star Wannabees; a Few Extras and a Whole Lot of Fun

I'm obsessed with Design Star.  Like most things in my life, I was late to this obsession.  I didn't discover Design Star until Season 5.  I had already been watching David Bromstad and Antonio Ballatore (both of whom I adore), I didn't realize they were Design Star winners.  I'm not a fan of reality TV, but after watching my first episode of Design Star, I was hooked.  During a week-long illness, I was grateful the previous seasons were on the HGTV website in their entirety.  Since I couldn't get off the couch, I caught up on the previous seasons.  Talk about making a positive out of a negative.  Since cable TV is not in my very-restricted budget, I still watch the show exclusively on their website.  This takes supreme control on my part.  On Monday, I'm very tempted to attend the Twitter party and look at the blogs, but I don't want any spoilers!  Fortunately, HGTV is getting the episode on their website pretty quickly on Tuesday.  Thanks HGTV!

Before I start posting some photos and dishing some of my opinions, I'd like to say thank you to the designers who appear on this show.  You are so brave - putting yourself out there and making yourself vulnerable.  I understand why you cry, because you are so passionate about your art.  I must admit, I am a cry baby, I cry every week!  Even when I agree with who should be eliminated, it still makes me cry.

The most iconic - and my favorite episode - is the White Box Challenge.  The designers are given an unusual and very limited place to shop.  The most important thing to remember is not to be literal in the treatment.  Most designers do some kind of graphic paint treatment or mural.  Murals are a funny thing on Design Star, sometimes the judges like them, sometimes they don't.  The judges say:  Go Big or Go Home.  Don't play it safe.  Step outside your comfort zone, but execution must be perfect.  This last statement seems like a contradiction to me.  In the real world of design, you have professionals to help you with execution.  We soon learn that the TV design world is very different from the real design world.  I'd love to see Vern, Genevieve - and most especially Candice - do a white box challenge, with the same restraints the designers face.  I'd especially love to see Candice get dirty.  On her show, she has a large budget, and a lot of people to do the work for her. 

I always wrack my brain to think what I would do with the limited resources they are given, and usually can't think of anything.  I'd probably go for something unexpected and make it absolutely blindingly white. This is really an art challenge more than it is a design challenge.  Here are a few of my favorites from past seasons.  I think these white boxes would make a great installation exhibit at a gallery.

Please forgive me for some of the poor images.  When I couldn't find images on the web, I photographed them from my computer.  This was necessary at times to illustrate a point, I'll think you'll get the idea.  Also, please remember these are only my opinions, criticizing is a lot easier than doing.  I could never put myself out there the way these brave designers have.

Season 1

In Season 1, there were two girly-girls named Donna and Temple, who argued a lot.  Okay, we get it Temple, you're gorgeous, but the arguing was tiresome.  Not as tiresome as hearing Vanessa say "Glamalistic," however.  For their white box challenge, Donna and Temple had to shop at an automotive store, and honestly, they both rocked it.

Here's Donna's room.  The judges really gave Donna a hard time throughout her tenure about using too many tchotchkes (the hardest word in the English language to spell).  I'd edit this room a bit, but it's still pretty great.  Love her coffee table and lamps.  I'd edit the book case out and straighten the sofa.  I hate sofas on an angle.

 

Love the lamp made out of an air filter (I think).  Ya'll already know I love me some lamps.  All in all a great job.

Temple rocked it too.  Her's is a little more streamlined, so more successful with the judges.  I've always wanted to do a room in auto parts since my brother is a car buff.  These ladies have proven it can be done with style.

Teman shopped at a camping store.  This season paint was not provided, the designers had to set aside part of their budget for paint.  At the last minute, Teman realized he had not set aside money for paint, but he got resourceful with tape on the wall.  I thought the graphic was cool.  I actually loved this room, it didn't scream camping store to me.  Teman was eliminated for this room, and I wholeheartedly disagree with the judges.  This was one of the most tearful moments in Design Star history.  Teman was standing at elimination with his twin brother, Teran.  They cried.  Judge, Cynthia Rowley cried.  I really came to love Cynthia for her sensitivity and kindness.

Here is Teman's room, which is a little unimpressive.  I love the paint treatment, which I think was done with gold hair gel.

I also love the lamp.  He put panty hose over the lamp shade, which I admit is the influence for my own panty hose lamp shade (see previous post here).  I want to do more experimenting with hose and shades.

Tym had to shop at a pet store.  I love edge, but i must admit the leash hanging from the ceiling was a little too edgy for me.  Tym stated he was influenced by Warhol, but I think the influence looks a little more like Robert Mapplethorpe.  I still think the room is pretty rad, love the deconstruction of the dog cages, the dog food labels as art and the coffee table.  I gotta give Tym props for taking his design to the extreme.

David Bromstad, the winner of of Season 1, also shopped at the pet store.  His room was absolute genius, of course.  David was a sure winner from the beginning.  He was stellar throughout the competition and remains stellar in his show.  I've written about David on this blog several times.  I love his designs, and I wish I could paint like him!  If you didn't watch Season 1, you simply must see David's solution to the glass house in the final competition.  It was a sculptural, Zen masterpiece perfectly incorporating inside and outside.  I couldn't get a clear shot of it, click here for the full episode on HGTV.com.

The lanterns he used in the room were to die for!  Thanks for always being such an inspiration David!  It was not a surprise that David won Season 1.  His show is called Color Splash, and it's always great fun.

Season 2

One thing that is clear to me, the White Box is the time to shine as an individual, the rooms don't have to be functional and are more like art installations.  The challenge where the competitors design their living space is about team work and functionality. 

In Season 2, unfortunately Lisa didn't realize this and was eliminated too soon, in Episode 1.  This is always a devastating blow for a designer.  She worked as an individual on the home challenge  - a big mistake - and infused her sensibility too soon.   I get it, though.  As an artist you are so excited to show who you are.  She wanted to show her rock/punk industrial lounge style. She made the coolest phone book sculptures, but again, that's art not design. Unfortunately, this didn't succeed as this was an area that was non-functional.  I think this would have been successful had this been the white box challenge.  Still, she was sent packing too soon which made me wonder if her crazy skunk hair do played a part.  Organic Josh really deserved the boot this week.

The White Box Challenge showcased a couple of rock stars.  For this challenge the designers all had to shop at a 99 cent store.

Todd!  Cowabunga dude!  Todd totally rocked all season long.  Scott said his favorite tool is a Todd, and I have to agree.  Todd can design, build, and his infectious joy of life was great to watch!  He made it to the finals, and I was flabbergasted that he lost to Kim Myles.  Fortunately, Todd now has his own show called Room Crashers.  I haven't gotten to watch it yet, but am looking forward to when HGTV uploads it to their website.

Robb really rocked it too.  I love this color palette and love the coffee table turned light alcove with the graphic continuing on the sofa.  I've seen this design copied like a zillion times in magazines.  I'll do a post on this topic at a later date.  Unfortunately, Robb is one of those designers whose arrogance and meanness got in his way.  Here's a lesson for future competitors.  No one wants to watch arrogance and meanness.  Control your temper, get your point across without steamrolling.

I also thought Will's room was astonishing.  Modern colors, clean lined, definitely doesn't look like he shopped at a 99 cent store.  I love the repetition of the chip and dip plates.  I loved Will's soft demeanor.  I hope to see more from him in the future.

Season 3

I'm sorry to say that Season 3 was the most boring of the seasons.  No one really impressed as a TV designer on this season.  Matt Locke was a standout with his exceptional construction skills, but surprisingly lost the competition to Jennifer Bertrand.  Here's a look at their white boxes.  Again - sorry for these poor pictures.

The designers had to shop at a craft store.  Jennifer's inspiration was Italy, so she did a mural inspired by Italian ceramics.  The judges loved it.  Murals.  They're funny.  Sometimes the judges love them, sometimes they don't.  There seems to be three rules to murals:  they must be perfectly executed, they must be large and wrap around more than one wall and don't become a one trick pony.  Don't do murals over and over again.

This is Matt's room inspired by Thailand.  This is a tricky one.  The judges like when designers think conceptually - just don't get too conceptual or it becomes too "obtuse" (Candice Olsen's word).  This is a representation of a Buddhist temple.  I think it might actually have benefited from a couple of tchotchkes.  Does the craft store have an outdoor area?  I think a couple of large outdoor sculptures, like maybe two large Buddhas on either side flanked by palm fronds, or even foo dogs, would've made it look less obtuse.  Matt has appeared on the show HGTV Showdown, I'll suspect we'll be seeing more of him.

I think this one is a little obtuse as well.  But it was my favorite this season.  This room was designed by Stephanie and is influenced by Mexico.  She decided to construct a poolside cabana at night.  I think it's lovely.  The judges liked it too.  I was sad when Stephanie was eliminated in a later episode, I found her very likable and would enjoy seeing more from her.

Season 4

The plus side of Season 4 is that they amped up the talent by 1000 percent.  The downside is that Cynthia Rowley and Martha McCulley were replaced by Genevieve Gorder and Candice Olson.  I really missed the kindness of Cynthia and Martha, and I could never quite watch Genevieve or Candice's shows the same way after that.  Their criticism is often very good, but so condescending.

This was the season with rock star designer and all around cool guy, Antonio Ballatore.  It was obvious from episode 1 that no one could touch him.  I adore Antonio and have written about him many times on this blog.  Antonio's toughest competition came from Dan.  Designers who are able to build have a distinct advantage on Design Star.  Those who don't have these skills often struggle when it comes to execution.  Antonio and Dan made a formidable team in episode 5, but a couple of times Dan proved to be flighty and didn't seem to stand firmly behind his decisions.  Antonio and Dan face off in the final challenge and they both design beautiful spaces.  I think Dan deserves a show as well.  He has an online show where he designs children's rooms, but it's not really enough to showcase his talent. 

Surprisingly, Antonio didn't shine in the White Box Competition, but it was his only misstep.  Dan won the challenge, and I disagreed with the judges' decision.  His room was fascinating, just not aesthetically appealing to me.  In Episode 1, Dan worked on a dining room with Nathan that was fabulous!  Nathan did a graphic mural that was successful because it wrapped around several walls and the floor (Vern loves that) and then was tempered by some linear wood.

In my opinion, Nathan should have won the white box challenge.  For this challenge, the designers had to shop at a grocery store.  Nathan did the most amazing paint treatment with milk.  He also made a beautiful chandelier with orange slices!  Love it.  Nathan is extremely strong in Episodes 1 and 2, and then fails to impress after that.  Not sure if the kitchen challenge ruined his confidence.  The kitchen challenge is far too difficult - to the point of not being fair.  Perhaps Nathan will need to mature a little, I believe he was the youngest designer.  I'd love to see more of him in the future.

This is the room designed by Jenn.  Jenn really got the shaft.  She was sent home.  I love this room.  She called it Japanese Eco inspired.  She definitely has the green going on, and I love the upcycling with the Japanese labels. 

She's inspired me to want to experiment with making a collage of Japanese labels.

I love the repetition of mundane elements.  I think maybe the judges didn't like Jen's personality.  She seemed very shy.  There were several others who really deserved to go home.  Lonny - sorry to say because I really like her.  Her one big concept fell apart and she had nothing in her room.  Jason - failed to impress throughout the competition.  I did not see one impressive design from him, but he had compelling personality.  His white box was an ugly brown and yellow.  Ironically, Candice said it should have been brown and teal!  The colors Jen used!  Tashika was another one who should have gone home.  There was nothing she said or did that impressed, and she copied (poorly) Robb's alcove light from Season 3, I think that's criminal.  Jen, I loved your room and hope to see more of you!

Not a surprise that Antonio won this Season.  His show is called The Antonio Treatment.  It's rad, just the kind of show HGTV needs more of.  Not sure if there's going to be another season.  I hope so!

Season 5

Like I said, I discovered Design Star at Season 5.  I'm always late getting to trends.  I had never watched reality TV before, so I was shocked.  I could not believe the meanness!  I cried when designers were eliminated, even when I thought their designs warranted it.  I missed the clippy humor and grace of Clive.  I could not believe how mean the judges were and how designers (Nina) bullied each other. 

I have to admit, I liked Emily Henderson from the beginning.  I love her quirky personality, she's someone I'd love to be friends with.  Emily showed a lot of grace throughout the competition.  I also liked her kind of laid back approach.  I pegged her to win immediately.

As far as her white box goes - I know this goes against the popular opinions - but it was my favorite!!!  The designers had to shop at a Chinese market, and every one else's rooms looked too literal.  Emily's was the only one that might have had you guessing where she shopped.  I love the lamp, I love the sparseness of the room.  I even love the little banal vignette on the table.  And I think the art is really cool.  This is a room she designed for Michael, and given his love of repurposed, found items I thought it represented him pretty well.  Nina won this challenge, and did not deserve to win.  Her room looked like it was designed for a nine year old girl, not a man who loves to travel.  I actually thought Alex deserved to go home.  Alex did not impress me at all in the competition, except for - you guessed it - a mural he did for the firefighters.  Alex's execution was terrible in every competition and he never carried his weight.  But wouldn't you know it - he nailed every one of his hosting challenges.  I think TV is his medium, but his design needs improvement.  On the flipside, Michael is a design talent, with poor hosting ability.  For some reason he comes across insincere.  I think he can work on this, I hope we see more of him in the future.

It was not a surprise to me that Emily was the winner of Season 5. Emily's show is called Secrets from a Stylist, and though her style is very different than my own, I enjoy watching it.  Emily's blog is also a lot of fun too. 

Season 6

So here we are to the current season.  I still miss Clive.  Tanika needs a little work on her elocution.  I love the addition of David Bromstad as their mentor.  The judges must have read the blogs last year, they are being a little nicer.  There are so many likable designers this year - here's my run down.  Remember these are just my opinions and are to be taken with a grain of salt.  Feel free to disagree with me in the comments!

Cathy is the Nina of this season.  But the designers have learned from the previous seasons and they are not letting her get away with it.  Leslie is an absolute saint in Episode 1, Cathy is down right mean and Leslie lets it "in one ear and out the other."  Cathy's artifice is really getting in her way.  She's an emmy winning reporter and has that stiff reporter elocution that drives me crazy.  If I hear one more time that she's got a global perspective, I will vomit.  Honestly, honey, you are not the only person to have ever traveled.  And if I hear the judges say "great coffee table" one more time, I will again - uh - vomit.  So what - you can buy a coffee table!   Design and build a coffee table.  Maybe I'll be impressed.

Although, I must admit the coffee table Leslie bought in Episode 1 is amazing.  It's made of tires!  I love upcycled art.  At first I thought I wasn't going to like Leslie because she had been a cheerleader, but I do like her.  Believe it or not, she actually has a very understated, demure way about her.  I like Meg's personality, but not her style so much. Kelly kind of bores me (sorry).
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This season for me, is all about the men.  I think Mark will go home soon, he's just not a fighter.  This is not a criticism, I actually like that about him.  Teams are going to be a problem for him.  Doug really tramples on him in Episode 3 and the design suffers greatly.  Doug is sent packing and deservedly so.  I'd like to see more individual challenges, but I suppose team challenges are a necessary time saver.  I'm not really interested in Kevin.  I was not as enamored with his White Box as the judges were, but I love his design in Episode 3.  I just don't think I would watch his show.  Maybe his hosting skills will improve over the season and he will change my mind.  Remember - it's much easier to criticize than to do what they are doing.  I could never compete on Design Star.  I have much respect for all of them!

I am really interested in Bret, Tyler and Karl right now.  Here's their white rooms.

This year the designers were standing by a graffiti-bombed building while they were given their instructions.  They were told they would be shopping at a restaurant supply warehouse.  This is the room Bret did.  Vern called it "bunker chic."  I think it's pretty rad, but I don't think the judges got the bombing reference.  I also really like how orderly it is.

This is Karl's room, and I kinda love it.  Karl won week one's challenge by painting a mural.  A mural which was successful because it was executed perfectly and made a small room look taller.  Genevieve said, "We already know Karl can paint, I was hoping to see a new super power."  Her criticism can be so informative, but she can also be really catty.  I actually love the Mondrian color blocking technique in this room, especially how it carries from the walls to the furniture.  (I recently wrote about my interest in color blocking, see previous post here.)  I would like to design a room with color blocks - instead of art - and then experiment with how different lighting affects the colors.  I also think this color palette is gorgeous.

The chandelier he made from to go cartons is gorgeous!!!  I want to make chandeliers!  I wish I had Karl's skills.

This room is designed by Tyler.  Mark won the challenge this week, and even though his piece was amazing, I disagreed with the judges.  In my opinion, Tyler is the winner of this competition hands down.  Tyler, very smartly, got rid of all the mundane furniture immediately.   His upcycled chair/light is made from water bottles.  It's graphic and has a green perspective.  I love that the room really packs a punch with a small amount of elements.  The chair was so strong, it needed to speak on its own without competition from too many elements.  This is what the judges call the "Big Wow Factor."   This is definitely a piece that should be in a gallery.  Great work Tyler!

 

I cried when they sent J home - I told you the show makes me cry every week.  I really wanted to see Cathy go home.  J was missing the Big Wow Factor.  Her big concept - a fire box was too small. And she totally winged her hosting challenge.  She was kind of laid back, like Emily.  Maybe HGTV doesn't need another Emily, just sayin'.  Don't get me wrong - I love Emily.   Meg's room was kinda bad, and I felt sorry for her when her table broke at the last minute.  I think her hosting saved her.  I do think J's floor is really pretty and I wish I knew more about how she executed it.

I'm absolutely fascinated by Tyler, Bret, and Karl.  I find all three of these guys extremely kind, smart, funny and very, very watchable.  Here are some photos from Episode 3 where Bret and Karl were teamed with Cathy.  Cathy tried to pull rank thinking she was superior, but luckily the guys didn't let her get away with it.  They showed a lot of moxie and I gotta give them props for doing it in a tactful way.

Bret designed this seating area in the mother-in-law suite and took a lot of flack for it.  David Bromstad hated the painting, but c'mon David, no one paints as well as you.  I actually dig it.  It reminds me of the Zara Hadid desk in the Novogratzes home.

What I love about Hadid's designs is they are just organic shapes with no historical time reference.  Bret's art work reminds me of that.

I think Bret would have done well to ditch the too small scale furniture and get an organic bench.  A bench would function well as a landing strip, and as place to take off your shoes.  Something like this one by Hadid would have worked very well.  Maybe her pieces are too pricey for HGTV, but you get the idea.  C'mon Bret bring on the rock 'n roll!  We want to see more of you.  You are likable and industrial chic is a style we are all interested in at the moment.

Turns out Karl does indeed show another super power in Episode 3.  How's this for another super power - for the first time in Design Star history, Karl completed a tile project!  He broke the tiles, designed and executed this stunning back splash.  Karl is my favorite and my prediction for winner.  He's smart, humble and kind, he's a great designer and can execute his plans.  Remember, you heard it here first.  Go Karl!

I really had a lot of fun, writing this post.  I hope you enjoyed it as well and would love to hear your opinions.  What about you dear readers, who is your favorite designer?  Are you hooked on the show too?  When are some of the times you have disagreed with the judges?  Who would you like to see more of?