Challenge 9: Meet Your New Design Star
The final two designers went head-to-head in the biggest Design Star challenge yet: making over a deserving family’s entire home. When the dust settled, Antonio and Dan stood before the judges one last time and a new Design Star was chosen.
Spoiler Alert! If you don’t want to know what happened, please don’t click through.
With 44 work hours and $50,000, the designers had to make over a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms.
Antonio worked with the Starr family to create a light, airy kitchen and an eclectic living room. Dark granite countertops provided the perfect contrast to the kitchen’s new white cabinets and blue-gray walls. In the living room, Antonio deconstructed a vintage armoire to create a one-of-a-kind fireplace surround.
The master bedroom’s most striking new feature was the bright green walls. In addition, he made the space more functional for the whole family with a seating area and workspace. For the kid’s room, Antonio used a bold wall treatment of red stars to set the stage and added a daybed and striped poufs for seating.
The Goldberg family wanted a fresh start and Dan achieved that by opening up the floor plan. In the kitchen, dark cabinets were combined with cashmere countertops and a bamboo stone backsplash for a contemporary new look. His color palette for the living room was inspired by the original color of the master bedroom: a lovely lilac. A neutral sectional and mirrored TV cabinet above the fireplace opened up the room, while chocolate drapes softened the crisp, white shutters.
In the master bedroom, Dan reoriented the layout of the bedroom by eliminating one window and designing built-ins around the bed’s headboard. The teen’s bedroom featured a fresh, young shade of purple that was highlighted by black and silver accents. The new bed provided plenty of storage underneath and even included a pull-out desk for Jackie to do her homework.
While both designers proved they could tackle a huge project and create beautiful rooms, there can only be one Design Star. Drum roll please . . . the next Design Star is:
Congratulations, Antonio!
What a crock!! Dan had that house nailed. Antonio's looked like a used furniture shop with new paint.
I agree. His style is quirky, but very unpolished. ANd his delivery is horrible. I can't believe Dan didn't win!!!! HGTV better do something with him, he's a huge talent
You're so right. I was much more emotionally connected to Dan's design than Antonio's. Even Dan's presentation was much more heart felt than Antonio's tough guy routine. I will be less likely to be as involved next season as I was this year. When it gets to the end of a season and one person clearly out performs and still looses, you know it is "fixed".
It is a total disgrace what those judges did to Dan tonight . In my eyes he is the design star winner . !!!!
I totally agree. Most of the bloggers are of the same opinion. This decision has spoiled my enjoyment in this show and even HGTV. You have lost me as a fan.
Well, they haven't asked yet what we thought of the outcome…gee I wonder why!!! The percentage of Dan's fans would be MUCH higher.
I agree. Many more people seem to prefer Dan and hate Antonio (including me). HGTV must know that, which makes me even more angry about this obvious set up.
I think this show was pre-filmed, so the online vote did not influence the outcome of the show. Nevertheless, it's clear the winner was not chosen based on designs, but on HGTV's hope of pulling in a new demographic with Antonio's arrogant-bully-Neaderthal style. We need to show them through RATINGS that they miscalculated and misjudged what their audience wanted. The way to address this injustice is to BOYCOTT next week's "Antonio" special. Once HGTV sees their ratings for this time slot drop like a rock next week when there is no Dan Vickery, maybe they will realize they messed up and give Dan his own show!
You have the right idea. I won't be watching not because I want Antonio to fail but I want HGTV to see that we are so design challenged that we can't see that they weren't looking for good design. Dan's personality wasn't what I was interested in but his talent as a designer.
I think Vern is rude and a spoiled brat!!!
It was also a total disgrace what those judges did to Tori on her last night….it was also a total disgrace what DAN did to Tori on her last challenge. He had no balls…let her take the fall when he knew it was him who should have been on the chopping block and him who should have been eliminated.
Antonio is the best, & his show will be a winner.
Antonio was chosen for his "out of the box" attitude, his designs are flawed in every direction. The green bedroom is horrible whether 1890 1920 1950 1980 2010 or 2025.!!!
did u also notice how the bathroom was lilac!!!!! as if the green was not bad enough..
The best what??? Are you kidding me?
His show will suck because his designs suck.
Dan clearly won this challenge hands down. The judges evidently had a favorite so I don't know why they didn't even bother making them "compete"…
Ditto-it was evident from the beginning that they wanted Antonio-yuk-no taste whatsoever
Totally agree, well there's a show I'll never watch! Do you think maybe there trying to compete with The Learning Channel's "L.A. Ink"??…..HGTV's "Cave Man"
Antonio showed creativity and the ability to design from the beginning. He had great leadership skills as well. I liked Dan, too, he seemed to get better with each show – but then so did Antonio
Too bad that they both couldn't have had their own show. I'm excited that Antonio won – He has always been my favorite. But, I would bet we will see more of Dan down the road.
I just don't see what Antonio will bring to the table in a show (at least one of his own ideas). I would have been horrified if I came home to the green master bedroom. He is creative but seems to be a prima donna too.
I agree! No matter how bad his designs were or what crap he pulled, Antonio never went home. Meanwhile, others were criticized for next to nothing. Besides the fact that his attitude is inexcusable, I can't think of even one decent design he created. Shame on HGTV and their so called "judges". What a crock.
I agree! Too many colors. Why would I want such a strong green color in the master bedroom? The living room's furniture looked like an afterthought. Not enough seating with that huge piece as a mantle. It overwhelmed the room. I think the judges have not been shy about their feelings towards Antonio. In their eyes, he won a long time ago.
The room was too narrow to have that huge piece as a mantle. And not enough seating. Vern was right that the sofa placement made the room seem even more narrow. And yet Antonio won anyway. Why did they even bother showing the judges comments when they obviously weren't going to use them to pick the winner.
does anyone recall the pontiac AZTEK??? GM specifically wanted a design OUT OF THE BOX to be the next hot thing.. just a little problem.. UGLINESS. so it is with Antonio Aztek, chosen by committee for all the wrong reasons.
Great analogy! As the saying goes…Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason. By the way, you're very funny!
His bedroom was awlful…. I would never pick that color for a bedroom….
At least it would make you want to close your eyes! Yuck!!!
Right on! I wish we could all say "Design Star", your show has been cancelled. Not only will I not watch Antonio design(what a crock that concept is) but I am not watching the shows of Candice or Genevieve either. Old re-runs of anything are looking better and better all the time.
Design Star was a huge disappointment this year. Neither of the two finalists were my favorites. I will not watch Antonio, would not have watched Dan either. Not impressed with his 'magazine' designs; his immaturity is annoying as is Antonio's brash personality. Would definitely have watched Lonni. What a loss for viewers!
I really wish these television producers would figure out people will be more receptive to watching something if you actually give them what they want!
They took away public voting because they knew we would have never chosen Antonio, and that is who they wanted to be their personality star, despite the talent he lacked.
I agree. They kept saying Dan giggled, when Antonia laughed laughed laughed!!!I guess its who laughs huh??? I also wont watch Vern, Candice ,or Genevieve….I LOVE DAVID .He has class and treats people with respect. Antonia treated his co workers like dogs and doesnt work as a team. Its Antonias way or none. Hes a spoiled brat like Vern..He is brassy but you could tell It was decided before show. I will only watch David on hgtv. He ROCKS!!!!!Dan is such a genuine person with a great future. I did not like how you just let him walk away. Shame on all three judges!!!
That was unbelievable. There was nothing original in Antonio's work. I could care less that Antonio offers a different hosting style. I am looking for great design and only Dan brought that to the table…How sad! You've lost this fan.
I would rephrase that to read: That was unbelievable! There was Nothing original in Antonio's work. I could care less that Antonio offers a different hosting style. What I am looking for great design and only Dan brought that to the table… (just havin fun with ya Gtown, I couldn't agree with you MORE!)
Right "bgs", Antonio's redo looked like Sanford & Sons junkyard place, and the stars on the baby's room was just a redo of the stickers idea except for stars being used, no toy storage and very small bed for a little boy who will be growing. I just can't believe that HGTV let him win.
When you compare all the thought that went into the room that Dan did for the daughter in his house, and compare it too the lack of detail that Antonio gave the son's room in his house, it makes no sense that Antonio won. Stars on everything because their name is Starr? How unoriginal is that?
I agree 100 %
Ditto!! azzzztek
I do wonder about how functional that "Princess and the Pea" bed will work tho, but it was a nice looking room. I really liked his choice of rugs in the whole house.
Trust me it will be very functional! We have a lovely house with tiny bedrooms, and had something sort of like that custom built for our daughter! We even call it her "Princess and the Pea" bed!! I surely wish we had thought to add the desk feature- it would have made a superbly functional design even better. I'd hire Dan in a heartbeat to design for me, and would ask Antonio to hit the road. Who knows what kind of thing he'd come up with. That mantle of Antonio's was a monstrosity!!
Ditto!!
Antonio throws color, furniture and art up at random. It was RIDICULOUS!!!! I would like to see Candice put him on her show since she giggled all over him…………..maybe it's the tatoos. I believe Dan had such a high quality to his designs…..I cannot believe it! I think they planned to go with something different this season……but their choice was SAD…….I will not watch anything with Antonio in it.
Different could be okay, but Antonio is not inspiring in any market segment that I can think of… HGTV will regret this one. I hope advertisers are keeping tabs here. Viewers: let HGTV know what a mistake this was.
Any idea of how to contact them? I have never done such a thing, but this has really pissed me off.
Vote with your feet — or in this case, with your remote! Don't watch Antonio's show next week or ever. The ratings will tell the story to HGTV's advertisers and producers. Writing letters won't help; to these people, any publicity is good publicity, so complaining won't do any good. HGTV is loving the increased web traffic this scandal has created, even though 95% of the posters are P.O.'d about unfair outcome! The only thing TV producers understand is ratings, so the most effective way to communicate your displeasure is to just stop watching.
I agree. Let's get HGTV to listen with ratings. Boyvott HGTV! Learn to cook on Food Network or turn to TLC for a while. The advertisers will speak up and HGTV revenue will go down. This is the only way to be heard!! I am going to paint right now and it's not A BRIGHT GREEN bedroom!!!
Right on…I won't be watching either
I would love to find out as well .
This is the link for contacting HGTV:
http://www.hgtv.com/contact-us/package/index.html… />
I have posted this in a couple of comments today. Encourage others by also posting the link as a comment.
Hopefully we will be heard!
Thanks.
Guess what…They removed the link already! This is what it says (no surprise!!)
Hmm, the page you're looking for can't be found.
We've been cleaning, so it may have been moved, deleted or lost while we were tidying up.
Go to HGTV.com home page, scroll down to the bottom and click 'Contact Us'…
Webmasters may be tampering… Even sadder than the show results.
it's all about "different"!! like the AZTEK. ugly is the new attractive, right? you will learn to love massive crayon green walls with tiny pictures, attitudes of deception, and English with a lot more "yo's" and "crankin's". o boy.
I agree. I think Candice and Genevieve was turned on to his tatoos!!!Candice would never do a room like this. Was she high on his rude behavior????I WILL NOT WATCH ANTONIA!!! Where was Dans family??? No support for him and maybe a few hugs for Dan from judges would help …. This was Rigged!!!
Unbelievable. I knew they would pick him, just because he is soooooo different, but, who wants to watch a dirty, tattooed (I have one, so I am not predudiced), poorly english speaking, fanged face, hard to look at star. He has some talent, but Dan had it!!! Would, and should have won, had the judges really had their own opinions!!
Paula how very dare you be so insultive…?! just because he IS a dirty mouthed (from bio), tattooed, poorly spoken, (a dozen "yo"s a show?!?!), etc etc is no reason to discount him out of hand. (tho HE makes me quite put off) His wildly ugly designs (in comparison to shockingly stunning designs, there or elsewhere IN THE WORLD) IS a good reason to have had him lose. They wanted shock and 'out of the box', they got it.. pontiac Aztek, same lame stab at that design philosophy….
Could Candace Olson be any hotter for Antonio? HGTV picked a personality, not the best designer, what a shame!!!
i agree. it seems as though the judges were going for most interesting or different personality rather than most talented designer. it's all about the money. so maybe they felt that would pull in more viewers. dan's design was the better design.
BOYCOTT! Stop watching; drop their ratings.
Why would you say that Antonio has work just as hard as Dan and he will bring something different to HGTV! I am so happy for him! Great job Antonio!
I agree! I just looked at the photos above-what were the judges thinking?! I guess it was all about the "soprano" connection and how Antonio made Candace laugh. Too bad-I have not been at all impressed with Antonio's design skills. Overall, Dan had him beat and did a good job hosting. Talk about a "fix"! This was all months ago, so they couldn't even check feedback from the public! I won't be watching this show again…there is nothing relevant or current here. I was just stunned-and disappointed. I liked Dan from the beginning. I did like Antonio at first, but he wore thin as time went on. Sure leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
You are completely wrong about Antonio winning being a crock. He is much more creative not only with his ideas, but he actually makes a lot of material that he incorporates within the room(s). Dan is good, but he produces what you see in magazines. I guess he produces what people typically expect to see.
Antonio is hands down a much better designer and puts much more effort in to his work.
You are wrong and obviously a sore loser.
I wish upon a star that Antonio reads these comments and that he will come to Phoenix Arizona and completely redesign my 1300 sq. ft. home. He would make my husband and I sooooo happy!
Good heavens! Just go to your local big box home store, grab a bucket of green paint, several mis-matched 3×4 ft throw rugs and some wall paper "post -its' and do it yourself! Couldn't be worse!
I have to agree!! How totally depressing! This season was not where near as good as the others and I for one have never like Antonio personality or his so called design skills,which I found lacking! I will not be watching his show as his tatoo's are soo distracting and his hosting style, well lets say there is not style. I love the the three judges but you made your biggest design mistake choosing Antonio over Dan. Isn't it interesting that if the viewers, which watch these shows, would NOT have picked Antonio. Dan is a much better designer and a much better host!! How so very sad, I hope the three judges watch his show because I doubt that many others will
I agree-Antonio's designs have been awful. Remember his white room-remember Dan's! The furniture was off in the office project. His hosue was the worst!! Dan has design talent.Vern knew Dan was the best-he said his white room was the best in all seasons. I am done watching with design star.
bad design, bad colors, bad attitude… JUST what we are looking for right? HGTV knows best. (Just like GM with their 'creative" Aztek…)
I'm with you on that one. Throughout this season, Dan has proven that he is the better designer. I truly believe that the only reason it was given to Antonio is because he's different!!! Antonio has treated people badly in show after show. If anyone had bothered to look at the fans' votes, they would have seen that Dan was always preferred by the viewers. His rooms had more interesting, unusual features and I would have loved to have seen where he would have gone with more challenges. Because of the way Antonio treated people, I have NO INTENTION of watching any show he does and I think that many people will feel the same way. Can't believe that Dan didn't win.
I agree with you 100%
You have the truth of it, after last weeks show when Antonio should have been sent home I was afraid the only reason he was still there was the fact they had already picked him for the winner. I love Dan's designs, and I would have enjoyed having Lonni as the new star as well – but Antonio won't get my viewing and never had my vote.
Absolutely – obviously rigged. I wouldn't have Antonio design a dog house!
Dan satisfied all the NEEDS of his family and gave extra to boot..he listened to them very well, which is what a designer is supposed to do. Antonio made a great decision to do the master bath…that was a great need for that family…but I think the real need contact for the remainder of the house was barely met.
Who's going to watch Antonio's show??? Not me, that's for sure. He won't last longer than one season. The type of people he attracts aren't sitting home watching HGTV!!!
You are absolutely right.
Right! WE are the viewing audience and Antonio simply has no design talent. He could be a carpenter, but I am hoping to see some great new designs…nothing like that came from Antonio…are you reading this HGTV? THERE WAS NOTHING I WOULD USE IN MY HOME FROM ANTONIO BUT THERE WAS PLEANTY I WOULD USE FROM DAN!!!!!
Agree agree agree. Why would a watch a show who's designer taste was all in their mouth. It is to bad that we will not be able to see another good design show on HGTV with a real designer. I find comfort that Antonio's show will not last for long. I will toon into the DIY or Style networks during his 30 minutes. Dan should take his skills elsewhere where they will be appreciated.
Don't hate! Antonio did more to the house than needed…what's wrong with re-using products? People do it all the time…and Dan reused the bed spread on the woman's bed…Yeah, that is what I thought…people reuse!
You are so correct. Those judges had chosen Antonio for his off beat personality long before the final challenge, NOT his designing skills. Antonio's house was atrocious, bad colors, awful layout, no design personality AT all. This is one show my friends, family and I will NOT be watching. Last two challenges, who would you want to design your home???? Not Antonio, that office last week was BAD and BORING. You can be as off the wall as you want to be hosting a show, but if you can't pull of the designs, nobody will watch. Been on the phone since this thing ended with everyone I know and we are all VERY disappointed in the Design Star this season. VERY!
ditto antonio aztek has arrived.
I wouldn't let Antonio design my dog house. Oh…. I don't have a dog. I will not watch his show. What is HGTV thinking??
What a HUGE disappointment!!!! I was so sure Dan had pulled it out again, as he has week after week … and as the judges have themselves pointed out repeatedly. What were they thinking???? Antonio has some great talent as well, but he has nowhere near the ability to host or to read the client's needs as Dan has. That is one HTGV show I will NOT be watching! Don't worry, Dan … you're still a winner!!! You have far to go with your creativity and mega-design talent!
I completely agree with BGS, 2 yrs in a row now they have choosen the wrong designer
I will not be watchin Antonio show, I feel he is a arrogant ass,
Totally disagree! Antonio is the real deal. Dan seems like a nice guy — but he is too much like some other HGTV hosts. Antonio is fresh and interesting. I'm THRILLED to see he'll have a show!
Pontiac Aztek~~ so creative, so out of the box. ugly will be "in" ~~!! right ???
I would really like to find a used furniture shop like that house! That fireplace was spectacular!
Has anyone else noticed… I wouldn't start a real fire in it. That old wood was right there. I wonder if their house still looks the same?
Why did HGTV have the viewers vote at all? Obviously, throughout the season, Dan was the fan favorite. Guess that didn't make any difference at all, did it? Have no intention of watching Antonio's show. He treated too many of the designers badly on a regular basis.
I was thinking the same thing – what was all that voting about if they didn't even consider it?!??!?!
What a crock of monkey manure! Dan should have won, hands down!
His designs were certainly more well-thought-out and elegant than Antonio's.
I sure as heck won't be watching "Yo Antonio"
"attitude" antonio… "entertaining" for a week or two.. but it was titled "Design" star, not "YO-crankin' " star
America has to continue to judge and select. Seems the judges can't. Specially if they like one specific designer, right Candice….
ASTEK….. designed by "creativity" committee. ANTONIO.. chosen by…..
Dan was 10 times better, His designs are amazing. Antonio's rooms looked tacky and not totally put together. The kid's "star bedroom" looked amateurish! Too bad that second best won!
I think you were right on with your comment. It is a very sad ending.
I totaly agree! I won't watch Antonio, I think Dan was so much better and had so much more class. This time the judges really blew it. I don't believe that I am actually angry at the choice. Dan would be so much better and I bet Antonio's show bombs!
i worked on dans house it should have one .. other house sucked… dan is still the best ..
so true—-Dan is vastly more talented than Antonio—-not to mention he is a better host. Dan NAILED the designs for those women—he was sensitive to the needs of a 15 year old girl who didnt want a little girl's room and turned a HORRIBLE master into an amazing retreat for Mom. The Kitchen was extraordinary–great flow, great finishes. The mirrors were inspired. Grade A+
Antonio's design was a non-starter. The ONLY cool thing was the furniture he picked for the LR. Everything else was averge–no thought process, no continuity, no theme. The kitchen and the LR could not have been more different. Ugh.
The judges BLEW it big time. This guy has one good idea when 10 are needed.
total ditto to kevwells. HGTV felt they needed to mix it up!.. wellllll… I hope they got it out of their system, so they can get back to the DESIGN in design star. There really ARE other shows already if I want to watch a "kickin it" 'cranckin it" "yo" man peronality. Even THEY (hotrods, motorcycles, tattoo artists, landscapers) PRODUCE stunning work. Antonio? not so much. not at all.
I feel like it was decided from the first time Candace imitated him and talked about his "style." His ability to speak Brooklynese and to be nasty to everyone – EVERYONE around him. He was unnecessarily coarse and judgemental and the judges just seemed to ignore everyone else – it was truly a love-fest for Antonio. Dan, whom most people think is more talented, kinder, and just a better person, had no chance. I think this is it for Design Star and me – and maybe for HGTV.
I'm definitely not interested in watching Design Star again. What's the point? I saw it the year Kim won as well…another "self made" designer. No matter how one views it, tacky is not creative! Antonio is not a designer (he said so himself) and he is certainly NOT a star!!! Slob, yes…designer, no. They came down on Lonni for using another featured wall…how were those stupid stars of Antonio's any different from the dumb stick on dinosaurs? That child's room was dull and boring and without storage of any kind. The master bedroom was just plain ugly! The living room…what was that?? Gypsy modern? No offense to Gypsies. Very obvious that HGTV had this planned out from the beginning…it was a way of advertising Antonio at the expense of others who really can design.
THAT'S IT!!!~~!! I could NOT put my finger on it~ GYPSY MODERN!! rotflmao. or gypsy revival? I can't wait to see all the gypsy variations awaiting us! too bad I really could not take a solid 1/2 hour of just himmmmmmm. poor Dan, more than any season the wrong person won.
As the owner of the house that Dan did – I have to tell you he did a magnificent job! I haven't changed a thing. He totally got me and my daughter. I'm so honored and proud to have had him redesign my house. I truly felt he was the next Design Star and am saddened that the judges didn't pick him. He will, however, always be a star to my family. Thanks again, Dan.
I think Dan did an amazing design job with your home. Everything flowed and connected. In my heart and mind, Dan IS a Design Star. I'm certain he won the website show so we'll still be able to see more of his talent.
You have a truly lovely home. Dan did a wonderful job. HGTV clearly screwed up on this one!!
It was so heartwarming to watch the reactions that you and your daughter had to Dan's wonderful work. My husband and I cheered and teared up as we watched. He clearly listened to you both with his heart as well as his design sense. Congratulations on your beautiful "new beginning" home.We wish you many years of happiness there, and I can only hope that some more sensible tv network will pick Dan up. He is an amazing designer and a class act. People like Dan are why I started watching HGTV to begin with, and his loss is now the reason why I will start looking for something else.
dittto on your cudos and congrats.. ditto on sensible other network.. ditto on Class act! (o but class is out, rude is in… right?) if I may quote you: "People like Dan are why I started watching HGTV to begin with.".ditto. and for me, design ideas like Dan's are why I also watch…..
It's good to see one of the families post so we can really see how you felt about your re-design. Dan's rooms looked like they would have taken way more than 44 hours to put together. I was so impressed. Good luck to your family.
You are lucky people. You could tell Dan really listened to you and your daughter and then gave you the house you wanted. You and your daughter must be loving your individual bedrooms as well as that fabulous kitchen and family room. I hope your new beginning has some great chapters already.
Thank you for your input. I would like to here from the other family.
I think the other family is too busy trying to find Dan to fix their house. No time for blogging. They're repainting their bedroom!!!!
Congratulation's on your beautiful home! It is very obvious that Dan was totally in sync with you and your daughters needs and wishes. I was very moved when he was showing the house to the two of you. I am so disappointed for him, but he was very gracious and I pray that great things will come his way in the future. Best wishes for your new life!
Come on now – don't tell me you believe that this is really the Goldbergs posting???
I agree, Dan's house was way better–sorry HGTV but I will not be watching Antonio's show.
What were the "judges" thinking? Dan is much better. Antonio acts like an idiot. My tv stays on HGTV, but that may have to change. They made a really bad decision. I WILL NOT watch his show !!!!
I agree with you 100% .
I can't believe this decision. I totally disagree with Antonio winning over Dan. Day glow green???? Are you freakin kidding me???!!! This is where people are suposed to SLEEP.
I always admired the judges, but what happened., Obviously Dan was the better designer. His design shows class, and he listens to the people he designs for. I had no problem w/ his hosting. I liked Antonio, but his designs are TACKY….his demeanor will get old before you know it. I guess Dan was more of a threat to Candice and Gen…too much class competition for them…..Good luck Antonio, Dan is a hard act to follow. and Dan Best Wishes to you, you have a great big following here…..
How on earth did Antonio win???? That living room tv console was absolutely horrible. The son's room was very unoriginal. I am very upset. Who would watch him on tv??? I think they wanted to get someone like Guy Feiri on Food Network. Dan was so much better, and the final challenge was his hands down. What a FIX !!!
I agree, I loved Dan's designs, Antonio's was okay, but I could design that well. Just because Dan giggles, that insane. I think his giggling is cute. Too bad I will not watch Antonio's show, just like I did not watch the last winner, acutally I watched her show once and hated the design and her.
Antonio giggled also, but I guess his giggle was more Sopranoish. ;O)
Watch Dear Genevieve….The Queen of Giggle!!
I am in total shock that Antonio won. Dan was much better and should have won. I am in agreement with others that this show was fixed from the beginning.
Dan had our vote and should have won hands down! He was the most creative design star! Antonio doesn't have it and I won't be watching his show. I guess the judges thought LA Ink should come to design star? They really made the wrong choice!!! I'm disappointed. I too thought the apple room was the best ever whit room design yet Dan didn't win. Hmmm… should I continue to watch if the real winner doesn't get chosen?
bgs, we agree. Dan's house was truly beautiful – pleasing to the eye. Everything was great!! While Antonio has some good ideas, the fireplace thing looks like a piece of junk and the green in the bedroom is putrid (capital P, capital U, capital TRID!!). Competence should outweigh quirkiness and Dan should have won. The little boy is too young for a bed (my wife caught that one) and the bed Antonio provided is too small to be useful for long. So what if Dan is another David Bromstad. We can use more talented people like that!!
You are so right!!! Although Antonio's house looked better than before… but no comparison to the transformation Dan made. I am with you. I am soooo disappointed!
Couldn't agree more. But Candice drooled over Antonio, most unprofessionally I thought, as though she had a school girl crush on him . . . or more! I'll never watch another "Design Star". Had the viewers chosen the winner, Dan definitely would have won!! Antonio didn't get along with others throughout the season, intimidated and bad mouthed others. His 'people skills' were appalling not to mention his sounding and looking like a thug.
I now understand why the head honchos at Design Star did not let "America" vote on the winner this year. It's obvious the network was afraid we would not vote for their choice. Antonio is obnoxious, rude, offensive and not that great of a designer (or should I say set decorator). I kept my fingers crossed each week that he would be "cancelled". I would not let him within a mile of my home with a fabric swatch or paint brush, nor will I watch a show with anything he would decorate.
I really liked much of Lonnie's work. She should not have been sent packing after that beautiful bedroom she designed. It reminded me much of how Candice puts together a room minus the glitzy lighting. Could it be Candice was feeling threatened….hmm…something to think about!
I agree that Dan and Lonnie were the two outstanding designers this season. Both were professional and talented. They turned in lovely, creative and sophisticated rooms. Antionio's work looks like something anyone with limited experience and resourses could turn out. Couple that with his obnoxious personality and inability to work cooperatively with others, there is no reasonable explanation as to why he was not bounced several episodes ago. I look to HGTV to expand my ideas – not to show me how to make my home look like a high school experiment in design class.
I agree, if I wanted mty house to be done over, Dan would be my choice…. he has better and more plesing to look at designs… sorry he didn't win… maybe they should consider giving him a show anyway… g
Dan should have won – Antonio's did look like a used furniture shop with new, too intense paint. Dan's rooms this week and last were absolutely fabulous – he is a huge talent – I am very disappointed.
Antonio is a designer. Dan is a decorator. HUGE difference! I would much rather see an Antonio design for someone since he actually listens to the client, comes up with interesting designs, and stays within budget. I know when I hire someone to do work for me, I can't afford to have him/her disregard my budget (as Dan did with the gazebo) and my family's safety (as Dan did in putting a heavy metal grate over the bed of an 11-year-old who lives in Southern California)! Get over it! The best DESIGNER won!
Dan went over budget once… which he owned up to. WHEN did Antonio ever listen to his clients? The military family he designed for… they wanted a WARM family room. So he paints it with slate blue and gray??? There are plenty of COLORS to warm up a room and he didnt take a word they said into consideration.
Check out my post at 23, for the real reason Antonio won.
Dan's a pansy! I lost all respect for him when he wouldn't own up to his "gabezo" mistake. Good for Antonio, I think he'll bring a refreshing new look to his show. He deserves a chance!!!
"refreshing new look"….. the wonderful Aztek story. oo and the news is the gazebo was trick edited, he returned the $10k gazebo for a $5k one, but the project was still over cost due to ANother undisclosed issue,. the WHOLE story would be nice eh?!
Thanks for trying to set the record straight, but people like this won't listen or believe. (Oh! Antonio Fans!) If you REALLY watched that show you would see 1. Torrie did tell Dan $10,000. 2. Antonio and Dan picked out the $10,000 gazebo. 3. The one in the yard wasn't the one they picked out.
I agree with all 3 points. Wondered if anyone else heard Torrie say $10,000 and then Antonio confirms it.
Horrible! Dan was a match desinger and all around guy! Antonio is too far out with both his designs and his personality. Dan is much more likeable and more like a real person as is David. I agree, I won't be watching his show!!! (if he actually gets one!)
This is outrageous! What were the judges thinking. Dan is so much better than Antonio. Please say it is not for real. We all love Dan. Another David in the making. You do know we love David B. Dan can be just what HGTV needs.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I CANNOT WAIT FOR HIS SHOW TO START. HE IS A DESIGN STAR JUST LIKE MY BOY DAVID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I TOTALLY AGREE!!!! Antonio's room was a furniture store… in progress. Yuck.
Dan was robbed!
I think Antonio's show should be called "The Design Czar." 'YO! WHAT'S UP? IT'S ME ANTONIO THE DESIGN CZAR. Tell me what you like and I'll do what I want anyways. I'll throw some nasty colors together to make your place look like crap. Then I'll bring my girl Candace in to giggle all over me and everything will be cool. YO!"
LOL.. you nailed it! I feel like I have "seen" the future!!
LMAO!!!!! hilarious!!! Thanks I'm not as mad anymore!!!!
The reason I think Antonio won was because Dan is going to win the on line show, that is unless all of the Lonnie fans and the rest of the people who do not like Dan voted for Jany. HGTV did not want Dan to win both of the competitions.
The Design Star show actually ended in January or February. No one has been able to tell. So HGTV wouldn't have known Dan would be so popular in the online voting. So, now why was Antonio chosen?
As designer Dan is better but personality and how it comes across TV Antonio is better……that's probably why Antonio won …Dan comes across like inmature ….but he really is the better designer
Dan did have the Goldberg family down pat. The Goldberg house had probably 1/4 of the sq. footage of the Starr house and I think he did a fantastic job for them. When Mrs. Goldberg lay down on the bed and said now it feels like home it almost brought tears to my eyes. How beautiful, and it shows how Dan totally met (and went beyond) her expectations. By far the better house as far as I'm concerned. I knew this was fixed when they let Lonnie go last week. I will not be watching Antonios show. His hosting was atrocious. Yo wassup, please, give me a break. Dan was actually pleasant to watch. Always happy yet not over the top. Too bad, HGTV sticks it to us again.
I am soooo super pissed.. Dan is the best!!!
Whatever!!!!!!!!!!! Tony rocks!! Way to go Tony. Grrrrreat Job!
u must be a relative
Not agreeing! The best man won.
I didn't see the last show, but from the pictures posted I can't believe Antonio won. I think the judges voting for Antonio even before they went into the last challenge. What a dissapointment!
I agree. They decided they wanted their version of an Orange-County-Chopper-cantankerous, obnoxious host; it certainly wasn't because of his talent. Dan's work was consistently creative. Antonio's room for the young boy was so awful – if you compare it to Dan's nursery for Jason Priestley, the lack of Antonio's throw-it-together style becomes very clear.
Are you kidding me with picking Antonio? Dan out designed him in every challenge with style, color, and practicality. Dan always had a reason to do what he did and he also cared about what the home owners wanted. Bad choice!
I will not watch any show featuring Antonio. I can't stand him or his design. These judges did a poor job and I am disappointed in them.
I am so disappointed. It really did seem like Antonio was being groomed, even though week by week Dan was soooooo much better. Not sure I will be watching another season of Design Star. HGTV has always been my favorite go to network, but I sort of feel like they let us down. I guess I have to find another favorite network.
I will NOT be watching Antonio. Dan was the clear winner whether he won the STAR crown or not!
You're absolutely correct . I would cry if it were my home. Dan's was so much more "redesigned" to please anybody. I'll never watch his/Antonio's show. So, what a crock is right on. If that's the silly direction HGTV is headed, I will not be a viewer.
I agree 100%. While Dan was showing the owner and her daughter their home, I couldn't help tearing up the whole time. The rooms were very tasteful, and practical as well! I am very disappointed and I doubt that I will watch Design Star or Antonio's show in the future.
I agree 100%. Antonio has been going down hill all season long while Dan has been steadily improving in every way. HGTV messed up big time! You couldn't pay me enough to watch sleezy Antonio raid on my color palette! If he'd done to my house what he did do those poor unsuspecting clients, I would have painted his face that horrible green he used in the bedroom.
Judges…are you out of your mind?????
I love Dan!!! Antonio is so obnoxious and very ARROGANT! I won't be watching his show that's for sure. The whole time I watching this season I was wondering what is he up to? I think he is sneaky and I would not trust him to have my back (remember the budget for the pergola?). He acts like he is very helpful when all he is trying to do is make himself look better. I think that he just wanted to prove that he could win without the "training" that the others had.
HGTV made a huge mistake. I agree that Dan wasn't chosen because he is too much like David, where as Antonio is brash and very different. HGTV owes Dan an apology and a JOB. His "white room" was the best ever!!!
I agree, big mistake. Antonio is a mediocre designer at best and lacks the most important factor – likability. I will not be watching his show.
Wow all of this hostility towards Antonio unreal. Yes Dan's rooms where nice but I could see Dan's rooms by looking in any design book. Boring except for the child's room it was stand out. Antonio's room where one of a kind and different. Don't for Dan should have been gone when you messed up the $5k that was his boo boo and Antonio even told him to wait.
I'm sick about Dan not winning. He surpassed every other challenger in every competition. Antonio is just a quirky character but he won't sell on TV. Dan's the man!
The show is fixed! It's sooo obvious that Dan has the talent from start! Everyone said that he thinks outside the box! HGTV is just looking for something different. Well, something different isn't going to bring the best rating! Antonio's space was out of scale, scattered, compared to Dan. HGTV should be call HGDTV! The D is for DRAMA not design cause obviously there's NONE!
i fully agree, it was bullshit. i like candace olsen, but had a strong feeling she secretly wanted to gi e antonio a blow job. antonio is annoying, and not nearly as good as dan oh well hgtv will learn their lesson when antonio aka dumbass show fails.
Congrats to Antonio!!! What a refreshing character. Dan is a little too plain white bread for me.
I totally agree. It is a crock! Dan rocks and did have the house nailed. Antonio's look is awful & ugly.
ntonio is a more interesting host but Dan has more complete design concepts. Dan contained his giggling and really got his hosting down. Antonio lacks details and accessories. His rooms always look like he needs an additional hour to complete the design. I think Antonio will bring a different element to HGTV whereas Dan would have been more along the lines of David Bromstad (who is amazing)! Although Dan's designs also were the closest I have seen to Candince ever, and he really paid attention to detail. Dan is a better designer and always had more creative, out of the box concepts. He was unique in each design, did not repeat himself and really showed that he listened to the clients and pleased each one 10 times over. Good luck Dan! You have a bright future. And shame on HGTV for not acknowledging Dan, his hard work and clear talent. Allowing him to walk off the stage without so much as a good bye or thank you is in poor taste. Antonio is a good designer but his personality and uniqueness which he will bring to the network is what gave him the win. Antonio will do for HGTV what Guy Fieri has done for Food Network! (I saw this early on.) And I'm sure that was one of the many things that pushed Antonio over Dan in the end. Antonio didn't win on talent, he won on his perceived value to the network.
DAN IS GAY
I totally agree. Week after week Dan mopped the floor with the untalented caveman! And talk about giggling when hosting…..Has anyone seen Dear Geniveve??? Dan was perfect tonight! Design, hosting, and looks. HGTV has not screwed up this bad since they brought back Tatiana on Property Shop and picked Kim Myles. What the )(*^% !!! Guess I'll have to watch DYI or The Food Network or maybe get off my butt and do something besides watch t.v.!
WHAT!!! NO WAY…. ANTONIO SHOULD WORK ON HAMMER HEADS OR MANCAVES. HE IS NO DESIGNER!!! This was as bad a choice as bringing Property Shop back!!! (or fixing it so Kim Myles won).
I agree I absolutely HATE Antonio… he is obnoxious as hell !! He will grate on everyone's nerves
plus he is a terrible designer… I hope someone from HGTV reads the comments and see what a mistake they have made…he is crass and unintelligent and those fake tears when he won !! YUCK
I also will not be watching the show
Dan rocks !
I agree with your comment. I won't be watching Antonio.
Can you believe the fake tears in front of the judge. What a crock! Dan is much more believeable, and much more likeable. I really don't think anyone will be watching Antonio's show. Yuck!
What a crock and a disgrace to HGTV! Candice's fake laugh at Antonio's reveal in the edited clips was disturbing to watch. Antonio's scale was once again completely off and his rooms displeasing to me. Dan, however HAS it…design elements were perfect for the small house. He was given the harder challenge with smaller spaces and he turned every room into a FUNCTIONAL GEORGEOUS space and DAN was THE CLEAR winner. Never going to watch antonio.
I cannot believe that Antonio won last night. His lack of design talent in the last show and some of the those preceding should have eliminated him from this challenge altogether. His Tony Soprano attitude makes him better fitting as a bar bouncer than a design star. Dan and Lonni were absolutely robbed by the judges.
Agreed!! Definitely the wrong choice was made. I am a big fan of HGTV and don't plan on watching Antonio's show. He's crude and has very little design talent. Dan was the obvious best choice from the beginning….
I agree the show was fixed, regardless of what HGTV says. There is no way that Candice would pick his designs over Dan's. Dan's house made great use of the space, added light with mirrors and gave rooms storage. antonio's re-do will have to be re-done. Even my 11-year old noticed that he took away the double sink in the master bathoom. That poor Starr family will have a lot of work to do!
YES!!! My faith in HGTV is renewed. Overall, HGTV is fairly white bread……..that is why I thought Dan would win. Dan does have a lot of talent, He just comes across as too young. Antonio is edgy……he has the ability to shake-up the status quo.
I usually like Vern Yip — as a judge, he has been pretty fair. He does get a bit off track by trying to impose his own set of self-imposed design rules.
I find it rather amusing that both Vern and David come across as somewhat threatened by the energy that Antonio radiates.
I think what put Antonio over the top was his willingness to go the extra step and without direction he went and fixed an obvious problem with that ugly bathroom set-up.
I know what I'll be doing next Sunday…TLC Drop Dead Diva and Army Wives! HGTV Design Falling STAR!!!! Loved Dan's room. Antonio's were worse than ordinary!!!!!
I would like to see more pictures posted here of the rooms.Where is Dan's beautiful diningroom with that chandlier? Antonio's furniture and rugs looks too small to me and the baby's room doen't even have a place to change the baby. Looked like he was still in diapers to me! Will boycoot HGTV all week of all the shows of the judges. They should be ashamed for being a part of this. Dan was clearly the best designer of the season!!! Lonni was also comparable to Dan. Even Torrie or Nanthan…BOYCOTT HGTV this week!
I would like to say to Dan and Lonni: you must feel great knowing that America loved you both over Antonio. We all beleive that you will succeed. So keep up the good work! Nathan and Torrie, too!
ACCKKKK…too bad. He's okay but not worthy of his own show. I won't be watching it, that's for sure
Total disappointment that Dan wasn't picked, he was by far the best designer. I won't be watching Antonio either.
Antonio will have a great show. He is the real thing.
Yea, for a junkyard dog.
Emphase on the word "thing". Yep "thing" is correct but his show will suck.
There is no way the judges can convince me that Antonio is a better designer than Dan. They ought to give Dan his own show anyway.
You know you will watch…don't lie!!
Same here. That house Antonio did tonight just didn't work. That bedroom would have to be repainted before I could sleep a wink in it.
I completely agree! I have been a big fan, but not anymore. Who will watch Antonio? What viewers will relate to him? Dan was 100 times better at design and much better looking and personality too. UNBELIEVABLE!!!
I have never cared as much about the outcome and am terribly disappointed. Antonio was often badly behaved and his design was immature and undeveloped. His behavior is in itself reason enough not to watch any show of his. Dan has the potential to be another Candice.
I couldn't agree more!
I am agree, Dan is much, much muchisisismo better than Antonio. I won't be watching his show. In fact I have been a huge fan of the show and honestly after David, I don't care for the other designer stars. David in my opinion is the only real Designer. He possess everything, personality, creativity, he is everything. I love him very much and I only watch his show.
Dan is way better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfair!
Dan is great, & I wish he could have won too, but Antonio is the greatest
No kidding! I was seriously shocked. Something is NOT right about this decision.
i agree i worked on dans house alangoldbergcontractors.com 310-823-5058
There is no doubt that if I had to hire one of the finalists, I'd hire Dan. Antonio's fireplace was truly atrocious, the bedroom green was putrid, the boy's bed is too small, and the boy really still needs a crib anyway at his age. Tile is better then wood in a kitchen. Dan's hiding the washer / dryer was clever. There was NOTHING wrong with Dan's designs. The lack of molding over the backsplash? Really, no big deal. Dan, good luck to you. You deserved to win and maybe you can get a show on another network. We would watch it. Antonio needs to clean himself up – fix those fang teeth, cover up those creepy tattoos, and get some decent clothes. The Brooklyn personality is fun, and that's probably why he won. But this is not a personality contest, is it? We'll see how this plays out.
YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No way… you have got to be kidding!
Vern should be banished for his negative, derogatory comments. Wait till David gets a hold of this week's results.
Vern's show has already been canceled by HGTV. It won't be back next season. I wonder if they canceled it because he revealed that Antonio was the winner in a July 14 interview that is on the web.
They all should be banished, but I think that maybe they really didn't have the actual opportunity to choose because obviously Antonio was pre-chosen long ago. This is a disgrace to all of the contestants and to all of us. HGTV has made fools out of ALL of us. There is absolutley no excuse for this.
I hope David rips this episode apart.
David will like all the color. I don't.
Vern was the only one with his eyes open today, too bad he was out numbered by the girls.
Sooo true…
Right on Helgag!
I am unhappy yet not surprised, Genevieve and Candace are clearly in love with Antonio. Do they even care about OVERALL audience response? I do believe there is an audience for Antonio, but a narrow one. Dan should have won because he brought his 'A' game week after week (last week, the white wall challenge, dining room design on the premiere). He was on the dining room team, right? This is the 1st winner I won't follow. Sorry but Antonio's personality and demeanor don't interest me. I am enjoying 'Paint Over,' still watch 'Color Splash' and hope to see 'Myles of Style' again soon.
What a fix from the top down., I will never watch hgtv again.l will contact allk advertisers to express my displeasure at this prearranged fix.
BOOOOOOO! You picked the wrong winner.
Dan's designs were much better than Antonio's and Dan is a much better host. I don't believe that fans will enjoy watching Antonio!
Dan is great, but Antonio is the greatest.
I agree with you. I think Dan should have won. His designs are cleaner – Antonio's work looks like a confused artist.
I agree. I was shocked that Dan didn't win. Boooo HGTV. I'm not watching Design Star again. What a waste of my Sunday nights.
Congratulations, Antonio, you are a STAR!!!!!!!, LOVE YOU.
Looking forward to your shows, Antonio.
I like your practical yet contemporary creative designing!
So glad you're on HGTV to give us some inspiration.
You are so right! He is talented, fresh and NOT a whiner like Dan!
Antonio whined more than anyone on the show. Did you even watch it?
Because he did everybody's carpentry work that's why! On every team challenge he always ended up fixing someone's mess. He's a nature leader and has creative eye.
Ditto to Krystin. I knew since I saw his pink geese in the very beginning of the show, that he would end up in at least the final 3. Hurray for Antonio!
What a fix from the top down., I will never watch hgtv again.l will contact all advertisers to express my displeasure at this prearranged fix.
Don't watch if you feel that way. antomnio won't lack viewers for his show.
You should read all the comments here that indicate differently!
I hate to admit that I think you are right………when you looked at those two final projects it is obvious that talent was left out of the mix…..they were just told to deliver something different this season. So they have a no talent ,ridiculous, thug and some people out there will watch but not me:)
count me in
Good idea, I think that all of us should contact all the advertisers and express out disgust with this garbage. Maybe there would be some changes in the way HGTV has handled things on this year's DS show. Come on everyone, if you can voice your opinion here, you can voice your opinion to all the advertisers as well.
I think the judges voted on Antonio's personality not his talent as a designer. He can build, but he's not a very good designer. I don't think I would be at all interested in a show that he stars in. Through the whole competion week after week he hasn't actually designed he's built things. The judges made a horrible mistake. I no longer respect any of them especially Genevieve who thinks so highly of herself she can't really judge anyone else.
Even if the judges voted on Antonio's personality, they made a big mistake because none of them would ever be able to work with his arrogant personality. He thinks that he can push everyone around and who will be able to work with him?
I'm with you. From pink ducks to a psychedelic white room with absolutely no design–just a wild paint job, to the "From Treasure to Trash" job he did tonight, Antonio isn't a disigner I want to watch, much less emulate. With the way Candice and Genevieve gushed over Antonio from the very beginning, I shouldn't have been surprised. HGTV has taken a huge leap from their classy look, right down to the gutter.
a huge leap…over the shark?
I agree. HGTV will find out the hard way that their game backfired.
i agree i think it was fixed Dan totally won i think they went with Antonio because he was different than every other winner but lets be fair i don't think i will watch again i'm disappointed in the judges
Dissappointed in what judging???? Vern and the rest of them WORK for HGTV so they were told what to say and what not to say. They were just acting. I would have loved to hear what they really thought about antonio since his rooms from last night's challenge would never have made a good impression on "RATE MY SPACE." THey were awfuil. Ifeel bad for that family. Hopefully, they can get back their old stuff and fix things, especially the bedrooms.
Are you by any chance related to Dan?
It had to be fixed. There is no way that Dan's designs and production could have been beaten by Antonio's lack of creativity and brashness.
You obviously have a lack of vision. If you could see clearly you would know that Antonio was a much better and competent designer. You called him brash but he was actually confident.
Most ego-maniacs are brash and confident in their own demise.
Antonio will have viewers who appreciate a real designer with leadership. You can just turn the channel.
Dan comes across as insipid and a blatant imitator. Never would I think a man who eschews responsibility for a critical error he alone made should deserve his own show. Antonio is not a better designer than Dan, to be sure, but he does have energy that his own, an approach that is his own, and he can learn, as all winners have had to do, how to maximize his design ideas for the enjoyment of his viewers. He is coarse, and over-the-top, but he is genuine–that cannot be said about Dan on any level. I don't think any of the people this year were a patch on previous contestants and none deserved a show of their own based solely on their design skills. Antonio is different and time will tell whether or not his show will last.
Did you forget Antonio picked out the pergola with Dan? Do you remember he refused to accept any responsibility for the error with the budget? Do you really believe that Antonio, with his strong "MACHO" personality would have allowed Dan to make the decision on his own? What show were you watching?
I agree completely. I'm also writing to HGTV and will NEVER again watch "Design Star" with judges making the choice. Antonio looked like a hood, sounded like a thug, could barely speak the English language, and had limited skills compared to Dan and many others. What a joke!!
You are so right. You could see the fix from the very beginning. He should have been gone very early in the series. I thought his stuff looked like it belonged on "Design on a Dime." Those guys do great things with $1,000. He had $50,000. Mr. Starr, the home owner looked like he was in a state of shock, not happy. Nothing he did looked finished. I'm convinced it was a corporate fix. They wanted something different. If HGTV wanted him to have a show they should have just gave it to him. I think we have been coned on several levels. Both from Antonio and from HGTV; but then this is corporate television.
If HGTV wanted something different they could simply just create a new show without using and abusing the DESIGN STAR show and disgracing the contestants to do it. SHAME ON HGTV; all of the contestants should get together and sue them for defamation of character.
I totally agree. If HGTV wanted a different personality, they should just hire that person and create a show for him. Design Star is supposed to be based on talent. I would have watched Dan's show and learned from him. I will not watch Antonio's show.
This makes me feel very disappointed with the judges but I agree that it must have been a top down decision. How in the world could Candice and Vern select Antonio over Dan. I wish they would show us the criteria!
Even though Dan s design was way better, I actually could tell from the beginning of show that Antonio would win, no matter what because they ( hgtv) was looking for someone different like Antonio. So many of the hgtv hosts are alike, alot like Dan. I also knew it would not be another female, that was obvious because of the past years winners. If he does any kind of a show maybe he can do like the Junk Brothers show in canada. I love that show where they pick up stuff on the road side and turn it into other STUFF. lol. They wanted someone like no one they have on hgtv, and Antonio is definitely different.
You got that right it was a fix from the start.
I totally agree with you. There is no other explaination for changing the rules for the final challenge. They need to cancel further Design Star episodes since viewers have no say, and talent accounts for nothing!