Jul
26
Episode 6 Roundup
This week we took a trip with Donald Trump, Jr.
- Did you miss Design Star this week? Be sure to catch up with this week’s full episode.
- Heather Armstrong guessed the losing team from the beginning.
- Candice and Genevieve review this week’s apartments
- - The Judge’s Recap: Stacey, Tom and Courtland
- - The Judge’s Recap: Alex, Casey, Emily and Michael
- Tom buddies up with Stacey in this week’s Caption This
- Vote up to 10 times a day for your favorite contestant.
Come back each week for Heather, David and the rest of the designers as we get closer to crowning the next Design Star.
Another crappy group challenge, what a surprise!
…SO TRUE…I've watched every year & this group is A W F U L…however, "First Time Design" has been well done…should have taken those amateurs & put 'em on Design Star…so Design Star producers: Stop using so-called professionals (most of whom have irreparably damaged their client base)… and come up with some more Davids or Kims!!!!!!!
I know, what are they thinking? I just watch the end of the show to see the horrible finished product & who goes home. I was happy to see Nina go last week. I know, what are they thinking? I just watch the end of the show to see the horrible finished product & who goes home. I was happy to see Nina go last week.
Nothing they do looks good. I don't understand the team idea or the dumb inspirations. Mark Brunett is the producer, I think he's the same guy who does the Clean House shows.
I hate Vern more an more each week, and I just don't like how the judges all sit in judgment like mean High School Girls.
The producers don't do Clean House.
He does SURVIVOR and the APPRENTICE
I also NEVER have left a comment here. I wait eagerly for Design Star every summer so I can become inspired by the creativity of the designers. This is the worst group of designers I have ever seen. Their entry designs pale in comparison to what they have been doing. I too, feel sorry for Candice. She is the absolute best designer. I cannot believe that anyone liked the pillow that Alex made. It would be fantastic if someone from Design Star explained this fiasco.
I need to agree with all of the complainrs about this year's series. It is awful. The "stars" are no talent wannabees. This is a disgrace and an insult to preious winner who were in fact Design Stars. Color Splash, Curb Appeal – both great talents. Even Antonio has an intersting perspective. Myles was a disaster and this is far worse. Shame on you.I feel sorry for Genevieve and Candice ( never was a Vern Yip fan) for having to take part in this farce. PLEASE do not give any one a show. No one will watch!
I agree! I used to love Design Star. The designers are no good. No creativity. The show must be very low budget with unimaginative furnishings and trivial little crafts! What has happened to this fantastic show. Why can't the designers do individual work?? As Vern Yip would so, "I am so dissappointed. You had a wonderful opportunity and you blew it."
This has become one of the worst shows on TV. What a shame – people like Candice and Genevieve usually do good work. If I were either of them, I would worry about how this show would affect my credibility as a designer with talent and taste. I know nothing about Vern, but perhaps he was always less than credible.
Low budget? The show sux this season because of the group challenges. PLUS, the gifted designers end up ruining what they might have had as a career because of some bully's opinion.
HG TV needs to clean house before they lose every viewer—from the judges on down (good designers and individual tv hosts….but not appealing personalities as judges on this show). Forget the strict time constraint that allows no time for creativity, those poor contestants are just trying to get the basics done., and so many group assignments are rediculous!! No one shines–no one has the chance!
I agree–big bore this year.
I agree. What it is this year? I'm watching to see if it gets better. Who came up with the design challenges? Music? A Flower? How silly. Why not a challenge that requires the use of graphics, of unique lighting, of two oddly shaped pieces of furniture? Something more concrete? I mean, where's the creative spunk at HGTV? I also think it's because it's in NYCity…these are spaces that most can't identify with.
I agree ! It just keeps going from bad to worse. I can't believe the people the judges picked to be on this show, number one. Then, the designers are given the worst projects with a poor budget. This show is going downhill fast and I may not even stay with it til the end. Thumbs way down !!!
Agree
I am getting tired of this. I used inspiration from previous design stars to completely renovate my home–love David Bromstads designs. But I can't see anyone's style in this show–just snippets of it and I'm bored. I don't even watch it on TV anymore, just recap on the computer. I want to see them as individuals….with realistic time-frames and access to supplies (not drop cloths for draperies and a 1-2 day time crunch). If next season is the same..I'm done with the show. I was hoping for inspiration and I'm only getting annoyed. I don't care about drama—if that's what I wanted to watch there are plenty of dramas out there at the same time!!
Remember Clive? Yes, bring Clive back and compassion.
Vern, I detest your superior pompous persona, pretentious attitude. As a representative for HGTV, your attitude towards potential "HGTV family members" and holy than thou snarkyness further enforces a negative complex.
If HGTV does not care how they are being represented, they shouldn't care that they have lost a viewer.
I trust that HGTV reads what their present and past viewers are saying.
This year show is a YAWN Fest … The judges seemed bored and are not WOWED. i still can't believe that Alex's pillow was highlighted as being a great design concept in the overall scheme.
I agree, who picked these people I would not let any of them touch my house.
Design Starless is getting worse by the week. I see no talent here. The new format is really bad and I am only watching at this point to see how much worse it can get.
I don't blame the designers, I blame the lame inspirations. A designer in the real world isn't going to be doing all the carpentry and painting. They would just design, shop and supervise the work being done. It is getting worse and worse every week, I agree. What is with the stupid teams????? Who are the people who tweet that the show is so great? It's just bad this year, and still no Clive. Did they fire him for the Network?
I can't seem to find out how to post, so forgive me for posting as a reply. Talk about a "hot mess", this show is a hot mess. For one, from the beginning, there were contestants that were obviously lacking any charisma necessary to ever host a show. So they just added these "throwaways" for whatever effect. Secondly, I just don't see any talent here. These people, forgive me, are lame. Third, the group challenges are absurd and the souvenirs in this last episode were so tacky. Fourth, why must ever show about anything anymore have some sort of drama. Low class and boring. Lastly, the judges have been downright nasty at times. They themselves "might" be talented, but keep in mind judges, you being where you are, more than you want to admit, was just plain luck. You have successful shows and were forced or lured into this game that has compromised your integrity. Is anyone going to watch the show the winner gets to host?
Couldn't agree more! This season has been boring. Honestly think i could do better and i am not a professional designer. No wonder Vern has been in such a bad mood all season!
I agree with you on this Design Stars show. I like HGTV but, not like I use to. The past two years it's had too much of the same shows. Too much holmes on homes, too much house hunters and then house hunters international!! Give me a break!
I agree with Tim in Texas….each episode is getting worse. Its actually a big waste of time and last Sunday will be the last time I'll watch it. They better get a better group of designers next year and the judges need to be more lively….they are boring as well! Good grief….feels good to vent and read other comments – its good to know I'm not the only one thinking this way.
Dido!!! Actually, every season is getting worse. Where do they find these clowns? No talent since David B. was on.
I can not agree more. I am debating on to stop watching all together. Where is Clive.
No talent and I stopped watching!!!!
This season is really bad, I cannot imagine what they are thinking. Every challenge has been worse than the last. They need to rethink this new format. What is up with the judges huddle to make their final decision, that is so unprofessional. There is not one of those candidates that can put a room together with or without a budget.
I never comment or blog/chat but I am so very disappointed in this years Design Star I had to tell someone. Hopefully, the people at HGTV will get the message that their audience is looking for designers not " Survivor wantabees" As soon as I saw the "Mark Burnett Executive Producer" info, I knew what was wrong with the format.
Last year was disappointing but this year is the pits. I don't know whether I will continue to watch. There is no designer worthy of even being in the contest. I'm surprised that the judges even want to be associated with the show.
Pat, this is my first time to blog and I feel the same. It is disheartening!! I expect BIG talent and am seeing so little of everything. In years past, I would design and be so inspired. what a letdown.
Couldn't agree more, Pat! Very sad to se such a waste of a great show concept!
The worst part of last years show what the winner, but at least we still had Clive last year.
I, too, never blog or comment but after this week's show, I couldn't agree more. I love HGTV and often use designers' ideas for inspiration (Gen, Candice, and Vern are some of the best), but there is no inspiration to be had here. Unfortunately, no one stands out and the group challenges are getting really tiresome. I'm so sorry the format was changed.
I agree that this season has produced some of the most unprofessional and unappealing designs since the shows began. I'm also irritated with the method that the 3 judges use to discuss the projects; the "whispering" that they use to make the final decision of who will be eliminated reminds me of school children "whispering" about who they will choose to be on the team. The entire show is very poorly executed and may as well be eliminated in the future.
I agree 100% with u about the "Survivor"-like atmosphere and format. HGTV is one of my favorite channels because not only are there usually great ideas, but the hosts seem so pleasant. I have watched both Vern Yip and Gennieve since they appeared on "Trading Spaces" , but am so disillusioned with their behavior on this season's programs. I will no longer watch it.
I agree! I never blog but I have been so disappointed in the show. Not only are the designers uninteresting but the production is terrible! Group challenges are never fair and they do not have enough solo chances for you to get to know each designers personal style. On top of that, the production has not even given them adequate resources to be creative. Each group should at least have one carpenter like they would on a real show. Not to mention just giving the designers SEARS as the only resource is very limiting on does not show well for SEARS. If they expect “Trump” quality then allow them to have “Trump” talent and resources to make the ideas reality. The crown molding is the best example of this! It was a good idea but not unless you have someone who knows how to do it right. This makes the show more about who has better carpentry skills then design skills. I keep watching just to see how much worse this show can get. .
I could not agree with you more!
I completely agree with EVERYTHING you have said. I am an interior designer and this is the worst, most untalented group of "designers" I have ever seen. Whoever interviewed this group to be on this show should be fired!!!!
I might continue to watch the show just, to see how ridiculous its gotten!
That is probably what the network is hoping for. I wonder what the ratings are for this show?
The producers are looking for someone who looks good on
TV and can speak well, not a designer. I am sick of watching it and have stopped!!!!
Totally agree! There is absolutely no talent. "Winners" who don't know anything about crown molding… People who obviously can't work with others… "Losers" who shoot themselves with power tools… Design Star should cut its losses and cancel the rest of the episodes. Use the time to search for better talent.
I've watched it for the last time this season.
This year there has been a distinct lack of connection to the designers. This I blame solely on the lack of singular challenges that the show has hinged its survival on. I'm not entirely sure why they have come up with this format but I don't even want to watch anymore, why watch a competition when you don't care who wins.
Ah, well said Michelle!
Did they spend all of their money on a big name Producer and not on the product?
Ditto! The show has become a real disappointment! Are the producers not able to find any solid talent out there? I can't imagine that. I hope they regroup and can offer a better season next go around. This one will have to just go in "the can"!!
We don't care who wins Michelle because we don't have a CLUE STILL who these designers are and what they're capable of doing. DITCH Mark Burnette — his "season" is OVER!
I always watch Design Star for inspiration and freshness of ideas. But with every episode this season I have been angry after each viewing. Where did HGTV get these designers? No one stands out and these are supposed to be prominent, established designers with their own businesses?! I wouldn't let half of them touch my house! I cant even imagine one of them own their own hosting a show. HGTV, save yourself some embarrassment and cancel this season and start over! TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE!!!
Thank you…I could not have said it better! I have to assume that thousands of "designers" tried out to be on the show…these are the best? And what is the point to these insane challenges? There is only one :designer" who may have some talent…but how will we ever know?
Crystal, you took the words right out of my mouth. This is the worse season of Design Star I have ever seen. I would not let any of these designers in my house; and I don't have any interest in watching their show. Let's hope next year is better.
I have NEVER written on a blog… WHAT IN THE WORLD? This is a train wreck! The challenges are disasters, no designer gets to execute a project beginning to end, only group challenges? I run an entire business by myself, my work is amazing and I can count on 1 hand where I needed a glue gun. Yes being creative with inexpensive things is easy, this has turned silly, making a mockery of the profession. Repeat …how many group challenges can you do, why? T see who plays well together, obviously NOT b/c Courtland is still there!!! He is like a tattling child, w/ nasty sasarcasm that gets rewarded! Vern was one of my fav Designers, he's portrayed as a very unlikeable character, quit pointing at everyone & talking down Vern, these are still Adults, is this how your fans want to see you. Candice was my other fav TV Designer.. I'm waiting for that shoe to drop. So disappointed all of the way around! My heart was actually racing after the last episode…..praising hateful behavior, terrible design work, terrible propts, terrible entitled hosts. CANCEL!!!!
You summed up my thoughts perfectly. I think it is troubling how the Vern is so friendly and likeable on his own show, but so mean on this one!!! He does Deserving Design, a show about rewarding good people. I have had such a high opinion of him, but he is snide and unkind in this show. I HATE the group challenges. Unless they plan to do a group show for whomever wins – WHAT IS THE POINT???
So true! I think everyone is tired of all the group challenges. It's the same thing every week, "Be a strong enough designer to make your voice heard." And yes, Vern is getting on my nerves with his I-hate-beginning-designers attitude this year. It's all rudeness and snide comments coming from him… The only reason I even follow the show this year is because my dvr is already recording the season, I just fast forward much of it.
I also agree with another post I read that states that this year's show makes designers look like stagers and nothing more.
Pathetic season!
YES….CANCEL! CANCEL! CANCEL!
You hit the nail on the head (something none of these fakes could do literally). There's no talent in this mix at all.
I'm tired of everybody enabling these weak designers by giving them excuses like not enough individual challenges, Clive not being there and the judges not encouraging them. If you are good at what you do then obstacles won't stop you. All of these things are just revealing their weaknesses and inability to perform under certain circumstances. In NONE of these episodes have I seen a sketch pad in somebody's hand and they TRULY drawing out a general CONCEPT for their spaces! They are just like "here's the paint color, I want this, I'm going to do that" with NO ONE saying "maybe this would not work TOGETHER!" But again, this shows that these designers are more like stagers, they just know how to move in some furniture and fill spaces to a certain degree of pleasing aesthetic. They do not address functionality, absorb the client's want and style, or have any concept of true art and design!
Hadn't really thought about it, but yeah, they're just stagers.
And they're being given staging jobs too?
I have been an HGTV Design Star Fan form the time David won the contest. What has happened to the
" individual" consept ? Most designers have their own style and trying to get 4 or 5 to work together is not my idea of a real contest. Very disappointing. Beth
You are absolutely right! I thought it was jst me. It gets worse every season. David Bromstadt is the most talented of the bunch!
Add me to the list of disapointed group of viewers….I no longer watch except David B show.
Being a licensed commercial interior designer myself I am embarrassed at how this show portrays "professional interior designers". These people have zero vision and talent. Where did the casting director get these people? They could not possibly have thriving careers! If this is the new design star, then it won't last long. I am sure the judges are mortified to even be associated with this show anymore. David Bromstad is by far the best talent to ever come out of this series. HGTV needs to learn to quit when they are ahead. This show is now a mess and an embarrassment to our entire field.
If they were to have open casting calls today for a next season (God forbid) who do you think would show up?
We've all seen the show. Most designers wouldn't lower themselves. Decorators would run in fear.
What you would get would be self absorbed people that think they're better than they really are.
Now, does it make sense where they found this group of people?
David Bromstad is the ONLY talent to come out of this series!
David is good and good on camera…which seems to be the ONLY thing the judges care about this season…but I don't think even David is that good. Being able to really "do" a space does not always involve goofy art…wierd colors and strange furniture. I'd like to see him do something traditional or very high end contemporary. Being a good designer is more that being a "one trick pony"!
I agree. I like David, he's entertaining and likable on camera. Unfortunately, his bag of design "tricks" is getting old and I'm not seeing anything from him lately that would rate as truly impressive design. Which brings me to Design Star and their miserable excuse for talent this season… I am truly appalled, as are so many others, that these so called "design professionals" made it past thousands of other contestants. Who are they kidding? I thought season 4 was light years better. Whatever happened to Dan? Bring him back, and send these losers packing!
David is perfect TV material. he is extremely telegenic, cute cute cute personality…I like watching his show for the vivaciousness he brings to it not because i like his design style all that much…it certainly works for the people who get it. He is good TV. I think Antonio, given the chance will be just as engaging a TV personality…I loved watching the few shows from last year and eagerly await more new ones…his design style is not something I would want in my own home…what I'm trying to say is this is all about TV and who looks good, is and good personality… alas, the show has hit a wall with boring contestants, design challenges, meany judges, none of it makes any sense or GOOD TV. I don't even watch it on Sunday but later if I think about it on demand…I used to have a can't wait attitude on Sundays to see it…now not so much.
I agree, at a time when interior designers are trying to gain repect within the profession it bothers me that we are being portrayed in this way.
Yep! I quit watching the show…I was so embarrass for all
David Bromstad is one of those talent that comes along once in a lifetime that cannot be found in this kind of format again. The producers are just making an embarrassing fool of themselves, of course the money they are making-laughing all the way to the bank does not hurt them with everyone still watching. So everyone stop watching!!!!
I totally agree with you this season is a disaster, It looks they pick this group from the streets, they're totally clueless !!!! and where is Clive ? the judges don't say anything at all they just stare at each other, even much elocuent and funny Candace looks like a statue without voice and so is bubly Genevieve, they're awfully quiet !! hum !
As a designer I felt embarrased when they presented the rooms to Trump Jr. OMG !! What were they thinking- Producers, what's wrong with you ?
This season is the worse. I wouldn't consider any of them to do work for me. I tend ti agree with Crystal…they are merely stagers and not even very good at that. I would like to see how they design on their own. I think Vern slams but doesn't seem to give any positive suggestions, Disappointed in every show so far and hope you return to original format if there is another season. I have been a fan since the first year. HGTV is my favorite station but this show is not good.
"The Stagers" was/is one of my favorite shows. These people can only aspire to be stagers….
Thanks for your comments, I haven't had time to watch this season, but what I did was very dissapointing. Like someone said, we can all repurpose inexpensive things, it doesn't mean we should. HGTV is still one of my favorite stations, especially House Hunters but I am dissapointed that Susan Wong doesn't host the show anymore. I thought she was articulate and had the ability to make you anticipate the final choice. I don't care for the narrarator they have now at all.
SO STOP WATCHING!
It's kinda like driving by an accident and trying not to look, but you just have to look.