Dooce’s Recap: He’s Going to Confession for That One
We’re down to the final four — Courtland, Emily, Casey and Michael — and Vern invites the contestants to brunch at Aarón Sanchez’s Centrico. He wants them to take the morning and relax. Everyone is exhausted and so happy to indulge after all the pressure leading up to this point. I mean, I’d need some rest after being subjected to all those wall murals, am I right?
First course is a tropical fruit salad, second is huevos rancheros, third is an elegant corn tamale and fourth is rice pudding empanadas with a mango chutney. They gulp it all down while patting each other on the back. Suddenly Vern walks in with the chef. Like I’ve said before, you never want to see Vern walk in. It’s almost always bad news.
Turns out chef Aarón Sanchez has one of the biggest hits on the Food Network, Chefs vs. City. The contestants are to choose one of the dishes they’ve just devoured as inspiration for this week’s challenge: to create a dining room space. Casey chooses the tamale, Courtland goes with the empanadas, Emily chooses huevos rancheros, which means Michael is left with the fruit salad. The twist is that they have to start with a very lived-in space and must repurpose furniture and materials to create their designs. As if deriving design inspiration from the taste of a meal isn’t hard enough.
The designers break into teams of two, and Michael and Emily show up to their space where it looks like it hasn’t been touched in over 40 years: florals, ruffles and probably the smell of moth balls everywhere. There are angel tchotchkes and Christmas decorations littered throughout the space. I think that used to be my grandmother’s apartment, actually.
Casey and Courtland’s room isn’t much better, full of banged-up furniture that wouldn’t even sell at a swap meet, orange and brown and yuck everywhere. Courtland decides to rebuild the table while Casey upholsters the head chairs of the dining table to reflect the elegance and sophistication of her dish. Courtland is taking his inspiration, the empanadas and painting two lamp bases red and white to reflect the dish’s spiciness.
Michael grabs a coffee table and turns it into a bench, and to reflect his inspiration, “the pop in your mouth of the fruit salad,” he first spray paints it yellow, and then he covers it with white so the yellow will poke through. Emily decides to paint the ceiling green, saying they have to go for it, have to take the risk because it will look like a really great explosion in the room. Or, you know, it could look like Kermit exploded all over the ceiling.
Emily explains that she chose huevos rancheros because of the crazy textures and flavors. Then she takes a bunch of plastic flowers, spray paints them white and attaches them to a giant box to create a chandelier. She really wants to shake things up and go big. Meanwhile Michael is destroying all the angels with a hammer and screwdriver and plans to use the pieces to make a really ornate neo-Baroque mirror: “Off with your heads, you are now a mirror frame!”
He is going to have to go to confession for that one.
Back at the other team we see Courtland doing a giant faux finish on his focal wall, thinking that somehow this is going to translate into the sophisticated taste of his dish? Oh, Courtland. This is me shaking my head. Are you out of your mind? You obviously are, because the only thing that paint resembles is a diaper inspired by baby food.
Casey decides to create an ottoman out of a side table and an area rug, combining the roughness of the area rug with the newness of the finish on the table. Courtland makes two elegant sconces out of copper piping set up against the exposed brick in the room. Not enough, however, to distract anyone’s attention from that disastrous faux finish. How many times have I said that this season?
Emily is using her prop styling experience to create cake and candle stands out of all the tchotchkes while Michael has an absolute freak out about his bench. He’s ripping things and throwing things, and suddenly I miss Tom and his heavy breathing.
Judges show up to do their walkthrough, and up first: Emily and Michael’s room. We hear Genevieve say, “That’s beautiful.” Candice says Michael’s mirror looks like it could cost a thousand dollars, and then they all note the risk of the color on the ceiling. Vern notes they did a lot of editing with this design.
Next up: Courtland and Casey. First words are, “That’s orange.” And you can only guess what they are talking about, although they do love the sconces. Vern loves the end table, but you can tell they are a little underwhelmed by the space. All the contestants then head back up to record host presentations since they are all now competing as individuals.
At the judging studio Vern announces that they will be weighing design and hosting equally in their decision, meaning we get to see everyone’s presentation. Casey nails her presentation, is authoritative and very relatable. Vern tells her there were so many elements in the room from her that put a smile on his face.
Emily is a bit wordy in her presentation, although her quirkiness totally shines through. Genevieve tells her she used the room very well, and Vern loves the light fixture. Courtland doesn’t even get the chef’s name right in his presentation, and it’s just all over the place. And then Vern slams the faux finish, telling him it looks horrible against the beautiful exposed brick. Michael is adorable in his tape, although Candice tells him to reign in his flirtatiousness. Vern compliments the mirror, but he didn’t see enough of Michael in the space.
Bottom two: Courtland and Michael, although they faked us out by bringing the girls down first. Mean, Vern! Courtland has been inspirational, but he’s also delivered things that have been huge disappointments. Michael hasn’t yet won a single challenge, and he has to show more than one piece in a room. Judgment is delivered, and Courtland is going home! No more faux finishing! But then again, no more ogling!
Right now I'm kinda drained with the same-old, same-old stuff each week from 'Design Star' and I'm thankful that it's almost over. I'm not giving up watching it, just drained because of the mundane season this year.
Hopefully, whomever make it to the end, will become a better television designer and host with help of a great cast & crew.
I am gonna miss Courtland and I really liked him. And I was wondering if he lost as a result of forgetting the chef's name (Aarón Sanchez). Because I remember Vern saying that hosting is a big part of their (Vern, Candice, Gen) 40 plus combined years of designing and it was one of the major factors in their judging.
Good points SweetLesa – Courtland screwing up Aaron Sanchez' name really seemed to set Vern off. I think for whatever reasons, Vern never cared for Courtland much.
I think it did, much like anchoring the news, pronunciations must be spot on. That is an odd professional comparison but I couldn't think of anything else.
That was a rather lame reason to kick him in the teeth. I'm sure Vern, G, and C have messed up people's names plenty of times – and one of their assistants simply pulled them aside and said, "His name is Aaron Sanchez."
Well, he didn't mispronounce the name…he said Santos instead of Sanchez…two different names. And more goes into making the decision than that. Before the contestants enter the room the judges have already deliberated and made their decision. I'm also sure they've already watched the videos prior to them showing them on tv. The judges just try to act surprised. Courtland should have been gone long ago…he has not performed well throughout the show and has "consistently" been in the bottom two. But, I do agree that the show sucks.
First of all, I didn't say he mispronounced the chef's name. Read again. I said he forgot the chef's name, altogether.
But according to Vern, his first name is pronounced 'Ar-rone' and not the way it's spelled, Aaron.
I went back and looked at their hosting segments and Michael is the only one that said the whole name correctly. Emily didn't mention his name at all and Casey only said, Chef Sanchez.
And in actuality, none has performed extraordinarily well throughout the show. But Courtland, IMO has/had potential abilities far more than the other three that was left standing.
The last three should have been Courtland, Casey and Michael because I really, really hated that faux pas chandelier that Emily created.
i agree with you. i am glad it is over, dan and alex had real skills-hope one or both get job on hgtv,com. I don't care who wins this season
You are so right, this has been the worst season yet. I do not understand these abstract inspirations at all. Who is going to hire a designer and say give my room with the feel of this food or flower? All the rooms I have seen this season has been very minimalist and very few things they have done has inspired me to repeat any of it in my own home. Courtland had by far the best hosting skills and was very creative. Emily always looks messy to me and is a terrible host what were they thinking? All you have to do is paint a ceiling green to get in the finals even if your hosting is terrible? Please tell me who would actually watch her show?
Well, I'm done! what happened to Design Star? Let's design around music, food, flowers, can you believe it? They have managed to ruin my favorite HSTV show. If next year is like this I won't bother to watch at all. Remember when they used to design things like kitchens, etc? And who would watch a show hosted by either of these final three? Watch and see, after the mandatory "contract" we won't see these three again. Courtland was the only one with hosting ability.
I think he lost for doing the same thing 3 times. Just like Nina (whom I think was on there toooo long!)
I loved the guy, but he did not stretch it any!
I agree, this has been a mundane season. I think we've been spoiled by the other seasons and talented designers. All these challanges should have been so much more creative.
Hey, I agree about the ho-hum season this time around. The best were the first two; Love David, Love Kim. They seemed to pick designers in a much more grueling way this season, but it seemed to have back-fired.
Courtland was cool to watch. I hope they bring him back as a designer's side-kick (carpenter); he'd be great because he very apparently loves what he does and could give some good contributions. Kinda like Tony – Kim's carpenter side-kick. Ah, ce las!
I have never replied to a blog and given an opinion. BUT, I have to this time. I was so looking forward to Design Start having seen the wonderful talent from past epiodes. This season is made up of personalities, not designers. Its even embarrassing to watch how Vern and his fellow judges provide boring commentary and feedback. They act like they are actually judging talent???? Plastic flowers sprayed with white paint on a box shell make a chandelier??? There were a hundred things in that room that could have been made into something lovely. Maybe the producers are new and don't have a clue what sets to offer, but something has really changed. Even the talented judges come across as insincere, mundane and sort of look bored (sor of secretly wishing they weren't part of this rodeo. Just had to reply. .
Lol!! I totally agree with you! I didn't like any of the challenges—way, way too many "team" things. Not one of them really shines as in previous seasons. I think the Food TV plug was too overt!!
Design a room inspired by a tamale? Really?
Is HGTV really so desperate for its cross-pollination with other scripps owned stations that they would stoop this low? Apparently not. I loved how the designers just stared at Aaron Sanchez having no clue who he was and even when Vern plugged his show, not a glimmer of recognition. LOL…
The challenge could have stood on its own with the food "inspiration". What's next, Iron Designer America?
Too funny!
LOL! I think you have a good idea there.
I think they know that Food Network is a better network, that seems to have a point of view (as they say on NFNS)
HGTV is still aimlessly wandering in search of an identity.
At any rate, NFNS is far more civil and true to a real "job interview"- for you have the network execs there doing the judging.
Unfortunately, Candice, Vern and Genieve are only puppets for what HGTV wants—-DId you note that Candice made a slip when she spoke to Casey- You are a blonde bombshell—-That gave away the winner- HGTV wants a cute eye candy to get more of a straight male audience. HMMMM
I noticed that too. "Blonde Bombshell" was a strange thing for Candice to say. Casey is pretty, but not any more so than a lot of the other females on HGTV. How will Casey get more male viewers? Didn't they say last year that Antonio would bring in more male viewers because he was so different than the other male designers on HGTV? How did that work out?
You are right! This season is beyond bizarre.
Well, I would totally watch Iron Designer. Which is sort of what Design Challenge has been for a couple of summers. Miss it.
So agree with you! Absolutely.
I have been a fan of this show and all of the design TV shows for some time. I could not wait for this new season –especially with Candice Olsen who is my favorite designer. However, I have been really disappointed. The new format does not give us an idea of the abilities of each designer. It also does not produce cohesive rooms that we can learn from. Each person places such a focus on their own element that I believe the total design misses. I hope that you go back to the former formats next year.Thank you for all that I have learned. I have used so much in my home.
I agree with you. I am not seeing any really inspirational rooms because they keep giving them stupid concepts & constraints. There has been no rooms, nor ideas, that I would ever consider in my home.
I agree also. I didn't like either of the finished rooms and this idea of 'food' as an inspiration(!). I think the wrong designer was sent home. This season's Design Star has been disappointing and hope they find a different format otherwise they will be losing viewers.
I, too, am very disappointed in this season. My sister and I have come to the conclusion that since David was the only one of all the previous shows who has made it, they felt the need to change their format. I don't like it and have suffered through it. Hopefully someone will read these posts and make some changes for next year.
Actually, Kim and Antonio will both be back this fall. The only previous winner not on TV is Jen, but that was her choice due to her special needs child.
Last year HGTV saw the big interest in Antonio, and thought that the "drama" involved with his pick was what got people interested. So they went for more drama this year. But what they failed to consider that the "drama" over Antonio ultimately came down to what people felt about his designs, not his agressive personality and unusual (for a TV designer) look.
I also agree. This years DS has been so unrevealing of the designers talents that I have stopped watching the show (it comes on way to late also) . I am getting my updates through the website instead. The challenges come up with such small samples of their work (pillow from a souvenier bag) and it seems the only focus is aimed at those who have failed the challenge. I also would like to hear more of the discussion by the judges and what is with the leaning forward and whispering in front of the contestants? go back to the old format and show us some really design work.
I really liked Courtland! I hoped he was going to win. I really worried when he did the faux wall. I really thought it was going to be Michael going home. I wouldn't watch a show with Michael, I don't care for his demeanor. Candice was being extraordinarily tactful.
I have to agree that Courtland was the ONLY one that I would watch…at least he can actually build something…interesting. I have never seen this show in it's horrible state. Just end it now. No one has any talent. Actually, Vern doesn't in my opinion and never did. His little boxes on the wall with candles in it…that could burn the house down was in almost every room. He has NO talent and is a bore. SO…nothing left to watch. Michael is a stuckup looser. He makes me gag. I can tell you that he will not be voted in if he gets in the very end. He is repulsive. Candice is kinda weird…and not funny or herself. Gen is high and mightly which has always made me not like her and her new show? I think she is a fake. Somebody is helping her. 40 years of experience? WHERE? On trading spaces? HAHA…that show ended up bombing just like Design star is going to…and I FREAKING LOVED THIS SHOW! I'm upset. Oh, where are they getting these ads that state that the comments are positive and people saying they love this show? OMG…this is just pathetic.
I'd like to see a breakdown for that 40 years?
I agree!
I have never responded to anything on TV before, but I feel it was a complete injustice to send
Courtland home. He is a very talented person with good screen presence unlike either Emily or
Michael….Thanks for your comments.
Also in agreement. Cortland has it all over the other three. The "expert" was wrong about the wall between the brick. It was brilliant.
I too was really disappointed when Courtland was sent home. Michael is awful to watch and makes me cringe. No way could I stomach an entire show with him as host, as it is I can barely take any air-time he gets. Yuck! The other girls are nice, but I wouldn't tune in to a show either hosted. I can totally tell Emily is from Portland by her thrift store sense of style in her clothes and room design, unimaginative. They blew it sending C. home, truly a shame. Now I'll just be watching in hopes that Michael doesn't win. Blah!
Couldn't agree more. The only things Michael has to say are pretty negative about everyone/everything. He has the most whiny voice and I'd turn off any show where he got to talk the majority of the time! He may have good taste but he's so derogitory it's really hard to listen to him and take him seriously.
Yes, Courtland is very easy to look at..but in the last weeks how many badly done painted wall "treatments" has he done? I think that this weeks "treatment"matched the one that was "inspired" by a cello, and who could forget the "burn wood paneling" in a fire house? the copper sconces with bare bulb? ick! But I still think Michael should have been booted ahead of Courtland…hell, ahead of Alex too! He's a prick! I wouldn't want him in my home on TV much less in person. Has he completed ONE project on time in this competition?? No. and all that whining when he is not being down right snarky.
I think Genevieve and Candice like Michael (Genevieve REALLY seems to like Michael) – that's why they've been conspiring to keep him around.
Vern is far too dominant. G and C come across as zombies. Or Stepford wives. I can't decide.
Stepford wives, especially Genevieve. She almost never says anything. Just has the smile that turns half-way upside down when Vern says something negative, swings her foot in her unmatched ugly shoes, nods. Candice at least comments occasionally.
Yes agree- but The ladies liked Antonio last year…..
could not watch a show hosted by michael, can't stand his voice. courtland has so much more appeal on camera!
Agree!
yup I agree too
I agreed. His voice racks my nerve. Also, a black mirror representing a fruit salad!!!! What kind of fruit does he eat!!!!!
Michael really botched this challenge while Courtland did a good job. Courtland is a better host too. The judges got it wrong this week big time.
I agree that Courtland's presentation — as well as Casey's — was terrific. Michael's "flirtiness" doesn't bother me, but it comes across as giddy or nervous. My husband and I are both surprised that Emily has lasted as long as she has. We expected her to go early on. Tom is still my fave; voted off or not. I liked his subtlety and maturity. Of the three remaining competitors, my vote goes to Casey.
I agree completely … this whole season and the judging escapes me.
Really!!! Michael made it over Courtland? PLEASE!
I agree. Those copper sconces were genius. The angel mirror was strictly third-rate.
Glad to see some others liked Courtland too! I really thought he was the all around best pick. Perhaps he didn't always deliver to the expectations, but I think it is very difficult when you have to work around others. I have always loved Vern, Candace & Genevieve (ugh to late to spell!), but I really think they've missed the mark since they keep harping on hosting and yet two of the top 3 are horrible at hosting!!! I'm very disappionted this week. Plus I think they're coming off a bit to "I'm so much better than you!" I think the judges need to think back to their beginning days. OMG to David's blog about last week's competition. David – I'm shocked at your utter display of rudeness. "Mr. Color" has the most boring backround for that blog!!
I like Courtland too. He's the only one in which I would sit to watch a 30 minute show. Michael has little talent and Emily is sloppy looking (as was her sloppy "chandelier"). This year is such a disappointment from start to finish….I just can't imgaine what the judges are thinking. And the challenges are so incredibly childish. I'm still waiting to see each contestant have a room where they can design without any stupid premise to go by or have to share ideas or fight to get what they want. Not sure if I'm even going to watch next week and I'm not even believing that I just said that…but it tells me how disappointed I am. Sure hope they make some major adjustments next year and find contestants that actually have design ability.
I have noticed that David has gotten "too full of himself" over the past year. He was very appealing for the first season or so of Color Splash, but I am afraid he has lost it for most of his fans.
My two favorite quotes this episode:
Vern: And Michael, it looks like the fruit chose you. Michael: How ironic
and my fave:
Emily: There was a lot going on on the plate, and in my mouth!
I'm not sorry to see Courtland go. There is something over pronounced in his delivery and some of his gestures and reactions almost seem affected and rehearsed.
Overall, I really don't think any of the "designers" have had very good presentations, but that seems to be at least in part the way they organized the show with all of it's group challenges.
All and all, a very dull season.