My Most Memorable Moments
Moment #1: Um, Winning!
Let’s see the most memorable moment of the show would probably be…oh geez…let me think…maybe..WHEN I WON MY OWN TELEVISION SHOW!!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! BREATHE…breathe…breathe…. I remember looking over to the right and seeing my TV screen still on while Michael’s screen had turned to black. My mouth dropped and shock set in, but the good kind of shock, the-I-just-won-something-so-much-better-than-the-lottery kind of shock. BOOM, I get the career of my dreams. Just like that. I knew all those HGTV hours I was logging in the last 7 years were going to pay off. Who knew that my reality show addiction could lead to my dream job? I’m a lucky, lucky little blonde duck.
Moment #2: Meeting the Other Designers
We all met each other the day before we filmed the first episode, at the big photo shoots for marketing. But we weren’t able to talk to each other until the cameras were on us that first morning in the studio! We were going through something so foreign and surreal and not being able to talk about it was tortuous, especially since we are all HUGE talkers. I mean they didn’t cast us because we were shy. So the second that we found out names and what everybody did was a huge and total burst of excitement and adrenaline. I think we all thought that we would just fall in love with each other and live like the Von Trapps in The Sound of Music, except Real World style.
Moment #3: The White Box Challenge
You know how in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind they could pay someone to erase a memory? The day of the first challenge could be it for me, but I’m pretty sure it will be burned into my brain forever. Here’s an FYI, future Design Star competitors DON’T PANIC ON NATIONAL TV. I got so nervous and was so worried about not doing something cliched and cheesy, that well, you remember what I did – very little. But the memorable part was when I didn’t get sent packing. I knew that in my hosting video I had weaseled my way into the minds of the judges and they couldn’t send this little bundle of self-deprecating snark home.
Moment #4: The Firehouse Challenge
I mean, my job can be very dangerous, too. What with threading of really pointy needles or arranging flowers that if eaten could make you sick. But their job? Oh yeah, they fight fire. And fire can be mean. Getting a peek into their jobs and lives was absolutely one of the best things I have ever done in my life. My signature element was a tribute to them, full of flirtatious snark and utter gratitude. I love you, FDNY. You and your big muscles.
Moment #5: Switching Up the Teams for the Firehouse Challenge
I sighed a sigh of relief the size of Texas, no, wait… Antarctica. Some people just aren’t meant to work and live together. So when they split the girls’ team up, I felt such weight removed, like the biggest itch in the world had finally being scratched. Or, like I had been breathing thick smoggy hot humid air for weeks, and all of a sudden I was back in Oregon, next to the ocean and I got to take the biggest, cleanest inhalation of my life…. Ahem. Apparently, that was memorable….
Moment #6: Mimosas at Brunch
The double elimination happened the night before, and all of a sudden there were just four of us. Wham! FINAL FOUR!! Of course when Vern invited us to brunch we knew something was up, but for a couple hours we fooled ourselves into thinking that we were having a couple mimosas and a delicious four course meal with 3 of our closest friends, 10 of our closest producers and 4 of our favorite cameramen. You know, like real life.
Moment #7: Hanging Out in the Penthouse
It didn’t happen often because this wasn’t “Socializing Star,” so we tried to get as much sleep as possible and not get too distracted by partying. But if you were a lucky, lucky soul and didn’t have to go to elimination then you got to relax with your team, make dinner and have some drinks. And even though we were in the middle of competing for our dream job and surrounded by cameras, it kinda felt normal for a couple hours. Like a different version of home. One that I miss sometimes, a lot.
Moment #8: The Glass House Challenge
As much as I loved hanging out with Casey and Michael, I was a little over working with other people. We all were. I was ready to show the judges what I could do. The challenge was to show them our style and give them a peek into what our show would be like. It was the challenge I had been waiting for, and I loved every hoarse second of it.
Moment #9: The Designers Return
I was so excited to see Casey, Court, Dan, Stacey and Tom. Truly. We had grown really close and seeing them again made me very, very happy. I immediately scooped them onto my team (Michael stole Court) and I added Alex (who I got to know better in the final challenge than I had all season, and guess what? Me likes Alex, a lot). They all worked sooooo hard, and now I know what the word “heartwarming” really means. I felt so grateful. I mean, think about it. They came into the competition to win, but instead they were sent home only to return to help a competitor win. I’m pretty sure that is the definition of grace.
Moment #10: The Last Day of the Challenge
This day was tricky because while there was a lot to do: edit the video, attend the photo shoot, pick the logo, etc. The hardest part of the competition was over, and you can’t imagine how that felt. It was the last day after 6 weeks of competing. It felt like someone had injected me with the largest dose of adrenaline and I was high as a kite, unbelievably excited and undeniably exhausted. I’ve never run a marathon, and frankly don’t plan on it, but I would imagine that while you are exhausted you are also totally exhilarated because you accomplished something beyond what you thought you were capable of. When Casey and Stacey helped me with the photo shoot it felt like girl time with real friends, which we had become, and hanging out in the editing booth with the guys felt like a mini-family.
Moment #11: My Friend Scott Surprising Me
We were so far away from reality I had kinda forgotten all my New York friends were just blocks away. So seeing him was strange and for a second, I was like, wait….I know that guy, I think we used to be friends. And then WHAM, it hit me, SCOTTY!!! Having somebody appear from my real life was bizarre and so out of context. Hugging him made me want to sob. At this point we were worn out and exhausted and wanted to win so bad, and these are all feelings you would normally share with loved ones, but instead you keep it to yourself. So having him there was incredible in every way.
Moment #12: Waking up the Morning After the Finale
I woke up in a hotel room. It was silent; no cameras, no producers, no twin beds. On the night stand was my iPhone and wallet. Neither of which I had seen in six weeks. I was all alone. I started getting memory flashes, likee on a stage in a studio celebrating and Vern saying something about my own TV show. But that morning, it seriously all felt like a really long dream, and I wasn’t sure it actually happened. I checked my suitcase, and yep, all my clothes had paint on them. I slowly started to realize that it did happen, I had won HGTV Design Star and along with it came the career of my dreams. I haven’t had a baby yet, but I would imagine having children would be the only thing that could trump the feeling of sureallness, fear and sheer ecstasy I felt when I won and that I still feel now. I won’t let you down. I promise.
Didn't anyone realize that Emily's concept for her "new" show, has been done for years by Thom Filicia?
Exactly.
Apparently the judges have never seen "Dress My Nest" in the three years it's been airing on Style Network. That's hard to believe too, as Genevieve Gorder is CONSTANTLY "borrowing" Niece Nash's signature line ("It's a hot mess!"), so I figured SHE at least must tune in Style occasionally.
Anyway, not only wasn't Emily's design idea original, but also she executed it very predictably. Furthermore, notwithstanding the judges' claims to the contrary, she does NOT have a strong or particularly appealing delivery.
Between her and Michael, Michael was the clear winner. The truth is, though, neither belonged in the final two. They missed the boat when they didn't pick Courtney. I predict Emily's show will go the way of Myles of Style." Away.
There are a lot of shows that overlap the basic inspiration a designer uses – we just don't see that going on in the designers' minds. I think my disagreement with your statement on whether a show has been done (already) or not is don't overlook that no two designers bring it to the client the same way – this show just proved that! Emily is nothing like Thom and I'm certain her show won't be either. Emily had my vote on the first challenge only because she was able to be so real and down to earth to say, "…let me show you what not to do!" loved it!
Maybe so, but entirely-too-in-love-with-himself Michael's show has been done for years by like half the HGTV line-up!
So glad that Emily won. She started off slow, but she did it! Michael did good through it all, but he was a little snotty.
Michael's concept was self-limiting, whereas, with Emily's, the sky's the limit! They both did an extraordinary job with the hosting, I must say. Would have been nice to see more of it as the season progressed.
Nicely done, Emily…congrats!
DS is a scripted fraud. Think about it, if you were eliminated on this crap "design" show, then would you be all giggly and enthusiastic coming back for the finale? Of course not! Unless you were in on the fraud from the beginning and you are really just an actor on "reality TV show," just saying your lines and following the script. The HGTV audience is a bunch of suckers. They bought this crap, same as last year.
Seriously. Do you NOT know that your TV changes channels??? Better make yourself some milk and cookies.
Of course they'd want to come back. The more tv time the better their chances are of a career outside of DS. Silly.
A career as what? Clearly not as designers. DS proved their lack of design talent. Perhaps another acting part, as they were "playing" the parts of designers on DS?
If you're talking about the former contestants, I don't think it's that unbelievable for them to route and be happy for someone else winning.
I am sure that this return was written into their agreements with the show and there would be litigation if they didn't show up for the finale.
Then why do you watch it?? Click another button on your remote!
'Teaching' your design seemed to come so easy for you. Job well done. You are warm and inviting and I wish I could meet you in person. I know we could be friends. Congratulations! I am so happy for you.
"Didn't anyone realize that Emily's concept for her "new" show, has been done for years by Thom Filicia?"
Yes and David would also look in a persons closet or around their house to get a sense of the colors they likes. This is not a novel idea. Emily pulls it off nicely. It is the kind of design many of us need. She did a lovely job of Toms style.
Chris
She can't hold a candle to "Thom" though. Really, there was nothing original about her concept or particularly artful about her presentation. I'm still trying to figure out how she made it to the final two.
I'm glad Emily beat Michael, although my first choice for Design Star has been Tom throughout. Michael does two things during his presentations that bother me: One, he crosses his legs as he walks forward and, two, he looks as if he's about to fall forward onto his face. It's too disconcerting to watch.
Emily seems to be the admittedly quirky girl next door so I do think she'll attract a wider audience than Michael would have. She nailed Tom's style in the final challenge: tailored, sophisticated but not stuffy.
Vern, Vern, Vern. Pay attention. I can't believe that, during the final episode, Vern expressed concern that Emily's talent didn't shine early on. Of course not, Vern. The team concept demonstrated who played well with others; it did not provide the designers with a showcase for their professional skills. I hope HGTV does not go with the team concept next year.
I thought I was the only one who noticed Michael's habit of crossing his legs. I kept remembering when I was little and had to wait to use the rest room. I also though it was very unprofessional that he said Nina was beautiful.
I did not like the group design theory as some are more pushy and take apart the other ones ideas and some do not get attention that way. Maybe the first week two can share a room but after that it should be done on a single basis as it is not fair because some contribute more and it is hard to decipher who did what. They should shine or fail alone…that is fairer. I think they need to keep todoing a room or someone's home like last year they did a soldier's home. That was great. The projects they had this year was difficult and not really good to show their individual talents. You can pick different rooms and things but it should be on an individual basis. Also….bring back Clive…I liked him.
Thought the concept was difficult at best when trying to look at the individual contributions. While we're bringing up oldsters, how many remember Michael who did the couple's show after reconciling their different wants?
I didn't want Emily to win, and will not watch her show, although I have been watching HGTV for years! I wanted Courtland, then I wanted Casey, then I wanted Michael. Emily has an annoying voice, and viewers will turned off by her after a short time.
But you have to admit that Emily does design better than Courtland, who may be a good contractor with a delight personality which do not necessarily guarantee a better design ability.
I thought Courtland was a jerk. He threw everyone under the bus at every opportunity. He whined, sniveled, and didn't take responsibility for anything. Eye candy, but definitely not delightful.
I thought this show was a joke this year. The new format was ridiculous. I thought it came off like an arts and crafts project. A lot of chatter and not enough design. What was with all the group designing? Could it be that none of these people are truly talented? It was hard to watch this year . Very disappointing. The talent just wasn't there. Won't be watching the new show.
good point Marie….
i was really horrified by vern's comment at the end…..as if the loser's life before was nothing….yes, winning design star is nice but it's not everything….and i am pretty sure most of the designers will have more opportunities just from being on the show….
I think this year they did what they should have done with all the others – they not only took into consideration the ability to design but for one of the biggest reasons we all watch Genevieve, Candace or Vern – WE LIKE WATCHING THEM – and how they come across on presenting their design on camera and with a client. I'm glad they put the "on camera presentation" element up at the top. Look at some of the other designers that have won in the past…why don't you watch their shows? They might have good designs, but sorry to say their personality, their TV personality isn't there. Emily has the personality I think I will enjoy watching and I look forward to more of her designs.
I don't think that the designers aren't talented, but that the concept of show was not well thought out. Having just one little element to project your ability in respect to everyone else's little element made for bad design and a bad show.
I totally agree. This year was so bad. What happened to Vern's high-class taste? I can't say that anyone of the designers were close to the talent other seasons. AND the judges? What were they thinking? Didn't they remember Emily's drapes from the first episode? Her personal style is awful to look at. Did you see the dress that she wore to the final episode? I can just imagine the room that reflects that!
Vern, Candace, Genevive…require more or quit the role!!!!! Awful season!!!
I agree – not enough designing individually. I wish there was a real criteria the judges use because it never seems consistant. I really enjoyed the shows when David Bramstadt (?) was on but every year the shows get worse and worse. I only watched a few this year and just couldn't get into it. Just curious who won, although I really didn't watch enough to have a preference of a winner.
agree
i watched emilys show last night – it was abysmal
her "style" involved ones personal clothing
not!
her first show was – weird
weird as in 20(30s??) / george harrison from 60s (drums???) / thailand backpacking (?????)
this after asking a lot of disjointed questions
tore out his built-ins after he said he added them
the 20s couch was raggedy – very
the added white ottoman was misplaced
the silver-toned chest was a joke
adding water (even in a jar) to the old trunk was defitely odd – just dont wipe it or spill it then the old chest becomes a mess
what was she thinking???
Jacksonian1…I didn't read your entire post, but wanted you know that the phrase "Hot Mess" has been out of the past 3 years. Why would you think… Genevieve is CONSTANTLY borrowing Niece Nash's signature line ……she did originate or popularize the phrase…c'mon