Candice’s Recap: Episode 3
I’m still out shooting Candice Tells All, but don’t worry — I’m still watching! This week, the stars of HGTV’s Home by Novogratz, Cortney and Bob Novogratz, came by to give their perspective on our designers. This challenge was the most important one yet: working with actual clients in their homes. The designers were split into groups and assigned two rooms in two separate houses. The assignment: Give some old rooms new life.
First up was the Callegaris’ house. Leslie, Kevin and Kellie took the basement, and Doug and Mark took the living room. The Callegaris asked for a living room that would suit large family gatherings, with plenty of comfortable seating but still have room to dance. Right off the bat it was obvious that Doug and Mark were not working cohesively. It was shades of Doug and J from episode one’s loft challenge, and their lack of teamwork showed. From their disagreement over wall color to poor furniture choices and a complete lack of passion in general, the only thing they did as a team was throw the challenge away.
Their living room was ridiculous from top to bottom. Nothing about it matched, and all of the furniture was pushed up against the walls. Just because a family asks for a “dancing space” doesn’t mean you need to set up the room for a full-time dance party. Doug really dropped the ball on furniture selection, and his accent-wall color choice was even worse. Mark fought him on it, but should have firmly put his foot down. His wood wall was clever, but he should have spent more time with Doug to make sure the other 80 percent of the room looked as stylish as his wall.
Leslie, Kevin and Kellie’s basement had some wonderful elements. Leslie is starting to show that she thinks like a “mommy,” which is a good thing. That collage with the children’s handmade drawings was clever and really added an important personal touch to the space; I know viewers are going to want to try that for themselves. Kevin’s family-friendly office corner was kitschy and chic, just like him. I loved that while it was functional, it was still classy and had great elements of design. And Kellie — smart girl tackling those boring structural columns to make an island. Creating that space in the center really worked and, overall, the entire room did look like one designer created it instead of three. Mark and Doug should take note.
Next was Christina Scano’s house. Tyler and Meg took the dining room, and Cathy, Bret and Karl tackled the entertainment room. Cathy set out to do all of the shopping while Bret and Karl did the demo. Good for them for standing up for themselves and demanding they do some of the shopping to showcase their own style. (Mark should take note.) The room had definite high points and low points. The high? Karl’s gorgeous mosaic backsplash. This is the first time in Design Star history that someone has started and finished such a beautiful tile project — and to think that he even broke all of the tiles himself is so admirable. That really showed us who he is as a designer, and I love that he broke out of his perfectly painted mold (even if his camera challenge was about doing graphic lines on a wall). Bret’s area was just sad. The furniture looked like it belonged in an office, not a home and, again, he didn’t give us that “edgy” side he keeps promising. And Cathy — we know you’re a great shopper, but this is not “Staging Star,” this is Design Star and you need to start designing! Ditch the “all neutral, all the time” and start having fun! Okay, but I did dig that coffee table — I’ll give you that.
Tyler and Meg’s dining room was really pretty. It was really pretty. Did I say it was really pretty? Because that’s pretty much all I can say about it. Tyler’s wall was inventive and made a statement and Meg’s refinished hutch was smart, but I wanted to go in and throw some trinkets on the table and family photos on the hutch to give it some personality. The space looked generic and I agree with the panel — it just didn’t look personal at all. But, it looked really pretty.
Kevin definitely deserved to win because that shelving was fabulous. I’m also giving Karl an honorable mention because maybe he’ll come do that mosaic tile in my house. Unfortunately, someone has to go every week and this time it was Doug. That paint color was just unforgivable.
Next week we’re headed to the Jersey Shore and the designers will have another chance to step up their game.
What questions do you have about the episode three? Ask in the comments below; the Design Star Director of Programming, Loren Ruch, will answer the most-asked questions on Wednesday!
Could you have Karl do a segment on how he did that tile backsplash? I can see that he broke the tile, layered it, etc. But how did he break the tile for the best efficiency? How do you lay the pieces into the grout? Does he lay it out on the floor first? What were the little oval things? I would love to see his tips on how to do it. Thank you!
it took me several days to complete this myself. i bought tiles in 3 shades of the same color. they can be different sizes. i put them in a pillow case and used a hammer to break them up. i dumped the fragments in a plastic bin which i just kept pulling pieces out of.when i was running out then i started hammering again. when i needed a specific size or shape then i used a piece of clear heavy plastic,like a piece of drop cloth or tarp, and folded it over the tile while i lightly hammered and chipped it into the shape i wanted. on a few pieces i used a flat head screwdriver to chip away edges. the pieces with the finished edges, that were originally the edge of the tile, are good for lining the outlets and for the edges of the backsplash. as far as the oval pieces, i am guessing that they may be part of a sheet of meshed tiles. you can get all different shapes and even glass and stainless steel-very cool! there may be a better way to do this but i have kids and pets and was using my kitchen so i needed to be able to put a lid on that bin full of tiles and make dinner. i used the regular old typical grout etc. as well…hope this helps.
Karl inspires me! I find myself wanting to try his little projects, and that's why I'd love to see him get his own show.
Given the uniformity and intentional shape of many of the tiles, I doubt that he simply smashed them randomly. I imagine that he used tile nippers to shape the pieces he wanted.
I think the strongest contenders you have on design star are Karl, Kevin and Tyler. They have a flare about them that the others don't. Meg needs to grow more in her passion and go beyond herself to add spruce to a room. Mark wouldn't have problems working with others if the others would blend their ideas with his. Leslie hasn't found her niche yet, but has a lot to give. Kellie is learning to express herself and is doing a great job. Kathy needs to loosen up a bit and let creativity flow. Bret needs to be not so stiff and go for the gusto. Generally speaking, I know designing has to be a hard job and requires a lot of imagination and creativity, so God bless them for all of their efforts.
I am very disappointed with the judges reviews tonight on the broken tile backsplash. Breaking tile is very 90's, it's been around for years! The designer (forget his name) even said, he'd done this type of work to get himself through college, which means even he recognized it's nothing new. You let this designer get by when he was simply falling back on old "tricks", when otherwise you typically insist (rightly so) that the designers push themselves to think in new and even more creative ways. This guy slept through that backsplash like an old habit; but you judges made it sound innovative and special. Shame on you.
Robin
Actually Karl did say he was doing the broken tile as Gaudi did. That would make it 1890s, but more creative that anything else on the show. I couldn't understand all the praise for Kevin's shelves? Talk about over done and dated, sheesh!
I thought they were eye-catching, but the homemaker in me could see the 3-D black wall arrangement/ shelf arrangement being a real dust-catcher…
Agreed it was not breaking new ground, but so what? The resultant back splash was very cool.
What makes this fresh is that he uses "today's" tiles (which are always changing) – the look is classic, but updated – love it!
He also finished, which is a first, he deserves credit for breaking the DS tile curse.
Loved! Loved! Loved Karl's backsplash! I thought the same thing at first … old trick, and shown on HGTV shows before. However, Karl's backsplash was amazing and I've spent the last hour on my computer trying to find out how he did it! I want to try and recreate his look in my own kitchen. Bravo, Karl! And shame on you, Robin, for failing to see a fresh new twist to an old trick!
I think Design Star is all about taking things you know and updating them and making them fresh! It may be an old "trick", but he used it in a stylish new way.
I disagree. Even though it's an old trick for Karl, the backsplash had a fresh look and was very appealing visually. I could easily see him hosting a show. I think he's the winner.
Totally agree. The method is nothing new and inexpensive but the result is still striking.
I couldn't agree more. Karl's broken backsplash, while an older concept, brought cohesiveness and splash to the room. I'd love to see Karl w/his own show – he's got REAL personality, flare and comes across as the cool guy next door vibe.
My picks for the top three at this point are Karl, Kellie, Kevin. Karl's tile mosaic was beautiful, looking forward to more of his work. Kellie's basement "bar/workspace" was practical and fun. Kevin's desk area, although too dark for my taste, was well-executed. Good luck to all the designers for next week.
I can't stand Cathy either. She seems to believe that she is totally entitled to her own show because she has had camera experience—NOT! Only for the part of Cruella DeVille. jw
I will hope that Cathy gets her boot next week…if she had her way, she would have done the whole room, taken all the credit and not broken a sweat! All "girlfriend" wanted to do was shop and be a control freak. Wow she picked out a coffee table. Kevin and Karl are front runners so far!
I'm too scared of Cathy to criticize her…. Yikes! What a scowl! Even if she gets the show, I won't be watching it.
I agree. If she gets a show we will be watching someone elses design ideas and her shopping. Who wants to watch that? They need to get rid of her.
I agree, Cathy is pretty uncomfortable to watch. Judging from the next episode preview, she's bound to butt heads with another designer because of her bossiness lol
She has Amarosa written all over her. The first time they showed her face, I thought the woman was trouble. Don't like her. She doesn't play with others.
I totally agree… She doesn't collaborate and her designs aren't fresh and exciting either. I can't see her bringing anything to HGTV that I'd be remotely interested in seeing. (Besides, she'd probably ignore what her clients wanted completely or tell them they were wrong and do it her own way… That is if she actually worked)
She really isn't a team player. Maybe she's scared she'll break a nail.
Agree Diva Cathy needs to go…she doesn't seem to get along with anyone…
Hi Ho Hi Ho, Cathy needs to go…….
I tooooooootally agree with you all. Cathy needs the boot. I didn't like her demeaning, pompous attitude which you could see from day one. No worries folks…she won't get her own show. She's not at all what HGTV is looking for. One of the things she can't get is teamwork and if you've watched any number of shows every lead designer understands that. So…its just a matter of time. Although I too hope they get her outta there this week. I'm getting tired of watching her.
Lou – you spoke my mind. Folks that feel they're better than everyone else have a selfish aura, and her's stand out like a sour grapes. She constantly says "Trust Me" and needs to try taking her own advise. She doesn't trust anyone! That is NOT what makes a good designer!!!! I realize she's qualified to do some design (a lot more than I am, but I'm not the one in the contest), but her own show……she needs to do some SERIOUS work on herself before that happens. I hope she goes……soon.
YEAH! Someone who agrees with me! I cannot stand her (Kathy) she is NOT HGTV material at all. I love most of the shows hosts, but Kathy is a know it all and honestly I don't think she is a very good designer. Her ideas are very boring, she has no pizazz, neither in personality or design. I hope they boot her soon!
Time for Cathy to go. So far, she is unable to get along with anyone. I would never watch her for 30 minutes. Its all I can do to watch her for her each week for the few minutes of camera time she does get. Bye Cathy. good riddance
I also think Karl could be the winner. I loved the backsplash and I also loved his white box design, even though the judges weren't impressed and said, "Okay, we get it: you're a painter." By the way…not being mean, but I hope Cortney and Bob design better than they dress! Look at what they are wearing at the top of the page…
They don't. I've seen two of their new show and they were both over the top. Fun is one thing but decorating in all the colors of the wheel is definitely jarring and I don't see those designs having staying power. The yellow room they did for Dave Barry's condo was waaaaaay too yellow. I have also heard designers say a bedroom's color should be soothing. No way was that soothing. And pink, bright blue, bright yellow, aqua, each room a different color. Too many colors and too many patterns.
You can't judge designers – usually – by their clothes. Just look at what Candice wears and yet she designs beautiful rooms.
You are spot on about their lack of fashion style. I watched their show just in case I was missing the point. I didn't see any design talent at all. She went shopping and jammed a bunch of stuff in the large gorgeous space. He showed up to look uncomfortable on camera and suggested geraniums for the terrace! LOL. I must be a design genius because I put geraniums on my patio! He obviously won't smile because of his bad teeth but come on HGTV. They are no match for a missing Candace. Candace has great talent and produces gorgeous rooms. The same goes for Vern. He is also articulate and intelligent in his critiques. Genevive is a little too touchy feely with the men for my taste. Yet she manages to pull off decent rooms at the end of the program.
OMG! I just scrolled to the top of the page to take a look and, you are spot on. WTF, is that pleather he is wearing?!?
Wardrobe by Salvation Army.
their show will not last. they are too old foy HGTV's liking. Anyone 40 or over are too over the hill for their current programming. they keep cancelling TRUE talent because they are not all "pretty-boy" twenty-somethings!
I would love to know what materials were used to make the kid's artwork collage. I've been looking for something big and bright to put on an unused wall space. Any clues as to Leslie's process?
I agree! I also liked what she did with the photographs. More info, please!
You can get core boards and mod podge at a craft supply store. Rip the edges of the art work and place it on the board over lapping each other. Brush the mod podge over it. Let it dry and add something to hang it on the wall. There's a picture hanging tape that you can stick to the board & wall, so you won't need nails. Have fun!
you can use an artists canvas or even buy a poster frame and actually use the cardboard inserts that it comes with—it's free and its the right size! yay! just like the other reply said, you will just tear the edges of the artwork and use modpodge (by it at walmart,hobby lobby or michaels) to glue it together and for a final coat. its realy easy and alot of fun to work with mod podge and torn paper.your kids will enjoy it. for easy clean up i buy thos throw away foam brushes from the dollar store.
I thought Mark "tried" to do a good job of telling Doug it was the wrong color of paint, and the wrong furniture, Mark said it numerous times but Doug wasn't listening………….I'm glad Doug got booted off. The paint choice was hideous and so was his furniture selection. It's normally the females that tend to "butt" heads and try to do their own thing, suprised to see the guys not agreeing. Doug needed to go.
I think Mark needed to do more of the shopping–on that alone, I'd say that he needed to get scolded–but yes, he tried to warn Doug off that wall, and, short of painting over it, it was all he could do. Mark tried to tell Doug that he was shooting himself in the foot, but Doug just kept tightening up his aim. It is a competition, and at that point, yeah… you have to say, "Fine. You think the judges will like it? Own it."
Yeah short of coming into blows with Doug, Mark did try. It's funny how Doug still did not realize how hideous that color was after the fact. I have to agree with the judges, he has a problem with taste.
I thought Mark really tried with Doug, who was as bull-headed a contestant as I've seen in recent seasons. Mark has a lot of ideas and talent and will most likely come off better when teamed with an adult
Doug I would marry you. lol but not that color. lol
I have to agree that he tried to tell him. He really thought he was making good color choices even though everyone was telling him his choices were all wrong. It was frustrating watching him do this over and over. I'm glad he's gone as well
Doug just isn't a designer — professional whiner, yes – professional TV design host, never. However, watching these so-called designers makes me nervous if I would ever need a designer…. Some just have no taste what-so-ever.
OMG Doug had to go! I was so annoyed by him. He needs to change careers.
Yeah – What are you supposed to do when the other person(s) you work with just won't change his mind. I agree that Mark tried to reel him in but he just wouldn't be dissuaded (sp) from his choices. I agree when Genevieve questionned his overall taste.