Ask the Producer: Dream Kitchen Challenge
Each week, we ask Design Star producer Loren Ruch your most-asked behind-the-scenes questions. This week, Loren shares the funniest moments from the shoot with guest judge Paula Deen. Plus, what really happens during the judges’ deliberation process?
What was it like being on set with Paula Deen? What was the funniest moment of the shoot?
Being on the set with Paula made me wonder, “Is it really fair to call this ‘work’? I’m having far too much fun to consider this part of my job!” She was a bundle of fun energy and kept the entire crew laughing from start to finish, especially during moments when she’d say things like “Cat Fight!” during a tense moment in evaluation. However, my favorite moment with Paula happened behind the scenes when I saw her looking very ‘seriously’ at her iPad. I thought that something important must have been happening to her at that moment, and I asked “Are you okay? You look concerned. Do you need anything?” She replied, “Darlin’, I’m not concerned about anything…I’m in the middle of a tense game of Angry Birds!” I started to crack up…and so did she. She’s a burst of fun, positive and insightful energy!
How long is the actual time the designers wait for the decisions and how much of their conversation while waiting is edited out? Have the judges ever been deadlocked about who to send home?
Excellent question! Deliberation can run anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours or more. During that time the Design Panel talks through the camera challenges, design challenges and any thoughts they have — and eventually come to a conclusion on their own. There have been disagreements on a particular decision from time to time, but they have never ultimately been deadlocked.
What happened to the kitchens after the challenge?
In a challenge like this (which took place in a studio rather than a real home) the items are either returned or donated. However, if we were doing a challenge at a real home, the homeowners get to keep all of the furnishings that were part of their makeovers.
With the next kitchen challenge, next time, could you do a challenge using a small kitchen done efficiently, incorporating lighting new counters ,eco-flooring and material choices and types so we can learn from the kitchen designs?
We’re in the very early stages of discussing challenges for next year, so I will definitely add this to our suggestion box. I think that it’s a wonderful, relatable and interesting idea!
Do you have a question for Loren about the inner-workings of Design Star? Ask in the comments below and he may just answer you next week.
Again, Cathy does not get along with the design she is partnered with. I am beginning to believe the rumors that it was set up from the beginning that she would win. I sure hope not. I have no intention of watching a show with her on it. And how unfortunate for the people who can actually design, and not just stage, that they are passed over to keep her there.
Haven't you guys watched DS before? There is almost always someone that doesn't play well with others. Tracey immediately comes to mind. She was constantly accused of throwing the other contestants "under the bus." I actually enjoy the Cathy element. I also don't believe she will win–Kellie will.
It does not show anything but drama and poor design elements. Why would we need drama or poor design?
I am having difficulty enjoying the decorating with Cathy's annoying personality. I heard she has a show in Canada and find this difficult to believe as her skills are in buying and annoying her co-workers. I would hate to give upon this show but will should her behavior go unchecked. Hopefully she will be voted off….till then consider good sportsmanship as design concepts are being squashed. She is rude and makes such nasty faces at others work. How did she ever get in to this type show? She has limited skills other than being a boss. I don't want to dwell on negative here as there are such talented people on the show and it would be great to see them perform alone. Hope the director and judges read these comments. I would have to get a new fav channel if these shows go in the wrong direction.
Karl is awesome as is Kelli. I am hoping to see more of their skills dislayed soon. Pairing designers up does not show much other than those strengths that work in a court room. And one can see that behavior on Judge Judy.
Such a mess! Are we seeing anyone's talent or just a lot of "programming". I don't care about getting to know the designers', I watch HGTV to see the designs. I feel designing is an art and can bring the CLIENTS' VISION into their homes because so many of us don't have the talent and need to see the ideas and finished projects!!!!! PLEASE ALL OF YOU, SHOW US HOW YOU CAN TRANSFORM A SPACE IN A PRACTICAL AND AFFORDABLE WAY!!!!!!!!! THE ONLY CRITERIA A DESIGNER SHOULD HAVE IS THE ABILITY TO PLEASE THEIR CLIENT. Get over yourselves.
I will never watch a show done buy Kathy. She just does not come of as a very likeable person. I do have a question about the orange band i have notice on the right wrist of Vern, is it for M.S. I wear one for myself .
Did anyone notice the TEAPOT TABLE at the beginning of the Kitchen Challenge?
On the upper left was a classic 19th C. English Brown Betty teapot. It's an icon of Victorian cottage style. It was mislabeled "Shaker". To make matters worse, in the Shaker tradition there's no tea or coffee.
Oops… these are design history basics.
Like other comments, I do not understand why Cathy is there. Were other contestants told that she works for HGTV Canada? Or did that position start after this show ended, since I know it's already over before it airs. She is a profession reporter, but even then it's clinical and cold. She has no personality, no people skills, and is not a team player. She is an arrogant steam-roller. I agreed with the judge who cringed at her decorations in the kitchen. Karl was criticized for not standing up for his ideas, but he TRIED! Cathy just steamrolled over him, and everyone else she's worked with, and then acts like Miss Innocent. When you watch other designers' programs, like Candice, Sarah, David, Genevive, you see how well they work with their teams. Cathy does not have that ability. Does she even know the meaning of the words teamwork and compromise? If she gets her own show, I will not be watching.
Why is Cathy Hobbs on Design Star if she already has a show on HGTV Canada?
My wife and I are ardent watchers of HGTV. Many fascinating, enjoyable shows. But, Cathy with a show? It will kill our watching HGTV anymore. She makes my skin crawl. But, maybe HGTV is making a new horror. Still wouldn't watch. ICK!