Candice’s Recap: Episode 7
The Judges With Guest John Gidding
It’s our HGTV’d episode with guest panelist John Gidding (who I swear is the groom model for wedding cake toppers). I have to tell you he is not only better looking in person (impossible, I know) and an incredibly talented designer, but most importantly a true gentleman. I’m so glad that he’s part of the HGTV family.
Now, there’s nothing I love more than individual challenges, and this one was a doozy. The designers were given a humongous new house to work with, and while it was a touchdown for some, it was a major fumble for most.
Mark continues to wow me, and it’s not just the unbuttoned shirt/jacket combo he was rocking at evaluation. He had a huge space to tackle in the living room and dining room and he didn’t disappoint one bit — he is a woodworking master.
Mark's Naturally-Inspired Dining Room
The way he is able to visualize a room is one of the most valuable attributes of a successful designer. His mixture of woods and sophisticated furnishings complemented each other perfectly. And once again, his custom wall was a brilliant addition to the space. He has a perfect record in my book.
Mark's Custom Record Wall
Karl knocked my size 11 socks off this week and his win was well deserved. That master bedroom was one of the best transformations I’ve seen. He lucked out having John Gidding on the panel because his smart architectural details were certainly acknowledged and appreciated. The window extensions made a huge impact on the room, and as far as I’m concerned, that headboard was his winning ticket — subtle yet impactful. I loved the personal story behind the photos on the dresser, and that chandelier was the icing on the cake. Karl is proving to be a major force in this competition.
Karl's Masterful Suite
Meg, I totally feel for you this week. You had two really awkward spaces. Landings and foyers are transition spaces typically passed through en route to bigger areas. The challenge is to make them areas that are dynamic, as well as spaces you want to linger in longer.
Meg's Unfinished Landing
Design aside, I think time management may not be Meg’s forte and that has me a bit worried at this stage of the game. With so little geography to cover, these spaces should have been about one or two big ideas executed perfectly. The chandelier choice however, was bang–on, as was the wall of lanterns. I know they were crooked, but luckily they looked better on TV.
Meg By the Lantern Wall
Kellie, Kellie, Kellie. Design rule #1: Listen to your clients. A bunk bed is a bunk bed and a locker is a locker. They couldn’t have made the challenge easier for you — a 6-year-old told you exactly what he wanted! And you’re a fellow mom — you know as well as I do that when a kid says, “I want a bunk bed,” that doesn’t mean a platform bed. Maybe I was channeling my inner kid, but I think I could actually hear Mason’s voice whimpering, “Where’s my bunk bed?”
Kellie's Finished Bedroom, Sans Bunk Beds
Kevin’s family room was doomed when he focused solely on the mantel and not on the entire space. In true Kevin fashion, the mantel and fireplace came out great because they got all of his attention, but everything else suffered. The rest of the space was missing the big Kevin “pop” that we’ve grown to love. That sad ottoman on top of what looked like a placemat was the nail in the coffin for me. With so much importance placed on the fireplace, this type of seating around it is simply bad design. I love Kevin; his basic planning skills, not so much.
Kevin's Poorly-Planned Family Room
Which brings me to Leslie. OMG. I know her room was for a 2-year-old, but it looked like it was designed by a 2-year-old! Things were going in too many different directions. The makeshift hula-hoop curtain rod was bad enough, but that awful curtain was even worse. The judging panel was right — this was not HGTV-quality. So Leslie my dear, while I will miss your adorable personality, I’m afraid it was your time to go.
Leslie's Scattered Bedroom
Double eliminations are always hard to watch, especially this season with such good designers. Next week we get to spend time with the adorable Nate Berkus. Watch out, Mark: You’ve got some competition in the perfect hair department.
What did you think of episode 7? What questions do you have about the HGTV’d episode? Tell us in the comments below and the Design Star producer might just answer your questions on Wednesday.
I can't believe Kevin is gone!
Well personally speaking I thought his room was better than Kellie's, Leslies, or even Meg's for that matter…I think he probably should have put something more comfortable to sit on in front of the fireplace.
I do agree with that.
The only thing I really disliked was the coffee table in front of the fire place. That's just not the place for it. Kellie really disappointed me this week. The boy wanted a bunk bed & should've gotten it.
according to David's video blog Kevin when home because of his poor camera challenge. Since this is an audition for a new TV show the camera challenge is begining to have a little more weight with the judges than it did before. After all they could be the best designer in the world but if they can't pull of the TV work they could have a problem.
Kevin at least tried to give the home owners a comfortable space. Kelli on the other hand broke that little boys heart with that crappy design! Where was the locker room or the bunk beds. The bed looked like a dock stolen from someones summer house! And what about the crap under the bed? Also, little wooden crates hung on the wall for "lockers" really!
Last but not least , were sick and tired of her whining about her kids! Suck it up! You applied for the show and can't even design for a six year old or do a decent camera challenge! Send Kelli home!Please
Kelli was sooo anoying during the reveal.
"Its a soccer locker"
"Its a hidey hole"
I was just like shutup!
both Kellie and Leslie should have gone home a long time ago. Kevin's designs are great but don't like his on camera over the top lady manners.
I would have thought Kellie would go home since she didn't put in bunk beds.
She should have!
Long long ago
Totally agree! She spent so much time trying not, to give the client what they asked for that the rest of the room suffered. if she couldnt find lockers (which you can) thats what her carpenter could have made and painted to look like lockers or painted lockers on the walls. and a bench made with wood and industral pipe in front of lockers to give the locker room feel, paint cleats on the wall soccer goals. he clearly loved sports. two tiny soccer balls does not a sports room make!!!
There were no rails on that platform bed. A kid could roll off or fall off that bed and get hurt. She has kids so she should have known that. Of course, the first mistake was in not buying bunk beds, which is what the kid expressly asked for.
Yes, the bed is dangerous. The room was awful. I hope HGTV fixes that room,,,,
What got me was that she went to Pottery Barn and PB Teen actually has locker bins that fit into their furniture, and even a locker desk. Even Ikea has locker style furniture. She had so much to go on, you can't get any more inspiration than a soccer theme, and she blew it big time. A couple balls and a goal shoved under the bed, which seemed too small for that 6 year old to be under anyway, that was pathetic. The kid looked so sad and I can't imagine he hasn't got a fave team yet. I actually wondered if she was really a mom because she forgot about safety and hung the 'lockers' too high and totally ignored what the kid wanted. On the positive side Mark and Karl did awesome work, I liked Megs chandelier and lantern wall but she could have used some more useful foyer pieces. Meg seemed to lack a strong design idea for the foyer, she mentioned story time but had no place to store books, like those crazy new things called bookcases.
SHE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY….SHE LOOKED FOR ONE….READ HER BLOG AFTER SHE LEFT THE SHOW……..
She is always crying!
Agree, especially since the Mom relayed the message. A parent usually has other good reasons in mind when they support their child's request.
There were so many elimination opportunities last night – if they'd sent everyone home that missed the mark, the season would be cut short. Mark and Karl did a great job – the rest could have been sent home.
Agreed. Wholeheartedly!
I can still feel the little boy's disappointment and imagine he was holding back tears. Kellie, this room was for HIM, not for you! If you have young children, where were you coming from in your thoughts? I was in your corner until last night, I'm sorry to say.
and the "lockers" were too high up for him to reach
I noticed that, too.
you are so right.. Nothing could have more disappointing then watching that little boys face. No Bunk bed … No lockers … did she understand we are not trying to save money here; we're try to fill a wish list of a little boy who was gracious enough not to cry. Bad form Kelly, Bad form.
I agree. Although I like Kellie, she really could have made a great room for Mason….I felt so badly
for that little boy. I'm sure his parents were out the next day getting bunk beds!
Hopefully they won't have to. HGTV should fix the room for them.
I HEAR THE FAMILY WAS CONTACTED AND ARE REALLY RATHER HAPPY WITHT MOST THINGS THEY GOT….I AM SURE THEY WILL REDO SOME THINGS? THEY LOVED THE HALLWAY LANTERN, BEDROOM, FAMILY ROOM, AND PARTS OF LIVING ROOM……..IT IS ALL IN MAIN HGTV SITE.
I agree….
I so agree, she did not give that child a bunk bed and his locker. big mistake. it's what the client wants, that is your first priority. c'mon, I understand that Kevin talked over his clients (they could work on that before they give him a show) Kelly on the other hand, went against one of the main rules, IT IS All ABOUT WHAT THE CLIENT WANTS!!!!!!!!!
She should have gone home, that room was totally off point, nothing resemble a little kid.
I want to say first that I'm not taking any sides about Kellie here.
You all should read this since I think it's only fair to hear the whole story behind the bunk beds. Afterall, these designers all worked very hard and they at least deserve to be heard (with an apology and everything).
Found this link from another post on this blog site and I am only posting this because I think it's important for us to recognize that we don't get to see everything on the one hour airing of Design Star.
Please read this with an open mind and remember that the winner has already been since taping ended in May: http://modernwhimsyinteriors.com/design-star/abse…
Thanks for giving this link. I was wondering why there was no mention of a budget which I think should have been included because it would have answered some questionable decisions that had to be made. The room was a "mess" and the fact that the reaction was so bad by the little boy made it really sad. Of course sometimes kids just act shy in front of strangers so that may have added to the problem. I'm glad that Kellie called the family and found out they had gotten the bunk bed and the lockers that he wanted so all's well that end's well.
Does it matter what the budget was? She had enough for carpet, closet doors, curtains, desk, chair, dresser, soccer net, toys, lanterns, paints, canvases, lumber, ottoman, 2 rugs and not enough for a bed???????? Please, do not buy into her pleas. I didn't read that she called the family herself and found out about them getting the bed for their son. I read that he has his bunk bed, but not that she called them personally. You must know her.
What are you talking about with the pleas?
You are just interpreting what she wrote on her blog the way you want to.
Not sure why but whatever.
Here's a summary of what's on her blog:
1. Kellie says sorry to family.
2. She says she had reasons for the screw up, but that it's NO EXCUSE.
3. Most of the rest are details about how things went down during the challenge and what led to her finished room (or for the sake of all of you who do not like Kellie, the NOT finished room).
4. She also talks about what she was going though personally during this challenge as a mom.
5. Kellie states at the end that Mason did get his bunkbed in the end. Yay.
Geez, she's just another contestant on the show. Stop trying to make her out to be a villain.
It's JUST a TV show. Enjoy what's left of DS this season. And stop trying to be judge and jury to someone who will probably go home with no show in the end. It's just so trivial.
Thanks for that information. It's true, we, the viewers don't know all that happens behind the scenes. After reading Kellie's blog, I now understand why she designed the room as she did. P.S. I also got the feeling that she didn't win as the next Design Star.
Don't forget to go to fan voting. If you're not careful, Cathy will win it!!!! Can't be.
You know, I can see that she did try to give them what they were asking for without doing it LITERALLY (which has been very criticised in the other seasons), but I have to agree she should've done something a little more like what he wanted for lockers and a trundle bed or something for more kids when he has a sleepover.
Judges were spot on
Mark should have won, Karl was good but not as good as Mark
I totally agree…the judges got it right. Candice was spot on in her assessment.
I think Mark should have won because he had two rooms to design, Karl's bedroom was charming and had excellent architectural detail at the window bases, but I didn't see any indication that the headboard was padded. I know that most of us have headboards without padding, however, a padded headboard is much more comfortable. Karl is one of my favorites, but Mark did more work and even chose the flooring for the house.
The judges base it on both design and presentation on the camera challenge. Mark had a little bit of a hiccup during the transition of the reveal. Plus, the homeowners weren't wow'd by Mark's designs. You can tell on the reactions. It was still great but Karl won by a margin for his great presentation and the homeowner's really loved what he did.
Regarding the Mark's homeowner reaction, I thought it was very weak. Especially in the dining room where he was so proud of his table. I guess they just didn't like it!
AGREE!
Geesh first time I actually agreed with the judges as to who was the best, but I don't know if I agree with who went home, but I still say this show is so fixed and who they want on their network has already been predetermined.
Of it's determined. Filming completed in May. This isn't live TV.
No, you're kidding Mario, I didn't know that. Of course it's determined, filming did end in May. Mark G. stated it was PREdetermined. Dig out your dictionary Mario.
No kidding. Kellie being saved tonight is a perfect indication the show is rigged. I can't believe the judges thought it great that she bent down to the little boy's level while revealing the space. Wake up, that poor kid was so disappointed she was desperate to make him like something, any thing. Too bad her enthusiasm, couldn't charm little Mason. Kellie skates by, yet again!
I felt sorry for him! He looked so sad!
I even thought the other kid looked disappointed too!…Maybe they're kids that don't show excitement?
I know! Poor little guy. I hope that HGTV doesn't stick those two cute kids with those awful rooms. They reminded me of when I had to give my own kids rooms a good cleaning!
I agree with you Kate. I hope they send a true designer in to give that little boy the room he wanted. I can't believe she stayed after that. He told her what he wanted, but she made the decision that he did not know what he wanted. I certainly believe that she should have been sent packing rather than Kevin. I know that his presentation was not very good but his room was so much better than hers.
I'll go and redo the room. I'm a designer. HGTV, send me. Wouldn't it great if we could get a glimpse of next week's challenge and design something? Kind of interact with the show. I think it would be a lot of fun and engaging.
I agree Kevin's room, while it had its faults, looked better than Kellie's. And I think not giving the client what he wants is THE unforgiveable sin. Also, no way did it look like a sports room.
Your right there was no way it looked like a sports room at all…. she didn't listen to one thing they said to her what they wanted….
I agree, Kevin's room was so much better. Practice could have helped his revel technique but Kelly not listening to her client shows an arrogance in how she designs. Who wants to watch that! Meg's sorry attempt in the loft area was inexcusable. It could have been a reading nook, a place to play games, lots of uses. Not 2 mismatched chairs and a bunch of pillows. Think it will be between Karl & Mark but if I was to choose one of them to decorate for me, hands down it would be Karl.
Agreed. You would think that Kevin's over enthusiastic reveal could be worked with much better than Kellie's inability to listen to the client….I hope HGTV went back and gave that little boy what he wanted! Good grief…he said two things…Bunk bed and locker! You can go to Sears and get a locker!!
I totally agree! Kellie listened to what they wanted and then decided she knew better. Please, lockers? And the space under the bed was not tall enough, even if she had managed to fool him into thinking that was what he wanted. The poor kid'sd disappointment was palpable, and I bet he was crying when his back was to the camera. I don't get what they see in Kellie at all!
Kellie is like the kids height!
yes, i agree. i think they get someone they eant for a show. then they get the others t " play along" i'm not a desinger but i see the stupid mistakes they are making . the show is so scripted. they are really screwing up .
I so agree with your comment!!! I have always felt that way! I know they want Kellie to win!!!
I agree with you 100%. This show continues to reveal what it's ought to be. Who they want in the show is already determined. Please correct me if I am wrong! Can someone tell me why Leslie was sent home because she did not deliver and Kellie was allowed to stay? Kellie broke the mother of all designing rules when she failed to listen to the client. Her design was a mess, and her trying to convince the little boy to accept this disappointment was excruciating. Kevin's room was beautifully done. There was a faux pas, however that could have been easily rectified. The table in front of the fireplace resemble a bench, thus could have been used for dual purpose cocktail table/seating. The rug was unnecessary but did not take anything away from his design. He used the home owners own art work as an inspiration to decorate the room. He pulled out the colors from the art work and reproduce them throughout the room , i.e. the cushions on the sectional. I think the judges need to remember that they too are being judged by the audience. We watch your shows, we provide you with the rating, but we also want to see fairness and consistency. Don't try to have us believe what is okay one week for one contestant is a NO NO the following week because it concerns a different competitor. As much as I like Meg and I do , I truly believe that she flat bellied on her jump this week. Kellie and Leslie had the chance of a lifetime, children bedrooms are always fun to decorate. They both failed, and Kelly more miserably than Leslie, Therefore Kellie should have been sent home. If someone is to win the final prize, let them earn it fair and square not because that 's what the network wants or who the judges like the most.
So disappointed in the kids' rooms. Kid rooms are the most fun cause there are no limits to the imagination. I have a two year old and would not feel safe putting him in Kyan's room!
Spot on remark about safety – that was my first reaction to all the "stuff" scattered around. It didn't look kid safe AT ALL. Surprised that wasn't mentioned by anybody.
That was my reaction, too, especially to that ginormous lamp and the propped up giant mirror. All I could think of was that poor little boy being squashed beneath them. Quite frankly, Leslie AND Kellie should have gone home. Kellie! A SIX YEAR OLD BOY told you that he wants bunk beds. And you didn't give them to him. He's your client. Horrible.
@HGTV – please tell me that you fixed both of the boys' rooms. Please.
Correct, very correct, actually looks as desorganized bedroom, nothing match, toys all around de room, both children bedroom has to re-do againg………………………
The designer mothers didn't do a good job on either child's room. I also think that platform bed was not safe. What platform bed does not have railings around it?
I agree. Kids rooms and the children knew what they wanted. Bunk Beds and lockers. I think Kellie missed it big time. I think as a chikd she must have fallen off the top of a bunk. The little guy there could have been a stage but that light with the bulb on for any time and a 2 year old pulls it down on him and the big double bed. I think the parents may have wanted a more child appropriate bed.
That giant lamp in Kyan's room was a death trap! Mason's platform bed was a series of head injuries waiting to happen, too.
I wanted Leslie to stay! I think Kellie should have gone because she didn't do what the clients wanted. Leslie did what the clients wanted, except she put too many things in the room. That means Kellie should have gone :/ I dont' really care for Kevin, since he's been in the bottom a lot of times. I do remember he won once xD
I liked Leslie, but come on, my dog could have designed a better room. She deserved to go.
I would have gone with the triple elimination. Kellie's bed was terrible, Leslie's room was terrible and Kevin OMG these people cant design!!! Last week we put it all on Cathy. This week shows what they can really do. Nothing!! Cant wait until Kellie goes she is nice but does not deserve a show.
I agree with you. Kellie missed her mark by a long shot, and Leslie has had some pretty cool stuff in past episodes. I'll miss Leslie! Kevin, not so much!
I think I'd have missed anyone who left at this point, so no one was worse than another. But boy, did Karl and Mark step it up this week!
Meg drew the short straw on spaces. There isn't too much you can do with a landing that doesn't make it look crowded! But crowding a bunch of stuff in one spot isn't the best approach, and did no one have a level to lend her?
More importantly, why didn't Meg have enough time to complete both areas? She needs lessons in time management. What was she doing that kept her from dividing her time equally between the two spaces? A nice console table with lamps and a mirror in the entry way would have been great along with a seating area near the door. This would have made the entryway more balanced and would have provided seating for the home owners or their guests which is sometimes necessary. The lanterns were a nice idea, but do not provide the level of contemplation that art would. After all, the entry way is the first glimpse of a home and should inspire visitors to want to see more. Her idea about a reading area on the balcony was good and could have turned out nicely if she'd developed her design and allowed herself time to work on the area. I am not a designer, however, I like my home to reflect something of my personality and give a warm feeling upon entering. Perhaps Meg should think about what is pleasing to her and translate that into the wishes of her clients.
Yes, I'm not getting Meg. She seems like a very nice person, but I don't see her as a design star.
I'd love to see her show, frankly. And yes, it's true, she's not an anorexic country club type. Oh, well. Life has different body-shapes. I'd be happy to see some of them on HGTV.
BuffaloBarber, as I stated to Penny I was just trying to prove a point. Last week very negative comments like “the popeyed fool” were posted about Kathy. HGTV didn’t see a need to remove several postings like that. In fact you can go back and still read them right now. Fast forward to this week and you see my comments have been removed. I guess me calling Meg a “fat slob” is worst than whoever called Kathy a “popeyed fool”. My posting is gone however the one IRT Kathy is still up. I wonder why? What do you think?
Ah, okay. I missed your comment last week, so it was lost on me. I was also very annoyed by the comments on Cathy's physical appearance. There were plenty of reasons to dislike her, but to complain about her "horse teeth" or whatever… not really high on the list. Her physical appearance was fine, and I can't think why it would annoy people in and of itself. The sort of opening of the eyes repeatedly for emphasis is arguably a behavior rather than a physical trait, but there's a big difference between that and complaining about her "bug eyes." In that case, I'm totally on your side there. I just ducked out of the Cathy conversations after a while, so I missed it.
(As to why one is up and the other isn't… fortunes of reporting, I guess.)
Karl's room was THE best! It was elegant, mature, well-executed. I agree with Candice about Mason's room. You could see the utter disappointment on his face and the way he turned his back to the camera.
Genevieve, I said it on FB and I'll say it again. Your skirt was so short Iit was uncomfortable to even watch you tonight.I felt like I was having to turn my eyes away and I wasn't even in the same room with you. You are a lovely lady. Please dress like one.
LOL…Now we're evaluating what the judges wear?…Maybe we should be asking Candice why she signs on to this show if she's isn't able to fulfill the obligation…Oh that's right HGTV knows she's one of their best designers since Kenneth Brown left.
Genevieve! Did you get that outfit at a 'half off sale'? It wasn't as bad when you stood, when you sat, however…it was distracting.
i agree Lisa a bit short and distracting
I was looking at the rooms, not the designers clothing… Really???
the problem w/genevieve is just because you can wear something doesn't mean you should wear something! fashion is so much more than being trendy.
You really have to wonder about her taste if she "designs" herself in such an unflattering way!
It looked like Genevieve raided the closet of a 12 year old girl.
I gotta say, I didn't even notice what she was wearing. Or any of them, for that matter.
Not notice Genevieve's skirt? Please! It was kinda like the mother of a bride wearing white to her daughter's wedding. How could you not notice? It was very distracting — like, wait a minute, who's supposed to be getting the attention here, the designers or Genevieve?
Hey, if I knew John Gidding was going to be joining me for judging the designs, I too, would have worn something a little more revealing. Didn't anyone notice how low Mark's shirt was unbuttoned? I sure did and so did Candice. Looked good to me.
KATE….RIGHT ON…..THE LITTLE BOY DESERVED HER ATTENTION…HOW HARD WAS THAT TO MAKE A NICE ROOM FOR HIM???…..SHE DID A BAD JOB….VERY MUCH AS CATHY WOULD HAVE DONE I THINK….NOT LISTENING REALLY RUINED IT.
Except I don't think John Gidding is interested in women and I'm sure Genevieve know's that as well!
No kidding! Genevieve needs to go on What not To Wear! Week after week her outfits are always tasteless! I would love to see Stacie and Clinton get a hold of her wardrobe! And they always knock designers who want to show a new angle on what clients asked for aka bunk beds…all the designers have done that on their shows, then on this show they get in trouble for it. Sheesh!
The shorter the skirt is in relation to the age of the wearer – the smaller the IQ appears to be as well. Shame on you Genevieve. Act your age.
How true! What are they thinking. Same with Kathy Ireland sitting here like she's in a tree. Maybe they should have designed a better judges' table???
I agree with your comment about Genevieve's skirt. I don't watch this with my husband or my daughter because of the way she dresses. This is about decorating, and not about being sexy. If we wanted to see that we would watch another network.
Agreeeeeeeed, Genevieve no Mother should wear her clothes that short (or tight).
It's okay to say you don't care for someone's design style or personality, but rude to call them a "fat slob".
Jamie T, just like I stated to Penny and BullaloBarbara I was only trying to prove a point. I agree with you it is rude to call someone “fat slob”. So I’m sure last week when you read the comments below that were posted about Kathy, you were totally appalled. Right???
“Ding Dong the bitch is gone!” “THE WITCH IS DEAD!” “WITCH BACK TO BROOKLYN ON HER BROOM!” “I am so glad I don't have to see her weird eye rolls and movements (what the hell was up with that?)” “the popeyed fool” “Please !!! she was a bitch” “She is a stuck up *icth”
Any comments???