Ask the Producer: HGTV’d Challenge
Kellie's Loft Bed
Each week we ask Design Star producer Loren Ruch your most-asked questions. This week: Did the little boy ever get his bunk beds? Plus, he dishes on how much the judges really see of the behind-the-scenes drama and how much the contestants get to talk to loved ones.
This week’s #1 questions was: Did the crew go back and do any updates after the HGTV’d challenge? Did the little boy ever get bunk beds?
Although we don’t usually go back to a location after the fact it has happened from time to time. In fact, we chose to do it a few weeks earlier in the bed and breakfast episode because the white floors weren’t sealed properly and didn’t ultimately reflect the caliber of work we’re looking to represent on HGTV. In this case of the bunk bed, we didn’t go back to the Bashkoffs’ home because they were happy with the makeover. Although Kellie’s bed wasn’t exactly what they had wanted, it was well-built and done with the best of intentions on her behalf. However, between you and me, I wouldn’t be surprised if they go out and buy a bunk bed on their own!
What was the couple’s favorite room of the house?
We recently received an email from the Bashkoff family and they told us that they absolutely love the master bedroom and the living room — and I would have to agree! I think that Karl and Mark both nailed this challenge. They also love the chandelier in the foyer!
Do the judges get any clues as to the dynamics and personality conflicts on the show? If not, why not?
They don’t, but this question has come up a lot, so it’s something I will really think about for next year’s show because it seems like our viewers are asking this a lot. In reality, there’s virtually no way for the design panel to know about the dynamics other than from the evaluation studio (where they can ask away with as many questions as they’d like). We have always chosen not to influence the panel in any way on their design-decisions by sharing personality issues that occur along the way. It’s very important as a network that we leave the decisions up to our expert design panel – and allow them to judge our designers on the camera challenges and design challenges. Since personality conflicts and dynamics are so subjective, I would hate for a producer to influence Vern or Gen by saying that someone is being “difficult” to work with, especially when there are two sides to every story. But since this question does seem to come up a lot, I promise to really think about it before we head into next year’s show – because your opinions do mean a lot to me!
From Annabelle: I am considering to try out for Design Star and have a question for you. If I am selected to compete, will I have any communication with my family? If not, could you explain why?
Hi Annabelle – we would love for you to try out for the show! Our designers do have the opportunities to Skype with their families a few times a week, but they are so incredibly busy that that’s about all of the free time they have. Also, in order to keep things fair, we ask that the designers don’t talk about the ‘show’ when they talk with their families. Instead they should focus their time just catching up with their spouses and children and enjoying good conversation. Get more information about Design Star audition dates and requirements >>
What questions do you have from episode seven or about Design Star? Tell us in the comments below — Loren may just answer you in next week!
Where are your comments for Episode 8? I want to hear what you have to say. Also want to ask if Design Star could be aired for two hours. It would be so much more enjoyable and informative if we got to see some of the planning and actual work that was done. I have asked this before and will probably ask it again. I am persistent. Thank you for listening.
I have been able to 'pick' the winner from the very first season. David seemed to be so calm, cute and reposed. The following seasons were a bit easier to pick the winner (for me anyway)…the Antonio year was so disappointing for me. It was a complete shock…like a baseball bat to the side of the head when he won. And..that one season when the girl with the blonde hair won…WHAT HAPPENED TO HER SHOW????
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What is the name of that wavy fabric Karl used for the headboard? anyone???? Many thanks in advance!
I read all of the excuses on Kellie's blog. I'm not a Kellie hater but I still think she should have found a way to make the bunk beds appear in the room. If they were really awful, she could have had the carpenter build some kind of facade on the frame. Or maybe had lockers attached to the end to cover up the part she didn't like. If she was worried about the ceiling fan, she should have changed out the light. instead she put all of her time and creative energy into the failed platform bed with the ridiculous soccer goal under it-why not a basketball hoop-it would make just as much sense.
And as for the rug covered bar stools-have seen it before, did not think it was sophisticated, and did not think it added anything to the space. If anything it detracted from the space because nothing in the space was cohesive.
I just watched the latest episode of Design Star and was shocked to see that Megan is still in. Just makes me a nervous wreck to watch her. She is so unprofessional. I have never seen a room put together by her that she was not throwing together at the last minute and crying about it. What gives? I will never watch her show and will not watch the last episode of Design Star this year because she is in it. Her small house was ugly. Who would sit on her sofa. Her room looked like a child's playhouse not a space where a person could live comfortably. They sent the wrong one home. She should have been off the show when she was throwing pillows around on the upstairs balcony of that couples home. What a wreck. Good luck HGTV if she wins.
I have an Idea for a show. How do I get to talk to some one about it.
I have made unikat polish pottery for years for inerior design, I enjoy it but like it was said above time management is a big deal because not only do I make the pottery (its all custom) I also set it up in the homes (always a custom setup!) some weeks I get no sleep at all! But its all well worth it!!