Ask The Producer: Episode 8
The final four designers with producer Loren Ruch.
Each week, we ask Design Star producer Loren Ruch your most-asked questions from the show. This time, he tells us how long it takes to shoot the full season of Design Star. Plus, what were the best moments backstage at The Nate Berkus Show?
What happened to the decorated apartments after the designers finished with them?
Since these apartments didn’t belong to actual homeowners we returned all of the purchased items when the episode was finished. Of course, our producers alerted all of the stores in advance so they knew to expect them back. Some of the items that couldn’t be returned were donated or offered to residents in the building.
How long does the entire season usually take to film?
The entire season takes place over a 35-day period in early spring where we shoot back-to-back days, seven days a week. It’s a pretty intense schedule, but it’s incredibly fun — almost like summer camp, because we’re all in it together…from the designers to the design panel to Tanika and David! We only take four days off in the entire cycle, one of which is Easter Sunday.
What was it like for the designers to be on set at The Nate Berkus Show? Were there any fun moments that we missed during the show?
I think that The Nate Berkus Show was both the most fun and scariest challenge for our designers in the entire season! They were INCREDIBLY pumped about doing Nate’s show, but they also realized at that moment just how important the ‘camera challenges’ are – literally on par with the design challenges, because we’re looking for an overall Design Star. There were two fun behind-the-scenes moments: 1.) When all of the final four got to have their hair & makeup done. They felt like celebrities. You need to remember that they feel dirty, grimy, and sweaty for most of the series, so it was fun to be pampered! 2.) Meeting Nate on the set! He gave the designers a pep-talk moments before the show that really empowered them.
What was your favorite design element this week?
I have two favorite elements this week. I thought that Karl’s bookshelf was a ‘novel’ idea (pun intended!), and I also loved Meg’s wall treatment – the striped panels were quite beautiful and rich looking in person.
What do you want to ask Loren? Tell us your questions about Design Star in the comments below — he may just answer you next week!
Design Star Finale: I am a little disappointed but the outcome was obvious from the panel. I liked some of Megs' designs but her presentations were a little on the "affected" side and in my opinion sometimes a bit "goofy". Her energy was high. Karl, I felt, had much better design skills and was very "real" and "natural" on the air. I would hire him in a flash to design my home. I enjoyed watching him grow from a little timid on camera to very comfortable and very informative. It is too bad we won't get to see him on HGTV. I am a huge fan of HGTV and all the designers, not sure Meg will fit in as her design concepts are mediocre. I will watch her first show to see how it goes.