Candice’s Recap: Episode 9
After a few weeks away filming Candice Tells All, I’m back. I was so glad to return to the panel for such a fun challenge this week. I loved the look of surprise (and nausea!) when Tanika told the remaining three designers this week’s task was to design an entire home. OK, so the homes were less than 100 square feet in size, but the smaller the home the bigger the challenge and the more creative the designers have to be. We’re talking minimal square feet in which to design and create a stylish bathroom, kitchen, sleeping and living space. Putting things into perspective, my size 11 feet take up about 10 square feet alone, so just fitting Vern, Gwen and myself inside each tiny house” for evaluation was tight and tricky to say the least (“Great cologne, Vern.”).
Throw in not one but two camera challenges and yowza — this is a doozy of a challenge. Here’s how it went down.
As usual, Meg came roaring out of the starting gate with her infectious energy. Her “vintage Palm Beach” style was in all its glory with her bold green and yellow palette. Creating a foyer with the bathroom and closet in the entry was a brilliant use of space, and the floating bench worked wonders as a functional sitting (with storage under) area that kept the space feeling open and airy. I wasn’t, however, as much of a fan of her palette as my panel peers. “Meg’s green” was everywhere — in such an eclectic and personality-driven room, it bordered on monotony and predictability.
The Judges Tour Meg's Tiny House
However, the camera challenges were spot on. I’m glad to see that from week one all the way to week nine our little firecracker Meg kept true to herself and continued to let her personality shine in each and every challenge. She is funny, dynamic and, most of all, very real, and truly deserves to be in the finals.
Meg Poses in Her Tiny House
Karl is in it to win it. Other than the high contrasting colors that made a small space seem even smaller, I couldn’t find a whole lot wrong with his tiny house. His brilliant architectural eye has been his secret weapon in challenge after challenge, and out of all the designers, it’s obvious that he gives complete thought to what the assignment is as a whole.
The Judges Review Karl's Space
From broad concept right down to the final details, Karl is a smart, talented designer who truly deserves to be in the finals. His passion for what he does is infectious and comes across in front of the camera, where he now appears to be completely at ease. He’s a triple threat in this competition — knowledgeable, passionate, likeable, and the perfect opponent for Meg.
Karl in His Finished Space
Oh, Mark. That gorgeous Chiclets smile couldn’t get you through to the finals, and I have one word that did you in: belts. You’ve made a huge name for yourself in this competition with your amazing art installations, but this time, well, let’s just say you were caught with your pants down and we all know why. I would love to give you points for being inventive (or just being you) but this time I really can’t. The argyle pattern on the walls literally made me dizzy when I walked through the space. The home really felt disjointed — other than a cohesive color palette, and your usual smart styling, I was just left wanting more. I’m sad to see you go, but kudos to you for creating some of the most interesting and dynamic elements in this competition. You have a future ahead of you that’s as bright as your smile.
Goodbye, Mark
I also have to say that on my show every day is Hug Your Carpenter Day. Hotty-hot-hot carpenters Chip, Marc (with his GQ haircut) and spicy tamale Carmen also added a lot of fun to this episode. Cheers to you all for a job well done.
I can’t believe we’re down to the finale! My, how time flies when you’re having fun.
What did you think of the tiny house challenge? What questions do you have about episode nine? Tell us what you’re wondering about in the comments below — the Design Star producer will answer your most-asked questions on Wednesday.
I'm very disappointed to see Mark go. He was so easy to watch, and I loved the belts in this last challenge. I know it's a very hard decision, but I hope you'll bring Mark back in another show in the future.
I concur. While Mark may have a learning curve with the camera stuff, this is DESIGN star, isn't it? I originally hoped for Leslie or Ty to go up against Karl in the finale. As things developed KARL and MARK had true DESIGN talent in my opinion. In the US we have some designs which are associated with regions. I thought Mark really expressed a Western sensibilty, though his fetish with ladders for several weeks was disappointing to me. HGTV doesn't have anyone who represents the WILD FRONTIER/BIG SKY arena of design. I think HGTV had a diamond in the rough where MARK went. He has more pleasing CAMERA APPEARANCE than MEG has. ANd his voice is very pleasing. First Ty, then Leslie and now Mark. Each of these decisions in my opinion diminished this season's DESIGN STAR. Too BAD!
I do think that Karl won had down tonight on both design and camera challenge. Regarding the decision to send Mark home – I SOOOOOO disagree with the judges – if indeed you are considering the entire body of work across the show.
What Meg did well? color choice; openness of floorplan. What did she do poorly? Her styling. Sorry no imagination. things looked incomplete. NO storage. Camera challenge – sorry she fails in my book. She doesn't tell a story. Her energy level is NOT enjoyable.
Mark – his house functioned much better and was more practical/comfortable. I actually liked the belts and use of leather. Felt a bit rugged for what was almost a 'camp' house.
From my pov – you got it wrong. I think this underscores that I do not approve of Genevieve's own sense of style. And Candice who I do love – seemed to really not put forth much opinion on the show. Vern – well if Mark's styling is so great – where was your sway. Karl – A. Mark – B. Meg – C. Judges – F.
Meg… poor color choice, but open for sure. Very camper-looking. Not a pleasant environment.
Mark … more functional but his artsy belt sculptures should have been functional too… instead they were just weak. He's done much better work in the past.
Karl… very functional, pleasing colors (for shame Candice) and a good camera challenge this week.
That's because the only color Candice ever uses is powder blue.
Candice does use very muted colors for the most part…so I guess it figures that she wouldn't like the gray/red scheme. But it's seems like they found something good and something bad about each design even if they were really off…. … knowing already whom they are planning on giving the show to.
And don't forget the ochre!!!
You obviously don't watch Candice hardly at all. Her color pallets and designs are always rich-looking and contrasting.
"alabeaty is right! I watch Candice on pretty much a daily basis (whenever she's on in the afternoon and also on Saturday nights so it's not the case that I "don't watch Candice hardly at all." (???) Candice is great in terms of using a lot of texture but she does use very little color. What she does use is always VERY muted or [pastel, like pale blue, pale aqua, yellow, etc. She generally doesn't a room that has anything in the way of brighter colors. I'm not talking about red walls and purple furniture, just more colorful accessories. This isn't a criticism; I think her rooms are certainly beautiful. (I do recall one episode where she used a great deal of the homeowner's existing, older furniture which she updated by painting certain pieces BRIGHT turquoise and then used turquoise accessories throughout. It was quite a departure from the usual Candice!)
Meg's rooms ALWAYS look the same. She is boring.
It is clear that HGTV has already decided it is Karl. Meg stayed so that he could win clearly. Karl has a classic approach to design and well-thought-out ideas.
DITTO! Judges made three CRITICAL mistakes this season imo. And this one was really inexcusable. Meg's designs make me think of flea markets, dumpster diving, and college dorms! Karl's attention to detail makes his spaces look polished. Meg's attention to details makes her spaces look cluttered, junky, or just plain U-G-L-Y.
Mark leaving REALLY??? Megs room was not livable and Karls room looked crowded. at least Mark was open and airy looking!
Karl and Mark had the same space plan (except the office nook in Karl's space).
I also think Mark should have stayed but can we please stop lumping Meg and Karl together?
They are NOT AT ALL in the same caliber of design talent!
Mark's was open and airy???? Looked like we were confined in a suitcase by all the straps!
- I did love Mark and wanted him in the finally, but not because he delivered an "open/airy" feel.
Meg's voice is annoying and she just irritates me. Wish she would have left weeks ago. Hate to see Mark go but not surprised. Nothing special about Karl. Thought Antonio from a couple years ago was a big mistake and have NEVER watched his show, and probably won't watch Meg or Karl's. Maybe it's time to give this show a rest – and then redesign it!! Even the judges are uninspiring…
Actually Deb, you should watch Antonio's show. It's pretty inspiring. He's way out there but he brings in lots of skilled artisans and allows them to demonstrate what they can do! I always find his ideas to be very interesting even if they aren't my cup of tea. And he comes across as someone that get's along with everyone and isn't afraid to be himself.
alabeaty — I'm so glad you said that. I was extremely disappointed by Antonio's selection and vowed NEVER to watch him. Well…….I did, and found him and his crews extremely competent, professional, pleasing to the client, and WONDERFULLY entertaining and informative. I second your opinion.
Yes. I agree. Although Antonio might not be everyone's cup of tea, he has a unique POV and he can design. Also, Antonio did a lot of installations and helping out the other designers in his season of DS.
Can't say the same for Meg. I don't see anything from Meg, really 'cept that she's a fake glamor seeking wannabe queen. I would respect her a lot more and could accept that she wins IF she HAD SOME talent and a unique POV.
I agree- I thought Antonio's pink geese were silly. But he is entertaining in his show and he really seems to want to meet his client's needs. I like the fresh difference it brings. It's like going to an art museum- you like some pieces for the traditional/classic of it all- but some others are funky- but they add new layers to the experience…
I agree with you about her voice. It sounds like kathy griffin, don't you think?
I think Meg should have her vocal cords examined by a doctor. She may have a long-term problem like Rachel Ray.
I cannot stand Antonio either. His work is AWEFUL. I think they made a big mistake choosing him. Will NEVER watch his show.
Antonio's show is a nice departure from sterile designs that are repeated on other shows. He's funny and who could resist Chewy! Meg's a little TOO on all the time like Kevin was, so why is she still there? Her designs are like the "$500 change your life" show that's no longer on. That's why they raised it to $2500 on DOD because it looked like garage sale left-overs! Mark was cute but not consistant with time or projects. Karl creates sophistacated looks and will do well given a more time to plan out what he's working on. Karl – You ROCK! It will be nice to see Chicago touches on HGTV! Love these judges, don't change 'em but lets see more of comments they make.
I can't believe you are comparing Meg to Kevin. That's too far. Meg has never been carried away and overpowering like Kevin. Have you not seen their camera challenges??? BIG difference! Meg adds the spunk where needed and gives space for the information and client interaction.
I would have agreed with you up until this last episode. But she basically did the same thing Kevin did. Talk really fast, and loud and in your face. So I think it matches (this time around). Maybe not her best camera challenge this time around.
Go KARL! I hope he wins.
I agree with Laura- Meg does add spunk to to the camera. Furthermore, I would love to watch her just because she does seem to be genuine and a happy person. Although I was disappointed to see Mark go I will watch Meg's show if she wins. Meg has hew own unique style.
Deb, I didn't like Antonio selection either but love his show! He goes out of his way to please the client and keeps his ego in check. He designs for them. For those angry at his selection, you might check out his show once or twice before bashing him.
I didn't agree with Antonio being chosen as a winner and didn't think I'd watch his show. I have watched it a couple of times through the entire program and a few times for segments of a program and just don't understand the appeal. They all seem to be trying too hard to be rebels and be outrageous, and it's just boring. Regarding Mark: He's very pretty – as Candace keeps pointing out – but zip-tied skateboards… Really??? His rope ladder didn't turn out to be a ladder but just a rope "snarl" against the wall. I thought the almost-intersecting paint and belts was just weird. I've been rooting for Karl for a few weeks. I'd tune in for his show. Emily's? Not so much.
Antonio isn't for everybody but he has a decent show and more importantly a unique POV, plus design talent. Meg unfortunately lacks those qualities.
You are so right! I thought I was the only one annoyed by Meg's voice. I cannot imagine watching an entire show listening to that voice. Same reason I cannot bring myself to watch a show with last year's winner Emily Henderson. They both sound like they are being strangled…Meg low and Emily high. I know that is their voice and have no control over it, but…fingernails on a chalkboard to me! Not to mention Meg's famous painted table, episode before last, was just plain ugly…what's up with those judges? Love Candice Olson however!
DLP a person can change their voice in multiple ways. You can consult an Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor, a Speech Pathologist or even a Vocal Coach can work wonders. I had a serious lisp in my childhood. I went to a specialist & now I have excellent diction, though if you watch me speak you will see the physical remnants of my particular problem. For me, I have to actually assert effort to enunciate accurately. For Meg I'm sure her problem would be much easier to overcome like Rachel Ray.
Regarding Emily Henderson's particular problem, it can be corrected easily enough with a vocal coach like Kathy Ireland.
I too found Antonio's appearance jarring and too strong. I did watch the show and found him to be more creative and interesting than his other HGTV counterparts. I have never liked all of any one designer's work and this is true here too. Don't judge a book by it's cover is very true here.
As for Meg, every design she had done is very cute and ordinary, I don't care for cute in design……Her voice is annoying but not as grating as Courtney Novogratz's
Carl's design was high end and very classy. Mark, a great smile can not do the whole job. Interesting and original still has to look good and make some sense.
I look forward to the time when unrealistic time limits are no longer the driving force of what kind of work you do. It seems so silly and arbitrary as the measure of a persons ability.
Also agree that, while this was not Mark's best week, he was the only reason I continued to watch the show. I'm an avid HGTV watcher and I too think the judge's got it wrong and was disappointed they axed Mark. I would never watch a show with Meg or Karl, and I won't watch the finale either
Judges what were you thinking? Letting Mark go, big mistake. The only thing wrong with his room was the use of the belts. That was no different than Karl using red. I am sure the judges are not reading what we write but I am so ready for some real design shows. In the last few seasons you have made some mistakes and the new shows have just not been worth watching. Antonio (a flop) Emily (another flop) David is still hanging in there, but I am tired of him having to get inspiration from other sources. If your not careful this seasons new designer will also be a flop. Please don't make a mistake ane pick Meg. We need a real design star. I am tired of watching House Hunters.
Disagree that Emily is a flop. I really like watching her show, and my hubby will even watch her show with me. She explains really well what she's looking for when she shops and why she chooses certain things. Her designs really vary depending on the clients, as I think they should.
Loved the color scheme in Karl's space. Very relaxing and home-like. Meg's was pretty out there and that sofa cushion was tacky to say the least. Meg would be great at designing young girls rooms maybe. Karl would be great at designing anything.
Don't forget the disfunctional hanging plants upside down. Really? That's good enough to keep Meg on and Mark sent packing? Boo!
Right! Inspiring design isn't made of upside down plants. Really bad idea. How the heck do you water those? Same with all the nicknacs on the shelves. If you're living in that small of a space you probably only care about the essentials.
I agree with your post. When I think about the results of the challenge, I know the one I would like to live in for one week, and it would absolutely be Karl's space. He has become my favorite, and I hope this talent is recognized with his own show! I would love to have him come to my house and design any room!
Even my young girls would veto that ugly green and yellow–hideous! Looks like a 50's outdated old granny house. I can't believe the judges liked it!
Episode 9 in my opinion illustrates the importance of a designer attending to their ego before they can properly take on a space. Mark's house was filled with PRETENSE. Karl's had his distinct urban design theme. Meg's layout had the broadest application. I would have liked to have seen one of the designers transform their house using WHITE PAINT and HAND BLOWN GLASS items. I will continue to watch.
MEG DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TALENT TO DESIGN A YOUNG GIRLS ROOM EITHER!
I can't believe Mark is gone. He and Karl are true designers.
Meg is nothing more than a stylist, and a tired one at that.
Does anyone else notice the way she
talks like this
Is she channeling her inner valley girl?
Gag me with a spoon!
You put that perfectly! He and Karl are TRUE designers. Meg is not even a stylist in my eye.
No. She's a furniture store owner who is really really and i mean REALLY THIRSTY to be on TV. You're right.
When Meg wins. I am going to watch her.
I found both Meg and Karl placed too much of one color in such small area's ( did you see Meg throwing things out of the window at the end of the challange?) Mark's area gave you more choices and appeared larger to me. I also did not like having the bathroom located at the front door in Megs house. All three had interesting idea's but didn't find one that much better then the other. Mark may not have the speaking challanges down but I think out of the three, he is the most talented. You can be taught to improve camera shyness ( like Karl has) but you can't teach interesting never seen design.
Meg is clearly not my favorite but I did find it funny when she dumped stuff out of the window. She definitely is hungry for her own show, which is a great thing….Meg there's a reason that people like you and I should not try out for shows called DESIGN STAR….kinda like why I sing in the shower.
stripes and belts on the walls? and people thought meg's room look busy last episode?
I can't tell you how disappointed my husband and I are regarding the results of this episode. We firmly believe that you just voted off the most talented designer, whose portfolio of work over the course of the season was dynamic and inspiring. Meg has nailed the palm beach look, but that should be expected as she has repeated it several times throughout the season. Also, we believe that her tiny house seemed the largest because she gave very little regard to functionality. Would you want to sit on a platform bench versus a sofa? This isn't meant to be critical but merely as a plea from a family of HGTV fans — please, please give Mark a chance on another show. Charm and great design should go a long way on TV, no? Also, how realistic are the camera challenges? Certainly someone hosting a TV show gets a retake if they don't nail the camera portions on the first try?
I'm right there with you, Liz. Mark is just nervous. I know I would be in that situation. Also, I have to say that the caliber of one of the judges sure isn't there. Let me just say, Vern and Candace are at the very top of design and they know what they are talking about.
Mark is the most talented and he will do well but maybe TV is not for him too restricting for such talent
Mark is sweet and full of talent.
I was hoping that Mark would get it- for his creative edge. I think there is so much footage that we do not see on DS and the editing runs a bias for that outcome. It is sorta like how a soundbite can be taken out of context… i don't know- call me suspicious- I think this has been mostly "fixed" from the beginning.
Couldn't agree more! Mark's show would have a lot to offer. Very different, sophisticated styles. He should still have a show on HGTV. It would be a lot better than Emily's show.
Never equate what Meg has done with PALM BEACH. Her headboard used Middle Eastern or Northern African fabric didn't it? And the two panels were not matched correctly! Her KELLY GREEN certainly had no roots in Palm Beach, FLORIDA. And her SALMON was more of a PEACH- not FLORIDA's ART DECO or the Floridian Spanish Twist color. No, her colors are juvenile and cheap off copies- always imo. Her patterns choices are BUSY/CHAOTIC and sloppily constructed imo. And her accesorizing details KITSCHY – always. A GREEN RAKE with wine glasses hanging from it as a focal point. REALLY? Palm Beach – ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Well the peach or salmon or whatever color it actually was that she used in her white room challenge is actually the same color Genevieve called the color of "Organ Meat" when Doug Hines used it in the room he did with Mark. Which by the way is no wonder their room look so bad. Mark was busy just working on his wood installation and life a finger to help Doug..hmmm….more of the same from Mark LOL! Anyway, it's done now. But thought I'd share that comment about the Salmon color Meg used.
Great point Liz on the validity of quick camera challenges towards the end of the season. These final contestants are clearly the cream of the crop, and regardless of who the winner is, I'm certain HGTV will ensure their on-air presence is more polished/trained before taping their show. I did not even consider that before your comment — but you definitely hit a legit point!
I would have kept the two guys. Meg seems sincere and nice, but she talks like she has a bag of marbles in her mouth. I could not watch her. She should have been let go when she flopped on the entry design and reading knook in the big house challenge.
I totally agree! The reading knook was awful. I cannot stand to listen to her either. Did you notice when she was painting the window she got paint both on the wall and the glass? The judges did not comment on her poor execution so maybe she cleaned it up. Her design lacked functionality, the "rustic chairs" were terrible it is not like they could do double duty, a waste of space- even her little drop down table or counter did not work. And why would you have terraiums in limted space? Here house was more like a play house then something you could live in.