Episode 7 Recap
This is it, folks: We’re down the final four. This week, the remaining designers struck out on their own with an individual challenge: design a living space in a newly-built condo using a bright color as inspiration. They also had to test their performance chops on live TV with a design demo on CBS’s The Talk. So, let’s have our own little roundtable about what went down.
Danielle’s color inspiration: blue. “I’m not happy with all blues, but I can do teal,” she said, and so she set out to use it as an accent color. That didn’t exactly pan out…the finished space looked like she’d drawn beige as her inspiration hue. Yes, I know it’s easy to overdo blue, and she had trouble finding accessories. In the end, time management was her downfall this challenge, and she ended up with a blandly “nice” space.
And then, there was the dining table saga. Danielle wanted a glass-and-chrome model, and found the perfect one…right after Hilari put dibs on it. Would a glass dining table would have looked better here? Yes. Was that the only thing she could have done to make this area more exciting? No. A rug, some more wall art or more colorful accents would have gone a long way here.
I was a fan of these painted wooden pendant lights, but alas, Danielle didn’t manage to get them up before the end of the challenge. She left a lot of unfinished moments — and the judges definitely noticed. By the end of the design challenge, she looked pretty defeated.
She did manage to pull it together, though, for her camera challenge. She showed viewers (along with The Talk hosts Aisha Tyler and Julie Chen) how to paint photo mats for an unexpected pop of color, all while having a good time, too.
Hilari wasn’t too happy about her color choice — red — after last week’s mixed reviews on her red kitchen countertops. But she said she hoped she could choose the right hue of “redemption red” and Hilari, I think you did it. She (wisely) used red as an accent color, creating a layered room that finally evoked those “Versace moments” she always talks about.
Moments like this glam dining table. (Sorry, Danielle!)
I was also in love with this element — she mounted an Indian blanket on a wooden frame and used it as wall art. It adds so much warmth here, and helped fill what she called “the Great Wall of Marina del Ray.”
She went a little twig-happy, though…the design panel liked this vine sculpture, but wished she’d, er, branched out and skipped the manzanita branches in the rest of the room.
Genevieve praised her demo on The Talk, saying, she “knew when to chat and when to give information,” but she seemed a little all over the place to me. Still, there’s no denying that this girl has a fun personality. How could your room be dull with Hilari calling the shots?
Britany got lucky with a color she already loves: yellow! (Britany, I’m with you. Obsessed.) She pulled together a polished space with cool blue-green walls and lots of bright yellow accents.
She painted vases bright citron….
…and brought in brass lamps and yellow florals to represent a range of yellow hues. She did another wall overlay to represent her “bold and graphic” style, and while it looked great, Genevieve was all like “We’ve seen her do this five times now.” Britany, time to switch it up a bit!
Later, on The Talk, she showed how to paint colored stripes on a lampshade. Vern still dinged her a little for “not smiling enough,” but overall it was a solid challenge, and the panel declared Britany this week’s winner. She definitely smiled then!
And then there was middle Mikel, who drew green as his color inspiration. In the first five minutes, he made the decision that would be his downfall: the mint green paint. Genevieve called it “institutional” and Vern said he was “baffled” by Mikel’s choice. It’s not the worst color imaginable, but it’s on every. single. wall.
Mikel said he “loved to do space planning,” but, unfortunately, his enthusiasm didn’t translate into any kind of flow. Why didn’t either one of the two (amazing) sofas face the TV, Vern wondered?
If there’s one thing Mikel can do, it’s pick jaw-dropping midcentury furniture pieces. As a fellow low-slung, atomic-age furniture junkie, I was drooling over his credenza pick and dining chairs. I also preferred his wall treatment to the graphic element in Britany’s space.
After (wisely) scrapping his plan to talk about buying pillow covers, he painted a table and showed us how to antique it. Great tip…but not for a color challenge. The design + camera mistakes meant the judges decided to send Mikel home this week.
Check back tomorrow for Meg and David’s reactions to this week’s episode.
So what did you think? Did the right person go home? Did the right designer win? What was your favorite design element? Tell me in the comments below.
All the designers did a great job but Britany easily stood out to the judges and me. She definitely seems to be the lead candidate.
Mikel should not have gone home. Is there some point when you all will hold Danielle accountable to finish something? Danielle has no talent and it is becoming clear that you all MUST have some other motive for keeping her. At least Mikel had a clear vision and didn't give up like a five year old.
Additionally, please help me understand why any designer would bring in traditional chair rail type treatment into a loft like Danielle did and she didn't even finish that piece…SAD.
I wish that Britany had a mix of her own design style and Hilari's personality. Hilari is just so FUN to watch! I look forward to seeing her each week. Britany has brilliant style but Hilari is simply more entertaining – and I think that in the end, it's personality that wins.
Can't agree more!
Yes but I think that they aren't really showing Britanys fun personality well…the judges and David both reference her bubbly personality but we never even get to see it!
It's obvious that the judges love Danielle and I like a lot of what she does but I could think of 100 things she could have done better in her space. a blue table runner would helped pull her look together-anything to tie the design from room to room. And what was with those dinky pictures on the dining room wall-great idea but poorly executed. She should have done that same thing with one large piece which would have had much more impact than the lame grouping. This also would be a much better idea in terms of time management. I didn't care for Mikel's green either but the least he could have done was thrown a green pillow on the couch. And for his design challenge, he should have painted only one side of the side table and then turned it around to demonstrate how to bring in a pop of color. Hilary picks some great pieces but needs more experience bringing it all together. I predict Brittany as the winner. The judges are really hard on her for not smiling but she is the best designer.
Danielle needs to stop crying. She always seems like she's running out of time. Can she ever finish anything? I for one love Britany and her designs. Can they come up with anything better than "you didn't smile enough." she does have to talk for goodness sake. I think they are downplaying her for some weird reason. She's been the most consistent designer on this show. I would tune in to her show for sure!
I agree! I noticed the other designers didn't "smile" as they were describing their tip. Brittany was very warm and pleasant as she was explaining the process of painting the shades with the tape. The judges must have a tough time finding much fault with her designs and presentations because I think they are overly hard on her for this "smiling" issue and they keep bringing it up or I should say Vern keeps bringing it up.
My sentiments EXACTLY! Way too much positive focus given to Danielle and even on her whining and complaining, as if it makes for good entertainment…….NOT! They did choose the right winner for tonight and the right one to go home as well.
I'll predict right now that Danielle goes home next week. I say that because Hillary's is so talented with her camera challenges.. I really believe it will come down to Britany's design and Hillary's on air skills. But don't hold me to that.
Since Meg won last year anything is possible…
Meg won because the "camera loves her", I think Vern said that, didn't believe it then don't believe it now.
i agreeeee….
So glad Britany won this challenge. I think she should have won the celebrity lounge challenge as well.Her lounge was so beautiful. Danielle didn't smile during her presentation and no one seemed to care. Britany's has not been getting enough credit. I do think all three are very talented designers though.
Danielle's large expressive eyes take your eyes away from her mouth- that's why.
yes, Danielle looks like she is smiling even when she is not, she smiles with her eyes.
Britany was overdue for a big 'single' win, and she definitely deserved it. I like Hilary's designs, but she always carries the accents 3 steps too far. I am a big fan of Britany, she has shown class all the way, her designs are spot on, chic and she is always concerned about the dollar – who doesn't appreciate that now days? Her geo design got an uncalled for critique from Genevieve – come on – everyone commented on how the long wall was going to be difficult, what should one do? Well she did and it worked and I bet people are doing it all over the country this weekend.
Good bye Mikel you were such a joy to watch. You have great things ahead of you.
I was sad to see Mikel go because he was fun to watch. I am so happy to see Britany win because her room was definitely the best between the four. After reading the comments above it is weird how HGTV is editing the show and not giving her the credit she deserves. I hope that she wins because out of the final 3 she is the only one that I would watch her show. She has true talent and it is so fun to see her designs each week! Can't wait to see what happens next week and if they actually give her the credit she deserves.
Lame. This season is the lamest so far. Lame lame lame.
Seriously, can we get anymore plain vanilla?
No talent… no drama.. Maybe next it will be
No show? lol
Producers didn't listen to anything the viewers said last season.
For one, not many people wanted to watch Meg last season and somehow she ends up as a guest judge this season! How insulting that she gets to be a judge when in 10 seasons it's been airing, not ONE (not even DBromstad) has been a guest judge before!
I really made the right decision to stop watching so much HGTV. I was busy CLEANING and caught the last 5 minutes of tonight's show. Glad I didn't miss a thing!
I agree that the design is Joe average homeowner and not radical like Antonio's was, for example. But I am GLAD that the drama has been mostly edited out. Contension for me does not sell design. As to Meg, I think HGTV is trying to give her more exposure. So give that one a break. If you realize that DS is set up to bring on the next new image, then all of this becomes understandable. I think they want a girl-next-door with a home design point of view. I would give any of the three's show a shot.
I understand where you are coming from. I don't dislike Meg. But have difficulty understanding Meg when she speaks on TV. Plus, HGTV doesn't answer to me (or any viewers for that matter) and they do what they please. I don't have to be a patron to that. Just like it's their choice to do what they want, I will also exercise my right to do the same.
And I know it sounds silly to some that a person could actually have principles about this show and how contestants should win their spot as a star, but hey to each their own. I do and I don't approve. So I won't watch Meg's show. Thanks but I'll keep it moving. I know, don't let the door hit me on my way out. LOL! No worries. It's all good!
At least I'm being honest. I can't say the same for how the show is being produced. Also, speaking of honesty, what's with all the contestants leaving the show by saying the same thing? "I'm so happy I got a chance to be on the show." Really? No one has anything else to say? I highly doubt that they all came to go home NOT being the winner. Yet we get the tape recorded "Oh thanks for the opportunity"
How much more staged can ya get? No thanks. I'll spend my time doing something more worthwhile.
Wow, I was just thinking that this season has more design talent than the previous 3 or 4. Nice to see. And good design gets me excited. Unfortunately good design is not a priority when HGTV picks their DesignStar. They prefer the quirky like Meg or Antonio. I think they've set up Danielle to win this time. Otherwise why would she still be here after a lot of flubs, especially this last room? And they definitely have overlooked Britany throughout the series.
While I am not in total agreement with you we agree on most things this seasons show need some spice, as it is a watered down version of that first season when Clive would tell the contestant being cut – "your show has been cancelled".
somethings i think they got wrong now are:
The main thing the host – David does a good show – Colour Splash but design star is not the right fit and should not even have been considered – that focus group got it wrong…
Did you watch season 5? Now that was the worst Design Star ever! But I really enjoy Emily & 'Secrets From A Stylist.' Not too fond of Meg. That East Coast valley girl tone bugs me. I only watch the end of her show for the finished room.