Ask the Producer: Episode 8
Each week, I chat with Design Star producer Loren Ruch about behind-the-scenes moments you didn’t see on the show. This week, I ask: why yurts? Plus, he offers some inside intel on the upcoming season of Design Star All Stars.
The Carpenters, Designers and Host With Producer Loren Ruch
It’s always fun to watch the non-traditional home challenge. How did you decide to do yurts this year?
We wanted to take small spaces to the next generation, so we decided yurts were the way to go! They happen to be very trendy right now, and Vern has stayed in something like 20 of them on his travels, so we knew he would be very excited to judge this challenge. I was really impressed with how they turned out, too. And for you diehard fans, I have a secret for you…in our Design Star All Stars series (which premieres Tuesday, July 31 at 9/8c), we’ll have another even more unusual small space episode later in the season!
It looked like the designers had fun with their celebrity carpenters! What was the best moment during the building of the yurts?
Not only did they have fun with their celebrity carpenters, they also found a new level of respect for what these guys go through on their own shows. Each group had a totally unique dynamic. Hilari and Jeff basically hit it off right from the beginning and were fast friends. Britany and Joel were a little bit like a brother and sister. Their dynamic was funny and extremely fun to watch because they were joking and kind of making fun of each other. Danielle and Chip had a nice rapport too. Chip told Danielle, “Hopefully I’ll be your good luck charm. It worked for Meg last season!” You’ll have to wait until next week and see if he’s one for two or two for two.
Left to Right: Vern Yip, David Bromstad, Producer Loren Ruch, Genevieve Gorder and Guest Judge Mark Steines
It seemed like the judges had a tough time making a decision this week! How long was the deliberation this time?
They had an extremely difficult time making a decision this week because there really wasn’t a weak space or a weak designer. And all of the judges LOVED Hilari – which made it even more difficult. The bottom line was that they needed to nit-pick for the smallest flaws that would make one room just a little stronger or weaker than the others, and unfortunately that meant sending Hilari home. But this isn’t the last time you’ll be seeing Ms. Hilari Younger…check out our cast for Design Star All Stars!
Where was the yurt episode filmed? Since it appeared to be in a public place, how did you keep the bystanders from revealing who is left on the show?
It was shot in Lake Balboa, which is located in Encino, Calif. It’s a beautiful public location that seemed perfect for this challenge. We did have a lot of bystanders, but we made them sign releases where they promised not to share any of the results that they may have seen! Thank goodness no one leaked anything.
Have a question or comment for Loren? Voice your opinion in the comments below and he may just answer you next week!
I think danielle should have went home 4 different times now i dont think she is the even close to being the best designer and her personality is definitely not better than hilari or brittany
ik thts wht i said b4. i would LOVE a show with Britany and Hilari together, but Britany's show will b amazing
I personally would like to see Danielle win but she just seems to consistently struggling under pressure when having to perform for the camera – which is a major component of being able to produce a successful TV show. Britney too has struggled under camera pressures, but think she will pull everything together going into the final stretch and take the win!
My mom and I were both shocked when Danielle didn’t go home. She personally doesn’t impress me at all. We both felt that Hilari already had a deal for a new show..we weren’t far off, I see.
I HOPE DANELLE WILL WIN….SHE'S REALLY DOING GOOD…
I agree that Hilari was robbed. Although I think Danielle is very talented, I think she should have been the one to go home. I liked her room, but I liked Hilari's better. It was magnificent!. Brittney's room was ok, but those nature pictures were just stuck on the walls. I would have had them blown up bigger, and put them behind the lattice to create a real outdoor look. I'm hoping Hilari gets her own show, and if not, I'm glad she's in Dallas because I am too!
After watching this challenge for the second time, I am baffled by Gen’s comment that Hillari’s bed left ‘dead space’ on either side.
Frankly a room jammed with furniture is not my idea of good design. Hillari’s design was very elegant with gorgeous, exotic colors.
Looking at Britanny’s room again, I find it a rather mixed. The photos fade against the lattice…and the oak stained headboard looks rather handmade. What is the purpose of having a moveable bed anyway? Daniell’s room is really interesting….except for the bed which needed some textured fabrics to cover those huge grey posts.
I just watched the yurt episode again. Totally agree that Britany should have won, but think Hilari should have stayed instead of Danielle. She has a meltdown every episode and borrows everyone else's ideas.one comment for David. I think he is wonderful and normally looks amazing. He should never where the jacket he had on during the yurt episode with the arms being a different color than the rest of the jacket. It was awful! Sorry, David!! I normally love you!!
Britany did not win, they did not pick a winner for this challenge, they just sent Hilari home.
Oh yeah, that was not a good look–thumbs down on the ugly jacket.
Can't Believe DANIELLE WINS Design Star!!
True to form, HGTV gives it away by playing a clip of the winning moment, where you can see that Danielle is lowering her hands from her head. You wouldn't exactly bring your hands to your head when you lose, only the winner ever would do such a thing. Also, Brittany's smile seems a little fake, something only a loser would do.
Great job HGTV, yet another spoiler give-away moment!
Too bad, loved Brittany, every thing she did was good, couldn't day the same for Danielle. Brittany is better for Style network anyways, HGTV has become a bit low class in recent years.
Why is Danielle getting away with blantantly stealing Brit's idea of sliding fabric beneth the wood lattice walls. Nothing has been said at all. When she gets flustered she can't think of what to do next. And she's a whiner. If she wins, good luck to the people she has to work with.
The judges probably didn't know. Plus Danielle ultimately decided it looked bad & removed it.