Recap: The Final Challenge + The Winner Is…
All the drama and design of season seven came down to the final moment of truth: Britany and Danielle made their TV pilots and then stood in front of the panel for one final elimination. Wanna know what else happened? Read on.
Major spoiler alert: If you don’t want to know the winner, don’t keep reading. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
I have to admit, I was feeling a little angst before this week’s episode. Why? I like both of the finalists. Britany’s geometric patterns and trendy rooms look amazing week after week, while Danielle brings a little more personality and some seriously great design taste. But alas, one has to be the winner…here’s what went down.
First up: Britany. Her pilot concept was Picture Perfect Spaces — using photography to create a personalized space. Because she’s a photographer! Okay, I can see being kind of interested in that. We got to see some familiar faces this week: the last four designers sent home came back to work as design assistants for Britany and Danielle. What up, Mikel? I’ve missed you!
Britany’s clients: the DaBell family and their adorable son, Luke. He’s so adorable, the parents let him have the entire dining room for his toys. Seriously, here’s what it looked like before:
So, understandably, they wanted a more adult space…fewer dump drunks, more dining chairs. Here’s what Britany’s finished dining room looked like:
The wallpaper and wainscoting create a high-end look that nods to Britany’s trademark graphic style. (However, I did wonder: What happened to all of Luke’s toys?) And she decorated the walls with her own photos of the family:
She brought the same muted gray, black, white and orange into the family’s living room. Here’s what it looked like before…
…and here it is after.
I am in love with this orange-and-black wing chair she nestled next to the fireplace:
Overall, Britany’s space was beautiful, but not very personal. Other than the framed photos, I didn’t get a sense of the family’s style from the space. And her pilot seemed the same: She was good on camera, but didn’t seem to really connect with the family.
Next, we have Danielle. Her pilot concept? Shop This Room, which will show viewers how to shop of one-of-a-kind pieces and build a curated home for the artsy Keller family. Hilari and Stanley worked as her design assistants. She seemed to do a better job directing her “assistants” and playing to their strengths — Hilari sourced furniture and accessories, while Stanley helped build homeowner Lois (an artist) a new-and-improved studio. Here’s the uber-traditional dining room before…
…and the funky and functional space after.
In the living room, the family’s bulky sofa hid the room’s original fireplace, and the all-white walls didn’t let the architectural details stand out.
I absolutely love the contrast Danielle created with the turquoise walls and white fireplace trim:
Overall, the space just has that curated feel. Danielle took the family’s existing pieces, like Lois’s artwork…
…and designed the room around them. Seriously, look how excited homeowners Allen and Lois Keller are at the reveal!
The panel was equally pleased with Danielle’s pilot — which was just plain fun to watch — and they loved her fun and funky design. It was enough to earn her the title of Design Star!
Congratulations, Danielle! Her new show, Shop This Room, premieres Sunday, August 4 at 8/7c.
Check back tomorrow for video reactions from Meg and David.
Do you think the right designer won? Weigh in in the comments below.
I think Danielle deserved to win, from the first episode she showed she had skilled and she worked hard and developed her camera challenges. For me this was the first time in many seasons that they had two equally beautiful and creative artist as the finalist. Both ladies should be very proud. Congratulations to them both.
So HGTV has finally got their "minority" host. It was determined from the beginning. I liked some of Danielle's work during the season but her voice is as bad as Meg's and I don't watch her show. Britany has been consistently good all season but they don't need another blonde host on HGTV.
You're so intelligent ……
Wow…did you really write that! Considering that HGTV has a number of "minority" hosts, you are way off base. I myself was voting for Hilari (the other minority) and was disappointed when she was let go. She was fun and talented.
In regards to Britany and Danielle, they were both very good but the right person won. Danielle was much more talented and genuine. It was quite obvious that Britany did not connect with her family.
Genuine? Do you have any idea how much editing they did to put the shows together? Actual competition ended months ago. They edit the show to make Danielle look good.
Everyone was edited to look good. Isn't this what producers are supposed to do??
What a horrible comment from Libra. Danielle is a very talented designer PERIOD……how insulting to look at color and disregard her talent. Sure Brittany is a very talented designer as well, but Danielle has a stronger TV presence.
"Connect with her family" Did you SEE the difference between the family Danielle had and the one Britany had? Danielle's was a loving, easy going family that would connect with a wall, Britany's family was more formal, harder to connect with, PLUS she did more connecting with them when taking their photos, Danielle didn't even have to do that.
I can't wait for Danielle's new show! Was never disappointed by her work, even when she took from her own work time to try and help her co-workers with their mistakes, a la Meira. Can't think of one item that wasn't spot-on in her solo rooms, except maybe the bed in the yurt, which was not her choice either, but a carpenter disconnect. I know her mom would be proud of her. I am!
I loved them both, they should both get a pilot. I really think that both ladies designed each room with great personality of both famiily"s rooms. It would be hard to choose from one or the other. I definitely think they should have both won pilots and you have not heard the last of Britany. Keep on keeping on Danielle great job cannot wait for Shopt This Room for tips , dont be discouraged and give up on your dream Britany you will get a tv pilot yet. Love the show cannot wait for the next Desing Star Show, love it, love it, love it.
Danielle: I have been with YOU since show #1. Congratulations! I look forward to your first show on August 4.
Wanderlust: Don’t be so petty. Remember both Danielle and Britany deserved and won an episode. Both good; one better.
I don’t understand your issue with Genevieve. Go back,read it, and see for yourself.
I think the judges made the right choice! Danielle definitely did a better job. Can’t wait to watch her new show on the 4th!!!
cant stand danielle!! her voice and her designs are not pleasing. britany, however is amazing. she even has the overall star power and appearance that shines in my living room. hgtv made a huge mistake!!!
I agree with you! Brittany has CLASS like Candice Olsen. Danielle always seemed unprepared & couldn't get it together in previous shows. Plus her voice is "grating" and I won't be watching her. What a shame the wrong person won.
Lets go Danielle!!!!! i knew u would win!
Danielle was the best in design, listening to her clients wishes, and the best communicator. Can’t wait to watch her shows!!!
I am so sad Britany didn’t win! I always loved her rooms and think she is fun to watch. Britany or Hilari should have won!