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.
Both gals were good but I am so glad Danielle won! She is a natural. We will be watching her shows. Good Luck to Danielle with her show along with all the contestants in their careers.
I CANNOT believe Britany didn’t win. She is so adorable and has had amazing designs over and over again. Her pilot was fabulous and space was spectacular as always. So mad with HGTV. Hard to believe this show was based on true talent when Britany didn’t win. So disappointed.
I really wish Britany would've won… She was amazing week after week after week and who honestly wants to watch a show about shopping for "character pieces?" if I wanna do that I'll go window shop or look at furniture online. My fiance and I both wished Britany one – her show would've rocked.
Very disappointed. Britany’s designs were clearly better and looked amazing on tv! She was also the most consistent designer through the whole show, almost never receiving a negative critique. I hope she gets her own show as well!!
Totally agree.
Consistent, yes. Stylish and beautiful, yes. But original? She has ONE decorating style. Every room looked the same, each week. How long do you think THAT show would last?
Danielle's work stood out all season. Her low points were when she was partnered with other designers. I also liked Hilari's designs, camera shots and her effusive, approachable personality. I hope she gets a great job soon perhaps doing a design show or design spot for another TV show. Thanks to HGTV for a great season and good entertainment. Will Danielle's show continue to attract viewers and grow ratings? Good TV ratings are pretty tough to get and maintain. Meg, from last season has done a terrific job and I think it's because she creates such outstanding designs and has some interesting banter with her carpenter.
"Her low points were when she partnered with other designers." Huh. Clear indicator that she doesn't play well with others? Perhaps. Yet, when she partnered with BRITANY – they won the challenge. I'm no mathematician, but something just doesn't add up.
um, Danielle had won two challenges before the kitchen challenge and Britany hadn't won any. You could look at it that when Britany partnered with Danielle, that's when Britany finally won a challenge. And even though Danielle had a tough time with Meira, she still tried to make it better for the client even though her own contribution suffered. (I can think of at least two other past winners who did the same thing- they were shown helping out for the client even though it favored another designer's work).
Actually, I think it was a smart strategic move on Danielle's part to pick Britany on the kitchen challenge- she probably knew she was her toughest competition, and Britany probably felt similarly, so it makes sense to stick together and try to win.
I agree with you 100% about Danielle and how she stood out all season, but one thing that really gets me about Meg and that is those too small clothes she wears, every time i am watching her show i want her to change that too small shirt PLEASE JUST BUY CLOTHES THAT FIT it just looks like the bottons are going too pop any minute.
It is very interesting to me that the new Design Star had such horrible wardrobe choices. I would have a hard time hiring a designer who can't pick out a good-looking outfit. I don't care what modem is used, a truly good design eye would include good fashion judgement and what looks good on a person. Just another point to support my opinion that the wrong Design Star was chosen.
Yayyy for Danielle! She was my favorite all along and I can’t wait to watch her show. I liked Britany too and know she will do great. Hilary is a hoot! I love her personality.
I think Danielle is a better designer and deserved to win. Congrats to her!
Britany was consistently the best designer. The last few seasons have been disappointing. Another mistake judges as proven by past winner’s shows. I’ll pass next season and will not watch Danielle’s show, can’t stand the voice.
What a shame Britany was my favorite, and far and above Danielle. Her pilot was so fun to watch and don’t know what the judges were saying this whole time about her being back on camera, she was magnificent! THis finale has left a sour taste in my mouth and makes me truly believe that this show is not based soley on performance and design ability. Britany, I am sure this is not the last we will be seeing of you. You are a STAR!
Danielle’s name as winner was posted all over the internet last Tuesday night (after the HGTV show). The promo for this weeks’ show included enough info that it was obvious Danielle had won. I didnt even watch most of tonight’s show because of the poor editing on that promo (and because I thought Danielle should have gone home weeks ago)..
I hope whoever was responsible for editing that promo will not be doing the job next year.