Jul
25
David on the Finale: “She Just Glistened in Front of the Camera”
The mentor and host joined the design panel this week as guest judge. See his critiques of the designs + why the panel chose Danielle.
Do you agree with David’s critiques? Who did you want to win Design Star? Chat in the comments below.
I have enjoyed this season of Design Star. It was much better than last season. I thought that the designers were much more fun to watch and I thought both of the finalists were deserving of their own show. I agree with some of the other comments regarding the programming content on HGTV. When I started watching the channel I enjoyed the decorating and home project shows that they were showing. I also love Candice Olsen's show as well as other design shows. I like House Hunters but it is always on. I have not noticed that the shows of past Design Stars were ever on any schedule that could be followed. Every time I check to see what is on HGTV it is House Hunters. Also,I have no interest in seeing shows about million dollar homes. They are not relevant to my life.
I've finally gotten over my anger at how this turned out. Yeah, yeah, I know the better person doesn't always win in real life. Normally, all that political stuff at work goes on in the background and we're not aware of it. This time, it's played out in front of a national audience and you can't hide it from them. It's obvious. The reasons for selecting Danielle over Britany sound more like rationalizations. She doesn't "glisten" in front of the camera, unless that's sweat. Her description of that chair was all, "perfect!" and "exciting!" and "excited!" and "perfection". Note to the producers: "excited" comes right after "nice" as one of the most overused words on HGTV.
Danielle is an OK designer. She frequently looked stressed throughout the season. She didn't manage time particularly well and that bed in the yurt? Total kludge. What a disaster. I would have sent her home right then.
But here's the thing, HGTV, when you know you want designer A and nothing is going to change your mind because she impresses you with her Stanford degree in anthropology (you gotta watch those anthropology majors, they know how to work the group dynamics and dominance thing), if you KNOW back in episode 5 that that's who you want (I think we can all agree that the fix was in at that point), don't pair her up with the best designer you've had on design star since Emily Henderson won. Britany Simon was one of the best designers you've ever had on this show or on your network. You know it, I know it, the American audience knows it. Oh sure, there will be some people who will be delighted for Danielle. They're entitled. They'll probably overlook all of the things that Danielle will overlook. They won't miss what isn't there. But let's not pretend, OK? Britany was a better designer and she was totally fine on camera. I've seen her in other camera situations and she is lively, articulate and engaging. At least she doesn't look like she's insanely giddy over a chair.
All I'm saying is, the next time you want a preordained outcome, make it look convincing. You should have paired Danielle with Hillari. At least it would have looked like a fair fight. There wasn't a single thing Britany could have done to win this season. If it weren't for the mad organizing skills that she has perfected on this show, I would have to say that HGTV wasted her time. I hope HGTV comes to regret it some day.
Well, I'm off. Totally love Meg and worship Emily, but I'd rather surf the web for Britany's designs than Danielle's.
Good luck to Danielle. She's got a lot of learning to do and now that Britany is gone, she can work on her originality. That will be a real challenge. Stanford anthropologists aren't necessarily gifted designers.
Tough choice, but I think you made the right one. Watching Danielle's 2 episodes of "Shop this Room" tonight convinced me that she was the perfect new Design Star. Very talented, warm and responsive to all. Plus, she really excelled in getting across her design tips and strategies. I loved it!
I'm expecting Brittany and Hilari to find a place on HGTV soon.
Hilari already is doing something by competing on Design Star All Stars. That seems unjustified because she just failed at this show. Oh, well. HGTV must have been hard up of designtestants at the last moment.
I liked both Danielle and Britany throughout the season. They each were very consistent. They each were clear spoken. I felt this was the closest finale. Either designer would have pleased me as a new star. I wondered if the judges flipped a coin to determine the winner. That said, Danielle had just a little bit more, "somethin', somethin'" = more warmth. Congrats, Danielle!
Congrats!!! to Danielle, watched your first show. You are an amazing designer with compassion. Your heart and soul can be seen in your work. You listen to what is important and deliver. A bunch of red grapes), a picture, and an old lamp!!!!
I watched the first two episodes of Danielle's show and I came away thinking that the judges made the right choice! I was for Danielle all season but I was worried a few times that she might get eliminated but thankfully that did not happen.
Brittany's designs were very good too, but her personality in front of the camera just didn't come near where Danielle's tv presence does. This is a tv show, not just about designing. The host has to be able to hold the viewers attention, and Danielle can do that.
I thought it was evident in the last episode when you viewed both presentations. Danielle's was more informative and I learned something which is what I want to do when I watch a HGTV show.
Go Danielle! Looking forward to seeing your show.
I never watch Meg's show after she won last year, but I will be watching the schedule for Danielle's new episodes.