Ask the Producer: All Stars Finale
Each week, I chat with Design Star All Stars producer Loren Ruch about the best behind-the-scenes moments from the show. Read on to go behind the scenes on the judges’ final decision. Plus, find out where you’ll see Leslie on HGTV!
How did you decide to use shipping containers for this week’s challenge?
Our executive producer mentioned to me that shipping containers were a hot new trend for second homes and even some primary residences around the country, so we thought “why not?!” We’ve already done glass houses, tiny houses and yurts, so it felt like a natural transition to try shipping containers!
From a guest on the blog: How did the judges’ come to the final decision for Design Star All Stars? Do they use a numerical rating system, a checklist, a compilation of before and after photos, what is the criteria they use to come up with the winning design(er)?
I wish it were that simple! It was a plain and simple long (and I mean looooong) and drawn out conversation comparing pros and cons, camera challenges and design challenges and the scope of work from the entire season. We also have a big notebook prepared for the panel featuring each designers photos of each challenge, and we show them the camera challenge from the current episode. This episode was not cut and dry at all, so it was a very heated conversation. Hilari had been such a dynamic and fun personality with great designs, Tom was such a class act with an upscale taste level, and Leslie was a bundle of energy with great designs to match — but ultimately I think that in the end, Leslie’s Murphy bed is what threw her over the top!
Can you give us any clues about which HGTV show or episode Leslie will appear on?
Sure! Leslie will be a judge on an upcoming episode of The White Room Challenge, and my hunch is that you’ll also see more of her on another HGTV show in the near future.
Best on-set moment from the shipping containers episode? That location was ridiculous!
There were gophers EVERYWHERE and all of us kept falling into the gopher holes. I saw at least five crew members trip and fall – it was like an episode of Wipe Out behind the scenes. It had also rained the day before we shot so it was muddy, critter-filled and holey! Need I say more?!
Have a question for Loren? Ask him in the comments below.
Leslie’s final design was The worst of the 3. Why did she win?
The blackboard??? Who wants to look at that? Just text me if you want to do something.
We could all learn a lot from Tom. I love his drawings, cannot believe how brilliant his final design was. Look how collaborative he was compared with irritating Leslie.
HDTV needs Tom. Hillary is young but amazingly gifted and I like her. Leslie , Meg…poor choices.
Hilari's final design challange was the most impressive. Hilari's personality was the most engaging. A show with Hilari as the host would pull in a large audience. I have watched the shows from the 2 previous design star winners (Meg and Danielle) and neither have held my interest. Please consider a show featuring Hilari
I never watched Meg or Danielle. I liked Antonio's personality in his series, but either it isn't on anymore or my schedule changed and I haven't seen it. The blond winner from a few seasons ago, whose name escapes me… had a good personality, but I hated her designs in almost all of her shows… Antonio, I expected not to like his series, but I loved it.
I like knowing how the decision was made, but… Hilary and Sparkle Josh were both such good personalities that I want them both to have shows… I have never been so impressed as I was with their personalities and moral character. Tom… grew on me… He seems sweet, but I would get bored with his style over and over again. Leslie… tried to get better, but her personality still bugged me even in the last episode and that made her camera challenges seem less real to me. They all were good designers – so to me, it is about who is likeable enough to actually watch.
I would neeeeeever watch Antonio–he was awful as a design star hopeful. His horrible attitude turned me off. I guess he had a few viewers besides Gen and Candice.
I can't believe he is still on.
Hilari should have won!!! I think it was rigged. I love Hilari, she is really a Star!!! She nailed her camera challenges and gave practical advice that people like me are looking for. What a bummer!!
I want Tom's container. Please let us know the paint colors used.
Hilari was robbed! I finally had the chance to sit down and watch the entire season on my DVR….Hilari was vivacious and entertaining. Her design was on-point, and her camera tips were spot-on. I am so confused and disappointed.
Leslie had a gimmick–the bed…okay…those pull out beds were pretty standard in my college dorm–nothing special. That chalkboard on the reverse side was also a staple in dorm decor…Frankly, her crate looked like a display for the IKEA catalog. Hilari's room and outdoor space was vibrant, airy, and relaxing…Hilari, you were robbed!
It'd' be great to have a list of the sources used to furnish the containers, as well as the paint colors used; thx!
I watch Design Star and when Hillari lost I was so disappointed and when I watch Design Star All-Stars, I knew she was going to be the winner and boy was I wrong. Reading all the other comments, I see that I am not alone in my feeling. She should have won, she has a eye for design and a great personality. I feel the judges made a mistake not once but twice.
Must say that the real tragedy here is that Dan did not prevail as all-star champ. The 3 remaining designer’s combined talent doesn’t even come close to Dan’s unique ability to transform a space with creativity and this natural design sense all while being incredibly captivating to watch. He had the entire package which is what the others lacked. His designs were amazing his personality charming and he brought something totally unexspected to the table which is why we all watch HGTV to get great ideas! I do believe there is something out there for him and am terribly disappointed that 1 poor color choice kept him from winning and us from gaining a truly talented HGTV star. Don’t give-up Dan!