Sep
8
David’s Vlog: Lay Off Dan’s Giggling
See what David thought about the final three designing celebrity homes.
See what David thought about the final three designing celebrity homes.
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I'm not an Antonio fan and had problems with his color choice – it was daring and probably supposed to be envigorating but to me, was grating. I can't imagine working surrounded by those two colors. I know this may sound ridiculous, but it also clashed with Kathy G's hair, which is striking. She didn't look good in her own office. Since he built desks they could have been more interesting, maybe curved for privacy and visual interest.____But, even though I didn't anticipate it…his room was better than Lonni's.__The grass wallpaper with the print was great, but the walls next to it also grass was bland. If she'd painted the adjoining walls a deeper color and papered the facing wall it would have worked. As is, it looked blah. Even if the headboard had been finished it would have been lost on the patterned wall. It was a georgeous piece of wood, but didn't work against that ultra-strong print on texture. it was too much of too many good things. Sorry Loni, I was really pulling for you, but yours was the weakest of the 3 designs.____All that said, it was great to FINALLY see them get a chance to design instead of just panic and bicker.
Oops…I didn't mean to post this here. It was meant for the other blog, but due to computer hang up, it seems to have posted here on David's Blog.
But since it did. I think all 3 were great. But Loni's didn't play as well on camera, I think.
Yes, Antonio is not good at color at all. I hated the purple against Kathy's hair, and with the black furniture, it looked like Halloween, imagine working in that enviroment day after day…yikes!
When I watch HGTV, I want to see excellence. Color Splash is consistently excellent as is Divine Design. I have read others ask "Where is the DESIGN?" Well, where is the DESIGNER this season? Originality, imagination, confidence, leadership, humor–no one seems to have the whole package. Good luck in the finals.
An interior designer who wears bad plaid flannel shirts–an oxymoron.
You are 100% right!
Dan should have left when he ordered that 10K gazebo/trellis!! Sure anyone could do that you just have to have the money. HGTV is about inspiring the homeowner not to buy something that's over priced and didn't even make a statement in the yard!!!!
They canceled the original pergola that was ordered by Both Dan and Antonio. It had seating and an arbor. The one shown on the program cost half that price. They edited the program to make it look like going over budget was Dan's fault.
If purchasing things instead of building them is the criteria for being sent home, then last week all four of them should have been sent home. They made nothing! And talking about the pergola and ignoring the almost $5k sandbox with a cover 'playhouse' is just as ridiculous. They could have built it better for 1/5th of the cost. And Lonnie did say $10K, Antonio said $10K and Antonio helped pick it out.
I completely agree. Why in the world would the judges keep a designer who went 100+ percent OVER budget, plus the fact one of them said the pergola did not even go well in the yard? The fact they kept Dan makes me very suspicious of this whole process. I will be very surprised if Dan does not win, as I think he (unfairly) is for whatever reason (his pecs? his twinkling eyes? NOT his design, for sure) the judges or producers' favorite. I think Lonni consistently turned in excellent design and the fact she was unfairly penalized for her CONTRACTOR's mistake also makes me suspicious. This "reality" show is not for real.
Huh? Where you been living, or have you just not heard – the pergola issue was fixed by the entire team. Dan was not the only person buying the pergola either, as some people seem intent on believing despite having seen with their own eyes Antonio shopping & buying too…don't know what that momentary blindness is about, Antonio was definitely there and knew the price tag. So according to your reasoning, both Dan AND Antonio should have gone home for the budget overage which would leave Torie and Lonni to compete.
But wait, there's more! What we saw was not the $10,648 pergola ordered. It was an extremely scaled back version of the order which cost just $5500. That's right, the budget fiasco was corrected. Which means neither Dan nor Antonio should have gone home, by your logic, and now all four challengers are back on an even footing in the competition.
Sadly, however, the team was still over budget by $5000. They used every cent of the $25,000 budget PLUS the $5000 that Clive gave them. Torie, Lonni, and Antonio all shopped and spent more money, however since Dan had no other hand in any of the other purchases to be the reason for the budget overage of $5000, this leaves the other three designers holding the bag. So now we see, by the reasoning you've given us, that Torie, Antonio, and Lonni should have been sent packing and Dan would remain the winner. Yay! Meet your new Design Star.
I agree with Clarissa, Dan should have gone instead of Torie. I guess you guys at HGTV need another
male designer. There are more WOMEN. David and Designed to Sell and Rate My Space have males
who do a very good job. If I were paying for that yard and he spent that much on the gazebo, I'd fire him,
and I think Antonio is bossy and stirs up trouble. And this is not about Design Star, but do we have to
see House Hunters 15 times a day? Good show, but way over-exposed.
Dan took responsibility for the $5k overspent. Tori was supposedly the "team leader" and flatly said in the green room she refused to take any responsibility for it. As team leader, she should have been in command of the finances and known where every penny was being spent or overspent. That was my take on why Tori was sent packing. Team leaders and their teams need to communicate clearly.
Then Antonio should have gone with him because he was also in on ORDERING the danged gazebo! Go back and listen to it, clean lines/modern is what Antonio kept muttering.
BUT….Antonio also cleared w/the dealer that the dealer would come out the next day w/the final price, and the team could accept or reject. Antonio then also told Dan that that would work because the grils would be there and could have input on it. That's an important little detail, don't you think?
Had that happened, I suspect that that particular gazebo would never have been built because the discrepancy in the money would have been discovered..
Yes, and knowing that the contractor was coming they all left to do even more shopping. Coincidence? or Set up?
Check the comments for last week's show. The gazebo fiasco was fixed but edited out of the show. The $10,000 gazebo was replaced with the $5,500 one that was actually installed. The fact that they were still over budget had nothing to do with the gazebo. You're right, Ally, Antonio refused to own up to his part in the whole gazebo fiasco and should have been booted out for lying.
YES! This is absolutely true!
They need to replace Vern as a judge with David.
Vern is a bit twerpy in some of his more unkind remarks and frankly most of his designs are rather predictable. Nice, yes, very nice but so is Pottery Barn… I think criticism is valuable but snide and snarky comments are not. bleh, Vern…be nice. or we won't believe you are really as nice as you SEEM on your own nice show. David would be a breath of fresh air but he's still sorta new to TV so maybe there is a hierarchy protocol??
Vern is one of the best at what he does, Judge, & Proven Designer in his own right. David is Great Designer and we received his thought in his Vlog. Thanks David.
David, I am with you all the way this week. Antonio should have went home and Lonni and Dan should be down to the wire next week. I am still very much for Dan to win. I really liked what Lonni has done also. Dan is the best. Hope he gets it!
Guest, correct grammar: ….should have GONE home. Not went. One can say he went home but never say he should have went home, no no no. He should have gone home is the correct way to say this… especially if you are in the public view. cringe
Ohhh that is a fab idea!!!
agree
*GASP!* I love Vern. I wish he came in a pocket-sized version so I could have him on hand at all times.
I have never been a fan of Candace. I'm sure she's a very lovely human being, but everything about her TV persona rubs me the wrong way; hair, clothes, voice, and ultimately, design style.
Vern is a pocket size version…….
Oh my gosh, if I could have any room done by anyone…other than David, it would be Candice…love her.
Amen to that! What does anyone see in his personality? Stiff, impersonal and a little mean. Not telegenic at all. He may be a great guy, but that is not what comes across on telecasts. Ugh!
yah…get rid of Vern, he's soooo annoying and stuffy
Heck NO!!!! I didn't like many of the things that David had to say in his blog, so I know I wouldn't like him as a judge, because he seemed to have something against Antonio, and showed favor toward Dan!
I believe that Antonio is the best designer. He is a fresh face in the world of design stars that they have out there now. He is his own person and he has not changed his ethics and opinions at all. He also has the leadership skills. While alot of these people just sat back and left him lead. I did not see any of them challenging him much. Most seemed stuck in the same cookie cutter styles that we all have seen before.
I really hope Antonio wins. I will be watching his shows as faithfully as I watch all of David’s “COLOR SPLASH” shows.
The giggling that Dan does is just nerves I know that, but it still annoys me.
Kim, I hope Antonio doesn't win.
Antonio may be at good restoring homes but he is not a designer.
Nope! Dan is the Designer here. Sorry you are wrong! But do I sound a little like Antonio to you?
I think he needs to try the movies.
Yes, Antonio did want the gazebo, but not for $10000! It was a plain gazebo. What the yard lacked, was balance. The gazebo was a bit small for the yard I think. I don't think Dan has been strong the whole time, but Antonio has been awesome consistently. I'd hire him! I'm alittle turned off by the tatoos, but I'd must rather see him win than Dan.
Check your facts. HGTV clearly shows them shopping together for the gazebo. They both knew the estimated cost was around $10,000. The only thing they didn't have was a FIRM FINAL COST. No way did they walk away from that store without knowing a ballpark figure of what it would cost them and they both THOUGHT there was $10,000 to play with, not $5,000.
Plus, what we saw wasn't what those guys ordered, that was the scaled back version. The original was to be "raised, with steps and railings, built in furniture, and a complimentary arbor that was to be positioned at one end of the pool". Not the final product we saw, right? That's cause HGTV edited out the budget issue that was fixed by the entire team. Final cost for final product we saw: $5500.
But Torie was still in need of all the cash Clive gave her. So at some point she was literally $10,000 over budget. The so-called pergola budget fiasco, not such a fiasco in the end.
Both Dan and Lonni have commented regarding the very odd editing choices made for the show. You should check 'em out: idahopress.com/blog/diydiva
Cara, you are correct. They were $5,000 over budget AFTER the pergola was exchanged for the cheaper one. Lonni did not over spend. Dan over spent by $500. Antonio and Torie were responsible for the other $4,500 budget overage. But neither owned up to it.
If the pergola was scaled down to the $5000 price, then how is Antonio responsible? It seems to me that would be Tori's responsibility. She did most of the shopping.
Each person had things they were responsible for buying, either as part of a team or individually.
The $5000 budget overage was NOT due to the pergola. If they had not exchanged the pergola they would have been $10,000 overbudget.
Actually, only $500 of the budget overage was due to the pergola, because they spent $5,500 on it when Torie had budgeted for $5,000. Dan took responsibility for that $500 overage. Lonni did not go over budget on the things she was responsible for buying. Torie went over budget on what she went responsible for buying. Antonio also went over budget on things he was responsible for buying, such as fencing and concrete.
Everyone talks about the $10000. what about the $4700.00 for a swing set
Unfortunately that gets lost in all the carping about Dan bungling the budget with the pergola. Either people don't read the blogs, the interviews, or they simply don't believe the truth staring them in the face.
Did you see all that high dollar top quality bamboo? They could have gone to the greenery station of any supermarket and picked up regular hardy bamboo for a less than a tenth of what they spent at that nursery. $4400 for plants only, not the rocks, not the sod that was laid, not the mulch…just plants. It was a big yard, sure, but cheaper options were available so that they could make their money stretch farther.
Antonio is a pig.
Don't you have anything intelligent to add?
Antonio is not HGTV material. All the designers are gorgeous people and he doesn't fit. So what if Dan took off his shirt. When I am doing yard work, I tend to dress as little as possible. If I was a guy I would gladly take off my shirt. So what if Dan giggles. Angelo does too and he looks goofy doing it but it is his signature. Lonni is a good designer but takes on more than she can handle. I hope Dan wins. He has HGTV STYLE!
So because you don't think Antonio is "gorgeous", he doesn't fit in? Wow, that's kind of rude and judgmental.
I think Antonio is the only one isn't a copy of someone else. Dan is clearly a copy of David and Lonnie has reminded me of Jennifer (last season's winner) all season.
Lonni's designs are much, much, much, more elegant and beautiful without going over the top. Have you seen Jennifer's new show "Paint Over"? Her design work is horrible!!
Also, Antonio's work is not original creative design work. It is construction, store purchases designed by someone else, and stickers not even organized properly. All he does is position them the way HE wants them.
So, you have to gorgeous to be a host on HGTV??? Man, how discriminatory is that!!! Antonio is doing things completely different than any design star contestant that I have seen on this show. He is not copying anyone that I can see. Also, I think that Antonio can bring great design to people who don't have big pocketbooks to do a room makeover. I love DB and don't believe he needs to have a copycat designer, although I would find it hard to believe that anyone could be better than he is. Divine Design and Color Splash are my two favorite shows, but they work with big budgets too. I believe Antonio has some insight on how to work with lower budgets and come out with a winner every time. Just my opinion, however
In Antonio's bio, he states one of his favorite shows is Design on a Dime, so I think he could be good with creative, low budget solutions.
That's bologna!!!!! Not everone wants or even likes pink birds. I just don't feel he has anything to offer, nothing that any one of use can't already do. Sorry just don't happen to agree. If he wins will not watch…just like jen from last year…nothing there either.
Wow…well, while we're at it, why don't we ban all designers who are over size 2, over age 35 who don't have either blond or brunette hair because God forbid that someone who doesn't fit the mold should appear on TV.
Antonio dies TWO OTHER SHOWS FOR HGTV!!!!! Design on a Dime and Divine Design (with Candice Olson who is one of the judges!!!!!
Antonio does NOT work for HGTV, please try to read properly and stop perpetuating this myth! Those are his professed favorites shows on HGTVs network. How do we know? Because it's listed that way! See below:
FAVORITES {Antonio Ballatore}
COLOR: Flat black, hot pink and fluorescent green
SCENT: Napalm in the morning
MUSIC: Metal, punk rock and outlaw country
FOOD: Healthy organic, Vietnamese and Italian
MAGAZINE: Rolling Stone, Dwell, Bon Appetit, Dazed and Id
MOVIE: The Jerk
TV SHOW: Rock of Love
ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE: The kitchen and bedroom
ROOM TO DESIGN: Bathroom
THING IN YOUR HOME: A jackalope, art, old records, guitars, collection of oddities and books
HOBBIES: Cooking
VACATION DESTINATION: Southeast Asia and Italy
HGTV SHOW: Divine Design and Design on a Dime
I want Dan to win but if Antonio wins I won't be angry either. They both have unique design and presentation styles. I think HGTV is not looking for another design show, but for something new and fresh and both designers could bring that to the table. I honestly think that Dan is more versatile as evidenced in this week's design but Antonio strikes me as the kind of person who can construct and build really well. It'll be interesting to see who's finally crowned.
Everyone's poking at Dan's giggles and says absolutely nothing about the design. Yes, he's nervous in front of the camera. Go back and watch Design Star 1 – that was David's biggest hurdle too.
I thought Dan's room was too jam packed with furniture. I question him placing the the TV over the changing table and putting those two chairs in the from the changing and TV…he was essentially treating the changing table as a console and I thought the furniture arrangement should had been more functional for a parent's and baby's needs. Can you imagine trying to carry the baby across the room from the crib to the changing table? It would be like walking through a maze! Imagine trying to get around the furniture with a crying kid in your arms. Also, babies sleep all day and all night, so why would you want a tv in there at all? Even if you want it in there for your guests or mom a) the guest bed is at an angle where viewing is not optimal b) the light and sound from the TV may keep the baby up. I liked the mobiles but a darker ceiling color would have highlighted them more.
Also, the giggling distracted me from what he was trying to articulate about his design. Watching or listening to nervous people makes me uncomfortable. Sorry. I work with a woman who can't get a sentence out without laughing so a conversation which should last 5 minutes ends up taking 20 minutes of my time!
The nursery wasn't JUST a nursery, though. It was a multi-functional space as requested by the clients. Beach themed, nursery, toddler playroom for sibling, AND still a guest bedroom. That's what they wanted and that's what they got.
It wasn't a maze, please. There were two chairs and a small ottoman with walking spaces between and around each.
So where, in the floor space would you put the TV, that ostensibly is there for the parents, sibling, or guest to watch? Which wall, and how not to make it look disjointed from the rest of the room? Would you prefer the trundle bed against that wall…well that doesn't make sense, space wise. What about moving the nursing chair to under the tv and putting the changing table where it's at…well, I guess that sight would compete with the other boob tube. How about moving the changing area to the mirror wall…but then the mirror would be moved to the tv wall and block that out complete.
Hmmm, I'm all outta ideas. I think the planning was excellent and met all the needs the Preistleys had requested.
i just wanted to mention that fact. David was bad than with the camera, now he is so relaxed and comfortable. i think that is the easier part to master. And yes, David giggles too…. so does Candace and the others.
Now about the design: Non of the candidates are fantastic, but Dan has more originality. Antonio's work were flat, and boring. The kids room was horrible!!!!! ! He said by himself, that he is a set builder, does not know much about color! I am so surprise Candice likes his arrogant style! The only positive motion what i liked about him the handshake with Dan, when Clive announced the final two.
I also remember David being uncomfortable in front of the camera, but this certainly didn't take away from his talent as a designer, and didn't stop me from voting for him just as I have Dan. I simply could not watch a design show with Antiono on it. He is better suited on a demolition squad, sorry but he is too in your face. He doesn't listen to the clients, would I pay to have someone design something for me and it be what they wanted in the end? Heck no, Antiono must go….
Dan has NO DESIGN schooling or experience and NO TALENT NOW!!!