Challenge 9: Meet Your New Design Star
The final two designers went head-to-head in the biggest Design Star challenge yet: making over a deserving family’s entire home. When the dust settled, Antonio and Dan stood before the judges one last time and a new Design Star was chosen.
Spoiler Alert! If you don’t want to know what happened, please don’t click through.
With 44 work hours and $50,000, the designers had to make over a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms.
Antonio worked with the Starr family to create a light, airy kitchen and an eclectic living room. Dark granite countertops provided the perfect contrast to the kitchen’s new white cabinets and blue-gray walls. In the living room, Antonio deconstructed a vintage armoire to create a one-of-a-kind fireplace surround.
The master bedroom’s most striking new feature was the bright green walls. In addition, he made the space more functional for the whole family with a seating area and workspace. For the kid’s room, Antonio used a bold wall treatment of red stars to set the stage and added a daybed and striped poufs for seating.
The Goldberg family wanted a fresh start and Dan achieved that by opening up the floor plan. In the kitchen, dark cabinets were combined with cashmere countertops and a bamboo stone backsplash for a contemporary new look. His color palette for the living room was inspired by the original color of the master bedroom: a lovely lilac. A neutral sectional and mirrored TV cabinet above the fireplace opened up the room, while chocolate drapes softened the crisp, white shutters.
In the master bedroom, Dan reoriented the layout of the bedroom by eliminating one window and designing built-ins around the bed’s headboard. The teen’s bedroom featured a fresh, young shade of purple that was highlighted by black and silver accents. The new bed provided plenty of storage underneath and even included a pull-out desk for Jackie to do her homework.
While both designers proved they could tackle a huge project and create beautiful rooms, there can only be one Design Star. Drum roll please . . . the next Design Star is:
Congratulations, Antonio!
Wow, terrible judging. Seriously HGTV? Why even have a last challenge when it was obvious that the judges and HGTV wanted Antonio all along. Completey biased judging. Rediculous.
You have to be kidding. Dan was an o.k. designer but he was also a liar and he lacked leadership and presence.
I have to agree…there seemed to be a bias this year. I cant believe Vern Yip didnt address the starkness of the boy's room and the lack of warmth in the master bedroom. Vern also likes Antonio's hosting, which I dont agree with—too rough around the edges. I cannot see myself watching Antonio's show. His designs left me cold. Dan showed much more creativity.
Judging was completely biased. Candice couldn't get enough of Antonio, who was offensive, and Genevieve was a know it all with such an attitude. I can't watch her show she is so bad and not very talented. HGTV execs obviously decided they needed a different personality to increase viewership. The decision wasn't based on talent. No more design star for me. I am done with it!
i'm so glad antonio won! finally – someone new and original to watch!
But he is talentless…. so…..
Someone boorish and disgusting you mean?
Dan should have won instead of Antonio, His designs where crapy. big mistake!
Yes, he's new and original, but would you allow him into your house? Anyone who greets me with a "Yo", has lost all credibility.
I agree! Antonio will bring a new ORIGINALLY approach to design from the ground; and frankly HGTV needs the boost! Great job Antonio – you have shown your design talent over all the others from day 1. Hey – not too many Man Caves now – we need some Girl Huts dude!
You can't make up your mind
DAN ANTONIO
Stop already
We know your NUTS
not really original – hgtv has had other "thuggish" hosts and their shows have been "cancelled" or relegated to "no viewer" time slots.
I know! I am excited to see his show!
Antonio is urban and fresh. HGTV needs some new spark, as their shows have become very homogenous. They've got a network to worry about, and Antonio put a solution right in their laps. Candice overuses "bling", Vern overuses candles, Kim Miles overuses homemade stuff made with screws, string and coke bottle tops in every room, Bromstad overuses orange as the main element, and I can't think of a thing Genevieve does wrong. And I still watch every episode of their shows. But Antonio will give HGTV a needed shot of adrenalin. Time for a new look to mix things up a bit. Hooray for variety!
AMEN! HGTV needs some spark
I absolutely agree! Dan was good, but come on he was way too predictable and yes Antonio is refreshing and his unorthodox stlye and hosting is brilliant! I will watch his special on Sunday!
Thank goodness that HGTV finally has some new talent!!! It is so refreshing to see a different style on the show!!! I am happy that Dan didn't win because I don't think I could listen to his giggling for much longer.
Dan totally got robbed! He has been the best from the beginning. I think it must have hurt him because he is too close to DAvid Bromstead, but a much better designer. Much more creative Will never watch his show. And, kim Miles from two years ago is crappy too. Don't know what they are thinking.
you're probably right about that. It's just what I was thinking.
Dan is extremely talented, obviously, but I guess they thought he was too close in style, etc. to David.
Too bad because Antonio is …. just not a lot of people's cup of tea.
Bummer for Dan but he'll go far. Don't write him off because he's super talented!
you are soooo right about Dan being like David i think he got robbed because of it and i wish Vern had been more determined against the women i watch Vern but i never watch the other judges and i won't be watching Antonio
I've been thinking all along that Dan is very much like a less experienced David Bromstad. That may have been why he lost. Antonio is certainly a distinct personality. I think on this particular episode it was almost even, until Antonio put up that Moroccan mantle piece. And yet, he balanced it out by going ahead and fixing the bathroom entry. But, as you look at the season, Dan should have won.
So, you said it. Dan is like David. Maybe that's what the judges saw as well. Important thing is what makes one good designer to shine above the rest. Originality, uniqueness….
I agree, he is very close to David Bromstead, who in my opinion is the only real design star. I am sorry for the other, I think is Kim and Jenifer. If they are designer I am a super designer. I am surprised than Candice Olsen, being the type of Designer she is, could think Antonio is good. I do not get that.
I think they felt it was time for a straight person to win something and that is the reason behind it.
DAN was not robbed! However, He did rob Torie……Check out episode 7 the backyard challege.
God does not like ugly. Antonio is by far the better man. I like his personality too.
Candice Olson is sooo in love with Antonio she makes me puke then I puke again.
I am disgusted with Candice, Vern, and Genevieve also. I can't believe Candice would lower herself to this level. What the "H" is going on??????? Dan was by far the best designer and his renovations were perfect other than a simple little top border on the backsplash that could have been easily done in minutes. His remake was very beautiful and very liveable. Antonios looked like a junk yard.
Let me guess… , housewife, suburbs, granite kitchen and a huge master bath. It is easy to go shopping and buy things off the showroom floor. We've all likely seen enough of these shows that we could reproduce the stock look even without the aid of a designer. The idea is to make us think creatively. Give the guy a shot. He'll do a great job. And don't worry, tattoos don't rub off on the furniture.
hahaha, Amen
She was FLIRTING with him on air. She voted to keep him on so she can jump his bones on set.
What are you…5 yrs old??
your just mad your favorite didn't win
Candice how does your husband feel after seeing Design Star and the way you acted?
You have so much talent, so then why?
Another program I will never again watch and yet one other "designer?" I will not ever watch on HGTV. He looks like a scrub I would be afraid to have in my home. He totally did nothing in the little boys bedroom except make a plywood bed and throw some stars on the wall. No effort at all! Y
Yeah, how is putting stars on the wall because the family is named Starr worthy of a professional designer? You're right Darla, no effort at all.
Totally agree. I could not believe that is all he could do. Poor kid.
I thought it was really a pretty smart design for a child that young, the early rugrat phase, lots of open floorspace to play, not a lot of clutter of furniture he will quickly grow out of.
you know you will watch
I wonder if the "Howard Cossell" effect will take place, where people tune in just to have something to complain about.
Yeah I use to love Candice but her obvious crush on Antonio..makes me think she is some kind of desperate housewife …..ewwwwww !!
I agree! And the bed in little boy Starr's room is nothing he can grow with. Mom and Dad can't even sit and read a story to him. No place for toys except on the floor. No diaper storage or place to change the boy. NOT FUNCTIONAL if you ask me!!! Will NOT watch antonio and am not watching Vern, Candice and Dear G. for a while. They compromised on their design integrity when they listened to producers and made this awful choice for a "design star."
stars for a boy really a bad choice
i agree totoly with you
Good luck with this…This has got to the poorest choice HGTV has ever made. Neither his designs or personality will inspire me to watch his show.
Poorest choice is an understatement!! They call him a designer?????? VERY DISAPPOINTED!!
Me too, and if anyone had pained my walls that gross green, I would make Design Star change them immediately.
Antonio is as bad as Kim Miles!
Much worse in my opinion.
I agree 100%!!!!
Absotively!!!!!! To look at him and listen to him makes my skin crawl!!!!! And they think I like having my skin crawl!
Why in the world are your bringing his looks into it? He's a handsome guy. Are you allergic to tattoos? Have you crawled out and visited the world lately?
I agree. I won't watch his show just like I don' watch Candices'. All Antonio did was move the bathroom…big deal. I bet the Starr's paint their bedroom first thing tomorrow morning! Her reaction was rehearsed and Mr. Starr had nothing to say because he knew he had work ahead of him!
You should have let US vote. Dan, I hope you read these and knoe that the majority of us wanted you to win! lk
I agree. This is the worst winner of all the years of DS.
Thank you for saying what everyone is thinking… Just a ploy to get a new personality on the show. Too bad it isnt one worth watching.
I agree with you 200%
I will not watch this show again. First Miles of Style (Not a good choice) and Antonio what in the world were they thinking???? He can't design, he can't work well in a group and has a horrid personality. Vern, I am really disappointed in you…Candace you should be ashamed, I do not consider the other "judge" worthy to be on TV much less judging other peoples design. You let everyone down, even yourself with that choice!
I agree with you Nancy! I won't watch this again. I thought Candace would have requires skill and design talent. Genevive in my opinion doesn't deserve her own show either. But I expected more out of Vern and Candace. This really wasn't fair.
AMEN to THAT !
It seems like your coment was the last one they're allowing to be posted. I've left two comments relaying my feelings ( Dan should've won), and nothing is showing up.
I soooo agree with you!
WOW I love all 3 judges…but today was not their best day…I assume that class and talent was not the agenda…they needed to glance at each piece of work side by side..pretty obvious…another year of the wrong choice.
Judgment was not based just on today's episode.
You got that right for sure.
Dan`s house was so thoughtful, and just the reaction of the 2 women should have made him the winner. I think he has gained in presense, too. Well, I hope some one else will pick him up, and I will watch that. I have given up on HGTV>
I agree. Dan would be worth watching as his designs were different. All Antonio had to do is make cut-outs and he wins. He repeated design concepts did nothing to make me watch for more
I agree with you 100%
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Finally someone who is his own man, and I mean man! Love you, Antonio, and looking forward to seeing your new show! Congratulations, you earned it!
Agreed!!!!!
So Summer, why don't you marry Antonio! y'all would make a great couple. His designs stinks. Dan have won the show.
"And I mean man!" Yeah, that wasn't homophobic at all.
I'll never watch his show. He bullied his way in to this and was rude. Lonni should have won. Wonder why the two white female judges never vote for another white female. I lost respect for Candice, she would have given it to Antonio weeks ago.
You are so right, Shelly! As a middle-aged white female, I was ashamed to watch her practically DROOL over him every week–and it only got worse as time went on. I hope she gets a talking to by the TV execs. It was unbelievable!
it figures you're a middle aged white female…
Not sure what you mean by that. But I'll choose to ignore your racist comment. What it comes down to is that she acted unprofessionally when placed in what should have been a professional situation, and there is no excuse for that. Don't get me wrong–I love her show. But her behavior was a complete disappointment.
Congrats Antonio. I will be watching YOUR show!
I really liked his use of color. Finally someone uses a shade of green that isn't that awful Martha Stewart chartreuse. Nice colors in the living room. Good call on the kitchen color too, he saw it wasn't working and was able to get it changed to something much better. I liked the idea of the starter gallery wall in the master bedroom, a great place for the family to add favorite photos over the years.
YAYYYYYY ANTONIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO MAN! FINALLY….SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN THE STANDARD BORING TYPICAL DESIGNER!!! For those that wanted Dan…keep watching David Bromstad…its the same!
Agree with you 100%! I can't wait to see what Antonio's show will be called…..perhaps "Straight Design" ? Nothing against gays, you understand, but it will be nice to see someone real like Antonio on HGTV, and he's nice to look at, too!
Dan is straight you moron, get a clue.
Dan is to straight as Antonio is to … I dunno … Japanese?
Homophobe.
how about doing a little research (as easy as google…) before making ill-informed comments? maskedman11105 is right about Dan (and you).
So if a designer is a "gay" as you so ignorantly call it, they can't be real? Get some perspective. Antonio being straight doesn't make him a man and it certainly won't make him become a better designer.
gay people are fake. didn't you know?
How do you know Antonio's straight? Maybe it's just his schtick.
U compare David to this person ??? u have no class——-when it comes to men——–
No, his show will be called, "No Design."
happen to love Bromstad – he's fab.
Bingo….on the Bromstad. Most of those commenting negatively about Antonio's work have never done remod's themselves including the intensive removing walls format.
Another big FYI people….Green is the color of the heart chakra. What a beautiful color to use in a master bedroom.
so what. It is also the color of ENVY and garden weeds. Chakras are so 1970's.
Total agree. David and ideas from other designers as well from the design star previous shows.
Antonio has show a lot of orginality.
David Bromstad is one of the best designers on HGTV-all that anyone will see on Antonio is the designs all over his body!!
David Bromstad is the worst winner ever. i sometimes tune in and have never liked anything he's done…. that winner was the fixed one.
Why are you talking about David Bromstad instead of Dan Vickery, he was on design star not David. who should have won.
Are you kidding???? David is genius!
U are right about this— thanks
This is crazy!
1. yes if you wanted Dan, watch Color Splash
2. why does sexual orientation matter?
3. The judges were obviously judging on many criteria, not just this challenge. Both were great, Dan may have won THIS challenge, but overall, they (and I) agree, all season long, Antonio had not only design sensibility, construction know how, common sense (remember the pergola fiasco), but character and THAT'S shat they were looking for.
So rest up little ones…Color Splash is coming on in a few.
Thank God for someone on here with a brain!
You pretty much summed it up.
Agree, comments got off track here, but Antonio is a carpenter. Designers hire them for their construction knowledge, but don't consult with them until the design concept is established. Antonio doesn't have it. I am a home-building professional and I absolutely see no value in anything Antonio produced. I am not interested in self-proclaimed design "talent", a home-grown version brings down the quality of HGTV's programming.
Dan's designs are not the same as Davids. People are just copying the previous comments; the power of suggestion goes a long way. Dan and David would design the same room very differently.
Does anyone remember how helpful Antonio was to Lonni on the white room challenge? And how he prevented the "rock design" fiasco Dan and Lonni were doing on the backyard? He has been helpful, and as for his personality, I think he's refreshing. They already have David, I don't think they wanted another designer like him. Am so glad Antonio is the new design star. Agree with your post.
Pete,
Sandy you are so right! If you think Dan should have won, watch David's show. Antonio deserve to win, his designs are new and exciting. He is a strong and confident host. Nice!
The fact that you are watching already, indicates that you must like the types of designs you see now. IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T TRY TO FIX IT!!!!
If by the same you mean, good design, then you're right. Isn't that what HGTV was supposed to be about. Oh well, I guess they're changing what they stand for. Time for me to tune in elsewhere.
hey, I happen to like David!
I get you man. Out side our first DS David, this guy is the only original personality. Quaility without boring or PC. Good on ya HGTV!
In other words, you're a homophobe.