Antonio Answers Your Questions
During the premiere of The Antonio Project this past Sunday, we chatted with Antonio live on Twitter and Facebook and gave everyone a chance to ask him questions. In case you missed it or just want to see his answers again, we’ve complied them all here for you. Enjoy!
Q: Do you have any tips for homeowners who want to buy fixer-uppers?
Antonio: 1. Do your homework 2. Get a reliable inspector 3. Be sure it’s a place you can love during the hard times of bringing it together. 4. Don’t buy a can…of worms. 5. Add 20-30% to your budget, anticipate going over!
Q: You’ve worked with photographer Annie Leibovitz…are you into photography too? Do you own any of her work?
Antonio: I love photography. I have collaborated with some of the best photographers as a set designer. Working with artists like Annie is what keeps me inspired. I don’t own any of her work, but I do own a LaChapelle
Q: Which other cast member from Design Star did you like working with the most?
Antonio: Jason and I bonded over the kitchen challenge. We are an unlikely pair but he kept me laughing. I’d be happy to work with him again.
Q: Has your life changed since winning?
Antonio: I’ve got a lot more friends on facebook and I got mobbed at Trader Joes. ha!
Q: Are you married? Any kids?
Antonio: Single, no kids. Just Chewie and I.
Q: Tell us about your dog, Chewie
Antonio: He’s an Olde English bull dog, also sometimes called a Victorian bull dog. He is a rescue
Q: Is Chewie named from Star Wars?
Antonio: Yes…not that I’m really into Star Wars. But he looks like Chewbaca!
Q: How do you want to respond to the people who want to congratulate you?
Antonio: To the people who are saying congrats: I am humbled by everyone’s support and I won’t let you down. I am going to bring it!
Q: What do you think was the most difficult part of this project to tackle?
Antonio: The most difficult part was opening up my life to everyone. Design is subjective. This is MY house and how I want it to be.
Q: How many tattoos do you have?
Antonio: Too many to count!
Q: What is your favorite tattoo?
Antonio: My last dog’s paw print, and the date of her passing. It’s on my rib
Q: Did Kathy Griffin slip you her phone number?
Antonio: LOL! No I haven’t talked to her since the challenge
Q: Any other celebs you have designed for or would like to?
Antonio: Doing set design, I have worked with almost every celeb in Hollywood. But I’d love to design something for Mickey Rourke.
Q: What was hardest Design Star challenge?
Antonio: Physically, the back yard. Mentally, the kitchen.
Q: And what was your favorite?
Antonio: The finale
Q: Any advice for aspiring set/prop designers?
Antonio: 1. Assist a great set designer 2. Get in anyway you can 3. Bust you’re a$&.
Q: Did you ever think you would be this adored?
Antonio: Um, am I really adored? I try to answer every email, sorry if it takes awhile. I appreciate every fan, and I’m going to work hard to do the best show i can.
Q: What is your fave color to use in design
Antonio: Hot pink!
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up
Antonio: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a musician and go on tour. Then I achieved that dream and had to come up with a new goal.
Q: What is your suggestion for helping the average homeowner pick the right color for a room
Antonio: Get plenty of samples, paint swatches, and check it out at different times of the day. Plus if you want custom, you can mix your own paints.
Q: Are your friends going to be a regular part of your show? Or just this special?
Antonio: I want to involve everyone I know because these are the people that inspire me to do what I do.
Q: Talk about Connor from the kid’s room challenge, he’s so cute!
Antonio: Connor and I are buddies for life. Conner is amazing. His older sister sent me a video of him with tattoos and a bandana on his head. It is hilarious.
Q: Any advice for an aspiring 14- yr old interior designer?
Antonio: When I was a kid, I redid my room once a month. Try it, it’s good practice. Think outside the box and don’t be intimidated. Do your own thing.
Q: Love all your shirts! WHERE do you find these?!?!
Antonio: My t-shirts are from my friend’s bands, friend’s motorcycle shop. Also I have a bunch from my buddies at supreme, www.supremenewyork.com
Q: What’s your ethnic background. Where are you originally from?
Antonio: I’m 100% Italian. Born in NYC
Q: What are some of your fave TV shows?
Antonio: No Reservations and Six Million Dollar Man
Q: What do you mean when you say “recon”
Antonio: Recon is short for reconnaissance, a preliminary survey to gain information
Q: Did you get in trouble for the turkey incident in the grocery store?
Antonio: Um…kinda. LOL
Q: Do you really not have a living room? Where do you watch TV?!
Antonio: The house was 800sf when I bought it. I put a 1000sf addition on it which includes a TV room/den. We just didn’t focus on that part of the house in the show. I love my TV room/Den. It’s where I keep my record and book collection along with my big flat screen.
Q: Where did you get the throne?
Antonio: I got it at a store in Hollywood on Melrose and Larchmont
Antonio's design really reflected him to a "T ". Terrible, Tacky, Tremendous Ego, He would do good on
designing " Hells Angels " " Bikers homes " Not real people. Different is good, but not when a star has th
appearance and designs of " Hobos " I think that designs for "bagladies " would be right right up his ally.
Just be honest now, who on any TV show looks and treats their costars like he does??? I will never watch
his show, once was enough for me. HGTV judges you picked a lemon this time.
Linda, since when are bikers not "real people"? Just because they're not mainstream, doesn't mean they're not real! lol
Reasl bad at design, same as Antonio.
Then don't watch… who cares!
I must say the bathroom was traditional and kitchen was nice. At least the crazy stuff is easily removable.
Sure, anyone can let Antonio defile their house, and then you can burn it down, for the sake of humanity.
watched the show .. the kitchen was really elegant ..
..and some are not
people being negative !.. everyone has diferent tastes..
thats why crayola has so many colors..
what I like but there are many more to choose from ..
the same .. if you
dont like Antonios style .. watch something else jeje ~
many of the soldiers fight for our country have tattoos ..and are great men~!
It is not his tattoos, personal appearance, mumbling voice, lack of taste that annoys me. I would forgive all of that, if he just had any design talent, but he has NONE! Don't let the attendant take away your crayolas!
I love tattoos, I believe they are hot, but not a substitute for talent.
What gets me is that some of these people who have absolutely no manners whatsoever just keep going on and on, repeating themselves…like a parrot, or a broken record attacking Antonio supporters…"you're a slob! you're an idiot! you're trashy!" etc etc etc And what's even more bizarre? They are monitoring any and every positive comment…..their hands are probably literally trembling, hoovering over the keyboard….ready to strike at the moments notice! They're doing….RECON…on any positive remark! And if you remark on their remark…you're going to keep going back and forth with them and the attacks will become more personal and uglier. It's unreal…I've never seen anything like this before…*shakes head*
some people fight
for the light
the spot that is
better to avoid poster: dpisme
the proof is in the name and the posts
cannot rationalize
despise
it is within the poster
it is a Fact
Nita & denjo, I agree! It's really unbelievable how low some of these posters go with their insults of Antonio and his supporters. And then they have the nerve to call him low class when what they're doing is as low class as it gets. I've heard it said that the definition of insane is when someone keeps doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome. So that would explain some of these trollers who keep spewing their negativity again and again, expecting the outcome of Design Star to change. They're insane, plain & simple…and the more they post, the more insane they appear. But you're right, denjo, you can't rationalize with an insane person. It's best to just let the poor, wretched creatures wallow in their misery and insanity. In the meantime, the rest of us will have a life! lol
denjo, i have absolutely loved every post or response you have given. you are like humorous sanity to the insane repetitive and hateful "spewage" …and a bit of a poet if i may add
…that to me keeps these blogs somewhat grounded. and you're absolutely right…it is the (negative) spotlight that they are so desperately fighting for…and they are getting it.
so thank you for being you…you're awesome
*now i'll just sit back and…. wait for it…wait for it….* lol
Pain meds talking again denjo? I think you are more coherent when you are "toughing it out."
I thoroughly agree with you, Nita. If these people aren't happy, they should just leave him alone & forget about him, not attack every nice thing somebody says to him.
Exposing stupidity and bad design are what I live for. Pure Altruism! Just doing my public service for the betterment of humanity.
what would be better dpisme (does that stand for dispise me????) if for you find something else to do with your life…than bash someone you don't even get….Sad for you.
Exposing design frauds such as Antonio and HGTV makes me happy!
while being a menace to society?
"Pure Altruism"!
indeed
MUAH! brilliant as always
thank you denjo
Honest, brilliant, hard working, well read, detail oriented just some of my virtues. Oh! That's right! Society has declined to the point, that current socially accepted hypocrisy, deems those virtues menacing.
dpisme
I think you have mistaken what we (them, me, not you) consider wrong
Never doubted your Person,
Nor your abilities
Merely your thoughts and why it of so importance to be heard
Do doubt yourself ?
Your voice has been heard
Repetitiveness grows tiresome
And more often dismissed
My criticisms of HGTV and brain dead Antonio supporters, are all in defense of the field of design. If it seems repetitious, then it because a lot of people can't read!
"we" couldn't agree more!
Now you have scared me!
oh good! will you leave now?
NO!
That may be because we are angry that HGTV faked the finale. The whole thing was staged, that is why they did not let America vote. We did get a chance to vote and we elected Dan. Antonio is a good "designer" in his own way, but not certainly the next design star, at least not the one America loves.
Well, lets just say this….no one is talking about Dan. For all of those sour grape, nay sayers, too bad for you…Antonio is the real thing. He's an exquisite artist and his imagination is boundless. What impressed me the most in all the competitions, was his ability to stay on track, on time and on budget. He was the only one that new exactly what they were doing and how to get it done….Dan, not so much and Dan is a dime a dozen….cookie cutter designer. Nice guy…But as they say…NIce guys finish last. I'd have Antonio do my design and I'd have full confidence that the job would be exciting, efficient and done right. Besides the fact, you can see that through the tough tattoed exterior is a big mush ball. (not meatball) With a huge heart and the world is going to fall in love with him as so many of us have already.
HEY! Antonio is an ok guy. I'm happy for him. But this blog is about ANTONIO, not Dan, so of COURSE nobody's talking about him. That's what HIS blogs are for & Antonio fans are still over there bringing Dan down! I'm glad that Dan's fans are, for the most part, taking the high road & not complaining about him on ANTONIO's blog. But I want to talk to you about your assessment of Dan. He may be an attractive guy, but not cookie cutter. & not all nice guys finish last. Dan should have as equal an opportunity as Antonio because of his talent.
Yes, yes, your design might be 'exciting', but I wouldn't go so far as to call Antonio's designs 'efficient and done right'. Did you watch the last challenge? First of all, even Candice was afraid of that 'fireplace' catching the whole house on fire. How's putting a wooden cabinet above fire considered 'done right'? And the chairs were low and looked like they'd be hard to get out of. Then, in the kids' room, he managed to give the mother a good test of endurance: to see how long she could hold out sitting on that box to read to her kid. And then he went ahead and ripped out the sinks in the master bedroom, changing it from two to one! That was terrible! The husband looked like he was about to cry! Definitely not what comes to my mind when I think of 'efficient and done right'.
In that last challenge, Dan's rooms were smaller and he still managed to put more use to the space. I'm pretty sure he 'knew what he was doing and how to get it done'.
Yes, yes, his designs might be 'exciting', but I wouldn't go so far as to call Antonio's designs 'efficient and done right'. Did you watch the last challenge? First of all, even Candice was afraid of that 'fireplace' catching the whole house on fire. How's putting a wooden cabinet above fire considered 'done right'? And the chairs were low and looked like they'd be hard to get out of. Then, in the kids' room, he managed to give the mother a good test of endurance: to see how long she could hold out sitting on that box to read to her kid. And then he went ahead and ripped out the sinks in the master bedroom, changing it from two to one! That was terrible! The husband looked like he was about to cry! Definitely not what comes to my mind when I think of 'efficient and done right'.
In that last challenge, Dan's rooms were smaller and he still managed to put more use to the space. I'm pretty sure he 'knew what he was doing and how to get it done'.
I didn't see any imagination in Antonio's "work,' and to say he is an exquisite artist is ridiculous, but the the point you and so many others are missing is that design is a science, not an art! That is something that Antonio can't do. Mathematical precision and attention to detail, are hardly his strong points, and even his most optimistic supporters could not disagree, without looking even stupider than they are. Falling in love with him? How many exs do you have?
As an artist I must say I disagree with your charming assessment. In the art world, Antonio would be considered the dime-o-dozen.
I love his dog. Course, I like most dogs better than I like people
there r alot of people who would agree with you spiket
Antonio 4 sure
he wears it well
dog is mans' best friend
always constant
Even Antonio's dog probably has more design talent than Antonio!
it will come
& it will go
with time
in time
it will come
& it will go
sit back Nita
remember
"silence"
"silence." Try it denjo!
Hey denjo! The cursor accidentally triggered your little biography. So, you are a psychologist! I knew you were some kind of phony! Admit it denjo, you were the typical psych student, that took up the subject, to find out what was wrong with you, before anyone else found out, but failed in that hopeless endeavor! Nothing to be ashamed of! You were just TOO self-conscious. Think you can take me on with psych B.S., have at it! Hahahahahaha!
Dpisme,
You are the nastiest ass alive. Where do you shop for your designs – Trolls R US?
Your continual inability to deal with reality, is truly amazing. Your lack of cognitive abilities is so severe, that you are unable to tell the difference between nastiness and a higher life form? Where do I shop for designs? Well you have gotten to the crux of the matter! Being a REAL DESIGNER, I create designs.! I don't shop for them! Non-designers and inferior decorators shop! Shopping is for silly non-talents, such as you and that fraud Antonio.
OK. Now that you claim to be of a higher life form: Where can we see your work? On which program have YOU been on? Which gallery or store can we find your designs? OR – are these ramblings the product of rejection from one design show after another because you failed the pyschological tests for sanity? You really need to seek help with your OCD issues.
From what I see on HGTV, the test they are giving to qualify for any of their shows is proof of low intelligence and lack of sanity.
for me, seeing is believing and I am open-minded
even offered dpisme to share her/his designs with me privately via my personal email
perhaps he/she wishes to keep her/his anonymity
which BTW, I totally respect and expect in return
so where can we view the work of dpisme who claims "Design is my Life" , yet still allow his/her right to privacy, excuse me, anonymity?
how about RATE MY SPACE?
dpisme, do you have any photos in the RATE MY SPACE gallery?
since you repeatedly tell us, HGTV is not about Real Design, you must surf this website for something, do you not?
if you haven't a gallery, why not create one and let the HGTV audience know what Real Design looks like
no one here has called you a liar about "Design is my Life"
but as I said, seeing is believing
and RATE MY SPACE would be the perfect forum for you to remain anonymous and allow us to view your work(s)
that is fair, is it not?
what do u say?
I started surfing this website, in outrage at the Design Star Fraud. Saw my opportunity to truly inform the viewers of HGTV, as to what was really going on, and have done so. As I have told you before, I am not going to put myself in the position of being accused of trying to get free publicity for myself, by posting here. It is what HGTV is waiting for, psychologically speaking. (you're supposed to know that denjo) My anonymity is protecting my integrity. Never looked at the Rate MY Space gallery. Perhaps when Antonio's show fails miserably, then I shall consider it.
dpisme,
there are MANY Professional designers on Rate My Space
several include the name of the company in which they conduct business
as I said, RMS is the perfect forum for you to upload your work, still remain anonymous, and allow us to see what Real Design looks like.
why not put photos up under your poster name: dpisme? As I'm certain that is not your real name.
what do you say to that?
One other thing I'm curious about.
We've all heard how you think HGTV does not know Real Design, and that you didn't care for neither Antonio, or Dan. So why is it you choose to vent here, on Antonio's blog rather than Dan's? Afterall, Dan has a much Bigger fan following.
Wouldn't you want your opinion(s), view(s), to reach a broader audience?
Just curious.
Ok that was completely rude & uncalled for. You need to back off and find a new hobby besides bashing people.
Telling the truth is not bashing people, it is just telling the truth. Truth is neither rude nor uncalled for. in fact truth is necessary. And, yes, telling the truth is my advocation, hobby if you will.
he/she (dpisme) cannot help themselves (being rude)
Love the hypocrites who believe honesty is rude.
You're probably right because he/she suffers from a myriad of mental problems.
It's so sad too.
"it" really is….
Superior intelligence is a mental illness to you? That means you are stupid.
no you have a mental illness…and it is NOT having superior intelligence….
Antonio
I am so pleased you won Design Star. My wife and I thought you had something special right from the start and as each episode unfolded, that special something was evident. Your designs, your passion, and your perseverance is apparent in your work, your character, and personality.
I appreciate Anyone who dares to be different, because they travel the untraveled path to make their own mark.
I look forward to your show.
Congratulations!
All the Best to You
You Deserve It!
Yes, Antonio had that special something, the knowledge that HGTV and its Sponsors, hand picked him to "win" Design Star in advance of the show. That special something allowed him to be as different as he wanted to be, in a untalented, non-designer way, without fear of being eliminated by the judges bought and paid for by HGTV. Yes Antonio had amazing advantage over the other "contestants" in this falsely advertised "design contest." I look forward to HGTV being the laughing stock , of cable TV, as Antonio is among REAL DESIGNERS.
I must have watched a different show than the Antonio fans watched because the Antonio Project I watched was not a design star show. In my opinion HGTV wanted and needed new viewers so they picked Antonio for people who are on a budget, or don't make much money to show how to design their homes. It's a good show for that purpose and Antonio is the person.
HGTV and Antonio are showing people how to waste money on bad design.
WOW! Alot of the Antonio bashing has gotten ugly and personal. I understand the people who really thought Dan was a better designer being disappointed, but the attacks on Antonio are really harsh. He was just a guy trying to win, too. Personally, I think Antonio was a more mature designer and was DIFFERENT and that is why he won.
Antonio is 40 years old he should be mature, unfortunately he isn't mature, neither as a person nor as a "designer," since a designer, he is not! And, I didn't like Dan!