Antonio Ballatore, Design Star
HGTV Design Star 4 winner Antonio Ballatore has a new show — The Antonio Treatment — that you’ll be able to sneak-peek at 1/12c on New Year’s Day.
Our New York interns, Sarah Garza, Katherine Whelan and Eliza Grosovsky, got an early look at the show and got to interview Antonio. Lucky gals! Here’s the rundown:
The one-hour show is packed with the cool vibe that Antonio is known for. Now joined by his dog, Chewie, and a team of guys just as crazy as he is, Antonio is even more fun to watch and — oh yeah — his designs rock, too!
And now for the interview….
10 Questions With Antonio Ballatore
1. What instance in your life plays the biggest role in your design aesthetic? I think my whole childhood influenced my design aesthetic. When I was a kid, I used to rearrange my rock posters and furniture once a month. Both my mother and father were artists, we had 3 art studios and a house filled with crazy antiques, art and artifacts. Growing up in such an artistic house, from day 1 I was taught to color outside the lines, not be afraid to be different and to take chances with art.
2. Who is the coolest person you’ve ever designed a room for? David LaChapelle/Hotel LaChapelle
Red bedroom by Antonio Ballatore
3. When did you realize you wanted to be a designer? I don’t really think of myself as a designer but as a creator of cool things, whether it’s cars, spaces, music or art.
4. What was your first design job? I think it was helping out my dad when I was 10, doing a Macy’s Christmas window display in NYC.
5. What is your favorite show on HGTV? House Hunters International, Divine Design and Holmes on Homes.
6. What is your favorite website? I Want Your Skull, Axes Of Heavy Metal, Cicciolina
7. Who do you think has the biggest influence on design trends in America? I really don’t follow trends, so I can’t exactly speak to who influences them. I hope this isn’t just a trend, but I do love anything green, sustainable and recycled.
8. What is the one piece of furniture you would die for?
9. What is the one thing EVERY living room should have?
10. If you could choose one person (dead or alive) to design one room for, who would that person be and what would that room look like? A KISS stage show in 1978.
I thought he was the wrong choice on the show. His attitude is obnoxious as is he. He has no talent. What were you people thinking? I am looking forward to seeing the #2 runner up's show.
amen to that sister! Dan outshined his all the way and his great attitude to help others and encourage people just blessed me. Antionio on the other hand annoyed me and his self-centered attitude just made me so MAD. He (Antionio) thinks he is all that… boy is he off there!! can't shand this sorry excuse for a new show . I didn't watch HGTV for sometime when Dan lost. His rooms in the final house were fantastic, compared to that mess Antionio produced… I would have made HGTV redecorat my entire home if Antionio touched it. Get real HGTV we don't like or want this untalented flop.!!!!
OMG!!! i am an avid hgtv watcher, and love watching design star, but who the hellllll decided ANTONIO should win? he’s no designer, he’s a rebel,with NO CLASS, AND I WON’T BE WATCHING, THAT’S FOR SURE.he’s a designer?? no way…..when he went with the pink geese on the first job, i thought surely he’s gonna get booted right away, but nooooo……dan was the definite choice to go with…..were ya’ll just trying to have a little SHOCK VALUE?? it worked…sorry HGTV, you made a big mistake, and will probably lose a lot of devoted fans like me….
i was a reluctant fan of his, but after seeing this new show of his, I am so disappointed. even from the beginning of the original competition, i had the definite impression that every assignment he undertook, his first thought was…"how can i look super cool and rancidly macho here?". the room he just did is a flailing exercise in bad taste, especially that hideous mexican-esque truck mudflap "lady" bedroom. i realize that he is just the latest in HGTV's delusion of fake diversity (ummmm, we have the tattoo'd gay guy with a tan and the crotch-huggin jeans, then we chose the the poodle-in-my-hair, chubby mixed race girl, so now we'll choose the guido rebel (wth even more tattoos), but we'll be sure he pulls his pants up over his butt. The diversity politics are more transparent than the worn cotton curtains in a Grey Gardens stage set. The best to antonio, but this show is going nowhere and HGTV made an awful choice here. What next? A re-do of an East L.A. rescue kennel for illegal Mexican Pit Bull hermaphrodites in rehab? Really pathetic. Even bringing back obnoxious Hildy & pretentious Vern would be a welcome change to the design show line-up for 2010.
LOVED this show. Man–oh-man the rest of you people must LOVE all the beige and taupe interiors this network has been pushing! This is the first decent show the network has put on in a long time. So different than the scripted buffoonery we get on the other shows and the CONSTANT 'stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and tumbled stone bathrooms and oh let's not forget the granite counter tops' that are hyped ad-nauseum. What's not to like about the guitars??!!! I am part owner of a recording studio myself and they would be a very cool touch especially in pieces. More collage-like. Oh yes and I am a grandmother too and my personal style tends towards traditional and romantic cottage and I haven't a tattoo or piercing on my body either! I just like a show that feels authentic and real, not the usual contrived mess that this network serves us. Keep up the great work Antonio–you are anything but boring!
Wow I cannot believe what a bunch of stuck up prudes all of you people are. This kid has Talent, and sure his designs are different, thats the point, Modern and Sick!! He's bringing a whole new vison to the network, and All of you people need to take the sticks out of your asses and open up your minds!!! The is the Effin USA, you people are the reason for all of the mindless BS that goes on in this country
I was very disappointed in the Antonio show. This is one show on HGTV that I will not be watching. All those tatoos are, shall we say yuk, yuk and more yuk.
Antonio Treatment – pure TRAILER TRASH. Very disappointed in HGTV Design Star judges for letting Antonio bluff his way to the final. Been watching HGTV since the very beginning. If this is the direction it is going in, it's going to lose respect and LOTS of viewers.
I still do not like Antonio, he really does make me ill. He looks dirty. Really dirty. I am sorry. But I do not like ""body art"" of any kind but alot of people do not flaunt it. He seems to. Saying, ""HGTV is going to be surprised at his designs??? "" There is so much more to life than having to have this crap on tv, with the supposition that this is design, or real art of some sort. The art of taking old things and recyling or redoing is a real art. But please, Antonio is no artist of any kind. You could use this slot to go around the United States and see what people have done to their homes with nearly no money, there are some real artsy persons in our land. Ofcourse not all of us are artists, but thee are alot more than you know that are much better than Antonio. Take a look at the old videos of the LONG HWY OF YARD SALES AND SEE WHAT THEY DID (2LADIES) WITH THE THINGS THEY BOUGHT VERY CHEAPLY. Fill your time slots with them. that is more interesting. FOR SURE////////////////////////////////////////////!!!!!!!Ruthie Craig, Evansville, Ind
I love Antonio. I missed his premiere show but will watch what different kind of magic he can spin on HGTV. When the competition of the show was going on I couldn't believe how that other guy (second place) was trying to morph himself into Candace Olsen. There is only one Candace ! Then when HGTV gave this guy his own show, I was rather upset. Design Star has only one winner and that winner gets his own show. Not the knock-off too. Plus that knob went over budget with the pergula that I could have made at home for about $500.00 and Antonio had to eat that huge mistake. So he laughed when his guy was stupid enough to handle a mirror bare handed. People do stupid stuff and it's funny. I'm a nurse. I see it all the time , sometimes you just have to laugh. Congrats Antonio, enjoy your time in the sun. You DESERVE it.
I like Antonio and I am looking forward to his show. It is nice to see something that is a bit raw, a bit more of actual life; not so sanitized. Who doesn't know someone who makes mistakes like not using gloves or does other stupid stuff. And although it might not be PC to laugh at someone's stupidity, who hasn't? I look forward to seeing if Antonio's show affects any changes in the other shows. I like Divine Design because Candace Olsen can be so goofy, it is endearing. And I feel Antonio has an endearing quality as well. Antonio also makes design & designing reachable, he is everyman.
I think we need to give him a chance. I really like what he came up with during his challenges. He deserve to win. i was not to fond of his home design in Antonio Ballatore treatment. I WOULD NOT MIND IF HE GOT MY OUTDOOR PATIO AND / OR TRANSFORM THE GARAGE INTO A MAN CAVE FOR THE TWO MEN IN MY LIFE, MY SON AND HUSBAND. it seem these shows never come to Houston.
THIS GUY IS GREAT.(ORIGINAL).GREAT STYLE GREAT SKILLS .PERIOD.LAY OFF BITTER PEOPLE.GIVE HIM A CHANCE
Ok…I've read many of the blogs and I think people are missing the point. I frequently watch all of HGTV's design shows and enjoy seeing the break-down, prep, and final reveal of each episode. I don't pay too much attention to the designers or their "people", however, sometimes they get on my nerves with their CORNY and contrived dialogue (which you believe, hook line and sinker). I like the candidacy of The Antonio Treatment, but I would like to see more detailed description on how to design or reinvent a room, and the dangers of doing so…(by the way, edited from other shows). Antonio has a hip-fresh, interior forward perspective on design and this show is where it's at. Get over it people, climb out of your boring holes of proper etiquette. I'm scared to think that, collectively, design shows should be ALL THE SAME. Antonio may not be everyone's style, right now, but he's on the cutting edge and you'll be eating words when all your friends are choosing more eclectic designs in the future…probably at IKEA. No, this show is not Ethan Allen traditional design… this is Los Angeles, baby. Antonio is hot and has a unique style that is JUST what HGTV needs to kick it up a notch. What happened to diversity?
This guy is awesome! He is not afraid to be different in a society full of cookie cutter designs, homes, and people. Most of these other comments are some of the most narrow minded things I have ever read. Have any of you met him? Have you interacted with him? My guess is no.
I am glad HGTV is not afraid to be non-judgemental. His show is refreshing and entertaining. Believe it or not having tattoos and being 'rough' around the edges doesn't make you 'bad' , 'junk' or 'on drugs'. The people who judge him based on how he looks, shouldn't watch anyway, they would not understand free thought and design if it hit them with a 2 x 4.
I wish there more variety on HGTV, and this is a step in the right direction. As long as so many viewers posting on here are not so ignorant and afraid of change that is.
I HATE that so many people have no problem judging someone based on tattoos, piercings, looks etc, don't they understand that is just as bad as judging someone based on the color of their skin?
Open your eyes and your minds, embrace change.
Antonio is a complete fraud. He lied about his design background. At most he was a prop boy or gofor on different shoots, just as in his music "career," he was nothing but a hanger on, hence his name dropping tendency. (Who is ever going to drop his name?) Anyone with eyeballs that work can see that Antonio is no kind designer. HGTV, you lied! You foisted this phony "designer' on your viewers, and we all know it. FRAUD! FRAUD! FRAUD!
what a bunch of haters, you old bags need to get off the couch and go design something yourself,.oh how we cannot stand change, in the beginning people thought elvis was the antichrist, so I can understand when people are scared of something new and different .Stop the hating, i guess all of you have design degrees, and by the way I went to school with geneve and she was really bad, she would whine until she got an A, so relax theres plenty of substandard programming on hgtv for you lamo faggots and blu hairs to watch.
Yes eddie, I hate no talent liars such as Antonio. He never designed a room for David LaChapalle. Hotel LaChaplle was an art project and a book of photographs, nothing of which Antonio designed, NOTHING! All he does is lie. And, he has zero talent for design, NONE! Elvis was a genius for musical performance. Antonio is a jerk at everything, and an absolute disgrace to the human race.
I can't wait for Antonio's next "treatment!" Yes, HGTV is about design, but networks need to entertain, too, as well as reach new viewers. The other shows offer "safe" design. They are predictable and pretty boring overall. Many of the "reveals" have the same basic look and I'm tired of it. Antonio's got a new vibe. He's fun and a little freaky, just what HGTV needs.
I LOVE the Antonio Treatment. I love the way he does the show. It's the most interesting thing on HGTV.
FYI, Dan is a b*** and deserved to lose. What was up with spending $10,000 on a plain white pergola, and sending the project over budget? They showed clips of him saying "okay, $5,000," then he goes out and spends 10K and blames it on everyone else. Loser. Even before that I liked Antonio more.
Great job by a great guy. Love the show and I love his designs. The right guy won.
Antonio, love yah dude–can't wait to see what you do!
I have seen the show a few times and thought it was kinda boring throughout. I was only interested in seeing the final outcome. I just saw a new episode (new to me anyways) and enjoyed it all. It was a three room project (baby's room, dining room, and living/sewing room). I loved all three spaces in the end. The style was still a bit funky but more appealing to others than some of his other stuff. I think Antonio seems like a really nice guy & would trust him with my space anytime.
Wow! I'm really surprised by how closed minded HGTV viewers are. The Antonio Treatment could be a little more interesting, but I get the impression most people dislike him because of his appearance.
No, we dislike him because he is a lying, faux rebel jerk. His awkward attempt to be "unique" and "edgy" would be amusing if it weren't so painful to watch. His "candid" and "real" dialogue is just as fake and contrived as any of the more syrupy exchanges on HGTV. His offensive schtick is more suited to some other channel or media, except he's too weak of a poser to even get a chance to run with the big dogs. He wants to be Howard Stern but he is only Les Nessman. It must gall him, having to be the "bad boy" on HGTV! Now THAT is hilarious. That's like being the baddest kitty in the litter or something. Meow. Antonio is just a failboat captain, period. I comment only because I am relieved that I'm not alone in my disdain for this cretin. Spending all this time on him is already way more attention than he deserves, and I am ashamed for that.
Wow! What a lot of hateful comments! I'm an old woman, and I found Antonio refreshing & humorous! Is he a Candice Olsen? Far from it! But he is as unique in his way as she is in Divine Design-she's fabulous! Give the guy a break-& don't watch him if you don't like him!
My household really enjoyed the show, and we think that Antnio is sweet,careing , and talented. People just don't like him becasue he does not put on a fake face, he is who he is and does not try and it. We really miss the show and do not understand why people hate it so much. Please bring the show back.
Antonio is hated because he's a straight, male designer. He's show is certainly fresh and fun. Who else should have won, the guy who can't manage a budget?
Go Antonio!
I'm embarrassed to see this show stupid. I do not care for him Design Star and can not stand this show. HGTV, you've really made a mistake. on the mirror, all this could have been avoided ..
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I love this guy Antonio! He is totally fresh and frankly HGTV needed something fresh. I like HGTV but all the shows start to run together, Divine Design, Color Splash, Income Property, its always pretty little people, bee-bopping around doing incredibly safe room makeovers. Antonio is awesome, that Cupcake store was so cool I want the graffiti artist to come paint my daughters' bedroom! and the 'Little Bar' remodel last night was incredibly original. Antonio is a big thinker, I wouldn't have him to do my formal living room or my master-bathroom but there is something original about every one of his designs and HGTV totally needed something fresh. I appreciate that people as conservative as Vern and Candice saw the potential in Antonio. Have an open mind – Antonio is doing something different and its a lot of fun to watch!
This Antonio guy does nothing for me … well he does irritate me a bit. i don't think his designs are very good. just because you do weird stuff, that doesn't necessarily make you a good designer. i just watched one of the worst "make overs" i've ever seen!
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I just saw an episode on Dec 6 or 7th 2010. They redid the living room and dining room for some band in LA. The show wasnt the greatest, but Im interested to know who the band was. I know Antonio put pics around the room of the band members from a gig at the Viper Room. Anyone know the name of this band?
Awesome show, congratulation!!
antonio’s a great guy and his show is amazing! he’s a great designer and your all just jealous that he “earned” his own show on hgtv. because he has tattoos an not your typical boring designer on every other show on hgtv, does not make him some horrible person and the poster boy for the drug culture. that’s by far the most judgmental, shallow thing i’ve ever heard. grow up people your adults, have some respect for the man he’s got more talent than any of you could ever dream of having. i love watching his show and cant wait for this weeks episode!
you guys are crazy. His style is unique and to say he has 'no talent' is absurd. Obviously he has talent, and after watching him I have to say he has a lot of talent. SO hop off his dick, k?
That's all.
Saturday I watched my first episode of The Antonio Project. He did a wild bedroom with wildly creative elements. His designs are a little over the top but that triggers my imagination. I LOVED the acid wash that he did on the one wall. Please add a link to a "how to" on that episode so that I can use it…all the way thru my home. Way to go Antonio! Beautiful!! Artists are sometimes a little eccentric and we may not like all that they do and may not agree with all that they say… but we can always get inspired by their work.
To those who hate this show…"what planet are you from?" Curious!!
Geez such harsh comments so I really liked this bedroom I saw didn't think I was gonna like it but as with so many times and many designers they have a vision and wow the final product can be amazing. This one particular bedroom I liked was for a couple who had their master bedroom remodeled. the wall behind the bed was finished in different sized pieces of wood layed out in varying dimenisions. What I liked an missed was the floor treatment. Antonio If you are reading this please repsond as I would like to know what the material was used. They were at least 12'x12" ( could have been 18"x18" or so and I remember that your crew stained the panels and on each corner they was a sillver tack ing of some type. Anyhow I loved it and NEED to know what was used because I can not find anything similar! It'sa driving me crazy not knowing……! I like all the designer's shows – you i know it's like shopping you find what you like and you go with it! It's called creativity and so many who criticize do so and haven't a bit of imagination themselves!
Wow!! Seriously people? It's sad to see this many people with sticks up their arses. Just because the guy has a unique style does not mean it sucks. Apparently you are all confused about the difference between cocky and juvenile, and confident and fun. I feel sorry for all of you narrowed minded folk. The world is changing and you will have to deal with it. Antonio is not your average designer and that is what makes him so great.
I'm not a young hipster, I'm not into rock and the hard, heavy struff…but I love The Antonio Project. I watched him win on Design Star and waited impatiently for his show to begin.
Hope you have moved to prime-time TV by now…I don't watch TV often, but love to see this amazing artist doing his thing. Also enjoy the entire teams input…lots of fun.
Thanks for doing It BiG!
I'm stunned to see the number of posts from people stating that they dislike of the Antonio Project…..I LOVE the show and Antonio. I think his designs are incredible. Way outside " the box" without being too trendy, and from what I've seen he always makes each transformation match the client perfectly! So it's bascially "classic styling" for each, or what would be natural to them. ( I'm watching a kitchen remodel in a loft and it's fabulous) Hopefully someday soon I'll have the funds to have Antonio makeover my extra room so my grandson and son can each have their own space. Oh….did I mention…I love the show and Antonio! ( If I wasn't in love with my husband…and a bit younger…lookout Antonio). HGTV – Keep the show
I'm from Israel and I watch Antonio project show. I LOVE it! I think he is an artist more than a designer. He understands what his clients are looking for yet not compromising his art. He is different and his show is unique, inspiring and open minded. I wish we would be able to see more original work like Antonio is manage to generate again and again.
Idit
Just watched him ruin a bedroom with seafoam and purple stripes…..cork with metallic copper behind it!!!WHAAAAAAAATTTT?????? The entire design was TERRIBLE! Colors were TERRIBLE! The lighting behind the bed looked like 1980's fencing/light….YUCK! I have watched almost all of his shows and I keep hoping there will be some redeeming design involved; but NO, not yet. I think the show has been cancelled and that is a good thing as it is just bad design idea after bad design idea. I am sure there is a small niche market for this kind of decorating, but not enough interest for a television show. I always change the channel now, when his show comes on. Antonio needs to go back to decorating his buddies garages.