Here’s our weekly Design Star Dish with Becky Harris… The stage is yours, Becky! - Holly
Well, it was down to six contestants on Design Star this week. I am still on a high from seeing Joel McHale make fun of Michael on The Soup this weekend! Anyway, the group was split into teams of two, and I was very surprised by the team that did the best, because as individuals, I find them all to be pretty weak designers.
So, where to begin? First of all, I know it’s Nashville, but Shabby Chic? Really? That’s so ten years ago. If I see one more distressed, antiqued paint job I’m going to have to rip my hair out. I know that when we’re talking about the Opryland Convention Center and Hotel, not Ian Schrager in Manhattan or Kelly Wearstler in Santa Monica, but perhaps we could have been talking The Greenbrier or The Inn at Little Washington. Perhaps take inspiration from Savannah, Charleston, or the Garden District in New Orleans. That’s what comes to mind when I think of “Southern Elegance,” not a bad attempt at copying some old, dated Rachel Ashwell aesthetic that Rachel herself has moved on from.
So, I’ll get us started with some questions. When a country star is to serve as the inspiration for a design, are you simply supposed to copy her home right down to paint color? If you arrived at these suites, would you say to yourself, darn, I should have booked over at The Holiday Inn Express instead? How functional are semi-circular rooms? Why did Cynthia Rowley have a hula hoop around her neck? Who do you think will make the best host? Did Mikey V.’s hosting remind you of the fake P.S.A.s on Reno 911? When you are trying to avoid matchy-matchy-ness, how much is too much mixy-mixy-ness? Who do you think should have gone home? And most importantly, do you use the coffeemaker in hotel rooms? I’ve heard gross urban legends about their lack of cleanliness, but I tend to want the coffee so badly that I use them anyway.
I am going to be flying right over Nashville today and won’t be able to check out everyone’s comments until a bit later than usual, but please dish away! Please remember not to read the comments if you don’t want to find out who had their show canceled! By the way, that room they step out into to go “Off Air” looks like they are checking into Oz Prison or something. I half expect to see Adabesi standing there waiting to get them as they exit.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
This show is painful to watch. It’s just one mediocre design after another. I just sit there and think, really? That’s it? Whoever gets their own show is going to end up hosting a new version of Decorating Cents with Joan Steffend…another painful show. I’m not usually this critical, but if these are the most innovative designers HGTV can find for this show this really should be the last season.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I have to agree with your Kathleen. It is painful. I think at this point though Jennifer will win her own show. Between her good spirits and dimples, she’d be a fun host to watch based on personality and artistic ability alone.
Becky — I saw that on The Soup and loved it. I heart Joel.
It seems like anyone can be on television these days. Do others get that feeling?
July 7th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I am not ready to write off this group. I just don’t see how these contests really reflect their styles instead I think it reflects their ability to time manage, listen to their client and to see what other skills they might have like woodworking, art making, etc. Anyway, it is probably a cop out to copy Sarah Evans’ paint color, etc. but let’s not forget this is a game and they want to win so strategically it was a smart move. To answer another one of your questions Becky, I am always pleased when I go to a hotel and the room is unique with unexpected touches so while I’m not a fan of shabby chic if I opened the door and found the winning team’s room I would definitely be pleased.
July 7th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Mike’s hosting was not that good, but I think he’s shown the most talent of the bunch so far, so I’m hoping to see a lot more from him. I also think the winning team was comprised of the weakest designers. I hated the bedroom they did in the suite- but oh well. I’m sick of the group challenges we need more individual challenges so we can really see how they shine, and more hosting challenges- but next week they tackle a kitchen. OY.
July 7th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Hi Guys!
WE HAVE A CHANCE TO ASK STEPHANIE SOME QUESTIONS! If anyone has a question for her, please submit it here and I will forward it on to the PR people. We should have the answers back by next week.
July 7th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
how about the close up shot of Clive’s foghorn?
hilarious.
and why didn’t they address that Stephanie LIED and said they couldn’t find a couch, when clearly it was sitting in the hallway of the hotel?! so crazy…
July 7th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Okay so how sad that the first contest I was excited to see was mid-south furniture store shab. It’s been slim pickens watching this show, and normally I wouldn’t stop to see sagey paint and store bought floral panels, speaking of can somebody please make a decent drape or add a border or at least make sure they are hung properly.
I was happy to see more of a layered feeling in the rooms. What was up with the fans? This wasnt a bed and breakfast, by the way the hotels designer should have been in tow with Sara Evans. Silly me they arent really trying to find a great designer or a designer at all.
The construction dude with the big warm eyes has the best potential to host imo he has the most student of life attitude and seems to be adaptable and he does understand make a statement. I’m very curious what he would produce in a competition where Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler were judging and bold objects abound for him to shop from.
Mikey V. impressed me last week with his time management sitting and drinking a coke smirking about the others rooms then I realized that never happens with me extra time means edit, edit, edit. The guys always want to know exactly what and how much they have to do and they are ready to split, and I’m always look for whats wrong. The actual designer doesn’t work this way and I think Mikey V. would be too happy with himself way to early he is looking to showcase himself not helping people live well.
LOL Becky too much mixy mixey agreed esp. when the conrast isn’t balanced nailhead leather? and that dining table grouping looked so hotel liquidators special (uhm not a good time for that). Sara Evans version of shabby chic looked more BH&G country 1998, which was great for her lifestyle cause she really loved it, but I think even she would’ve appreciated a modern upgrade for a famed hotel. I would have loved a creamy blush pink wall with elegant slipper chairs with gorgeous dramatic headboards made from repurposed and sanded and repainted wood.
Agreed on the datedness of shabby chic, I’m in Oklahoma and many here wont touch an aesthtic till it’s been copied a zillion times, but that helps build a clientele of those who are ready to see their own unique style brought to life.
July 7th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
You know Adrienne, I did get the biggest kick out of Mikey V’s presentation as a host. It would definitely be something different. Maybe it could be a combination of “Cops” and “Designed to Sell.” He could get an APB in the middle of doing a house and have to take off in his cruiser to catch a perp. Maybe then the perp could give him advice on his favorite color combinations from the backseat. We could call it “You Have the Right to Remain Fabulous!”
Holly, I am totally in love with Joel McHale. He always makes my week no matter what he features. Which brings me to Kathleen – yes, if Tila Tequila and her Italian reject both can have their own show, anyone can. I’d take any of these contestants over any of the people on “Big Brother” or a VH-1 reality show any day! On a positive note, I ADORE everyone on “Flipping Out.” I could watch that all day long!
Anon, I agree, I definitely like a room that strays from typical hotel decor, but I tend to like the aesthetic of The Parker Palm Springs or The Standard on Sunset Strip.
I will admit that all through the 90s I was a Shabby Chic fanatic and I do think Rachel Ashwell is amazingly talented. I just think the style has evolved into vintage modern, and had gone well beyond the tipping point by the time her line for Target came out. R.A.’s style has evolved as well. Also, I think John Derian’s decayed aesthetic has replaced shabby.
July 7th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
That’s it! Mikey V’s presentation was TOTAL Reno 911!
CLICK HERE for DavidDust’s Design Star recap.
:)
July 7th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Hi David!
While we don’t mind if you’d like to chime in to our conversation here, please do not post a huge CLICK HERE embedded link to your blog within your comments, ok? Thanks!
Best,
Holly
July 7th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
For some people Shabby Chic is still the bee’s knees. It’s easy for those of us reading blogs to be dismissive or styles we find passe but the whole world isn’t aware of Kelly Wearstler, Florence Broadhurst, Jonathan Adler, etc.
I know my mom would have adored these rooms and that’s OK too. Different strokes…
July 7th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I meant to add earlier, I thought Stephanie exited very graciously, especially in contrast to Michael’s breakdown last week.
I really like Matt, but again, I wonder if his talents go beyond executing construction ideas. I have yet to see him really see the forest through the trees.
Andi, I couldn’t agree with just about everything you said more. There is a huge difference between throwing a mix together and just having a jumble of crap thrown in the same room.
I didn’t understand why they didn’t explain the sofa problem. Were they trying to avoid throwing Stephanie under the bus? I guess that will be my first question to her. PLEASE HELP CHIME IN W/ ANY QUESTIONS FOR STEPHANIE!
July 7th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I have to chime in on the Shabby Chic hatin’ here. :)
I happen to like Rachel Ashwell and her brand and think that she just didn’t do such a great job keeping up with design so she fell terribly behind and so did the look of her collection. But I see Shabby Chic as a pioneer of this laid back slipcovered look that you see in all of the Bohemian Modern styles you see now. Boho Modern sounds cool, but it’s really Shabby Chic/Flea Market at it’s core with a bit more modern lines and in some cases, brighter colors.
Also, Shabby Chic down south and even in parts of Europe is still all the rage. Type in Shabby Chic over at ebay.de (germany) and see all the Germans using it as a keyword to describe their products.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Question for Stephanie: What is it like when the cameras go off and when exactly is that? Are we seeing a realistic representation of each player or are people like Tracee being villainized?
July 8th, 2008 at 12:45 am
i have to agree with holly on the fact that shabby chic was the beginning of the boho-modern style that is so popular now. and i had to look up rachel ashwell to see what you guys were talking about, and i have to say though i usually go for more of a modern aesthetic- i loved a lot of her pieces! especially her more modern slipcover sofas.
as for last nights episode. i am still un-impressed! i just can’t believe this is the “best of the best” hgtv has to offer! i’m still waiting for something to wow me.
wasn’t the point of them only letting in design-pros to up the quality of design on the show???
i’m still thinking jennifer will win.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:57 am
I’m sooo enjoying your humor, Becky. And my take on this episode mirrors what I’m reading.
Stephanie: I like her and do think she’s got style, based on her demo video and her wacky outfit this episode. Did anyone else notice the false eyelashes? The crazy socks with the cropped pants?
Jennifer: She’s a great artist, based on last week, but I was rather shocked yet again by their choices, that is she and Stephanie together. The leather sofa was so wrong and it nailed their fate. Ha ha.
Matt: I love him and I think he could have a very unique show: sort of a creative, Bauhaus-style guy for the millenium. Plus I thought he had a nice, down-to-earth delivery to balance out his amazing mind.
The others: I was impressed with the winning team’s ability to put it together and please their client. Innovative? Not so much, but not all or even a lot of interior design is that, unfortunately. That said, if one of them wins a show I hope it’s about how to run a design business and not about new design styles.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Hey Guys, I wasn’t trying to HATE on Shabby Chic, though I will hate on the Simply Shabby Chic Target line, which isn’t representative of what Rachel’s look was about in her Shabby Chic stores.
I still sleep on her sheets – they are to die for comfortable, and comfort is VERY important. I agree with Holly, Shabby Chic is the basis for current looks that have evolved from it. It is very appropriate for many spaces, for instance, I was very inspired by it when I decorated my parents’ cottage on Cape Cod – it TOTALLY works with shingles, beach roses and white picket fences, and it always will. Rachel is evolving so much and always has been, so much so that she annoyed the heck out of at least one store owner friend of mine because she’d just get in a line and poof, it would be discontinued! I felt like her recent non-Target work has definitely kept up with the times.
I used to watch the TV show on the Style Network religiously, over and over. Remember when she decorated J. Lo’s restaurant Madre’s? But yes, I must say, that was five years ago. I grew up in the middle of the country; it contains the majority of the country and sometimes certain trends, especially anything country-ish tends to cling on and stay long past the expiration date. Don’t get me wrong; I’d never hatefully diss my beloved Ohio or the rest of the middle of the country.
All in all, there is a much more sophisticated way to carry out a Shabby Chic inspired aesthetic without freakin’ faux painting and antiquing everything! UGH!
Also, don’t think I’m hating on Target either; it’s one of my favorite places.
Anon, great question – thanks! I’ll be sure to forward it to Stephanie! I’m not sure how much of the logistics she’ll be allowed to give away, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Please keep the questions for Stephanie and any other comments coming!
July 8th, 2008 at 4:11 am
I understand that some may not be that keen on Stephanie but honestly, I thought she was adorable. At least she seemed very sincere and broke the ‘typical HGTV host’ mold. Same goes for bow-tie guy. I think he could have given HGTV a fresh face plus he was a sweetheart. Mikey V. and Matt should have their own building show somewhat Ty Pennington style…
Oh Becky I totally love Joel as well. Talk Soup is my late night snack. Soooo meaty! :)
Holly
July 8th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Ok sorry to sound so sour earlier, I havent expressed the frustration of this show before so oopsies Yikes! I agree that shabby is a fundamental it really was a fresh way to love country without loving the dried wreaths and quilts, and honestly it really helped me have as an inspiration when I sold through some local antiques stores.
I would ask her the same thing. What was up with the sofa, did she think they nice camera guys were going to erase the footage for her? The truth would have helped her team cause their justifications started to sound so odd.
I’m new to having cable lol so I’ve never got to watch all the episodes before. So is HGTV even doing any real design shows or is it all just sell this house? I love Devine but how much more steely blue and browns can there be? Sorry there goes the frustration again. Oh that new show they kept advertising about staging nice homes looks good (I hope and pray anyway :) ).
July 8th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Well, what a stupid challenge.
How can the designers possibly ‘go big’ (as they’ve been asked to do) when their inspiration has taste which is both hugely dull and hugely outdated?
At least give them an inspiration who is larger then life and a bit OTT. A ‘Dolly Parton’ suite would have been fun (though actually I would have wanted Sparkle Josh to do that challenge all on his own). But presumably they had to make do with a country star who would actually turn up.
Anyway, here are some random thoughts
i) This programme has put me off ever going to Nashville
ii) I always thought there was a ‘pared down’ quality to Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic. These guys instead really do believe that more is more…
iii) Martha REALLY needs to get someone to work on her hair. This week it was not only apricot with half inch dark roots, but it urgently needed a brush.
iv) If anyone faux distresses anything else I shall get very, very upset. Jennifer does seem like a nice person, but she should be kept well away from cans of paint.
v) I couldn’t bear Stephanie and was glad to see the back of her. Her presenting style was hideous, *tilt head to one side, thrust tits at camera, flutter false eyelashes, giggle girlishly, rinse and repeat to other side*. We all laughed here when Vern suggested she be more ‘professional’.
vi) Trish, on the other hand, was good
vii) as, amazingly, was Tracee’s doors for headboards idea
viii) the only person I want to win is Matt because he is the only one with a single original idea in his head. Which means he won’t…
July 8th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I’m with Maureen in that your updates are too funny, Becky! I’m starting to look forward to them more than I look forward to the show each week. I don’t have much more to add about this week’s show, but I do have a couple of questions for Stephanie.
I’d like to know what kind of response she has received from clients (and the general public) since the show has aired. Has her appearance on the show brought her a ton of more work? Less work (I doubt it)? What kinds of opportunities have come her way? If given the chance, would she do the show again? Does she feel her design style was able to come through? Aside from not winning the show, is she happy with the way the show turned out and the way she was represented? I’m always so curious about what goes on after these shows that I could ask a million more questions like this, but you get the direction I’m going for.
I thought Stephanie’s departure from the show was very gracious, by the way, and that she handled her exit well. I realize this is a very stressful situation and I know I’ve said this before… but I really wish everyone would keep the big picture in mind. Only one person will get their own HGTV show, but if the others play it smart and keep their cool there is no telling what this exposure could do for them.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I was not happy to see Stephanie go – I don’t understand why they keep Tracee on the show! But, Stephanie’s team lost the challenge, and she was the weakest link, so… But I will agree with everyone in saying that she really handled her departure like a mature adult. Such a relief after last week!
Working the field and being exposed to everything out there, it’s somewhat rare that clients let you do your thing, be as creative and up to date as you want to be, and don’t have some hideous chair or weird painting that they MUST use. While the Shabby Chic style isn’t the most in vogue thing right now, it’s not like it’s burnt orange shag carpetiing. A lot of people still like the look, and you can see its influences in many other styles. Besides, who wants a home that you are constantly having to redo so that you’re up with the current trends?? That gets expensive and isn’t very realistic.
As for the show, I’d like to see either Jennifer or Matt win – they have the most original talent it seems like.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
B: your comments are far better then the show which is sooooo disappointing but look at the past winners and their shows? Those two, the color splash guy and miles of style are really awful.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
This post hit the nail on the head with this show. Its a trainwreck yet I can’t look away. :)
July 10th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Hi Y’all! (Sorry, that was my tribute to Nashville)
I’ll be submitting questions for Stephanie at the end of the day, so please add them here if you have any more for her. I’ll let you know when we hear back from her.
I’m so glad to hear that you all are enjoying the posts/comments. Sometimes I don’t know if I am being too mean, or where the line between funny and unnecessarily cruel lies! Paola, you kill me, as usual!
I thought the comment about Shabby Chic not exactly being orange shag carpeting was very astute! I think a lot of my problems with S.C. are when people attempt it but really are not understanding R.A.’s aesthetic. Paola, you are right, she was always about paring down to make things calm and comfortable.
ANDI, don’t worry about sounding sour, we want to hear it all!
RILEY, You know, after reading the comments this week I had this catharsis, which is that HGTV is for the masses who don’t necessarily have design backgrounds, and not for the design-fervent bloggers and blog readers who keep up on the cutting edge and know design history and icons very well.. That’s not to say that is a bad thing; I think it’s great that HGTV inspires so many people to enjoy their own design styles.
Also in that vein, I need to remember to have different expectations for Design Star vs. Top Design. Top Design aspires to be Elle Decor style, and thus is held to different standards. Design Star designers probably aspire to more of a Trading Spaces reveal room outcome.
July 12th, 2008 at 4:20 am
I finally watched the show, and again, the designers neglected to ask the important questions. Going beyond the fact that this was located in the South, let’s remember that this was a historic hotel located in Nashville, and this suite was supposed to reflect the story of Sarah Evans.
To merely copy her casual style of interior decor was to simply offer another bland interior.
Why not ask about the places she grew up, her life on tour, how she balances family and stardom? Why does she like old doors so much? The objects built out of old doors and built-ins were the only things that hinted at any sort of a story.
And honestly, do some research on what professional drapery actually entails – not sheers by themselves, or something that looks like a duvet cover hanging from a pole.