Here’s the weekly Design Star Dish with Becky Harris… The stage is all yours, Miss Becky!
- Holly
Hi Design Star Watchers! Well, let’s face it — it was schmaltzy. It was one long ad for Lumber Liquidators and Kenmore’s Elite Line; even Vern had to throw in a scripted admiration for the appliances. However, it got to me. I’m so glad Design Star did something useful and helped two families who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. I’m also glad to see attention brought to the people who are still suffering almost three years later. It was so nice to hear those New Orleans accents on the homeowners as well – if that’s not the greatest U.S. accent, I don’t know what is!
Did anyone happen to catch what their budgets were? I missed that part, but figured they were high when Matt bought a $1700 light fixture. Overall, I really like both Matt and Jen. They both seem like sincerely nice people with great energy. I tried hard to look at this challenge in terms of the needs of the families and not in terms of high design.
Matt’s Room
However, as Nina Garcia would say, I think Matt’s problem is a taste issue. He’s great for infrastructure, carpentry, and solutions, but I don’t think he knows anything about color theory or space planning, and he put tchotchke Buddhas in front of the flat screen. His blinds were ugly and didn’t go with anything, the rug, furniture and throw pillows were completely mis-matched, and the color of the kitchen cabinets was dreadful.
Jen’s Kitchen
Jen’s design was a bit dated but pleasing. One thing I don’t understand – if you have to throw together a kitchen in a hurry on a budget, why not go to IKEA? I’m having a deja-vu, I think someone here may have said that during the kitchen challenge! They have those awesome red glossy kitchen cabinets there, and it only takes an hour for someone in the store to lay the whole thing out for you. I thought her kitchen turned out fine though. The horizontal striped painting is very Laurie of Trading Spaces circa 2001, or Tom Filicia of Queer Eye circa 2003, but it looked fine and the family loved it. While the couch turned out to be a bit of a space planning flop, the whole family was able to flop on it at the same time.
It’s kind of hard to criticize when the outcome was so appreciated and needed. I think the thing that stood out the most were Trish’s amazing abs. The second biggest standout was Cynthia’s darling dress. I simply cannot think up anything else, mostly because I am DYING to go watch the new episode of Mad Men! I can’t wait to see those sets and costumes in HD!
So OK, back to Design Star…
What did you all think of the designs? Who will you vote for and why? Who is a better host? Did any particular element of either design hit on one of your pet peeves? Have you ever tried to paint a room red, and if so, how did it go? – Becky
(images from hgtv)
July 29th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I’m voting for Jen…I agree with you – I want to like Matt’s designs because he is so talented…but, I can’t! His style kills me. Unless it is ultra modern and sleek designs, I’m not on board with his looks.
I’m think Jen could definitely win b.c. she has more mass appeal.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hey Becky – I’m the one that said to go to Ikea in the kitchen challenge. I think New Orleans, like Nashville, doesn’t have one though because I was again perplexed that that wasn’t one of their first stops.
I think if there’s one word to wrap up this season it’s “Pedestrian.” The entire season has been totally, completely and overwhelmingly pedestrian. Matt’s a sweet guy, Jen’s a sweet girl and I think they’ll make fine HGTV hosts but I wouldn’t want either of them to come to my home and take a crack at a room. It feels very Trading Spaces to me and maybe that’s intentional with Vern as one of the hosts, dunno. Matt is a carpenter and could be a great addition to the DIY Channel but Jen really has this in the bag as she pretty much has had since the first episode of the season.
The budgets were 20K per person, fyi.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Overall, I like Jen’s style a LOT, I think Matt is just so much more fun to watch. He’s so adorable and I love how he thinks of the most interesting solutions for challenging rooms.
LOVED:
Jen’s kitchen from top to bottom
Matt’s dining room (except for the window treatments, see below)
HATED:
The little glass dinette in Jen’s great room. What was that doing there instead of on the patio?
Matt’s use of blinds. They looked like an afterthought and he didn’t even bother to adjust the cords so that they didn’t hang down below the sill. Sooo much more could have been done with some fabric on all his windows.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Hi Becky – the cash budget was $20K, floors from LumbLiq and Kenmore appliances. So, in total, probably $30-35K? I agree – Matt’s taste level is questionable. He clearly doesn’t know how to accessorize or do any kind of finishing touch. Jen’s had a more polished look – although she too had problems. Those spaces were tricky – so a large sofa and a large dining room table were probably not a possibility. However, both finalists seem like nice people and were helpful to one another, as opposed to last season when surfer dude guy made decisions that would be harmful to his competitor.
Linda from ::Surroundings::s last blog post: Travel Tuesday: The Milestone, London
July 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I forgot to add. I’m with you about feeling good they were in New Orleans and helping people who needed it. How come Katrina was 3 years ago and that city is still in tatters? All I know is the government poisoned people with the FEMA trailers and that’s about it. It’s embarassing.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
btw – FANTASTIC new site Holly!!! I’ve already checked out your web developer. I want what you have! (well, not exactly!)
Linda from ::Surroundings::s last blog post: Travel Tuesday: The Milestone, London
July 29th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
i believe each designers budget was $20,000 (and of course the flooring and appliances were free).
paperNstitchs last blog post: Pair A Birds
July 29th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I believe that the budgets were $20,000. I think they flashed it on the screen really quickly…..but not positive.
Qiana Pucels last blog post: towels to paper
July 29th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hi Guys,
Isn’t the new decor8 great? I esp. love the little bubbles in the corners telling how many comments there are on a post!
Thanks for the budget info! I asked another friend who had watched it and he didn’t know either – we were guessing $30K including appliances.
Luka, I think you are right, and thanks for clearing up my deja-blog re: IKEA kitchens. I remember when IKEA came to Atlanta (I waited for that and the Gee’s Bend Quilt Exhibit with bated breath for YEARS), they said it was the only one in the south. If any city could use an IKEA, it’s New Orleans. I love your idea of a Matt DIY show – people could have bizarre problems like how to hide a kiln and he could come up with all of these ingenious, perfectly executed solutions!
It is disgusting how little assistance people in N.O. are getting. It seems they are only getting it from volunteers, Oprah, Bon Jovi and Brad Pitt. All the government seems to be doing is giving them formaldehyde poisoning and some short term digs in the Astrodome. I’m glad when attention is brought to the continuing plight of the hurricane survivors through whatever venue possible.
Jan, I missed that dinette completely! I’ll have to go back and look at the photos. BTW, do any of you ever vote on these things? I tried to vote for Kelly Clarkson years ago and never got through, then thought “what the hell am I doing and how old am I?” and never voted again!
Becky
becky from hatchs last blog post: Follow up to Mad Men Post
July 29th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I have to say that anything that these people got would be amazing compared to what they had. What they did get was a base to start from because the budget isn’t going to allow accessorizing too much. I wish Matt would have done SOMETHING with the dining room windows. I think one had blinds, and the other, nothing. Curtains would have been nice.
Poor Jen and her giant couch. I voted for Jen though because I love her personality and I think she’s got some great talent with her painting skills. I also remember back to her portfolio and what she’s capable of. Go Jen!
Sharis last blog post: Am I Acting Like My Mom?
July 29th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Hi Becky,
What a great idea to help people who went to such a trauma!
I can’t watch the show but by the look of these 2 rooms I wouldn’t vote for either one or the other. Probably not my taste.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I’ve been recapping the DS episodes each week and am taking a poll on my blog right now to see who people are voting for. So far, Jen is way ahead of Matt, which I found interesting. I thought he had a lot more people rooting for him based on the comments I’ve gotten each week. He seemed to be a crowd favorite. I think people must’ve really liked her rooms this week a lot more than his.
Oh, and their budget was $20K each, but their appliances and floors were provided by Sears and Lumber Liquidators. -Julia
Hooked on Housess last blog post: The Birthday Cake and Other Kitchen Disasters
July 29th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I love the red and brushed stainless steel color combo; who would’ve thought they’d go so well together!
stripeydotss last blog post: Tuesday’s inspiration
July 29th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Holly
Your new blogsite is very cool, cute and works really good. Resolution is Grade A. Love the itsy bitsy stuff at the header and the new colors, butterfly etc.. Good job :)
Here’s what I think of the Design star rooms:
Matt’s Room and Jen’s Kitchen both give me a migraine, but only if I actually look at the images.
Just awful. I hate granite counter tops and stainless steel. Its so yesteryear. Horrible color of wood, horrible white floor tiles
I could go on but I wont thank goodness
regards
the crafty cameleon
July 29th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I must admit that I’m glad Becky leads this discussion each week because I stopped watching DS a few weeks ago. I couldn’t take it. The only one that stands out from the batch is Jen. Yet we all saw that all along so no surprise there. They could have ended the show after episode 1 and just selected Jen and no one would have argued it.
July 29th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Hi, I work at the lighting gallery where Matt bought the dining room light (though I’m not the girl shown on camera). I just thought ya’ll would be interested to know that Matt and the whole crew were super nice and fun to help/work with! It was exciting that they picked New Orleans to come for the final project. But I do have a question; why is it that designers on the show/other shows tend to always use oriental decoration? Is it just me or does everyone see it?
July 29th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Ooh, I have red kitchen cupboards too <3 LOVE.
desiree fawns last blog post: the list.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
This is a rough one for me as well, I love them both! I would *like* to see Matt win – based on the fact that maybe HGTV can maybe bring some DIY carpentry to the mix, especially some like what he has created. Design wise, I think Jen wins hands down.
I painted my foyer red, and I absolutely love it. Had they used tinted primer, it would’ve saved them oodles of time. Even with tinted primer it takes a bit longer than other colors, but certainly not 6 coats!
Red Foyer:
http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2007/08/30/our-farm-the-foyer/
During Christmas – http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2008/01/07/the-foyer-christmas/
July 29th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
butterflies comfort me…
Matt’s spaces were painfully boring, as per usual. Were his pops of red meant to impress Vern? Not successful. The brown kitchen cabinets were a huge mis-step. I give it a D. I have seen nothing well-designed from him this whole season. Seems like a super-nice guy, though.
Jen’s spaces weren’t much better. A few high points throughout the season, but mostly “meh.”
Bring back the crybaby!
July 29th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Loving your new blog design!
As I’ve said on Hooked on Houses’ blog, I’m less than impressed with this DS lot. I think the best case scenario is that Jen & Matt get to co-host a show (“Design Galaxy: When One Star Isn’t Enough”). Neither “pops” to me as one that can carry a show alone.
laura @ the shorehouse.s last blog post: Quick-n-Crafty
July 29th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
My feeling about both was, “eh … ”
The color on Matt’s kitchen cabinets looked like caca — literally. His idea of “modern and minimal” is confusing to me. I was also surprised that Jen only gave her family a 6-seater dining table when they said they needed to seat 8 to 10 at pretty much every meal. Of course, both designs were a huge improvement over what these families had, but *anything* would have been.
And was I the only one who was annoyed by all the back-patting on HGTV’s part about how it was helping New Orleans? I found it all a bit smug and even a little nauseating. Of course, New Orleans desperately needs help. But one network decorating two houses will not do much to fix the city, and they also didn’t give viewers any idea about what *we* could do to help. Plus, I found it slightly odd that both families were white, when the African American residents of N.O. were the ones hit hardest by Katrina. The whole thing just seemed self-serving and insincere to me.
Anyway, I agree with the poster who said this whole season of DS was “pedestrian.” I did get sucked into watching (even after the first ep when I vowed I wouldn’t), but it felt like a huge waste of time. The designs were bad, for the most part, and to be brutally honest, none of the designers really seemed all that talented. Jen is cute and seems like a sweet person, but her hosting doesn’t do anything for me. I like Matt as a host, but doubt I’d want to see his questionable designs week after week.
Oh well, on to “Top Design”!
Leahs last blog post: Bad Blogger
July 30th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Holly, for shame! Smart Girl! Gosh, I wouldn’t have given up seeing that episode where they obnoxious guy was crying for his mom for anything though! I have blocked out his name – Michael?
Ella, I think the simplicity and calm of Asian style has been a big influence here for a long time – I was cracking up at a Mad Men rerun the other day when everyone had to take of their shoes to enter Cooper’s office and enter his world of shoji screens and bonsai plants. The more cynical reasons, IMO are 1) people trying to emulate Vern’s TV decorating style where he overuses the phrase feng shui to death 2) The ubiquitous use of the word “zen” to describe a room (check out Mikey V’s Thailand room and how many times he says it) 3) a proliferation of Buddha heads at tacky stores that accessories shoppers to snap up and offensively (I think, Holly, did you tell me that?) put on the back of toilets 4) I think a lot of untalented designers think they are achieving “zen” and Asian style by placing said Buddhas and tiki torches around without having the first clue about the actual theories behind real Asian style. The results are far from calmness and serenity – in fact, they make me scream “Serenity Now! Serenity Now!” If said designers ever asked me to school them with my own limited knowledge, I’d tell them to start by studying real Japanese gardens. You know when you see those rocks surrounded by raked sand? Those are perfectly placed and the arrangement has a very particular meaning.
ah, ya got me started. I’m going to quit before I tell you about the canons going off in the “Japanese” garden at Kluge’s estate in Charlottesville, because that is where this is headed.
becky from hatchs last blog post: Flipping Out
July 30th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Here’s my thing… have any one of these challenges ever revolved around going hunting for a room through thrift stores, garage sales and such? Not simply antique hunting, but have these people ever had to really LOOK at what they are putting in a room? Or are they just shopping? They say you can’t buy taste or talent and I am sort of seeing a pattern here of taking what I consider to be more than enough money (considering the appliances and floors (?) were donated…) I understand that they are on a timeline, but I would like to see these princesses put into a situation where they have to actually SEE what they are doing and not just depending on a stores ability to showcase a product. I am taking a painting class right now and before we have even touched paint, we are deconstructing how we look at our work. The play on light, the textures, before colour. It has just occurred to me that perhaps these guys could use some undoing of what they have learned from their Trading Spaces education and branch out a bit. Not just the contestants, but the hosts and the producers as well.
July 30th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I liked both rooms and I thought they were very functional for the family. The thing I liked about them is that they were practical for the the family for the most part and very usable. It is great to see high design but I don’t go to HGTV for that unless I watch Devine Design. Mostly I want to see something pretty and functional for real life and not just a museum or photo shoot.
I still contend that Matt is a great carpenter and Jen a good designer and the next DS should have people apply in pairs as a designer and carpenter and those two get a show. Every show has a side kick so why not have people apply that way so presumably they would be able to work together well. I think that would make things a bit more interesting and mix it up in a good way. Plus it will allow the pair more time to do something with a room, and hopefully allow the designer more time to actually shop/plan the room rather than just get something because it is close enough to what they need and their time is running out.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:39 am
First of all–congrats on the new site! It looks just great. As for these “design stars”, neither does much for me as a designer. HGTV needs to step it up! Maybe Holly should sign up for the next season. She could rock it. :)
July 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Holly should give it a go
July 30th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Both the rooms have been given a unique treatment according to its functionality & utility. However, I think, more softer colors could have been used to enhance the appearance, especially, the living room
July 30th, 2008 at 11:55 am
The nearest IKEA to NOLA would probably be Atlanta. A “right fur (far) piece” as the saying goes down south. I, too, am not head over heels for the 2 finalist. I still think Michael would have had a lot to offer if given the chance. I just think the show didn’t feel up to babysitting. Am I alone in saying, “Bring back Sparkle Josh?”
July 30th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Wouldn’t it be lovely if they gave them a show together? Design Star history. They both seem like sweet people that work so well together (jen’s design sense and matt’s creativity). How nice was it of Matt to give Jen the carpenter because he knew she needed the help?
July 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I would cook in that kitchen over mine, any day.
July 30th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I voted for Jen but completely agree that her design, although more my taste, was very dated and SO laurie from trading spaces.
The shows creators need to get a little more creative and come up with some jaw dropping challenges. Don’t get me wrong, it’s so great that they helped these families in New Orleans, but that’s something you’d see in a any show. It just wasn’t wow.
Brooke Hagels last blog post: Oh Feathers
July 30th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
While I agree that neither design (or really any of the designs from this season) really knocked my socks off, I think the problem is inherent with the premise of the show. There is not enough time to both come up with a fabulous, original design that is perfectly suited to the space and the homeowners, and EXECUTE it within 36 hours. No effing way. No time to seriously contemplate the design, or scour antique shops and fabric stores, or to custom order anything, there is barely enough time to churn out the same tired crap that they do. As a kitchen designer, I also know there is no way to get quality cabinetry off a shelf – (don’t even get me started on IKEA) – and granite installed in 3 days? Go ahead and try to get that done in real life.
elckds last blog post: Bento Mania
July 30th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Luka: Good one but I do not want to be on television. Ever! Anyone can be on tv nowadays, it doesn’t feel all that special. I think it takes someone who craves the spotlight and loves the idea of showing off you know, like “hey look at me me me!” I may run a somewhat popular blog, but I’m a pretty ‘behind the scenes’ kind of girl. Plus, I couldn’t bare spending so much time away from my husband!
July 30th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
No posts today? I have become such a great fan of your work, Holly…that I check your blog many times during the day looking for a few minutes of sheer pleasure in between chores…
You must be exausted after the launching of your fabulous new blog…
Angelinas last blog post: Cajas y m?s cajas
July 30th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I have to agree with elckd on this one. There’s no way they’ll be able to come up with gorgeous, functional designs that will really impress in just 36 hours, even with a $20,000 budget. The designers wind up making rush decisions simply to finish on time, and their decisions aren’t always well-thought-out.
That said, of the 2 final designers, I definitely prefer Jen. I like Matt’s personality ??he has this easy way about him that makes his hosting look effortless, and he really is a talented carpenter, but I really don’t like his designs. His best room in the final challenge was the dining room, mostly because there was very little in it to mess up. I love Jen’s artistic flair, so if I had to choose, it would definitely be her.
Jennae @ Green Your Decors last blog post: Green Rooms in a Box Series: A Graphic, Nature-Inspired Bedroom Under $5000
July 30th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I totally agree with elckd–there’s not enough time for the designers to make choices, so there’s no way for us to get a good grasp on what Matt and Jen would really do on a design job when they have more time to think about it. They are so limited, but that’s TV and why it’s not really a great design show.
KK, the nearest ikea to New Orleans is Houston.
July 30th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
To answer the red room question, I have a red dining room/kitchen and I love it! It’s Caliente Red from BM and I get loads of compliments on it all the time.
July 31st, 2008 at 10:14 am
I love Design Star but haven’t been too impressed with the designs. At this point, a better name for the show would be Personality Star. I am voting for Jenn. I love her big smile and eclectic style.
Jennas last blog post: Garden Hoe
July 31st, 2008 at 11:01 am
Watched all episodes of Design Star. Disappointed. Should be re-titled Remodeling Star. Where was the “design”? Not one idea was new that I could have used. I have had red walls and just repainted for a more modern look. Loved the red but tired of the color. Might go back to red in future. Primer and two coats red paint. Painting over the red was harder. Used primer again and two coats paint. Countertops are another issue. We just replaced our old ones and because of cost went with the new formica and ordered it cut to size. Granite would have taken a long time. Personally, Granite reminds me of tombstones. Would love to have tile. We painted all our cabinets. Sanding,spraying painting, sanding, painting, sanding,…..more spraying and then final clear coat(s). They make it look easy on television.
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
I’m hoping that the majority voted for Jen. Give her enough time to develop her sense of style and plan for real design within a more realistic time frame and I think she’ll turn out something incredible. The timing they have on these projects is ridiculous. I just want to interject that I think Vern is becoming more stiff than he’s ever been. I can’t watch his show anymore – and if he hangs one more candle fixture 6″ from the ceiling ever again I’ll scream and throw things at the TV.
Back to Jen. I’m also selfishly hoping she wins because she’s a decorative painter and along with Danielle on Color Splash, she can help educate people about our trade. We do so much more than sponge and rag roll. Did you know that? :)
Lucindas last blog post: Trompe L’oeil – the learning continues
August 4th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Well now we know, just as we’d predicted. I thought Jenn’s new hair looked great as well.
April 9th, 2011 at 3:12 am
Years later I come across this blog post and I have to giggle……….I don’t know if anyone will ever see it other than me and Matt. :)
But to give a “wizard behind the curtain” scoop……ikea was not an option…..time constraints were CRAZY. There is no way to create such brilliance in less than three days, in a city you don’t know, having been not allowed to talk to your family for 6 weeks, no sleep for 6 weeks……..you really and truly just aim for survival and just some resemblence to a kitchen. And if you want to know, I even bore myself with the end project. You just go, “How can I even have something that has a wall, a countertop, etc…….”
I wish I could have had a camera on me at all times and had viewers watch the whole story…..honestly, behind the scenes is as much as the story. But I absolutely cannot thank everyone who voted for me. I am humbled and I hope to be back on tv again.
If you don’t know, two days before I won the show I found out I was pregnant, at five months they told us Winston had a tumor, on birth they said it was worse than a tumor, Winston “coded” on us once (which means died) and luckily my husband was able to rescuscitate (sp?) before paramedics arrived, we have flown to NYC for treatments, and Winston has a trach and a feeding tube and nurses 14 hours a day……………..
After all of that, it is very easy to design with confidence now. To pick a color and create environments that make others smile is such a fun and simple task now.
I will be a phoenix from the ashes and show up again when everyone least expects it. But please know that years later as I see old posts like this, I appreciate the kind words, honest criticism and anyone who took the time to vote.
Cheerio and big hugs! And most importantly, happy designing!!!
jen bertrand :)
http://www.hugsforthesoul.blogspot.com (in case you want to see my story)