Week 4 of Design Star, and a bit of dullsville. We watch HGTV because we are voyeurs. I have been a professional designer for 35 years and still look for eye candy. Come on, “stars,” take my breath away, pu-leez.
This week was inspired by flowers, and the group was cautioned to not take the “theme” too literally. The women and Dan (the Rodney Dangerfield of design-he don’t get no respect) set out to create a more feminine space. The men’s take focused on the flower form as opposed to colors, although the completed project was similar.
Design Star-Women (and Dan) Room
Each space had equal hits and misses according to the judges, so they declared a draw. I must say when I looked at the girls (plus Dan) project, I wondered where they learned to combine colors, because it was a disjointed miss. The common design mistake of not honoring the color intensity/saturation was everywhere. If any of you have taken Color with No Regrets Class, you will see it immediately. Nina Ferrer continues to show her idea of “unique” is not so unique. The combination of color and lack of flow to her artwork made it jarring in a space. Perhaps she is inspired by David Bromstad’s signature of creating OOAK art for his clients, if so Nina, pull a new trick out of your hat.
The men’s apartment was stylish. The color scheme worked because it was very safe but should potential Design Stars…play 
safe? If you go down, go in a blaze of glory, not a whimper. The one potential spin-off is the dapper Tom Vecchione’s new workout show, Decorating Aerobics,as he huffed and puffed though the process. If I am breathing that hard, I hope there is a bit of passion involved. (I know, too much information, but I’m old, not dead)
Bottom line, Dan Faires was last night’s whipping post. Nina arrogantly stated Dan was her assitant. Another reason I wouldn’t watch Cruella DeDecorator, even if she wins. However, what truly killed Dan’s chances for Design Star fame was his gentlemen’s approach, which pushed him into the background. Dan, those aren’t soft, helpless women, they are your competitors. We never really had a chance to see if he had talent or not. But Dan, clusters, come on, was that the best you can do?
Design Star has been a bit disappointing. I have yet to see an idea that made me sit up and take notice. But I will tune in next week as I hope there truly is a Star in their midst. Hey HGTV, how about a show that showcases the oldies but goodies, not a competition, just a great instructional design show. Just call and the old broads will be there!
JoAnne -
You are right on, as usual. And I LOVE your sense of humor (Cruella DeDecorator was my favorite — not the person Nina I think she should go but the phrase fits her to a tee!).
I’m looking for that “knock my socks off” decorator/design also and I’m not even a professional! I can only imagine how uninspiring it has been for you to watch.
BTW, I’m writing HGTV right now and requesting the “old broads” show!!! I think it would be ab fab!
hahaha Cruela DeDecorator…hahaha!
Disappointing so far…where is that brake-out star??
I look at the end results of their combined effort and am always dissapointed. What are they thinking? yuck– I know many people who could do a better job, without any training. I think we have a group of people who are interested in getting noticed individually, and as a result end up having a disjointed non- cohesive design. I bet none of them ever played team sports!! Whats with the color issues? None of them are appealing or draw you into the space? Oh well, I too hope next week is better and someone stands out from the crowd.
I feel the same way, JoAnne. Even my 8 year old son came in the room while I was watching and commented on Nina. He said, “It is time for Nina to go home because she is not very nice!” I am looking forward to this week and better designs.