en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/609514 Comments by Parkebernet http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/30/sneak-peek-all-stars-season-premiere/#IDComment411936319 It will be interesting to see what each designer learned from their previous HGTV experiences. No doubt they have come a long way, too, in their designing careers since we last saw them compete. At first blush, I am leaning toward Hilari, who is such a treat to watch. She has a lot of spunk - and class ("grace under pressure"). Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:46:36 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/30/sneak-peek-all-stars-season-premiere/#IDComment411936319 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/25/meg-on-the-finale-danielle-i-cant-wait-to-give-you-a-big-hug/#IDComment410118920 This is off the subject, but I like the way Meg dresses. She has a lot of fashion sense and always looks "put together." It seems effortless. David could take some lessons from her. He has everything going for him - looks, body type, etc. - but his wardrobe choices detract from (rather than complement) his style. Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:26:03 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/25/meg-on-the-finale-danielle-i-cant-wait-to-give-you-a-big-hug/#IDComment410118920 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/27/2012-design-star-fan-favorite-season-7/#IDComment410020607 Well done, Britany! The fans have spoken. Like many of those who have shared their comments, my family, friends and I think Britany Simon has a terrific eye for design - and will have much to contribute to HGTV in the years ahead. May this be a start of something BIG. Hats off to Yuki for her gracious posting! Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:56:11 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/27/2012-design-star-fan-favorite-season-7/#IDComment410020607 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/26/ask-the-producer-design-star-finale/#IDComment409411003 Thank you, Loren, for answering our questions so beautifully. You provide great insight into the show, and it is appreciated. I know it must be hard to read some of the overly critical comments, but I think it comes with any "product" that people are passionate about. We all want "our" Design Star to win and emotions run high because of it. In any case, it was a wonderful season and I personally enjoyed every minute of it. May your Design Stars All Stars show generate just as much excitement - and passion! Take care. Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:40:44 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/26/ask-the-producer-design-star-finale/#IDComment409411003 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/26/britanys-goodbye-this-will-not-be-the-last-of-me/#IDComment409404473 Our family and friends were all rooting for you, Britany. You dazzled America (and the world!) in every challenge. From the unique chevron fence to the yurt bed, your designs were creative, interesting, and fun. Your Hollywood Regency party venue was jaw-dropping! How you accomplished that in a day is nothing short of amazing. We were crushed that you didn't take top honors, but no judge's decision can diminish your genius. And we don't for a minute think the judges were sending that message. One could tell that they truly believe in your talent and struggled mightily over this decision. Arizona State University is proud of you, too! We look forward to watching your career soar. Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:27:12 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/26/britanys-goodbye-this-will-not-be-the-last-of-me/#IDComment409404473 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/24/recap-the-final-challenge-the-winner-is/#IDComment408963449 Our family and friends were Team Britany all the way. For some reason, though, the way the final episode was edited, she was made to appear indecisive and lacking in leadership. She never appeared that way in all the other challenges. I also think it was difficult for her to connect with the camera. It's not easy to "act natural" on cue; and the design shows seem to revolve around "characters" (people with quirky personalities). HGTV producers know who is winning the ratings game and they have to choose those who are going to attract the biggest audiences. Britany must not have proven to them that she could make the camera her friend, without lots of takes, coaching, etc. Who knows? Thu, 26 Jul 2012 04:54:10 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/24/recap-the-final-challenge-the-winner-is/#IDComment408963449 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/25/david-on-the-finale-she-just-glistened-in-front-of-the-camera/#IDComment408776244 Our family and friends were on "Team Britany"; it was painful to see her lose. I imagine it came down to a coin toss for the judges. They were also probably very concerned about the camera challenges and which of the two could "ramp up" the quickest to create that magical viewer connection. One almost has to be able to reveal one's soul when the producers call "ACTION!" Any reserve or hesitation has to be vanquished. I personally think it's more interesting when the focus is on the design rather than on the designer; but, I bet I'm in the vast minority on that score. They both worked unbelievably hard to win the prize, and Danielle - to her credit - impressed the judges more. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:51:06 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/25/david-on-the-finale-she-just-glistened-in-front-of-the-camera/#IDComment408776244 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/23/sneak-peek-season-finale/#IDComment407886349 The day we all have been waiting for has arrived. May the best designer win! And may none of us be sore losers. Hilari showed us how to accept defeat with grace, humor and hope for the future. Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:00:09 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/23/sneak-peek-season-finale/#IDComment407886349 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/20/ask-the-producer-episode-8-2/#IDComment407288626 Candice Olson, Sarah Richardson, Vern Yip, and the Novogratz couple (not sure what happened to them) are truly worthy of prime time. The others, not so much - they (the other HGTV designers) appear to be "propped up" behind the scenes. Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:38:31 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/20/ask-the-producer-episode-8-2/#IDComment407288626 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/20/ask-the-producer-episode-8-2/#IDComment405978548 Loren, how are the city locations chosen? No doubt it has to be a large city with lots of resources, like LA and NYC. But it might be fun - more challenging, too - to take the show to say, Billings, Montana, where the designers would have to be more resourceful, etc. Most people do not have the luxury of shopping for furniture, accessories, etc. in LA and NYC. It might be helpful (and inspiring) to viewers to see that great design elements can be found everywhere - in home towns all across America - and that every city has charming shops on which to draw. Thank you! Sat, 21 Jul 2012 03:03:11 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/20/ask-the-producer-episode-8-2/#IDComment405978548 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/19/relive-the-best-season-seven-moments/#IDComment405359048 Britany Simon's party space - the Hollywood Regency Room - was breathtaking. She pulled it all together at the last minute (or so it seemed), and it looked as though she had spent months designing it. Britany's ideas are "genius" - from the chevron fence to the yurt bed. And this all came under extreme time pressure. I'm in awe of her talent. Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:51:22 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/19/relive-the-best-season-seven-moments/#IDComment405359048 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/19/relive-the-best-season-seven-moments/#IDComment405355677 One of my favorite moments was Hilari's gracious, eloquent departure interview. It was the epitome of style and grace. She is, without doubt, a truly beautiful person. How many of us could bow out in such a classy way? Her clients must adore her. Fri, 20 Jul 2012 04:43:03 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/19/relive-the-best-season-seven-moments/#IDComment405355677 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/18/meg-on-episode-8-and-i-thought-tiny-houses-were-bad/#IDComment404991924 Sometimes it's difficult to see the design details on television. Maybe if we saw the rooms in person we would understand the judges' points of view more. They obviously see things we don't; and, who knows what goes on behind the scenes when the cameras are off. Some of the designers may be shooting themselves in the foot with missteps that are of prime importance to a network. They are making a huge investment in one of these Design Stars, and they have to go with the person whom they believe will deliver the goods - and handle stardom well. Not to mention being able to "go the distance." Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:17:47 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/18/meg-on-episode-8-and-i-thought-tiny-houses-were-bad/#IDComment404991924 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/18/david-on-ep-8-a-fantasy-room-not-so-much/#IDComment404703547 Say what you will, it is incredible what these Design Stars can pull together in the time allowed. They have to be creative as well as practical (given the ticking clock). It must be a pressure cooker - and so exhausting. And then there are those pesky camera challenges that they have to pull off when they're trying to concentrate on finishing their spaces. It's amazing that they can string two sentences together - let alone smile! Thu, 19 Jul 2012 04:55:59 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/18/david-on-ep-8-a-fantasy-room-not-so-much/#IDComment404703547 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/18/design-star-all-stars-cast/#IDComment404697636 What a great way to showcase the talents of Design Stars past. It reinforces the judges' statements that these designers were HGTV worthy, even though they did not take home the top prize. Thu, 19 Jul 2012 04:42:09 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/18/design-star-all-stars-cast/#IDComment404697636 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/17/episode-8-recap-yurt-last-chance/#IDComment404219244 Hilari was class itself last night in her gracious and touching exit. In fact, it probably ranks as one of the most graceful and loving concession speeches ever delivered on the HGTV network. Very moving. I wish I could save it somewhere as an example of how to accept defeat while taking home the most important triumph: staying true to oneself. What a beautiful person! Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:52:18 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/17/episode-8-recap-yurt-last-chance/#IDComment404219244 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/17/how-would-your-decorate-a-yurt/#IDComment403884133 The design challenge was a quaint yurt; The thought made my cranium hurt! But the designers jumped in And gave the rooms their own spin. Now, with luck, I'm ready to move in! Wed, 18 Jul 2012 02:46:38 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/17/how-would-your-decorate-a-yurt/#IDComment403884133 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/14/sneak-peek-episode-8-3/#IDComment402389771 I'm glad I don't bite my nails - they'd be down to the quick. The producers have done a terrific job of building the excitement, drama, and anticipation. Bring it on! Mon, 16 Jul 2012 01:23:50 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/14/sneak-peek-episode-8-3/#IDComment402389771 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/13/ask-the-producer-episode-7-2/#IDComment401391164 Thank you, Loren, for taking the time to answer our questions. I love the show and tune in every week. I even watch the repeats, in case I missed something the first time around. That says something important about the way the show is structured. For me, the hour flies by and I'm left hungry for more. What more could a producer want from a TV program? I'm sure it is a challenge balancing all of the different elements within the time allowed, taking into account the commercials necessary to pay for the program. And one thing more: Vern Yip is the bomb! His evaluations are always spot on - and help the viewer understand why a design or design element works or doesn't work. He can articulate his knowledge clearly and concisely in thirty seconds or less. The man was born for television. Sat, 14 Jul 2012 04:38:30 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/13/ask-the-producer-episode-7-2/#IDComment401391164 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/11/david-on-ep-7-what-do-we-live-in-a-forest-no/#IDComment400196464 The judges act as though the winner of Design Star has to instantly become Jennifer Aniston or Oprah - dazzling everyone with their toothy grins. Britany is a top designer and has shown this in every challenge. In time, she will become comfortable in front of the camera (they aren't letting the cameras run without stopping on David's show - I'm sure there are plenty of flubs; and have you seen David's Sherwin Williams commercials? Pretty stiff. Egad!) . The camera may be in love with Hilari, but it will be much more difficult for her to acquire the talent necessary to prove that that love affair is worth pursuing - especially if there's "no there, there." But what do I know? They're all "doing" and I'm just "watching"! Ha! Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:06:34 +0000 http://blog.hgtv.com/design-star/2012/07/11/david-on-ep-7-what-do-we-live-in-a-forest-no/#IDComment400196464