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What a great show Design Star turned out to be! I initially started watching because I love Clive, but I was soon hooked on the personalities involved. I think DAVID is the clear winner. His designs consistently embraced edgy style balanced with practicality and function. Alice has a sweet sincerity about her but I think she is not bold enough to design outside the box. I would love to see David win, but I really think that the chemistry between David and Alice should not be overlooked by HGTV. Better yet, why not have an additional set of designers on Design on a Dime and include David, Alice and Tym? They could be located in the south or midwest so that we Southerners could have a shot at getting makeovers too. Sounds like a plan, don't you think???

Posted by Phyllis – September 7, 2006 11:51 PM

I found this show hard to watch, and hard not to. I hope that the young couple got to have their kitchen redone by professional people, with professional contractors after all was said and done. I think this network should really not have used this competition to award their prize. They really short changed the young couple if they did not redo their kitchen with professional contractors. What a mess!

Posted by Rosanne – September 7, 2006 6:08 AM

I love the show - absolutely love it! I didn't see the original shows but have caught up with the re-runs.

I think both David and Alice are great. I read through the comments and agree that they should co-host a show. I think they'd be great. Here's my thoughts on the contestants:

David - I think he will make an exceptional designer. Even though his designs are not what I would usually pick, I still love them anyway. He's likable, friendly, mature & behaves in a professional manner.

Alice - same here. She's very friendly & professional. I love her smile and her imagination. I was a bit dissappointed with her design this week but still feel she deserves to have made it this far.

Joseph - He should not have been kicked off. I thought that was very unfair.

Donna - She needed to go. I did feel sorry that she got the brunt of Temple's bad manners. However, she just didn't have the imagination or personality needed to host a show.

Vanessa - I don't know who was worse, her or Temple! Good Lord, she got on my nerves!
I got so tired of hearing: I did this. I did that. I was published - like she's the only one in the world who ever was. Her arrogance was just plain offensive.

And she was sneaky, in my book, with what happened during the 'painted furniture' episode. poor Joseph. He wasn't the one who should have been kicked off. Good for Alice for saying something to her!

And speaking of offensive - Temple just made my blood boil! Next to sneaky people, I really detest self absorbed people who put down others just to build themselves up. If that was a course, she'd have gotten an "A".

How she got away with not getting kicked off after the kitchen screw up, I'll never know. That was really unfair what she put the other contestants through. That woman needs an attitude adjustment big time!

I like the twins. I think they'd do really good on some sort of show.

Ramona was just a mess!

Thanks for letting me verbalize! I really love HGTV. Keep up the good work!

Posted by Kathleen – September 4, 2006 9:08 PM

For goodness sake keep David, Alice and Tym. You don't have much talent left on your network and you need some new faces and shows.

Alice would be so good as a replacement hostess of Sensible Chic. The girl you had was sickenly sweet but it was an excellent show and I would love to see a new version of it.

How about a new show featuring Vern Yip? I would love to see what his work is all about.

I hope David wins this contest but you need to see that he keeps his clothes on! He is not supposed to be a Chipmunk is he?

We do not need to see any more of the stuffed/puffed version of Temple. She is too old to act like such a spoiled kid.

Posted by Carol Allen – September 4, 2006 3:21 PM

I truely enjoy watching Design Star. I believe, that both David and Alice are talented. I think that having a show with both David and Alice hosting it together would be different. Alice has a real sweet personality. Alice did a wonderful job with the men's smoking room. Alice has alot of talent. David is also full of real talent. David does seem to have an ego about his appearance. Don't misunderstand, he is nice looking, but, viewers will be watching for new ideas, and something fresh to use around their home. His true talent is the reason why viewers, in my opinion, will be watching the show. Having both of their personalities will be enjoyable to watch because they compliment each other. They would make a great team.

Posted by Karen – September 4, 2006 2:13 PM

I watched tonight's final episode of your show, and I am still convinced that David has the talent and ability to become a very respected designer. Alice, however, has the appeal to make viewers want to tune in to watch. I am just so thankful that the crazies and the prima donnas were dismissed early on. I truly did not see any designs that could compare to David's; now if he would just keep his shirt on and concentrate on becoming a tv host, all will be well.

Posted by Dee Owen – September 3, 2006 10:42 PM

i dont understand why temple didnt take part of her money and hire a carpenter to assist.

Posted by sharon – August 29, 2006 10:27 PM

I agree that Temple should have been kicked out after this show. I actually think she would have been had the other contestants just followed her instructions instead of trying to tell her the design she sold couldn't be done.

As an example, she promised new cabinets. Had Tym and the others gone along with the plan, they would have ripped out the cabinets the first day - according to Temple's plan - and then they would have not been able to complete the installation of the new cabinets...and having ripped out the old ones, the cabinet situation would have highlighted more obviously Temple's lack of forethought in terms of what she sold to the couple.

In addition, the amount of time that it would have taken for the cabinets would have precluded many other jobs not getting done. If Tym was still working on installing cabinets to the last minute, who would have put in the new tile backsplash?

So, the arguing actually did Temple a favor by changing her design.

The homeowners lost out the most in that they didn't get anything like the kitchen they were promised. The floor was the most atrocious decision ever, and I personally thought the white paint on the cabinets was hideous. Not crazy about the dark wall paint, either.

I'm not sure what the judges were thinking, but thankfully, Temple got the boot next show anyway. Let's just hope the homeowners got the kitchen they were promised when the HGTV crew came to finish up. Hopefully they tore out that floor!

Alice has what it takes to host a show. I like David's contemporary ideas, but they're not practical or desirable for most homeowners.

Posted by Nora – August 28, 2006 12:36 AM

The "behind the scenes" show I'd like to see would the the crew who had to come in fix this kitchen. I can imagine what experienced contractors would have to say about the mess left by the wanna bes. Did they film the HGTV fix it crew?

Posted by Norm – August 27, 2006 7:19 PM

Temple & Donna should have been fired for all of the bickering they did. Teamwork is an intrgral part of any business. Being able to set aside your personal disputes is what a true professional does, in order to focus on the objective.

I can't believe Teran was fired! What is the matter with you people?

Tym should have been fired after the dog leash incident.

Teran & Teman were my pick. Second choice would be David. Having twins with a decorating show would have something unique, especially with the stage presence & abilities of Teran & Teman. Their show would have been something fresh & new. Their designing skills I don't feel were lacking, but they would have fine toned those very quickly. Now your decorating show will have nothing unique about it. It will not stand out. It will be just like all of the other decorating shows.

Better luck next time.

Posted by Marlene – August 27, 2006 2:01 PM

Temple would be in court for the next ten years if she had done to a "real" homeowner what she did to the TV couple. Knowing how many hours of labor it will take to complete a job and what skills are required to do it are an integral part of the design. I hated it that Teran (or was it Teman) was "fired" in front of the homeowners. How awkward! I liked both of the twins; they were bright, sensitive, talented and charming. Ditto for David and Alice. I liked David's short walls but wish he would keep his shirt on, this venue is not the place for trolling. All four of the rooms appeared fundamentally equal.

Vern Yip should have his own show. Vern should own the network. Vern should be president of the United States! On "Trading Spaces" he consistently delivered outstanding work, kept the homeowner's needs utmost in his work, and educated and inspired the viewing audience.

Posted by thekatydid – August 24, 2006 3:44 PM

Design star is a very appealing show as are all the other reality shows...my first impression of most of the contestants is they are not easy to get along with...how are they going to last designing anything if they don't get along with their co-workers...another problem I have is that for the money they are given their designs don't appear to have been spent wisely...My favorite show on your network is Decorating Cents...no other program I have ever watched can do so much with so little money...this program not only teaches you how to do things it also helps you to appreciate anything you might come across, which can be painted or done over to become something else...this is true design and the operative word here is design...what can be done to improve this room for not a lot of money...I would say at least 60 percent of the people watching your show our home improvers, doing most of the work themselves...on limited budgets...I myself have learned many, many things which unleashed by creative juices to remodel my own house and those of my friends and family...paint is cheap...and goes a long way...the designers on this program create with money not with their hearts...most of them are visionless...temple was one of vision, she might not have had the experience, however she had the vision, however I knew she would be going home because her attitude had changed...Yellow is a marvelous color I painted rooms in my house which consisted of numerous shades of yellow...I was told a long time by a designer not to paint my ceilings anything but white because it would make my room look smaller...well, I took the bull by the horns and painted it a paler shade of gold than on the walls and by a miracle it make my room look much bigger not smaller...I always tint my primer, it costs nothing and covers the walls much better for the main color...most of the time only needing 1 coat of paint these tricks of the trade I have learned by experimenting and taking classes at major home improvement centers...asking question, reading books and just plain ole doing it...I've never worked with a carpenter...because I have done it myself...it was interesting watching the contestants having their own carpenter and not using the talents of those right in front of them...Temple had given up because she was distracted by the color...color looks so much different when everything is put into the room to complete it...I was surprised there were no plants or different levels or mood lighting or mirrors, etc... the girl that won I think here name was Alice did a great job, she had a vision an embellished upon it...textures, colors, storage and fun with style...I do wish her luck...Tym I believe is so busy complaining instead of just doing and David is a remarkable artist, what he can do with a piece of canvas tells me he's wasting his talents....Good luck to all of them...and please never take Decorating Cents off the air I love that program and Joan Stephen is the hardest working host I have ever seen....if she ever wants to retire I will lovingly take her place....

Posted by Nancy Hirst – August 24, 2006 2:23 PM

OMG, finally they got rid of Temple! That woman annoyed the heck out of me from the beginning. Like Clive and others, I could not believe the panel kept her in when she made such a huge mess of the kitchen!!! What was with that? And I doubt that woman could work with anyone! She needs a major attitude adjustment!

I believe David is the winner! He's got real talent and able to deal with people far better. He also has a good personality. Look forward to seeing the rest of this series!

Posted by Ginny – August 23, 2006 10:25 PM

Great Show I am hooked. I nominate Vern for the next design star. He is the one I most want to see with his own show (with Clive as the host!).

That said, I really miss Joseph. I say that HGTV should take the initiative to work with him again even if he did not win. He seems super talented and was very unfairly kicked off.

I love, love David's work but am super turned off by how in love with his own looks he seems to be. Get over yourself and rely on your great design skills and not your looks. You do have real talent. I also think you have the talent and personality to be a design star.

I hated Vanessa, she took credit for everyone else's work and was very sneaky in trying to dodge the blame. The fabric she chose for the sofa was sooo ugly and it's hard to even comment on the glamourlicious-hair-salon-gone-mad living room! She had neither the personality nor the talent to have her own show.

I also disliked both Donna and Temple. Donna was slightly more likable than Temple but constantly allowed herself to be provoked into engaging with Temple who seems clearly unstable. Neither were very good designers in my book, I found Donna to be uninspired and Temple to be both derivative and conservative.

I find Alice to be very likable, love the way she dared to stand up for Joseph even as Vanessa was mugging in the background trying to place (make that displace) blame. I am a little less sure about Alice's design skills and would like to see more. I do like the suggestion that she and David would make good co-hosts.

I think Tym did not get proper credit for his room in the first individual challenge, it was very creative and interesting.

I liked the twins personalities but did not see the level of design I would expect from any HGTV show.

Ramona was just a mess. Maybe she is a talented artist (really couldn't tell from that one show) but she has no judgement and no willingness to listen. The mural and vacumn cleaner were just weird.

As for the show, I love Clive and Vern but I was very disappointed in the beginning, not sure what we are supposed to learn when the designers are working in teams and not showcasing their individual talents. I would also like to hear them talk more about their design decisions - important for a design show host, don't you think?

Any way, you got me, I will keep watching!

Posted by Juliayes – August 23, 2006 8:24 PM

I was shocked that Temple was allowed to advance when she clearly proposed a room that she could not deliver, either financially or in the time promised. If this had been a real job, I just can't imagine the fall out. It doesn't seem fair to have sent in a hit team to clean up Temple's mess but I guess there wasn't a choice - HGTV could hardly have left the kitchen in the shape Temple did. And I do lay the blame at Temple's feet - she knew, just like the other designers, how much money she had to spend, how much time she had to finish the project and what the skills of her workers were. Like in the show Designer Finals, a good part of the job is staying on budget and on time.

Posted by Nancy – August 21, 2006 8:32 AM

I agree with several of you on the fate of Temple!
Finally she is gone!! Now if thw "whiner" goes next, I would have to say the judges were correct in their assessments, although out of order a little. If everyone thinks Alice is "hiding" think again!! Did anyone else notice she almost left WITH Joseph? I would have agreed with her 100%, but I am glad she stayed. Bring Joseph back and give him a chance, at least!! Tym must go!! I think that the idea of David (IF he can keep his shirt ON), and Alice co-hosting a show just like Clive and Lisa would be great!! Alice has been very quiet and has stayed out of the absurd fray! The most unprofessional group of people I have ever seen. They all could NOT have been chosen for their talent as finalists or HGTV is in sad shape!! I think half were chosen for the drama and Diva parts they bring! I'm glad most are gone. Alice has remained in the background and done as she was asked by each Team Leader, then when given a chance she burst out with design in her room from the Camping store and this week now, with the color theme. Poor David-red!!! He did well. There's one thing that needs to show on a television show and that's cooperation and also communication, and the most important thing that Alice has, and HAS had since the show began is one thing you can't be taught-CLASS!! She has it and she shows it in her actions, & even loyalties,(though almost to a fault with Joseph), who DID get a raw deal. He should never have been held respobsible for the paint, since we've all seen since then that Vanessa did whtever she wanted no matter who got upset(even homeowners)and her type of attitude won't get her very far in any job!

Let Alice and David co-host a show such as Clive and Lisa in "Designed to Sell". If not, I'm sorry for David, but I really believe it takes so much more than any of these people (except Alice) ever even thought about, to make it on a show!! #1 is going to be teamwork, then #2 will be talent!! I have had a stalled kitchen remodel with a design problem for 2 yrs. now. I would trust Alice at the drop of a hat to work in my home, even though it is full of Antiques!! That's if she can even come up with a design solution! Three kitchen Designers have not been able to yet!!

Also, Clive referred to the "clean-up team", in the kitchen Temple designed, I would have to believe that HGTV and Scripps would be sure the homeowners got the exact kitchen that Temple had promised them,(installed professionally)! If not, then they just wouldn't be the same network that
"WE ALL" love and watch so faithfully!!That just seems to me the type of Company they are! I know if I felt otherwise,I would be watching ANY of their channels!!

Posted by Wendy – August 21, 2006 2:23 AM

Hello Again,

So glad to see Temple go!, from what I've read I'm not the only one. I think the judges were right on target this week. Miss A did a good job. I still believe that David will be left standing when all the dust clears.

Until next time...

Posted by Robin – August 21, 2006 1:42 AM

i like David desings he is the# one desingstar in the show.

Posted by roxana – August 20, 2006 11:27 PM

Love this show! Can't wait for Sunday nights! I would love to see a tie between David and Alice.
They come across as the most talented and personable, and a show with the two of them would be great. The judges were right on with their dismissal of Temple tonight. If she had won the judges choice, the popular vote would be against her. Clive, you are wonderful!

Posted by jinny brannon – August 20, 2006 11:17 PM

Well tonight was really a thriller. The contestants were each able to promote their own ideas with the help of a carpenter. Yes, David is a hunk, even though I am old enough to be his Mother. He is brave in the usage of his ideas which is great. He seems to work well with the others which is another plus but he does need to be wearing a shirt [don't think a client's husband would be too thrilled with David always being without a shirt around the client's wife]. Tym, definitely needs to get a hair cut because his hair style is very unprofessional. His ideas aren't bad and he is able to come across fairly well. I would never have chosen that particular blue for a rug, but that is my taste. Alic was really great! She was a little brash when the judges gave her some pointers, that is a little much when working with a client or a TV producer/director. Need to be able to take critism, if not you will have few followers.

Posted by Ann/Texas – August 20, 2006 11:00 PM

This show is fascinating. I have enjoyed many of the episodes. There was nothing outstanding about Alice's design this week and she should have been canceled along with Temple. David is the talented one. I was glad to see Temple and Donna both go. Temple's design on this week's show really wasn't that bad but she has an overconfident personality.

Posted by nurset – August 20, 2006 10:56 PM

Well, we don't have a Show Five blog yet, but I just wanted to say "WOO HOO!!!"

Temple can go pout and cry at home now.

And I'm so glad that sweet Alice did so well on her room and her presentation. She seemed comfortable and personable. She does have an accent you could cut with a knife (I'm a lifelong Texan and it sounded strong even to me), but her unpretentiousness is a big plus. Besides, we get plenty of New York and California accents on TV. Why not Texan?

I'm glad Tym made it through, too. He seems very relaxed and matter-of-fact when presenting. I don't think David's space was as impressive as I had hoped, and his "tour" seemed rushed and nervous.

I think I'm hoping for Tym or Alice now. Mostly Alice.

Posted by DJD – August 20, 2006 10:39 PM

I have watched from the onset of the program and even before, as I watched the audition tapes and all else from the website. At that time , I told my wife that my money is on David. It still is, and I can see why. His designs thus far have been excellent, and he appears to be a team player as well. Alice is great also and I think everyone is a little hard on Temple, but face it, she's made it this far on guts and tears. If it works for her, don't knock it. I will say this however, I don't see her in her own show.

Posted by ric – August 20, 2006 10:20 PM

Considering who is left, let David and Alice co-host a show. Oh yeah, bring back Joseph!

Posted by Regina – August 20, 2006 9:06 PM

I have watched each show more than once. I am floored by the fact that some people left so soon and others are still around. I do agree with the departure of Donna last week. From day one she has always had control of the money to a point and it seems she does more shopping than anyone else on the show. I could not believe she spent more time shopping and sleeping on this last show. Temple is a bit of a drama queen, but she at least works. I have yet to see Donna even lift a hand to do actual work. When they were given the same room to do, she had not clue as to what she was going to do and the fact that she had to do the work herself, She just seemed so out of place. I guess I was very happy to see her leave last week because now we can get down to see who really has what it takes, without hearing Donna go on and on about her experience and whatever. Trust me not all Texans act the way she did. It is embarrassing to me.

Posted by Tina – August 20, 2006 8:57 PM

P L E A S E cancel Temple's show! We want DESIGN...Joe should still be in the mix. Sorry he's not. Now get realistic and let David, Tym and Alice show their stuff! All three could be groomed to be interesting hosts. Speaking of grooming, Tym...trim the hair. It's too artsie-fartsie and not a serious designer look. Love your passion! Would love to see more of your talent! David..a nice body shirt will have the same effect for those who poo-poo the shirtless...maybe you can borrow one of Temple's. But watching your naked torso and talented hands is ok by me. Absolutely love your kids rooms! Alice...you're a talented, lovely lady and would be a charming host. Good luck to you all. Notice I'm assuming Temple will be gone...let's hope the judges and producers listen to our pleas.

Posted by Smiles – August 20, 2006 6:14 PM

I love this show but it is so unrealistic for the designers. They would never have to actually do their project in such a short time frame and do the physical labor themselves, like hang kitchen cabinets. Temple is out of line most of the time because she is so intimidated by the others credentials. She's not ready to be a show host. I hope the future shows give us a better sense of their presence in front of a camera as a host instead of frenzied crazed people running around trying to be creative. I was sorry to see Vanessa and Joseph go. They at least were creative and took chances. Alice just sits in the middle of the pack with little risk so she always stays on. Clive is great. I really enjoy his hosting. Looking forward to the rest of the shows.

Posted by Sue – August 20, 2006 6:03 PM

As probably the No. 1 HGTV fan there is, it is time for me to chime in. I watch the shows on HGTV because they appeal to me. I watch Design Star because it appeals to me. The personality of the next Design Star will have to appeal to me. So, for me to want to watch the new show with a new Design Star, he/she will have to appeal to me.

It is time for me to comment on the overall "feel" of the contestants on the show. No doubt, there is some raw talent. But the back biting, bickering and excuse making of some are taking away from what the show is all about. Oh, I know this is a reality show. But, those that show selfishness and disrespect for others have no business having their own show. I'm sure the stress is tremendous. Even Clive said, " . . . it's becoming quite apparent that this is a marathon, not a sprint." This contest should not only be a test of someone's God given talent, but a test of leadership, endurance, dependability, organization, and a general respect for others. When someone openly shows disrespect for others on national television, it shows a shallow, selfish, and immature individual who needs a reality check on their personality--certainly not something that is appealing to the audience.

Although it is probably a done deal by now, I hope that the judges will use (or did use) their common sense and select the first Design Star who is not only talented in his or her own right, but is also a well rounded individual who shows he or she has ALL the right stuff!

Posted by Lindy – August 20, 2006 3:20 PM

Dear Clive,
I'm addicted. I love this program and look forward to many more series in the future.
As to last Sunday;what occurred in that kitchen was wrong from the start. I remember when this series was originally promoted along with the contest. I thought it was a room makeover in general, but a makeover never the less. I did not believe this was supposed to be a complete tearout and rebuild. The homeowners expectations were completely unreasonable. They got what they deserved.
Next Temple. She has proven to me she is a designer by watching TV design shows. She doesn't have a design vision that didn't begin in someonelses imagination. Her "floor idea" comes from the BBC series "Changing Rooms". Did anyone else notice CR's designers never used the scaffolding in the kitchen. Pine is soft wood and you have to moisture and mold and bug abate before installing!!! UGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!Her "cabinet installation idea" comes from "This Old House". How many times has Norm shown us the Dutch mortice and tenon that took hours to set up before it was shot for a finished product that took 5 minutes. And why did Tym install those cabinets with the doors on?
The stainless appliances are sold as a set in bulk, not much spent there. Glass tiles, ahh there is the money. Cheap pressboard laminated cabinets that weren't installed? A little more. A new table and chairs that were too large for the room? There is a gotcha. The kitchen was neither Tuscan (more bad Craftsman with a touch of '70's Mediterrainian)nor contemporary (darker, drearier, dismal).
Ramona didn't have a usable vision.
Joseph let Vanessa steam roller him into a bad design and should have known better.
Vanessa was a decorator, not a designer.
Teman was a timid designer led by the others.
Teran should have given himself a couple of hours sleep before the presentation so he would have made more sense.
Donna and Temple butted heads because they were exactly the same personality. Neither is educated nor experienced enough in this field to be a designer, but both were trying to outprove herself to each other and the others. Donna showed less ability in this, she did have to go.
I am afraid that as long as Temple can crib from Changing Rooms for her designs she'll get through to the end.
Tym need to bring his designs together and be a little less primitive and defensive to get to the end.
Alice needs to show her Lone Star personality and let herself shine to get to the end.
David needs to mess a design up royally to be kicked off before the end.
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!

Posted by a.d. volpe – August 20, 2006 1:56 PM

My thought is that this show is for a design star not a contractor star. Temple's crew was thrown into her design concept but what she proposed took construction skills that none of the competitors list on their resume. I love HGTV...so much that my husband thinks our TV has only one channel but this time I'm thinking they have confused their objective and possibly missed the mark...however, I won't miss an episode. I'm hooked!

Posted by bullet – August 20, 2006 12:48 PM

I'm still betting on David and Tym! Loved the eliminations - hope Temple goes next - she's too mouthy and I would never ever watch her show!!!! I hate the group projects and love the individual ones - it really showcases David's wonderful sense of line and design as well as Tym's!!!!! Love HGTV!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Elizabeth Orbison – August 20, 2006 9:13 AM

Temple-go home. David-open up and let your artistic soul shine-you have what it takes. Alice-you will give ole Dave a run for his money.

Posted by Cindy – August 19, 2006 11:07 PM

Clive,
You're an awesome host. And I've loved the episodes I've seen so far. But I've got to disagree with keeping Temple around. I realize the girl has spunk, very driven, but she drives the other conestants crazy. You gotta keep an eye on her. I'm not sure she has the potential to be the next Design Star. I hope that you do another one of these contests. I'm sure it would go over great!!! You Rock Clive!!!!

Posted by Sarah Bauman Woodbridge, Virginia – August 19, 2006 10:46 PM

For all those who have no vision or insight and do not possess a winning attitude, stop posting here. Tired of all the whining and losers who do nothing but complain.

Temple was right on to give the home owners what they wanted. This is a contest! To bad Temple did not have other team players, seemed like all they wanted to do was complain, sleep and/or shop.

Teran presentation was a flop. I am really surprised he made it that far.

I see David and Temple as the final two.

Posted by brunleon – August 19, 2006 9:15 PM

I am dismayed that HGTV has gotten into the "reality show" business. Such programs mistake the terribly rude behavior of some contestants as leadership. This is the case with Temple. She does have good ideas and in her individual design she executed well. But she has behaved badly to her team members and to her clients. Bullying is not leadership. A creative plan cannot compensate for failing to completed a project and terrible workmanship.

As the judges admonished Joseph, this show is about the final design. Temple failed in this project. Why was the same standard not applied to her as was to Joseph? Because she has the raw brashness that will appeal to an audience not normally uned to HGTV.

Posted by Trish – August 19, 2006 9:00 PM

Me and my boyfriend are pretty addicted to this show, as are most of you.
Ramona- I was glad to see her go, I don't think she had the talent to be there in the first place.
Joseph- I hated to see him go over Vanessa, but I guess it's only fair since he was, indeed, the team leader. Even though it was a group decision, ultimately, it's the leader's responsibility to keep the team "in check". Like Vern said, they were VERY lucky that the problem was able to be fixed, otherwise, I don't want to imagine what would have happened. When it comes to someone else's house you have to be VERY careful and respectful.
Vanessa- I was so incredibly glad to see her go, I too laughed when she was eliminated. Watching the commercials, I thought she was actually going to stay because she was SO proud of her room, but after seeing it, it was so obvious she'd be the first to go. Her room was not functional as a living room should be. It looked like a beauty shop waiting room.
The twins- they were a great pair, but their design was too amateurish. Although it's very hard to shop in such an odd shop and design with those items, the camping room was very unorganized, the "rug" was wrinkled and crooked, the angle of the couch looked more accidental than intentional. The blue room, it lacked design. His vision of it and the idea was creative, but he didn't pull through with the actual design, and maybe he should have gone 2 shades lighter with the paint.
Donna- She just seems like she's good at shopping. She's constantly telling Temple that she'd love to get along with her, but on the other hand she encourages, if not initiates disagreements and immature arguments. I find it hard to believe she has had 20 years of design experience.
Temple- I believe she should be the next to go, she doesn't work well with a team. She obviously doesn't have enough experience. She has a great sense of style, but I just think that's because she had the priveledge to indulge in fashion and style, therefore giving her very good visions for interior designing. But that's all she has, she wouldn't be able to do all the work herself, which means she'd have to work with a team. IF she gets her own show, who'd want to work with her with that attitude and over-confidence.
Alice- She has a lot of talent when it comes to design, but I'm not sure she has the outgoing personality to be on her own television show. She doesn't stand out in the show, she seems to be in the shadows, doing a great job, but she's so... hidden.
David- He has a great sense of style, (obviously in episode 3) That was very creative, he has a great personality, I like seeing him with his shirt off (he's so sexy) but I think he should cut back on it a little. It makes him seem way too egotistic. He probably could manage his own show, but he still lacks talent in certain areas, but I'm sure he'd be able to pick up on it as he goes along.

Posted by Sophia – August 19, 2006 8:53 PM

I am crying "fowl" over Episode 4!!! Temple's design was far too ambitious for the short amount of time it took to complete. Of course, she was picked by the homeowners - by over committing the whole team. Temple made everybody look bad because of her over commitment and the inability to produce. It looks like for Temple that it is truly all about "ME"! I personally do not like her attitude and was shocked when she smirked when Donna was asked to leave. This seems to be another one of those "reality" shows. Perhaps being "Miss Utah" has gone to her head.....

Posted by Don Martin – August 19, 2006 7:29 PM

I agree with everyone else that thinks it's totally ridiculous to expect designers to do the work of professionally trained contractors. Not even on shows like Trading Spaces do you see the designer being responsible for the majority of the construction. However, given the budget of 10K professionals could have been brought in.

If the purpose of the episode was to show how the designers could do a face lift of a kitchen, why not given them a budget of $500, and see what they can do? Things like painting the walls and cabinets, replacing the hardware and even retiling the backsplash is feasible on that amount of money and are projects that are all DYI projects.

Because for 10K, you can do a major kitchen remodel. And the remodel that these homeowners got was disappointing at best. The best thing about it was the new appliances.

And Vern just needs his own show. Vern and Clive are the best things about the show, because the challenges are unrealistic and it shows the designers for what they are...amateurs.

Posted by Emma – August 19, 2006 7:28 PM

I have been reading others comments and frankly, I simply had to add my own. I agree that Clive is a wonderful host. The show appears to be edited for drama, rather than design talent. I do not think I can watch one more show with Temple. She is a very sad person who thinks she is above all other "mortals." Shame on her and on the panel for not eliminating her. Donna took all the hits. Donna certainly left herself wide open for it, however, I am guessing she has talent but is not accumusted to doing her own grunt work and honestly don't know many designers who do their own work. Think there have been some bad choices based on theatrics, rather than on actual ability.

Suggest that the next time this show airs with a new group, we are allowed to participate in the design process, not the sniping process. It began with Temple and Donna took the hit for it. Donna should have been more professional and I understood why she was cancelled, but Temple is manipulating everyone on the show, including the judges.

I sincerely hope either Alice or David survive and have some serious assistance in learning how to host a design show. Please, I beg you, put all your viewers out of their misery and get rid of Temple immediately. It is very difficult to sit in your home and watch someone manipulate that many people. You wanted drama? You have drama, but at the expense of losing some of your best and most loyal viewers. I watch HGTV almomst exclusively and find myself leaving the channel because of the theatrics one person is allowed to use. Doesn't anyone review the actual tapes?

thanks for all the wonderful shows that exist on HGTV, please turn this one around and lose our prima dona for a qualified "design star."

Posted by Jan – August 19, 2006 6:48 PM

Temple should have been eliminated. She has an attitude and treats people poorly, major bad attitude. She was so pleased with her self because she was picked, however, she was only picked because she promised more than any other designer. I think she should have been held accountable for poor motivation of the other contestents as well as pitching a design that was far from completion. SHe also did not get enough grout. Donna I thnk picked good items, I don't think she was given credit for what she did.

Posted by JZ – August 19, 2006 6:39 PM

I love Clive, he's great. I was rooting for Temple and David but I quickly changed my mind after watching their interview videos. Temple made me gag. I'm impressed with her talent but she loses me everytime she cries.
David is very good at what he does but now I've started looking at Alice. I think she will do great.

Posted by Mrs. Bombdog – August 19, 2006 6:38 PM

The kitchen was completely unrealistic. Temple had a great design, it would have taken way more than 10K to do the design and weeks of professionl craftsmen to do the job. Is the winner going to be about design or about the impossible dream. Temple should go now. Too bad Joseph was eliminated.

Posted by Patricia P Brown – August 19, 2006 6:07 PM

HGTV is 1 of my favorite networks that I watch everyday. Design Stars is a great program and I like the way each designer is challenged. I wish that Joseph didn't get eliminated when he did because he appeared to be a 'quiet storm' in the way he processed he design steps and ideas. I'm happy that Vanessa got cancelled because her overall attitude came off as "self-centered" and "my way or the highway" ... she also put down several of the other designers and their ideas which isn't good. I hope the next to leave is Temple, to me she has no talent and it has nothing to do with no 'professional or classroom' training. I did like her in the episode where she worked on her own but she succeeded in that because she could draw on what her children and their dad does. I would like to see David win because designing 'appears' to be a natural with him and he can think and design on the fly.

Posted by E – August 19, 2006 5:23 PM

Bring back Joseph!!! Since I first posted here a few days ago, I've been reviewing the show and now realize that he was unfairly bumped for problems caused by team members.

Alice made the decision to cut down the sofa & asked him to to it. (Normally, I like her work, but this was a mistake, her mistake.) Vanessa then picked out the bad fabric for it. And painting the table was done by one of the women.

In contrast, Temple totally botched her kitchen project by her OWN efforts, putting forth a bad design, impossible to implement, and then didn't listen to any advice but bulled ahead. A terrible leader. With a bad design.

Why is she still on but Joseph is gone????

Judges see so little of the actual work that they don't know who did what or how anyone really worked on the project.

If the judges had seen the individual competitions first, Vanessa would have been kicked off and Joseph would still be there.

Joseph should still be there. Temple should be gone. What are the judges thinking?

David still looks like the best surviving bet, with Alice second.

Bring Joseph back.

Posted by kate – August 19, 2006 4:38 PM

Well if I hear Tym whine any more I will have to watch another station! According to him NOTHING can be done in the amount of time they had to work...

There wasn't much a team effort in this last episode so I guess it's a good thing that the designers will be working alone for the rest of the season.

Everyone is so catty - is it always like that in design? I would love to see a show where everyone gets along - give me Divine Design with some new shows!

Posted by sallyk – August 19, 2006 3:01 PM

I think Donna was just tired... tired of Temple, tired of the outrageous challenges, tired of communal living, tired from staying up all night. She reached the end of her rope. I don't think she was all that upset that she was let go, only sorry to be portrayed so poorly.

The design offered by Temple wasn't what the homeowners got. They specifically liked her design because of the angled corners of the cabinets - they didn't get them. They were promised new cabinets - didn't get them. They were promised granite countertops - nope, not those either. Temple's design plans showed a much better countertop base on either side of the refrigerator, what they got was counters that seemed to be balanced on too small bases. And those are just the things I saw in the all-too-brief viewing the TV audience got of Temple's plans.

I am at a loss as to issues regarding the dishwasher. They installed a dishwasher where there never was a dishwasher before. Doesn't that require plumbing and electrical work? How adept are these designers at these fields? And why in the world would David and Tym propose putting the dishwasher across the room from the sink? Since they had never been in the actual kitchen before, how were they going to get a water supply and drainage in the opposing wall if they didn't previously exist? And how practical is it to rinse your dishes in the sink and then traverse the room to load the dishwasher?

Posted by Diane – August 19, 2006 12:11 PM

Reading the comments is almost as much fun as watching the show.

People keep talking about Temple's raw talent but I just don't see it. Maybe I can't get past her personality. The kitchen design looked good I suppose but the finished product wasn't even close to the presentation board. Did the homeowners get consulted about the changes? Would they have picked Temple's design if they knew she wasn't going to follow it? I was amazed the judges liked her automotive room. I mean come on...a red and chrome contemporary room from an automotive store? Not exactly creative, folks. I was much more impressed with the rooms that did not look like the stores they came from.

She does make the show fun to watch - I'll be parked in front of my tv tomorrow night!

Posted by Julia – August 19, 2006 12:00 PM

Well, it was a nice THOUGHT to have a poor unsuspecting couple "win" a $10k kitchen makeover as I do admit that they received some nice kitchen appliances. But how much is it going to cost these people to re-do shoddy work that was done to the kitchen? After re-modeling a kitchen ourselves I can tell you the flooring will NOT be cheap to replace. I realize that a crew was sent in afterword to finish what was started but I sincerely hope that either they filled in the gaps between the flooring and used enough polyurethane or just re-did the floors entirely. After seeing this episode I do not think I will apply to any contest HGTV hosts for a make-over. My husband and I too had a budget to work with on our kitchen and you would be suprised what you could do with $10k if you spent wisely. We had half that amount and out of all the rooms in the house we re-modeled our kitchen is my favorite. Also, I will point out that we did everything ourselves and had maybe a little more time getting it all done. I think it took us about a week to complete everything. I like David and Alice the most. Maybe HGTV will have two hosts instead of just one. I love your show Design To Sell by the way.

Posted by Greta – August 19, 2006 9:18 AM

I am happy with the remaining contestants. I was so glad to see Vanessa go that I laughed. Donna seems to think that she should be the "big dog" in everything. When she was given the money for the first challange and then did not try to get a budget from each one before hand she acted very unfairly. The patio design turned out great, considering that they were not given their money until a day later. Donna was off shopping and spending for her project. The curtains on the staircase created by Vanessa were ridiculous. Vanessa with her "I have been a successful designer for seven years", got on my nerves, as did her glamourlistic, glamourliscious style. The fact that she took no responsibility for her mess ups and then let everyone else take the blame really floored me.
Temple may not make it to the end, but she has shown a talent for creativity on what ever she was given to work with.
The kitchen plan was overwhelming for the time they had, but she is trying to prove that she can design and with many of the cast members acting like she isn't as smart as them, I guess she has to be better. She has been stereotyped due to her Miss Utah days. Tym said that he had hung cabinets and was not a professional at it, so he was honest from the get go. No one knew how to hang those cabinets and unfortunately for Temple she did not have the foresight to realize that they would present a problem. She was trying to put her ideas on paper so that the owners could get a good idea. She may have promised more than she could deliver, but she will have a lesson learned. At least she did learn that other things play into the plan. I think she will be a better person for it.
Donna was always talking down to the others, so yes, she should go. At least Temple made an apology, Vanessa and Donna never have, and Temple takes others feelings into consideration.
I am guessing that David will win, he has an amazing mind for making things work that might not be conventional. I like hearing Alice talk, but I really am not sure too much about her designs, I feel like she is walking in the shadows. I guess time will tell.

Posted by Mary – August 19, 2006 5:28 AM

As an experienced DIYer working on the 5th house, been there and done that. The kitchen Temple pitched is NOT the kitchen the homeowners got. This was their $10k kitchen remodel? Very disappointed in HGTV.

For over a year HGTV has been my main television viewing due to an inability to do much of anything else. During this time, I've seen a lot of GOOD ideas and some poor ones. Can say truly the only designer I've seen here who really needed to get more creative is Kristen Cunningham from Design On A Dime. Yet even she works with a team and listens to their input.

Let's face it, Temple is overambitious and hasn't a snowball's chance in the proverbial of making a good show host. Her attitude has more to do with being spoiled than with being plucky because she doesn't have the training in design as the others do. Clive, seriously, could you imagine her replacing Lisa LaPorta for even 1 episode of Designed to Sell? Cannot imagine the rebellion on the show if her attitude walked in as she has demonstrated here.

Which by the way wanted to say very much appreciated the new Designed To Sell based in Chicago. Now if they only worked Downstate. :) Got all kinds of things that need done, all labor intensive.

Here's hoping David or Alice win. They both seem to have a better grasp on how to get the job done and work with a team.

Posted by Reese – August 19, 2006 12:53 AM

I am really tired of everyone bashing Temple. She has a positive attitude and a "get it done" mentality. While everyone else is standing around complaining about how hard the job is, she is actually digging in and working toward her goal. I would watch her show. She has a good TV presence, an upbeat personality and she's a hard worker.

Posted by Linda – August 19, 2006 12:13 AM

Really excited to see what type of format for design the new show will be for the designstar as each contestant has their own strong point. I'm sooooo ADDICTED to this show! So glad Sunday is coming soon.........it's so sad, lately I'm hooked on the oddest show, Landscaper's Challenge, Debbie Travis FAcelift, Hell's Kitchen, and Project Runway. Look forward to next season, bring it on! I so wish Vanessa would not have been so cocky, because I liked her vision and really think she would have made a great host.

Posted by bimby – August 18, 2006 11:24 PM

I would like to give my two cents worth on Design Star. I love the show, but really feel that the designers should not be doing the main hard labor such as ripping out cabinets, electrical etc. I would love to see the designers in a fair contest of their design ideas. I do NOT believe that the time frame to redo a DREAM kitchen was fair at all.

I love watching Clive, and thank him for doing such a great job on Design Star & Designed to Sell. I have agreed with the judges on all the eliminations so far. I am a fan of Temple's and I do understand the viewers that are TIRED of her tears. I believe she is very talented, and her talent just needs to continue coming through. I WAS VERY SICK & TIRED OF TYM'S COMPLAINING DURING THE 4TH EPISODE. Nothing gets done if you just sit around complaining & saying it can not be done. I think Alice is talented and a good designer.

Posted by Arlene – August 18, 2006 10:51 PM

Does anyone else just desperately want Vern to get out from behind that table and just go do it himself? Can't he just have his own show??

Posted by Karen Langley – August 18, 2006 9:48 PM

I watched the show last night. Sunday I was unable to do so. It astonishes me how so many people can watch the same show and come up with a different perspective.
1) Temple won the design fair and square (even though her design was too much to do in such a short time frame). Temple gave the home owners the "most positive presentation." 2) Others, especialy Tym (although correct) gave a good design as "Shirtless Man" (nickname in jest) did. However they were repetitive about the time frame and how unrealistic granite tops, etc were.
3)Yes the timeframe was "unrealistic", as it was announced to the judges, the camera showed Vern and even his eyebrows raised!!
4)The others should have played up the positive of an actual design that could be achieved in that timeframe. They are selling not only a product, they are selling their design and should have left the "negatives out". 5) HGTV would not promise a prise and then not deliver...hense the "cleanup team!
6)Temple, although her design was "pie in the sky", was effective in selling her design because she had a positive attitude and left out the negatives.7)Nor did she forget to add "counter space" as Donna did!!!(she was tired)
I am glad to see Donna go because her entire attitude during this episode and others was less than professional. Sure, you can say "so was Temples"! But whom is the Profesional Designer here with 20 years experience behind her. Thats how I looked at it. Temple is inexperienced, but she has drive, ambition, an eye for design, just as Tym, Dave and Alice (who is my favorite and I am rooting for her) is a Profesional and I like her designs, she has the potential to win, because as the saying goes, in order to be an effective "leader", one must be able to follow, which she did in Temple's design. Donna did to Temple EXACTLY what Temple did to Donna when Donna was Team Leader. If you saw the portion about the paint color at the store, and then Donna's remarks about "the owners are not even getting the color they wanted". And she kept commenting on "how awful" everything was. The owners love it and that is what counts, not Donna's opinion.
I am so glad to see Donna gone.

As for the white cabinets, I painted mine stark white with a dark counter and backsplash because I could not afford new ones and they were easy tp keep clean; gloss paint with at least 2 or 3 coats of acrylic varnish as oil varnish will eventualy give it a yellowish tint.
As for the pine floors; pine was the wood of choice years and years ago and in restoration, people are going to great efforts to restore these "pine floors." If sealed correctly (and probably every other year or so in this day), nothing will stay in the groves because the stain goes into the the groves and settles. If done correctly, they are beautiful but it takes some work to keep them up.
I cannot wait to see the upcoming shows, it is getting more exciting with each and every show.

Posted by Adrianna – August 18, 2006 3:06 PM

As a professional designer I am appalled at the entire concept of this show. For one thing, HGTV already has two "design stars," Candice Olsen and Kenneth Brown.
Joseph was eliminated far too early. He probably has more design talent and experience than all the others put together. Design takes more than an "eye for color" or good shopping ability. It requires knowledge of codes, appropriate materials, good space planning and project management.
These people are set up to fail. I read numerous comments about Lisa LaPorta and her professionalism, however she is given a contractor and carpenter to work with. There is also a lot of sweat equity involved by the homeowners with training and assistance from the experts. The $2000 budget on Designed to Sell would not even be close to covering labor costs if she had to actually hire someone. Yes, she does a great job and is professional.
I too consider myself very professional, but ask me to install a floor or hang a cabinet and I will fail. Ask me to design a room, provide realistic budgets and schedules, provide the subcontractors and work with the clients and I'll do a great job.
It is unfortunate that the two professionals I referenced above (Candice and Kenneth) never include information about the budget it took to create those beautiful rooms or the amount of time it took.
This show should not be another Design on a Dime with a bunch of contenders at each other's throats. Design is all about teamwork, good planning and execution with an adequate budget for the task at hand.

Posted by KJ – August 18, 2006 2:55 PM

OK, I don't like Temple. She has not done great the whole time I have watched this show. I thought she would go on this week. She wasn't listening to any of the others with what she wanted to get done in this kitchen. Then it wasn't finished and the crew had to come in and finish the kitchen, so the homeowners could even use the kitchen. You can't put a floor in over night, or cabinets.
Temple MUST GO SOON!
I am rooting for Tym.

Posted by Susan – August 18, 2006 2:49 PM

I think that with someone directing them, any of these people could have their own show. I think in some ways though, it would hurt the ratings if certain persons got the job just because we have all sat and watched their personalities for weeks. I watched every HGTV show that I can and would not watch a show with Temple on it.

Posted by Lisa Diaz – August 18, 2006 2:05 PM

My dream? That Alice and David would become co-hosts. (Though Joseph should NOT have been sent home when he was). Temple is a nightmare. Raw talent does not make a show anyone would want to watch unless it was matched by some humility and acknowledgement that she is a newbie. A show where she learned along with us sort of thing. but not Temple. She is so full of herself it is almost beyond belief. That is the kind of bravado that gets you an undeserved spot on a competition show but not the kind of personality people want to invite into their homes each week.

I am enjoying the show but I am confused why the challenges are set up as they are. There is no hosting or dealing with the camera/audience a tall. On the Next Food Network Star they show a clear understanding that the cooking skills need to be matched by on air personality. Where is that element here? Why is there not at least some segment where the designers need to teach/explain to the audience what they are doing and why?

Posted by KL – August 18, 2006 2:03 PM

One of the things that I wonder is when the homeowners were "competing" for the $10000.00 kitchen makeover, what were they told they were going to get? Were they told their kitchen would be designed AND remodled by basically ordinary people? Did they know that those who were going to be laying the floor, redoing the countertops, installing the appliances, etc. really didn't know what they were doing? That the people who were going to be working on it were not professionals? It's not something I would want, even if I won it. If that's the case then just buy me the nice appliances and I'll do it MYSELF. At least I would know what I was getting. And YES (in reply to another comment that was made previously)their kitchen did, indeed LOOK better than when it started. But that's not the point. The point is that they didn't even get close to what they were promised and that's the bottom line. As far as I was concerned, the only good thing about that kitchen when it was done was the backsplash and the nice appliances and the nice chandelier. The rest was awful.

Posted by Paula B – August 18, 2006 12:36 PM

Last night I watched episode 4 again, paying close attention to the part where the judges talked to Temple and Donna at the end. (Our TV went on the fritz at that part on Sunday - OW!!!)

Honestly, I am still of the opinion that Temple's show would not be something I'd ever watch. She talked about how no one believed in her dream ( and some earlier commenters did too). I think she doesn't understand how projects work in the real world, design or otherwise. People do not believe in a dream overnight, even when you treat them like a professional team. But she treated them like she was queen, and they were just her contractors. Or worse. Well, in that case, they don't have to believe in anything other than getting in, getting the job done, and getting out. And EVERYONE of them fell into that pattern by the time they were done, because of her attitude.

Temple won, and she didn't care how she stayed in, whether it took tears, manipulation or knocking someone else down. Well she got her way, and she helped get rid of Donna. But she also helped get rid of some future viewers! If she makes it to the final 2, most of us will NOT vote for her!!!!!

As for who's left that's a design star, it's hard to picture any of the other 3 as STAR material. All have a lot of talent, but Alice may be too nice, Tim may be too casual, and David may be too impractical (I'm thinking about a hamster cage lining rug here). But I am willing to see what happens!

Posted by MC – August 18, 2006 10:23 AM

From way up above: "Remodeling a kitchen without a crew of artisans struck me as kinda crazy."

Exactly, as others have said, they should have bugeted to hire a few handymen to help out. No cat fights, just getting work done while the designers fight and claw trying to decide what to do.

As far as everyone's designs go, I'd send them all home and start over.

Posted by Ambiguity123 – August 18, 2006 10:16 AM

I've already left a comment, but I realised the one thing I didn't talk about was Temple's actual design.

Like other's have said, it seems like the homeowners were blown away because the kitchen was so dismal in the first place. Anything would be an improvement.

But, I didn't really think there was any "design" evident in the finished product.

I missed the first part of the show where they presented their designs to the couple, but I did get a glimpse of Temple's design later. I know she had to modify it because of time, but she did get her original paint color and flooring.

The thing is, the paint color and flooring were too close in color and looked dull. The color on the walls has nothing to do with Tuscany either.

I didn't like the contrast between the light cabinets and the sea of dark taupe on the walls and floor. Also, that floor is going to show dirt because of the color alone, let alone the gaps in it!

The only "design element" I liked, was the backsplash. It was the only real hint of color in the room!

If I were the owners, I'd be repainting the walls and installing another type of floor. I'd also get new cabinets down the road.

Oh well. At least they have new appliances, a great backsplash, window treatments, and a new table and chairs to show for it!

Posted by Lori – August 18, 2006 9:54 AM

I just watched this episode for the fourth time. I know, very sad. I am truly amazed Temple's head can fit through the door. Sheesh!

Posted by Klancie – August 18, 2006 4:03 AM

I am currently a Junior in Interior Design school, and I can tell you their design challanges are NOT even close to real-life situations, they are more on the line of "WYWO", Trading Spaces and Surprise by Design. Too much to do in too short of time. Under these circumstances, it is really hard to even see the individuals design talent. I really think the most interesting personality for a design show has already been eliminated, (and it was a bit premature too in my opinion).
As far as who would I pick from those that are left? I think David or Alice, (not that either can hold my interest for a weekly show, they both have too flat of personlities to host), but it is really possible that America will pick Temple. I only say this because she has performed before, and I think as they start throwing in the hosting skills she will shine, but we will see I suppose. I do know I am really getting tired of the tears. She cannot possibly win America over by continuing to cry. She even cried in her audition.

Posted by Tracy – August 18, 2006 2:39 AM

I haven't watched a lot of "reality tv" but I have watched a lot of HGTV (often approaching reality-tv). This show has a lot of potential but I think it would benefit by additonal elements or by tightening elements to hold it more firmly together. I would like to see more support to the designers, even Lisa LaPorta can't do it all herself! Remodeling a kitchen without a crew of artisans struck me as kinda crazy. And we would get to see how the designers deal with other professionals. Also, are there other viewers like me who long for more information? I think it would be helpful to receive greater detail on the tasks delineated and reiterated along with the judging criteria. Also, more explanation of what informed the judges' decisions to cancel a designer's show--this helps our understanding and learning. I really enjoyed the individual room episode. I'm looking forward to more.

Posted by ww – August 18, 2006 1:51 AM

I hate to say it, but when I first saw the advertisements for Design Star I refused to watch it. The promo came across all attitudish as far as I was concerned and that is something that you don't see at all in REAL designers on other HGTV programs. However, my husband had it on one night and I was most definitely pulled in by the drama. I found myself laughing, smiling, crying and biting my nails when the designers were coming before the judges to find out who was being sent home.

Each week I have been stunned by the challenges and felt they were way out there for this group of people, but each week someone really surprises me too. This last week I think where Temple missed it was in not budgeting to hire people. Unless I am mistaken I can't imagine that Design Star the show really cares that little about the homes they are designing. Like the couple this last week. They somehow won a $10,000 makeover. Surely the program owners or backers didn't give Temple $10,000 and expect her to do all that work with completely inexperienced people. If a little less money had been spent on appliances I think Temple might have been able to hire someone to come in and put in her new cabinets.

Although the end result looked beautiful and the couple seemed to love it, I felt they got ripped off. Where did the $10,000 really go?

I was completely horrified by Donna saying the cabinets looked so bad when she hadn't put any blood, sweat and tears into them. I'm not sure it was a good idea for the programs editor to leave in Donna's "drive around for an hour so I can get a good nap in" comment either. This program really made Donna look bad, but I had to agree with her departure because of the attitude she had through out the antire show.

I too enjoy Clive. He has a terrific personality and I imagine asking the people to leave the studio has got to be hard. And one last thing incase Clive or anyone from the actual program really reads these comments. I was shocked that you gave this couple this wonderful gift of a $10,000 makeover and you had them standing with Clive when the decision was made to get rid of one of the people. That was A LOT on their shoulders as far as I could see and I would not want to be put in that position.

Posted by Sheryl – August 17, 2006 11:28 PM

Love the show and have been waiting for Donna's show to be cancelled. This competition is about design not how well one spends money or how much hairspray one can use in a day.

I'm one of those who like Temple's designs and feel with the cooperation of Tym and Donna the kitchen had a better shot at being completed.

Bring Joseph back! Vanessa should have taken the blow for the living room fiasco. If she'd been given the boot after the second shows fiasco...her glamoricious room...Joseph would still be with us and the competition would be stronger for the next design star.

Posted by Glynis – August 17, 2006 9:38 PM

I'm not sure there is a design star among those left? Temple has a natural instinct, but a big gap in people skills, personally and professionally. Tym, has an ability that could be honed, but again it would have to be in all abilities. David went to school and has the training, but his personality doesn't come across as someone I would like to listen to. Alice would make a good host, eventually. But how long would it take to get her there? She doesn't do bad work. She does know her Achilles Heel.........indecision. That is a problem I don't believe anyone can correct for another.

Out of the lot of the constants left, I would say David will probably win. However, I'm not left with anticipation of watching his show.

HGTV does great shows. This one is good too.

Posted by Tipper – August 17, 2006 6:02 PM

judges made correct choice temple over donna because all donna did was shop, stand in way & sabotage via tym, that's all she's ever done. temple's original design was 4 new cabs, they had the money & EVERYONE just refused to do them, even though temple tried to pull them all back on the same page by (showing leadership). thier can't never could attitude because of 32 hour tunnel vision caused them to waist time refinishing cabs twice; clearly NOT temple's fault or lack of effort: tym is gone next he's clearly over it

Posted by eve – August 17, 2006 3:43 PM

The person who ultimately gets to have their own show has to have more than just talent. Because the show has a director, producer, etc. that person also has to be able to follow directions and GET ALONG with other people. And Temple is incapable of doing that as we have been reminded episode after episode.And I don't believe it can be "taught". Can you imagine the nightmare the director would face trying to get a weekly show on the air with her at the helm? IMPOSSIBLE! I just hope the judges see this fact as clearly as I do.

Posted by Paula B – August 17, 2006 12:53 PM

This show is looking more like "survivor" than a design show but I still am enjoying it. However I am starting to become bored by all the drama. I intentionally watch HGTV for ideas, for drama I turn to HBO. As for last Sunday's show I was surprised that no one held Temple's feet to the fire for promising more than what she could deliver. Sometimes on HGTV design shows I feel like I am watching someone construct a "house of cards" and that as soon as we all turn our backs the whole thing will implode as it is so shoddily put together and with such inferior materials in order to meet ridiculous time and budget constraints. The shows like Designing for the Sexes and Designers challenge are much better examples of what a real designer does. And by the way my friend and I just hung 19 wall and base cabinets in about 10 hours (no demo however). And lastly, what was Temple thinking with that floor idea? Good design works for you not against you. The crud that would accumulate in that floor in about 4 weeks would render that kitchen toxic! And Donna....I don't think she was able to show her strengths - I'm reminded of the tortoise and the hare story, I think she works in a more thoughtful manner than the show allowed.

Posted by Linda – August 17, 2006 12:43 PM

Yes, $10K was a very small (unrealistic?) budget for a kitchen and yes, the homeowners didn't really get a great all new kitchen, as a result --BUT--they are still ahead of where they were, with new appliances and a nice backsplash. The place looks better too.

So,with this headstart ...maybe, the homeowners can put in a better floor next year, and cabinets the next. Again, they are still better off than they were before, even if they only had just gotten the appliances.

Posted by SK – August 17, 2006 12:14 PM

You're last challenge was unrealistic, time wise and it showed. Working together as a team on projects isn't letting us see each of the designers talent. I enjoy watching the show and feel that David is the man to step up- his vision and unique artistic ability is beyond all the other designers. Alice would probably surprise us all but with how the show is set up we will never know. Tym seems to know what he is doing but too negative. We as an audience can see that things can't be accomplished in certain periods of time and they are giving you challenging problems but quit the attitude designers and move on. Temple has a creative mind but she can't seem to work with others in a pleasant way. Thanks for a fun summer show HGTV.

Posted by Connie – August 17, 2006 10:05 AM

I don't believe that the actual construction of the kitchen remodel should have been left in the hands of the designers. That should have been acomplished by a crew of tradesmen.
The comment regarding the flooring having gaps between the boards is a pefect example of why these five designers should not have been placed in the role of do-it-yourselfers. This was compounded by the tight timeframe. While it may have made good television, I have a feeling that the clients will be calling in a year or two with complaints.

Posted by john – August 17, 2006 7:59 AM

I am so glad that Donna is finally gone. If I wanted a shopping partner, I would be happy to have her along. On the other hand, if I wanted a room designed she would not be the one to go to. Temple has impressed me, I know that she promised a lot of things to the homeowners of the kitchen, but I personally think she did everything that they wanted. David has been a bright spot on the show. I love his ability to make even rodent bedding look chic (and the six-pack abs don't hurt either). Alice appears to be the diamond in the rough. Her camping room was a surprise to me. I thought it looked wonderful with what she had to work with. She takes her assignments very seriously too. Tym, he is just there. He hasn't done anything thus far that has wowed me.

Who ever wins, I would be happy to turn them loose in my home.

Also I don't think they could have found a better host than Clive. He is just adorable. I love him on "Designed to Sell" and I love him on "Design Star". Thank goodness they didn't get Donna Freeman to be one of the judges. I can't imagine how badly she would have destroyed the designer after seeing how bad she destroyes homeowner on "Designed to Sell".

Posted by Missie – August 17, 2006 1:54 AM

I was so glad to see Vanessa go, she had a very poor attitude. Temple should have been gone by now. She too has a major attitude. She wouldn't let anyone have an opinion and the way she interrupted Tym in front of the judges was very rude.

I think they should give the designers a $1000 budget, let them pick the kind of room they want to do, and let them only shop at second hand stores. Provide for them 1 - 2 cans of paint, any color or two colors if they like. Give them a day to shop for what they need and two 8-hour days to complete the job. The walls in their room must be painted, have at least one thing in their room hand sown, art work on the wall, window treatments and some type of floor treatment as well as accessories. Try that for a challenge and see if their creativity comes out.

Posted by Janet – August 17, 2006 1:02 AM

1. The cabinets and most of the design, barring granite (but faux granite would have worked) could have been done if we had another David and another Alice helping Temple. My husband works in a per-job industry. He is constantly being told that what he claims (and does) is unreachable according to service managers experience with others in his field. Well, it can be done, and he always proves it over and above his claims. We've done kitchen remodels and laundry remodels twice. Painting the cabinets takes MORE time than installing! I know from experience, and these were to be prefab - no brainers. A level will tell you if the cabinet doors will close.

2. I care about modesty, my son hates to go shirtless because he feels it is immodest. But, to be honest, I don't even notice David doesn't have his shirt on. Some of you ladies and gents need to get a life - or get a husband (or get yourself gents) with a better upper body so you don't notice. I meant to watch this week to see if his shirt was off, and just forgot and enjoyed the show.

Posted by Linda – August 16, 2006 11:36 PM

I have been following the episodes and am a religious watcher of HGTV. Based on what I know of design, I think Temple has great ideas and David is awesome. Alice is a little bit unnoticable...nothing to spectacular...

I think the next person who needs to go is Tym. He was driving me nuts this last episode with all his complaining about the cabinets. Maybe Temple should have not assumed he was able to do the job and hired someone to install the cabinets or something. He was just so pessimistic.

Nobody was really into helping Temple...just jeolous I think. I actually like Temple and her designs. She is consistent and has great vision....maybe she didn't have the right people helping her. Why didnt that come up with the judges? Temple needs to grow in her leadership and organization, but I was really impressed based on her inexperience and the immpossoble people she was working with.

Donna needed to go and I was glad because she seemed impossible to work with.

I forsee David as being the next design star...he is calm,easy to work with, has some of the best outcomes, artistic and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

Posted by designlover – August 16, 2006 6:30 PM

I think Temple has a lot of creativity, but she needs to have some training. Her design got picked because she promised the most, but most of that needed to be cut because of time constraints and the unwillingness of others to help (namely Donna and Tym). I don't think Tym has the personality to host a show, so I think it will be between Alice and David. I don't personally like David. I think his ego is huge. Does he really need to do everything without a shirt on??? So he has a nice body, we don't need to see it all the time.

I'm definitely glad Vanessa is gone. I thought she should have gone the week before instead of Joseph especially after she tried to say she had nothing to do with the plate thing and tried to just save herself. I would have liked to have seen what everyone could have done on their own before people were eliminated instead of doing group projects first. How can you tell who really has talent if you don't judge them individually first? After having them each do a couple of designs on their own, then they could have done group projects to see how they all work together and who was more experienced and cooperative. I definitely would have liked to see Joseph design a room on his own to see what he would have come up with. He was just too nice with Vanessa. I think they eliminated Vanessa the next week partly because of what had happened the week before. Hopefully, the judges get to see what we see going on and not just the final product.

Posted by Karen – August 16, 2006 6:27 PM

I agree with the comments that have been made about last Sunday's show. Temple needs to go. She has a chip on her shoulder because of her lack of experience and schooling. It makes it hard for anyone to get along with her and work with and for her.
The right person was let go as far as the design challenge goes. Don't know what he was thinking. It was as bad as last week. He was lost.
I agree with the person who said Donna needs to work on a show where she is the shopper. It seems to be the only thing she is really interested in.
David and Alice are the best. My vote is for David, but I agree with someone else who wrote that they couldn't see either one hosting their own show.
The judges should see all of what goes on (what we see and what we don't see). It is the only way to make a fair judgement.

Posted by Karen – August 16, 2006 5:13 PM

I agreed with the judges. Donna has been a non-factor doing very little to contribute. My problem was with the process: The design should have had a budget, the design should have listed each item and the cost. Any original design going over budget would have been automatically out of the running as far as selection by the home owners; however, the designer would be allowed to remain throughout the project. This would have been more fair to the designers and the home owners. By the way, I love the show.

Posted by Donna – August 16, 2006 4:47 PM

I'm sick of the complaints about davids shirt being off. WHO CARES! By the way david should so be the next design star,and temple should be kicked off ASAP!

Posted by hope – August 16, 2006 4:06 PM

Why put the microwave on the counter? Why not mount a microwave hood over the stove instead? Otherwise, there doesn't look like much counter space left! And weren't the homeowners concerned about counter space?? Just my 2 cents' worth... :-)

Posted by Susan – August 16, 2006 3:19 PM

I for one am super happy that donna was kicked off. Yes Temple didn't give what she promised but i can see why donna was kicked off instead of temple.
pure design talent. You cant teach that. and temple has it. you can teach leader ship and organization but you cant teach raw talent.
Not to mention all donna did was drive around looking for a table and sleep in the car...umm. yeah hard worker..

Posted by Samwhiches – August 16, 2006 2:08 PM

Do the homeowners REALLY STILL like the kitchen, now that the cameras have left their home? There's an episode of "Debbie Travis' Painted House" in which she transformed a bedroom from a bland decor to one with blue walls with a mural, a "rug" painted on the floor, a headboard redecorated with a faux finish, and white accessories. The homeowner helped out with the work; it was all a surprise for her husband. When he arrived home to see the finished bedroom, he smiled and said something to the effect that it was nice, he liked it. HOWEVER, once the cameras were off, he told Debbie that he hated it and wanted it changed back to the way it was. And Debbie admitted that part with the camera back on, showing her start to paint over the blue paint with white primer. Certainly an interesting end to that episode!

Clive, how far in advance are these episodes of "Design Star" taped? Has the winner been determined yet? Not that I expect you to tell us who won, but it would be nice to know if the episodes take, like, a week or two to edit for airing.

I'm rooting for Alice, Tym, and David. Temple may have "raw talent," but I redid a kitchen (7 years ago) and it took $4,000 alone just to resurface the cabinets (and rebuild them in two areas), replace the countertop with another laminate, and replace the sink. That amount didn't include new white appliances, removing the horrid wallpaper and painting (which I did, with some help from my parents), and replacing the vinyl flooring with more vinyl flooring, among other things. We had looked into granite countertops and realized we couldn't afford them on our budget, which wound up being about $10,000 when all was said and done. What made Temple believe such a puny budget could afford all-new cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, and a granite countertop?? We need a Design Star who's realistic. I love "Design on a Dime," "Designer Cents," and "Designed to Sell," because those shows give you the run-down on how much everything cost to fit in the designated budget.

Posted by Susan – August 16, 2006 2:04 PM

As entertaining as this show is..."it's a 10!") it just isn't realistic to expect designers to be contractors. Of course they need to be knowledgeable as to the how and why of construction in order to create doable designs, but to expect designers to be hands on contruction workers is just too much. Especially when given unrealistic time and budget allotments. Could Temple's design have been completed as presented with a professional work crew? Probably not, given the time and budget. She definitly didn't consider time and budget allotment when creating her presentation. Donna was ineffective as a designer or worker in this episode, but that doesn't prove her to be less of a good designer. It just proved her to be a bad team player! Temple's unrealistic design, however much loved by the homeowner's, should have been her downfall! She couldn't deliver...what more needed to be said? The homeowners did not receive the kitchen that won her the design challenge!

Posted by granmar – August 16, 2006 12:09 PM

I have seen a lot of comments on how unrealistic the kitchen challenge was and that it was far too muct to expect from the contestants. In my opinion, this challenge was more about discovering character than ability. The best way to assess someone's integrity is to assign them an impossible task.

Posted by Frances – August 16, 2006 11:13 AM

I like the show, but I think the format wasn't well thought out.

Real designers, in the real design world, are sick of what they call the "HGTV Syndrome". It's where prospective clients have been watching too much HGTV and really believe projects get done in two days.

Projects take MONTHS, folks.

I have never understood what HGTV thought it was accomplishing by putting on so many shows with crazy time factors imposed. It serves no one. Personally, I don't find watching people running around like chickens with their heads cut off exciting or interesting.

I like to see good design. Period. If I wanted drama, I'd watch a movie.

I once worked in a huge furniture store with a team of designers. They do not do their own contracting, as other's have mentioned.

But it is their job to know how long things take.

Temple does have raw talent, and she can learn, but her inexperience is overwhelming. Nothing but time and experience is going to change that. She doesn't have enough time on her side to be ready to host a show.

She is in fact, so inexperienced, that she isn't even aware of it. That's why she couldn't "hear" Tym's expert input on what is required to hang cabinets.

It blew me away that she seemed to think a "Pep Talk" could somehow eliminate the issue of having enough time.

I also thought the little notes she handed out were unprofessional. I quick verbal apology to the whole group would have been more business-like. The notes struck me as "buying" their cooperation and she still wasn't able to recognise sound advice.

As for Donna, I don't think her talent is overwhelming, but she has taken a lot of flack that seems unfounded. Temple always seemed to start the trouble with Donna. Also, design project do require shopping, especially if you don't have access to a design center.

I think the only reason the judges kept Temple, is because they want to see what her raw talent can put together on individual projects.

I wish the show had started with individual projects so the individual design ability could have been established from the start, and folks eliminated accordingly.

Then, they could have done a couple of group projects to show how they get along. Although, in real life, designers don't spend a lot of time in teams, except with their craftspeople.

Anyway, as far as design talent, the four left should be interesting. However, I'm not looking forward to the artificial time constraints that will most likely be imposed.

Posted by Lori – August 16, 2006 10:11 AM

Temple may have adequate aesthetics, but she does need experience. If her ego could handle the position, perhaps she could be an intern on a current program and learn on the job.

Seeing Tym reminds one of his "dogfood" themed room in episode #3. It was completely hideous.
I do not feel that the majority of your viewership could relate to him.

Alice has always had good skills. She has shown her concern for the actual homeowner. I believe that she is the only candidate who truly
expressed that concern. I think that she was delightful when she expressed her concern about the flooring and the long-term consequences. Now THAT is a trait that your viewership will appreciate, along with her talent. She is also the only candidate who does design beyond the contemporary.

Posted by Eddie – August 16, 2006 1:25 AM

This is the only reality show that I have ever liked and I'm hooked! It's great. However, as a designer myself I can't believe they couldn't find 10 more talented and able people (maybe they needed to advertise this competition better and they could have gotten more quality designers).
It would be great if next year (and I hope there is a next year!) there was a tougher competition with more talent and more individual challenges. Although I feel Alice is sweet and talented, David has more originality, creativity, enthusiasm, and ability (have you seen his children's rooms- they are amazing!!) I would definitely watch his show!!

Posted by Jennie – August 16, 2006 12:46 AM

I love the show (and Clive!), but am getting so very frustrated! I know we're seeing edited footage. But I'm watching because I want to see designers design -- not bicker and argue. Show us more of the process, not the drama! I can't stand Temple. I'm tired of her attitude and getting a "pass" because she's inexperienced. She should be held to the same standards as the others. I thought this week was particularly unfair. The playing field just wasn't level. The other designers presented realistic (time and budget)designs. If they had promised more than they could deliver and had to have a crew finish it for them, then their design may have been chosen. I sincerely hope Temple goes next. As far as her being a "Design Star" - I don't see it, and there is absolutely no way I would watch a show she was hosting.

Posted by PJ – August 16, 2006 12:41 AM

I missed the first part of this weeks show, but from the comments it sounds like viewers never got to see anyone else's design? Both Temple and Donna should be gone, and I agree that David and Alice are the best contenders, but only by process of elimination, I don't see either of them as a Candice Olsen or Lisa Laporta. Joe seemed to have more personality. Maybe the next episode will give them an opportunity to show that? BTW, Designed to Sell is my one of my favorite HGTV shows too- Clive is great, and Lisa does a great job tranforming those houses on a little $. But they do have contractors to do the heavy stuff!

Posted by mary – August 15, 2006 11:39 PM

Truly amazed that both Temple and Donna were not eliminated much sooner. Of the 4 still in the running, only David and Alice seem to have what it takes for an HGTV show.

As Clive should know from working with Lisa LaPorta, low key doesn't mean unable. Alice hasn't shown any dramatic flaire yet but does that mean she doesn't have any? If the new show is along the lines of Designed To Sell, Alice would fit right in. Or perhaps on Design On A Dime.

David has the personality, the ability and the skills to do just about any kind of show.

And let's face it, Temple just can't seem to get along with any one. Does HGTV really want to deal with a prima donna who can't get along with the crew doing a weekly show?

Tym has some clear visions but not so sure his visions are those of the "average" person. His individual challenge kinda scared me. LOL I'm with Mr. Yip about the hanging leash. Don't think I want to know what that is for.

Agreed that Joseph had a lot of talent. BUT he was the leader for that room and he allowed Vanessa to rule the roost. Her putting all the blame on him for everything was just wrong. Would like to see him get another chance.

Posted by Reese – August 15, 2006 11:22 PM

I do not think that this challenge was fair to the designers. I feel that it should have been two separate challenges. I do not expect a designer to come into my home and lay tile, in fact if they did I would fire them. These designers are not craftsmen. I expect a designer to know how to do these things but when it comes down to it I want them to hire someone who is an expert. Besides that I do feel that Donna was the one who did nothing which was not fair to the team. Her cancellation was appropriate. I love the show and my husband and I spend the entire week discussing it. Keep up the good work, but the challenges need a little work.

Posted by John and Rebecca – August 15, 2006 11:04 PM

So far, all of the designers that needed to go have been let go. Although t