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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 this competition is about about design I thought the ultimate goal is to be a show host. Maybe I don't understand the final concept of the show the winner of this show will be hosting.

When Vanessa mimiced Alice's Texas twang in the 3rd show when trying to "persuade" Alice to go along with her design decisions, I was ready to see her leave the show. How rude and unprofessional.

Donna, was all about herself. She was NOT a team player and just couldn't understand why Temple was upset about her "working" so hard shopping all day while the others were actually working at the manual labor.

As a remodeling contractor myself, as well as a formally trained designer, I could see where Temple's design could NEVER be implemented in the few hours that they were allowed to execute her design. I have been "team leader" in all of my design efforts and truly listening to your subcontractors - in Temple's case, her competition - ideas and suggestions when a problem arises or time constraints don't allow for implementation of the original design is critical. Temple just doesn't have the experience, but as Vern said that can be learned.

As far as her floor treatment. I have floors just like that. My kitchen floor is from a 1950's home and are original. I can tell you they look good but are a nightmare to keep clean. If the cracks between boards are not filled in crumbs, dirt and everything you can image gets in between the boards and the only what to clean the floor is to vacuum. Such a hassle everyday.

I look forward to the coming weeks and if I were to bet my money is on Alice and David with David coming out on top.

Posted by Ramona – August 15, 2006 10:28 PM

I wonder how long it took the HGTV "damage control" group to fix everything that was wrong and complete the unfinished projects in the kitchen. Seems like they really had their work cut out for them! The creators of the show put strict time and budget constraints on the challenges for dramatic effect, but I believe this can cause much harm when someone who is unrealistic (like Temple) leaves a homeowner with multiple poorly-done jobs.

Also, don't the judges see any of the footage of the individuals at work? Alot can be learned about their planning&executing and people skills by watching the footage. These seem like important traits for a design show host...hmmmmm

Posted by Melissa – August 15, 2006 10:22 PM

Donna and Temple should have both been cancelled. I did see the smug look on Temple's face. I am rooting for Alice to win.

Posted by Teresa – August 15, 2006 9:12 PM

Is anyone else sick of temple pulling out the "I did my best and i just want to go home to my 2 kids because I'm a single mom" card?

I am.

Posted by betty lee – August 15, 2006 8:20 PM

This isn't a beauty contest, and the same rules should apply across the board. It is true that Donna didn't have what it takes to be the next design star; however, Temple should have been eliminated Sunday night. I was extremely disappointed in the judges. Apparently they don't see the same footage we see. A designer who makes promises that look good on paper but can not be realized isn't a REAL designer. Temple MUST GO!!

I love the concept of this series, and Clive is fantastic, but the show needs some tweaking if there is to be another season. I'm afraid I wouldn't watch another season that was filled with designers like Ramona, and personalities like Temple. Who screens the contestants?

Once Temple is out of the way, the real contest can begin. While I think only David and Alice are likely to show the mix of both talent and personality, it is possible that Tym might surprise me. If Temple isn't eliminated on the next show I'm afraid that will "cancel the show" for me personally. I'm looking for a real design contest NOT a soap opera.

Posted by Cheree – August 15, 2006 8:07 PM

I think everyone (the home owners, contestants, HGTV, viewers)missed out by not having Joseph still in the running. Have you seen his website?! He would have professionally implimented a great kitchen design and have the team working very well together.

Posted by Jill – August 15, 2006 7:48 PM

I missed the last two episodes. I saw them on the website. I am glad to see Vanessa is gone. She was too sure of herself. Temple and Donna do not get a long. The judges didn't like Donna and she should have been gone long ago. They gave her a chance and she didn't come through. Temple definetley needs to go. Someone mentioned that they should be given some help. I agree. They are all inexperienced and shouldn't be expected to do all the work by themselves. They should be guided by someone who knows the work. This way they can learn.

Posted by Jeanne – August 15, 2006 7:40 PM

Great host. Two major problems with the show--which are design problems. Problem One: The tasks each week seem to follow no pattern or logical progression.

It would have been better for viewers to see the individual competition first to get an idea of what the designer could do on her/his own.

Second Problem: the judges need to see more of what is actually being done, not just the end result. How do they actually know who was responsible for what? Vanessa grabbed credit that first week for designs that seem much more like the work David does.

Also, this show claims to be about a Design Star for TV, so it is also about personality. How many people would want Temple in their home, either on TV or in person? Judging by the posts here, not many. I like her designs. But I can't stand her. And she lacks experience.

So, good show, but seriously flawed in design. The competitions need a coherent, overall pattern. The judges need to know more about how the contestants work and whether they will appeal to viewers. This isn't just about good designs, but about being able to host a show.

My picks for the final two: David and Alice. Who will win? I'd bet David. From his initial comments about himself in your commercials, I was prepared to dislike him. But his designs are great and he works well with others.

One plea: let us see what Joe could have done on his own.

Posted by kate – August 15, 2006 7:12 PM

Well, after reading the comments, I have to admit I am a bit surprised that Tym didn't take a bigger hit from the viewers. YES! Pre-fab abinets can be hung in a day with a couple of good handmen(women) - which Tim had sold himself as, and David or Alice would have been a good second. Unfortunately, Tym wasted so much time arguing instead of trying to work with Temple that the punch list couldn't even get done. I wonder how much would have gotten done if Tym and Donna had been more cooperative. Temple worked with her team a lot and changed the desing drastically with their input. I thought the letters were sweet and a great attempt at encouragement. I couldn't believe Donna's reaction! How childish - but as someone point out, she took it in the manner SHE would have given it.

It was obvious to me that Tym wanted no part of helping Temple succeed. Alice and David just worked to get as much done as possible - dependable as they are. I don't think that David or Alice should have supported Tym's pettyness at all, and was proud of them for staying out of it. Temple has big vision and has had no problem pulling off big tasks previous to this - remember antiquing the kitchen cabinets? She still had time for more too - while Donna shopped. There is energy and enthusiasm there.

Temple did seem overenthusiastic with her design for 32 hours and only 3 workers. She also messed up not getting enough grout. But, Donna blew it getting Tym clear silicone caulk and saying they didn't have anything else. It was (and has been) obvious that she doesn't care to do anything except accessorize.

I'm still wondering about Tym. The bedroom didn't show much design style, just getting ugly covered. His pet store room was interesting, but not that overwhelming. And, how much of that roof was actually Joseph's idea? Now, he's proven he really isn't much of a handy man.

To be honest, I like Alice, but HGTV has enough shows with Alice type people. Her rooms look like something I would do, and be proud of. I want somehting new and exciting. David and Temple's designs are definitely unique and interesting. And, I'm an auto mechanic's wife - I've never seen Temple's room from the individuals in one of his magazines. I thought is was SO CREATIVE!!

Glad to see Donna finally go, would love to see Joseph come back. Hey, I think the judges realized laying it all on Joseph for the teams ineptness was wrong, and they didn't do that again. But, I also think he made some serious errors not leading, but trying to work with Vanessa.

Posted by Linda – August 15, 2006 6:03 PM

My husband and I of 35 years have FINALLY found a show we both will watch together -- "Design Star". In fact, since we do travel so much for business and personal, we insist any hotel we stay at offer HGTV on Sunday evening, or we change our schedule!

Posted by Frank & Beckie – August 15, 2006 5:53 PM

Since I'm from Indiana like Tym, I feel I need to defend him. He may have sounded whiny, but he seemed to be the only person with experience in hanging cabinets, so I feel Temple should have listened to him.

To be honest, I don't have a favorite contestant. I can't see any of them hosting a show by themselves. However, I could see Donna as the shopper on Double Take and Alice as a team member on Design on a Dime. I am looking forward to seeing the hosting aspect of the competition. Perhaps that will help me choose a favorite designer.

Posted by Debbie – August 15, 2006 5:15 PM

Temple should go. I will not watch a show with her as host. I believe David is the most talented and likeable. He is also a caring person. Remember when he said "that's not fair" when he was asked who should be kicked off the show? David should be the next design star.

Posted by Pat Garufi – August 15, 2006 4:58 PM

As Alice so aptly put it, that kitchen floor was "baaad". I hope HGTV did the right thing and gave the homeowners a new one that will stand the test of time.

Posted by Nancy – August 15, 2006 4:01 PM

I think it's very heartening to see so many comments in support of Alice (my personal favorite) and David for their genuine talent, as well as for their professionalism, courtesy, kindness, and personality. I love to confirm that HGTV viewers are *not* the same as MTV viewers--we don't find "controversy" and back-stabbing to be exciting; we find it to be *annoying* and *negative.* We want this show to result in a follow-up show that gives us good ideas, encouragement, and beauty, as well as helping us train our eye for aesthetics and style.

If Design Star doesn't result in a show like that, we just plain won't watch it. We won't watch it just because David works out or Temple has a "perfect" body.

My reasons for liking Alice best, by the way, are that she shows a fantastic aesthetic, an understanding of the real nuts-and-bolts of actually *living* in a design space (not just looking at it), cleverness and creativity, and an appreciation of budget. It's a great bonus that she seems warm and sincere--the perfect persona for a show host!

Hopefully, some of the below comments are wrong, and the show did NOT edit for intentional drama. HGTV should be above such ickyness.

Posted by Erin – August 15, 2006 3:54 PM

The original overselling was done by HGTV - a DREAM kitchen for $10,000 in greater NYC? Surely you jest! So the HOs selected a dream kitchen; it wasn't up to them to cost all this stuff out and determine that it couldn't be done for that amount of money. And did they even know about the time limitations; would they really understand what it meant if they did?

I have posted in the past that I would never apply to be on Designer Finals. I wouldn't be afraid of the student designer, but the budget and time constraints would scare me to death. At least, on Designer Finals, the student and helpers can work into the night to get things done. No van shows up to make them leave.

The whole premise of this episode was off base.

Posted by Ruth (kruhkacz) – August 15, 2006 3:00 PM

Three people should have been eliminated. Yes, Temple should have gone along with Donna. It was evident that Donna did not want to help Temple with her design and in that the judges made the right call. But Temple truly had no idea of time when she created her design or how to achieve it. Clearly she was not open to others who had more experience than her. Hanging cabinets, replacing floors, counter tops and back splashes take more time than the thirty some hours they were given. And she would have been at a complete loss without David and Tym. I thought the notes were tacky and fake.

But to tell you the truth, I truly felt sorry for the homeowners who won a $10,000 makeover. In my opinion, they got cheated and I for one would have been really unhappy if I had won this makeover as I feel they were; although they put on a good cover for television.

Throughout the show I was planning to write to HGTV a scathing letter as to how could they let a designer promise something and then not only not come through with the design, but leave it in such a mess. I stopped that letter when you, Clive, said that workers went in before the homeowners saw it and completed the work. But still it wasn't what they were promised.

The four who should still be competing are David, Alice, Tym AND Joseph. Hopefully next week Temple will be gone and we will have real competition. Couldn't you bring back Joseph and make it really exciting?

Posted by Julie – August 15, 2006 2:52 PM

I didn't finish---Temple has some wonderful ideas, but doesn't have the experience to be able to execute her ideas in a timely manner, nor does she know how to delegate tasks to get the job done. Why has Alice basically been in the background throughout the whole show? I know she can sew and paint some, but what about her designs? Are you looking for a seasoned designer or some "real" raw talent?

Posted by Stephanie Jones – August 15, 2006 1:42 PM

Where do I begin? I have to agree with the judges on their decision to cancel Donna's show simply because she "talk the talk", but she can't "walk the walk." She spends entirely too much time criticizing everyone instead of trying to work as a team player. As for Tym, he appears to have the knowledge for execution of a design, but he needs to pick up the pace a little and quit whining about how much time it's going to take for various things.

Posted by Stephanie Jones – August 15, 2006 1:37 PM

The ONLY reason I started watching Design Star is Clive.

The only reasons I continue to watch Design Star is Clive AND Alice.

Posted by Debbie – August 15, 2006 1:36 PM

I'm glad I wasn't the contest winner that has to live with that kitchen! The only good thing about that deal is the new appliances which actually over power the 'design'. I wasn't surprised that Donna was cancelled, and I won't be surprised when Temple is cancelled either. It was inevitable. The only question was when.

Posted by dj – August 15, 2006 1:25 PM

I really like this show, at least I like the concept, but I would like to see more actual design (not so much manufactured drama). I think everyone is a little hard on Donna. Most people, maybe even the judges,seem to think Donna was just sluffing off when she was shopping. Personally I hate to shop and think a good shopper is worth their weight in gold. Also I don't think Donna has any reason to be jealous of Temple. Temple is younger, but not prettier.

Posted by Billie – August 15, 2006 12:56 PM

I have enjoyed the show so far but based on this last episode I think the producers already have in mind who they want considered for a show and who they don't. I don't know what goes on behind the scenes with the judges but feel that all the judges should have known that Temple' design was utterly unrealistic, and to let the homeowners reward her with the job when the other designers were actually taking into account what could be realistically accomplished is unfair. Some of the real talent (meaning, both design and execution combined) has been eliminated for silly reasons (OK, so a team member had to successfully clean up a mistake with the client's furniture--how is this worse than having the job essentially undone and poorly delivered?) What kind of double standard is being provided here? The judges made up new rules for Temple--now it is perfectly OK to be an incompetent team leader? When will professionalism be taken into account?

Posted by Angel – August 15, 2006 11:47 AM

While the show is a fun watch, there is no one out of the ten that I have seen that is a potential "Design Star." Unlike FoodTV's "Next Food Network Star" series, this group seems woefully undertrained. Where did they come from?

Posted by Philip Crosby – August 15, 2006 11:23 AM

What can I say that has not all ready been said! While I agree with with the assessment of Donna and her total lack of talent, I too can not understand why Temple is still here. I do agree that Temple has great raw ability and sense of ascetic's, she is not material for a design show. She has no, repeat NO leadership skills or understanding how to plan a project. While that floor in the Kitchen may look good it will have to be replaced as was already pointed out in a very few years. A design show should not be all about the visual but also about the practical. I have been under the impression that HGTV was better then that. I have read numerous stories from people who had "make overs" done by design shows on other TV channels; the work was inferior and slipshod because it was done far to fast and the materials used too cheap to really do a quality job. Everything done on these inferior shows is for the cameras and the ratings. I hope you are not going to start this type of behavior or you will loose me as a devoted viewer. Temple really needs to take leadership & budgeting classes as well as to scale her designs to meet both the time and financial constraints. I felt really sorry for the members of her team as they were all handed an impossible task. Temple needs to value the advise and experience of her team members, on the other hand as team leader the others needed to accept that she has the last word even if they feel it is totally inappropriate. No one can be a leader using guilt and insincere flattery! I was sorry to see Teran go but I feel that once the twins were split it was only a matter of time. I feel as a team they are terrific and I would hire them anytime but individually they don't function well. I will be watching you and I hope the judges don't sell out and go for the eye candy but look for the quality. We have become a nation of instant gratification rather then taking the time and effort to do things right. Don't become a sheep in reality TV but keep your integrity and remain a leader in quality TV as well as design.

Posted by sheila1346 – August 15, 2006 9:36 AM

sorry to see donna go- it should have been temple- donna may not have shown what her talents are, but she hasn't been given the chance-& all temple has done is crycrycry about doing it for her "family".

if she wins i would not watch a show that she hosted... d,t & a have been very good team players & hopefully one of them will win-- alice especially has been under the radar, which i hope helps her in the end...

Posted by anabel – August 15, 2006 2:53 AM

It seems to me that Temple has the "beauty queen" mentality-that being saying what she thinks people want to hear and doing whatever it takes, however unrealistic that might be- to get what she wants. Who would possibly give a show to someone who can't get along with anyone else? She HAS to go but my fear is that she works well by herself and will actually turn out something decent when she has to do it alone. I hope she messes up because I dont want her,

Alice is sweet but really doesn't have the personality needed for a show of her own, do you think?

Tym is passable but someone please do something about his HAIR! It's driving me crazy.

I still think David has it all. He is easy on the eyes , has a good personality and is talented as well. I would tune in once a week to watch him.

Posted by Paula – August 15, 2006 2:45 AM

Can't figure it out. Joseph was held responsible for a mistake on the team he was in charge of and let go. Temple not only didn't get the job completely done, but if that was a tuscan kitchen I should have been on the show instead of her. I have to agree with Donna that she wasn't even considering the design when picking the paint color. This was a great idea for a show, but next year I would like it to be more about people who can truly design and come on, they are having to do too much of the work themselves it's not contractor star it's design star right? Lastly, I turned on Vanessa when she tried to blame the others for an agreed on decision on the plates, and I believe that Temple lied and tried to blame Tym this week for the cabinets when he repeatedly told her from the start that it would be impossible. If she was so sure it could have been done, why didn't she do it herself. Can't stand people who try to shove the blame on someone else.

Posted by paula – August 15, 2006 2:37 AM

Oh my. Certainly creativity cannot be taught, but fat lot of good all that talent will do when the person is incapable of accepting constructive criticism from the people she is working with (as a team or later as having them in her employ). Temple is rude and unprofessional, she has no business being rewarded by continuing on the show. I understand the content has been edited to be more "interesting" for the viewers, so it makes sense that Tym's resonable explanation of why her design won't work was edited out until only the argument that that discussion ended up being was left. Imagine being asked to do something that is beyond your ability (be resonable here), and being ignored when you try to advise your "boss" that it cannot be done that way. Instead of listening to the reasons why and asking if there is another way to accomplish the same or similar result, Temple became defensive and rude. If I got rude to someone working on a project with me at my job, I would certainly have been fired. I know I don't get paid to cry and throw a hissy fit.

Temple has gone out of her way to alienate Donna, the difficulties between those two ladies was started by Temple. As for her talent or lack of, she would have either failed or succeeded on her merit in the next episode or two.

Tym, David, and Alice did as they were asked and tried to help Temple, keeping in mind they are not mindless laborers but also telented and creative professionals in their own right. I think Tym was right to stand up to Temple with his limitations based on time and budget in this situation. The design was pulled off (sort of) at the end of the show, I guess that made Tym look whining and incompetant,,, but we forget to mention that HGTV still had to have their crew come in and finish the job. Amazing, I wonder if the judges were privy to the homeowners reactions and opinions to the slipshod tacky work that was ultimately completed before HGTV sent their crew in the finish? I know I would love to have seen that!

All I can really say is HGTV is losing some respect from me in allowing this drama queen continue on. Her actions and behavior should have disqualified her a long time ago. Drama can still be reached with a competant designer trying to provide the best design and please both the customer and the judges. Please get back on track!

Posted by Sarah – August 15, 2006 2:11 AM

Thank you judges, Donna is gone! Donna contributed nothing to the show but shop and then got the wrong stuff. One slick way to get out of work and have your cake and eat it too! Well, she choked on the cake.

Did the judges ever see the floor? It looked like pre-school kids laid the floor. I am glad that professionals came in and gave the couple the kitchen that Temple couldn't produce.

I had to laugh when Clive was going through the kitchen and the cabinets fell apart.

I think Alice or David, will be the winner of the show. I hope the next round of Designer Star will be at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours long and give the viewers more of an insight as to what is going on and the thinking of the judges. Exactly what do the judges see when the mini-clips are shown?

If David does win, please have it put into his contract to wear a shirt at all the time.

Posted by Brenda – August 15, 2006 12:15 AM

I really enjoy Design Star and think you do a great job of hosting the show, Clive. You bring the same tongue-in-cheek observations to this program as you do on your Designed to Sell program.

I agree that Temple should have been the one to go in episode 4. I think the judges were swayed by Temple's theatrics and sob songs and did not apply the same standards that they used to eliminate Joe in episode 2.

Temple built unrealistic expectations and peddled a design that was not doable, given the skillset of the team and the time constraints imposed by the design challenge. Her design was doomed to fail, and she refused to heed the wisdom and experience of her team. A good leader might start out with the vision, but that leader knows that to be successful, she must engage her team and incorporate the ideas they bring to the project. Once Temple's design was selected, it was no longer about determining what was the best design; the challenge became about building a cohesive team to create the design and make it a reality. Temple never got beyond the need to defend her design. Tym tried to point out the flaws in Temple's design, and she shot him down every time, creating the image that he was not a team player. Even so, he worked to make the project succeed.

Donna never put her heart in the design, for whatever reasons, and she helped set the stage for failure.

Even though Temple said that she created a design to please her customers and not the judges, I think Temple dug in her heels and wanted to prove to the other team designers that she, with her limited experience, really knew more than they did. She would not compromise on anything and wasted a lot of time fragmenting the team rather than building a stronger team to ensure success.

David and Alice again demonstrated the professionalism and team spirit needed to make this design project succeed. Alice's comments about the flaws with the floor design and the potential health hazards were exactly right. I hope that when your professional design team went back to the house to repair the damage, they addressed this issue as well.

I am looking forward to the individual challenges in the remaining shows. I think that Alice shows the most potential with her practical and creative designs and this will give her an opportunity to shine. I would hope that any designer I would hire to work on a project in my home would have the ability to inspire and work with me and any others working on the project. I believe that Alice has the ability to to create a design vision and make it happen.

Patricia

Posted by Patricia – August 15, 2006 12:07 AM

First show Ramona rightfully got the boot.

On the second show it should have been Vanessa. Joeseph took the hit for not listening to the job restrictions. Alice rightfully stood up and said it was a team problem and Vanessa started casting blame everywhere without accepting any (and it was primarily her mistake as was the hidious choice of fabrics for the couch). The constant bickering between Temple and Donna made me think both show go then as well. I could have easily cut three that episode.

Third week I was pleasntly surprised by Temple's design, liked what she did with the couch. Donna's wasn't great but it was reasonable considering the limitations but Alice's room was the only one I'd really want to live in.

This week, I'm not surprised the remaining twin got cut after the presentation. From the limited clips he was not terribly well prepared. Which brings me to one of my primary complaints. We really did not get to see what the actual designs presented looked like. I was hoping to see each of them up on the website like in week three. Kind of hard to know what each designer thought they could do within the time and budget constraints with the very brief glimpse on the show. This is a contest about design, so let us see the designs.

One of the designers with more experience could have helped guide Temple when they were shopping. Pointing out that either prefinished plank flooring or better yet a laminate would give the homeowners the look she promised and could be completed in a fraction of the time her plank flooring could be installed and finished, not to mention hold up better in a kitchen. I'm with Alice on that one. At least it is clear from the before and after clean-up crew that several more layers of poly or other finish went on after the designers left.

If I were the homeowner (I woudn't have picked Temple's design in the first place, that floor would have been an immediate NO!) once I had a chance to compare what I thought I was getting to what I got I would be very unhappy. I did really like the backsplash though.

If I had been the judge I think the remaining contestants would be Alice, David, Joseph and I'm not sure who the fourth would be Tym, Temple or even Donna. If Donna could have kept her personality clash with Temple under control she might still be on the show. With the editing it is hard to tell exactly who deserves to be booted more in that pair. I do think Temple has some talent, probably more than Donna but I suspect Donna would be more successful at getting projects completed, on budget and with a result that was very close to what was promised. Temple has a long way to go to learn how to do that.

Posted by Cheryl – August 14, 2006 10:59 PM

I have to say I agree and disagree with what happened in episode 4. Everyone is dissing Donna for shopping, but shopping is part of getting materials that are needed for a design. Unfortunately, I never got the impression from Donna that she went shopping because she had to, but because she preferred it over working with the team. Im not sorry to see her go.
On the other hand, Temple really does not have any capability to handle a show on HGTV with the kind of professionalism, know-how, and class that I have become accustomed to by the other hosts. She may have some raw talent, but let her polish that and learn some tools of the trade before she gets put on a pedestal for raw talent, which frankly is the last thing she would need. I was very disappointed with Tym's negative attitude on this show. And I would like to point out that it is not the first time that he has been that way. He didnt believe the twins could help him poly the floor in episode 2 in 30 min either, and I hate the way he's always talking about how he's "seen these jobs done before", or "knows how these things are done" and it takes more time. The twins proved him wrong on that show, and if he had stopped complaining and just worked, Temple may actually haved proved him wrong as well. Whatever talent he may have is overshadowed by his less than can do attitude in my book. David is extreamly talented, and wavers back and forth between seeming nice, and seeming annoying. I wouldnt consider the shirtless thing as the class act im used to from HGTV either. That leaves only one viable choice for me and that is Alice. What a professional! She is willing to work hard to do the best for a team, as well as to challenge herself. I did not find the camping room that impressive, but considering what her goals were, and what materials she had to work with I believe she did a fine job. What I like best about her is her integrity and professionalism. I am looking forward to seeing more of her creative talents highlighted in the next shows.
Oh, and by the way, the challenges are really not very good gauges of what these folks can and cant do. I hope if there is a season 2 that they will reformat some of this stuff to be a bit more realistic and highlight each contestant individually more than in teams.

Posted by Diane – August 14, 2006 10:47 PM

I agree with many of the others...I would NOT EVER watch a show that featured Temple. She is definitely NOT a team player. She is completely obsessed with winning...she is not thinking of the client or the client's practical needs. She simply lacks the knowledge to execute these design projects. She has no skill in managing others, and she is condescending and unkind to her co-workers.

I'm afraid Tym's tendency toward seeing the negative side of things will undermine him in the end. He obviously has a lot of experience and knowledge of job execution, but he struggles to communicate his ideas without sounding negative.

David and Alice are wonderful! I will happily watch a show hosted by either one of them!

And, Clive, YOU are the BEST!!!!! I love Designed to Sell, and the comradery between you and Lisa is fantastic! The book is great, too!

Posted by Julianne – August 14, 2006 10:36 PM

The first criteria of any proposal is that you must be able to complete the work proposed within the budget and time constraints while meeting as many of your clients wishes as possible. Any of the other designers may have won if they had taken the liberties that Temple did. 'Promise them anything' just to win seemed to be her mantra. The finished product was so off base, it was ridiculous. Temple is a whiner and should have been dismissed before Donna. Tym should go after Temple. Alice and David both have good presence, personality and realistic but exciting ideas. David, in particular, is very creative and likeable. Either of them would be a pleasure to watch. I am enjoying the show imensely and always enjoy thinking how I would repond to the challenges. However, I would imagine that there are more talented people in this big country to select as contestants than some of the ones you had on this season.

Posted by Fran Cegnar – August 14, 2006 10:10 PM

I agree with everyone else professional contractors should have been bought, just like on the other design show we watch on HGTV. Candice Olson,Designer Finals,Kenneth Brown, Design to Sell and the list goes on.

Posted by janice Banks – August 14, 2006 9:49 PM

I have been disgusted with Temple and her bad behavior up to this point. Last night I felt sorry for her. All she got from her team mates was a hard time. She was behind the power curve before she even got started. All I heard was arguing from the team - they were determined Temple would fail. She tried to be positive the whole time. If the design was too extensive for the time constraints someone at the top should have said so. Who oversaw the plans??? If no one in their profiles claimed to be cabinet hangers, floor installers etc. who did the big bosses think was going to put the kitchen together? The demands made on the designers are unrealistic. It is stressing me out. I still like the show and look forward to Sunday nights. I was glad to see Donna go. She never did shine. I'd like to see David or Alice win.

Posted by Carol – August 14, 2006 9:49 PM

I'm not surprised by how things went this last episode. One thing that kind of bothered me is that that couple had asked for a Tuscan looking kitchen. Other then the pine flooring (and I agree with Alice...it's not practical), that kitchen did not look Tuscan to me at all. But, they seemed happy! One one thing: aside from being the most talented, could David be any cuter?

Posted by Ron – August 14, 2006 9:32 PM

I believe Temple should have been booted, although Donna is not great either. With this being Temples design, she should have given what she had promised and delivered the goods without having to be bailed out. In the real world noone will be there to pick up her messes. Donna did need to go because she should have pick out a table and chairs in the first store and went back to the house to help with all the detail work. Mostly Donna liked to shop and get out of work. Temple, at least works hard. Tym needs to quit arguing with temple and just DO IT!!! Time is wasted with all the arguing. Alice is the most professional one I have seen...Clive, You ar still the MAN!!! Way to go for a great show. luv it!!! Glenda T.

Posted by Glenda – August 14, 2006 9:17 PM

I'm tired of all the crying and whining. I thought this was a design show not a contractor show. Lets face it what the couple wanted and what they got were two different things. The kitchen needed allot more than anyone could of given in that amount of time. The group was set up to fail. Donna did what they wanted paint polish and new appliance's. Everyone else did they're best given the time. There was no way given the talents of the people involved that Temple could give them "her" dream kitchen.

Posted by Debra – August 14, 2006 9:14 PM

I really enjoy the show. Clive, Designed to Sell with you hosting is my favorite. As to last nights show, It seems obvious to me that Temple should have been eliminated. Donna might not be the most talented, but I think Temple targeted her right from the beginning to make her look bad. I can't see her as a host of her own show.

Posted by lg – August 14, 2006 9:12 PM

I have thought about this episode all day today after watching it last night. In all fairness, the homeowners chose Temple's design because it was an excellent plan. Yes, she over promised, always better to under promise and over deliver than over promise and under deliver, however, they were happy with the end results, even if HGTV had to have their crew step in and do the finishing touches. In reality, almost every contractor out there goes over the time limit and often the budget...so for Temple's sake, her idea was great, she did try to accomplish the impossible and perhaps if Tym hadn't spent so much time being Mr. Negativity and focused more on the challenge and the fact that guess what, Temple's idea was selected, now let's work together to make it happen, perhaps a few more items would have been completed. David is awesome, he's talented, fair, listens well...he's got what it takes. Donna, classy lady, not classy plans...sorry Donna, you have th look but not the talent. Keep working everyone, someone is gonna be a big winner!

Posted by Jane – August 14, 2006 8:58 PM

I agree with the judges about keeping Temple. The show is about design; we don't want them throwing every team leader out! They said it was a tough decision but if you don't prioritize design, everyone's strategy would be to avoid being put in a team lead position. Being a team lead is a tough job and everyone else thinks they could do better. I agree that her inexperience showed through in execution, she kept the team rolling toward her vision. I haven't seen "planning" out of anyone on the show. Seems this job is generally left to the General Contractor rather than the Designer.

I was disappointed that there was not more time and focus on the design part of this show. Establishing and communicating a vision is what design is all about. It would be interesting to know if the judges would agree with the homeowners!

Posted by Kathy – August 14, 2006 8:18 PM

well Temple was in way over her head. you don't promise a design and not be able to deliver it. good thing the couple never saw it when she was finished with it. i know the others worked on it too, but she pitched more than she could do and everyone tried to tell her. i'm not sorry to see Donna go i didn't see any of her talent but shopping, but Temple should have had to answer for not delivering her whole design.

Posted by audrey – August 14, 2006 8:09 PM

I don't think this show is really finding out who can be the next "Design Star"; just who is a good designer, maybe not even that. We rarely see what is actually happening design wise, just the bickering. I would have liked to see everyones designs for the kitchen not just little snippets. I was surprised they picked Temple, especially when the woman made the comment about really wanting tile flooring and Temples design was NOT. The white cabinets looked unfinished to me and the tile backsplash with the fake counters made the cheap counters look cheaper. Kind of like "I didn't have enough money to do it all so I just did this." I agree it would be nice to see what the couple thinks after awhile, living with the kitchen and the excitement of not having a 50 year old oven wears off.

Maybe in the next few weeks we may see more of what each "contestant" is capable of, hopefully more of what their show would be like if they won. I like the way the Food Network did their show on finding the "Next Food Network Star". Each show each contestant had to create a meal or something as if on a show. This let everyone see them in action and if they can handle the pressure of being on their own show. There personalities really came out and we were all learning what went into the making of a show.

Anyway it is a good idea, hopefully you have another season with some of the bugs worked out. I don't think you can totally get rid of all the drama but limiting it would be nice if it meant we saw more design.

Posted by J – August 14, 2006 8:00 PM

I agree with most of the comments I have seen here. I admit that Donna was perhaps the least talented designer, but the challenge this week was about completing a promised design. Temple messed up. If we were judging on comprehensive performance, Joe and Vanessa would still be here (not that I want Vanessa). They did great work at the beginning, but then messed up on a single project and got booted. How is this different than Temple. I don't think Donna deserved to win, but I do think she was less disastrous in this episode than Temple. I wonder if the judges decision was based on Temple's obvious play for the judges sympathy. Were they willing to give her one more chance because she is a single mom?

I agree also with another comment that I saw. David and Alice are the only ones with the professionalism and manners to host a successful show. Everyone else (that is left) fight, argues, is too caught up with themselves, etc. to be the host of any show I watch. Lets get rid of Temple and see what the rest can do, I think Tym could step up to the plate and amaze us if given the chance, and he doesn't make a stupid mistake again. Can't wait til next show. I like the individual challenges best.

One more thing. I agree with the idea that we want to watch designers, not magicians and performers. It is too late to change this season, but I would like to see the next season with realistic challenges. I probably would not watch a show about designing a room with pet supply stores or doing a kitchen in thirty hours. I want realism i.e. reality TV.

Posted by Janey – August 14, 2006 7:29 PM

Wow, I feel compelled to respond to the comments that designers shouldn't have to do the contracting. A designer is a project leader. He/she should know what it takes to implement a plan and whether or not that plan is feasible or structurally sound. In most industries a supervisor/manager is usually someone who knows how to do (or at least what goes into doing) the plan he/she laid out. This is not Dilbert. The fact that she is inexperienced shouldn't be a get-out-of-jail-free card for Temple. When you hire a designer, you hire one with the experience to realize the design he/she drew up. When you hire an architect he is designing your home, inside and out. If he doesn't know about structural integrity, and all the multitude of materials and processes which go into constructing a home, then that home would in all likely collapse whether or not the design was beautiful and whether he/she had a supportive team to build it? much like what happened last night.

As for being a leader with an unsupportive team? well, a good leader must be flexible. When her team is telling her the unrealistic aspects of her plan, she should have listened. She whined that she didn't know how to do it, yet when the experienced ones expressed their concerns, she shot them down and argued with them. A good leader would have taken her team's recommendations and somehow modified her plans to compensate for the error in planning. Temple did none of this. In real life, I suppose a designer may or may not have the ability to hire/fire contractors. If Temple had the power to do that, she may have fired her current team for voicing their opinion, hoping to hire a team who would do her bidding. But then again, every experienced contractor would have reiterated the same problems with her plans and she would still not have been able to execute her plan within the allotted time and on budget.

Don?t get me wrong, Donna should go too. But, firing Donna for doing nothing but painting, shopping and sleeping is like saying that Tym and David should be fired for doing nothing but tearing down and hanging cabinets or Alice should be fired for sewing. Each person was assigned tasks that they were best at accomplishing and Donna?s was shopping. I too believe Donna should have been more of a team player, but I also think the producers cut the footage to make the biggest impact.

Posted by May – August 14, 2006 7:18 PM

The task given on last night's show was only viable if the designer recognized the constraints. Temple's inexperience was her downfall in that respect. Temple may have been the team leader but she wasn't much of a team player. Donna wasn't much help -- she should have been given a time limit for shopping. The others did what it took to get their part of the job done.

I have to agree with other posts -- an experienced carpenter/contractor should have been brought in. Surely you could borrow one or two from Designer Finals.

David keep your shirt off -- great eye candy. This is television after all. Always enjoyed a peek or two at thet Ty-guy's bare chest from other shows/networks.

Temple should go next -- the producers not the judges should kick her off. Bad rep will follow her any show she would be given. I wouldn't watch. I wish her well in real life but don't give her a show. As for the other three -- Good Luck.

Posted by JJ – August 14, 2006 7:18 PM

Lots of comments about how Temple's design would have worked if she had a professional crew to implement. Well, duh, my designs would work then too. But, the challenge was to pitch a design that could be completed in 32 hours BY THE TEAM! When I do remodeling at home, I come up with designs that I know I can do myself, are within my budget contraints and will get completed. As a homeowner, if a designer had pitched the plan she gave and then delivered what she delivered, not only would I be upset, I would sue. Taking out the attitudes, crying, bickering etc, she should have been dismissed simply because what she designed on paper wasn't even remotely close to what she delivered. She may as well have pitched a $2 million design to the homeowners. Heck, yeah, they're gonna go with the most elaborate. Wouldn't you? I think the designs should have been judged by a professional panel before letting the homeowners pick.

But, on a positive note, I don't have to watch Donna anymore.

And as for all the posts about David keeping his shirt on... just shut up about it! That's one of the best parts of the show!!! ha ha

Posted by Craig – August 14, 2006 6:58 PM

I didn't like Temple before this episode but now I adore her!

Tym was jealous because she got picked, Donna is jealous because Temple is younger and prettier and I'm happy the judges did not kick Temple to the curb over Tym and Donna's attempts to maker Temple look bad.

Temple wrote those letters because she knew there were people pissed off that her design was picked so she was hoping to ease the tension to get the job done but you can't make haters stop hating you with love letters.

I can't wait to see her in action without others attempting to sabotage her.

David or Temple should win

Posted by Katta – August 14, 2006 6:45 PM

Clive-I have loved Designed to Sell since it's inception and you are doing a splendid job with this new series, DesignStar. You are a master as a host, quick whitted and sly. But what were the judges thinking last night? Did they watch the same footage we were privy to at home? Miss Temple has got to go. While I think Donna was judged with a different "measuring stick" I feel she would have gone next week anyway. I had hopes for her but she just didn't shine this week.
As with many of your other responses, I too feel it will come down to David and Alice in the final. They are both quite personable and professional. They have a calming influence in each show and quietly move the group forward without anyone knowing they have done it.
Keep up the good work. I am excited to see the final challenge. Need a volunteer?

Posted by Sally – August 14, 2006 6:30 PM

I am a designer and was appauled last night with the Show! I think the show is an amazing concept for asspirring designers, But what I didnt get last night was the idea of the Designer become CONTRACTOR! Both Clive and Vern KNOWS that designers have contractors to do the labor! I have NEVER seen Lisa Laporta or Vern pick up a tool in "Design to Sell" or "Trading Spaces"! as they have two carpenters to do the work for them! Please be fair to these designers and let them do what they should be doing - D E S I G N ! NOT play demolition contractors!

Hope the show gets BACK on TRACK - DESIGN!

Posted by Paul – August 14, 2006 6:21 PM

I can't believe Joseph was eliminated because of his teams' work and Temple was allowed to stay with the mess her team produced. The team, even Donna to a degree, did all they could to produce the product Temple created, but the product was inferior.

As a professional educator, I have no desire to learn from someone with no professional training in education. What makes HGTV think that I would want to watch a show with a designer who has no more training than myself? I have a good eye for design, but when I watch HGTV I want a professional to give me the "real" design tips.

Alice is ultra-talented! Set her loose and watch her shine!!!

Posted by lisa – August 14, 2006 6:03 PM

Why do so many females comment on David's constant shirtless state and never mention how tight-fitting Temple's t-shirts are? Why is there a sexist double-standard? And last-night's episode---with Tym and David stuck doing ALL of the heavy lifting and moving--- was even more blantantly sexist than David's bare chest has ever been.

Posted by Josh – August 14, 2006 6:00 PM

I think Donna has gotten a bad rap and should not have been the one to go. I also think the criticisms of Tym are unfair. The program editors chose to air the tape of Donna shopping--I have to wonder how much of Donna working did they not choose to air? And Tym was just being realistic. Those who didn't like the realism he was trying to inject have termed him a "doom-sayer" Well, who was right--Temple or Tym. Temple, definitely should have been the one to go.

Posted by Eva – August 14, 2006 5:56 PM

I thought the team leader was weak in executing the work assignments and disappointed she didn't give the home owner the design she had promise She needs work on her skills as a leader. I think Tyn is to arguementative. He got on my nerves. After the design was choosen they didn't not give her the respect as a leader and work as a team. It was a good design.

Posted by Norma Kemper – August 14, 2006 5:46 PM

Temple should have been the one to go, kitchen was pretty blau and poorly executed. Still was glad to see Donna go. She would have been better off ignoring Temple and letting her crash and burn on her own. Pulling for David, think he is the most creative, and presented a good theme in his audition, though don't think the "Naked Designer" would work well for children rooms. Believe Tym has a shot if he can drop the Woody Allen wining/complaining attitude. Love the show Clyde, look forward to it each week!

Posted by Teri – August 14, 2006 5:46 PM

I love this show very much, but I'm very disappointed with the judges. I understand how they felt about Donna, but how could they give Temple another chance. She should not have promised a design that was way over her head, the only thing she did was give pep talks. I turned my tv down.... What a load of crap, writing notes to grown adults on how she felt. The only thing missing was the cookies and milk. I just don't understand, everyone said this was a big job and needed more time to do it....So why would she over extend herself and not see the project through. She was the team leader and a bad one. I must say this was poor a judgement on the judges for having another team go in and complete the project, which didn't look like it was worth $10,000 and too keep her on the show....Clive I love you, but I don't I like this show anymore....Beth

Posted by Elizabeth – August 14, 2006 5:35 PM

Temple seems to have no clue how long things will take. As for the terrible flooring, Clive said that an HGTV hit squad finished up the project, so hopefully they hit that floor with about 3 coats of polyurethane, but even at that, the crevices would probably still be there. And yeah, if I had been promised new cabinets and granite counters, I'd be disappointed when they didn't materialize. Perhaps Temple learned a hard truth - granite has to be installed by professionals. And why aren't there any professionals there to help the contestants? If Tym and David hadn't been there, none of the heavy duty demo would have happened at all. Divine Design has a crew, Trading Spaces has a crew (although most of them don't appear on camera), so why not this show? I could go on, but I won't.

Posted by Jayne – August 14, 2006 5:29 PM

Temple is being too heavily criticized for not executing her design. It was unrealistic from the first to expect some handy /crafty people to be able to redo a kitchen. They were not contractors. The homeowners picked Temples design because they liked it best. Temple was not given the support she deserved and needed. Tym wanted to sabotage to prove that he was right in designing a 'more realistic' kitchen. He wanted Temple to fail. At one time he and Temple argued for an hour. They wasted precious time because he would not execute what he had been asked to do. Temple had only one half the working crew she was intended to have. Donna was missing in action and Tym was half-hearted. Only Alice and David tried to support. Perhaps if Temple had twice the help quite a bit more could have been accomplished - even hanging pre-manufactured cabinets. Donna needed to go. She has been useless and jealous since the beginning.

Posted by Shirley – August 14, 2006 5:26 PM

What a disappointment! Since when is this kind of show about looking at cumulative results over the course of the season? If you can't step up to the immediate challenge, then sorry, YOU'RE OUT! I'm not a fan of Donna, and Temple probably has more talent, but let's face it -- the only reason the couple was happy is that a "clean-up" up crew came and made it right! The final design didn't match her pitch. Temple had no plan at all. She over-promised and under-delivered. The judges really got this one wrong. If you're going to look at cumulative talent, just go ahead and give David the prize now...he's banked enough (by the judges' reasoning) to escape scott-free from here on out!

Posted by Charles – August 14, 2006 5:24 PM

I love Clive and "Designed to Sell" is one of my favorite HGTV programs. That show is very well done and EVERYONE on the show strives to cooperate to get the work done right.

- Last night I felt that instead of watching "Design Star" I was watching Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance remodeling the bathroom in one of the "Lucy Show" reruns. Only this was NOT funny at all. This was the saddest display of poor sportsmanship in a competition I've ever witnessed.

- I have no talant for design. But I know that Temple has got to go. Send Temple home so we can have peace and let the remaining contestants have a real shot.

- I think we are going to see some great things from David, Alice, and Tym in the future. They have the real talent.

Posted by Oblina – August 14, 2006 5:19 PM

It is unfortunate that most "reality" shows are focusing on the cat-fights and drama-moments of the cast rather than the subject of the show. If that is your criteria for DesignStar - than Temple should win, no doubt about it. However, I wont be watching that show.
If the focus of the new show is actually going to be design - how about giving the contestants a chance to really design something? I'd like to see a show that spotlights talent and professionalism & a host that truly enjoys their work. My first choice at this point is Alice. She doesnt get much air-time (maybe because she has yet to stab anyone in the back) but what I have seen shows a solid sense of design & concern for function as well as looks. Also - so far she has portrayed herself as a professional and I love her attitude of doing the best with what she has whether it's materials, time or people and their egos. That, to me, is the truest definition of a real southern lady & I would watch her show any day

Posted by Karen – August 14, 2006 4:55 PM

ANYONE BUT TEMPLE!

Posted by c – August 14, 2006 4:52 PM

I am so surprised at how strongly so many people dislike Temple. Yes, she was overly ambitious (lack of experience) but it wasn't like she purposely designed something she knew could not be done. AND, I think if everyone (Donna) worked as hard as she did, they may have been able to get it done. And although she had to make changes, the customers did love it. I am not saying she didn't screw up some, but PLEASE Donna had NO sense of urgency at all! I think the judges made the right choice.

Posted by Monica – August 14, 2006 4:46 PM

Let's not forget that this show is edited for TV dramatic presentation. What we see on Sunday nights is culled from hours and hours of tape.
We probably don't know the true personality of any of the contestants . . . just what the producers and editors want us to see. The judges are also "freewheeling" -- making it up as they go along, hence the Joseph/Temple inequity.

Alice is my choice for the next design star. Lisa LaPorta, Kristin Cunningham and Joan Steffan are extremely successful and much admired by their HGTV audiences, and they are not necessarily "balls of fire," just talented women we are happy to invite into our homes. Alice has the same qualities we treasure in these other HGTV favorites and has acted with professionalism throughout the reality show histrionics.

One last question. Would we love Kenneth Brown, Lee Snjiders, Lisa LaPorta or Candace Olsen if week after week we had seen them whining, crying, backbiting, complaining and not playing well with others?

Posted by Annie – August 14, 2006 4:41 PM

I wanted to add one comment I haven't seen posted yet....though I enjoy the show, I'm disappointed in the producer's work in selecting the contestants. It seems that out of the original 10, a minority could be real contenders to win. It seems as though several were selected for personality/dramatic effect, which seems unnecessary.

I think the weekly challenges and the nature of designers/those of artistic temperment would guarantee plenty of drama.

Just a scan of the bios on posted on the site should raise some flags. For example, Temple's bio was one of the funniest things I've read in some time:

"I should be the next HGTV Design Star because...I have the look, the body...".
(In my opinion, these are reasons that you list for being the Playboy channel's next Design Star, not HGTV's.)

Then later she writes, "I hate the fact that society judges someone based on looks rather than heart."

And then, "I was crowned Miss Utah USA 1997 and placed first in the interview, swimsuit and evening gown competitions." and "I have worked as a professional model and used to be a makeup artist with Estee Lauder."

Which statement here doesn't quite fit?

Posted by I Love HGTV – August 14, 2006 4:38 PM

Hello, Clive! I really enjoy this show! However, I would like to see each designer provided with competent, skilled (licensed) tradespeople. A crew that can truly implement the designer's vision. That said, I can't take much more of Temple. Temple is all about TEMPLE. Not only did she grossly mislead this young couple (come on...brand new cabinets, floors, tile, paint, etc.. in 33 hours!), she completely dismissed the expertise of those around her ( especially Tym) accusing them of not "believing" enough. But perhaps worst of all, she showed absolutely no concern for the nightmare she could potentially create for these young homeowners. That floor could cost those homeowners a tremendous amount of money. That's cruel and unethical. Enough Temple.

Posted by Shannon – August 14, 2006 4:31 PM

Why does Dave insist on going shirtless so much? Is he a nudist off camera? Please! It's a interior design competition, for Pete's sake!

Posted by jefreez – August 14, 2006 4:28 PM

I WAS GLAD TO SEE DONNA LEAVE ,SHE SHOULD HAVE LEFT WEEKS AGO , DONNA HAD NO DESIGN STYLE WHAT SO EVER. I WANT EITHER TYM OR DAVID TO WIN ,TO BE THE NEXT DESIGN STAR ON HGTV.

Posted by maggie dominguez – August 14, 2006 4:25 PM

The second half of this show didn't strike me as a scenerio that would really happen....Temple was working with a crew on non-professionals. In a real life situation she would have either a crew of pros or/and she'd know what every team member's abilities are. Still I didn't mind loosing Donna.....wonder how long until Temple goes?

Posted by Mike – August 14, 2006 4:11 PM

It seems to me that the homeowner's should take some responsibility for choosing Temple's design. How many of us seriously think we can order a room-full of cabinets and have them installed within 32 hours? In addition to everything else.

But in fact, I imagine they chose Temple's design because they liked the colors and materials, and especially because they wanted to believe she could give them more than what was realistic--you heard the tape.

Nothing is objective...

Anyway, Temple will probably be the next to go--Tym, David and Alice all have stronger design sense and more appealing personalities too. We'll see.

Posted by Catherine – August 14, 2006 4:06 PM

I think the judges were inconsistent in their decision to let Donna go last night. They let Joseph go because his team didn't come through. Temple should have gone due to her not having a clue about kitchen remodels and that floor!! I can just see the homeowners getting spinters and God forbid they have a child crawling around!!

I would not watch a show hosted by Temple due to her personality and being so stuck on herself...anyone read her bio...she actually said "[I] have the body [to host a show]". How conceited is that?

I'm pulling for Alice. I think she is the most professional of all.

Posted by Debbie – August 14, 2006 4:05 PM

What an incredible series! I try to observe everyone with the notion that the show is heavily edited and personalities are being showcased for "showmanship." The editors are certainly doing an outstanding job since we, the viewers, are reacting with such fervor. Did you hear that cheer last week when Vanessa left? That was me, hahaha. Then again last night, did you hear a "what???!!!" I couldn't believe the double standard of the judges. They let Joseph go because he was a team leader and had to take the responsibility. But then they kept Temple? I would normally bow to the knowledge and professionalism of the judges, but they made a terrible, terrible mistake. I really wish they could have sent Temple off on her merry little way along with Donna. No matter what excuse she had, no matter how much raw talent she has, those little notes were the height of non-professionalism. It made her and the show look ridiculous.

Posted by KarenE – August 14, 2006 3:52 PM

It seems to me that the one, true, "Design Star" is the one getting the least attention. Donna and Temple have gotten lots of screen time with their constant melodrama. Temple's crocodile tears and her "I'm a single mother--pity me" ploys have gotten on my last nerve. Tym complains a lot. And David can't keep his shirt on. Meanwhile, Alice has consistently worked hard, presented beautiful, usable designs, and gotten along with everybody. She is professional, humble, hardworking, cooperative, and pretty enough for the cameras.

Her room last week didn't get all the accolades that David's did, but honestly, who would want pet litter all over their floor? Sure, it looked interesting on camera, but Alice's room was actually usable, as well as aesthetically pleasing. I found it much more appealing than David's room.

I think the judges need to explain their expectations to the contestants if this is going to be a fair contest. Are they looking for impractical, unlivable, but pretty spaces? Or are they looking for real-world, quality, professional design? The kind that real clients would want in their homes. I think Alice has the talent, experience, and likable personality to carry her own show. David maybe--if he kept his clothes on. The others--no. I certainly would never watch a show featuring Temple. I would enjoy watching Alice very much.

Posted by Brenda – August 14, 2006 3:40 PM

The more I think about last night's episode, the more I disagree with the judge's decision regarding Temple.

Sure... you can maybe teach someone to be a better project manager, *IF* they want to learn. But Temple's made it clear she has "something to prove" to the rest of the contestants and to the judges. This makes her unwilling to listen to anyone else. And that means she doesn't have the basic people skills necessary to learn from her shortcomings.

Does anyone really believe her when she, on one hand, said she was trying to build Tym up and give him confidence in what he can achieve, then she immediately tears him down in front of the judges and says he "oversold" his abilities? How fake and insincere can she be? Heck... she didn't even listen to him when he repeatedly tried to tell her what needed doing. Instead, she cut him off without letting him finish.

You think she can learn to be a better project manager, given all this? Sure... she might learn how to plan a budget or work schedule better, but she seriously needs an attitude adjustment when it comes to actually dealing with people. And dealing with people is part of what it takes to be a good designer or program host.

I've seen people criticize Donna and Tym for being so negative... but was Donna really wrong when she pointed out how insincere those notes were that Temple gave them all? I don't think so... And Tym was the voice of experience when it came to installing cabinets. Did Temple listen to him? Did she even once let him finish a thought? No... she just talked over him and told him to "hope for the best." Well... in the real world you have to do more than hope for the best when you're the one in charge.

Temple needed to lead by example. The reason the team broke down into bickering was because Temple was:

1) Unprepared to lead the project in the first place. Did she do a sit-down with the team before visiting the house and lay out the plan for each task within the project? If she did, we surely saw no evidence of that.
2) Inexperienced -- which showed in the initial design and later during the actual project. Who assumes a countertop can be cut in two minutes' time? Or states that cabinets can be hung by simply screwing them into the wall?
3) Unwilling to listen to reason, since she saw any comments which were counter to her desires as a threat to her authority. Why the need to be so defensive?

If she doesn't show any respect for her team and their experience and abilities, then they're certainly not going to show her any respect, either. And that's exactly what happened. Donna didn't "owe" Temple respect on this project; Temple needed to earn it, by being organized and professional from the start. If Tym seemed negative, it was because his words were being blithely ignored by the very person who told her team to speak up about any ideas they had. You'd be negative, too, if you were lied to like that and treated with such disrespect.

It was Temple's job to give those homeowners their dream kitchen. Unfortunately, that dream will soon turn into a nightmare. I'd sure love to see a "six months later" follow-up. Wonder if they're still happy with what Temple gave them...?

Temple should've gotten the axe this time. What were the judges thinking?

Posted by elaine – August 14, 2006 3:31 PM

Our whole family is enjoying the show immensely! We loved the clip of Alice talking about the milk being spilled onto the pine floor and have a new favorite saying around the house --(whispered) "...and that's BAAAD". Alice is so sweet, pretty and talented! I hope she wins!

Posted by Patti L. – August 14, 2006 3:18 PM

As a soon to be student of Architecture and Interior Design, I'm apalled that Temple wasn't booted.

I'm tired of seeing unprofessional behavior rewarded. A true "leader" doesn't lie to her customers, berate her co-workers, or start crying when things don't go the way they want them to. And handing out notes to apologize, come on! If she had the guts to get in their faces in the first place, she should have had the courage to apologize one-on-one.

I don't care if she does have "creative vision." If you can't realistically produce what you promise, you're not cut out to be a business person.

In the real world, if she had torn up someone's kitchen and left it like that, she'd have been sued.

The person who wins should be the one who is confident without being arrogant, professional, considerate of their client's needs, able to take criticism, and have the desire to help people make their homes the safe havens they need.

Posted by Karen – August 14, 2006 2:58 PM

I find this show to be so enjoyable. Watching to see if what I feel should happen is alot of fun.

Donna leaving was so on the mark in my opinion. She reminds me of the bully in school who tries to make herself look good by saying anything possible to belittle those around her - especially a specific target - in this case Temple. To those who felt she wasn not trying to be lazy watch it again and note her comment about the driver taking another hour to get back so she could get in more of a nap. That was her go-home moment for me.

As for Temple, anyone who watches the design student show knows that the lack of real life experience usually adds up to over ambitious designs. It appears to be one of the life lessons required when fresh in the field.

I also agree that David has what it takes to take the prize. He has tallent, ability to not involve himself in the petty parts of the show and all the other contestants seem to like him. He doesnt try to outshine when it isnt his time but takes all when it is. Not only all the above but I kind of like looking at his upper body - a nice plus while watching the show.

Keep up the fun we are all hooked

Posted by Kelli – August 14, 2006 2:55 PM

Temple needs to be labeled the Design Drama Queen and hopefully NOT the Design Star! Turn off the water works, take responsibility, and learn to work with others. She has some talent...but only when she's working by herself. I would be curious to see how long her show would last if she did win.

Donna needed to go soon anyway, as she wasn't impressing anyone. I'm still bouncing between David and Alice as a winner. Both have the talent and personality. Tym's good, but needs work on some of his ideas.

Posted by Connie – August 14, 2006 2:46 PM

I have watched the show since the first episode and I must say, except for last week, the challenges just don't seem appropriate for really finding the next "Design Star".

I can't think of a show on TV that a designer is expected to complete a project from beginning to end without the assistance of a carpenter/contractor/upholstery tech/plumber, etc. I have worked with several designers myself and they have each had a talent to use on the job (ie: sewing for draperies) but everything else was contracted out. I hired them for the expertise they had in the actual design of my room and the selection of details.

I think to really judge these individuals, they should be expected to work as a designer, not a contractor. It would be good to see how they interact with other professionals (as listed above) and not just each other. For example, it would have been very telling to see how Temple's overplanning was handled by a carpenter helping her on the job.

I really hope that these final few episodes can really show the contestant's actual design talent and focus less on their interpersonal drama.

Posted by Chantae – August 14, 2006 2:39 PM

I agree with Barb's earlier comment that David and Alice did not get much attention in this episode. But that was probably a good thing. They appeared to be trying to make the best of it and get through it without getting involved in all of the turmoil. They probably could have given Tym a little more support on getting his points across to Temple, with regard to her unrealistic expectations. I really hope Temple goes next. I would not watch a show with her on it (except for this one of course!). I think David and Alice would do well on a show. Although Alice is a little quiet I think she would do well.

Posted by Connie – August 14, 2006 2:39 PM

I have disliked Temple and Donna from the beginning and for Temple to promise NEW cabinets and a granite countertop and then just giving horrible painted cabinets and "granite looking" countertops was unacceptable. The homeowners were blinded by the beautiful new appliances--as anyone would be--but realistically, I could have done what Temple did. ANYONE could have. The room looked nothing like what she promised and for anyone to expect the other poor designers to deal with structural issues, etc. was unreasonable. Those homeowners deserved better than what they got. What Alice said about the horrible floors what exactly right. What happens when dirt, food, etc. falls through those cracks! There are going to be roaches and other bugs. And it will be impossible to keep clean. I am rooting for David. He has a level head and he and Tym worked like DOGS and really got no credit for it. And dont get me started on Donna! While everyone else was working she was........shopping, eating, SLEEPING and shopping some more. It was not rocket science, all she needed to do was get a diningroom set and some supplies and she didnt even do that right.

Posted by Paula – August 14, 2006 2:34 PM

I was shocked when they cancelled Joseph and I still can't believe it. He had the best training and the best personality. I wish we had been able to see more of his work. You made a mistake cancelling Joseph.

Although David's style has a big impact for TV, I think Alice's style has a wider appeal. Her work is well thought out and her execution is strong. It is a shame that she has broken down a couple of times but I still think her personality is the most conducive to team work and client satisfaction. Her personal presentation is also very tasteful.

Posted by Sam – August 14, 2006 2:33 PM

Can we take a break from the potential design stars and have the judges take a challenge? I would like to see the what the 3 judges would create if restricted to shopping in a beauty store (since that seemed to be the hardest challenge on Show 2.) I'd also like to see them redo Temple's kitchen (and those poor homeowner's are "owed" a redo!) as a team. I wonder how well they would design and complete a kitchen with only a couple of unskilled laborers to help and 32 hours to get it done? It took my general carpenter 2 months to finish my kitchen AFTER I had picked out all the cabinets, etc. Why no professional help on this challenge? Did you pick your kitchen make-over winner based on which state had no building codes?

I was glad Donna, but only because that will stop the constant fights. In her defense, I've been shopping for a kitchen and it takes forever to pick paint, cabinets, counter tops, tile, flooring, handles and light fixtures. I'd rather mud a wall than have to go paint shopping!

Keep it up Clive, you are the best part of this show.

Posted by Debi – August 14, 2006 2:30 PM

Did anyone besides me hear the homeowners say that David was the one that came closest to their ideas for their kitchen? Then when they choose Temple I was confused. Agree, agree. The design was WAY over Temple's pretty little head. Wasn't crazy about Tym being such a doom sayer though. I really appreciated the fact that Alice and David were not only team players but showed such class by not participating in the ya ya's that were going on. Bye, bye Donna. If you wanted to be known as more than the Chochkey(sp?) Queen maybe you have shown us more than that. Great shopper though. Girl I would run the mall with you anyday. It will be great fun to see how the rest of the shows pan out with each designer completely responible for their own work. Clive, do you actually think up all the torture for these poor designers? You are bad! But it sure is fun! Thanks and keep up the great job. Sunday night T.V. is MUST SEE because of Design Star! Diana

Posted by Diana – August 14, 2006 2:03 PM

I have absolutely never felt the need to take the time to write a blog comment in regard to a television show, but the time has come. I feel totally ripped off. I am a working mom (CPA) who gets very little sleep. On Sunday nights I catch the show at midnight. (I also get very little TV time.) My time is limited, but given an hour of leisure time, I will choose HGTV over just about any activity. So, imagine my disdain at watching Temple get to keep her show. I don't care how driven, persistent or talented this woman is. You don't lie to your clients! I would lose my license if I fed my clients a line of bull like that. There is no way an "experienced" carpenter could have hung and stained those cabinets with any reliability in the time given. I'm merely a CPA, but I have enough experience with home improvement to know what it takes to hang cabinets! And no, the other designers shouldn't have just listened to her and did what she ordered. She is a major example of a bully boss and the others were completely realistic about what it takes to put a kitchen together. Then, Temple takes the glory for the fact that the clients loved it? Come on . . . that kitchen was so horrible to begin with that just putting in new appliances would have given them pure joy. The appliances were worth the $10,000 makeover alone. And what is with the little notes she passed out? What? Has she been watching too much "Legally Blond" lately? A professional doesn't pass out fraternity girl notes to her team. I work in a team atmosphere constantly and I would be laughed out of the office if I did that. I might even have a sexual harassment suit on me if I complimented someone too much in writing! Speaking of lawsuits, what kind of health hazard is she creating with that nasty floor? I agree with your designer Alice. The first time a liquid or semi-liquid gets under those boards mold is going to grow like wildfire. You had better hope those clients don't have allergies already.
In conclusion, if you can't make a timeline for your projects and professionally lead a team, stick to your home tours and designing for your neighbors. I definitely will not be staying up till midnight to watch a show hosted by Temple. Where is Lisa Laporter when you need her?

Posted by Kim Hoover – August 14, 2006 2:00 PM

I think the best way to have run this episode would have been to have the designers come up with their ideas as they did, present them to the owners of the REAL kitchen (so we can see their presentation skills), give each of the designers an identical kitchen on a set with the same budget and time constraints and see how they do. That would weed out the too ambitious designers (like Temple), The rather shop than work (like Donna), the complainers (like all)since it is their own design, and that way we can really see what they are made of.

Posted by Carol – August 14, 2006 1:56 PM

The premise of this episode was probably to judge the contestants ability to work within the constraints provided by the client - time and money. They should have been required to prepare time and budget estimates for every thing in the design and present that to the client. That might have prepared Temple for not delivering on her commitments to the homeowners. I agree with Alice on the floor - spills will be a disaster!

I'm rooting for Alice and David.

Posted by Ann – August 14, 2006 1:55 PM

I can't believe that Temple is still in the running. What is wrong with the judges? Do they not see what goes on? She is nothing but a trouble maker. I don't think I am going to continue watching this show.

Posted by Sarah – August 14, 2006 1:46 PM

I was very disappointed in this challenge. I find it hard to believe that the producers would let 6 unskilled people work on a real family's kitchen. Alice summed it up correctly when she said that they were "handy" but certainly not contractors. The kitchen needed major reconstruction, not just redecoration. These people are not qualified to do such work. Designers in the real world do not do the construction on such a project. They hire professionals. It was unrealistic of the homeowners to expect such a major remodel from unqualified people. They wanted new cabinets, tile floors, granite countertops. This was a disaster from the start. These designers did not have a chance to succeed, especially in the time frame. I, too, wish we had seen the designs that were presented. Perhaps some of them would have been more realistic. Still, the homeowners were expecting way too much. I hope their kitchen was put into some sort of a workable condition. I would be extremely upset if it was my house. The producers owed them a nice, professionally constructed kitchen.

It is so obvious that Alice and David are the only winners here. But I'm not sure either have the personality to host a show on TV. I couldn't take David's exibitionism. He is way too stuck on himself. Alice is very sweet, perhaps too quiet. I would like to see her talk more and hear her ideas. She is probably the best designer of the bunch. I feel she works out the best ideas for real-world use and style.

Posted by Nancy – August 14, 2006 1:36 PM

I cannot believe that Temple didn't get the boot! Her conduct was unprofessional as was overselling herself and her design. I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't a "done deal" and the judges have already decided based on looks and fake tears and not on real talent.

Posted by Karen – August 14, 2006 1:32 PM

There is no doubt in my mind the next Design Star will be David. He has talent,creativity,insight,& a charming personality.Keep it up David you have arrived.

Posted by Lori – August 14, 2006 1:17 PM

I have loved watching this show. I can't believe I missed it last night. I could not stand to wait til later this week to catch it. I had to know who was and wasn't still on the show. It's hard to say what criteria is needed to host a design show but personality and a good eye is needed for sure. Personally I like Alice. She is not an attention getter but is a thinker and a doer. Anyone can "steal the show" but talent shows up as an end product. I think with her talent, little bit of southern accent, and her "real life like" personality people can identify with her. I am guessing that viewers want to watch a show and think about trying what they see. I know I do. Some designs are too weird. I also think David would make a great host with his talents and design eye. I do favor Alice overall though.

Posted by Brenda – August 14, 2006 1:06 PM

Good day. I have enjoyed the show and believe the right person's show was cancelled, Donna. Although Temple failed to execute her design, she was stilled the leader of the project and should have been supported 100% by Donna. Donna was her own enemy, and the results of her behavior cost her the opportunity to demonstrate her talent and her chance of having her own show.

Followership is just as important as leadership, and Donna demonstrated her lack of ability for both. There was absolutely no "justified" reason why Donna had to visit several stores to purchase a dining table with chairs. The time she spent sleeping and shopping could have been used more wisely excuting the plan. It is okay to have a difference of opinion regrading the leader's plan-of-action, but the overall goal is to get the project done and done right. Donna was the cancer for the whole team.

Posted by Zan – August 14, 2006 12:59 PM

If I hear one more person ask for a "Tuscan" room I will seriously vomit! On the other hand, if you truly love this "style" you will be able to pick up some real bargins in a few years when everybody tears the stuff out like they did Mediterranian in the 70's.

Posted by Lynn – August 14, 2006 12:52 PM

I am so glad that Donna is gone. She can shop, but otherwise has no talent.

I agree with other comments that the judges were inconsistent in canning Joseph as a team leader yet letting Temple off for the kitchen fiasco. But it is clear that Temple does have talent for visualizing. The judges were right in saying that Temple could learn management eventually. After all, what good is management skills if you have no talent? That said, Temple's personality is pretty over the edge, and I can't see what she would bring to a show as a host.

Ditto with Tym. I'm pulling for David, with Alice a somewhat distant second. Her camping store design in the 3rd episode was nice, but not exactly jaw-dropping.

Posted by amy k. – August 14, 2006 12:40 PM

Yes, I agree, Temple should have been the one gone. It was her design, she promised and did not deliver. Donna was out doing what she does best. Shopping. David and Tym busted their butts. How could Temple say Tym did not do what he was suppose to do, when all along, he said she could not do those cabinets in 32 hours. You need to get some new judges. I could judge and make better decisions on who should leave. Are they not seeing the same things we see?

David seems to be the one that will take all (but this is TV so you can expect anything to happen), but I can promise you one thing. If he does win and he is going to take his shirt off, during every episode, I will not watch. I tune in to HGTV to gain knowledge, get ideas, see how others live. This is a home and garden channel, not a fitness and/or sex channel.

Posted by BettyE – August 14, 2006 12:37 PM

Clive,

I'm a DIY person. I know what it takes to accomplish various remodel tasks and this program is far too short with the limited budget the contestants have to work with. I'm sure there are certain reasons in creating this program with these limitations. I just don't see them as realistic.

I've watched the last two programs and I must say, "A team must work as a team without the constant arguing." This creates a negative envirnoment and a loss of ongoing productivity.
A good designer will have good people and communication skills. As one of your many viewers, we don't get to see all the behind the scenes enteraction with the contestants. What we see is what you've edited for the audience. Maybe we viewers would get a better feel for the contestants by knowing more of their abilities.

In all, I think your program creates a very high pressure level on your contestants therefore, creating an atmosphere in bringing out their best personality traits. I didn't see these good traits from Temple or Donna. I wouldn't watch A show hosted by Temple mainly due to her lack in people skills and not delivering what her proposal promised to the home owners.

Were the home owners really happy with the completion? Anyone installing a hardwood floor as did Temple I the home owner would be completely disatisfied not to exclude new kitchen cabinets as originally promised.

All in all, I like the program just don't see it as realistic. Too little a budget with too little time to complete with quality.

Posted by Jack – August 14, 2006 12:35 PM

Last night during the show I saw a message about commenting on who was most at fault for the mess made of the homeowner's kitchen. I think the question was a good one and I would like to address it: A) Who sets the challenges and are they aware of the contestants experience? Of course they are, this is t.v! B) Is it reasonable to assume the homeowners were not fully advised of the conditions under which their make-over would take place? Of course they were informed, this is t.v and not telling them might have opened up grounds for a lawsuit. C) Is it realistic to think a kitchen make-over or remodel can be done in 33 hrs beyond anything in the most superficial of means? Of course not and this would be very clear to the pros. We all got what they wanted us to have and I'll be back the 20th to see what's up next. As to who goes home... well, even juries rarely get all the information they need to make an "informed decision" and "fault" can be highly subjective. So I figure Clive is always going to be the who who really knows the most about what is actually going on, outside the cast and crew of course, and I think I'll take my cues from him.

Posted by Janine – August 14, 2006 12:27 PM

If I had been the winner of a $10,000 kitchen make-over, I sure would have been dissapointed to have amateur designers AND contractors working on my home. And what was the deal with junking that marvelous vintage range??!! People pay good money for stoves like that.
Tym, being a bit older and more experienced, was right about hanging cabinets. You can't just slap them up.

Posted by Lynn – August 14, 2006 12:25 PM

Personally, I think Temple and Donna should have gone, but this just reinforces my theory that the judges and producers have already picked Temple. Not for any show I watch!

Posted by Barbara – August 14, 2006 12:25 PM

Clive,
I enjoy your show. I love to watch Designed to Sell with Lisa La Porta and you. I agree with you, that there was not any signs of Tuscan design. I think I could have done a better job, in picking colors like toned down mustards, lighter greens, and a splash of pemiento red. The flooring could have been a look like terra cotta, and the cabinets could have had new door faces with an arch. The new appliances were of coarse beautiful. Any one would love to have them! But I'm just a housewife, with no training. Any how, thanks for letting me vent. I hope Alice wins!!! Temple is getting too, cocky.
Your TV watching friend, Stephanie

Posted by Stephanie Crawford – August 14, 2006 12:18 PM

This is a great show. Clive, you are the best. I disagree with some of the disparaging remarks directed at Temple. She was not my favorite at the beginning either, but I think she is just as good at design as any of the remaining four. Her design was great. It may have been to ambitious, but I think that some of the other designs would have run into the same problems, like David's. If she had the cooperation of the team instead of the sour grapes shown by David (his design was better -- he says) or the uncooperativeness of Tym and Donna, she may have come a lot closer to completion. Instead she had to argue with them to do anything. The show, after all, is about design skills not construction skills, and Temple has shown in every episode that she does have the ability to design. Tym and his negativity turned me off especially since he spent more time arguing that it couldn't be done then he did in doing, and all Donna did was shop and sleep. Alice, as usual kept plugging on -- kudos for her also. I, also, agree with Connie, that Temple has a "TV" presence. I think the hardest thing for her is fighting the "Beauty Queen" title, which has pushed her into a corner. I still feel that she will continue fighting. If she doesn't win, then my vote is for Alice. Both Tym and David did nothing to endear themselves to me on this episode. I have to admit David is better than Tym, but I imagine as the "Design Star" he may have to wear some clothes. Great show, looking forward to next week.

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

My wife and I have watched the last two shows. We definitely have our viewpoints.

1- every contestant must work as a team.

2- those individuals who can't work as a team shouldn't be selected as the winner.

3- no, those who are great designers aren't always the DIY person, but they should have a good background in what is required to complete an assignment. This gives that individual the know how in order to work closely with the sub-contractors.

4- my wife and I wouldn't watch the new program if Temple is the winner, because Temple is too hard to work with and not only doesn't deliver what she promises but can't work as a team. Too much arguments with team mates. She needs better people skills.

5- good looks doesn't always create the best person for the new show.

Posted by Jack & Judith – August 14, 2006 12:11 PM

I was not surprised that it would come down to Temple and Donna. Although, in my opinion, it should have been Temple to leave last night and not Donna. In all likelihood Donna would leave next week.

From purely a design standpoint (with no thought for building codes, practicality, work hours, etc) I suppose Temple's design was good. But, as most of the viewers and judges pointed out, Temple's design was too ambitious for the time and budget allowed. Anyone can draw pictures of a dream kitchen without thought to money, schedule or practicality - that is not the mark of a good designer. Temple could not realize the design and based on that she should have been eliminated. I found it ironic and telling that Temple should get upset with Donna for questioning her choices when Temple had done just that to Donna in episode 2. I guess it doesn't really matter because Temple should be the one to go next week.

I think if Alice ratchets her designs up she will be good competition for David and Tym. David seems to have the most polish and flair. I like Tym's inventiveness, but I think his designs may be a little too quirky. The competition will be fierce from her on out.

One last thing, I've read other viewers rants about David taking off his shirt. Doesn't anyone realize that it may be hot and therefor that is why he does it? Last night, I saw him lifting the cabinets and holding them in place while Tym was screwing them in. Personally, I am sick of watching Temple crying at the drop of a dime.

Posted by May – August 14, 2006 12:06 PM

I think this weeks show was totally bogus!! The time constraints were unrealistic and unfair and none of the designers are contractors or were offered any assistance.

Can you even remodel a kitchen for $10K? The stainless steel appliances alone would take up 1/3 of the budget. And where was the breakdown?
Feel free to jump in any time Clive!

The network dropped the ball on this one. They could have found another way to eliminate the designers. This show was absolutely ridiculous!!! I've been watching the show since day one and this episode should have been eliminated.

This show is the very reason why I don't watch elimiation shows because after awhile it gets desperate and silly. If this continues, I won't watch any longer.

How can the judges fairly eliminate the designers based on the criteria if the challenges are unrealistic? This looked more like a pilot show called "Designed to Fail".

I've enjoyed the show until now and would like to continue to watch now that it's so close to conception. HGTV please! Please realize that your viewers are not naive and gullable and want a quality show to watch. With that said, hopefully, we can get back to a competition worth watching.

Posted by Cassie – August 14, 2006 11:56 AM

Please not another unrealistic design/construction show. Those of us in the business have enough problems trying to convince clients what's feasible within their BUDGET and TIME SCHEDULE. As a designer and construction manager in the business for over 15 years I have yet to INSTALL cabinets. Even the highest end cabinet contractors have problems with alignment.

I found the show painful to watch ...

From the home owners making their selection based solely on design promises made but not attainable. The designers should have had a cost estimate associated with their design. All new cabinets, appliances, flooring etc on $10,000? And completed in 33 hours?

Cancelling Teran's show based on the homeowners expectations ... should have been the judges call based on who had the most unrealistic design for the budget and schedule ... Temple! The homeowners then would select from designs that were attainable within the constraints.

Temple not understanding Tym and David when they were trying to tell her what THEY can and cannot do, well. They understood their limitations ... she was clueless to what they were explaining to her!

The designers not only designing with little or no sleep, but constructing as well? Just not safe or good business practice for professionals! Should have had a couple of carpenters on hand.

I really had high hopes for this show ... It would but wonderful to see a design show that tells it like it really is ... real design, real budgets, realistic construction schedules!

Though I favor David, the no shirt wearing uniform is also extremely unprofessional!

Posted by Vicki – August 14, 2006 11:54 AM

I love this show! I look forward to it every week! Will you do another one? I hope so!

What in the world?! Was Temple SUPPOSED to be channeling Vanessa?! She was soooo obnoxious last night! Judges/Host were correct when they said she only won because she promised more than the others. I think any homeowner would choose brand new cabinets and a new floor over "we'd like to do this ... but it's not practical." Should NEVER have tossed out good cabinets, especially with so many time constraints! Just paint them, for crying out loud! And what happened to the "Tuscan" influence? Temple really blew it.

So, Donna - a whole day shopping for a table, huh? Good grief! It was really hilarious when we would see the people back at the house WORKING, and then we'd see Donna eating an apple, sleeping in the van, etc. Really funny! Donna, you are the weakest link - goodbye!

Temple - it's been nice, but you'll be gone next week. Come back in about ten years.

Now we're down to the best, it seems. I'm guessing we'll be down to Tym and David, simply because Alice hasn't had her moment of shining yet. Hopefully, in the next episode, she'll get bolder and really show what she can do.

I still think David will win. But I think at this point I'd watch a show with any of them. Good job!

Posted by Kathy – August 14, 2006 11:53 AM

Whoever edits the show seems to have a bias. For example, showing Donna napping in the car between shopping stops made it seem like she was trying to sneak in naps while others were working hard. Temple assigned the jobs, so if Donna tried to get in some sleep during the car ride, why criticize her (as others have done)? That being said, it did seem that she took an inordinate amount of time shopping for one dining set, considering the amount of other work that had to be done. Plus, coming up with the wrong grout after being given specific instructions? I know from personal experience that it's easy to blow this, but she could have gone back to the store and gotten more. I don't agree Donna should have gone, mainly because Temple was so awful! Her design was attractive, but her other skills are terrible. First, she told the team to argue with her if they wanted, and then when they voiced valid concerns, she would denigrate these concerns by telling them how easy it should be to do the jobs they were concerned about. It's easy to say something is simple when you're not the one doing it. I thought Tym was right on and not whiney. I enjoyed his audition tape and think he should be a serious contender. For Temple to say that he misrepresented his skills (based on what we were shown) was amazing. He kept telling her that they couldn't do what she had proposed and I kept wondering why she didn't get in there and do what she was making the guys do if she was so sure that it was a simple matter of cut and hang? I also thought the notes from Temple were so ridiculous. She was treating the others like children. The notes were insulting to adult intelligence and Donna was right in her thoughts about them. I thought Temple should have gone. They could have saved Donna for next time. I do wonder how much of what the audience sees is shown to the judges. And why did they ask what the other contestants' opinions were if they didn't want to take their advice?

Posted by Louise – August 14, 2006 11:53 AM

I agree with Clive's comments on the design and episode. [top]

I think Temple should have been eliminated based on not delivering what was promised to the homeowners. Personalities aside, this is about design and no conscientious designer would promise more than was possible nor cheap out when the clock got short. Regardless of what anyone else did or didn't do in Episode 4, Temple failed to deliver and that SHOULD have cost her -- she should have been cancelled.

Posted by Rick – August 14, 2006 11:51 AM

Both Temple and Donna should have been gone long ago. Joseph was never really given a chance. I would never watch a show starring Donna or Temple, but would watch Tym or Alice, and David needs to keep his clothes on. I do think the time frames given to the designers to work within have not really been realistic (re-doing a kitchen in 36 hours?).

Posted by Sharon – August 14, 2006 11:41 AM

I have never got caught up in a show like I have this one. This is the first time I disagree with the judges. Temple should have gone she over sold herself with no experience she blew it. It was her design and the others should have just done what they were told, but all have strong personalities, soooo, but if you noticed David and Alice did what Temple ask and it didn't get done it didn't get done, so she should have taken the fall not Donna.
I don't see how after this many episodes how anyone could not come up with who the winner should be. All but one have screwed up badly. I hope that he wins he will be great on a show of his own. Of course I mean David

Posted by Tim – August 14, 2006 11:30 AM

Just watched episode 4 that I TIVO'd. I agree with other bloggers that Temple's design was too ambitious and she did not deliver what she promised. She was also unorganized and did not listen to others. I think the others should have executed her plan exactly as she presented it and it would have been obvious to the judges that she doesn't have a clue about execution. Of course, the other designers would have wanted immunity from elimination if the work didn't get done as it would not have been their fault.

Several people commented that all Donna did was shop but someone had to, right? I'm guessing that Temple sent Donna shopping to keep her out of the way because Temple didn't seem to mind that Donna wasn't around. I'm pulling for Alice and David to co-host a show. I would definitely watch.

Posted by Leslie – August 14, 2006 11:20 AM

Clive,

First of all, I love the show. I was glad to see Donna go. She is obviously good at spending money but I don't see where there is any "talent". I don't know how they got finished last night (kinda finished). A lot of time was spent at "discussing, arguing" rather than getting the game plan as to what could feasibly be done in that timeframe. I'm glad the homeowners were happy in the end. I'm anxious to see the episode when they will "go it alone". That is where I believe we will see real design. David showed his stuff already.

Posted by Rosemary – August 14, 2006 11:15 AM

I have no question that Temple's plan was too ambitious for the time allotment and the skills of the ones doing the installation. On other design shows with timed remakes, there are carpenters or people with carpentry experience assigned to the teams (Design on a Dime, Designed to Sell, Designer Finals, etc.). These designers had to do all that on their own--whether they knew what they were doing or not. I don't fault Temple as much as the program planners who put the team in that position. After all, the couple won a $10,000 kitchen make-over, and I'm sure they thought the ones doing it would be professionals in their respective fields. They probably didn't think it would have to be done in such a short time frame, since they voiced their wishes for tile floors, granite counters, etc., that would take more time than was allotted. The judges again did the right thing to eliminate Donna, who when asked the part of the project she wanted to do said, "I guess I'll go shopping." Maybe she needed to be on a show called "Shopping Star," since that is what she has shown the most apptitude for. The twin didn't seem to have a clue about good kitchen layout design. I was sorry to see him go, but he did have the weakest design.

Posted by MeB – August 14, 2006 11:08 AM

Oh WOW! Temple is on a role now! Thanks it should have been Donna or Tym!

Donna-Shopping is all you do!
Tym-You should have been gone instead of Joesph!
Temple-You have great talent! Please go to design school to learn the little things!
Alice-I now think you have the role of peace-keeper!(Top 2)
David-You hid in this one!
Teran-You Didn't Have A Chance!

Posted by Dean – August 14, 2006 11:03 AM

Ok - At some point Donna had to go...but for her to go before Temple, especially after Temple's overachieving, underdelivering, failed effort, was a travesty.

I am a huge fan of "talent" based reality shows, because I enjoy watching talent trump luck. And because of that, I find it terrible that Temple was not cancelled last night. If, as the judges said, they are making their decision "cumulatively", then they have miles of footage of Temple:

Arguing with her "team"...
Not listening to sound advice...
Bragging and being insensitive...
Refusing to listen to anyone-even when SHE asks for imput!
Being rude, boorish and an overall designer wreck waiting to happen...

and finally, CRYING when blaming others for her failures doesn't work!!!

Up until last night's episode, I was giving her the benefit of the doubt. Now, there is no doubt: If she wins, I will be tuning out!!

Go Alice and Tym!!!

Posted by Stacy – August 14, 2006 11:01 AM

I've been watching since the beginning of the series. I was sure Temple was going to go - and she should have! What she did to her fellow designers was criminal. She refused to listen to reason about the cabinets and everything else about the kitchen. She didn't give the homeowners what they agreed to in her design. I would have liked to have seen the homeowners see what she did BEFORE your crew came in and fixed it up. Did your guys seal the floor or put in a new one?

Posted by Amanda – August 14, 2006 10:53 AM

I think Temple is not deserving of having her own show. She is abrasive, unrealistic in goal setting, unable to listen to other people, unkind, and verbally abusive in her tone and words to the others. I, as a producer, would not want to work with Temple in the least! I am saddened with the departure of Vanessa in the last episode. I think she was hip, fun, and had a lot of good ideas and personality. Even though I agree that her room was not the best looking...one wrong did not deserve her dismissal. Temple should have been dismissed first.

Posted by Sue – August 14, 2006 10:52 AM

Great show, though I wish I could have seen more of each individual designer's presentation for the kitchen re-do.

This was a tough decision this week. I thought Temple was totally to blame for the kitchen fiasco as she oversold herself and had no clue as to what is involved in a kitchen re-do. Therefore, she planned poorly, and her execution was a disaster. However, Donna was, as usual, catty, difficult, and useless. So I can't say I was sorry to see her go.

I like David and Tym, but I continue to be really impressed by Alice. She always puts in really solid work, and her comments show that she has a well-rounded knowledge of design. She is also very professional and tactful. I would love to see her win it all.

Posted by DJ – August 14, 2006 10:51 AM

Please boot Temple next week...PLEASE! A forceful personality and an ability to "see things in your head" does not a designer make. I found it shocking that Temple accused Tym of over-presenting himself! Look in the mirror, Temple!!!Temple charmed the homeowners with the promise to give them everything they dreamed of, never considering that she didn't have designated skilled craftsmen to gut that kitchen and build it from scratch. Horrible planning and expectations of her fellow hopefuls skills and abilities! Although there was lots of room for improvement with the original kitchen, I feel that kitchen ended up looking dark and oppressive. After one month of winter days, those folks will be buying paint if they are not too depressed to walk into the kitchen every morning. The homeowners wanted something bright and organic and ended up with a frontier house floor with mud on the walls. If they hadn't been so overwhelmed by the change and the new appliances, they would have seen and reacted to the huge flaws on the design and how it manifested in real life. Raw talent? No, just raw ego and poor execution. Too bad for those homeowners...I hope HGTV checks back in with them in a month or so. A new floor and a decent paint job will be needed.

Posted by Lillian – August 14, 2006 10:48 AM

I like the series, but this episode was very disappointing. It was very unreasonable to expect the designers to have the skill levels to actually do a kitchen remodel themselves and even more unreasonable to expect them to work as a "team" in doing the remodel when they are in competition with one another. No matter whose design was chosen, they would have failed under this scenario. Why didn't you provide skilled labor to do the actual project and see how the designers did in managing the workers and the time table for the project? I wouldn't expect the designer for my kitchen remodel to actually pull and the replace cabinets and countertop. I'd expect them to hire capable people to perform the work under his/her supervision. I don't think this episode gave us much insight into the design skills or project management skills of the contestants. I'm hoping future episodes will provide a more fair proving ground for these talented people.

Posted by gardngrl – August 14, 2006 10:38 AM

Finally! Donna is excused! On the sympathetic side though, she probably raced to the spa and her stylist immediately after the show. The strain is really beginning to show in both appearance and attitude in all of the contestants. The homeowners will rethink their OOO's and AAAAAH's once they start walking in the room. Once things start spilling and seeping in between the cracks in the floor...hope things don't start growing... Sorry Temple, the floor didn't look like a million bucks as promised. What happened to the Tuscan decor? As far as a project manager she was an incredible failure. "The guy at the store said one would be enough." she replied when told there wouldn't be enough grout for the tile. As a designer, I always buy a little extra when I 'm on a time crunch. If I know I won't have a chance to go back out, I always buy more than I need. If it's too much, it's called a "RETURN". All the time spent on cabinet shopping? You totally ruined a beautiful opportunity to use the color of the existing cabinets. My goodness, She should be designing sets for the local elementary school play. I still sniff...can't...sniff...believe sniff,sniff..Temple is in...(I'm crying as I write this)...this competition WHAAAA!

Let her go and let the real competition begin! (Is my mascara running?)

Posted by Ann – August 14, 2006 10:28 AM

Again, my 8-yr-old and I were glued to the TV. We were sad to see Teran go right away, but if his designs really was disorganized (and what was that look he had when the couple asked about the counter space? Deer in the headlights!). Maybe he and his brother do better with clothing. They definitely have style!!

I was touched by Temple's attempt at apologizing by writing the notes to each other designer. I think she really is trying to be genuine and show what she's got, even if she is inexperienced. I agree with what the one judge said about her: experience can be gained. Donna this time with her comment about "if we are good we will get another note" was nasty. That really lead me to believe Temple may have been right all along about Donna being the one who started the fighting, although in the previous shows, the editing made it look like Temple's fault. Temple is not perfect, nor my favorite, but I definitely think she has more to offer than Donna. Glad to see Donna go FINALLY!

Tym's attitude was disappointing. I understand being the voice-of-reason when faced with a project that really was too ambitious for the time alloted, but if I wanted my own design show, I would have saved my comments for off-the-air so the viewers wouldn't hear them. After all, the designers should want all of us to like them well enough to vote for them to have their own shows. I don't want to watch a show of anyone I remember being negative, back-stabbing, or caddy.

I applaud David and Alice for keeping the negativism away. I didn't even notice any eye-rolling from them. They remain my favorites, but I agree with the other bloggers:

DAVID KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON!!!!

There is already a Ty Pennington, no need to try to fit that slot.

Can't wait for next week!!!

Posted by Kelly – August 14, 2006 10:19 AM

Donna would have survived this one had she contributed more and kept a low profile.

The only crit I have of Temple's original design, other than it was totally unrealistic in terms of time, is the floor. It would have been better to actually spend some of the budget on a prefinished plank flooring that could be installed much more quickly and be more practical for a kitchen.

- Frances

Posted by Frances – August 14, 2006 10:18 AM

They say that cream always comes to the top, well, I think this has really played out on Design Star with David and Temple emerging as the best of the 10. This has truly been a test of thinking on your feet,creativity and stamina. I can not imagine the pressure the contestants are feeling. Not having the benefit of the HGTV work team to back them up they have tackled projects of huge proportion with unrealistic time constraints. David has an amazing gift of originality and Temple has really good sense of design.

Posted by Terry – August 14, 2006 10:14 AM

I believe the judges voted against their own criteria. Remember Joseph? He took the hit because his 'team' goofed. In this week's episode Temple 'goofed' by practically bribing the homeowners with her dazzling, over the top, give them everything kitchen. They bought it two times. Once when they accepted the bribe and second when they got the vastly inferior actual kitchen. She should have been cancelled. I have read everyone's comments about Donna and she was told to shop, and shop, and shop. Perhaps she should have insisted on doing grunt work - maybe even finishing the floor. Poor homeowners!
I too love Clive. He is a welcome guest in my home and always enhances a show.

Posted by Terry Lord – August 14, 2006 10:13 AM

I agree with the loss of Donna. I sure hope that the statement from one of the judges that Temple has so much talent and that she can learn what she doesn't do well carry to much weight. People skills shuld already have been learned and if she assigns someone to a job and then doesn't listen to that individual, I don't see much hope.

This project was so overpromised that even I, a terrible do it yourselfer could spot it.

Posted by Dan – August 14, 2006 10:11 AM

Clive,
After watching this show week after week and seeing the problems between Donna and Temple my feelings were after last nights episode that the pannel should have cancelled BOTH of them. Temple promised and didn't deliver. Naturally the young couple was oohing and aahing over their NEW kitchen. The old one was falling apart and awful. This new one was stylish and had all new appliances---however, later that night or sometime there after they surely noticed that it looked NOTHING like the proposal. I had my kitchen redone in 2004 and I can guarantee you that if my contractor proposed one thing and totally did something different I would have been very unhappy. This couple based their decision on her proposal. She should have gotten the axe!!! Very disappointed in the pannel. This was not realistic. You must ALWAYS deliver what you promise. Especially when people are paying you for it!!!

Posted by Marna Hoffman – August 14, 2006 10:06 AM

I just wished Temple didn't bite off more than she could chew. The design was good, but I think she promised more than she could deliver. She is a good designer, but as a team leader, she leaves something to be desired. At least Alice and David worked and tried to get the work accomplished. What exactly did Donna do besides painting and shopping? No wonder her show got canceled. Maybe she should go in the decorating business instead of the designing business. I would love to see David or Alice win. At least now, the rest of the designers will be responsible for their own work and no one can blame the other for whatever problems come up. Love ya, Clive and keep up the great work.

Posted by Michelle – August 14, 2006 10:02 AM

Holy moly, this is a great show. I missed the first episode but have seen the others. I've been wanting to get rid of the cable, get back to basics, read more, couch potato less, but this show is single handedly keeping me from doing it. I'm addicted. I have to say though, if Temple ends up with her own show, bye bye cable. She is ridiculous! But that's part of what makes the show great, I guess.

Posted by Kelly – August 14, 2006 10:01 AM

Well Clive, I can't wait to actually see the show. I will not miss it from this point on. I've lvoed what I've read and this week I'm excited to see it!!!! Tkae care and tlak to you soon!!!!

Posted by Bonita – August 14, 2006 9:58 AM

I think the first elimination was totally right based on his design, but I'm not in agreement about Donna, at this time. I think of the remaining designers, her show would probably have been cancelled next week, but I believe Temple should have gone last night. The judges were wrong in thinking she can learn anything - she thinks she's pretty great right now.

I don't see Tuscan in the design at all. Paint color was drab and uninspiring, tile colors the same and the floor was a huge mistake. Cabinets were boring. Alice was right....this is a family kitchen that will probably have hundreds of spills...what happens when milk starts to sour between those boards and the underlayment? Was a layer of sealer put on that floor? I thought Alice's suggestion of a vinyl product made to look like real tiles was much more efficient and would have looked 100% better, let alone been a more doable project. Venetia plaster would have made the walls look Tuscan not the maintenance man uniform color she chose, go see Lisa LaPorta's choices. Her hand written notes to each of them sounds like a nice touch, but it was just apologies for her previous behavior and hope that everyone would help her win the challenge.

I don't think she gave the homeowners anything she promised that had required work to be done. She did give them new appliances which just required "buying". The new cabinets she promised never materialized. If budgeting, calculating an accurate time frame for work to be done and finding talent for the work are criteria for the new "star" then she failed miserably!!! Plus she just doesn't come across as someone I could watch on her own show. No appeal whatsoever. Lisa LaPorta,Candice Olson, Rick Spence (& Clive for that matter) etc she is not.

Posted by jas – August 14, 2006 9:53 AM

I love this show. It is good enough that my husband even watches. I applaud you all for such an interesting view of designers both good & bad.
I, however, do hope that rope caulking, chinking or filler was used on that plank floor when you were treaking that kitchen for that nice couple.
I do believe two designers not one should have gone on that show. A designer in my mind who does not understand implementation of a design, and gives false expectations is no designer. I am awed by the talents of both David and Tym. They are so different but so talented. David I will admit is my pick right now so I will be glued to the tv to watch the finsh. Thanks for a great show.

Posted by sara gindin – August 14, 2006 9:38 AM

Clive, I think you're smashing! Enjoy this show and have enjoyed your rapport with "the lovely Lisa LaPorta" and all the other cast members on Designed to Sell...there's just something about a man with an English accent.

By-the-by, is there something going on between Lisa and carpenter Steve Hannaman? They often wear the same color T-shirts.

cheery-bye,

Karen

Posted by Karen Melchers – August 14, 2006 9:29 AM

Great show! I loved that each contestant had to present thier ideas to a client. Very nice, but I wish we could have seen more of the presentations. I don't think Temple should be congratulating herself so much since, as Vern pointed out, she won because she promised more than anyone else and more than what was practicle given the time frame. And although the homeowners were happy with the end result she obviously did not deliver the original design she sold them on, and anything would have been an improvement over what they had! I could not believe that she was so hardheaded about the cabinets and continued to argue with Tym when he clearly has more experience in actually doing the type of work involved in a project like that. And where was the Tuscan influence? Alice's point about the cracks in the floor was a very good one. The floor is not pratical for a kitchen. I hope they don't have kids. I will kind of miss Donna. She did not stand a chance of winning against the likes of David and Alice but she was fun to watch. I can't believe she shopped all day again and did not lift one finger in that kitchen. I think the best four are the ones left and it will be great to see them challenged individually. Fun Fun Fun!!

Posted by Connie – August 14, 2006 9:29 AM

Dear Clive,
I really, really enjoy the show! I am very glad to hear that "hosting" skills will now be a part of the game. Temple certainly has a TV presence. I would have liked to know how Temple did with the budget. How much of the $10K did she (they) actually spend on the kitchen?

Temple certainly was faced with a difficult challenge. It was clear to me that the interpersonal dynamics, conscious and unconscious, among the team members were at work. Tym was very negative, although realistically accurate about being able to accomplish an aggressive design in the allotted time, but he should have done all he could to get what could be done done, and not introduce more negativity into the group...Donna took care of that.
Anyway, it's a GREAT show!! I can't wait for the next one, but I don't want it to end, either.

Regards,
David

Posted by David Tate – August 14, 2006 9:28 AM

Clive, you ROCK!!

Temple should have taken the fall last night, it was her too ambitious design, lack of real experience and refusal to listen to anyone but herself that was the real problem. Granted, I think Donna is not a real 'hands on' designer, and is more at home with hiring out the jobs, but she is much more talented and certainly more professional than Temple. Who misses Vanessa when we still have to put up with Temple??

Go David, go Tym and Go Alice!!!

Posted by Donna – August 14, 2006 9:26 AM

I was disappointed that you expected "designer" to remodel a real kitchen with little contracting experience. The design was fine but even those of us DIYers wouldn't be able to do this in 33 hours. I don't feel this makes for a great TV host even though I feel the judges got it right in who they dismissed.

Posted by lisa – August 14, 2006 9:22 AM

Glad to see Donna gone. It seems all she was capable of was shopping (all day to find a table?!?).

I was not impressed with the kitchen. Although it was a BIG improvement, I didn't see where it was particularly what the homeowners wanted. If I were the homeowners I would have asked where the kitchen was that was in the plan. Temple's plan was too ambitious for the time period they had. That shows her inexperience. She's also very combative when her plans are challenged - just ask Tym. I would find Temple very difficult to work with.

I give David, Alice and Tym a lot of credit trying to get the jobs done.

Posted by Lin – August 14, 2006 9:22 AM

Well I'm glad Donna is finally gone. She was too set in her ways and would not give ANYONE a chance. I think she felt threaten not by Temple's design but by her beauty. Alice is a sweetheart I would like to see her in the end. Tym, in this weeks episode show his bad side. It did not sound much like he wanted to cooperate with Temple. I'm glad she stood up to him. David is too full of himself. If I had to watch a show with him without his shirt on the entire time I would turn the channel. Yea he looks ok and his designs are good, but please put your shirt on. He does not come close to the hunks on HGTV design teams. I looveeeeeeeeeeeee this show and cannot wait until I see more of their designs on their on.

Posted by Candie – August 14, 2006 9:14 AM

Disappointing decision. Overpromising and underdelivering is the worst mistake possible. And in a team scenario - the buck stops with the leader. That's the reality of life and has been the reality of the show. Appears that "tears" work more effectively with the judges than real substance. Not sure I will continue to watch.

Posted by Kathi – August 14, 2006 9:12 AM

I didn't enjoy last night's episode at all. It was so chaotic, that I couldn't wait to see the end of it. I think it is very unfair for the homeowners who won a $10K price to redo their kitchen, and ended up with a lousy whirlwind remodelation. The time given for the project was way too short. Temple had a good design, but she needed time to accomplish it. She is a tough cookie though, she has problems getting along with people. Donna is gone at last, she should had been let go since show 2, because after Ramona she was the second worst.

Posted by Sonia – August 14, 2006 9:06 AM

how can you tell a client that you are getting new cabinets and then say "there just wasn't time" ever hear the expression "women should never share a kitchen" guess this applies to designing one too.

Posted by donna – August 14, 2006 9:01 AM

Love the judges'comments! David and Tym are still my favorites!

Posted by Elizabeth Orbison – August 14, 2006 8:57 AM

I appreciate Temple's "can-do" attitude, but a good designer understands logistics as well as aesthetics, and it's apparent she needs to work on the former. As a mother with young children, the thought of food or liquids spilling on that basically unfinished floor makes me cringe. I hope the HGTV crew had time to put on a few coats of polyurethane! I also don't understand how Temple could say Tym had oversold what he could do, when he told her very clearly on several occasions what could and could not be done. As usual, David and Alice were professional and courteous. They're my favorites, and I'd watch any show either of them would host. Love the show!!!

Posted by Cindy Campbell – August 14, 2006 8:54 AM

This was hideous. Cheap counters, cheap floors, cheesy paint on the cabinets. Aside from the new appliances, where did the rest of the 10 grand go?

It was absolutely pathetic - amateurish at best. There wasn't a single element in this room that a person of modest skill couldn't duplicate at their nearest home-improvement center.

Donna may not have contributed, but how does one successfully contribute to a train wreck? Temple should have been cancelled.

Posted by Diana K. – August 14, 2006 8:49 AM

What was everyone thinking? Temple promised tile floors and new cabinets but delivered nothing she said she would. The homeowners were so thrilled with new appliances that they were oblivious to the fact that Temple was not even close to her original design. I think the judges missed their mark on this one...

Posted by Sandy – August 14, 2006 8:32 AM

Temple should have gone. She did not perform what she proposed to the clients. The kitchen was not completed. It did look better than when the team started. However, anything would have looked better. I do not believe she is a design star nor will I watch the program should she be chosen.

Posted by Julie – August 14, 2006 8:15 AM

Oh, so glad to see Donna gone! She never liked to play well with the other kids and wasn't all that great about sharing. To "me" focused and pretentious...not somebody I'd ever hire, for sure.

I'm not so sure Temple shouldn't be eliminated either. Mostly because she is admittedly, NOT a designer. Ambitious, yes, raw talent, obviously after her efforts doing a room with automotive parts, and pretty? Well, she looks better than me, and has a great figure - but she's not all that pretty really. But she also doesn't seem to know how to work within time constraints very well and needs to gear her work a little better to that limitation.

I personally think her people skills are admirable, at least from what I've seen on t.v., and I do believe her heart is right. I don't think you can "fake" the emotions she displays.

I do think she'll be the next one gone though. I really, really like Tym, but I think he'll probably go after Temple. Its going to come down to Alice and David. I really like them both and think they'd both be great hosts of a new design show. Alice, I think will be a bit more laid back and elegant which fits her style. I think David will be a little more on the humorous side, but he takes his work seriously and has great ideas, though he's a bit too contemporary for my tastes. I do think the final three will be the best choices though (unless I'm wrong about Temple being booted next week). I would have liked to see more of Joseph's work though...ah well...I can't pick a fave at this point. I like Tym, Alice and David!

Posted by AutumnLeaves – August 14, 2006 7:46 AM

Temple needs to go home. My husband doesn't even watch the show and he knows her voice because she is always causing a problem. I'm sure that she will be going home soon, at least I hope so. I do understand the the logic behind letting Donna go. As far as talent, she should be gone next anyway. I believe the last two will be David and Tym, and David will inch Tym out. David is the best all around designer.

Posted by Robin – August 14, 2006 4:55 AM

This is fantastic. Thank you!

Posted by ks – August 14, 2006 4:45 AM

Love the show! Can't believe Temple is still there. Overbearing and doesn't listen to what the client wants. That's a recipe for disaster in life! Stick to the modeling.

Posted by cherikos – August 14, 2006 4:30 AM

I missed the first show and have been watching the rest religiously. Sorry, Donna, I think the judges made the correct choice. Temple's leadership skills need lots of work. She took the women and went shopping and left the guys to do the grunt work. I'm thinking maybe she should have stayed to help tear out the cabinets and she would have seen her mistake. The kitchen colors are really nice except for the white paint on the cabinets. Thought it was pretty catty of Donna to come in after shopping and napping to tell her it was crappy. Tym was right on in letting her know she was way over her head. I thought he was a team player. He just told it like it was and still tried to do what Temple wanted. Maybe the remaining contestants will try to support each other from here on out. I really think David has the most talent with both Tym and Alice a close second. I disagree with Temple telling the judges that Tym misrepresented himself. Sounded like a Vanessa moment..."Not my fault". Good luck to all in the final shows. Good job, Clive. Looks like you enjoy being the "bad guy". Love it!!!

Posted by J.R. – August 14, 2006 4:28 AM

As much as this fourth episode challenge was about pleasing a client, I think it was a little unfair to allow the homeowners to choose the winning design, in that they went with the most ambitious -- and, therefore, least likely to be successful -- design. Had they been a little more realistic in what could be achieved within the budget and time constraints, we would have seen a different episode.

Temple's design was far too complex for the amount of time and the skills the team had. Couple that with her weak leadership ability and inexperience, and you had a fiasco waiting to happen. At some point, rather than continue to argue with Tym about how easy installing the cabinets should be, maybe she should have simply accepted that she dreamed too big and downscaled the project. Furthermore, her unbridled optimism and fake "making nice" gestures only served to annoy her fellow contestants. She refused to listen to anyone and insisted that her design vision be followed, no matter what... only to later concede that she needed to change the design, with time running out to adequately finish the job.

Second, she proved to not be very good at changing the design on the fly -- and this is a skill every designer needs, as most projects run into problems and roadblocks of one sort or another. Granted, the homeowners were ultimately pleased with the design, but that had as much to do with the HGTV design swat team coming in and finishing the job -- which was Temple's responsibility, as the project designer. The only thing that saved her was that the homeowners were happy... and had they been there to see how the project turned out before the finish crew came in and did their thing, I doubt they would have been as pleased. And, Temple should have been judged on the fact that she did not finish the project on time. Heck, *she* didn't finish it at all...

On the other hand, Donna mainly shopped, and she even failed at that when she didn't bring the right grout and caulk for Tym. If she can't even shop well, she's virtually useless...

It was a tough call for the judges to make, and I basically agree with them... but I also think they should keep Temple's failures on this episode in mind as we move forward. If the judges' opinions of these designers is cumulative, then Temple's weaknesses here will come back to bite her in the next challenge, as well they should...

Look at Donna: she's squeaked by elimination since the first episode... and her weaknesses finally caught up with her. Vanessa suffered a similar fate after week three -- she should have been eliminated for painting the table in week two, but Joseph ended up taking that hit, as the team leader. However, I think the judges had that mistake in mind when they were looking at her room in week three, because her room -- on the level of execution, although not necessarily design -- was better than Teran's.

Finally... I have to say I'm sick of seeing David with his shirt off and listening to him brag about how his design would've worked better. Give it a rest; the homeowners didn't choose you. From what we saw of his presentation, it looked like his design would've been more than a little too ambitious, as well; though he might have proved a bit more flexible and willing to adjust as needed...

Temple's going home next week, unless she does something spectacular. Even if she absolutely wows us and the judges, I think she has, at best, a 50-50 chance of staying. My money's on Alice becoming the next design star...

Posted by elaine – August 14, 2006 3:08 AM

i agree with the eliminations.. donna needed to go ..she has really shown nothing so far except a talent for taking up too much time with shopping.....the twins design was impractical and poorly presented...temple needs to go next....she has no planning skills or ability to manage time or money or people..she won the clients with her nice presentation..the kitchen did improve enough to make the owners happy..but in no way did it reflect her presentation..you cant promise clients one thing and then deliver something else..plus i am sick of her crying and the little pep notes were ridiculous..she is still winning points with the judges for her garage room..i cant imagine why they feel she has potential..the no shirt thing is getting old..if alice could amp it up a little she could win..as a professional designer i am not impressed with any of them...and on what planet other than television do designers install cabinets and floor..the show should be about design skills and personality..its not called handyman star...

Posted by cynthia – August 14, 2006 3:00 AM

Whoa... I hope that the HGTV "cleanup squad" did some major finishing touches! No doubt they had to... from a legal stand point. Alice was 100% correct on the flooring issue. I am sure the homeowners/"winners" was expecting a professional end product. Hopefully, for the homeowners sakes, HGTV brought it to that level.

I would like to address the comment... "Where were the contactors?" As a designer, you must do your design within parameters. Just like a real life project, there were several in this exercise. For this particular project, the main one, was the time restraints followed closely by the fact there were no contractors available to assist the contestants. There is ample talent among the contestants to do a great FINISHED project. I think even sleep deprived contstants recognized that fact... with Temple being the exeption. Temple was unrealistic with her design. It got her the "job" but in the real world of design it would cost her money... in the form of completion penalty fees, legal fees or both.

As for the choice of the judges to eliminate Donna instead of Temple... well... Ms. Rowley brought up a good point... what are they suppose to be determining... raw talent??? Or a designer? I guess the show is called Design"STAR"... Yes Temple has some good ideas, but does that qualify her to having her own show? I would think HGTV would want thier STAR to also be a professional. And for you Temple fans... that doesn't mean a degree. Ask any designer with a degree... the real world requires experience and talent to be successful! Professionalism extends to working with coworkers also. I would think both Temple and Donna would be a TV show producers nightmere! Perhaps that could be another show... Designer Drama Queen!!!

Posted by Pat – August 14, 2006 2:59 AM

Awesome show. I must say I am not sure the judges made the right choice in sending Donna home tonight. Well, I felt it was between the 2. Temple has good ideas, but leadership can't be taught. I have to agree with Cindy I think who said that. She is just another moody desginer that will get HGTV into more hot water. I just turn the channel for those shows anyway. I hope the judges think about that. Star is only a star if people watch!

Posted by Lori – August 14, 2006 2:46 AM

I won't miss Donna - shopping seems to be what she likes best, but it's boring to watch if that's all you've got. She seemed to contribute the least in every challenge. I was, however, disappointed that Temple was saved this time. Winning the homeowner's choice by being completely unrealistic and promising far more than she could deliver was unfair to the competitors who properly considered the amount of time available to complete the remodel. There's a point at which being 'adorable' doesn't cut it if you really aren't qualified to accomplish the job. In addition to her lack of experience at estimating, she seemed to completely fail as a project manager and had zero skills to contribute to the hard work the rest of the team did. Having seen this, I wouldn't watch a show with someone that incompetent hosting.

Posted by Emily – August 14, 2006 2:38 AM

Finally they got rid of Donna. She is a very non-cooperative type. She did not seem to work nearly as hard as the other team members. She is always missing decision processess because she is gone shopping. Shopping is only one aspect of design.
David definitely has vision.

Posted by Cheri – August 14, 2006 2:24 AM

Thank goodness Donna is gone. All she did was shop and sleep.

Posted by Lynn – August 14, 2006 2:14 AM

I was sad to see Donna go. Temple is talented, but I can't stand the way she blames everybody else for any problems that come up.

Posted by Susan – August 14, 2006 2:10 AM

Would like to be able to see all the presentations in more detail!

Posted by Maureen – August 14, 2006 2:10 AM

Ohhhhh! Donna was sooooo snotty about the note! Did she think it was insincere because that's something she would do??? And her comment about Temple not being organized? Who went shopping multiple times in one day when she was team leader??

I admire everyone being able to function on so little sleep, so much stress, and living on top of each other. Niceties are wearing thin aren't they?

Thank you Clive for mentioning on-air that a crew went in and finished the kitchen for the homeowner!

Posted by Sue – August 14, 2006 2:07 AM

Well here we are again.
The release of the last of the twins was well founded. Very poor presentation. A must skill for a TV host.
If Donna didn't want to be known as a chotchkie (sp) queen, she should not have presented herself as such in all previous episodes. I think Temple learned a hard lesson the hard way. One of the judges made a very astute comment as to the division between Donna and Temple. Cynthia Rowley said: "You can't teach aesthetic". Temple came through again on this one, (design concept), and she was able to sell the client on her vision. The fact that the end product was not quite what was presented is just one of other issues with Temple as a team leader.
This was a very tough decision on the part of the judges. They judged fairly.
I hope future challenges are independent. We have seen how everyone responds as a team member. Now it is time to see how they perform in other areas needed to be the host of a design show.
It would be nice to see the complete presentations of Temple, David, Alice and Tym.

Posted by Robert – August 14, 2006 2:04 AM

So far I've agreed with the decisions of the judges. Donna definitely needed to go - I think she caused a lot of the strife between her and Temple and in show 4 she did next to nothing. Tim would have been the next to go cause all he did was complain - and stopped working to do so - I think more would have been accomplished if they had listened to Alice who told them to stop arguing and keep working - she is a doll - I don't know who should win yet - there is a lot of talent there - great show

Posted by Carol Minich – August 14, 2006 1:53 AM

I've watched these designer hopefuls from the beginning and so far I agree with the choices of people who have been dropped from the show.

I believe that while design fundamentals and method of execution can be taught creativity and artistic vision cannot be taught, it's something that some people are just born with. The designer who knows all the fundamentals and methods but does not have the artistic vision and creativity that makes a room LIVE is not really a designer, that person is a technician.

The right "canceled" decision was made on the show this week. Donna had attitude and possibly even technical know-how but she lacked artistic vision. Temple, on the other hand, has been gifted with an inner artist and that inner artist can learn execution as she goes along. She believes that she and her ideas can fly and therefore she's not stuck in the design rut, as were some of the others. She doesn't limit herself. This is a good thing.

I also believe that David has an amazing amount of creativity but is a little timid about thinking outside the design box. I am looking forward to future episodes, and if I had my way both David and Temple would be allowed to try out their wings with new HGTV shows. They have the upbeat attitudes and artistic vision that's so much fun for those of us on this side of the television screen. They are the type of artists that inspire us out here to try our own wings.

Posted by Wyldechilde – August 14, 2006 1:44 AM

I am so glad that Vanessa is gone. I could not take another comment about the award, teaching adults and those stupid put together words to describe her no taste and no talent desgn. A female Napoleon, wants to be in charge, center of attention and out to probe she is the only one who is right.

I have been a designer for 33 years and owned my own business for 20 years. Alice is the type of person and professional that gives your business integrity and David is the type of person that gives your business style. I would consider myself very fortunate to have either one of them as part of my company.

Donna should consider becoming a personal shopper since she loves to shop so much. Or she could become the decorator to friends who appreciate her style. I don't disagree with Donna being cancelled because she has shown no real inspiration or talent.

Now to Temple! Temple won the vote of the homeowners because of what she promised and she did not deliver. I have cleaned up after quite a few like her. I can't fault the homeowners because she sold them BS. I'm pleased the home owners like the end result. Wonder what they will think when they see the show. Any thing would have been an improvement to the kitchen but I saw nothing really creative about it. The contrast was stark and the room was not warm. If hanging cabinets is so easy what was with the microwave sitting on the counter. I don't get how the kitchen had a Tuscan look or feel.

Temple has the same problem Vanessa had, always has to be right. I agree Vern that some things can be taught when there is raw talent but, you can't teach someone to listen and you can't teach attitude. She has not learned that you can sell more with the ears than the mouth.

The judges make continue to keep her on but from previous postings it looks like most people who will have the final vote have had it with her.

Posted by Sheila – August 14, 2006 1:43 AM

Well...I'm glad to see Donna gone! HOORAY! Temple had a nice idea...but, personally, I wouldn't want it in my kitchen. I question that floor. I'd be scared to death of spilling anything on it. They all need to learn to get along and quit fighting with each other. Going to be interesting to see how the rest of the show pans out now.

Posted by Heather – August 14, 2006 1:28 AM

Temple may be very creative and high energy and even persistent, but she doesn't win my vote at all for the way she sucks up to the others. Also, she has made some very unrealistic choices that the others have tried to actualize, mostly without great success. She says she wants to work as a team but she doesn't really listen to anyone but her own ego.

Posted by Jeanne Clawson – August 14, 2006 1:27 AM

"Enjoying it", would be putting it mildly! I am enjoying this tremendously, this beats any other "reality" show I've ever seen. Having to wait a full week is torture..

I'm not surprised Donna was sent home, she has spent two episodes with most of her contribution being shopping. I think it was to help bypass her lack of abilities in execution of physical labor.

I am glad though, that the rest of the shows will be solo tests. Having others to blame for your own failure gets old very fast. I would think it would be a relief for them as well, at least it wouldn't be hours of arguing to look forward to.

And the last thing, of having each of them vote for who to let go.. that was quite a shock to them. Definitely put them on the spot, David looked like he was a deer caught in the headlights.

I can't wait for next week, this has been wonderful to watch (again and again and again)!

Posted by Luriena – August 14, 2006 1:17 AM

How fair is it that they had to do all the work themselves? Face it, in the real world they would have craftspeople who know what they are doing.

Posted by Maureen – August 14, 2006 1:06 AM

I'd really like to know if since the kitchen was completed by Temple's team in Connecticut, were the homeowners truly satisfied with the outcome. The final design was not as promised.

Posted by Peggy – August 14, 2006 1:06 AM

I was sorry to see the second twin go. Yeah, he probably SHOULD have been eliminated because the homeowners looked really puzzled by his kitchen design, but he seems so nice I was sad to see him leave.

And I wish we could have seen more of the idividual plans for the kitchen instead of just the montage of all of them. That was more confusing than helpful.

Temple may have had great and ambitious plans, but she was a terrible leader. She didn't take their time constraints into consideration, she didn't listen to her far-more-experienced team, and SHE was the main reason for the failure of the group. I certainly wouldn't have her lead a project in my home!

Donna may have been on the edge of elimination for the past couple of shows and maybe she would have been eliminated soon anyway, but I didn't think she did anything worthy of elimination tonight.

Temple should have gone. Her only approach to problem solving is crocodile tears, phony little "pep rally" notes, and pouting her inflated lips. How could anyone take her seriously?

Posted by DJD – August 14, 2006 12:55 AM

I love this show! I am not very big on reality t.v. shows but I have to say this one has sparked my interest. Being a student in interior design it's good to see the variety of shows and ideas and ways to tackle a project. Do I hear season 2!!!

Posted by curtis williams – August 14, 2006 12:45 AM

It was a surprise to see Vanessa go home. But now that she's gone I'm hoping Temple become the next Design Star.

Posted by Jessica – August 14, 2006 12:32 AM

In regard to Temple, bossiness is not the same as leadership. Excellent decisions by the judges who I believed misjudged Tym last episode by only focusing on the hanging leash in his posh dog carrier/kennel. As the contestants had been advised to "think outside the box" when Tym did that the judges just couldn't see the vision. Tym has better decision-making ability and people skills. Love what he did to his house. He's my choice for the designer "star" although his hair could use a trim. Thanks for a terrifically enjoyable show. P.S. Clive is great, miss Lisa, and hope they both return.

Posted by Charlee – August 14, 2006 12:30 AM

First of all let me say that I love this show - I'm completely hooked. Personally I think that Temple's design was abominable because it was not executable within the given time frame. Everyone else saw that and I totally understand Tym's frustration with her. It makes no sense to me to have a design star who will create designs that she cannot possibly deliver, who expects unrealistic efforts from her team in order to make her fantasy real, who tries to lay blame on others for her failure (she mentioned something about Tym overselling his abilities which I thought was soo unfair), and who even after others had to fix her work has the temerity to declare that she is proud of her design. She wasn't humbled at all and seemed to learn nothing from the experience. And is it just me, or is the constant physical contact between her and David starting to annoy anyone else? Can't she design without him holding her hand? I think she really brings down the standard of the show.
Personally, I think Donna's qualities made her a more suitable candidate to be HGTV's design star. She should have been given another chance to prove herself, and Temple should have had to go.

Posted by Dana – August 14, 2006 12:27 AM

Hi,
This 4th eposode went just about the way I thought it would, now it seems that the commercials for the show gives out too much information and you can almost tell who is going to be asked to leave before you watch the show.. that is unfortunate. I find it interesting that they had a crew go in after the makeover and finish up the work that wasn't finished by the cast. Thank god for that, as a home owner I would have been very upset if Design Star would have left the kitchen as it was done by the cast.
I don't really have any comments about Donna and Temple on this show, they continued their usual behavior so there wasn't any surprises. I did find it very funny when Donna fell asleep in the van while shopping.

Posted by Cindy – August 14, 2006 12:16 AM

Well shoot!!
I missed MOST of the show tonight!!
And I only found this blog tonight.....
I did not see Teman go (or was it Teran?) and did not see even the final project. But I did see Donna go. Between Donna and Temple, I'd have chosen Temple, but I have no idea about tonight's episode, so who knows? This is the only episode I haven't seen....
Alice, David, or Tym.... period..... but I'm leaning towards David at this point. I have to say I was impressed with Tym's real life designs/executions on his audition...
AND lastly, I want to know about future shows and how to enter!!!! (of course, I have no idea how I'd be able to support myself during the show, but..... I'd LOVE to give it a try!!)

Posted by Holly – August 14, 2006 12:15 AM

The descision for top designer should not be based on their fierce tenacity and their myriad of excuses for their incompetencies, but rather, their genuine talent and likability to the public. I find Temple to be the most back-stabbing, excessive, obnoxious participant, who always has an excuse and a target for her inadequacies. I certainly hope she doesn't win the competition.

Posted by Debbie Halloran – August 14, 2006 12:10 AM

Dear Clive,

Tonight's episode of DesignStar was so maddening! I wanted to reach thru the TV and shake several people at once!!

First of all, Temple is an enormously talented woman. She has the creativity, the raw talent and the DRIVE to be an amazing interior designer/decorator. I love her optimism and her determination to get ANY job done.

On that note, I was SO incredibly disgusted with the rest of the team tonight. Temple had a beautiful design and the determination to make it happen yet her team fought her every step of the way.

Tym was a constant nag and had a terrible attitude from the get go. From the time the project was announced he was convinced that it would fail - saying a kitchen remodel "could never be completed in 32 hours".

Temple laid out a beautiful design plan. Instead of getting to work on the project Tym argued with (and ultimately sabotaged) the design (He wasted so much time complaining about how long it would take to put in cabinets!! "JUST SHUT UP AND GET TO WORK ALREADY!)

The teammates showed a complete lack of respect for Temple AND for the plan that the HOMEOWNERS had selected.

Although I am NOT a fan of Donna's, Tym should have been the one to go tonight. I have seen nothing spectacular about any of his designs and his attitude tonight SHOULD HAVE sealed the deal.

As far as the judges comments, I completely disagreed with Martha about Temple's lack of execution. The team should have been called out for their lack of interest and support of Temple's design. There was no "execution problem" on Temple's behalf. The problem was an uncooperative team who did not want to make this project a success.

Posted by Michelle – August 14, 2006 12:08 AM

I was very disappointed that I didn't get to really see each designers plan. This really need to be a two hour episode. I hope that HGTV will at least post their designs for us to view.

I do admire Temple's drive but this week she was really over the top - I think Vern was so correct when he said her design was picked because she promised the most. And because she over committed she could not deliver

Manik

Posted by Q – August 14, 2006 12:01 AM

I think Temple was being undermined from the start by Tym and Donna. They both argued and tried to change the design plan, in my opinion.

Posted by Ron June – August 13, 2006 11:59 PM

I like David and Alice the best so far. Tym is okay.

I was glad when it came down to a choice of Donna or Temple leaving. I think Temple needs to learn how to "work well with others", her listening skills are lacking too. I thought Temple would leave since she was in charge of organizing the projects' execution.
I think Donna likes to shop and complain.
They both could of been eliminated and I wouldn't have minded.

Posted by Cheri' – August 13, 2006 11:54 PM

Clive,

This show was SO unfair to Temple!! The first one to really make me angry!! Once more, Donna showed the world that all she can do is shop,(not even correctly)complain and criticize any work that isn't hers. Which she rarely did anyhow!

Also, C'mon Tym! You were saying you didn't see those darn L brackets(right next to you)several times? I find that very hard to believe.You were rather obvious from the start in your attempts to sabatoge Temple! If you would have just shut your mouth and kept working, that kitchen could have been done on time, easily and beautifully!! All those two did was argue with Temple, thus wasting time!! I think the three alone could have finished in 3 days if the other two weren't
around to argue constantly with Temple!!

I respect both David and the other gal, neither of them agreed with Temple's idea,yet they still did everything they could to get the best job done that was possible.I really think that there were only three people working on that kitchen!!

Maybe, if two had kept their egos to themselves and cooperated to get the "chosen" design done!
These poor people could have had new cabinets and they could have had a finished kitchen that somehow might have come closer to what they were
expecting!! After all,they expected THE design
that they had chosen, didn't they?!

Less time bickering and more time working as a team!!They must remember that TEAM isn't spelled with an "I" no matter how you look at it!! Get over yourselves!!

Also, I don't agree with the judges decision to cut the other team leader about two weeks ago either!! He took the blame, but Vanessa did it!! She should have been the second one out of there!I think you might have missed a good opportunity by getting rid of that team leader, who also did
repair(GOOD job,too)the terrible damage due to a the very stupid mistake that Vanessa made,simply because she's always talking and never listens!
I think she should have paid the price for that, not the Team leader! He did do his job the best he could and repaired the damage rather well! I still think he should be brought back on!! That was a raw deal!! Besides. you didn't even bother to acknowledge or even find out about his very talented restoration abilities!! He could have been a strong help elsewhere with his talents!!
I think you'll see more talent and experience in the quietest one,who's very loyal,team-oriented and yet has taken more critisizm that she never deserved, and was not to blame for, but remains
shy!OR is it perhaps that she is professional and just doesn't go for all the childish games, and all whining and complaining!!?? That's all I've seen out of these people, other than the last three. The only viable contestants left?

Posted by Ladyhawk – August 13, 2006 11:45 PM

Clive,

I feel as if I know you personally since I watch Designed to Sell faithfully as well as Design Star. I have my husband hooked on it as well, just like we were with the first season of The Apprentice.
I feel nervous for the designers mainly because of the time frame in which they must complete their work. All in all, great show.

Posted by Debra Henson – August 13, 2006 11:42 PM

At last,Donna is gone. Her only talent was shopping and that doesn't take talent.

Posted by Patricia – August 13, 2006 11:18 PM

Are they ever going to get a carpenter/electrician/plumber and time to do more than a superficial job? [Something like Designed to Sell.] So far they are limited by what they, themselves, can do and the time limits are too short. I know Design on a Dime remakes in one day, but they plan, shop and build/sew ahead of time. Reallistically, most designer work is not done in a day or two.

Posted by Mary Boardman – August 13, 2006 11:09 PM

It seems I say WOW a lot after watching each weeks design program. The kitchen was quiet a challange, and I have to admit I was caught off guard by the home owners choice of Temple's design. It wasn't bad, I just felt she was promising more than she could deliver, and I felt it was a potential disaster in the making. Ends up it almost was. I can understand Tym's concern, after all,it would have fallen on him to install all new cabinets if Temple had her way. He may have bucked her on some of her ideas, but I feel he had good reason considering the time constraints. He certinly had a better idea of how much time it was going to take to get things done.
I totally agree that she was very unorganized in plannng what should be done when.
Donna was not being a team player, and if you noticed, she went shopping..AGAIN.., getting back after dark. Her leaving tonight did not surprise me. Instead of making constructive suggestions, she ends up telling Temple the cabinets looked crappy. She has proven over and over again she is not a hands on designer. She does her best work shopping and ordering all the actual work done by others.
I do not feel the kitchen met the original design criteria as promised. It did not have that Tuscan feel. I saw it as more of a modern design with rather rustic floors. The nails showing on the surface of the wood, made them look poorly installed.

It is a darn good thing the kitchen was finished after the designers left, and a darn good thing the owners liked the end result. The best feature of the kitchen was the tile back splash.
On a scale of one to ten, I would give the kitchen a seven.
Our final twin ended up having to leave. Sad though it was, he was a real fumble bum with his presentation, and it showed he did not fully think his design out. Since they were being judged on their presentation in the first half of the show, I think he did the worst, followed by Donna.
Interesting to see our judges were strongly divided on who should go tonight.
I like the fact that they will be working on their own from now on. The teller will be who can not only come up with good design, but who can shine as a show host. It will be very interesting to see what the producers comes up with in the way of challanges for each one from now on. I am sure there are more surprises being cooked up for the viewers.
I still think that Alice and David are the strongest contenders. Tym will have to show some real versitility, and Temple will have to use her energy more toward being organized.
The one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb was that not much limelight seemed to be put on David or Alice. Maybe it was because they spend more of their time working on the project as part of the team rather than argue with Temple. Interesting eh? Anyone else pick up on that or am I misremembering?

Posted by Barb – August 13, 2006 11:07 PM

So far, I think the judges have been "right on"
with their selections of winners and losers on the show (with the possible exception of Joseph).
I think Vanessa should have been the 2nd to go...after Ramona...how did Ramona make the cut in the first place!!! Anyway, I am totally addicted to this show...love it - love it! I am
really hoping it comes down to Alice and David
in the final two. I think they are both extraordinarily talented and both have that "likable" factor going on. If the arguing and emotional stuff between Temple and
Donna and between Temple and Tym is contrived, it
is certainly working...against them. It might
make for more entertaining television, but it doesn't make them very credible as the next Design Star!

Posted by Deevie – August 13, 2006 11:05 PM

I am a huge fan of HGTV, and I love Clive. This is the second episode I've watched and I'm hooked! I love Tym & Dave and think they're not only talented, but have more realistic ideas for the time frame they're given. Temple's design for the kitchen was great, but totally unrealistic for the time frame she had. I think the homeowners were reacting more to the newness of the kitchen & wowed by the appliances to realize at first that it looked nothing like what was proposed.

Posted by Terri – August 13, 2006 10:58 PM

Soooooo glad Donna is gone! She never did anything but shop and gripe and she wasn't that good at shopping. It will be interesting to see where the drama will come from now that we don't have the two cat fighters any more. Go David!

Posted by T.J. – August 13, 2006 10:57 PM

I was not surprised to see Vanessa go last week. I was hoping that she would have her show cancelled. Vanessa wanted all of the credit and none of the blame when it was do her. Her "Glamouslicious" design was terrible. I would have been very disappointed if she had not gone home. All and all I think that the correct people went home this week. Donna does not seem to want to do anything but shop. She is not into getting her hands dirty. Donna did not have to do price comparisons in so many different stores when she was needed back at the "ranch" so to speak.
I love this show and I am looking forward to the winner being announced. I hope that my pick wins in the end.

Posted by Cosmicgirl – August 13, 2006 10:56 PM

AT THIS POINT, I THINK TEMPLE HAS THE PERSONALITY AND THE DETERMINATION TO BE THE NEXT HGTV DESIGNER.

Posted by JACKIE OKERLUND – August 13, 2006 10:55 PM

I think the last decision was one of the hardedst to make; however, I believe the judges made the best one. I strongly believe in 2 people. I think it will come down to David and Temple. May the best one win!!

Posted by Cheryl Smalley – August 13, 2006 10:54 PM

I watched tonight and found Tym to be the most negative person I have seen in a long time. I can not imagine how he ever gets anything done. I agree that Temple had a grand design but not enough time but all in all she did a great job. No help from Donna, who is lazy and doesn't work as a team member. I was pleased to hear Temple say that she was doing this for the homeowners and not the judges. I have enjoyed the show so far.

Posted by Marvina – August 13, 2006 10:53 PM

Why is Temple still on the show? Donna needed to go 2 weeks ago.Both Donna and Temple from the first episode had a total dislike for each other. Donna came off as a shopaholic and Temple's attitude is look at me i'm gorgeous.Donna had the same attitude as Temple it has been a 4 week cat fight.Glad to see Donna gone, she brought nothing to the show and now Temple needs to exit, and take that hidious kitchen floor with her.What a dirt trap and a disgusting design for a room that is the most used room in the house.Go David, he is my choice

Posted by Lenny – August 13, 2006 10:51 PM

I am so sick of Temple telling Donna to grow up. I think she has said that on every show.

Donna didn't shine on this one but I was hoping she wouldn't be cut.

I think Temple should have been cut. Her ideas were great but her team knew there was no way they could get everything completed. She didn't care and wanted to go for it anyway. She came across as a spoiled little girl used to getting her way.
You can promise everything but if it is not realistic....her show should have been cancelled.

I hope someone re-did that floor.

Posted by Andy – August 13, 2006 10:50 PM

I just watched this episode & knew that the judges were going to keep Temple even tho she completely failed as a team leader, did not give the clients what she promised them (new cabinets) & left the job unfinished. Obviously Design Star has already selected her as the host of the new show & are just putting the other designers thru these tests for the fun of it because there is no way she could have failed as bad as she did & still not be cancelled.

Posted by cathy – August 13, 2006 10:47 PM

I LOVE THE SHOW AND I LOVE DAVID AND TEMPLE. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Posted by DEBRA COLLINS – August 13, 2006 10:46 PM

Where do I begin? Maybe I should start by saying that I have enthusiastically watched the first 4 epsiodes and I eagerly await the remaining shows. I am, I admit, hooked on the drama of it all, but this show is poor at best.

FIrst, what is the purpose? What are the goals? How do you win? I don't believe this was ever explained. Is the top performer the "designer" who I would most likely watch if they had their own show? Or is it the "designer" who I would most want working in my own home? Whichever of these criteria it is, this show certainly doesn't provide the evidence needed to answer either of the questions? About the only criteria we could use with any credibilty would be how well the contestants work together as a team - which they (I imagine) would not have to do on a show of their own.

We don't get to see the contestants in any settings that would resemble a show where they would be a host. We don't get to see enough of their individaul work. Tonight's show showed virtually no actual design - not even Temple's since her entire plan was revamped once the designers actually got in the space.

Last week's challenge was silly, but at least it showcased individual work and gave us an insight into each designers ability to work within limitations. But, none of the room were even close to functional. Sure soem were highly creative and nice to look at, but who hires a designer or watches a show that crates rooms that are solely works of art and cannot actually be used.

And this week's challenge and the way it was presented was just ridiculous. Our contestants are NOT CONTRACTORS and would (with the exception of Tym - and David if you were commissioning a piece of art) never be hired to perform the kind of work they asked to do tonight. Nor, do I expect, would they highlight this kind of work on their potential HGTV show. Hey Clive, the students on "designer Finals" get two handymen and so does your partner Lisa LaPorta on "Designed to Sell." And, no one questions her design ability.

Now if we, the viewers, don't understand the criteria for winning this contest, you would think the judges might. Well, if you watched tonight you can see that this is definitely not the case. What of this question if the judging is cumulative or based only the most recent challenge. If it is cumulative, then perhaps Vanessa should still be around. Plus, these judges apparently only get to see a few brief moments of the finished design - and that's only from across the room on a TV monitor. The judges, it appears, don't get to see the design process - and tonight's show was ALL about the process! Its no wonder they had to ask the contestants themselves who should be eliminated.

The biggest fault of the show's format is the arbitrary time limtis put on the challenges. Would you hire a designer to work in your home if you knew they were going to ruhs to get your design completed in one night and work on the design on no sleep? Anyone who has ever had a kitchen renovated knows that cabinets can't be hung in one day. And, most contractors bring in specialists to install countertops. If you were a homeowner, would you rush this process? And, what is the purpose of these time limits for the sake of TV presentation? We barely see a very small percentage of the real-time challenge anyway. This show would be much better if it were two hours in length. I certainly would have preferred to see each contestant's entire presentation to the homeowners and this would have been helpful to the judges as well.

So I'll be watching next Sunday, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be watching for. Personally, when I hire a designer to work in my home, I want someone who is honest, sensible, and knows what's practical for my home, as well as having a vision and eye for what will look good. For my money, of the contestants on this show, Tym best fits that bill. So, should he win? I just don't know.

Posted by jeff – August 13, 2006 10:43 PM

Although I am by no means a decorating expert, I have in 40 years decorated and designed many features in the homes I have owned and in a couple of business as well. From my expreiences I believe that in order to please the judges Temple is too overly ambitious in what she can do in the time frame provided for the project. David has the eye and a better feeling for what he can accomplish. In this kitchen episode I believe Tym was right on, no way could all the projects be completed, the flooring at best was rough and looked more like it belonged in a cabin or summer home than in this kitchen. With the wonderful selection of flooring available, someting other than plank flooring should have been chosen. There was ample time to reface the cabinets in a white wash design that would have worked beautifully with what the homeowners wanted. Alice seems to be very concerned about the clients and works well with the rest of the team. I was very glad to see Donna go this week, she is by far the weakest link on the team. She seems better suited to shopping that executing any design project. Would have been nice to see her spend more time working and less time shoppping. I believe she felt she was above doing the labor. GREAT SHOW, LOVE IT, think the contestants should have watched a little more of Designed to Sell, less money to work with, and less crew to get the job done. In executing any design in this format there needs to be a solid plan on what needs to be accomplished each day, and a solid idea of how to compensate for time frames not met the previous day.

Posted by Judy – August 13, 2006 10:36 PM

I am really sorry Donna had to leave. I think Temple should have been the one to go. I am so tired of Temple's machinations and manipulations to get people's admiration, support or sympathy. I have to hope she doesn't win - I can't stand to watch her and I am sure Donna couldn't stand to either. Donna was old enough to be Temple's mother and being a stewardess so used to the machinations of women. I think Temple's design was unreasonable and that she was a lousy, uncooperative leader. I think she closed her mind totally to other people's advice.

Posted by Sherry – August 13, 2006 10:34 PM

I'm quite surprised that none of the judges mentioned the problem which Alice addressed - the floor!!!! While it may look good, it definitely was not a finished product for a kitchen. It needed to be 'polyed' a few times for water/moisture resistance. In addition, although I'm not surprised Donna was the one to be let go, it is a very serious problem when the team leader does NOT listen to voices of experience, especially when it came to cabinet remodeling. Temple should have definitely consulted with Tym ahead of time to plan accordingly. I can't wait for the next show!

Posted by Beth Elkassih – August 13, 2006 10:32 PM

Well. I believe that if Donna had contributed more to the effort and kept her head down, like Alice and David, she would have survived this round.

- Frances

Posted by Frances – August 13, 2006 10:30 PM

I think Temple has great talent, but fell short on execution, and also she is in no way a team player, it seems that she doesn't have a clue on time or what is practical for this client, I watched the episode, I think Alice was right about the floor and that it is not practical for a family and if something spills like milk it will seep back up and also damage the floors., and also I think with all of what I have seen I think that Alice and David will the the top two, because I think they are easier to understand there vision and also they do increadable work, and get along with others on the show.

Posted by Nickolas – August 13, 2006 10:29 PM

this show, design star, has so far been really good. my wife and i think the judges have been right on with the cancellations.
i think it will come down to david and alice. episode 4 was great. donna needed to get the boot. she didn't do anything but shop and she did not do that well either. HGTV, good job on the show .

Posted by rod – August 13, 2006 10:27 PM

Hello again,
My husband and I were not at all surprised by the 2 designers chosen to exit the studio this week. We figured that Teran would be the next one to go. As for Donna, we're really glad she's gone. She acted like a spoiled brat and so kind of gave Temple and the others a hard time by not pitching in. I thought her crude comment about Temple's notes was really poor sportsmanship and quite judgmental and childish. Grow up already, she's trying to make things less stressful and more cooperative. Donna was jealous of Temple's ability and all because she has no formal training like the others. It just seemed from the get go that alls she really wants to do with design is the finishing accents and decorating. The hard work is for someone else. I think her room last week was a little example of her work with a hard time doing some of the tougher jobs. Glad she's gone, no more bickering with Temple... Yes, the judges and team members were right in thatTemple promised the couple more than she could deliver. Her execution and direction were not clear and certainly that means alot when you go to makeover or completely transform a room in someone's home. Having said that, I just feel that everyone except Donna really put their heart & soul into this project and tried as hard as they could to finish it on time. Tym has a little bit of a temper and perhaps that wastes time, where David and Alice just keep chugging along. The fact that the couple were ecstatic over their kitchen makeover was definitely a plus for the team and for Temple. She definitely has design in her blood, but perhaps needs some formal education with time constraints and management skills. There will be difficult people to work with no matter what, so you need to find a way to get along with them and still have them performing without discord... The finished product was pretty nice, but it's too bad that it wasn't completed by the team on time. Next week will be full of surprises I'm sure. I wouldn't want to be Temple as the competition steps up and the heat really begins to rise higher and higher.

Posted by Karen – August 13, 2006 10:27 PM

Dear Clive,

I am almost nine years old and watch HGTV with my grandmother.

We are great fans of this show and Designed to Sell.

You are the best host!

I think David should win because he has the best designs.

Alice is the next best, followed by Temple.

Tym is the worst.

Please promote a design show for children. I love to design. I designed my own room and painted a mural.

Love you, Danielle

Posted by Danielle – August 13, 2006 10:24 PM

i missed it! i missed todays episode and it just sickens me can't wait for tuesday night so i can see who was cancelled i know i can log on monday but it is not the same and seeing the drama

Posted by vestella – August 13, 2006 10:24 PM

So glad Donna is gone! I've agreed with the judges thus far. Martha, though, appeared as though she was taking some kind of personality conflict with Temple into account this week. Vern and Cynthia made an extremely VALID point: raw TALENT over TECHNICAL know how.

Knowing what color a wall should be painted is much more important than knowing how to stroke the brush.

Posted by mak – August 13, 2006 10:23 PM

I am going out on a limb here, but talented as Temple may be, her personality is not winning for a show host. She postures entirely too much, she can be very catty, and while confidence is a definite attribute, poor planning and execution is not. If there could be a show with David and Tym with their numerous ideas and design talents, and Alice wowing people with her design and sewing talents, now that would be so much fun! It could be the HGTV-DTA show.

Posted by Nancy – August 13, 2006 10:22 PM

this episode was great! I agree with tym, temple's presentation was beautiful but, not realistic time wise. After all i am sure all the designers could have had more developed plans if they believed they would have the time to execute. Donna was my choice to go, i don't know her design style but, she sure can shop!!

Posted by jane – August 13, 2006 10:21 PM

Oh my goodness, what a show! That was tough to watch. I would have wanted Temple gone, even though Donna was adding little to know value. True, Donna doesn't do much, but I find Temple difficult and hard-headed and unwilling to listen to anyone else. I don't think she would make a good host of a show. Personally, I hope it comes down to Tym, Alice and David. They Rock!

Posted by Isabella – August 13, 2006 10:20 PM

I love the idea of the show, however episode 3 was the only realistic one. This is "design" star not a teamwork competition...let's see more individual design competitions please! I really am glad Donna is gone!!

Posted by Liberryldy – August 13, 2006 10:20 PM

i really think temple should have been sent home.but i understand why donna had to go. well next week it will be temple

Posted by sandy – August 13, 2006 10:18 PM

Hi

My husband and I absolutely love this show...we think Clive is fabulous and the judges are objective and fair. We're hooked on this show.
While we feel very strongly that David should be the winner, we have been surprised each week by the talent and natural eye for design that Temple brings to the challenges. We were glad to see Donna leave...she appeared to prefer shopping and napping to working and being a team player. Tym whines too much. We felt that Tym and Donna were primarily too blame for Temple's kitchen failure. Can you tell we're very involved in your show???? We would love to have Temple and David come and do our crappy little house. Talk about a kitchen nightmare...yoiks. Anyway...we love the show.

Posted by Deborah Clarke – August 13, 2006 10:14 PM

Temple and Donna have frayed my last nerve. Donna just doesn't play well with others and I swear if I have to listen to Temple whimper and whine one more time I will pull her tongue out and beat her over the head with it. I can only hope that Temple gets the boot next week and we can get down to the business of picking a real design star that can actually host a show.

Posted by Tammy – August 13, 2006 10:13 PM

This show was so very bad & WRONG. Lets start with the way Teran was let go - come on - that was the most unfair competition I've ever seen! Just because your design was on the bottom of one couple's list - unreal. Donna wasn't the best designer, but Temple should have GONE!!! Plus I hated her smug look after they said Donna's show was cancelled. I would never hire Temple or watch a show she was on. She over promises and doesn't have the knowledge to follow thru. Three designers out of five said Temple should go - what more do you need??? Was it because she poured on the tears. Another show like this one, and you've lost me as a viewer.

Posted by bd – August 13, 2006 10:11 PM

I do enjoy the hosts and the panel, but the more I watch the show - I can't see any of them that I would want to watch on a show every week. They do great work, and I know it is part of the appeal to the show to others, but I don't like the phoniness and way they trash each other. I get stressed watching how people talk behind each others' backs - this would prevent me from watching their show. They may not be like that in "real life", but this show doesn't let them put their "best foot forward" personality wise. I think I will just watch you, Clive, on other HGTV programs.

Posted by Heather – August 13, 2006 9:37 PM