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I just caught the rerun of episode 1. Can I just say that unattractive people who put halfpipes in living rooms generally don't win interior design competitions.

Posted by Tom – September 15, 2007 2:19 PM

A little late... but may I state, that I thought Lisa's space was the most thought out space of any. When I go out my door I want to see the outside (and hopefully there is something green in color there). That's what she created, a green space. A buffer from the living space to going directly to a place of work. The other cool thing she did was incoporate EVERYONE (did she leave Vern's name off?). Every time they (the contestants) see that space or pass out the doors, everyone's name is still there. It is a reminder of ALL the people who have been a part of it.
Lisa is also the one I would most want to see host a decorating show. No telling what she would come up with!

Posted by Nancy – August 23, 2007 12:08 PM

Last year, I watched the show religiously .It saved my life. Clive Pearse actually, have a huge part in my life. I might be dead already w/o his show,his unusual way of joking (or being hoestly sarcastic) I do like Clive.He even called me and I was "shocked", speechless ! Somebody loke him who is so busy, "gave me a ring", THANKS CLIVE! I voted for David. This year, I don't know, I haven't seen any really that impressed me. (Todd) is he the one who is trying to be David (no shirt too while working, doesn't impress me either. I'll watch the others closely agAIN.I was just surprised why organic Joss was picked tonight. I was not able to watch the whole show because I was not really feeling good. Anyhow, this group is not like the first group. ORAGINALITY is important and of course the concept of the work. In defense for the judges, there are times that you can't avoid talking like "high and mighty" , they have a reason.I still watch David every show, I'd hate to see him go. As for Clive Pearse. He's great. He might have a different way of joking but remember, he's British originally.
The others, they are not really professional designers, they're doing what they think is best for them. How about you? (This is for people who just critizied and didn't look at the good side. They just don't know how it feels to be a contestant and also how to be a judge- the criteria they follow) Just enjoy the show and see who's really good. Anyway, more power to HGTV and thanks to Clive and his staff for sending me souvenirs for this contest,some magnetic chips and some other souvenirs.
By the way Clive and Lisa's show together in Design to sell is also a hit. When is your commercial again Clive? --Melba

Posted by Melba Schwinghamer – August 12, 2007 4:59 AM

I was disappointed that no one emphasized the best attraction of the penthouse - the view. The place should have been elegant - all through it. I didn't like the bar area - the skate ramp was out of place - the 'entertaining area' was 'blah'. The bedroom with all the beds looked like a dorm. Very dissappointing.

Posted by linda_stewart7 – August 9, 2007 2:05 PM

I am from Tennessee and I have to admit I am a little partial to the southern drawl however, Christina's is like scratching a chalkboard and where is she half the time? I never see her in the midst of anything. She just kinda blends in. Oh and I absolutlely hated the fountain thing in the kitchen???? I really can not believe the judges weren't all over this one. While I do agree with the judges on who should have left already, I would like to predict that Robb or Christina will be the next to go, then Will or Scott. It will come down to Todd and Adriana. Just you wait!!!!

Posted by laura – August 8, 2007 3:54 PM

I disagree with comparing Christina and Adriana. Sure I had higher hopes for Adriana than her design would imply, but Christina does not strike me as sweet, humble, talented Alice. She's came across as a whiney little girl who will not be able to survive on that show. I couldn't help but notice how quick she was to claim the element the judges liked and was so willing to immediately throw Adriana under the bus... kind of like Venessa did.

I know there are people who are less talented than Christina, but I seriously hope she's the next to go... I cannot stand her whiney schoolgirl voice of "well... I guess." Her indesiveness belies a huge lack of creativity and talent.

Posted by Diane – August 5, 2007 12:41 AM

I also think Neeraja should have been eliminated, and by the look on her face I think she thought her show would be canceled too. She had a great area to design and it was really poorly done. It is incredible that she didn't put in barstools.

I didn't like Lisa's area either, but it was creative. I think the area Lisa did had a lot of potential and now it basically has no function. I don't think that was her best work and I was looking forward to see what Lisa would do in future challenges.

I think that the area Lisa did had a lot of potential

Posted by Cheryl – August 4, 2007 10:05 PM

This show is addictive. Both last year and again this year when watching the ads for the first show I thought, "I'm not going to like this show." And then each time I succumbed to watching the first show and guess what???? I'm hooked!!!! It's loads of fun. The contestants are a hoot!!!! And, some of them are even talented.....And the judges keep us guessing every time.....And it's fun to see Clive act remote and abrupt, and then dismissive. Great entertainment. Especially when one loves HGTV like I do.

Posted by Deb – August 4, 2007 5:34 PM

I agree that there were several members who needed to learn Lisa's work ethics. Despite pushing her punk agenda a little too hard, she was one of the hardest-working people there, right next to Will who said, "I can eat when I'm already a Design Star." They worked their butts off to get the job done.

The more I think about it, the more I'm rankled that Lisa got booted first when it should have been Neeraja. At least Lisa *designed* something! Neeraja did a half-hearted job of it and has the worst personality out of all of them. What were the judges thinking?

Adriana is getting under my nerves, too. She was so pushy, so stubborn, and so uncooperative. And her design was weak as water. Yes, Christina needed to be told to grow a spine, but Adriana's pushiness and selfishness when it came to incorporating her own design over Christina's should've been addressed by the judges. If she can't work with other people and give a little, the pros at HGTV are not gonna be willing to work with her.

That's my 2 cents.

Posted by booster68 – August 4, 2007 4:39 AM

I agree with most of you, and disagree with the judges A LOT. Lisa clearly has creativity and while her room might not have been the most cohesive, it was actually not a room but a HALLWAY. She herself said it is a transition area from the work space to the living space. What did Vern want in there, a bedroom?
I am HOPING that they will bring Lisa back, like they do in the other 'reality' shows...after a few episodes, they bring one or two people back for a second chance. Perhaps that was their master plan all along; Lisa certainly didn't deserve to leave.

Posted by PRFL – August 3, 2007 2:26 PM

josh sparkle has it all....charisma, style, class, wit, and design talent. he is the only choice as the ultimate design star.

Posted by abbye – August 2, 2007 9:32 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed the program last summer. Even the bickering and posturing of some of the contestants was fun because it was new slant on reality shows that I don't watch. The premise was appealing because of the previews, and I was hooked and watched the entire series. However, this is 2007, and watching another series of bickering and posturing is not how I want to spend my time. Vern Yip's pointing out that Lisa's room was a failure while passing a "design" with no bar stools at a bar, incomplete paint job, and ugly pink light shades was just rude and not constructive. See ya, HGTV (which means that I will read a book).

Posted by Nancy Wiltsee – August 2, 2007 8:28 PM

While Lisa was more creative than others on this challenge, I start to understand why she was the first one to go. The judges might have seen in her someone who's not willing to reach the full potential, as a designer. Someone who's dwelling on reinventing the cheap might not be willing to explore beyond that, and DESIGN - as intended to come from a STAR - it's everything but cheap transformations. I think that many contestants in here not having a design training/degree are lucking not in talents or skills, but in understanding what design is all about, and what's really expected from them.

Posted by Dee – August 2, 2007 2:36 PM

I agree with Cindy - it seems like they are trying to out modern each other. There are so many beautiful styles out there, sometimes the basics speak more - also - a half pipe in your penthouse?

Posted by Nikki – August 2, 2007 1:58 PM

I find it amazing how few people have commented on the fact that lisa had the power to keep working until the last minute of the first day, which is more than I can say for some of the girls -- honestly, you're already given time off, it's not like you have to work for 24 hours straight.

I liked Organic Josh and what he stood for, but I guess there's no practicality unless his designs feature something green (and he couldn't incorporate that into his design -- lisa recycled more than he did!)

I have to say, the only person I'm still impressed with is Kim. Cute girl with enough spunk, hopefully not so much she'll get kicked off too (practicality? Do you want a side kitchen in the entryway or something? This is the first time I have totally disagreed with the judges -- it's not like the quarter pipe was any more functional)

Posted by Kelsey – August 2, 2007 5:36 AM

Since watching the first show, I keep hearing on TV that Lisa "folded under pressure" (?) I distinctly heard Vern say she was being eliminated because her room was "a failure." Hasn't anyone else noticed this discrepancy? Or noticed that the fact that Green Josh destroyed her focal point was not mentioned during the judging?

I don't care for her design style, however, it was creative and original. Most of all, I am impressed with her integrity, effort, and sportsmanship. She was true to herself and completed her project without whining or backbiting the others or expecting someone else to do the work for her. In my opinion, she demonstrated qualities some of the others need to develop.

I believe she got the shaft and the reason for her leaving the show is being mis-represented.

Posted by Ilene – August 2, 2007 12:23 AM

I also looked on Todd's website and I also say OOHY and Yucky! Some weird stuff!!! Would NOT watch a show of his if it was ANYTHING like what shows on his website. (especially the art and illustration section of the website.)

Instead of all this modern minimalist design....can't we PLEASE have some variety?!! There are alot of us who like other styles like, european, cottage, traditional, garden style. Is there anyone out there who would like that also?! Can I be the only one who prefers something else?

Check out Scott Corridan's website...corridanandco.com. It's wonderful! He is soo talented in so many areas....wedding, special events, home design, an author and speaker, etc. He has been on TV several times (Extreme Wedding, some other morning talk shows in Houston) He writes a column for a bridal magazine and he gives seminars and is a professional speaker at functions. WOW!!! Very impressive! The website is fun to watch. There are different wedding videos you can watch that he did on the site also. It's a fun site to view if you like that kind of thing which I love!
After seeing this sight and watching the video of the talk show he was on and the wedding videos...I pretty sure Scott is the one I'd like to see get his own show. (He's really already experienced and seems to be a nice personality with great talent and class.) We'll see.

Josh Sparkle's website is good too. His website it interesting. His sight says he's a professional model, actor, etc. He also, of course designs for homes, and does special events which the pics are very impressive. I like him too! Fun to watch! He's a hoot and he knows it. That's what makes it fun.

Anyway...just passing on the info that I thought those of you who are interested might want to check out.

Posted by Cindy – August 2, 2007 12:13 AM

can Doug be a guest judge sometime??? WOW O I love doug. I hated josh sparkle at first but his room with Will OMG that was GORGEOUS. The Eating pit was great. I agree about the bar stools. Neeraja dropped the ball.The green Josh and Robb.... I dont know I want to see them apart. Adriana I loved her to begin with not feeling it so much now. Her partner this week. She is like Rachel Ray on Crack... just kidding but we find her voice totally annoying would never listen to her show dont smile when you are talking if you are from Atlanta I dont know where Im voting for next week the designers all surprised me.

Posted by Sprite – August 1, 2007 11:50 PM

Lisa, I think should have stayed, her style was different, no doubt, but different is good. It would have been interesting to see what she came up with next. Neeraja,JUST GLASSWARE??? please- no bar stools-the painting of the wall? Can't reach the ceiling-how about some sort of contemporary linear designs-painter's tape can work miracles! And let's not forget about the chandelier-she should have been the first to be voted off! Rob and Josh, defintely needed work. If that space was to be the living room, I just don't see it. Where is a room to relax in for all?? The chaise lounges were great, but that was for two people. There is no place designated for chillin'-bar stools would have even helped with that!
As for the girls and the bedroom, it was okay.
Most bloggers feel Will and Sparkle Josh are the ones to watch-I concur!

Posted by marie – August 1, 2007 10:01 PM

Good show this week. Tough choice between Lisa, Neeraja and Josh, the right choice. So far I think Scott's team and Josh sparkle's are the two to watch. Both came up with great rooms.
As a Las Vegas Native I hope the show goes to the World Market Center for some shopping since I haven't gotten a look inside there yet and I'd love to.
Great space to work on and I hope there'll be more like it for the designers to work on.

Posted by Karen – August 1, 2007 8:12 PM

Josh and Will...what a great team! I think that they both will work well regardless of who they're paired with...they were professional and focused...and Josh, what else can I say...except HE WILL MAKE A FABULOUS DESIGN STAR! He's the total package! Give him a show...you won't be disappointed!

Posted by colormecanvas – August 1, 2007 5:11 PM

Totally fun show! American Idol meets Real World meets The Apprentice.

Lisa was my favorite. Do you think they cut her to start the season off with controversy? Because booting Neerja or Robb probably would have been a big, "yeah, that's fine. yawn."

And isn't it totally obvious that Josh Sparkle, all designing aside, has got the goods necessary for a TV personality who will attract viewers? I think they eliminated his only potential competition when they ousted Lisa.

Posted by LisaLisa – August 1, 2007 2:04 PM

The first show is interesting because we get a peek at the different personalities/talents and how each interacts with the other designers. Lisa seems like a nice person. Unfortunately as a designer you can't always push your agenda and expect to win. She said she wanted to show the "punk" element. It seems to me that you can design a room and use that to make the room fun, not trashy.
Neeraja will have to learn to prioritize her job and be more efficient with her time. I agree with literally everyone that she needed bar stools. Paint can be nice but will look bad if you can't get it done. I did not like the dark grey color either.
Rob's pillows were hideous.

Posted by Teresa Ross – August 1, 2007 1:25 PM

Never let it be said that I didn't give a guy an even shake. As Rachelee suggested I went to Todd's website and what I saw was organic but disturbing. Have you read his back story on his artwork? OOY GROSS.

As I stand corrected it's a quarter pipe not a half pipe I still don't see the organic design of his spaces translated in a juvenile desire to skate a quarter pipe in a Las Vegas Penthouse. He himself said he didn't care if he went home as long as he could do it. (Man, now that 's design) Had there been no Kim and Scott there would have been a wooden structure useless to all but himself. At least with Lisa's door everyone could still use it. Hooo, and did I see a basketball hoop in one of his design spaces? I hope this isn't a theme we would be forced to accept with each show he does.

I understand that his website carried photos of his own home spaces, however I believe the photography was contrite and staged and not once did you see a complete room to be able to judge the flow, continuity and balance of the design. Todd needs to step it up and show us what he can do or he will get cut for a more commercially acceptable designer. Make me like that organic woody design of yours and make me like the ooie graphic art you do. I loved the color and the composition until I found out the stories behind them. Maybe art is better left to the viewers imagination and not necessarily the explanation of the artist. The man obviously has a prestige that I will not take away from him. However, he needs to now win over those of us not in the upper reaches of the art world, that don't know he addressed the United Nations and why, but ingratiate himself to the "classless masses"

I could go on forever telling you what I thought of his website but that wouldn't get you to look at it. I suggest you go to www.epic-spaces.com and judge for yourself. I may not be the only one reserving my judgment on his design qualification for now.

Posted by Beth – August 1, 2007 8:15 AM

The show is already exciting to watch. What a great group of diverse people. It was only the first challenge, so let's give these people a break. They were picked from over 4000 people, so they've obviously got talent. Give them some props.

Posted by jack – July 31, 2007 11:59 PM

For those of you who question Todd's artistic talent or design style, just check out his website. www.epic-spaces.com
I just went through it and this guy does everything. His artistic ability is phenomenal, just check out his art pieces. Some people may not love quarter pipes, but you can't dismiss his obvious talent. Regardless of whether he wears a shirt or not....who cares....this guy is the one to watch!

Posted by Rachelee – July 31, 2007 11:55 PM

You are kidding me! A skateboard ramp in the dining room is a good idea?!?! Come on. It was HORRIBLE and STUPID. Really, really, really bad.

Lisa was so cute and fun. I love her smile. She should have stayed.

Hopefully, Neeraja will go soon. She is annoying. Plus not getting bar stools and the unfinished paint job were almost as bad as the stupid quarter-pipe. (Almost, but not quite.)

Posted by Kim D – July 31, 2007 11:21 PM

I don't understand why everyone (even David Bromstead) is saying that Lisa got roubled! I *completely* agree with the judges that her decorating (because it definately was not design) was strange, poorly executed, a poor, poor use of space, and, perhaps worse of all, completely unimaginative. I knew as soon as she mentioned a phone book sculpture and started folding pages it was going to be bad. That's a grade school art project, not a design. Honestly, her incompetence at designing such a great original space seriously makes me doubt that the beautiful restaurant spaces she showed in the audition were even truly hers to begin with! I think she ripped them off from the true designers, because they showed an understanding of how to design "up", and she had none of that in this case. I really thought about what I would do to that space since it was so unique, and this is what I came up with: I would paint the wall around the silver door black, then emphasize the height of the space by hanging semi-sheer, pure white strips of fabric floor to ceiling, framing the door and heading back away from it, creating a space to pass through the garage door, and a space behind the curtains as well. Intermingle an occasional black strip of semi-sheer cloth for contrast and interest. THEN I would add a chain of medium-sized brushed metal links, again , floor to ceiling, right down the middle of random white and black strips to add some sparkle and extra texture. Then I would add seating areas behind the curtains, seperating them into seating arrangments for one, or two, or three, like private, informal meeting spaces, or privacy areas when they want to get away from the rest of the house. And that is just the beginning!!! If I can come up with that idea within 10 minutes of seeing the space on TV, and not being a pro designer (though I have just landed my first corporate client..three months into my degree program)...she certainly could have done better with three days and seeing it in person. No imagination, no vision = not a DesignStar. Sorry Lisa!

Posted by Amie – July 31, 2007 10:39 PM

YOU SHOULD HAVE NOT LET LISA GO!!!! SHE WAS SUCH A SWEETIE. YOU COULD GIVE HER A SHOW TODAY AND I WOULD WATCH IT FOR SURE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS DECISION WAS MADE WHEN SOME OF THE OTHER DESIGNS WERE ALOT WORSE. LISA WAS MY FAV. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCH HER MAKE DESIGNS OUT OF OUT OF THE BOX THINGS. OH WELL. I QUESS YOU HAD YOUR REASONS. BUT I DO NOT AGREE. STILL LOVE THE SHOW THOUGH AND WILL WATCH IT EVERY SUNDAY. I LOVE HGTV !!!

Posted by Amie – July 31, 2007 7:23 PM

Design Star, Season 1: Female artiste from Pennsylvania ("Ramona") is inexplicably included as a contestant.
Episode 1: Ramona seems stunned as she flames out in a fireball of bad taste with "Miss Utah" mural and non-functioning-vacuum-cleaner-slathered-with-plaster "sculpture." (You can't make this stuff up!!!)

Design Star, Season 2: Female artiste from Pennsylvania ("Lisa") is inexplicably included as a contestant.
Episode 1: Lisa seems stunned as she flames out in a fireball of bad taste with dismembered-telephone-book "sculpture." (You can't make this stuff up!!!)

Couldn't/shouldn't the producers of the show have seen these spectacular meltdowns coming? Oh, of course they did, and my, doesn't it make for riveting tv viewing!

These two women are apparently Unclear On The Concept that baaaaaad "conceptual art" has nothing to do with interior design. With performances like these, I know that I'll never miss an episode! Producers, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Posted by Alan – July 31, 2007 5:21 PM

HELLO!!! Am I the only person in the whole United States who happened to really pay attention to the fact that Robb got royally taken for a ride by Josh who claimed to be a carpenter! He couldn't even cut a smooth edge or use a drill!!! Apparently I'm also the only person who noticed the talent Robb has when the casting special aired. If any of you Robb bashers had truely paid attention- you would have also heard Robb say in the "pillow store" that they had no other choice for the pillows. Robb was right- "Josh over promised and under-delivered!" Robb was talented and funny even when faced with having his design credited to Josh on national television.
And then there's Sparkle Josh (AS ROBB DUBBED HIM ON SUNDAY 7-29!!)What a character!! He's fabulous! What a fun person he would be to hang around with on a regular basis!
Organic Josh - not so much!! He could have decapitated someone with that piece of "whatever" board that flew across the room! Great "carpentry" skills!! My twelve year old niece could have done beter!
Then there's Neeraja- what a b***h! She's just not nice - who would want to watch the younger and meaner Cruella Deville on a design show? SCARY!!
Scott- very very cool- very talented!
America- PAY ATTENTION!!

Posted by alyssa – July 31, 2007 5:15 PM

I have to admit, the first time Josh came on the screen during the auditions, I thought, so where are your white tigers? I have to admit he and Will executed a fantastic design. I really thought that if it didn't sparkle, Josh couldn't pull it off, but he did tell the judges that he could do all styles for the client's needs. I also like the dining room area, minus the half pipe - even though it worked with the room. Cool placing for the dining room table!

Posted by honeybfly – July 31, 2007 4:58 PM

I believe there is a consensus - get rid of the snooty judges and bring back Lisa! I mean really HGTV, you should be ashamed of yourself for copying, yes I said copying some of those other reality shows with the nasty judges and emphasizing the "conflict" between contestants. I suspect most of the contestants have enough character and originality to keep the show interesting without the phony staging and keeping the "bad girl" on the show. My question is, did the producers of the show tell Vern Yip to be a rude jerk or does that come naturally? TACKY TACKY TACKY. All I can say is, it would be so refreshing if this program would actually
show some class. Now that would be original!

Posted by Rio – July 31, 2007 4:48 PM

This new series would be a lot better if we had different judges for each episode. Vern has such a big head, I thought they made the garage door for him to visit. As for him being "America's Favorite Designer"? You have got to be kidding. He's good but not that good. He does do some nice rooms but his idea of accessories are a million candles and bowls full of perishable fruit - especially lemons. Give me a break. And Vern seems to take over the judges' panel. I mean, is this The Vern Yip Show or DesignStar? The two gals are magazine publishers. Where are pictures of what they have designed? While I don't mind them on the first episode, we should retire them for the rest of the show and have Lisa LaPorta, Ken Brown, Doug Wilson, Laurie Hickson-Smith, Candace Olson, Mike Holmes etc be judges. After a few episodes, the designers start designing for the judges and not for the competition if they are the same all the way through. Besides, I resent the fact that three people decide whom I get to vote on in the last episode.
That being said, I think that Lisa should not have been the first to go. Ramona was comic relief last year but Lisa at least is a designer. I'm not into her style but she did finish her design instead of just decorating (badly)like the prune-faced manniquin with her stool-less bar. And what's with the stupid skateboard thing? So one guy can show off shirtless for the rest of the episodes? Gag me with a spoon! Sparkle & Will did a fab job on the boys' bedroom. Marshmallow and Hardnose did OK on the girls' slumber room but they both need to get real if they are to survive. Hardnose needs to deflate her ego a bit and Marshmallow needs a backbone. I'd rather see Lisa's phone book sculpture - which would have looked better if she had spray painted it - then a car door hanging on the wall. That's design? He could have at least made a frame and painted a big square a different colour to make it stand out. And the seralgio pillows! Why not get neutral pillows and rely on the different textures to make it look nice? That base looked like a 12 yr old made it. Terrible. Bending a little door casing at the top of it would have made it look more custom not to mention a baseboard at the bottom. I didn't notice any window treatments or were there some and they blended in?
Well, I will view the next episode but if things don't change and it's still The Vern Yip Show I probably won't watch anymore.

Posted by Dave – July 31, 2007 3:43 PM

There are way too many comments to read so i doubt anyone will read this. It seemed to me that they took the first cast and tried to replicate it.They seem to care alot more about drama than good design.The most successful designs were the groups that worked together well.

Posted by AMJ – July 31, 2007 2:58 PM

I tried to read ALL of these comments and glazed over a little, but I don't think I saw anyone mention that Sparkle Josh was (strategically) the last contestant to arrive! It got exactly the reaction I'm sure they expected! What a cutie, too. At this point I say that I'd watch his show if he wins. And Will, a true gentleman as well.

I felt so sorry for Lisa, and how they caught on camera her excitement and then total crestfallen expression as she digested what Vern said to her. I'm definitely hooked on this show.

Can't wait to watch the rerun on Saturday without (hopefully) my kiddos interrupting. I see from reading here that I missed some very key moments.

Posted by ktsmom – July 31, 2007 2:07 PM

I have a very hard time agreeing with all of you that think Todd is so wonderful. He did carpentry. He didn't design and he didn't decorate. Initially, he took the area where he built the quarterpipe all by himself. He was nice enough to help Kim and Scott with carpentry but he really wasn't part of their team to start off with. It wasn't until judging time that he was included in with them. So I fully expected he would be sent home for doing nothing but building a quarterpipe. Talk about a waste of space!!! I wasn't thrilled with Lisa's design, but felt it at least showed an attempt at designing which is more than I can say for Todd's area. And I agree with everyone else, Christina had better develop a little backbone or she won't know what hit her. I believe she can probably design and decorate very well, but at the rate she's going, she'll never get a chance to show it. I liked Will and Sparkle Josh's design the best, thought Kim and Scott's was just okay, was actually pretty disappointed with the caliber of the rest. Hopefully things will improve with time.

Posted by Debbie – July 31, 2007 1:34 PM

Why is Robb still on the show? He is NEXT! He thinks he is all that in design but all he does is TALK, TALK, TALK. See ya Robb! Josh seems to be a good egg; I just hope he has what it takes to be around for a while.

Neeraja's saving grace was that she was in charge of he money and that distracted her from really doing an all out job on the bar. Even without bar stools you could just tell she was wiped. So I am glad they did not kick her out just yet. :)

Scott in the previews looks pretty ill. I hope he doesn't drop himself out. Kim has the desire but i am not sure i want to see more of her on HGTV. I am afraid that Kim will become a Vern type designer. Todd on the other hand is a David B ish character; we don't need more of that :(. "IStime for a colorsplash"

Josh Sparkle is the top candidate we need a character like him back in the spotlight on HGTV. His outrageous personality is what started the whole decorating thing many years ago. The opposit of a Bob Villa type!

Until we watch again
PK

Posted by PK – July 31, 2007 12:36 PM

one fast hour! Will & Josh was great. Truely mature men. Kym & Scott bonded nicely. Now, Todd stuntman ramp in the dining area not cutting it. Neeraja loss the attitude and perhaps that wiil help get things finished neatly. Josh and Robb no more car doors and "I dream of Jeannie" pillows. Adriana & Christine not a good match too much alike, bad energy. Poor Lisa, excessives creativity is costly. Looking forward to next week. My prediction is Neeraja or Robb. I will be watching!

Posted by Rg1725 – July 31, 2007 11:57 AM

Well, Todd's contribution wasn't really a half-pipe, it was a quarter-pipe... and that is what they called it during the show. I thought that if Organic Josh and Robb had learned to work together a little better, their design area would have turned out nicely. Instead, theirs and Neeraja's looked the worst, to me. I didn't care that much for Lisa's, but to me it looked like something that somebody might like. I had higher hopes for Neeraja than what her first design looked like. I don't know who should go next, since it's hard to say whether some of this was just opening jitters. My favorite was the larger bedroom by Sparkly Josh and Will.

Posted by JAM – July 31, 2007 11:05 AM

I only hope whoever wins the contest, his or her show is about the subject at hand. It seems that David's "Color Splash" is all about him and I don't mean decorating. I am actually more impressed with Danielle, than David. There is a little too much arrogance and bragging on David's part through out the shows. Last year, I had a hard time voting for the winner of the show, I eventually voted for David. I am thinking now that, it was mistake....It just seems to be all about David on his show. His artwork on the show is the best of the designs--I am very impressed with that, although some of that seems to overwhelm the space. I think it is all about looks with David and once that leaves then he had best change.

Posted by joey – July 31, 2007 9:04 AM

BTW, for those of you hailing the God-like qualities of shirtless Todd, can I remind you that the real contribution to the space was nothing more then a half-pipe! There was no design involved just his desire for a juvenile half-pipe. Please, if it hadn't been for Scott and Kim needing assistance and the alliance being made, he would have been booted for sure having contributed a HALF-PIPE! Todd is selfish in his design and overacts his hand constantly. I will give him his props though, he would make a good sidekick carpenter ala Eric Stromer. Step it up Todd, even I think you have the qualifications to make something of yourself on this network.

Posted by Beth – July 31, 2007 7:49 AM

I just want to make a couple of points... I want to see one show where someone DOESN'T blame someone else. The first person to go on the attack was Christina and I think that is tacky and unnecessary. It opens the field for a whole slue of excuses for the bad designs.

Also, I understand the need for drama (or we wouldn't have anything to blog about) but can we not get rude about it. Neeraja and Robb belong together so they can design (oops, that would be decorate only) each others empty spaces.

Talent is what keeps HGTV on the air; to which I'm addicted, but it's regrettably the drama that keeps us tuned to this type of show.

Posted by Beth – July 31, 2007 7:32 AM

I was greatly impressed by some of the designers last night! Josh and Will worked well together and created a nice bedroom, but the "star" design room definitely went to Todd and Scott.

What a skillful and creative person Todd is and I liked how Scott decorated. Todd's dining room table was beautiful, I can't believe it was done in a few hours. Wow. And, that skateboard quarter pipe was incredible. This guy knows how to build and design anything. Great job! I love his laid back attitude too. If anyone doesn't think he has "Design" or "Artistic" talent, check out his website. It's truly amazing.
www.epic-spaces.com

Posted by KK – July 31, 2007 3:30 AM

How upsetting to watch Christina try to have her say in the decorating and to see Adriana fight her on every turn. I was surprised Christina even got to hang the drapes on the beds! I feel she was full of grace and good manners towards Adriana. It was a little comforting when one of the judges said the accessories were bad. Adriana appeared to think, "My way or the highway" , but I think SHE will be the one going down the highway!

Posted by Lindi – July 31, 2007 3:08 AM

Poor Lisa...she was so cool. But I was disappointed with her area, she seemed way more creative than that. I would've expected her to visualize that metal door as a TV screen and add some funky knobs and wood - you know, make it look like an old TV...or maybe that's just I would've done.

Najeera??? I thought that was supposed to be a bar, not a display window. Well, she does display as much talent as a mannequin...her show has already been cancelled...she just doesn't know it yet.

I have higher hopes for Josh and Robb, although they both gotta come a lot stronger on the next challenge, or else they'll have more quality time to pose with Najeera.

Posted by Tomas – July 31, 2007 2:55 AM

I think Lisa should have stayed and Neeraja's should have went. I don't like the attitude that I am in charge that is what will get her thrown off quicker. I do believe that if Lisa didn't put the rug down it would have come together better. I think they need to call her back and say oops I made a mistake and send Neeraja home. If by chance she makes it to the final round I am so voting for the other a lot!

Posted by Faye – July 31, 2007 1:56 AM

Neeraja is the devil! Did you see her snatch the money from Kim. Neeraja, Rob, Organic Josh are not Stars.

Posted by N.D. – July 31, 2007 12:32 AM

Last season I can recall a judge asking Ramona, "Did anyone else want a painting like this in this shared space?" I was sure one of the judges would call Todd out on his selfish choice but instead they congratulated him on it. Who would want a designer that doesn't take others needs into consideration? My son skates and the thought of that thing anywhere near a sitting area or a dining table is preposterous. They could have had such a functional or at least comfortable space that ALL of them could have enjoyed. I don't think he should have been sent home for this though only because 4 others were even worse, not including Lisa.

Posted by Suzi Burton – July 31, 2007 12:17 AM

just watched a repeat of last night's episode... I didnt realize just how nasty and insecure Lisa was ... her complaints that Christina was "just too nice" and her complaints that she was the only one working when the others were eating, which wasn't true. I predict Neeraja will go next...

Posted by ann – July 30, 2007 11:51 PM

Unbelieveable! I can't understand what is so design sauve about a half pipe! I can see where Todd has talent but come on. And the way the judges carried on about it...poor. Lisa was given a bum wrap in my opinion. Rob was the worst.

Posted by WhoamI – July 30, 2007 11:38 PM

I am sorry to see Lisa go. I thought she had more creativity at least than Rob or Neeraja. Christina is way too quiet. I don't think she did any of the designing in the bedroom. Will and Josh did a really nice room. I was happily surprised. I loved the downstairs rooms of Todd, Josh and Kim. The table that Todd built turned out beautifully and I thought the half pipe was a great addition. What else are you going to do with all that space. Very creative. I love Todd's energy too. He'd be great on his own show...whatever it is.

Posted by Angela – July 30, 2007 11:35 PM

I had a great time watching the show. I thought that Josh and Will's bedroom was nice, although, Todd, Scott and Kim's rooms definitely were the best. They actually did more things than any of the other designers combined. It was obvious that they all had some great ideas. It was also nice to see someone who could actually construct things, like tables and skate board ramps. Designing isn't just about putting pillows and candles everywhere. I think the idea of combining design and entertainment is great~!

Other than that, I wasn't keen on the others. It seems like there is a lot of great diversity though and I can't wait to see the rest of the episodes.

Posted by Cassie – July 30, 2007 11:30 PM

I can't believe someone thinks Christina is a fake Southern Belle. Whoever said that is obviously not from the South. I think she is very charming. She never got a chance to express her ideas because Adrianna was succeeding at railroading her into all her ideas never considering that Christina would like to contribute. That's the polite thing to do...go along to get along. But it's not the way to win a competition. Christina is going to have to take some control from those who demand it but I think she is too nice and humble to promote herself which unfortunately doesn't work sometimes during competition. Although Alice was the same way and she did really good. Alice was my favorite last season. But I did like David too. I just liked Alice's character and designs alot better. Adrianna, Neerja, Robb, organic Josh and yes...even Todd got on my nerves. I thought I would like Todd but I very much disliked his narcistic personality. What a shame and he could be so good if he could get his mind off himself and grow up alot. I agree with the person that said he should have left the skateboarding out. He designed for himself and not for the group. Who else is going to use this so called design of his. I think he's a good carpenter and looks good and that's it. He would be good on one of those Fix It shows and NOT a design show.

My pick so far is between Scott and Christina. But I do like Josh sparkle. He is really fun to watch and I would be a fan if he had a show. He's really entertaining, talented and funny.

Posted by Cindy – July 30, 2007 10:34 PM

OMG! So nice to know Im not the only addict for this show.
Josh sparkle and Will-a delight to watch working together. Rm was luscious but not a surprise.
Neeraja-a flop-Boy! Didnt the wind go out of her inflated sails!
Adriana and Christina did better than I thought, I had predicted a real debacle.
Josh-O/Rob-Fo-get-about-it/ My greyhound can decorate better.
Scott/Kim/Todd-Fabu rm but who was responsible for what? LOVED the dining pit. Even enjoyed the quarter pipe-but can someone put a leash on Todd? I LOVE SCOTT!

Posted by chris – July 30, 2007 9:50 PM

I will agree that that Lisa's work was absolutely not cool at all, but I think she should have been able to stay because Neeraja seems to be a snob for one and really what kind of work did she potray. I did not get to see the first season, but I am a true HGTV watcher and watch the episodes even twice if I stay up late enough. I just want to tell you that these are great programs because they help women like me decorate rooms. Keep up the great shows!! You should come to Iowa and visit us!!

Posted by Bethany Gonzazle – July 30, 2007 9:44 PM

Wow...
I could not possibly disagree more with the judges' decision (although I would think it was more of a producers' decision judging by the way they opted to keep on the talentless Neeraja--"Ooh she's a meanie. Who cares if she sucks, it will make great television.") Give me a break. A lack of function...for an entranceway? Isn't this typically the domain of a table, a vase of flowers, and a mirror? Lisa's design may not have been the best one out there this week but it was edgy and a mile better than the lounge or the bar. Who ever heard of a bar with no barstools or a hard wooden chaise with nothing between you and a sore bum except some "pottery barn kids" pillows?

Not all the rooms were bad though. Loved the dining area and the cute seating nearby. Todd is enthusiastic which is great but does anyone else see the folly of putting a quarter pipe-with people and skateboards flying about (not to mention blocks of wood as demonstrated by master carpenter Josh)-in a room with a whole wall of windows?

Lastly, I just have to say that I heart Cynthia Rowley. She has more style and grace in her pinky than the other 2 judges combined.

Posted by SwissMiss – July 30, 2007 9:38 PM

I am torn between who should have left. Lisa definitely didn't come through, but Rob, Josh and Neeraja were pretty awful, as well. Yikes.

There is no comparison between those people and the rest of the designers. Other than decorating, it doesn't seem like they can actually design anything.

I think the ones who worked the hardest and put in the most effort and showed the most talent, were Scott, Todd and Kim. They had the most creative area and did so much carpentry (or Todd did). Great job. I was very impressed. What a great quote from Scott too. "My favorite tool is a Todd". Classic. Nice of him to recognize it too.

Posted by Gigi – July 30, 2007 9:24 PM

I was really impressed with the show. Good entertainment. I didn't care too much for Christina, Neeraja and Josh. So far, not impressed with them. I definitely think that Lisa was a good pick to leave...what the **** was the phone book thing?! Disaster.

My favorites are Todd, Josh (sparkles) and Scott. Those guys all have great personalities and vision. I don't want to see the same boring "Pottery Barn" crap. It's nice to see people think outside the box. The skateboard ramp was especially creative and nicely executed. Can't wait to see what other great things they do.

Posted by Brian – July 30, 2007 9:18 PM

First time I watched this show and I'm hooked. I agree with most of the comments. I thought Rob or Josh (green guy) should have gone. What a disater.
I really liked Josh Sparkles, he is a riot. I also thought that Todd, Scott and Kim were great! It looked like Todd did most of the hard stuff though....the skate board ramp and the table. Loved the hammock too. I want one!
Can't wait for the next episode.

Posted by Lindsay – July 30, 2007 9:13 PM

Great show!! Lots of funny quotes. I loved the one where Scott said, "My favorite tool is a Todd"...ha ha.. too great. I think it's true too. That guys got talent! Pretty nice to look at too!

Posted by Rachelle – July 30, 2007 9:10 PM

I thought the 2nd episode was amazing! Wow! I was thouroughly impressed by Todd. What an incredibly imaginative guy he is. Not only did he build the skate ramp, but he helped out Scott and built his table for him...too sweet. I don't agree with the comments that he's selfish. He didn't have to build that table for Scott. I think Todd's going to win. He's got the talent, imagination and attitude.

Posted by Carey – July 30, 2007 9:08 PM

For my part I was very sad to see Lisa go. Although I agree with several comments already made that her style wasn't necessarily mine, I thought she should have been given another chance.

She is unusual in appearance, but her portfolio was very impressive.

As many have stated Design Star is about finding a host for another new series. Who in their right mind would want to watch a show hosted by smart mouthed, Robb?? There is absolutely no way I would even consider watching his show.

Todd was a good builder, and I think he would be a great "lead" carpenter on anyones show. Like Candace's "Hunky Paul", but a host?? I can't see it. In fact, all I did see him do was build. What exactly did he design?? For my part, I would not enjoy watching a show that has to incorporate some form of skateboarding into the middle of every American living room.
IF all HGTV is interested in is throwing shirtless men in our faces, then just forget it.

I phycially cringed when Sparkle Josh and Will partnered up, and even more so when it was stated that Josh did the shopping. But, my goodness, what a pair. I was totally taken by surprise!!

As far as Adrianna is concerend, I absolutely loved her interview from last week. But, her attitude this week, what a difference. I have heard her say "I want this so bad", but honey, if you deserve it, it will come to you. It is possible she is just trying too hard. I hope she settles down and does much better in the coming episodes. I truly believe that she has the talent and personality if she can just relax.

Christina, does need to stand up for herself, but passing the blame, just makes her look bad. Hopefully, she will do better next week.

Posted by sunny d – July 30, 2007 9:02 PM

OH MY GOSH! that episode was awsome! I couldn't belive those people got to meet David Bromstead himself. He used to go to Cokato middleschool! Which is where I live. It was in the paper, I couldn't belive it! I am a true fan of Designstar & Colorsplash! Just waiting 4 the next episode to come!!!

Posted by Linsey – July 30, 2007 8:24 PM

Jerry W...where in North Carolina are you? Near Will? I'm in New Bern!

Posted by Luigie – July 30, 2007 8:14 PM

I agree that Neeraja's show should have been cancelled...PULEZE...what kind of paint job was that?! All that cash and she could not find any bar stools...how about buying any bar stool and changing it if she didn't like it, I mean this IS design Star right? And don't even get me started on Josh (not sparkle Josh, lol) to claim he knows woodworking!?? I thought that piece of wood that went flying was going to go up the half pike, no less slam into it!

Posted by Luigie – July 30, 2007 7:14 PM

What a disappointing first episode. Lisa should have stayed. Her spunky design was not the most awe-inspiring but at least she showed creative effort and determination to bring a project in under budget and finished on time. My goodness, she was working around a metal roll up garage door in a foyer, I commend her efforts, at least Lisa completed her project. $15,000 was a miniscule budget to design & decorate a huge 3000 sq.ft loft space such as that. As a fulltime working interior designer in North Carolina, I work with clients that spend $15,000 in a 50 sq ft bathroom remodel. The judges should have booted either Robb or Neeraja. Robb was whiny, petty, back biting and truely uncreative. What did he do besides rip one door off a junk car, whine about the sofa not finished to his expectations and to top it off, complain about the arrangment of tacky pillows on top of that mess. What a disasterous joke. It's a good thing Lisa provided seating in her area because I wouldn't have sat on the "harem" sofa and looked at Robb's mess on the wall. Neeraja showed her "true" colors when she pushed her way to the money and ran over top of Kim to "put" herself ahead of others. What a loser. She couldn't finish a simple bar area. Pink lighting? Unfinished painting? No barstools and cutesy poorly placed accessories? What the hell were these Judges thinking in keeping her or Robb over Lisa. Get serious HGTV, this show is beginning to feel more like a blended copycat of American Idol and The Apprectice instead of a show decided to creative design competion.

Posted by Jerry W – July 30, 2007 7:11 PM

Lisa,I believe, took on the hardest space...SOLO. She conceived a design...purchased the materials SOLO...and executed it to completion...SOLO...but I expected that of her.
Guess that says something for safety in numbers....the show will miss a creative designer who would have pushed the rest.Can the judges regroup and call it right from here on ??

Posted by bob – July 30, 2007 7:03 PM

With all of the beautiful work that Lisa did on her restaurant portfolio photos, you would have thought that she would have added some beautiful work with metal that would accent the garage door. The photos that she submitted had a lot of beautiful metal work!

Posted by Dina – July 30, 2007 6:55 PM

It's so weird. I had a totally different take on the Christina/Adriana interaction than apparently everyone else. I thought Christina was being very passive aggressive. It seemed that nothing Adriana put forth (good, bad or ugly) met with any approval, just a "Well, I guess I will comprimise" from Christina.

And--I JUST LOVE SCOTT--He makes me smile. Neeraja, on the other hand, makes me want to throw things at my television.

Posted by Lisa – July 30, 2007 6:52 PM

Did any of these guys watch last year's shows? I knew last week that Lisa was this year's Ramona and would be the first to go. I was really hoping that she would surprise everyone and actually show some talent, not act like the junior high weirdo that seems to be her personal "style". Backward names, phone book sculpture -- give me a break. If she could have just managed a little real creativity and common sense, Robb would be heading home.

Posted by EmilyJFB – July 30, 2007 6:40 PM

Im bummed that Lisa went home! her designs seemed very unique, i think she could have added an amazing element to the show.
i think Neeraja should have gone home. Hands down.
And i REALLY disagree with what some of your perceptions are about Adriana and Christina. To me, it seemed like Adriana was stuck in a really sh---y situation. Was it just me, or did Christina not make ONE decision the ENTIRE time??? It seemed like Adriana was running around trying to get things done and trying her best to accomodate BOTH of their ideas, while Christina was just playing it safe and not really doing anything. She just floated throughout the entire show. She was VERY mediocre. I feel Adriana got robbed. It might not have been the BEST room, but it was good for having to deal with Christina's indecisions. Vern nailed it on the head with his comment to Christina. She made no choices, and still wanted to pin the blame on Adriana. That shows no backbone. I was literally flabbergasted that she had the nerve to say ANYTHING after not DOING anything throughout the challenge. She should have gone home. I'm still rooting for Adriana. She seems very assertive, not over powering. Compared to Christina's fake "southern sweetness", an ANT would look overpowering.

I think Kim is great too. hehe.

Posted by Ashley – July 30, 2007 6:02 PM

While I was disappointed to see Lisa go, I could also understand the judge's logic. While the art was definitely questionable, there was a definite flow to the space (as shown by the pathway on the ground) that her work completely interrupted. And the names spelled backward just kind of make you go bwuh?

Neeraja needs to be careful. The show is "Design Star" not "Bank Star." How on earth did she not buy any barstools? And the casino theme is doubly cliche for it being in Las Vegas.

Posted by Carrie – July 30, 2007 5:55 PM

I, personally would love to see more designing and less drama. Getting to know the designers(?) is great, but I would like to see more bones to the show and get really into the full decorating portion of the show. I definitely think that Neeraja will be next to go. To even have kept her on the show after she was unable to fully paint that wall. Why did paint it at all when she obviously wasn't looking to anyone else for help, because she is the "take charge" person. Please!

Posted by Buffett24 – July 30, 2007 5:54 PM

NEERAJA SHOULD HAVE GONE. HER SPACE WAS INCOMPLETE, ROB, JOSH O, AND CHRISTINA SHOULD STOP WHINING AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CANCELLED TOO.SOMETIMES SHOWS HAVE TO RETHINK THAT MAYBE GETTING RID OF UNPOTENTIAL CONTESTANTS AND ADDING EXTRA CHALLENGES TO FILL THEIR QUOTA WOULD BE WISER AND NOT LOOK STAGED. CANCELLING LISA WAS TOTALLY UN FAIR, AT LEAST LISA DESIGNED,CREATED AND COMPLETED HER SPACE. GET HER BACK IN THE CHALLENGE.SO I CAN SEE A SHOW WITH INTEGRITY INSTEAD OF STAGED EPISODES.

Posted by YOGITA – July 30, 2007 5:05 PM

Neeraja should have gone. My child could have done better!Loved the design pit and have to admit the skateboard ramp worked out well but my fave was Will & Josh's bedroom! I think the other bedroom would have looked better if Adriana could have compromised too.Christina even said she wanted to use more color even suggested reconsidering the red tones but Adriana wouldn't hear of it. Adriana's style reminds me of a blue light special at K-mart! I think Lisa had a good thing going with the graffiti like names, it was kinda OK with the metal door but why backwards? Don't get me started on the phonebook thing that looked like a deformed caterpillar. But Neeraja takes the cake! The bars she goes to must be standing room only. She should have used some of that money to hire a painter or better yet, she could have hired one of the other contestants to design her space!!!

Posted by Gina – July 30, 2007 4:33 PM

I've never watched a series like this but I'm completely addicted to HGTV so I tried it and LOVED it....it was a great show and I can't wait till next week. So many on the team are talented it's going to be tough for the judges, but I was really surprised they didn't boot Neeraja....she couldn't find a bar stool in LV??? Right..... I didn't like Lisa's space, but she did have a tough space to work with. Loved Scott and so many others. I do hope that the Southern Belle gets tougher and sticks by her guns better next time.

Posted by Deb – July 30, 2007 4:31 PM

Rats is Star spelled backwards.

Posted by Angela – July 30, 2007 4:15 PM

I THOUGHT ROBB SHOULD HAVE GONE FIRST. THE ONLY CONTRIBUTIONS I SAW WAS A DOOR ON THE WALL AND SOME PILLOWS, TACKY PILLOWS, ANY ONE COULD HAVE DONE THAT. I THOUGHT LISA DID A LOT BETTER. I DID NOT LIKE THE LETTERS, AND SOME OF THE DESIGNS AND BENCH, BUT SHE DID MORE THAN ROBB. I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE MORE OF HER WORK. NEERAJA, I EXPECTED BETTER WORK. HOW COULD SHE LEAVE A PAINT JOB LIKE THAT, AND CALL YOURSELF A DESIGN STAR. ALSO, WHERE ARE THE BAR STOOLS? SHE DID A HALF JOB. ORGANIC JOSH DID WELL, BUT I THINK HE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT BETTER ABOUT BUILDING SO MANY THINGS IN THE TIME THEY WERE ALLOWED. EVERYONE ELSE DID WELL, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS ONE DESIGN IDEA CLASH.

Posted by JADINE – July 30, 2007 4:11 PM

Lisa got robbed just like David B said. I was so disappointed in Vern's comments. They were mean and cruel. Come on, you can be honest without being mean. Organic Josh and Robb were awful(I would emphasize Organic Josh-if you can't deliver-shut your mouth). Neerja was just as bad. I am in no way a designer, but with that kind of money I could have found bar stools and some art work or a chandalier. Adriana was a B----. I could never watch a show she was hosting. Which is strange since I really liked her interview the week before.Christina was too nice, and that may be her downfall. Hope she gets a chance to really show what she can do. But the night clearly went to Todd, Kim and Scott, although it was a little selfish of Todd, it was creative as was Lisa's. But Sparkle and Will really surprised me in the way they worked together. That was incredible. They were gentlemen and they delivered a good design. I'll continue to watch the show of course, but I hope the judges get better.

Posted by Sandy – July 30, 2007 4:02 PM

I really enjoy the show. I was also sorry to see Lisa go She is such a colorful character I really was not so impressed with her design. BUT,
Todd only made a skate ramp? Sure it is fun, Sure it is sturdy, He managed to prove that he is a carpenter. But does that mean he can design anything. We will find out, soon enough, I hope.

If you want to leave a comment on my virb page its on Virb.com and just search for Design Star. Please come and join the group.

Posted by Jeanne – July 30, 2007 3:56 PM

I am very disappointed in the "judging". Lisa's
design was at least done but najeera was terrible
and her attitude is bad. I would definitely not
want a skateboard ramp in any home of mine especially by a 35 year old skateboard (he should
have handed in the board 15 years ago and grow up)and change his superior attitude towards the others. I also am glad I only bought one copy of InStyle magazine and will not buy any more!

Posted by Mary – July 30, 2007 3:44 PM

Not sure how a nasty paint job and "decorative" dice or an even nastier build out disguised with pillows keeps you on a national design show.....it looks like the producers are going more for drama over actual talent. Did I love Lisa's design, no. But it was edgy, creative and original...something HGTV has very little of these days.

Posted by Vanalinda – July 30, 2007 3:00 PM

I watched religiously last season and although I like David, was a little disappointed that he won. I agree with the people that say they don't like or want modern design in their home -- and that's all David gave us. At least his show is somewhat better than he showed me last year. Anyway, about this year...
I love Will and Josh Sparkle together! Their design was the best and they definitely used their time most efficiently (Will painted and dressed the beds while Sparkle shopped). A show with those two would be awesome!!! (Woops -- I used the word "Awesome". Sorry, Posh1)
I also don't care for Lisa's design, but she was definitely better than Robb, Josh Green, and Neeraja. She did not deserve to go home so soon. At least she finished her design.
The same cannot be said about Robb and Josh Green. Of course, Josh didn't have a lot of help -- Robb was too busy getting ONE car door and deciding on a million tacky pillows and rolling his eyes at everyone (not just Josh Green) and complaining. But Todd was right -- "we need someone with a clue using that machine". I do have a question -- in rating the spaces, where in the heck is that ONE car door in the pictures? Did I just miss it? And Neeraja -- it's all been said (bad paint job, no barstools, cliche accessories).
Adrianna and Christina were adequate, although Adrianna seems a lot like that chick from last season (can't remember her name) that railroaded everyone with her designs ("I won an award with these window treatments"), but Christina does need to assert herself if she believes in her designs.
Loved Kim, Scott, and Todd and their designs. What is all this griping about Todd and his being shirtless? That's what won David his TV show. Maybe Todd needs to get a BIG tacky tattoo on his arm and the viewers will love him like they loved David. Kim and Scott are very likable and I really loved their rooms (especially Todd's table he made for Kim and Scott. Nice guy and team player.)
Can't wait for the rest of the season -- just wish Christina would pull out some of her Laura Ashley so I'm not overwhelmed with more of the Vern Yip modern, minimalistic design.

Hey, HGTV -- even if neither of them wins, why not consider Sparkle and Will together for a show?

Posted by patticakes – July 30, 2007 2:59 PM

This week's decisions didn't come as a shock. First elimination always seems to be the person with the offbeat sense of design. Last year Ramona, this year Lisa. Why they keep picking them to start if just going to "cancel their show" in the first round, don't understand.

No offense to lwatkins but where's Clive's blog this year? One of the best parts of watching the show as reading Clive's comments each week.

Anyone wanna bet that Rob or Neeraja next to go?

Posted by Reese – July 30, 2007 2:58 PM

Disappointed that Lisa was first to go. While I didn't like her idea, she at least had an idea.

Absolutely hated Robb's & Josh's space. Seemed like Josh had all the ideas but had no help in the execution. Robb's idea about a car door? Stupid, stupid, stupid. His idea about pillows? Stupid, stupid, stupid. Josh at least made an effort to get along with Robb but Robb came across as totally obnoxious. Robb should have been the first to go, not Lisa.

Neeraja? Wait and see. Christina and Adriana? Adriana came across as NOT a team player while Christina tried to be agreeable. Christina will need to show some backbone here!

Overall, too much space to decorate. I think Lisa and Neeraja should have teamed up and tackled the bar area together and the entranceway should have been just left alone.

Deja vu--last season, Ramona tried to go it alone and introduce her "art" to the space and she was the first to go.

I predicted Lisa would go first before the episode had even aired and I was right. I hate that I was right.

Posted by terry – July 30, 2007 2:27 PM

To the NO TIBO GIRL/BRIANA repeat of sunday's show this saturday Aug. 4 at 6pm, I plan on watching it again myself. Love this show, Love HGTV!

Posted by kimberly411 – July 30, 2007 2:25 PM

When Vern says "your design has failed" there should be no doubt in your mind that you are going home. Lisa's design was awful and she should have gone home. Neeraja's design (design?) was only slightly less offensive. The only reason that Robb and OJosh are there is that there was some carpentry involved. I look for these three to be gone next, along w Adrianna. Christine needs to get some guts and quit being so nice.
As for SJosh and Will - congratulations. It was great to see two ADULTS working together and put egos aside.
Can't wait to see next week.

Posted by FionaMarie – July 30, 2007 2:06 PM

Who would have thought that the two with the most obnoxious styles would turn out to be the best designers of the night. Pimp My Crib and Gaudy Bobbles- who woulda thunk. On the other hand I would have let a few others go before Lisa.

Start with Robb, what an talentless git. Organic Josh, I thought he said he could build. He almost broke a window with his "skills". Good thing the skate ramp was there. Nerraja, the way she grabbed at the money in the tin- snatched it right out of Kim's hand.

Do these people understand that I'm not only judging their talent but my ability to stomach their face and attitude for a 30 minute show. I enjoy watching Dave B. from last season because of his infectious smile and laugh. He is a delight. I hope we find another delight is this bunch. I reserve judgment.

Posted by Beth – July 30, 2007 1:45 PM

Surprised to have liked the show. I said last week that I wouldn't watch it because of the crazy characters on it, but I decided to give it another chance. They redeemed themselves by putting Lisa off the show. Her area reminded me of a dirty sewer area, I guess because she had written "The Rats" above the door. Where did that come from? Yuck!! the black vinyl covered seat looked like something from the 60's, and what was the "phone book sculpture"? Nothing pretty here. And pretty is what I am looking for in decorating/design. I even liked the car door idea better than "The Rats" and names written backwards. What was that?

Josh "Sparkle" really surprised me. I was not expecting that great look from him! I thought it was great the way those two Southern Gentlemen worked together. And they seem like really nice people.

Todd? Seems kinda nice, but wants to show off all the time (notice the shot with no shirt on?). All that jumping around makes me nervous. Good skills, but not relaxing to watch.

I hope Kim goes far--I like watching her. She is spunky but nice, looks great, and looks great on tv. Hope she designs well.

Christina--she acts like the personified pageant queen, but she is very nice. Probably too nice to come up against some of these people. She needs to be more pushy. And by the way. . .the designs she showed the judges didn't look like Laura Ashley at all, so I don't know where that remark came from. What's wrong with Laura Ashley, anyway? It's just a style, and one is as good as another. I, personally, would like to see a little bit more Laura Ashley, country, shabby chic, or something besides modern contempory all the time!!

Don't know yet about Neeraja, Josh "Organic", Scott, or Robb, but willing to give them more time.

Love the show.

Posted by Linda – July 30, 2007 1:02 PM

There were only two groups that showed they should be on the show. The first was the Master Bedroom creators and the second was the dinning, living, and half pipe designers. Five people would have gone home if it was up to me.

What is this about? These people need to be able to design, build, and execute. Todd does all this with ease and still has fun. He seems to be the clear choice, and I think his show would have so many layers of entertainment. After all, this is about who will have a show and how they will entertain me in the future.

Posted by Paul – July 30, 2007 12:56 PM

Well,

Neerja should have gone! I can't believe she left the wall she did. Come on....do something to make it look finished! She has a superior attitude and is not a team player!

I thought Josh and Robb's space was a give-up! Josh is nice but over shot what he could do. Robb has no taste whatsoever and he is obnoxious.

I liked Lisa and I didn't think I would when the show started. I don't like her designs but I think she is kind and she's a hard worker and team player. I agree with David B., the entry just has to make a statement. I don't think she deserved to go! I would have liked to see what else she had in that creative mind of hers. At least her space was finished (unlike Neerja, Robb and Josh's spaces.)

Christina and Adrianna were not a good pair. I thought Adrianna was a terrible team player because it was her way or the highway. At least Christina was willing to compromise and Adrianna was NOT! The room was safe except for the accessories which I think Adrianna made herself totally in charge of that. I understand Christina because I too have the tendency to compromise decisions just to be the peacemaker. Adrianna is NOT a person I would enjoy watching on TV. She doesn't seem to work well with others. I don't blame Christina for finally telling the judges that she compromised so they wouldn't think those were her ideas. I would like to see what Christina can do when her ideas are used. We now know what Adrianna can't do. Adrianna seems to have a chip on her shoulder but I really like Christina and she seems geniune which unfortunately could hurt her. She will let people run over her just like Adrianna did and others will if she doesn't watch it. But it shows her sweet and caring disposition and character which is the most important in life.

Will and Josh were great! I enjoyed watching them and I thought Josh would be irritating but I really enjoyed watching him. He is a hoot and obviously him and Will both are talented and work well as team players.

Kim, Todd and Scott were also great! Thought what they did was great and they worked well as team players. Todd is talented with building but not sure I like his ideas. He does seem to over do it in the show-off area (such as shirt off, showing off his athletic skills,flippant attitude etc.) Makes him somewhat obnoxious also. Scott is sooo nice and easy to get along with. A class act. Kim seems nice but not sure about her at this time.

You know...I would like to see someone decorate with what alot of us like (traditional, european country, shabby chic, and other great timeless designs. I'm so weary of all the contemporary and modern decor. David B. is really good but we don't need another one of him with a show (like Todd, Organic Josh, Kim, Will, etc.) I'm hoping that Josh sparkle, Christina, Adrianna, Scott) will give us some of what I'd like to see (a relief from the same stuff that's on TV now.) The modern decor is getting BORING!!! We don't want all our houses looking the same boring modern designs. That's my problem with HGTV lately!

And Vern Yip sure acts like a not so nice person. Such an attitude. Reminds me of the American Idol judge (what's his name). He is way too harsh. He needs to be friendlier and smile more. Not everyone has the same taste as him. Sometimes I think he thinks that his style is the only style. I would hate for him to design something for me!

I want Candace Olsen or Joe Ruggerio or Alice!! It would have been nice if Alice could have done a show. She has tastes that I prefer. I would like to see a show that is different from all the rest.

I like Cynthia Rowley. She seems to be the only judge with a heart and speaks kindly. Martha seems to me to be a snob. I could be wrong but that's the impression she gives me. Her and Vern both! (I hope I'm wrong!)

I think from this point that the ones I like best are Scott, Christina, Josh Sparkle, Will, Kim and Todd.

We'll see!

Posted by Cindy – July 30, 2007 12:10 PM

Lisa Millard did chose the hardest room. And all that Rob did was pick out a car door, while Josh did all the work. Rob should have been cancelled!! Bring Lisa Millard back!!! Talk about someone with creativity, Lisa had more than all of them.

Posted by BenB – July 30, 2007 12:00 PM

I'm like everybody else..totally blown away by the chemistry between Josh Sparkle and Will. I liked Lisa's personality but not her style, but she definitely had more style than Neeraja. I absolutely cannot stand Christina! And I was very surprised that I actually liked the quarter pipe! When Todd first suggested it, I was like, "yeah, right, get a grip dude." But when all is said and done, I'm still betting that Kim will become the next Design Star.

Posted by KarenE – July 30, 2007 11:51 AM

In my opinion, Lisa is a true artist and not a designer - her artistic style is completely opposite anything I prefer and I would not want any of her art in my home. But then, she was a heck of a lot better than Ramona from last year! Who wouldn't prefer stencils and benches over a broken vacuum cleaner smeared with drywall mud?
Anyway, I think she should have been given another shot and ole whiny Robb with the car door should have gone first. All I heard from him was whining about Josh's "carpenter skills" - if his were so much better, why the heck didn't he stick around and help?

Posted by Joan – July 30, 2007 11:26 AM

OH MY GOD! I had to miss the first episode! HELP! Does anyone know if there will be an encore of the first episode? If so, the day and time. I enjoy reading all the opinions and look forward to the 2nd episode.

NO TIBO

Posted by Briana McNeil – July 30, 2007 11:07 AM

Lisa should have stayed. Atleast she finsihed her project-brown paint on stairs- and she worked-not buy a car door and HORRIBLE pillows. I think it was a bad decision to get rid of her. Out of the three she was the only one who took a risk, completed the job and worked hard.

Posted by MElissa – July 30, 2007 11:05 AM

What Did Scott and Kim actually do? I think they did just as much as neeraja, nothing. They had Todd build their table and then just decorated. Organic Josh built his stuff from scratch which is legit. And Robb is a whiny loser. Organic Josh is the best along with Todd. Lisa did ruin an already bad ass entry way. Get bossy Neeraja off there as fast a possible.

Posted by Andy – July 30, 2007 10:53 AM

I was surprised with most of the contestants: the ones I thought would bomb totally excelled and the ones I expected great things from were total letdowns. I guess the saying is true: empty barrels DO make the most noise! lol

Posted by IslandNomad – July 30, 2007 10:36 AM

I have to say that I was disappointed in Lisa leaving the show first. She is "off the wall", but her design was definitely better than Organic Josh and Robb or Neeraja's decorating. She was no more off the wall than David was when he used cedar chips to make a rug. I can't decide which of the three (Organic Josh, Robb, and Neeraja) should have gone.

Todd's skills are great but his design does not appear to be something that can be utilized by the group as a whole. I do love the dining pit and the zen lounge. The master bedroom was great and the second bedroom was okay.

It would have been nice to hear how the money was spent.

I look forward to seeing more.

Posted by Cheryl D – July 30, 2007 10:12 AM

I think this season of Design Star has gotten off to a good start. I disagree with the judges in letting Lisa go, but hey I'm only a viewer and not a judge. I feel that Neeraja's show should been cancelled. She is a HORRIBLE!!!!! The comment was made that she 'decorated'. Did they have three blind judges? Grant it, what Lisa did wasn't good, but at least you could see an effort in what she did and that's more then what you could say about what Neeraja did. Did they not see that paint job. Again, HORRIBLE!!!!!!!! If she had her own show on HGTV, I certainly wouldn't watch it.

Posted by Torre Love – July 30, 2007 7:40 AM

I think it was a horrible choice to cut Lisa. At least by what was displayed in the first challenge, she was the only person with creativity and the balls to step outside of the hgtv cookie cutter mold. i wanted to enjoy this show, but i definitely won't be tuning in again.

Posted by Dave – July 30, 2007 4:53 AM

Man that hour went FAST! I want more already!Love Clive so much!

Not surprised that Lisa went, I liked her, but not her design, I liked the concept of incorporating the all the contestants but the execution was childlike and I didn't get the phone book or the green foam cirlces, but what did Robb do??? Besides roll his eyes a toot his empty horn? He's good drama, I guess, but seriously there was nothing from him.

Will and Josh Sparkle I thought were going to be too different to accomplish anything, but they turned out the best work and actually were fun to watch and were respectful of each other and quite professional in their respect with each other whereas Christina was neither respectful nor professional with her partner. Don't be fooled folks, watch the show again, Christina was the one throwing a wrench in anything Adrianna suggested, and what they turned out was decent, not great, but decent, so Christina shouldn't have had her claws out yet because it is so early in this game.

Scott, Kim and Todd were all wonderful and Todd, although I didn't want to like him, you gotta respect his workmanship-- and I know nothing a bout half pipes, quarter pipes, skateboards, whatever, but if this guy can mix some fun in, good for him, maybe some of his housemates/teammates can learn to chill in a different way. Am looking forward to what else Scott and Kim can do especially Kim, because she's got a good vibe and mindset and I liked her audition room alot.

Neerjera-- pedestrian, pedestrian, pedestrian, uninspired and why wouldn't you take some paint and do SOMETHING with that big ol' black bar? That would have done SOMETHING!Blech! She'll be good bi--- factor though if the Southern Belle is booted.

Organic Josh, had a good start, but wha' happened, dude?

That's it? no one else to comment on?

Oh, I am so addicted to this show, can't wait for the next!

Posted by Anne – July 30, 2007 3:42 AM

Wow... everyone's an expert here. :p

I was surprised to see Lisa go too. Design skills aside, I might actually tune in to something Lisa is on because I know she's going to do something fun and quirky and unusual.

Meanwhile, that woman who did the bar - she seems stiff and weird and I would hate her show.

Christina is gorgous and sweet - she could make me switch teams. :D

I hope in the follwing weeks she: A. Grows a pair B. Shows us some spectacular work.

As far as the 'untrained' designers go.. Some people are born with more design instincts and style in their little finger than others will ever manage after years of schooling.

Posted by i<3christinaray – July 30, 2007 2:51 AM

I was so excited to see how this was going to go down after watching the cast members get chosen and I have to say that I am so incredibly disappointed in the judges' decisions! In fact, as I was telling a friend about the upcoming show last week, Lisa was the one that I felt had the most individual style, a true sense of design that she has clearly worked hard on and seemed as if she is a very likeable, talented, young designer with a true spark! She was gonna keep these folks on their toes! No, her design wasn't perfect but it was clever, it was intriguing and it was FINISHED!..more than Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Daft could say with their Pier 1 pillows and a lonely, uninteresting car door!?! WTF! And Todd?!? Wake up ladies! He needs to build himself a crib and skate his shirtless *** right in!!!

Posted by andree – July 30, 2007 2:49 AM

I felt that Scott, Kim & Todd did well, Will and Sparkle Josh did great. Organic Josh may have been off; but Robb was standing back constantly complaining while having a tantrum like a 5 year old who didn't his way. Neeraja, what is up with no bar stools ... boo hoo, make a decision among the choices available, please. Christina, Adrianna, and Lisa were average. Lisa may have been different and unusual. I think the 5 year old should have left first, ROBB.

Posted by Cheryl – July 30, 2007 2:40 AM

I thought it was interesting to see the designers actual homes when they took the phone call from HGTV. Did you pay attention to what THEIR homes looked like?

Will's seemed awesome with warm oranges and dark furniture. Sparkle Josh I think had quite a lot of fur - no surprise! hee hee!

Christina's looked very bland with dull paint and a nice brown couch typical of Potery Barn - kinda boring....

Lisa's home looked very hip and fresh. I wish they kept her! She would have given us some funky designs.

Oh well, sorry Lisa! Keep doin' what cha do girl!

Posted by Janette – July 30, 2007 2:24 AM

Robb SO should have been the first to go - awful throw pillows and the car door on the wall. I was really surprised that he wasn't chosen to leave. I thought Lisa should have had another chance to show her stuff. Lisa's design wasn't great, but Robb's was the worst!

Posted by jane – July 30, 2007 2:23 AM

Neeraja is lucky, she didn't get cut, she is terriable ! Attitude , attitude !!!!!! She is Super lucky ! Her tiara needs to be rearranged!
She will be next

Posted by gina – July 30, 2007 1:53 AM

Vern asks Lisa in that pissy tone of his “So it’s a passageway?” Well, yes, it is. What was she supposed to do, turn it into a boudoir? It’s a entry, not great, but not a bad one. Skateboard boy is who irritates me the most, I think the producers are trying to replicate the David Bromstead-humpy-guy-eye-candy thing from last year, but at least David was charming. I couldn’t see what was so thrilling about having a skateboard ramp taking up so much room, it just seemed self-indulgent.

Posted by mrpeenee – July 30, 2007 1:43 AM

The purpose of the Design Star is to find a host for a HGTV show. I would never be able to watch a show with Lisa as host -- her wild looks, both her personal look and her design, are too distracting and repulsive. Good choice letting her go...

Posted by Ann – July 30, 2007 1:34 AM

Loved The 2nd episode. Todd really set himself apart with his hard work and positive energy. He will be the next Design star, you can see the ground work has been set...TODD IS GODDDDD!

Posted by mike – July 30, 2007 1:32 AM

I was so pleased to see Lisa go. Her design and her look were such a cliche. I don't think I could have stuck with the entire season if I was going to have to see her week after week. Her design looked like her - harsh, outdated and so contrived.

Next to go should be the little Southern Belle. No imagination there. She might as well just haul in her entire Laura Ashley collection now and be done with it.

And will Vern Yip ever get through a sentence without saying "like" 500 times and tossing around the oh so descriptive " awesome" as often as possible?

HGTV producers need to pay language coaches on all their shows. They are all alike. "Is this my room??? This isn't my room!!!!" "It's awesome. Amazing." "It flows...." Yuck. Can anyone on these shows come up with some original, descriptive and engaging banter?. The exception is Summer on Design on a Dime. She is articulate and intelligent. Her education shows in her presence and designs.
I am just about to turn HGTV off for good. Boring, boring, boring.

Posted by Posh1 – July 30, 2007 1:19 AM

Yip is arrogant and self important.
I don't like this controversy between designers.
The desiner kicked off tonight had the most creative potential snuffed out at the first show.
I won't be watching anymore.

Posted by JP – July 30, 2007 1:16 AM

Wow - what a contrast in talent and visions - and check out those views from the penthouse - i believe that is Regency Towers at the Las Vegas Country Club - very cool !

Posted by Kiwi – July 30, 2007 1:15 AM

I couldn't believe my eyes when I was flipping through the channels and came upon Scott Corridan. He designed my wedding 3 years ago in Los Angeles. He did an amazing job...we couldn't have been happier. Easy to work with and beautiful ideas. I loved what he and his team did to the dining pit/half pipe. I'll be watching weekly and cheering for Scott. Check out his website...www.corridanandco.com

Posted by Nicole – July 30, 2007 12:50 AM

Is anyone else having a deja vu moment? Pick an arty out-of-the-box type (although Lisa is a great improvement from Ramona) and then kick her out the first episode, as if to say "Well, I TRIED to support the non-traditional artist, but it just didn't work out." In my opinion, the entrance area was a good place for an art installation, and, although my taste differs from Lisa's, I respected her effort. It was a fully implemented concept, not just a slap-dash decorating job like Neeraja's bar. (Even I could figure out how to finish off that top paint edge if you can't get all the way to the ceiling.) The wrong girl got ejected. Neeraja, you better redeem yourself in the next show. So she can handle money (or grab the money!) Way more to it than that.

As for Christina and Adriana: I guess the true personality will come out in the end. And I'm not talking about Adriana. Miss Sweet-as-Pie Southern girl basically threw her partner under the bus when the room was criticized. You did it, you own it. Don't just whine about how you "compromised". If you didn't like the design fight for your ideas. She evidently had no experience and couldn't think on her feet, so just rode along with Adriana.

Josh Organic was a major disappointment. I thought he had a great presence and style on the selection program, where did it go? Ditto Robb. Maybe they just brought out the worst in each other.

Scott, Kim and Todd - great collaborative team. I wasn't sure just how much of the total design was Kim's, though. At first skater boy was getting on my nerves, but his building skills are excellent.

But in conclusion, aAs far as I am concerned, you have your stars right now -- give Josh Sparkle and Will a show together! The yin and yang of that duo is a hoot!

Posted by jcc – July 30, 2007 12:32 AM

Oh come on guy's, she thinks she is from Palm Springs Ca. most people here do think they are great (except me) when she said at the interview there is no Night Live here, (I am 60, and there are real great places to go out at night). I ask myself what she doing on TV, but I guess they have to have some bad ones so the real good ones stick out. I hope they don't show her face that many times.

Posted by Cosmic – July 30, 2007 12:30 AM

The design Star of the show hands down is Todd Davis. I was sitting in my hotel room last week during a thunder storm waiting for it to pass so my son and I could go on a trail ride while on vaction in jackson hole and put on the tv... I stayed in alittle longer and watched the show because I didn't have tivo and was surprized to see a face I had laughed with as a kid., I told my son when mommy was little she went to school with Todd. My son asked is he the design star. I said we'll have to watch and see. When he built the skate board ramp my son said thats like the one we have in our TV room.(ours is from water damage to our hardwood floors)but 6 year olds aren't picky and dont understand tv because he asked during the entire program is he the design star did he win. I almost missed his honest liner"no we need someone with a clue using that machine" Classic thats good tv..Todd is one of the nicest, kind hearted,guys anyone would be lucky to know Im glad my family can watch and laugh. That boy gets it.Have fun in life no matter what the time is. Todd sends a great message to kids Work hard and Play hard. Good luck. Follow your dreams we hope you win.

Posted by andrea – July 30, 2007 12:23 AM

I also have been waiting all year for this new Design Star, nobody can be like David, but most of all I had to laugh out loud when
Neeraja Lockart said there is NO NIGHTLIFE in Palm Springs, CA.
I am 60 and still find fun places to go, and I mean fun places. I wonder, she is 42, and can not find a spot on this town HOW did she get on the show???

Posted by Cosmic – July 30, 2007 12:11 AM

I thought the show was great but I was disappointed in the outcome. I thought Lisa's design (though not my style) was just that a design- I mean if you can have a 1/4 pipe in a dinning area then why not a seating area in the entry by the garage door?...it might not be functional but neither is a bar with no stools! I thought the bar area looked ok, but it was not a great design; all that was done was paint (bad job) and accessories (won't mention the lack of bar stools). If I remember correctly Neeraja even told Clive that she had money left over????? This space was clearly NOT finished! There was no true definition of what the space is used for (I know that it's a bar but come on what good is a bar if you can't sit at it?) just there for decoration?- Maybe that is where all her money went to? Also I would love tot know the breakdown of who got how much $$$- that could explain some of the outcome. Overall I was disappointed in some.

Posted by egold7 – July 30, 2007 12:02 AM

I was surprised by some of what happened, but what I am sorry most about is not sticking to my first instinct on the fantasy design game and made Lisa the loser this week (I changed it of course after reading some of the discussions here and on the message board, silly me). When I saw the show last week and the leadups to the premier all I could think was "Freak" when I saw her and I was right. What she did was bad and she should have taken a clue from Ramonas attempt last year. Just wondering what will happen next week?? It should be interesting. I can definitely see the personality conflicts coming out already.

Posted by Carol – July 30, 2007 12:01 AM

Clearly, I'm completely inadequate at judging a book by it's cover.

I had very low expectations of Josh and Will, but they were fabulous! If there were a winner of the first episode, it would have been a tie between these two! Wonderful in every possible way.

I had high expectations of Lisa and Adrianna, but, surprisingly, they both blew it...badly.

Neeraja seems to overestimate her rather unimpressive and banal "talents"....and she's terribly unlikable. I can't imagine she'll be around for long.

Who knows what Christina is all about? The only thing I really noticed was her passive agressive "compromising". I guess we'll see see her design abilities in the near future.

I'm not particularly fond of Todd's personality, but he kicked *** when it came to making the table! Although it was obviously well built, I think the skateboard ramp was ridiculous and very self-centered. It was a great deal of space devoted completely to his own whim, as opposed to something that the whole group could use and appreciate.

Kim and Scott were both low key and talented. I loved the dining pit and relaxation nook. It came off a little bit like Scott maybe took the wheel with the design, so it may not be representative of Kim's talent. She seems very likeable though, and that counts for a lot.

Josh and Robb? Just plain awful. The design and execution were a total disaster. I thought the car door idea was silly, but could have worked if it had been executed well. What a mess!

Thanks for letting me spout!

Posted by Lyn Blair – July 29, 2007 11:53 PM

I totally agree with your comments on Episode 1. Loved Josh J. and Will's bedroom, loved the parts of the second bedroom that Christina contributed, loved the dining area, zen space and ramp (total surprise there). I also would have chosen Lisa to stay instead of Neeraja both from a personality aspect as well as design pov. Both could have done more with the space they chose but Lisa definitely was more of a "designer." Can't wait for next week!

Posted by Kaya – July 29, 2007 11:45 PM

I would definately have kept Lisa. She at least showed some creativity. But remember this is HGTV, watched mostly by middle America, plain vanilla - you'll never make it if you're too far off the curve. David made it last season because he's just SO good, and SO nice, and SUCH good eye candy that they had to put him in the finals. If he looked unusual (like Lisa) and was nasty like Robb, he'd never have made it that far.
This is the network that advises people selling their houses to paint all their rooms the color of what looks to me like various shades of mud. And not the nice kind, either! If I were in the market for a new home and walked into one of those houses I wouldn't even consider it. No heart!!

Posted by Judy – July 29, 2007 11:41 PM

Clearly, I'm completely inadequate at judging a book by it's cover.

I had very low expectations of Josh and Will, but they were fabulous! If there were a winner of the first episode, it would have been a tie between these two! Wonderful in every possible way.

I had high expectations of Lisa and Adrianna, but, surprisingly, they both blew it...badly.

Neeraja seems to overestimate her rather unimpressive and banal "talents"....and she's terribly unlikable. I can't imagine she'll be around for long.

Who knows what Christina is all about? The only thing I really noticed was her passive agressive "compromising". I guess we'll see see her design abilities in the near future.

I'm not particularly fond of Todd's personality, but he kicked *** when it came to making the table! Although it was obviously well built, I think the skateboard ramp was ridiculous and very self-centered. It was a great deal of space devoted completely to his own whim, as opposed to something that the whole group could use and appreciate.

Kim and Scott were both low key and talented. I loved the dining pit and relaxation nook. It came off a little bit like Scott maybe took the wheel with the design, so it may not be representative of Kim's talent. She seems very likeable though, and that counts for a lot.

Josh and Robb? Just plain awful. The design and execution were a total disaster. I thought the car door idea was silly, but could have worked if it had been executed well. What a mess!

Thanks for letting me spout!

Posted by Lyn Blair – July 29, 2007 11:38 PM

I agree Neeraja should have gone. Bad paint job, no bar stools, no CREATIVITY. I didn't care for Lisa's but she shouldn't have been the first to go. The master bedroom, the dining areas and and smaller bedroom were my favorites. I wouldn't put car doors on my wall and the tacky pillows, well they were tacky.

Can't wait to see next week.

Posted by Janet – July 29, 2007 11:37 PM

I was really excited about the show too. I wasn't disappointed at all. I agree with you about how Josh Sparkle and Will are like Yin and Yang b/c they worked so well together and spent their time wisely. And I think how you spend your time is a key thing this competition. And Robb and Josh Organic did not have that.

I did like Robb's ideas however I really thought he should have went home first because I just really wasn't impressed on what he did in the end result and I thought having car doors in a living area was really stupid. Josh Organic really didn't know what he was doing at times but however I really liked what he made and think he should stay in.

Neeraja didn't do that best job but I don't think she was the worst. I mean I can understand why she could not find bar stools because it was not in here vision of design. She reminds me of David. David had a vision and if it was not in his vision of design he would not do it.(When Vern told him to put a little bit of color on his final project and David didn't do it because it was not in his vision of design) So I can see why she didn't find any stools.

I actually liked the bedroom Adrianna and Christina did. Everything about it was good. They however don't work well together because there idea of good design conflicts and will make it harder for them to design a room. And for them to conflict that much, I thought the bedroom turned out very good.

At first when I saw Todd's, Kim's, and Scott's space I didn't like it. But when I looked at it again I was like "Wow. They all had 3 different ideas and they all were able to execute them." I was really surprised on how receptive the judges were too. They said you can have a little fun with it and be different.

I guess they felt Lisa was too different. She does not fit in the category with Ramona, but Lisa was different. I didn't like her space at all. Like I thought it looked creepy and non functional. I wouldn't sit at her place. I'd rather stand at Neeraja's bar then to sit there. But I don't think she would have went home first. I thought Robb should have but then again she would have went home sooner then later.

I enjoyed your comment and look forward to yours in the future!

Posted by Jeanette – July 29, 2007 11:36 PM

omg love the show i liked what lisa did to the door i thought i was very cool but thats just me. i was surprised at who they cut i thought i was gonna be orgainic josh or robb but idk cant wait for nexts wks episode gonna be great

Posted by merissia – July 29, 2007 11:28 PM

I think I'm speechless too! . . . Lisa was the first to go?!?! Hmmm. She had a big challenge - her design wasn't great, but it was good - I thought it was fun and clever (I've seen much worse on HG) - AND, I bet she would've had barstools at the bar! It's too bad she won't be around. I thought Neeraja or Organic Josh, maybe even Robb would be the first to head home. WOW. I'm sure we'll be in for more surprises as the show conintues. And, I think you're right about Todd - he looks and acts like he could have his own show - he'd be entertaining! Can't wait til next week!

Posted by pirateguy – July 29, 2007 11:20 PM

I think that Lisa at least put forth more effort & accomplished more into getting her design done. Hated to see her being the first to go. Don't like her style but certainly don't think she was the worse in this episode. My opinion was that it should have been Rob...only seen him go out & yank a door off a car in the junkyard & then hang it high on the wall. Not much effort there. He left his buddy there trying to work & then came back as though he took a furlough to go around the city to see the sites, then complained about his buddy not having work done when he returned. Those pillows....ooh la la ! & wasn't he the one continually saying something about being a manly man type designe?.

Posted by Sandy – July 29, 2007 11:11 PM

wow!!

I thought Adriana was terrible, because of the railroading and the end result. I wish we could have seen more of Christina's style in this episode.

Neeraja's bar sucked, but I don't know....I'm think Josh Organic was the real loser this time. Harem pillows on a pile of lumber? ACK.

Posted by katy – July 29, 2007 11:11 PM

I agree with you all the way up to Lisa...I thought they were deaf, dumb, and blind when they even let her on the show. I'm glad to see the reverse skunk/punk girl go. Yellow page sculptures...

Posted by Zinvester – July 29, 2007 11:11 PM

I kinda agree with you a little but I thought the skateboard ramp was ridiculous and he should have left the show first. He is too much of a child to be a design star. I didn't like the enterway. She was second joice to leave the show. But the car door, he should have been throwed out before entering.

Posted by sixpack – July 29, 2007 11:01 PM

It was a real toss-up as to the looser on this episode. I did not care for Lisa'a design, but it did, at least, appear "done." Neeraja's work was very undone!

Posted by Nancy – July 29, 2007 10:57 PM

I have waited all season for this show to be back on. It is the only reality show worth watching. I was not diappointed at all, I realy enjoy this show!!!

Posted by Karen – July 29, 2007 10:49 PM