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I enjoyed the final episode, but I really think Trish would have won if she hadn't been canceled. It just wasn't quite right. I loved all the rooms that Trish worked on and I hope her future is bright.

Posted by Bryn – August 6, 2008 9:09 PM

I live in California and the Pacific Coast broadcasting of HGTV shows timing is difficult to watch on satellite TV. They give shows Eastern & Central time, but NOT Pacific. I have to tape Design star at 6pm to watch it in the evening. Other shows don't repeat in 3 hour segments, so what shows on our TV guide at 8pm has actually shown at 5pm. If it was on again at 11pm it would show at 8pm. I wish HGTV would consider all the people on the Pacific coast time.

Posted by Jane – August 3, 2008 12:39 AM

WOW.... I think Candace Olson would be a GREAT judge. I love love love her work!!!!! I watch her show regliously. I could watch her all day. I haven't seen one show that I haven't liked what she has done. She is a beautiful, talented genius. What more could you ask for!

Posted by Norma Guzman Castro – July 29, 2008 1:14 AM

About the recliner for Trish's Dad. I was wondering why he had to sleep in the recliner, because there are adjustable beds that work just like a recliner. I was shocked that Trish was sent home. I thought that she would win. Well, her design was rather textbooky or showroom, but it made more sense than Matt's did. I did not like the black chairs, and I would not have covered up the kiln, but I would have played to it by adding a very long stainless steel table in front of the curtains, which would have not been so formal in silk, but more modern with a grey stripe. Also, a little more color would have been great. The room was missing art.

Posted by goldyinthehouse – July 29, 2008 12:30 AM

I like Vern, but I agree that Candice and Lisa LaPorta should be judges. New judges are definetly needed.

I think that crafting does not have the appeal it once did and design is where the interest is.

I loved Double Take! I have it Tivo'd to record whenever an episode finally comes on, I don't want to miss it. I really like the new show with the young lady who helps couples figure out thier design style and pick their own furnishings. It makes you feel like you could go out and design your own room. Isn't that what the shows are all about?

Hidden Potential would be great in my book if they went back and you could see what the homeowners did with the homes. I agree with the previous comments. I wonder about the remodels, how did they turn out, did they do what was designed for them? I rarely watch anymore becuase I feel like I have missed half of the show, that it ended before the end. So how about a follow up?

I think that Matt and Jen would be great together and that Trish should have been a finalist.

I hope HGTV get a clue.

Posted by Amy – July 28, 2008 10:23 PM

Though I am not a fan of Trish's, I truly thought the two remaining would be Trish and Jen. I also agree that the talent this year was subpar to the previous years. There were no Alices or Todds. And finally, I think Vern is great, but yes, it would be great to see Candice and Kenneth Brown join him as replacement judges!!!

Posted by Kate – July 28, 2008 4:58 PM

I agree with most of these blogs. Trish should be the next Design Star. Matt and Jen should have a show together. They look good together, work well together, and their individual talents blend perfectly. No wow factor this season. Trish wa eliminated for doing a living room for her parents the way she new they wanted it. That is a true designer! The judges messed up on this one! I love Vern, but the other two should be replaced next season.

Posted by Cali Smith – July 28, 2008 12:50 AM

I think both Matt and Jen have the the best personalities of all the potential design stars, it just hasn't quite translated to their hosting styles yet. But I think that's a learnable thing. I like them both and I will be sad to see either one leave! Last year I thought Tod had it in the bag until the final challenge, but Kim's design blew me away (and in a good way, as Vern would say). It was breath-taking! I just hope there is a clear-cut best design tonight, and I really, really hope that one of them will blow me away.

Posted by Laurie – July 27, 2008 8:34 PM

I enjoy watching each season of design star. This season, however, while the three finalist are all good I think that Matt should have been eleminated because of those 4 big black chairs in the room and no chairs at the game table.

Trish is very talented in her designs and I think she made a great effort in placing the wood flooring.

Jen, however, while her artistic designs were good, covered up a wood floor with carpet which I am sure will receive soils from spills and other stains (light colour). The existing wood floor could easily have been re-finished.

Finally, Vern is most fair to the contentestants than the other two female judges and their somewhat dislike towards Trish was obvious as well as their more likeness towards Jen.

Trish and Jen should have been the two finalist.

Also, as for last season's show, while Kim is a good host or presenter, her designs were not better than the other two final contestants that were eleminated. The coloured guy (don't remember his name) should have been given a better opportunity because his styles were better.

Posted by anna – July 27, 2008 6:10 PM

Yep, this season's show has had weak contestants and if these were the best that HGTV found, then there are less and less wannabe designers out there willing to invest the time and energy into this show...pity for us. Jennifer is a nice gal and Matt a nice guy...Trish was not a nice person to me, but hey...we all have bad days. I, again, just as last year, think the judges need to be replaced! Vern is an egotistical boor...Martha might be ok, i dont know...Cynthia seems to be the only real one...let's keep her.

Posted by bee_sneeze – July 27, 2008 12:57 PM

I will watch the show tonight, but probably not after this season. It fries me that the contestants are not really designers - Jennifer is an art teacher and Matt has a degree in history. In the Kansas City phone book, there is not a single listing of Jennifer's business that I can find so I wonder if she is legit. Jen married a decorator but that does not make her a designer. Matt's father is an architect, but he is not one. The judges comments are inane most of the time. The only one whose comments I respect is Vern, who has a background in design and not journalism. The bar may have been raised this season but the level must have started out lower.

Posted by Janice – July 27, 2008 11:41 AM

I have been watching all of the shows on HGTV a bit closer. I think Vern and David are two of my favorite. I love Candace and Divine Design, but what I have noticed the most is how well they work with their teams and producers. How did Tracy last as long as she did? Jen and Matt so deserve to be the last two standing, but I think Jen has a bit of an edge. She always has a plan and it seemed to me that her imprint on each of the challenges was felt. I think the exception was the kitchen design and Tracy was the roadblock on that one.
Matt is a great team player, but I don't know if he brings a lot of design outside of building things.

Posted by Jackie – July 27, 2008 3:32 AM

I agree with everything Kim says here. But that's not a surprise; I love Kim and think her show is very creative even when the styles aren't always my taste. I'm sorry to see Trish get cut because she did what her parents would have wanted instead of what would wow the judges. Also agree with all who say the contestants this year aren't up to the level of previous seasons and that the judges need to be changed up to keep the energy flowing.

Posted by Jukesgrrl – July 27, 2008 2:04 AM

Matt was a disappointment from day one and to be in the finals, please. He did not design anything -- he went shopping for all the items his Mom asked for -- did anyone notice there wasn't anything on the walls? The furniture did not look comfortable and the wall of curtains did not work for me. This was the second time Jen drew leaves on the wall. Also, covering up the hardwood floors was a mistake -- a rug would have added more punch to the room.

Trish was the best of the three. Her past contributions as a designer were better. If you bring in traditional, the judges will play exit each time.

Posted by Joyce – July 26, 2008 7:20 PM

I agree that this year's designers are weak and I haven't been very impressed with the designs. I did like Trish and was sad to see her go. I felt she was at a disadvantage with the carpenter they sent, he didn't seem too competent and that she was being set up for the fall. You would think they would send the best to help and I don't feel that was what she got. As for her room, I felt a little more color would have been nice but her clients loved the room and that's what counted.

Posted by Ellen – July 26, 2008 12:06 PM

Could not believe they chose Matt over Trish!! Her design was beautiful and Matt's was cold - those leather chairs looked so out of place. Trish would have made the best hostess, plus an elegant designer. Hoping for Jen to win it all now - her painting is inventive and beautiful.

Posted by Donna – July 25, 2008 11:54 PM

hi, im sory but this time i am not fun of this show i wacht all of them but this one i don't know i did not find anything i like, like the last two i love them bouth theire design is the best but this show i don't have nothing to say but i hope jen do something with that hair, before she go see the public

Posted by Nelly – July 25, 2008 2:34 PM

Design Star has become formulaic and predictable. Look at last year's fixed season and the similarities with this year. The season that hooked me was the won that produced David, as in home is where he orders take out because he doesn't cook. worthy and unique talent and fun to watch.

Be fun to see HGTV step up to the plate and tell us how much credibility Kim Myles, last year's winner, really has with viewers. The manner in which last year's Design Star was manipulated by the judges to put this loser in the final challenge for the win, followed by the sorry result she has produced for HGTV, is astonishing. I tried to watch her 3 times and decided that was enough. No talent, stud in her nose, a personality like fingernails on a blackboard, bags full of crafts, and the design style of a hairdresser. Even my husband, who doesn't rank HGTV in his top 10 favorites, will watch except when she's on.

And what about that little 'ol fixer, Martha, who I've read had to choose between being terminated or take a demotion with her magazine— after which Design Star told her it was the demotion and staying with the magazine or she was done as a judge on the show? Darn. She took the demotion and continues to show her wanting skills without fail in every episode.

Will be interesting to see how this season ends.

Posted by JC Dorchester – July 25, 2008 12:00 PM

I THINK TRISH WAS IN A TIGHT SPOT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE CARPENTER SHE WAS GIVEN. HE SEEMED LAZY AND WAS NOT INTO WHAT HAD TO BE DONE. THE ROOM SHE DID FOR HER FAMILY, PLEASED THEM, AND THAT IS WHAT A DESIGNER SHOULD DO.
AS FOR MATT AND JEN, I LIKE THEM BOTH, EACH HAS A STRONG POINT THAT THE OTHER LACKS, EG: CARPENTRY FOR MATT, AND ARTISTIC TALENT FOR JEN.
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE HGTV USE BOTH OF THEM IN THE SAME SHOW----A TRUE TEAM EFFORT. THEY BOTH DESERVE THAT MUCH. LOOKING FORWARD TO SUNDAY NIGHT, AND THE VOTING. I WILL PROBABLY BE UNHAPPY TO SEE EITHER OF THEM LOSE.

Posted by CARYL – July 25, 2008 12:27 AM

Well first of all the days of Trading Spaces still makes me shudder, I don't know about you! Vern Yip came up with some pretty less than impressive designs on there, as did that whole cast of so called designers. I just can't see him as a Judge. He also comes across as less than sincere with his 'Deserving' clients.
I understand there is another girl from TS, her name escapes me now, who is to join HGTV. She was the ultimate worst. Unbelievable stuff she came up with. I could never figure out how those owners could let that group in their homes. I've seen owners cry, also infuriated (and not happy cries) when confronted with their 'designs.'

How about Candice, Taniya Nayak, and Lisa LaPorta as judges? Three designers who are talented and actually had design school training. What a novel ideal, huh? I just have to agree with other bloggers... time to out the outers. New judges definetly are needed.

Jennifer has the personality to be a hostess, she is friendly and comes across as genuine. Her designs are as good as a lot of other decorators on. Matt is a nice guy, but come on, anyone who would design a game table with nothing to sit on, worries me. He doesn't seem to have the out going personality of a host either. I agree, he would be a great team member as carpenter with Jennifer.

Kim Myles has come a long way for having no formal design training. She is very creative, listens to her clients needs and pulls off some good design. She is enjoying every minute of her show and it shows. She has a nice personality, although I'd like to see her loosen up a bit (By the way, I like your shoes Kim).

I know HGTV does not take advice from its constituency, only from a marketing firm, but just in case they are listening.... puleeeeez no more craft shows. Carol Duvall is a nice lady but enough is enough. We don't care how to make purses or jewelry. We've had our fill of palamar clay. And we can only make so many quilts! Seeing more quality design shows would be the ticket. More quality traditional design and not just off the cuff, with no identifiable design strange decor that can't be named, stuff. We want things that can last, aren't trendy, with a whole lot of class. Some of us are more sophiscated, and from viewers pictures I've seen, they have more tasteful needs then you are giving them credit for.

While your at it, HG, more shows like Double Take, which gets our creative juices flowing. Hidden Potential almost makes it. How about going back and showing us the results the homeowners came up with. I always feel left up in the air with that show. Did the owners do the remodels, how did they turn out, did they do what was designed for them? How about a follow up?

Posted by Jackie – July 24, 2008 11:10 PM

Frankly, the entire season was a disappointment. These people ar career designers? With my inexperience, I could probably do better. Trish turned out to be a shining star and should have been the winner. Honestly, I think the two female judges should be voted off. They are so into having a shock value in the reveal, that they forget about the style of the client, function, etc. They seem to seek a style they would want to see, and not a reflection of the client needs or requests. Get new judges next season! I haven't decided if I will watch the finale. Jenn could be good as a design assistant on a show, not a host. Matt isn't host material. He has some innovative ideas but needs someone who can channel those ideas in a practical and achievable way. Judges screwed up big time! Trish should be the winner. She has style, class, grace and knows what she is doing. She puts clients first!

Posted by Maria – July 24, 2008 5:27 PM

Trish was much, much better at designing and should have stayed! I don't like either of the other contestants that are left. If I had to pick one, it would be matt.

Posted by debbie – July 24, 2008 5:14 PM

I was released when Trish's screen went off. The best two are in. It will be hard for the judges, but I have been thinking about what is HGTV looking for this season, indeed is about pleasing the audience. Matt got talent and also Jen. But Jen style make me remember David B. signature...art. If HGTV and America are looking for something different, then Matt is the best choice...look at David B., Kim Myles...original style and personality..Matt and Jen are always smiling and is good. I agree with some others reviews, they can make a good team..

Posted by roni – July 23, 2008 6:42 PM

I think Trish showed design ability when she covered up that really dated fireplace - hopefully, as some noted, she also fire-proofed it! She answered her parents' needs and wishes, and since I am sure they are in my generation, I think she respected their wants. Kenneth and Candice would also have done that, even if it were not their style. The big question not one of the judges really addressed was - DID THEY ANSWER THE NEEDS OF THEIR CLIENTS? All of them did. And while the rooms were not stunning, each of them had a good decision: the fireplace, the kiln screen wall, and a "green" carpet when there was no time to re-do the floors. Stop worrying so much about looking for the person's presentation and go for the design decisions, not decorator habits, of these people. Vern, you really have more sense than the other two about interiors, but sometimes you say some really ugly, hurtful things, like what you said to Jen. Is that any different for her to have a signature than your candles, Zen-based designs, and Cynthia's handbags? People become famous for certain things they do over and over - Chanel suits, Bromstadt paintings, Kim's "bling" she adds to every room. You would probably recommend I bomb my house and start over, too! I make my own drapes, and we paint our own walls, as we have no money to pay others to do it, and not everyone is going to like Asian-inspired, clean lines. I just think Jen and Trish had the most right answers.

Posted by Connie – July 23, 2008 3:07 PM

I thought the challenge was bogus. How do you create equality when each had different distances to, and variety of stores to shop in? Not one of them needed to worry about their relatives loving their design. The relatives would have faked it for the camera. Trish seemed tired or sad through out the episode. Her room was boring. There are lots of recliners on the market that do not look like recliners. The floor was terrible as was the fireplace surround. Matt's room was tied with Trish's for being awful. However, I would have booted him off first for the game table stuck in the middle of the lounge chairs. Jenn is the one who wants, Wants, WANTS to win--and she likely will. Her walls had a WOW factor--the rest of the room was unmemorable.

Posted by sky – July 23, 2008 2:57 PM

I have been very disappointed in this seasons Design Star, I do not think you have as high a bar set as you had in the past seasons. I was also disappointed that you let Trish go as I thougt her room showed much more color and style then Matt's.Not to sure I will watch next season.
Paula

Posted by paula gildesgard – July 22, 2008 11:27 PM

I agree...Candace is the ONLY designer on HGTV who really exhibits sound design choices. She really is a designer. The others simply decorate ...and sometimes badly.

Of the remaining two contestants in Season 3 only one has any design skills at all. Jennifer is in for a real ride!

Posted by Jake – July 22, 2008 10:48 PM

Season 3 has been a disappointment. We are seeing none of the innovative, out-of-the-box designing that was experienced in seasons 1 and 2. I agree that David B did not initially have a strong showing concerning hosting in Season 1, but he definately has proven to be a talented designer and has a good show. Kim earned her spot in Season 2 and has a down to earth , informative show. Hopefully Season 4 will bring us more of the talent we experienced in Seasons 1 and 2. I kept hoping that each week of Season 3 would get better. I'm still waiting. No one in my opinion was a stand out and deserves their own show.

Posted by Patricia – July 22, 2008 10:20 PM

Frankly Matt and Jennifer are nothing but bores,there hosting was less to be desired, I personely could do a better job than that. I say bring back Trisha. She far srupassed there designs and hosting.

Posted by Carl Otto – July 22, 2008 2:18 PM

I didn't care much for Matt's design but he did offer one of the most unique ideas of the three designers when he cover the kiln with a pull out unit/tv center. That shows creativity, sensitivity to the clients needs and the ability to solve a design challenge. That all spells potential to me. I like Jen but she doesn't seem to do well with the time pressures and I am tired of the handpainted murals in everyroom. Her room looked store bought to me and lacked great design talent. I hope that Matt wins, I think he will warm up to the camera and be a great show host with unique design ideas.

Posted by Rebecca – July 22, 2008 12:01 PM

I've watched all three seasons of the show and I think this season is the weakest. The only one to me that had any talent was Micky V. I guess because David B was so great in my opinion I thought as the seasons went on the talent would be good as he set a high standard. I think its funny how everyone is focused on the hosting David B was not the best host on the show but has the most talent and to me when he goes into a home I'm sure the client is not concerned about how he talks on tv but rather what his talent is for his home and you can't even get on his show but Kims you can so what does that tell you? Talent is more important then hosting skills. I will continue to watch the show as I am a big fan of Vern. Hopefully the talent will improve.

Posted by Tammy – July 22, 2008 11:58 AM

While I think all 3 contestants were giving their all in this challenge, I don't think Trish was given a fair assessment by the Judges. Some clients want a "specific" style and are not comfortable with being out of their "box of style". By that I mean that Trish knows her parents, what they like, need and wouldn't be comfortable with. Just as any "designer" should do... listen and/or know their clients to ensure the room(s) are what they would like and be comfortable in. I know my parents (who are about same age as Trish's) and they do not like anything but traditional and simple. As well, the room(s) have to be arranged in a way that is functional and accessible for any type of situation that may arise. Having the "WOW" factor is NOT as important and long term as traditional and functional.

I also think that Design Star needs to get 2 new judges for next season. Bring in other well-known designers be "guest judge" each week, let the previous Design Star WINNERS be the judges (David and Kim) but keep Vern as he is not a stereo-type and he is open to just about any type of design so long as it has connection with all the elements and the clien(s). I am getting really tired of the "whining" voices of the two female judges and their inability to judge not only the design, but the room's neccessity and the client. Sometimes simple is the best design and functional is always the greatest accomplishment in design.

I don't think Trish should have been eliminated. Oh, as for the comment of MDF on the fireplace... There is no way that she would put something on there that would put anyone in danger, especially her parents. There is alot of things that go on behind the scenes that we, as viewers, do not see. Any licensed carpenter and designer know enough to have the fireplace "treated" with appropriate, up-to-code material(s). There is such material on the market that allows you to treat MDF for surrounding the OUTSIDE of a fireplace. Oh, by the way... MDF has been used many times on Trading Places and other design shows to surround fireplaces. Another point, her carpenter had never laid wood/laminate floors before. She had to tell him how to do it... didn't you see her telling him? How unfair was that for her to have a carpenter who didn't know how to do something so popular and widely used as laminated floors?

Posted by Teri – July 22, 2008 10:56 AM

I think the two most talented and down to earth people are just where they should be. If you remember in the comercials it wasn't the all about me attitude for Jen unlike the others feeling so supierior. Matt gave up everything to be here and Jen doesn't brag about her owning a business like the pushy Trish did. They would be a great team since Matt is a great carpenter and Jen is a great artist. I was worried that she had a disadvantage with the age of her carpenter and his coment about bringing a wheelchair compared to the others and the room was great. She reminds me of David also and everyone wants one of Davids paintings. She also didn't brag about the carpet being made from used pop bottle caps which is going green. We never heard her speak badly of any of the others contestants some of which were very conceited ones. Jen and Matt are team players and you always see a smile on Jen's face no matter how bad things are. I really respect Vern's opinion as a talented individual and judge. I think we should back him up. He had constructive criticism for all the contestants. HGTV knew to choose impartial, talented people to judge so we need to root for the two that are left and not look back. Although Jen is our personal favorite not just because we live in the Kansas City area. She has made us tremendously proud by her talents not just by her being in the running but her pleasant disposition. She acts like she's one of us. She also seems to make us feel like we could do it in our house also. She gives the ideas and then seeing her explain things I can only imagine what we can all learn if she wins. I love HGTV because of that. For those of us that like Matt better or Jen better Let's all write in and see if they won't put Matt on as Jen's carpenter and make a really great team show!The judges keep saying how hard it is this season so let's help make it easier on them!

Posted by Sissy – July 22, 2008 12:52 AM

trish was set up to loose.
recliner in the living room was a set up and avoidable. dad should sleep in the spare bedroom or go see a dr or use a medical bed

Posted by carol cline – July 21, 2008 11:50 PM

i have been tracking matt from the get-go, i feel that he's the one! he's the most innovative, by far, and also is very capable of building the creations he comes up with. jen is sweet, but i don't feel she'd hold up well in the long run. too emotional, too girly. trish was very good at hosting and not bad at decor, but has no real building skills...and i seem to recall that was supposed to be a must-have, in this season's winner. both matt and jen are friendly, down to earth kind of folks, but my choice is going to be matt! by the way, why did it take the judges sooo long to kick tracee off the show? she should have been the first one gone! such an immature attitude and just doesn't play well with others!

Posted by marie – July 21, 2008 11:02 PM

Jennifer and Matt look like co-hosts standing up there as the final 2! They would make a great team, although they clearly want their OWN show! Trish didn't sweep me away with any of her individual designs. At least Jen has a fair amount of artistic abilty, and Matt can build! So far though no one has had that WHOA moment like Bromstad did with his Pet Store living room, or Kim did with her mosiac coffee table or Todd did with the Surfer living room... Come on guys! WOW US!

Posted by Rebekah – July 21, 2008 10:13 PM

What is a little strange to me-- about 4 weeks ago, our local paper ran a full page article (front of Living section) with pictures of 1 contestant. I figure that person will be the winner and sure enough, is still in the competition.

Posted by Fran – July 21, 2008 7:13 PM

I dint like Matt,s room, to many black chairs, it was boring. It is good thing I can watch David Brodstad, Divine Desing, I love Joan Stefan ,Designer,s Chalenge,Find your Style,Desing to sale,Homes across America, House Hunters,If walls can talk,and many more.
I be waching on Sunday,

Rebeca

Posted by Rebeca Giles – July 21, 2008 4:46 PM

quite frankly no one is great on this show - they are all so predictable, typical, middle america. I like kim Myles but the only show / designer that has talent on HGTV is Candace Olsen.

Posted by karen – July 21, 2008 4:13 PM

Hi all! to me Matt has the most talent. His personality is also very nice and easy to watch. He will be polish and an excellent host with more practice.
A designer is not the same as a decorator. A designer has to find solutions to difficult problems and at the same time satisfy their client's style and requirements. Although I felt that Trish had some talent it was not enough to beat Matt. Somebody had to be eliminated and to me she was the natural choice based on her performance.

Trish's design was just so magazine like that it did nothing for me. There was nothing in that room that I have not seen before. I can pretty much do what she did I could not do what Matt did. She did not deserve to win. sorry!! It's all about who has the most talent.

As far as Jenn I truly hate that laugh. It's so fake. I could not even concentrate on her design. She is a pretty girl though.

Posted by Maria – July 21, 2008 2:55 PM

I agree with both Sheryl and Janie. Matt and Jennifer together would be awesome!! Something different and exciteing to watch! Jennifer is my favorite to win though,because of her down to earth personality. MDF on the fireplace also concerned me.Love the show,but the drama was distracting and unnessary this season in my opionion.

Posted by carolyn – July 21, 2008 2:05 PM

I am so upset that Trisha was canceled. I thought her design was as good as it could be, I also think she executed what the client ask for. I mean a recliner? OK!! Who could do better? I think her hosting skills are much better than the the other 2. Lets face it if they are going to put Matt up there I wont watch. I cant stand to look at his big head. And Jennifer is so childish I cant stand to look at her either. I say bring Trisha back!!!!!!!!

Posted by Dave Lewis – July 21, 2008 1:43 PM

I was so very disappointed with the judges' decision last night. Trish said it was hard to provide the design she knew her family wanted yet balance it with the "wow" factor the judges would want to see. She has shown in every effort that she can design with the best of them. Her decision to give the client what they wanted rather than impress someone else is exactly what a designer should do.

All three designers did a great job but I felt Matt missed the mark. There was this game table sitting in the middle of the room with no chairs to sit on. What are the players suppose to do? Move a couple of those big recliners up to the table?

Posted by Linda – July 21, 2008 1:31 PM

Designing for your family must be such a challenge! I agree that Trish's design had no wow factor and she was fairly eliminated. The blue drapes puzzled me - was there blue in the room? The floor was hideous, and it could have been stunning had the planks been placed properly. Could she have done something artistic on the walls adjacent to the t.v. cabinet instead of leaving them plain? On the positive side, the room had a good traffic pattern. I believe the chair was "alone" because it was used for sleeping. If her father becomes disabled, the room seems well-planned for that. Honestly, it was not special at all.
Readers may be interested in looking at the finalists' personal websites. Matt and Jennifer are incredible artists, Matt with wood and Jennifer with paint. Trish's designs are dark, heavily draped, and filled with fake flowers. I love the way David B. leaves a piece of art with his makeovers; I can see Matt or Jennifer doing the same. I can't wait to see what they do in New Orleans!

Posted by Eileen – July 21, 2008 1:19 PM

I definitely think the judges made the right decision in cancelling Trish, in fact, I'm surprised that Trish lasted as long as she did. I felt that she came across as arrogant, and stuck up. Matt and Jen come across as being really down to earth and I would enjoy watching a show that they hosted.

Posted by Pat – July 21, 2008 12:59 PM

I THINK IT WAS VERY UNFAIR TO ALL 3 OF THEM TO HAVE TO DESIGN A ROOM FOR THEIR FAMILY FOR JUDGING! JEN'S ROOM WAS PRETTY AND SHE KNEW HER MOM AND DAD'S STYLE AND FIT IT TO A "T". SO WHAT IF IT WAS NOT "OVER THE TOP" IN SOMETHING MORE CREATIVE. HER PARENTS WOULD HAVE HATED ANYTHING TOO FAR OUT AND GIVE JEN CREDIT FOR KNOWING THAT AND DESIGNING A PRETTY, HOMEY ROOM!

Posted by TRINA – July 21, 2008 12:41 PM

i absolutely agree with Deborah. trish has class and style although i understand janie's concern regarding safety. trish is more in the class of "divine design" about the only show on HGTV that focuses on more traditional, classy design with the "wow factor" as well. matt's moving TV wall was inventive, but one gimmick does not a designer make. the lack of space to move around in and the inaccessibility of the game table top do not add up to a winning design. i'm now rooting for jen, and i hope she'll continue to put her unique artistic signature on her work.

Posted by pam – July 21, 2008 12:20 PM

I was surprised that Trish was eliminated as I thought she was a judge favorite; however, she did exit graciously and with class. She was a strong personality and a fair decorator but NOT a designer. She was formulaic in all of her room challenges. Jennifer's room was beautiful, and I liked everything about it--colors, furniture, and her signature painting! Matt is my favorite, and I felt he did a great job with an awkward room. His mother had very specific wants and likes, and he incorporated those into the design plan. The movable wall to hide the kiln was a brilliant idea! He is skilled at solving decorating dilemmas, he has a warm sincere personality, he has good hosting skills, and I believe he should be the next Design Star!!! I can't wait for next week's challenge--It looks to be the most challenging final competition of the three seasons!!!

Posted by Iris – July 21, 2008 10:52 AM

I think your right Deborah, Trish was better that Matt. He puts me to sleep with his hosting.

Posted by Mike – July 21, 2008 10:41 AM

Trish was my favorite this year as I love traditional styling but this is never popular with the judges. I think the room she did was GREAT and I know her parents liked it. Unfortunately, someone had to go and there was more bling in Matt and Jen's rooms. Way to go, Trish:) You did your best and gave your parents a beautiful room to show off for many years to come. If I ever win the FL Lotto, I will hire you to do my whole new home! God Bless and keep your chin up:)

Posted by dk – July 21, 2008 9:34 AM

When you get to the final three they should all be good. I have to agree that Trish had to balance between her parents traditional style and t.v. eye candy. However, I do not think it was a wow even in the traditional realm. I also just don't understand why everyone thinks she is such a great host. Matt and Jennifer both have so much more spunk. I love the energy both their smiles bring. I wish they could do a show together. They would be great!

Posted by sheryl – July 21, 2008 2:32 AM

I didn't understand why no one spotted the obvious error in putting MDF on a "fireplace". It needs to be fire resistive material, MDF is definitly NOT! Design is one thing, functionality another and safety (building code) the most important.

Posted by Janie – July 21, 2008 1:16 AM

Hi all! I have to say that watching tonights episode, I was nervous for all the contestants! I do have to say that although Trish's arrangement was very traditional, it by far was much better than Matt's arrangement! Yikes, those pieces of furniture made no sense to me. How were they supposed to sit in those black chairs and play games at the high game table? While I do think the hiding of the kiln was clever, all the furniture in there made it impossible to do anything other than sit and watch television. I am very sorry to see Trish go, she was the strongest contender to me and the most natural host. I have agreed with the choices as Design Star for the last 2 years. The choice for me this time left tonight. I think that is a big loss.

Posted by Deborah – July 20, 2008 11:11 PM