If you enjoy reading home decor blogs, you will probably love Design Star as much as I do. Yes, it's "reality TV," but it's easy to watch because the 12 contestants all have some sort of background in design: stylists, contractors, artists, and interior designers. Meaning, they are talented...no American Idol-like wannabe auditions. Each cast member has something special they bring to the show.
The contestants compete in a design-related challenge in each episode (think Project Runway for interior design!), and are judged by celebrity designers Genevieve Gorder, Vern Yip, and Candace Olson before one person is chosen to exit. This season will also feature HGTV's David Bromstad as a mentor to the competitors.
Emily Henderson, whose Secrets from a Stylist is an HGTV hit, was the Design Star winner last year. I love her sense of humor, sense of style, and cute sense of fashion. By winning Design Star, she earned her own show on HGTV...just like the contestants this season will have the opportunity to do.
The real drama and reality TV-ishness (that's totally a word) comes from watching the designers interact as they work together to complete the weekly challenges. Watching some of them work with a budget, a time crunch, and with different personalities can be highly entertaining, as evidenced from seeing Nina bully contestants into including her "murals" in each week's design last season.
Obviously, the time constraints surrounding the challenges can lead to some real design duds (anyone remember Donald Trump Jr.'s horror over the Trump Plaza apartment makeovers?). But I also love how I can find at least one thing in each episode that makes me think, "Wow! I never would have thought to do that." My sensibilities might not gel with every designer's style, but I can certainly appreciate the beauty in their work.
If you've been bored with what TV has to offer this summer, consider tuning in to see the season premiere of Design Star tonight on HGTV at 9 pm/8c.
These contestants look so smiling and happy...let's watch and see how long that lasts!
If you had to pick five of your favorite home/design bloggers to compete, who would you pick?
I'll be back tomorrow with Myth #3 in my Blogging Myths series.
Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign by Crafterminds.com and HGTV Design Star. My opinions are always my own!
Will have to Tivo it, as we will be watching our daughter play volleyball, but so glad there is FINALLY something new and exciting to watch this summer! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to pick at least one person to compete it would be Cassie, of Hi Sugarplum! She can create anything with a glue gun, LOL.
I love that HGTV fills the summer tv watching void:) I will be adding this to my dvr for sure!
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched the previous seasons of Design Star but since I can catch this season from the beginning starting tonight, I may as well watch.
ReplyDeleteI think Rhoda from Southern Hospitality or Kate from Centsational Girl would be great blogger candidates.
Thanks for the update :) I do not have cable but I have two best friends: Hulu and Netflix. So excited to watch this season! I did like Emily from last year but I was overall disappointed with the flow of the season, I prefer the previous years "format" better. What about you? Thanks for this info, very excited to watch it tomorrow on Hulu!! Happy Monday Amanda :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I need to set the DVR.
ReplyDeleteLast year was pretty weak in the talent department, but still fun to watch.
I'm so watching this tonight!! I always watch Netflix or mobwives..( I love this show!!) thanks for the heads up!!
ReplyDeletewww.moddybee.blogspot.com
Oh yeah, Amanda, I'll be watching too! Love to see the drama unfold on that show.
ReplyDeletePS. Thanks Paula for the vote! I would never try out for the show though, my old self couldn't stand the pressure of all they have to do. I need time, LOTS of time!:)
I've never watched a lot of Design Star, but did watch last night and now am probably hooked!
ReplyDeleteWho are you rooting for? I liked the shorter dark hair gal who had done the nook and was one of the judges faves. And I liked the red headed lady, and the blonde (Leslie). I did NOT like the news reporter! She was a know it all bossy butt.
I've never watched Design Star, but I love Top Chef, and I think perhaps this show is the design equivalent of that. You've made me want to tune in!
ReplyDelete