Image via HGTV

It’s Wednesday. That means it’s time again for our unflappable intern, Caitlin , to break down last night’s episode of Design Star for us.We’re down to the top three friends… Things are getting crazy!

By Caitlin Giddens

We all know reality TV isn’t actually real. That’s why writers are often listed in the closing credits. (In case you hadn’t noticed.)

Last night’s episode of Design Star is no different. According to Dallasite designer Hilari Younger, the episode did not capture the reality of the challenge. This week, the remaining four contestants designed rooms for a new condo based on a bright color. Then they explained colorful design tips on CBS’s The Talk.

Sounds entertaining enough. But not to HGTV producers, apparently. Hilari said the glass table debacle with Danielle was blown out of proportion.

“They made it into this big story, like that’s the reason Danielle didn’t finish was because she couldn’t get the table she wanted,” Hilari said. “Who bases their room on one table? I was there, and I saw there were other glass tables…I had my feelings hurt by this episode.”

Danielle finally chose an espresso dining room table to go in her blue-inspired room. This table, combined with beige walls and boring teal accessories, resulted in a bland, unfinished space. The judges, including reining winner Meg Caswell, were disappointed. “The challenge wasn’t to make a room with all taupe,” judge Genevieve Gorder said. Danielle performed well on The Talk by showing how to paint photo mats. But I think Danielle has a serious time management problem, which is not a quality of the Design Star winner. She creates beautiful spaces, but only when everything works out perfectly and she’s designing alone.

As with the 80s-inspired space, Hilari accepted a challenge far from her style with a red room. She worried that after last week’s red kitchen, she was doomed. But Hilari skillfully incorporated red accents, including an Indian blanket mounted on the wall, that redeemed last week’s challenge. The judges thought she performed well with a difficult task, but Meg Caswell advised Hilari to edit her design more.

Image via HGTV

As always, Hilari showed her charming personality on The Talk. She may have been a little chatty, but at least she was fun to watch. Among the remaining contestants, Hilari is the one designer I enjoy listening to each week. And that’s not just because of our new friendship; this girl captures your attention. Hilari said next week’s yurt challenge shows more of her funny flair.

“I can’t wait for you to see my expression at the set of the challenge,” she said. “I will say, that’s when the comedy started. This is going to be hilarious. The first question I had was what is that? And who’s calling me for a consultation when they live in that?”

Britany drew one of her favorite (and previously featured) colors: yellow. Of course, Britany created a wall graphic. As Genevieve said, “We’ve seen her do this five times now.” But the rest of Britany’s room was inspired, as she included bold yellow accents to contrast from the blue walls. She added gold and brass elements that the judges loved. Britany won this week, although the panel encouraged her to smile more in future camera challenges.

Mikel incorporated green into his room by painting each wall a thyme hue. The walls made the room look industrial, which Mikel could not save with mid-century furniture and a vintage credenza. His disappointing space, combined with an off-topic camera challenge, sent Mikel home this week. Now it’s down to three girls for the title of Design Star. I’m guessing the claws come out next week, especially if HGTV producers have anything to say about it.