Today was lovely intern Caitlin’s last day in the D offices. Suffice to say, I’m melancholy. I like that Caitlin…a lot. But luckily she’s not leaving us high and dry, as she’s agreed to come back next week re-cap the series finale. (See, she’s cool that one.) But until then, here’s Caitlin’s take on last night’s episode. Enjoy — Joslyn

By Caitlin Giddens

After last night’s episode, only three designers remain on Design Star All Stars. Now there is a 66 percent chance of a Dallasite winner, Hilari or Leslie. You know which designer I’m rooting for, so I’ll save you from another Hilari love fest.

But this girl should win. She is an all star. That’s all I’m saying.

On last night’s episode, the top four designers were divided into two teams to revamp the set of The Facts of Life. Dan snagged Hilari, and Tom seemed worried with his match, Leslie. But Tom and Leslie worked well as a team, although they should never go shopping together. Tom made Leslie look low-energy with his speedy shopping. It was a hilarious scene, and also slightly terrifying. 

Tom and Leslie played into the sitcom’s boarding school theme by adding collegiate accessories to the space. I always love Tom’s accessories, especially those he skillfully added to the bookcase, but the judges said he needed to edit. He redeemed himself with the reading nook by the fireplace, a favorite for The Facts of Life star and guest judge Mindy Cohn.

Leslie channeled Cohn’s character, Natalie, by donning roller skaters for the camera challenge. The judges enjoyed Leslie’s personality, but I thought it was gimmicky. Most of Leslie’s decisions were a miss, especially the pale wallpaper, except for the coffee table. Vern told Leslie she could make a living as a coffee table shopper, and I agree. But a coffee table shopper is not a designer, and certainly not an all star.

Although they didn’t win, I thought Hilari and Dan’s space was more appropriate for the challenge of remaking a dated sitcom set. Their space looked fun and more collegiate than Tom and Leslie’s space. And I can attest that most students (i.e. my friends) would prefer spending time in Hilari and Dan’s space. Sure, Hilari’s orange “poofs” did not serve a purpose other than decor. But boarding school students are not too concerned with functionality, besides a study space, which Hilari brilliantly placed where the piano once stood.

In Dan and Hilari’s space, I loved the wallpaper and purple accents on the walls. Those details would translate beautifully on television, as would that gorgeous sofa that Hilari selected. The only misstep in this space was unfortunately an unforgivable one: the green wall. I can’t bash the wall too much because it was Dan’s idea and he suffered enough for the decision with his elimination. But the tennis ball colored wall did take over the space. And Genevieve was right in saying the color looked like it was going to attack you. Although I’m not sure where she was going with the comment about taking your clothes off. That was uncomfortable, especially coming from Genevieve.

Regardless of his green wall decision, Dan should have been in the top three designers. He didn’t have the strongest camera challenge, but neither did Tom. Hilari agreed by saying, “Dan is a true talent. I would have loved to compete side by side with him in the finale.”

If Design Star All Stars hasn’t been dramatic enough for you, check out the finale sneak peek. I’m already excited to see how this one ends.