Sorry it’s taken us so long to turn the D Home blog back on. I’m freezing to death in this office, so it’s difficult to type. I think the classic $1,300 Hermès blanket pictured here might be more effective than the classic buy-one-get-one-free Snuggie I’m currently employing. Anyway, I hope you had a lovely holiday and that you made and keep lots of resolutions that will make you happy and healthy in 2013. I made a few and fully expect that I will have broken them all by 5 pm today. Random: did anyone watch Million Dollar Decorators last night? The Lindsay Lohan stuff was amazing and terrible and why can no one stay on-budget on this show? Also, how excited are we for Downton Abbey this weekend? (Sorry. I know I’m all over the place. I missed you guys.)
Sorry, things have been a little light over here due to finishing the last magazine before our winter holiday. But I’m now committed to reading everything on the Internet. If you—like me—dig gingerbread and are obsessed with Downton Abbey, then this post on Grub Street will make you happy.
We are shipping the last magazine of the year. I am very busy trying to find out Adrienne Maloof’s secret, which Bravo bleeped out of last night’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Also, I am very tired from running (poorly) 26.2 miles. However, I am not too busy to direct you to my friend Jim Williamson’s blog post about filming—but not appearing on—the Dallas episode of Million Dollar Decorators. He doesn’t give up a ton of dirt, but for the record, he is open to making more special guest star turns.
Or rather, the notable decorator re-did a house in Dallas, and the process was revealed on last night’s Million Dollar Decorator. You have to watch it. (I assume Bravo will show it another 129 times between now and Christmas.) In the meantime, you can look at before and after photos and then you can read Kathryn’s thoughts on Dallas shopping and what men want. (Of note: “Men love wood!”)
(image via HGTV)
I mentioned last week that lovely intern Caitlin agreed to come back and recap the Design Star All Star Finale (even though she’s technically not our intern anymore), and she did not disappoint. Here’s her take on last night’s episode. Enjoy — Joslyn
By Caitlin Giddens
Dallas can officially call one of its own the first Design Star All Star. On last night’s finale, Leslie was crowned the winner of the all star title, $25,000, and a guest appearance on an HGTV show.
As you know, I’ve been rooting for a Dallasite to win since season seven of Design Star. My heart was set on Hilari, especially after she proved herself in last night’s challenge. She created an effortlessly chic and functional home inside a 20-foot by 8-foot shipping container. Hilari said the finale was “meticulously edited,” but she walked away like a true winner.
At the end of the challenge, Hilari’s space matched her personality: sophisticated but girly, delightfully surprising, and modestly smart. She created a midcentury modern space with perfectly selected furniture and accessories. Genevieve was not a fan of her salmon colored walls, saying it was disharmonious with Hilari’s other accent colors. But Vern and guest judge Carter Oosterhouse from Million Dollar Rooms loved the space, and appreciated Hilari’s new approach to the challenge. (more…)
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. (more…)
Image via HGTV
Hello, how are you? I’m fine. I have to run tomorrow at 5:15 am, but otherwise, all is well. Okay, you don’t care about any of that, so without further ado, let me present this recap by Caitlin Giddens. On last night’s episode of Design Star All Stars, the five remaining contestants remodeled a condo for Dancing With the Stars regulars Jonathan Roberts and Anna Trebunskaya. But not before taking a few dance cues from the ballroom experts—at my girl Hilari’s request.
With hometown girls Hilari Younger and Leslie Ezelle competing on HGTV’s Design Star All Stars, you know we had to do a weekly recap (and by we, I of course mean our lovely and talented intern Caitlin). Herewith Caitlin’s take on week one. — Joslyn
By Caitlin Giddens
Last night’s premiere of Design Star All Stars reintroduced six of the show’s most memorable contestants to compete for $25,000 and a guest appearance on HGTV. Two Dallas natives, Hilari Younger from season seven and Leslie Ezelle from season six, joined the competition. Leslie seemed concerned she wasn’t the only Dallasite, but Hilari (as always) brought a fresh perspective.
“There are enough fans to go around, and I think if you’re a fan of Leslie you can also be a fan of mine,” Hilari said. “I don’t see the competition that Leslie may think there is. We bring a totally different perspective to design.”
More than Hilari, I see Sparkle Josh as Leslie’s competition. Those two could share hair products. But Leslie does have an interesting background, including a career as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and cruise ship entertainer.
In the premiere, the six designers were tasked to create a white room that displayed their personal taste. But instead of working with unusual products, they were granted full access to Pacific Design Center. Collectively, the designers used $2 million worth of merchandise in their rooms. The finished spaces looked lush and luxurious (as they should) and displayed serious skill from the all stars. (more…)
This week Caitlin takes on last night’s finale of Design Star, cops to a long-standing crush, and shares a few lessons learned along the way. Enjoy!
By Caitlin Giddens
In a surprising season finale, the judges of Design Star crowned Danielle the winner. Her new show, called “Shop This Room,” airs August 4 on HGTV. Danielle impressed David, Vern, and Genevieve by creating a space that her artsy clients loved, and by showing personality in her pilot challenge.
I wasn’t a fan of Danielle’s eclectic space, although her incorporation of the artist’s work was a nice touch. Britany’s makeover met her the client’s needs while looking chic, and included family photos that added warmth to the space. Her “Picture Perfect Spaces” pilot brought energy to the screen, and showed impressive progress from the determined designer.
Although I was surprised that Danielle won, I give her credit for selecting a dream team to work with: Hilari the shopper and Stanley the builder. Danielle must have learned a few things throughout the show, mainly how to manage designers’ strengths to produce a winning space. Since I’m still in denial that Hilari isn’t the next Design Star, I’ll focus on what I learned throughout the show: (more…)
It’s Wednesday. That means it’s time again for our unflappable intern, Caitlin Giddens, to break down last night’s episode of Design Star for us. Enjoy!
By Caitlin Giddens
I knew this day may come: the Design Star episode that we say goodbye to Dallasite design darling Hilari Younger. Last night’s episode challenged the top three designers to decorate a yurt, a wood-framed circular space. Although Hilari designed a stylish, luxurious room, she was sent home. But don’t mourn too much for my new friend because Hilari walked away a winner.
“I feel like the Jennifer Hudson of HGTV,” Hilari said. “They made a huge mistake letting me go but I can’t even imagine the amazing journey ahead. The outpouring of love through social media and blogs from strangers has been so amazing and shows me this was only an icebreaker. Now I can negotiate a much better contract.” (more…)
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. (more…)
(Image via HGTV.)
As promised, here’s Caitlin’s take on Episode Six of Design Star. Enjoy!
By Caitlin Giddens
If you missed Tuesday’s episode of Design Star, do your kitchen a favor and check it out. Sara Peterson, HGTV Magazine editor-in-chief and former D Magazine employee, challenged the designers to create a kitchen to be featured in HGTV. This episode presented an unusual amount of tips for those who watch to actually learn. Apparently that’s Design Star’s intention. But after recently meeting Dallasite designer Hilari, I tune in to watch my new BFF.
The contestants worked in pairs to match the sink to the kitchen, meaning two designers faced elimination. In Rachel and Mikel’s country kitchen, Rachel insisted on toile wallpaper. As always, this episode showed what to avoid when designing a space. Not since “The Yellow Wallpaper” have I been as horrified by walls. That toile was everywhere. Just watching the show, I felt suffocated by the wallpaper. Mikel added rustic touches that the judges loved, including a twine-twisted chandelier. But the Kitchens Cousins, the guest judges this week, said the chandelier was lost in the wallpaper. Rachel’s fatal decision, combined with poor spacing in the kitchen, led to her elimination. She said she hoped her daughter didn’t judge her on the last two competitions. We’ll try not to, and remember Rachel for her first two rooms. (more…)
While we’re loath to ever disparage a day off, the consensus around the office is that a midweek holiday is a bit of a bummer. We’re feeling sluggish, sun worn, and mildly hungover. It’s not a good scene. So we’re giving you a Design Star twofer today… Actually our intrepid intern (thank God for intrepid interns), the lovely Caitlin, is giving you the Design Star action. I’m just staring at my computer and nursing a headache from one to many beverages involving gin.
First up, Caitlin sits down with Dallas’ very own Design Star extraordinaire, Hilari Younger. Stay tuned for Caitlin’s recap of Tuesday’s episode later today.
By Caitlin Giddens
For Hilari Younger, all that glitters is gold: her taste as an interior stylist, her perspective on Design Star, and, most importantly, her heart.
I met the Design Star contestant for coffee at Bridge Bistro in the design district. As I suspected when I saw her joke with fellow contestant Mikel and design the perfect 80s-inspired room, we immediately became friends. I didn’t ask if she won season seven of Design Star. Because after just a few minutes, I decided who I thought the design star was.
“Who you see on the show, I’m that person in real life,” Hilari said. “There are no gimmicks. There’s more to me, but I’m that same person every day.”
(A shot from Hilari’s portfolio via HGTV)
Although she had never seen the show, Hilari auditioned for Design Star after moving to Dallas from Washington, D.C. In Dallas, she worked as a self-employed designer and new mother to Haili while her husband attended SMU Law School on scholarship. “Dallas was a hard nook to crack into as a designer,” Hilari said. “I felt like going over Dallas was the best way to get in.” (more…)
Image via HGTV
It’s Wednesday. That means it’s time again for our unflappable intern, Caitlin Giddens, to break down last night’s episode of Design Star for us. Enjoy!
By Caitlin Giddens
There are some moments the design world would prefer to forget: wood paneling, floral wallpaper, and the entire 1980s. But Dallasite Hilari redefined the decade by creating a chic yet fun 80s-inspired room on last night’s episode of Design Star.
The seven remaining contestants were challenged to design lounge rooms for Hollywood’s 125th birthday party. Each room took on the persona of a different time period, from Victorian to the 1970s. But some contestants took the challenge too literally, and let their rooms define them. Kris channeled the 1970s not only in his room, but in his tacky accessories, poor furniture placement, and awkward camera challenge. Genevieve said the room looked like a basement HGTV would remodel. And his disappointing space, combined with a camera challenge that made him look like a game show host, led to Kris’s elimination.
After drawing the Victorian card, Rachel seemed lost. She wandered around the prop store, saying she thought 18th century design was stuffy and dusty. Maybe she’s never seen a PBS series, or she missed D Home’s advice on French-ifying your home. (more…)
(Image via HGTV)
It’s Design Star recap time again, and we’ve got the full low-down (the hits, the misses, the antics), courtesy of our intrepid intern Caitlin Giddens. Enjoy!
By Caitlin Giddens
Watch out, ya’ll. Hilari has stepped up to compete for Design Star. The Dallasite has worried us in past challenges, especially when matched with Danielle last week. I still shudder at the thought of their unfinished PR closet. But if there’s one skill Hilari, and all other Dallas girls, has mastered, it’s the art of shopping.
Hilari showed refined taste, an eye for proportions, and a genuinely fun attitude while shopping for the living area sofa. She was paired with Mikel this week, forming an adorable duo that immediately became best friends.
Host of HGTV’s The High Low Project, Sabrina Soto guest judged as the eight contestants designed two neighbors’ indoor and outdoor living spaces. Last night’s episode was the first time the contestants worked with actual homeowners. And after seeing the spaces Britany, Stanley, Hilari, and Mikel designed for the first family, I’m ready to move in with the couple. Do you think they’d mind? (more…)
