Final 3!!!
If you're in town this holiday weekend, join us at the usual time and place!
Drink Special/5 Boroughs Ice Cream all night long
When: Sunday, September 2, 8:00PM
Location: 3 Steps Bar
322 2nd Ave. (SE corner of 19th St.)
NYC
Friday, August 31, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Challenge #5-Wayne Newton's Guest House
Kitchen + Robb...oh my.
The Newton's however are delightful; meeting a legend like Wayne was a real thrill!
What worked:
I loved the colors in the kitchen, the multiple mirrors, and all of my furniture choices. In particular, I thought that the wall colors made the room warm, inviting, and stimulating to the eye and pallet.
Hosting: Relief! The mojo flowed, and it felt good!
What didn't:
Wayne and his wife wanted a 'professional/restaurant'-styIe space, so I felt that 'less was more'. Upon seeing it on TV though, less was just...less. (My learning curve during this process has been crazy...it's a crash course in real-world execution, except it's playing out on TV.)
In a perfect 'Design Star' world, I'd have filled the glass vessels with dry goods: peas, beans, rice, etc. It would have given them a pop of color and a purpose, while remaining simple. I'd also have set the table. (Plus, our fridge was on the lawn (!), and our windows went naked. Obviously, these things would've been properly executed during the time alloted.)
Obviously, working with Robb was HEINOUS.
Producing a cohesive, well executed design when working with an abusive personality is tough. It felt like every decision was a fight, and that negative vibe took valuable time and energy away from our task. Our room's weaknesses were a true reflection of the discord between us.
When you're in the final 4, you want your project to be smart, successful and beautifully executed, so falling short in any way is a real blow.
Final thoughts:
Well, the secret is out: I'm feisty, and I don't suffer bullies.
I decided to tell the truth about our corrosive working relationship during elimination, and it was risky. The showdown was hard, but I was NOT going down without a fight! The judges were horrified and found it unpleasant to witness... I agree, but all I can say is, 'welcome to the past 24 hours of my life'.
I feel truly blessed to be one of the Final 3! Will and Todd are both super talented individuals, and I am walking on air.
As for Robb -- buh-by!
The Newton's however are delightful; meeting a legend like Wayne was a real thrill!
What worked:
I loved the colors in the kitchen, the multiple mirrors, and all of my furniture choices. In particular, I thought that the wall colors made the room warm, inviting, and stimulating to the eye and pallet.
Hosting: Relief! The mojo flowed, and it felt good!
What didn't:
Wayne and his wife wanted a 'professional/restaurant'-styIe space, so I felt that 'less was more'. Upon seeing it on TV though, less was just...less. (My learning curve during this process has been crazy...it's a crash course in real-world execution, except it's playing out on TV.)
In a perfect 'Design Star' world, I'd have filled the glass vessels with dry goods: peas, beans, rice, etc. It would have given them a pop of color and a purpose, while remaining simple. I'd also have set the table. (Plus, our fridge was on the lawn (!), and our windows went naked. Obviously, these things would've been properly executed during the time alloted.)
Obviously, working with Robb was HEINOUS.
Producing a cohesive, well executed design when working with an abusive personality is tough. It felt like every decision was a fight, and that negative vibe took valuable time and energy away from our task. Our room's weaknesses were a true reflection of the discord between us.
When you're in the final 4, you want your project to be smart, successful and beautifully executed, so falling short in any way is a real blow.
Final thoughts:
Well, the secret is out: I'm feisty, and I don't suffer bullies.
I decided to tell the truth about our corrosive working relationship during elimination, and it was risky. The showdown was hard, but I was NOT going down without a fight! The judges were horrified and found it unpleasant to witness... I agree, but all I can say is, 'welcome to the past 24 hours of my life'.
I feel truly blessed to be one of the Final 3! Will and Todd are both super talented individuals, and I am walking on air.
As for Robb -- buh-by!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
'Final Four' Design Star Viewing Party
Oh, it's ON. Wayne Newton, Robb (AAARRRRrrggghhh!!!), and your's truly. Need I say more?
Please join Scott and I to watch the fun!
Drink Special / 5 Boroughs Ice Cream all night long.
Hope to see you there! Kim & Scott
When: Sunday, August 26, 8:00PM
Location: 3 Steps Bar
322 2nd Ave. (SE corner of 19th St.)
NYC
Please join Scott and I to watch the fun!
Drink Special / 5 Boroughs Ice Cream all night long.
Hope to see you there! Kim & Scott
When: Sunday, August 26, 8:00PM
Location: 3 Steps Bar
322 2nd Ave. (SE corner of 19th St.)
NYC
Monday, August 20, 2007
Challenge #4 - Vegas Wedding
This one was certainly interesting**...
Our happy couple was just that: HAPPY. All of the elements that they loved about Robb's design seemed to translate well for them (and the bride cried happy tears; a sure sign that we'd done something right).
What worked (but was not shown):
My choice to redirect the floral centerpieces was an important one -- huge sprays (as Robb had proposed) make it hard for guests to see the party going on around them, and inhibit conversations at the table. Making the arrangements compact and low kept them from competing with EVERYTHING else, and added an element of class.
What didn't:
(Again, the client loved it, so this is just me..)
Crushed velvet, giant guitars, lavender boa's, spinning dice and blinking ice cubes.
Enough said.
Final thoughts:
Giving the client their dream wedding was paramount, but it can be tough to find your own voice within a design that goes against your grain. This was a moment when we all had to pull together, and make the best of it.
(For the record: I'm dismayed that the editing makes it seem as though I'm Robb's biggest cheerleader when commenting on his management style. I was actually responding to a direct question that was posed to each of us by the judges, and we ALL gave similar responses. Let's be clear: I'm not a 'Robb Fan'.)
Christina -- She's a lady. She's truly as sweet as she seems.
Sparkle -- Josh is a STAR. Period. (Frankly, I'd tune in to watch him do just about anything on TV.)
**Getting Cancelled by Clients (and not the 3 judges):
On one hand, they're regular folks (not design experts), so it almost cushions the blow.
On the other...they're not design experts. It's depressing to have your dream snuffed out by 2 people (however lovely) who don't deal with design on a regular basis.
Our happy couple was just that: HAPPY. All of the elements that they loved about Robb's design seemed to translate well for them (and the bride cried happy tears; a sure sign that we'd done something right).
What worked (but was not shown):
My choice to redirect the floral centerpieces was an important one -- huge sprays (as Robb had proposed) make it hard for guests to see the party going on around them, and inhibit conversations at the table. Making the arrangements compact and low kept them from competing with EVERYTHING else, and added an element of class.
What didn't:
(Again, the client loved it, so this is just me..)
Crushed velvet, giant guitars, lavender boa's, spinning dice and blinking ice cubes.
Enough said.
Final thoughts:
Giving the client their dream wedding was paramount, but it can be tough to find your own voice within a design that goes against your grain. This was a moment when we all had to pull together, and make the best of it.
(For the record: I'm dismayed that the editing makes it seem as though I'm Robb's biggest cheerleader when commenting on his management style. I was actually responding to a direct question that was posed to each of us by the judges, and we ALL gave similar responses. Let's be clear: I'm not a 'Robb Fan'.)
Christina -- She's a lady. She's truly as sweet as she seems.
Sparkle -- Josh is a STAR. Period. (Frankly, I'd tune in to watch him do just about anything on TV.)
**Getting Cancelled by Clients (and not the 3 judges):
On one hand, they're regular folks (not design experts), so it almost cushions the blow.
On the other...they're not design experts. It's depressing to have your dream snuffed out by 2 people (however lovely) who don't deal with design on a regular basis.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Challenge #3- Blank Rooms
So, I was finally able to show the judges what I can do, and put a bit of distance between myself and the 'We don't know who your are' category. (And, I survived to play another day.)
What worked:
I totally dig the concept of the gingko re-'leaf' wallpaper panels; cheeky simple, fun.
The 'Neapolitan Ice Cream' color story (I LOVE BOLD COLOR, and my husband and I run 5 Boroughs Ice Cream...It was my shout-out to him).
The coffee table treatment. My design projects are all about imagination-- they're creative, sassy, and deliver bang for the buck. (Sorry, make that 99 cents!)
What didn't:
The actuality of the gingko leaf wallpaper. Viewing it on TV was a real lesson in "What's in your head isn't always as cool as you think it will be in reality". Also, Vern felt that my corners looked empty. (I kind of agreed. But then I'll never be accused of being a maximalist.)
In hindsight, I definitely could have executed the following:
1. Using a box cutter blade, I could've sliced out thin, vertical pinstripes in the column lamp shade = visual interest without sacrificing simplicity.
2. Tripled the amount of candles on the floating shelves, and addressed their casings with something textural to create a sculptural moment. Maybe.
I ended up HATING the green fruit/paper/table accents in the room, too. The judges nailed it: they read like after-thought's.
Final thoughts:
Hello, we're dropping like flies! This is alternately upsetting (watching friends get canceled) and a relief (maybe I'll actually be able to get into a bathroom).
Scott!!!!!!! Oh man, was I sad to see him go. He's a huge talent, a fantastic human being, and someone that I plan to call my friend for years to come.
Adrianna, too. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude for teaching me how to use power tools so that I could assist her during the kitchen challenge; Thank you, Adri!! She's a dynamo.
What worked:
I totally dig the concept of the gingko re-'leaf' wallpaper panels; cheeky simple, fun.
The 'Neapolitan Ice Cream' color story (I LOVE BOLD COLOR, and my husband and I run 5 Boroughs Ice Cream...It was my shout-out to him).
The coffee table treatment. My design projects are all about imagination-- they're creative, sassy, and deliver bang for the buck. (Sorry, make that 99 cents!)
What didn't:
The actuality of the gingko leaf wallpaper. Viewing it on TV was a real lesson in "What's in your head isn't always as cool as you think it will be in reality". Also, Vern felt that my corners looked empty. (I kind of agreed. But then I'll never be accused of being a maximalist.)
In hindsight, I definitely could have executed the following:
1. Using a box cutter blade, I could've sliced out thin, vertical pinstripes in the column lamp shade = visual interest without sacrificing simplicity.
2. Tripled the amount of candles on the floating shelves, and addressed their casings with something textural to create a sculptural moment. Maybe.
I ended up HATING the green fruit/paper/table accents in the room, too. The judges nailed it: they read like after-thought's.
Final thoughts:
Hello, we're dropping like flies! This is alternately upsetting (watching friends get canceled) and a relief (maybe I'll actually be able to get into a bathroom).
Scott!!!!!!! Oh man, was I sad to see him go. He's a huge talent, a fantastic human being, and someone that I plan to call my friend for years to come.
Adrianna, too. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude for teaching me how to use power tools so that I could assist her during the kitchen challenge; Thank you, Adri!! She's a dynamo.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Challenge #2: Dueling Kitchens
Oy.
Where to begin? First, I am so glad to have survived the chopping block! Being in the bottom 3 sucks, end of story.
What worked:
I loved our team's color scheme: using the interests of our client as a jumping off point for color inspiration seemed like a natural. (Gotta love wine drinkers!) Sparkle Josh produced a gorgeous dining area for us (So glad he won the $5000 prize; he deserved every bit of it). Also, Adrianna's carpentry skills rocked; we'd have been toast with out her.
I loved our team. I loved that we all respected each other's voices within the project, treated each other with kindness and dignity, and produced what I think is the more attractive kitchen of the 2.
What didn't:
Well, obviously the tile countertop was a freakin' disaster. Let me assure you that there is nothing more sickening than knowing that you are not going to finish the project on time, and your failure to do so will be televised. Mortifying. (Lesson learned?: measure, measure, measure........then go out and get a pre-fab counter top. Thanks to the heinous time constraints of the challenge, we just did not have time to be futzing around with tile.)
Final thoughts:
Green Josh was a sweet, easy going individual. Obviously this was to his detriment when working on a team with Robb and Todd. Just goes to show you how the luck of the draw can totally influence the balance at this stage of the game; he would have fit right in with the temperments on our team.
Neeraja is a Dame, and I adored her. Yes, leadership and execution were an issue for her on this challenge, but working with her was a pleasure (results be damned). She was devilishly funny, and a no bullshit personality -- Personally, I miss her.
Where to begin? First, I am so glad to have survived the chopping block! Being in the bottom 3 sucks, end of story.
What worked:
I loved our team's color scheme: using the interests of our client as a jumping off point for color inspiration seemed like a natural. (Gotta love wine drinkers!) Sparkle Josh produced a gorgeous dining area for us (So glad he won the $5000 prize; he deserved every bit of it). Also, Adrianna's carpentry skills rocked; we'd have been toast with out her.
I loved our team. I loved that we all respected each other's voices within the project, treated each other with kindness and dignity, and produced what I think is the more attractive kitchen of the 2.
What didn't:
Well, obviously the tile countertop was a freakin' disaster. Let me assure you that there is nothing more sickening than knowing that you are not going to finish the project on time, and your failure to do so will be televised. Mortifying. (Lesson learned?: measure, measure, measure........then go out and get a pre-fab counter top. Thanks to the heinous time constraints of the challenge, we just did not have time to be futzing around with tile.)
Final thoughts:
Green Josh was a sweet, easy going individual. Obviously this was to his detriment when working on a team with Robb and Todd. Just goes to show you how the luck of the draw can totally influence the balance at this stage of the game; he would have fit right in with the temperments on our team.
Neeraja is a Dame, and I adored her. Yes, leadership and execution were an issue for her on this challenge, but working with her was a pleasure (results be damned). She was devilishly funny, and a no bullshit personality -- Personally, I miss her.
HGTV's Design Star: First Challenge
Ok, here's where I get to dissect the work that I do on the show. As you know, I'm not a professionally trained designer, so my participation on Design Star (an amazing experience!) carried with it a bit of learning curve. Here are my thoughts.
Challenge 1- Penthouse
Ok, I loved the Dining Pit and Zen Lounge that Scott and I created! (Props to Todd for making a monster table appear out of thin air for us.) It's a space I'd gladly hang out in. Thank God Scott and I were on the same page design-wise, and God bless him for immediately having a very clear starting place and vision.
What worked:
I loved our color palette, the organic feel of all of the wood, and the cleanliness of line. My major design contributions to the space included most of the accessories, the assembling & upholstering of the 2 white lounges, the bench seating upholstery and back rest, and the small hanging lanterns (not the big lamp: I'm still on the fence about that one. Loved EVERYTHING about it but the dangling ropes...but hey, it looked stellar on TV, and added an organic vibe that really softened the space. I learned something on that one. Scott, kudos.).
What didn't:
I still think it's odd that Todd's 1/4 pipe was included with our space. Don't get me wrong, it was a cool 'out of the box' interactive moment, but it didn't have much to do with our 'Zen' situation. Also, if I had it to do over, I'd have gone larger scale with the pillows on the lounges; to my eye they looked a bit dwarfed on TV.
Final Thoughts:
I am beyond thankful that Scott and I had such a great connection and shared a vision. It was such a blessing to pair with a kindred spirit for the first challenge, and I am just so relieved that the judges loved the space. (And that I didn't go home!) The first challenge is anyone's game, and you just never know how it will fall out.
(I miss Lisa, though. She's a gem.)
Challenge 1- Penthouse
Ok, I loved the Dining Pit and Zen Lounge that Scott and I created! (Props to Todd for making a monster table appear out of thin air for us.) It's a space I'd gladly hang out in. Thank God Scott and I were on the same page design-wise, and God bless him for immediately having a very clear starting place and vision.
What worked:
I loved our color palette, the organic feel of all of the wood, and the cleanliness of line. My major design contributions to the space included most of the accessories, the assembling & upholstering of the 2 white lounges, the bench seating upholstery and back rest, and the small hanging lanterns (not the big lamp: I'm still on the fence about that one. Loved EVERYTHING about it but the dangling ropes...but hey, it looked stellar on TV, and added an organic vibe that really softened the space. I learned something on that one. Scott, kudos.).
What didn't:
I still think it's odd that Todd's 1/4 pipe was included with our space. Don't get me wrong, it was a cool 'out of the box' interactive moment, but it didn't have much to do with our 'Zen' situation. Also, if I had it to do over, I'd have gone larger scale with the pillows on the lounges; to my eye they looked a bit dwarfed on TV.
Final Thoughts:
I am beyond thankful that Scott and I had such a great connection and shared a vision. It was such a blessing to pair with a kindred spirit for the first challenge, and I am just so relieved that the judges loved the space. (And that I didn't go home!) The first challenge is anyone's game, and you just never know how it will fall out.
(I miss Lisa, though. She's a gem.)
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