Season four of HGTV's Design Star came to an end last night with the final two designers completing the biggest challenge in the show's history. Antonio, known for his edgy designs and laid-back attitude, and Dan, the talented and sweet-natured kid of the bunch, both redesigned an entire house in only 44 hours. Both designers were cool and confident throughout the challenge, and their final products were nothing short of stunning. These guys know their stuff, and they deserved to make it to the end of the show, beating out nine other contestants for a shot at their own series on HGTV. But there could be only one winner.
I'll admit it. I cheered when Antonio Ballatore walked away with the prize. Antonio's designs were always innovative, bold and exciting, and it seemed like the guy never met a space he couldn't transform into something unique.
Plus, his relaxed personality and punk rock style stand in stark contrast to the freshly-scrubbed, inoffensive faces that populate HGTV's design shows. He might not be everyone's favorite, but Antonio's show promises to be something unique for the cable network, and that's why I'll be tuning in. Are you looking forward to Antonio's new show?
Remember to vote for your favorite designer to win an online show (I'm voting for Dan).
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 4)
9-14-2009 @ 12:15PM
Diane said...
NO! NO! NO! Last night's decision was a travesty. Antonio is pompous and arrogant. He couldn't get along with his fellow designers. What kind of audience do you want to attract with this guy? Not only will I NEVER watch Antonio's show, I just may curtail general viewing of HGTV. A travesty.
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9-14-2009 @ 6:41PM
carol said...
I totally agree! I will never watch his show - oh judges what were you thinking. Had I come home to that make over I would run away!
Even all the judges complemented Dan not Antonio - was there decision based on design or perhaps a different personality (offensive one at that)!
9-21-2009 @ 1:23PM
commentasaurus said...
You're really not going to watch the channel just because they picked a different type of guy to host one show? Really?
I get that he might not be in your taste, but get a grip.
9-14-2009 @ 12:22PM
gregscan said...
I have no intention of watching his show. Dan was consistently better, and Antonio only won because you wanted a Goth looking decorator, and you felt Dan was too nice looking, like most of your other designers.
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9-14-2009 @ 12:43PM
Xina said...
Goth looking designer? Are you serious?
Come to my son's high school, and I am sure anyone can point out who the Goth kids are....Antonio wouldn't be one of them.
That said...Heck yeah I will watch his show. I am glad they didn't pick another 'safe' choice to mimic all their other safe shows. Antonio is a hoot.
9-14-2009 @ 1:11PM
CG said...
HGTV has to expand its audiance base and Antonio is the person to bring about change. Men and women want to see someone they can relate to with raw talent. The show does not need another person similiar to those currently scheduled. Antonio was consistent thoughout the entire series with great designs and a new sense of imigination. I will watch his series.
9-16-2009 @ 9:24AM
Patricia said...
You just made it easier for me to quit HGTV completely. Antonio should be designing truck stops, no class at all, just arogant and grossly misdirected.
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9-21-2009 @ 1:24PM
commentasaurus said...
Have you studied design? I think many people, like yourself, who make snap judgments about the contestants actually just base it on who is nicer and not who has more to say with their designs. Both contestants would make good hosts, but Antonio brought a unique flair to his stuff.
I for one am sick of seeing rooms that are only willing to go as edgy as mid-century throw backs.
If you want safe, white bread designers then there are a lot of other shows on HGTV.
9-14-2009 @ 12:44PM
Joseph said...
Will I watch? Absolutely NOT!
What a trainwreck! Dan creates rooms that were actually great to look at and live in while Antonio created rooms that would induce vomiting in a blind person.
Seriously HGTV? Really?
I'm glad he didn't do that to my house. You'd have a lawsuit on your hands.
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9-17-2009 @ 12:42AM
Dianna said...
Sorry, Antonio has ZERO design sense. He's great at talking crap and coping attitude. People in middle America won't be able to change their channels fast enough when his program airs.
9-14-2009 @ 1:26PM
Jgreenefields said...
I love Antonio, and will watch him he is fresh, innovative, and unique what he will bring to HGTV will energize a basically " white bread" station.
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9-14-2009 @ 2:24PM
Tammy said...
Based on last nights show, Dan should have won and I wasn't his biggest fan either. Overall, Dan's house was by far, hands down better than Antonio's. I like Antonio, but he just didn't bring it last night. Dan's home seemed to have more built ins, like the teenage bed and the master bed. Both rooms and the color schemes were awesome. I loved the chair in the teen's room (where can I find one?). I thought Antonio's den was hedious to say the least with that fireplace mantle piece - and where was the comfortable seating in the room (Candice puhlease). Not to mention that horrible green room - are you kidding me? It's offensive alright. I felt sorry for those people, I'm sure as soon as this was over, they will be painting that room a different color. And, that itty bitty bed for the toddler. It looked lost the room. Come on judges, you disappointed big time. Dan's white room was the best and he did the better job last night too.
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9-14-2009 @ 5:27PM
Amaryllis said...
I think HGTV made a fine choice picking Antonio as the newest Design Star. He's different, he's edgy, and a nice complement to the first two David Bromstad (my all time favorite) and Kim Myles. If there was a BAD Design Star choice, it was last year's Jennifer Bertrand, whose new 5 part series "Paint Over" is just plain awful, and probably destined for the dustbin after they all air. I think she is the reason why the judges decided to make this year's pick themselves.
I think Dan was a nice guy, and I also liked his last two designs better than Antonio's. But Antonio's were still good, and Dan just comes off like milktoast on camera. I like the idea of having a Design Star who is edgy and pushes the envelope on design. BTW, I don't think Antonio is arrogant AT ALL, but crusty, funny with a sweet center -- which came out several times over the weeks of the show!
Bravo Antonio!
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9-14-2009 @ 3:45PM
frijol yo soy said...
I just want to start off by saying that both contestants are extremely, extremely talented. The feats they pulled in the amounts of time they were given, were extraordinary. Both are incredibly competent designers. With that having been said, I would like to add that Dan was my favorite because I found him to be really warm and endearing. He has a delightfully earnest quality that transcends the screen. I don't think he's common place, because a lot of HGTV hosts come across as phony and a bit obnoxious at times. He would be refreshing. But I have to say that I don't agree with all the Antonio hate. I don't think he's an arrogant jerk. He is incredibly endearing as well. So he's a "dude" so what? That's great. He is hilarious and really gifted. He wasn't rude, he just knew how to take charge when the situation demanded it and he was very kind too. Remember how he helped out Lonnie during the White room challenge when he didn't have to. I know the judges picked him because last night, his house was the better one. It was so totally cutting edge. There is nothing banal about this guy at all. He is so punk rock and I love that. Had Dan done one more thing that would have put him over the top last night, he would have won. He came close with the picture of the mother and daughter. Antonio's was better by a couple degrees, but that's all it takes. I think HGTV will be better off with Antonio on board, but I think the on-line show should go to Dan. What he has accomplished at 27 is amazing. A talent like that won't be overlooked. I wish them both luck in the future.
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9-14-2009 @ 3:58PM
dl said...
Absolutely not, Antoinio is arrogant and does not depict the usual class act I am accustomed to on HGTV
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9-14-2009 @ 5:06PM
Fran said...
How could those 3 judges have picked such trashy designing techniques proposed by Antonio?! The outcome was truly disgusting. They certainly didn't choose a winner based on talent. I actually feel a little sorry for Antonio - surely he knows it was given to him - not won! Great job by Dan!!!! I think my husband will be happy - I won't be watching any program on HGTV that stars Antonio, Vern, Candace, or the other female judge- name(?).
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9-14-2009 @ 5:13PM
Warren said...
No, I won't be watching his show. I figured the judges would pick him in order to bring something 'new' to the network. I really don't care for him or his design work.
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9-14-2009 @ 7:17PM
esther said...
Not in a million years will I watch his show. No overall concept or cohesion and scattered ideas. No vision. Downright mediocracy.
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9-15-2009 @ 12:28AM
Mark said...
NO, I won't. I found Antonio's interiors and color choices to be as discordant and off-putting as his personality. Clearly, he was chosen because he is someone's idea of "real" in style and manner, but I just found him insincerely "sincere", calculating and bullying. I don't necessarily expect the "design star" to be formally educated, but I would like them to have some intuitive good taste, as opposed to being self-consciously "edgy" for its own sake.
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9-15-2009 @ 12:45AM
JR said...
I also cheered when Antonio won last night although I have to admit Dan's house was superior to his last night. However, I think Antonio has produced overall better work and brought a unique perspective. Dan is obviously talented and he was consistently good but a lot of his designs are things I have seen before, although he too had his creative moments.
Dan lost though because his personality and hosting style is much too similar to those already on the network. As with most cable networks nowadays they want to expand their demographics and obviously Antonio would be able to bring in a different type of audience. Dan was also at times awkward on camera although he stepped it for the final challenge. I would have been happy if either of them won, but I'm not surprised that many are angry that Antonio did as he seems to have a polarizing personality. You either like him or you don't, and I for one look forward to seeing what type of show he'll come up with.
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