Comments

1. 

   Michelle

   September 14th, 2009 - 10:43:37 AM

   Design Star never reaches the water cooler gossip levels because picking the winner is so inconsistent. I did an informal poll of 26 people who watched it and 24 out of 26 think the wrong guy won. Antonio leaves rooms unaccessorized, the colors can be garish and mismatched with no appeal or flow. If anyone Tivo'd it, go back and look at the face of the guy who's house he 'transformed.' He was not happy and all the wife could say was "oh my God" over and over. Thats not a ringing endorsement. He designs everything the same way, and really doesn't appear to take in what the customer really wants. Dan got screwed.

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2. 

   SAT Girl

   September 14th, 2009 - 10:55:35 AM

   I'm very disappointed in this article turning Design Star into a competition between the Straight and the Gay. I didn't even realize Dan was Gay, nor do I care. Some people will stoop to anything to get their article read. I'm very disappointed that Design Star does not seem to have requirements that must be met when determining what is good design and bad design, such as whether the design really meets the requirements of the family, is functionally well put together, creative, cohesive, attractive, etc. Other considerations besides wild colors. You could definitely tell there was little forethought or planning in Antonio's design. He was slamming stuff together and flying by the seat of his pants with the mess he threw together, all the way. I don't see the Designer in him. He manages to come up with gimmicks - like making stars and putting them on the wall. A first grader can do that. The furniture from Antonio's final living room design looked like "garage sale" finds or "junk"' from a local flea market. With a $50,000 budget that would allow him to buy quality furniture for that family, buying junk for them was shameful. Not to mention the ridiculous color scheme that looked like something from South of the Border. There was no consistency between the traditional kitchen and the poorly thrown together living room and the "in your face" green of the bedroom. Plus he removed a two sink vanity and replaced it with a very small one sink vanity which I"m sure turned into a problem for that family. He also didn't give them the sitting room area in the bedroom like they wanted. He should have been nailed on both of those botches. Had I been the owner of the house, as soon as Antonio walked out the door I would have called the Salvation Army to get the junk out of my house, and then called Dan Vickery to redesign it. I think very few people want wild and ridiculous colors in their house and poor functionality. Dan has consistently shown classy, sophisted designs with colors and creativity that lives well in most any home. You could tell Dan put alot of thought in his designs to meet the needs of the family he was working for, yet add a creative edge. The house that he worked with in the final design was very small and he put out alot of effort to make and buy furniture that was very functional to accomodate the small space, and added mirrors to make the rooms appear larger. I loved that he hid the TV behind mirrors. Very classy. He tied all of the rooms together and they were all beautiful. Exactly the kind of designer I would want working in my home. I don't see Candice, Genivive or Vern doing wild or ridiulous things in their designs. Their designs are all tastefully done like Dan's. It's disappointing that Design Star does not consider how well people get along on the set and keep that in mind when making their final selections. Being a Designer is not just about design, it also includes being able to work well with others and enhance the reputation of the company you are working for. HGTV should be shopping for liability insurance right now to cover Antonio before he ever gets started. He definitely has the "get out of my way or I will punch you out. Very arrogant. Let a customer disagree with him and I can see a punching match in progress. The one little incident when he helped Lonnie does not change all the other times he was rude, dominating\controlling, and had no consideration for anyone else. It's disappointing that Candice Olson, who is one of my favorite designers, thinks that being a "bad boy" is cute and conducive to being a good designer. I see his behavior as low class. An I see alot of poor judgement on the part of the judges. I think Antonio's hosting skills is horrible. He mumbles, has no idea what to say, and his grammar is terrible. I'm shocked that HGTV thinks this person represents them well. And by the way who wants someone slamming their fist on your furniture. And why would anyone think that is cute. Unbelieveable Candice! I thought Dan's hostings skills were very good. He was energetic, passionate, always very nice, seemed to instinctively be able to explain his designs well, and seems to be a truly happy person. It's rare to come across anyone that actually seems to be happy these days. A huge missed opportunity on HGTV's part and not seeing who has the real design genius and potential - Dan Vickery. I wonder what kind of projects they have in mind for Antonio? Redesigning a trailer trash bar or wrecking yard would fit. I think he is just low-class all the way. I wouldn't want him in my house and I won't be watching his show. Sign me - "Very disappointed in HGTV Design Star Judge's for 2009."

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3. 

   Irish Girl

   September 14th, 2009 - 12:51:31 PM

   I never look for a place to voice my opinion regarding these reality shows but I couldn't believe what I saw last night. HGTV must be looking for a lunky deez and doz carpenter because they sure didn't hire a designer.

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4. 

   Taylour Bittner

   September 14th, 2009 - 1:10:21 PM

   When I saw the finale to this show, I literally burst into tears. How could they rip off Dan like that? Have you seen his designs? As far as I'm concerned, they are way better then Antonio's. And who wants a host saying "Yo, yo, yo" over and over again. It's amazing how Vern said, Antonio's design scheme was OFF and how he liked Dan's way of getting rid of the window that the mom NEVER used and you're gonna kick him off? I'm a 13 year old girl and I know that Dan should have and DESERVED to win. I'm very dissapointed in Candace, Genevieve, and Vern. I doubt anybody will be interested in Antonio's show..

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5. 

   Diana

   September 14th, 2009 - 2:53:23 PM

   Wow, what a disappointment that Antonio won Design Star!! He never listened to the client, has an over-inflated narcissistic ego and is disgusting to watch. If I were Kathy Griffin or the Star family I would have sued HGTV and demanded a "do-over". On the other hand, Dan and Lonni were great at design as well as enjoyable and fun to watch. Well, Antonio's show will be one hour of HGTV I don't have to worry about watching.

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6. 

   DmoLin07

   September 14th, 2009 - 7:29:55 PM

   For all you haters....Antonio is the Man!!!! Antonio is a great designer as well as an astounding entertainer where your boy Dan, is wizzack!!! His designs were awful not to mention how he knew 10 thousand dollars was not allocated to a miserable pergola. The right man won and I am sure that all you haters will be plopped down on your couch next year loving his show!!! Antonio..you rock!!!!!

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7. 

   Omar

   September 14th, 2009 - 8:25:36 PM

   I will give you a little insight into a few things that probably went through the minds of the judges. 1) those who knock Antonio's designs obviously must have been very attached to Dan from early on, though Dan does do very well, I don't think Antonio's designs were garbage, they always made me feel as though he did well (though the last one was not my fav.) So I really felt as though they were both putting out quality work. 2) look at Dan and look at the rest of the designers on the entire HGTV line up, Dan is just another picture perfect well kept hunky looking guy, whereas Antonio brings something else to the table that would appeal to an entirely different spectrum. I enjoy watching Antonio he makes me smile and I like the fact he doesn't sound super scripted and perfectly articulate, he just seems like someone who after he redecorates your house you could offer him a beer and kick it with for a bit. I am a guy and I do get tired of feeling like unless you are metro or gay you won't cut it on HGTV. People will watch his show, if you are not a fan feel free not to watch it, but I am honestly looking forward to the breathe of fresh air antonio will be.

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8. 

   Kathryn Hecker

   September 14th, 2009 - 9:24:07 PM

   You couldn't pay me to watch Antonio's new show! Dan's show would have been a pleasure to watch. I am totally floored by last night's outcome! Are you kidding me???? I hope Dan gets the online show although he certainly deserves so much more! Two thumbs way down hgtv!

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9. 

   LoriKal

   September 15th, 2009 - 8:32:09 AM

   Way to go, Antonio!!! The right man DID win and I, for one, can't wait for his show! Dan's an awesome designer and I'm sure we haven't seen the last of him (as well as some others, like Lonni). However, Antonio consistently got the job done week after week. Maybe this or that could have been done differently, but basically he was on his game from the word go. Great choice Candice, Vern & Genevieve!

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10. 

    Joan Case

    September 15th, 2009 - 3:52:23 PM

    I get a kick from the strong opinions of tv shows. My goodness, did you give this much passion and consideration to the past election. At least the lucky people chosen for makeovers still have a home to make over. And why do you care who wins? the show was for entertainment purposes, if you don't like what you see change the channel or turn the darn thing off! Really, get a life.

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11. 

    Kathy Lynn

    September 16th, 2009 - 5:02:43 PM

    I agree with Omar. Dan is a very good designer, very attractive, very 'perfect' and definetly appeals to the designer type of viewer. But that is boring. I'm not a fan of grungy, tattooed guys either, but Anotonio is definetly different, and very entertaining. I didn't notice his arrogance, but I did feel he was real and down to earth. And I love that he didn't go to school to learn this. It is from deep within. How cool is that? I may not even agree with some of his designs, but I will enjoy watching him. Dan's giggly drove me nuts! Sorry Dan! But you will do fine and have more work than you'll know what to do with.

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12. 

    Jason

    September 16th, 2009 - 6:26:51 PM

    Cmon people...Design Star is just a vehicle for introducing a new show. You're not really buying into it as a competition are you? As entertaining as it is, in reality Antonio was selected long before the show started.

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13. 

    Honeybun

    September 19th, 2009 - 6:34:27 PM

    Dan was trying to be David from season 1. There will never be another David. Ant is the man and his show will be fresh. Why do we always want everything and everybody to be the same?

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14. 

    Linda Hutto

    September 20th, 2009 - 9:01:25 PM

    Antonio --Let's RIDE and I know we will have FUN!!! I watched everyone of the shows and I think I could fall in love. You were so very refreshing and you won with me after the first show and all the pink geese. For ALL of you with narrow minds and negative comments(Iwill try to be kind)You should do more than get a life --you should take a breath. Apparently you were not looking for the BEST. I was and he won without any real competition. I just finished watching your show tonight (Sept.20th "the ANTONIO project") and I was a little-LOT disappointed. WHY?? You say. Because I wasn't invited to your party. That's right we really haven't met YET. Your personality was wonderful,your ideas were so refreshing,your laugh was so very MANLY and I felt like we had already known each other for sometime. Please forgive me if I am comming across as too forward since we haven't really met YET. ha-ha I am so much like you in personality--I love to laugh and have fun. To ALL of you that have given your crazy/negative remarks I started to really juice this up for you BUT --I chose to speak directly to the WINNER--YEAH BABY ANTONIO BALLATORE. He won fair and square--Hands down. I would LOVE for you ANTONIO to come to Texas and do my home as one of your projects. If you are the least bit interested contact me at my websight. lhg@consolidated.net I am going to work on getting you to Texas through H.G.T.V. that's a promise. I was that excited about your work once I saw how the sky was the limit for you. That's exactly how I think too. I will be watching every show that you do. Lot's of luck and I really hope to see you in TEXAS very soon. PEACE BE WITH YOU. By the way I loved your Bulldog.

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15. 

    Annette

    September 20th, 2009 - 11:08:27 PM

    Hi Antonio I just watched your show on doing your house and I loves it. You just make poeple smile. I loved your kitchen, Iloved the rose and your dressers and enjoyed you pink duck. I will look forward to watching what you do next. Annette from alsaka

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16. 

    forester s.

    September 20th, 2009 - 11:25:28 PM

    Now HGTV has reached bottom. Putting design aside, this guy is a mess. He can't speak English. He's arrogant. He's demeaning towards women and he thinks he's sexy. Heaven only knows how completely unattractive he is. (HGTV should watch his comments) I watched his show and thought this was a joke. I bet his show will be cancelled before he can say stoked 3 times fast.

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17. 

    Jean Windell

    September 21st, 2009 - 11:11:12 AM

    I have watched all of the Design Star Shows and was so upset when the judges selected Antonio to be the winner on this seasons show. How could you three designers, who are so good at your jobs, pick someone that is so outlandish in colors and design. His colors are awful, the bedroom would be hard to sleep in with that awful green, and the remakeof the bathroom, which wasn't on the list of things to do, looked like it was out of a cheap motel. We watch HGTV to get ideas for our own houses, and you three judges have so many great ideas. But with Antonio I didn't see any thing that I would want in my house. Dan has such good ideas on color, scale and accessories and Antonio seems to miss or forgets to include them in his design because he is so interested in doing something crazy and thinks it looks good. I did watch Antonios first show last night and am still disappointed that he was chosen. His bedroom was so incomplete, Headboard was awful, no where to sit to take your shows off, the room looked empty. No living room area to sit in the big room with the large large table. The only thing that was halfway decent was the kitchen. Well I just won't need to stay up to watch his show in the future. Jean

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18. 

    Annette

    September 22nd, 2009 - 1:41:56 AM

    I would like to say that everybody has different tastes and thier are many times that I have watched design shows and thier are thing I have liked and disliked about thing that the designers did. No one is going to like everything a person does. This was Anotonios home and it fits him it is not going to be everybodys cup of tea and I think it is very rude of poeple to bash others because they do not share their tastes of colors or style. I will watch Anonio's show. I belived the right man won. I was very moved by the way he treated the little boys room and the wamth that he showed the mother. I just do not understand the comment about him disrespecting women.

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19. 

    Maeve

    September 26th, 2009 - 8:12:18 AM

    Gross. Both the design and the guy. Seriously what guy over 21 called women “chicks”? This guy is 40 and he designs his house like a date raping frat boy’s dream dorm room. Like any girl who is not wasted is going to be in that bathtub. There are so many good tattoo artists and designs and he couldn’t even manage to get a well made or interesting design not to mention way to fetishize latino “chicks”. He’s said in many interviews that he expected to be a rock star by the time he was 40 so maybe he got the shows mixed up and thought he was doing the set design for Rock of Love. Tacky, cheap and with no living room I guess he just plans on getting his “chicks” really wasted at the bars before bringing them straight home to his soft core porn place. Well at least he can rent out the space to porn companies that don’t want to go to the valley to film.

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20. 

    Pat

    October 1st, 2009 - 9:17:56 AM

    Antonio haters need a reality pill. He is good looking geniune and caring. Week by week he stood out, refused to sellout, and is bigger than life on the camera. The way Dan messed the money up on the backyard challenge he should have went home instead of Torie. But Torie was the leader doing NO leading so that is how she got burned and Dan got the slap on the wrist. Check out the re-runs haters. Antonio won fair and square. I hope Dan got the online show because his designs are nice but his charisma is z----row

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21. 

    Tina

    October 3rd, 2009 - 9:51:53 PM

    Let's face it, Antonio is charming and won all of our hearts whether you admit it or not, that's what HGTV was looking for.

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22. 

    shadoedancer77

    December 22nd, 2009 - 3:24:37 PM

    Judges blew it on their choice of design star 2009...Antonio..He is not a designer, he is an arrogant hoodlum who got lucky. The week he told the judges that if he had to paint something a color that he did not like, he would would walk off, he should have been disqualified on that show. I love most of the HGTV shows, antonio's show I will not watch. I also think letting the panel of judges this year decide the winner instead of the views was a huge mistake. HGTV your mistake will cost you viewers.

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23. 

    Mysticone

    January 3rd, 2010 - 9:45:19 AM

    I was all for Antonio winning last year, but so far what I have seen now, he hasn't impressed me at all. It was a BIG mistake to hire him. He is way to boisterous and acts like he knows it all. This may sound terrible, but he also looks like he could use a good scrubbing. I watch HGTV everyday and have never seen any other designer look or act like he does. He is not the king and should clean up his act. I am really sorry that Dan didn't win, but I am very sure he will be very successful in design. Come on, Antonio, wash up, fix your hair, and dress better.

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24. 

    Judy

    March 14th, 2010 - 9:31:29 PM

    Antonio love the show Mario Lopez is no competition, with your hot dude next door look. Your crew is great just like a bunch of bros workin it out great attitudes good feel!Love Chewy:> I have 3 brothers our fahter the late CT Parker taught all his sons how to built homes. That was his quest in life that each of his children had new homes. (He Succeeded) Just a short story my husband Scotty and brothers were doing finishing work. Scotty is an electrician. Beers were flowing and a little smoke was blowing! Scotty was in the closet hooking up the lights and my one brothers turned the switch on an yells beam me up Scotty, it was late and hysteria had set in. This reminds me of you and your crew and I'm sure many other people watching had good memmories of family and friends to. Thanks for a good show just loving it in OHIO!!!

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