I'm not doing a funny recap this week of Design Star – because: A) nothing funny happened. And B) there is nothing funny about the fact that New Orleans is still struggling three years after Hurricane Katrina. I love that city, and it is a crying shame that entire neighborhoods still lay in ruins. The local, state, and federal governments should be ASHAMED.
My sermon is over. This week’s final challenge will determine whether Matt or Jennifer becomes the next Design Star. Their challenge: help a family who lost everything in the hurricane to rebuild. Specifically, they will each do a kitchen, living room and dining room in 36 hours over four days. They will have $20,000, Sears appliances, Lumber Liquidators flooring, and the help of carpenters.
John Oleaga is a police officer who helped secure the Lower Ninth Ward in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We meet John, his wife, and his mother (I think). Matt will help them create a "minimalist" masterpiece in their formerly flooded-out home.
Mike Gowland has been a New Orleans firefighter for 16 years, and helped feed the other first-responders after the hurricane hit. He tearfully tells us that he's not looking for a hand-out, but they "could use a hand". Mike's wife likes a red kitchen (as do I), and Jen is going to hook her up.
On the first day, they each get one carpenter, who basically clears out all the debris - and begins some painting. Both Jenn and Matt shop for appliances and flooring. Matt selects "Brazilian" flooring, which sounds like an excellent choice to me.
On Day #2, Trish arrives to help Matt, and Mikey V arrives to help Jen. How YOU doin', Papi?!? Mikey V is TOO cute. I may have mentioned that once or twice over this past season. Both Matt and Jen will have a team of carpenters working today and tomorrow - and Trish and Mikey V will switch and work with the other designer tomorrow.
Day #3 is all about finishing up the big jobs - installing appliances, painting, and woodwork. Trish is now with Jen, and Mikey is with Matt (hands OFF, Robot Happy Guy!). Tomorrow, Matt and Jen will finish up by themselves, and need to get the big stuff done today.
Day #4 - they have four hours to get their homes into "reveal" condition. Jen has a mini-breakdown about the sectional couch. Matt remains "Robot Happy Guy". Time's up!
Vern, Martha, and Cynthia arrive to watch Matt and Jennifer do their hosting segments. The judges seem quite impressed with both of them, with Cynthia saying that they are "a million times better" than last season. SUCK IT Kim Myles! I have to say, I'm LOVING the red cabinets in Jen's kitchen, but since when does a girl from Iowa refer to a television as a "telly?". Cheerio, old chap!
Each family gets to see their new homes, and both are thrilled. At the end, the St. Augustine High School Marching Band marches down the street and serenades the happy families. Clive gives the band a check for $5,000 (not a bad gig!) from HGTV and the band ends the show with "When the Saints Go Marching In".
To vote: go to HGTV.com. Click on the "Vote Now" icon (or simply click here). You will see a round circle underneath the designtestant you'd like to vote for (MATT!). Click on this circle under your favorite designer (MATT!). Then click the "VOTE" box between Matt and Jen's pictures. You can vote in this manner once per day. However, if you have a work and a home computer, you can vote TWICE.
To vote via text message, send the letter “B” (for MATT!) to HGTV1 (44881). You can vote in this manner up to 5 times per day.
Next week: The winner will be revealed! In the promo, they said ALL NINE designers return to “set the record straight”. There have been reports that Mikey V has been dis-invited to the finale, but I haven’t been able to confirm this. I will let you know if I find out anything.
To vote via text message, send the letter “B” (for MATT!) to HGTV1 (44881). You can vote in this manner up to 5 times per day.
Next week: The winner will be revealed! In the promo, they said ALL NINE designers return to “set the record straight”. There have been reports that Mikey V has been dis-invited to the finale, but I haven’t been able to confirm this. I will let you know if I find out anything.
