Confession #1: I’m not a virgin anymore.
I watched the Season 5 premier and I’m intrigued enough to continue watching. I’m not sure why it’s taken me until the 5th season to discover Design Star but I credit my mother, the HGTV junkie, for enlightening me.

Courtland's room for Nina – Candice gives good advice for framing art. Photo: https://www.hgtv.com/design-star

Tom's room for Julie – Candice's advice applies to art as well. Mix pattern and scale so art stands out. https://www.hgtv.com/design-star

Confession #2: I was not impressed by the production value of the show.
The editing didn’t flow, the Elimination Studio set was confusing – it took me the whole show to figure out what I was looking at,

Design Star Elimination Studio set – the blue sound booth and the TV clash! Photo: https://www.hgtv.com/design-star

and Vern Yip’s scripted dialog at the end of the show was so awkward (“Julie, we don’t think you’re ready for your own television show. I’m sorry, you have been eliminated. Please leave the competition.”) Am I crazy? I want to like it, I really do!

Julie's losing room for Tom – those crazy walls! https://www.hgtv.com/design-star

Julie's room could have used a mellow paint job and art like this – Nick LaVecchia "Untitled" zatista.com

Confession #3: I know one of the Designers.
I’ve worked with Casey Noble on a few projects and she is great. Cast your Fan Vote for Casey! She’s one of the reasons I’ll keep watching this season.

Casey's room for Alex. Photo: https://www.hgtv.com/design-star

If my first impressions of Design Star way off base then set me straight. If we’re on the same page, then tell me I’m not alone. What do you think of Design Star?