I've been watching this one for the past month or so. It's on Friday mornings (MDT). I've found I have to record it to watch later, but that's pretty normal for HGTV programming.

I like this show- pretty low key for a competition type show. Three designers (different ones each week) compete for the opportunity to redesign a space in a home by first completing two smaller projects.

Today the three designers redesigned a mantel area and a playroom before one winner was chosen to do the master bedroom.

Things I like about this show:

*Even though it's a design competition, it's not silly or over the top.

*I like the opportunity to see three different ideas for a single room or vignette.

*It's fun to play along and say which design I'd choose.

Things I wonder about:

*How long does this take? In some shows, the same room is depicted with three different wall colors. Knowing what I know about dry times for paint, it seems like this could take a really long time- especially when multiple coats of paint might be needed.

*Does the family keep the design they choose for the first two challenges?

*Who sets the budget and pays for it?

*If the designer puts together something custom, will the family have the option of keeping/purchasing it, even if they don't choose that option? (thinking of framed family photos, for example)

Things I don't like:

*scheduling... Friday mornings? Really?

*answers to the above questions are unclear



Over all, I think this is better than a lot of other shows HGTV has aired. I hope they keep it.

Here's a link to the HGTV show page for Design Wars: http://www.hgtv.com/design-wars/show/index.html

Thank you, Tomatoqueen! I didn't know this show was being aired at that time slot. I have made a note of it and I am sure I will enjoy watching. Marylee

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mriley,

Hi Tomatoqueen!

Thank you for your kind remarks about Design Wars. I am one of the designers from Design Wars, yesterday's episode, Episode 111.

The low key, lack of sillyness is inpart what attracted me to the show. You pose some good questions...here are some answers...

The items from first challenges are removed from houses.

The wall paint challenge is filmed over three days, one design/color per day.

The show sets the budgets for the projects.

I believe the homeowner could have purchased the
framed photos if they chose to.

I also agree with your time slot concern...it aires at 1pm on the east coast-not much better!

Cheers!
Daniel

Daniel, thank you for posting. We appreciate getting information from the participants (rather than speculation).

I have not seen the show yet though it is on at lunchtime (noon, central) when I usually have HGTV on. I will look for it next Friday.

Thanks, TQ, for the information.

Thanks, Daniel, for the answers to TQ's questions. I was wondering about the first two challenges, too, and if the homeowners got to keep the winning designs.

This is one of those shows that is not heavily promoted but that I enjoy and have now set to record so that I won't miss it - whenever they decide to air it! I often like parts of each design and appreciate seeing three options for the same space. Hope Design Wars stays on the schedule.

Hey Dan! You Rock! Loved your designs!

Thanks for answering my questions. This show has become one of my new favorites.

I found one more :dislike: though... When I go to HGTV's Designer's Portfolio to look for more from the designers (or just a closer look of the designs from the show), I've had a difficult time finding them.

I figure, if I could remember the designer's full name (with correct spelling) then maybe I'd be able to find it... but I think HGTV should have a special "Design Wars" section for this to make it easier for viewers.

But that's a minor complaint. I'll probably find things just fine with a little bit of work. (I just think I shouldn't have to work for it )

Best of Luck to you, Dan, and all the DW Designers!
TQ

Thanks Kalo! I think the show is a great concept. The homeowners don't keep the winning designs for the challenges-everything is cleared out! They do get to keep and enjoy the final project, which is financed by the show. Great reward don't you think?! 

I was expecting the show to have received at least some promotion. Not sure it is a network fav as it was scheduled to air in Nov 2011 during prime time on Sundays, then, was edited from a 1 hr format to its 1/2 hr 
Format. It was choc full of how to tips originally! And there were three challenges not two.

TQ, totally agree, we all work hard enough. Viewing basic info like that should not be a challenge. I have not been able to find any info about the series on the HGTV site beyond airing times!

Anyway, if anyone is interested in my info, you can visit me at www.danieldesantis.com or in Facebook!

Thanks for taking the time to chat, it is exciting to have worked so hard on a project and find that others are actually interested in it to talk about it with you!

i was on 2 episodes, the surfing fleming family and the argentinian jones family. it was a great experience and i'd love to do it again now that i know how this show, and tv design in general, works. we filmed for 5 days and i won the 1st challenge of both my episodes but as dan mentioned, the 1st episode was edited out for the new 30 min format. there is a design wars facebook page where you might find more info on the designers, especially if they're posting or following the page. you can find out more about me at www.facebook.com/eTTadesigns and www.eTTadesigns.com.

TQ, thanks for posting about this show. Saw it this Friday... it was the Argentinian Jones family.

I think it is one of the more enjoyable shows now on HGTV. I was a little disappointed that one the the things they did was a tablescape but seing the playroom done 3 different ways was very interesting.

I've only seen one episode of this show -- the "Beach Party Birthday" episode. The designer who won that one is a friend of one of my cousins & we were on Spring Break, so I was able to see it.

It's really irritating to think that they've made episodes of a show like this that were intended to be hour-long and in prime time and instead of actually showing them, they're ramming re-runs of effing House Hunters down our throats. I really wonder how HGTV goes about making its programming decisions.

Dan - was wondering if any of the homeowners have offered (or are allowed) to go ahead and purchase items used in the other challenges (from the designers or from HGTV)? That would be a plus I would think for some of the times where the secondary challenges greatly improve the look/usability of some of the spaces in the family's home(s).

Gail, I agree. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for the homeowners if they were able to purchase some of the items from the secondary designs.

This show is a wonderful way for the designers to showcase their work to a large audience.

I watched the show today and I thought they did a really good job on their designs. (Although Alesha's designs were not exactly my taste) I liked Kerry's designs and his personality. I hope this show stays around for a long time.

Marylee

I like this show a lot also.I don't remember who gave the initial heads up but thank you as I would have never seen this show without them. One thing I have noticed is there is always one designer whose style is seriously different from the other two and usually not in any way compatible with what the homeowners style is either.

It seems really odd that the homeowners don't get to keep any of the challenge designs...especially with the fact that lots of times it the spaces have been painted and lots of holes put in the walls. But I guess as long as the areas are put back exactly as they started it does give them ideas of what is possible.

I'm just seeing this for the first time. It's the 1/2 version. I really like it. It's weird that they don't get to keep the other stuff... It's weird to do all that work, with painting and installation, and then just take it all away.

I love this show. Definitely a favorite of mine along with the Showhouse Showdown show that follows. I can't believe HGTV has regulated them to daytime programming. They are much better than a lot of the primetime stuff. Full of actual design tips and a great chance to see many different design styles!