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Nate Berkus did a challenge similar to the WRC. Two design bloggers (not professional designers) had the same space and the same budget and were challenged to decorate a room. In this case it was a bedroom. Each designer came up with a completely different style utilizing the same size bed and an identical trunk. Both rooms were very cool, one more urban and the other kind of "Junk Gypsies" country.

Both rooms gave different solutions to space planning and style. The finished rooms looked like something someone could actually use, rather than being obtuse art installations. I thought his approach was so much more practical as well as relatable. HGTV could learn something about personable instructive programming.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Charles D,

quote:

Originally posted by Charles D:
Nate Berkus did a challenge similar to the WRC. Two design bloggers (not professional designers) had the same space and the same budget and were challenged to decorate a room. In this case it was a bedroom. Each designer came up with a completely different style utilizing the same size bed and an identical trunk. Both rooms were very cool, one more urban and the other kind of "Junk Gypsies" country.

Both rooms gave different solutions to space planning and style. The finished rooms looked like something someone could actually use, rather than being obtuse art installations. I thought his approach was so much more practical as well as relatable. HGTV could learn something about personable instructive programming.

I have to agree with you on that, Charles! It's fine to see if the contestants can think on their feet and give up some sort of imaginative thought to the process ... it's another (IMO) to come up with a hot mess that bears little to no resemblence of the functionality of the space under consideration.

Happened to see the challenge Nate aired the other day. ITA with Charles - both rooms were excellent. In particular, I enjoyed the unique way each used their trunk within the room.

One significant difference w/WRC might be the lack of an extreme time challenge. It wasn't mentioned during Nate's program (IIRC) but I'd assume they probably had a day or two to acquire items on a limited budget to reuse/recycle in NYC. The two bloggers shopped around their homes, allowing them to visit sources they were very familiar with.

Nate's frequently done versions of WRC. On one occasion, he participated himself, competing against his mother, MN designer Nancy Golden. IIRC, they designed a room for a viewer. Incidentally, Nate was declared the winner.

Unfortunately, Nate's syndicated daytime program was cancelled and will end very soon. Haven't heard if he's received a contract from OWN (or any other network) for next season.

Surprised HGTV hasn't given him a weekly gig. OTOH, maybe not. Why spend more for quality programming when you can simply shoot another HH/HHI?

JMHO.

Did not know Nate's show has been cancelled. Guess that explains why his website is no longer updated with the daily episodes. Obviously someone on his staff has already "checked out"

Noticed the other day that the website was seriously behind and had the same thought, Gail.

They should finish airing new episodes by the end of this month. Have to believe that's why lately he's been featuring more of the staff segments.

Last week, IIRC, he had the entire staff appear on stage. That felt like a send-off.

Haven't heard a word about next season for him. Even several O regulars have deserted OWN lately so don't know about that. We're too cheap to add it with the extended cable, lol.

Fortunately, my DVR is set to catch all new shows of his (especially since here it comes on at 3am!!! Guess the local station gave up on his show once it was cancelled!

I was surprised it lasted 2 years, Gail, because several cable systems scheduled it overnight almost immediately.

I was a great fan of his show until he started having all the cooking segments.I only buy interior decorating magazines and if any have any food sections I don't renew.

Teva - usually I fast forwarded through the cooking segments unless it was a particular chef that I liked. Some of the fashion stuff I'd fast forward through too. Will be interesting to see what Nate's next project is considering he moved to New York from Chicago a while back (for the show)