Candice Olson

HGTV Design Star Season 5: Courtland Bascon Interview

If Venetian plasterers are looking for a poster boy, they could scarcely do better than Design Star castoff Courtland Bascon.  Known for faux finishes and V-neck shirts, he caused quite a stir during the seventh episode when he outed himself. [...]

HGTV’s Design Star Season 5: Tom Vecchione Interview

When I connected with Design Star castoff Tom Vecchione yesterday afternoon, I loved him immediately.  What a great laugh!  What interesting insight!  He’s knowledgeable and articulate without coming off as snotty or above anyone.  His quiet confidence stands in sharp [...]

HGTV’s Design Star Season 5, Episode 6: Trump’d!

All hail the returning Red Team designers who arrive Nina-less, to everyone’s complete delight.  “This is probably the best outcome of any elimination to date,” says a relieved Stacey Cohen.  “She’s gone.  Like, do you know what a relief that [...]

HGTV’s Design Star Season 5 Episode 5: Firemen’s Bawl

THE CHALLENGE: Design a common space for real firefighters in a real firehouse.  Each designer must incorporate one signature element into the team design.  But first, step into this flame-retardant outfit and let us torch you for television! [...]

HGTV’s Design Star Season 5, Episode 4: Flower Power

This week’s episode of HGTV’s Design Star takes us to New York City’s flower district for design inspiration.  Not a bad idea by any stretch, but with nary a client in sight over the past three episodes, we’re in the [...]

HGTV’s Design Star Season 5, Ep. 2: Fashion Foul

This season of The Apprentice continues, opening this episode at the living quarters, where the top 6 from last episode kick back with adult bevs, speculating about who they think the judges will send home.  Cue the shock and awe [...]

HGTV’s Design Star, Season 5: Julie Khuu Interview

It's never easy to be the first one sent home on a reality competition show, but HGTV Design Star Season 5 finalist Julie Khuu is taking her dismissal after the premiere episode in stride.  I spoke to the Santa Ana [...]

HGTV’s Design Star, Season 5: Premiere Episode!

Thanks to my originally-a-client-now-a-dear-friend Kathryn, I am able to watch last night’s premiere of HGTV’s Design Star Season 5 without fear of blown breakers. And gawd knows I wouldn’t serve myself anything as nice as the Prosecco Royales Kathryn mixes [...]