“This room has some really beautiful moments: the bold, striped fireplace commands attention; the combo of zebra, white leather, mirror and crystal set against a moody black backdrop is pure Hollywood glam; simple, two-tone damask patterns add a sense of tradition and comfort that tempers the sharp lines of the very modern wall and floor patterns,” says designer Candice Olson. “However, I think this is a case of both too much and too little. Too many patterns — stripes, checks, zebra and damask — all scream for attention. Undertaking such an ambitious painted floor with very little time prevented Design Star contestants NataLee and Tashica from really finishing this room, and it shows on so many levels, from the shredded bedding to the perplexing mirror/aquarium placement in the fireplace. I would have simply let the striped fireplace graphic be the star; painted the floor white to contrast the black and yellow walls and brought in a large zebra-patterned carpet for interest in the center of the room. This duo's predictable perimeter bed placement reminds me a bit of summer camp — a little more swanky, mind you. I would like to have seen a few beds dressed as sexy daybeds positioned in the center with cocktail tables beside and a spectacular chandelier above, very LA-luxe (in much less time).”
