What can I learn from the GIDC – my take on series 4

(assuming that you have watched, there is not going to be a description of what happened)

After waiting for many months for the new season, it is hard to believe that it is over in three short weeks… so my first observation/question – why only nine participants? The schedule was such, that one of them had to be recycled actually, as a wild card, very sad. I am guessing there are as many candidates to participate, but fewer home owners who would jeopardize their home?

And yet, among the homeowners, there are positively winners. But we must admit that there is no level playing field – some people are handed a spare storage room, others get a well-loved space with ambitions for improvement. So, it is part of the game.

Anyway, back to the subject – 9 candidate designers and what I think I can learn from them, because this blog is all about (learning) interior design.

I will start from the end, and work my way towards quarter-finals.

So, Daniella is not my winner. I have things to learn from her – but her case casts some doubt as to whether the show is not um-hum – guided in a certain direction? Because let’s face it – her home is not impressing, and she was only able to satisfy her clients one out of two times ….and her mistakes are really instances of impracticality. She was advertised as a photographer, but after the show it turns out she worked in fashion – and so many things make sense – like a dress which is not a 100% comfortable, but if it is for an evening, one might bare to were it, so were some of Daniella’s solutions – lovely and impractical.

Also, I couldn't help to notice – up until the final she was paired against an easier competitor. For quarter-finals she was against James, the guy who was having a second chance in spite of not finishing in time. And, sorry Daniela, but he was better on that particular assignment. I am really sorry for him, Daniella should have waited as a wild card, not this guy.

So, what I'd like to learn from James? – I liked his mood boards, with the moving parts. I also like his attention to detail, albeit it wasn't as helpful in a competition. Incidentally – this episode is missing from YouTube at the time of writing, possibly because none of the two designs left any impressions (S04E04)…

Then, Daniella was paired against Richard – the wild card! For the semi-finals, I liked her work better, but Richard had the most impossible client. From his design I like to learn the unexpected. The photo here-under shows such an instance – the flamingo coloured dressing table! It is a shame that Richard didn't have more confidence.

Then Daniella made it to the final, and against my favorite Oliver – so no more "easy" competitors to her. I absolutely liked Oliver's style: so eclectic, confident, put together. Also attention to details. And how resourceful – he must write a book about all the mock-crock, trimmings, darker skirting. I think he has every trick in the trade – am looking forward to see his creations, which I am sure there'll be plenty of! Actually, at times, I wish I could give up on designing my apartment, and have someone like Oliver do it for me! On this show he never designed a bad, not even mediocre, room. Probably is the right person to spice my space, should I fail to do so myselfJ

As to Daniella – well – I liked her mood-boards very much – especially the way she recreates 3-dimensional space, and the way she plays with photographs. A few pictures of her creations to mark my point. I have to try those tricks with my work. I also admire her knowledge of different styles; probably she'd be better with a little bit more of colour – like in the semi-finals, and if she would use less fabric – not good for maintenance!

Now, one person who'd I would have loved to see competing against Daniela would have been Nicholas – just like hers, his designs were initially meant for another business, namely the stage. I absolutely liked the way he improved over the rounds. I think his final work was the best, albeit not as good as Oliver's. I liked very much his confidence, artistic touch and calm.

Last but not least – Shaida… I thought she would have been the wild card, because unlike the other too, she mastered the process. So, would have been a safe bet to show something carefully thought through and completed. But, I also agree with the judges, that she recycles the same theme. And yet, as with the others – there is something to learn from Shaida – I like her space planning.

In fact, her living cum dining room is one scheme I haven't tried for mine, so this is going to be the contribution to my project.

I checked the sharp against the pastel features, and went for pastel of course!

To make it quick, I use Sketchup for this one. Also, the furniture is what’s in the 3D store, but it may stand for improvement. For instance, the bookcases must have space for a TV, a smaller armchair may do the job better. Another option is no armchair – the place is really seriously small.

In my perfect room though, the armchair is set in a way to be lit by the afternoon sun.

I like to have the table next to the window too. The biggest problem, in my case, is that the bathroom door should not be the focal point, and it looks like just about the case. Do you agree?

So, Shaida’s space planning cannot be recycled 100% on this one, but I am glad to have tried. At this point in time, my interior design apprenticeship is trial and error, preferably on paper and not in the apartment self. Wish I had the courage to try Oliver’s colours!

Having said that – I will miss GIDC a lot, cross my fingers for more and better participants. Until then, can always watch old episodes, and cannot repeat it enough – there is something to learn from everyone!