36 replies to this topic

[Lola16]

Designer Meg Caswell creates absolutely gorgeous spaces for homeowners in her hometown of Chicago. She transforms dull and boring rooms into star-studded kitchens and living spaces!

On HGTV of course, recent Design Star winner, Meg Caswell (the chunky one with no chin), gets her own show based in Chicago. Will this be a dud like Myles of Style or will it be a hit like Color Splash?

I caught an episode tonight entitled Contemporary Meets 1960's Mod. There was an amateurish art wall that's described as "unique art installation will float across the brick wall". It was badly taken photos that were too small stuck on wood blocks arranged haphazardly on the wall. But mirror project beat that by a mile. Meg & Marc the carpenter (Sparky from In A Fix), glued small toys like army men and rubber ducks to a mirror frame which Meg then painted white to make it subtle. OK. Only good thing about the show is Sparky.

http://www.hgtv.com/megs-great-rooms/show/index.html

[twinks]

I saw this show only once, and it was enough. I'm over it.

[MsGonzo]

The arrow is pointing away from Color Splash straight toward Myles of Style. To me, it's really bad, and I have a hard time looking at Meg...sorry!

[Lola16]

I have a hard time looking at Meg

She looks uncomfortable. Not sure if she has a health issue or is just fat.

It reminds me a little of Room Crashers which features a loser from Design Star. He's a big awkward clumsy oaf that does questionable design.

Certainly am not setting my DVR for this one but might catch another one if it happens to come on.

[diydude]

ITA with your opinion WRT Todd, Lola. Always felt to us that he was attempting to cover up his lack of basic skill w/personality. (Never worked for us because we weren't fans of his particular personality.)

Do you realize he's only functioning as a host on RC? They use local designers. If you check out the credits at the end of each episode, it mentions their names/firms. (We rarely watch but noticed that.)

[huahaha]

I have a hard time watching Meg as well, but it's not her weight. (I could watch Barefoot Contessa and 2 Fat Ladies episodes all day.) She appears to have some health issues and is frequently clumsy and uncomfortable on camera. No one in makeup or wardrobe does her any favors, and her voice is terrible for broadcasting (also due to health issues, I believe).

Being on TV doesn't mean having to be beautiful. In fact, I have known beautiful people who don't work on camera at all -- suddenly their gleaming smile looks like horse teeth, their very light skin problems look like pockmarks, etc. TV presenters can get by without beauty as long as they have wit or a great voice or charisma. Unfortunately, Meg seems to be one of those people who's wonderful in person (judging by Design Star and homeowner response to her) but she doesn't translate to TV at all.

[diydude]

Finally got a chance to watch last week's 60's Mod episode. Almost had a heart attack when they said the so-called artwork cost $3,500. My favorite of her small wood blocks - the first one that she'd painted white with nothing else. Laughing, however, because I noticed Meg carefully never said the woman's name, at least after she left her studio. Obviously, she didn't pay up, i.e comp anything. What a waste! I wouldn't have bothered with it, unless she comped it. Alternatively, why not commission a much smaller, but original, piece from her. If you're going to pay, then get something halfway decent.

Yes, loved the way they hung the toy (sprayed w/white spray paint) mirror low enough so the 2 boys can pull those junky toys off the thing. They'll have it totally defaced in no time. In addition, I have news for Meg/Sparky - the plexi won't stop them from climbing on that room divider and the other cut-out items.

Did have one larger issue - it appeared they built-out that ledge for the television. Not sure if the homeowner will appreciate having a smaller room, especially down the road, if/when she decides to sell. In addition, thought they'd mention storage under the ledge but they said nothing. That must mean it has no storage. WRT the nook, the kid play area was o.k., although I believe most people would prefer their desk in that area, secluded. (I know - she probably wanted it out in the open again for childcare purposes.)

The colors and desk were o.k. The coffee table was fine. Liked its pull-out cushions but would have placed them in all 4 cubbies instead of 2. They can store games elsewhere and it would have looked better.

JMHO, as usual.

Edited by diydude, May 27, 2012 @ 12:21 AM.

[Lola16]

Do you realize he's only functioning as a host on RC? They use local designers. If you check out the credits at the end of each episode, it mentions their names/firms.

Wow. So he brings his annoying personality and nothing else? Few rooms that he has done that I have found tolerable let alone like.

She appears to have some health issues and is frequently clumsy and uncomfortable on camera.

ITA - it's not the usual weight issues from being fat, there's something else going on. It's how her torso is so barrel shaped and her neck is so fat. I hope she has had a thorough medical evaluation.

[sheetmoss]

RE: The mod room
Anyone else notice the lighting--the lack of it?

Two sconces in LR and DR chandelier, that was it!

[LivenLetLive]

She looks uncomfortable. Not sure if she has a health issue or is just fat

I always think that she looks like she is about to explode--like she is full of hot gas or something. I agree that a person does not have to be physically perfect to be a good TV personality (although it helps, as interesting as I think that David Bromstad's designs are, the fact that he is good to look at surely played a role in getting the home viewers, hard to believe that they actually let us vote way back when, to vote him in.) I think that Meg is odd looking, and in some ways that makes her fascinating to watch--although probably not in the way that the producers are hoping for.

[diydude]

Great point about the lighting, sheetmoss - or lack thereof. Didn't post about that this time b/c I was so distracted by all the other issues. It's been a recurring theme, however, in Meg's rooms. Without appropriate/sufficient lighting, how can her clients fully utilize their spaces? Plus, she apparently works with an electrician. (I'm never seen Sparky's DIY program but isn't that his background? There's a little irony, huh.) Any given design is worthless, IMHO, without an appropriate lighting plan.


You got it right, Lola. HGTV apparently believes they can sell Todd's personality (haha) so they're essentially using him as an actor - nothing else. He shows up, recites his lines and does the prescribed projects that were conceived/designed by another. Noticed that someone mentioned on another blog that they contacted him to locate some materials used on the show. His office failed to respond. He knows nothing (and apparently cares less) about RC.

All, JMHO.

[Lola16]

I'm never seen Sparky's DIY program but isn't that his background?

I got a crush on Sparky back when he was the electrician on In A Fix and have seen him on other HGTV shows, generally as an electrician but sometimes as a carpenter. I pulled his IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1687051/

HGTV apparently believes they can sell Todd's personality

Ugh, he is so lame! I am hoping that the one episode with the quirky couple that he did the ugly green wave wall mural with matching green t-shirt rag rug was 100% all his design. Hideous.

I checked out Meg's Facebook page and she looks better on there with recent photos. Still fat but not as uncomfortable.

[sheetmoss]

I got a crush on Sparky back when he was the electrician on In A Fix and have seen him on other HGTV shows, generally as an electrician but sometimes as a carpenter.

Do a google search with 'safe search' off and you can see Marc(Sparky)Bartolomeo's knob and tube during his modeling days.

[Lola16]

Do a google search with 'safe search' off

Oh my... I picked "I feel lucky" on the Google search and wowza. Don't understand the one photo with the white fabric. Is that supposed to be boxers? a sheet? Sparky looks the same, just his hair is thinning on top. If he wore boxers during Meg's show that would spice it up.

[diydude]

Had the 60's mod episode on the dvr. Rewatched the reveal so must correct my previous post. That space did contain many pot lights. In fairness, will give Meg a pass on the lighting issue. It's been a recurring problem in her spaces, however. Plus, she doesn't usually review her lighting plan, if one routinely exists.

Didn't see Todd's green wave mural and t-shirt rug. In general, on the Crasher series, they always use local designers so I doubt Todd designed it. My spouse loves HC and Josh actually has significant skills as a contractor, even though his background also includes stand-up. Seeing HC consistently, I've usually been impressed with the individual designer's work. Occasionally, somebody blows it. Sounds like you happened upon that episode on RC, Lola. So, Designer Todd was a good soldier and recited his lines! (lol)

All, JMHO.

[Lola16]

Caught another episode. This was a kitchen for a couple of fitness instructors (judo & pilates). The husband described it as "not 70's cool like the Brady Bunch. More like Baretta." WTH! All I can remember about Baretta was a bird? Unless I'm thinking of another show. I'll have to youtube it.

Meg made lots of flirty comments to Marc. Butts and nipples. OK. Let's grow up peeps.

The design wasn't bad. Wasn't a fan of the poop brown and too bright turquoise but it wasn't too jarring. Personally don't like the built in bench stuff. Very Trading Spaces. Where did the hutch go? Another room? Just gone?

Thought the cabinets were a much better fit style wise in the kitchen than the ones they replaced by a long shot. Loved how Meg maximized the storage. Was ok with the mix of metals - stainless and hammered copper. Also liked how she sunk the fridge so it didn't stick out so much. My fridge is a beast too so I put a long pantry on one side and a mini island on the other with the same depths and stepped height.

Did not like the terracotta holders. Really, cell phones in terracotta? Scratch.

[APinkDiva]

I no longer feel bad about my wicked Meg Caswell thoughts. I just don't find her very attractive at all. I spend more time trying to figure out what needs to be fixed and clearing my throat.

Poor Meg!

I watched a kitchen design episode. She went to a flea market and purchased a flat of wine boxes. *yawn* Save your project and spend that time on shit that I can use - nice cabinets, paint, rugs...

[diydude]

Hated that worthless wine storage, too, Pink. Also hated the two-tone, sideways, double-wide counters/breakfast bar area on that episode - good job making the space feel smaller, Meg. WRT the wine storage, I'll give her one thing - did like the way she extended the kitchen into previously wasted space for their bar. Oops, almost forgot - also hated the ladder that will always be in their way.

WRT the episode w/the banquette - yeah, no mention of the disappearing mudroom, after the producers probably instructed them to dump all those backpacks and junk there. (Amazing how nobody cleans before the HGTV cameras arrive, isn't it?) The small peg row and awful terra-cotta storage (yuch, BTW) won't cut it. Didn't see them at least include under-bench storage in that banquette.

Agree that the cabinet sizes made better overall use of the space but those cabinets appeared incredibly cheap. In addition, they also appeared to have a bad stain job or they probably wouldn't take a stain well. Perhaps they should have had them professionally painted. Also hated the placement of the narrow island down the center of the kitchen, choking off all circulation. Designers, not every kitchen must have an island. Forget that rule, kids. (Stepping off soapbox - )

[Ikatacata]

Somehow ended up with this on (on mute). Episode with couple who can't hang pictures on the wall. The final reveal was certainly nicer than the very bare crummy old furniture, but the tiki bar? WTF? It was so useles in the room and added absolutely nothing at all.

Meg is just odd and I agree with the upthread poster who said she looks as if she is about to explode.

[Writing Wrongs]

I also hated how the tv looked so small in the big wall unit. She should've put another shelf above it.

[LivenLetLive]

I loathed the navy blue she painted the woodwork, and wall unit, and that horrible bar (can't believe that she shelled out $500 for that piece of crap.) I feel so cruel about Meg's looks, those little piggy eyes of hers, I just can't. (I'm sure that she is fine in person, but I can only judge what I see on TV.)

[APinkDiva]

Dare I say it......Meg actually did a room that I liked. She remodeled one of the condos in Chicago's most recognizable towers (and one of my favorite), Marina City. It was just a regular remodel. No crazy, typical shit and schtick. She did a great job of keeping with the architecture.

I was very excited to see the interior of one of the condos.

[hunterhunted]

Although, it looked like the island was a little big or too close to the stove. It looked like they had to stand off to the side to open the oven.

[Ikatacata]

Sorry. I think that Chicago condo remodel was hideous.

[APinkDiva]

Awwww. I didn't love the island, but I loved the kitchen cabinets and the living room. If I were the homeowners I would have got rid of the island and the blue wall art. Those things are pretty easy. :)

[CruiseDiva]

I've been in those Marina City condos in Chicago (when they were brand new) and think she did them a service by removing the walls. That really opened it up, but the kitchen island she put in looked rather large for the space that was available.

One thing Meg did that ruined it for me was to have that massive "planter bench" built on the balcony. Those balconies are one of the nicest thing about the condos and she eliminated most of their floorspace our there with that humongous thing. C'mon, Meg... no one has plants in the winter in Chicago so that part is useless most of the year. A really nice set of outdoor furniture would have made better use of the space and been more comfortable.

[SiameseCatLady]

I like Meg and usually there are some things in her designs I like and some I don't. She has never blown me away with her designs until house of the young couple in the older house with the tin ceilings. OMG! Removing those ceiling panels and revealing those gorgeous tin ceilings, widening the arch between dining and living rooms so the husband had some head room and that mural in the dining room, TO DIE FOR! The only thing that for me was less than 100% awesome was those terrariums on the dining room light fixture. Meg really knocked it out of the park on this one, IMHO.

[persiaa]

I usually like Meg, but that orange she used tonight on her own apartment was really overpowering (at least on my screen). The furniture was okay and I liked the chandelier she chose, but can't get past that orange. The terrace was nice, but I do question that fake grass with a dog. I understand the poop can be picked up, but how well can you clean the fake grass?

[Linky Loo]

I like color on my walls, but Meg likes COLOR!!! I'm surprised they used orange on the walls of their rental unit. It's going to take major priming to get those walls back to white when they move.

[ByaNose]

I wasn't digging the orange explosion. Way too much for my taste. Also, what was the curtain/bed canopy behind the couch? That was way ugly. I will say she does seem happy with her life & her husband seems like a nice guy. And, I like the carpetner builder guy she works with. I forget his name but he looks like a model who does handy work. He's everything I'm not. LOL!