All posts in "The Designers"

Time to meet the next Design Star contestant: set designer Mikel Welch.  (Meet him “in person” on Tuesday at 9/8c!) See his answers to everyone’s favorite game: seven questions with the season seven designers.

If you got to add one thing to the White House, it would be…nothing at all. Its historic and classic, leave it alone.

Lightning round! Yes or No…
Jaccuzi tubs: Yes, if it’s in your bathroom. Otherwise it can go really “1983 Poconos”…
Barcelona chairs: Yes,simply timeless Barcelona chairs
Wallpaper: Yes, its making a big comeback.
Dogs on the bed: I love my dog, but no. He has a bed of his own.
Mixing wood tones: Yes, but be careful.

What’s something no one knows about you? A hidden skill or talent?
My first job after graduating from college was a Probation Officer.

Celebrity crush?
Crushes are so overrated! But if I could spend a day with the celeb of my choice, it would definitely be Beyonce.

What is the most trouble you’ve gone through to get a piece for yourself or a client?
I once had a very patient client who placed an order for a sofa. The store initially stated that the sofa lead time was 8-10 weeks. Well, 14 weeks later my understanding client began to grow a little impatient (as I would, too). To smooth things over, I allowed her to keep my personal sofa until her piece finally arrived 2 weeks later. I’ve got to keep the clients happy!

How particular are you about your home? What is the one spot in the home that is the messiest or least designed?
Well I must be honest, I am definitely not Susie Homemaker. I design wonderful spaces on a daily basis, but keeping my nest intact is an everyday struggle. My downfall is the chair in my bedroom that starts off with a few articles of clothes and grows into an enormous chair monster!

Is there something that you do in every space you design?
No, as a set designer my projects are so diverse. I try to tailor my designs to each clients’ specific taste.

More about Mikel:  Read his bio, browse his design portfolio and vote him your Design Star fan favorite.

Ready to meet your next Design Star contestant as we count down to Tuesday night’s premiere? It’s Miera Melba, a Florida-based designer who loves casual coastal style. See her answers to our seven questions.

How particular about your home are you? What part of your home is the messiest or least designed?
I like a cozy, comfortable organized home. Having bought my home as-is, my bathroom really needs to be remodeled; it’s messy!

If you got to add one thing to the White House, it would be…an indoor swimming pool? Or if they already have one, how about a roller rink?

Lightning round! Yes or no…
Jaccuzi tubs: Yes
Barcelona chairs: No
Wallpaper: Yes
Brass: Yes
Polished gold: No
Carpeting: Yes
Dogs on the bed: No
Mixing wood tones: Yes
Paneling: Yes
Taxidermy: No

What’s something no one knows about you? A hidden skill or talent?
I am pretty much an open book! I tend to tell all and have felt like I have put my foot in my mouth on many occasions.

Celebrity crush? Paul Newman!

What is the number one mistake most people make when trying to design their homes?
Most people have no sense of scale or proportion for what will work in a space.

What color do you hate? Blush or mauve

More about Miera: Read her bio, browse her design portfolio and vote her your Design Star fan favorite.

I’m counting down to the Design Star premiere by introducing each of the season seven hopefuls with seven questions and confessions. Next up we have Luca Paganico, a jack-of-all-trades who loves modern spaces with unorthodox touches.

You’re shopping a thrift store. How do you know which pieces have potential and which are duds?
Everything has potential, it’s how you use or rediscover that piece, and the duds are the other designers not using their creativity and imagination.

How particular are you about your home? What is the one spot in the home that is the messiest or least designed?
I’m very particular about my home in such a way it looks like it just came of the showroom floor every day; my friends bust my balls about it. The messiest (and least designed) room would have to be my office. A great office space to me is like a great tattoo, you know what you want but you just have to make sure it’s perfect and works for you, because that’s were your creativity comes to life.

What is the most trouble you’ve gone through to get a piece for yourself or a client?
Not too long ago I had the opportunity to design a space in one week, but the challenge was everything the client picked had a 6-week wait. So I pulled the impossible: I rented a moving truck, drove to two states and bought direct. And it looked amazing!  Every design job is a challenge, and nothing is impossible if I’m on board.

What’s something no one knows about you? A hidden skill or talent?
That my wife is my heart and soul, and what drives me to be the best. Also, I make really good Belgian waffles.

Celebrity crush? Marisa Miller

What is the number one mistake most people make when trying to design their home?
Budgeting! And not having a me on the job.

What color do you hate? Yellow.

More about Luca: Read his bio, browse his portfolio and vote him your Design Star fan favorite.

I’m counting down to the Design Star premiere on Tuesday, May 29 by featuring seven fun facts and confessions from each of the season seven designers. Next up on the list: Aussie interior designer and furniture designer Jordan Cappella.

How particular are you about your home? What is the one spot in the home that is the messiest or least designed?
My home is always camera ready. Maybe a pair of sneakers by the door, or a coat hung over a chair, but nothing that can’t be remedied in three minutes or less. I do have a hallway section that I am always redesigning in my head and for some reason its still white on white. Ha!

What is the number one mistake most people make when trying to design their home? 
Lighting! People forget about the importance of balanced lighting. Always have a dimmer to create a mood!

Celebrity crush?
Don’t make me choose just one! Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, Antonio Banderas and Meryl Streep, to name just a few.

What’s something no one knows about you? A hidden skill or talent?
I am actually a really good cook. I stopped cooking for about five years, but have rediscovered my love for it in the past few months. As a result, I feel so much healthier, too.

If you could add one thing to the White House, it would be….a funky bright modern wallpaper to a wash room, just for an unexpected splash of fun!

What’s your biggest design regret?
I once painted a dining room in a bright apricot. It was very womb-like and every time i walked out of the room i felt like I was being reborn. It was not a good rebirth….haha. The hue was just a little off.

What is the most trouble you’ve gone through to get a piece for yourself or a client?
A few years back, I had a client whose funds were depleted mid-job. I  helped her sell her jewelry and vintage bottles of alcohol so we could raise the money to continue the redesign of the apartment.

More about Jordan: Read his bio, browse his design portfolio and vote him your Design Star fan favorite.

Count down with me, friends — only 4 more days until the season seven premiere of Design Star!  To get ready, I’m sharing 7 tips and confessions from each of the 12 contestants.  Right now, it’s risk-loving artist and designer Kris Swift.

What’s something no one knows about you? A hidden skill or talent?
I love spinning records in my free time, and I can whistle pretty much anything you throw at me from classic bird-calls to Lady Gaga.

What color do you hate?
Colors are to be loved, are you kidding me…?! They all deserve a chance!

What is your biggest design regret?
My biggest design regret is probably my outdoor tree houses and indoor sheet forts that I had with my brother as a kid. They were kind of brilliant at the time, but had SO much potential.

You’re shopping a thrift store. How do you know which pieces have potential and which are duds?
Look closer. If you’ve got the right skill set, imagination, budget and time, every piece has potential even though obviously some will shine over others.

What is the most trouble you’ve gone through to get a piece for yourself or a client?
I have searched high and low for years for multiple clients looking for that one perrrrrrfect piece to finish off a space. When you finally locate it and are able to share it with the client it’s a truly truly magical moment.

Celebrity crush?
My personal celebrities are creative visionaries. To have the opportunity to work with one or any of the following would be and honor and a dream come true. Luis Barragan and Diller Scofidio + Renfro for their sheer brilliance via architecture. Fabien Baron for his art direction and courage working between disciplines. Hella Jongerius for her treatment of materials and textiles. The Bouroullec Brothers for their ingenuity and originality. The list goes on and on, but these people constantly shine and inspire me.

What is the number one mistake most people make when trying to design their home?
The number one mistake people make when designing their home is not hiring a professional from the very beginning. The expertise, vision, creativity, dedication, and experience you will gain from working with professionals will not only blow your mind when you’re standing looking at the final product but will also save your time, energy and money in the long run.

More about Kris:  Read his bio, browse his design portfolio and vote him your Design Star fan favorite.

We’ve seen the designers’ best work — now let’s get to know them better. A fan of glitz and glamour, interior stylist Hilari Younger loves to add shine and lots of bright color to rooms. I asked her (and the rest of the season 7 cast)  what else she likes (and loathes) — see below for her answers and confessions.

Is there something that you do in every space you design?
My signature is the unexpected color palette. I like to think of myself as a forecaster. In my fashion days I was always rocking things at least two seasons ahead of the mainstream surge. I usually have the eye for next hot color scheme, furniture or accessory trend, and so far I am still spot on with what’s yet to come.

You’re shopping a thrift store. How do you know which pieces have potential and which are duds?
Thrifting is much like adopting a pet…the piece with the most potential often finds you and you fall in love and the others pale in comparison. You feel like you have to take it home. These pieces usually are the most unusual and unexpected finds. If the details are awesome and the quality and integrity of the piece is spot on, wrap it up — I’ll take it.

How particular are you about your home? What is the one spot in the home that is the messiest or least designed?
I am not particular at all, my family lives there and now that I am a mom and wife, I don’t allow people to show up unexpectedly. If you come to my home for a dinner or party that is not how I live day to day. The messiest room in the house is Haili’s (my daughter’s) closet — can you say cyclone?!

Who’s your celebrity crush? John Legend.

What is the number one mistake most people make when trying to design their home?
Most people do not research or plan properly. Have you measured? Have you collected pictures and ideas? Have you compared prices? So many questions need to be answered before you set out on a mission to design your space. Most people just start shopping and make a big mess. Save your money and call me.

What is the most trouble you’ve gone through to get a piece for yourself or a client?
I have driven from Washington, DC, to South Carolina in a day for some datgum hand woven baskets by the Gullah, a group of African Americans indigenous to the coastal areas of Georgia and South Carolina who are known for preserving a large part of their linguistic and cultural heritage.

Lightning round! Yes or no…
Jacuzzi tubs: No, unsanitary.
Barcelona chairs: No, overexposure
Dogs on the bed: Yes (Shhhh, don’t tell my husband.)
Mixing woods tones: Yes, relax!
Paneling: Yes, it’s back.
Wire hangers: No! Mommy Dearest said it best.
Taxidermy: Yes, I live in Texas, come on!

More about Hilari: Read her bio, browse her design portfolio and vote her your Design Star fan favorite.

I’m counting down to the Design Star premiere on Tuesday, May 29 by featuring seven fun facts and confessions from each of the season seven designers. Today’s answers are from world traveler and eclectic designer Danielle Colding.

Is there something you incorporate into every space you design?
In every space I design I look for clever, quirky accessories to bring it to life and create a narrative. I’m also a big pusher of wallpaper! I usually convince even the most hesitant client — scarred by their grandmother’s floral vinyl paper — to take the plunge.

How particular are you about your home?
For my own home, I am pretty flexible. I am constantly moving and rearranging things to make the spaces feel and function better.

What space is the messiest or least designed?
The messiest spot is always my bedroom…somehow hanging up clothes just doesn’t compute.

What color do you hate? Lime green.

If you could add one thing to the White House, it would be…contemporary art by my favorite artists to modernize the traditional spaces.

Celebrity crush?
I don’t really have one. Jason Momoa is a hottie. So are Boris Kodjoe, Matt Damon and Johnny Depp.

Lightning round! Yes or no…

Jaccuzi tubs: Who doesn’t love a hot tub??? However, I’m not a fan of Jacuzzi tubs in bathrooms due to having to clean the gunky jets. Been there done that.

 Barcelona chairs: Absolutely! Love love love! A classic, timeless look. I’m personally craving an ivory pair.

 Sunburst mirrors: Yes. They are classic and look great oversized and hung in groups.

 Wallpaper: I’m the queen of wallpaper. I force it on all my clients!

 Dogs on the bed: About two months ago I would have said no way Jose…but now that I have the cutest puppy ever I am guilty as charged.

Paneling: Yes and No. That seventies paneling in the medium wood tone has to go. I am currently refinishing such a basement and re-staining the paneling in a deep walnut which gives it a more contemporary look. I also love the idea of white-washing the paneling or painting it white.

Wire hangers: No, no, no!!!! They say never say never, but I’m saying never.

More about Danielle: Read her bio, browse her design portfolio and vote her your Design Star fan favorite.

I’m counting down to the Design Star premiere on Tuesday, May 29 by featuring seven fun facts and confessions from each of the season seven designers. Next up on the list: resourceful girly-girl and color and pattern fan Britany Simon.

If you got to add one thing to the White House, it would be…
COLOR. From what I have seen on TV and in photos of the White House, it appears to be very very traditional and a little stuffy for my taste. I would definitely love to get in there and give it a more updated contemporary look, and a bit of unexpected color throughout would really perk that place right up.

What is your biggest design regret?
Ugh. I’d have to say my first college apartment was just an epic fail. It was a big deal to me (as it is to any college student moving out of the dorms) but budget was small. I ended up buying a furniture set (ick) with all matching pieces and used an abundance of faux foliage throughout. I cringe a little bit every time I think about it. These are now two things I would strongly discourage anyone from doing in their space. Nothing is more boring than an all matching furniture set, and nothing sucks the energy out of a room more than too much dusty faux greenery.

What’s something no one knows about you? A hidden skill or talent?
Strangely, I am freakishly talented at imitating people’s accents. Sometimes I’m having a conversation with someone who has an accent and without knowing it, I pick it up and start imitating it. It’s a sickness…but sometimes it’s just more fun to speak with a twang, or tell a joke in a British accent.

Celebrity crush?
I am really digging Colin Egglesfield (from Something Borrowed). There is something so charming about him, and those eyes…love. It could also be that he slightly resembles my husband, but whatever it is, I like. A lot.

What color do you hate?
I’d have to say my least favorite color is beige. To me beige = blah. I think I have seen way too many overly beige homes and it seems to be the go to color for those who are afraid of taking the plunge of actually using color in their space. I believe that beige should never be used as your main color inspiration but used as a neutral to complement your overall color scheme.

How particular are you about your home? What is the one spot in the home that is the messiest or least designed?
I am pretty particular when it comes to the design of my own home. The home is a great reflection of who you are, so I think it is important that my home represents me well. For the most part, every room is well thought out, and full of pieces that reflect me and my husband’s tastes and interests. But don’t get me wrong, it gets messy, and yes, it drives me crazy… but my husband and I are busy people. My New Year’s Resolution was to try and make the bed everyday…hopefully I can stick with it all year!

Lightning round! Yes or No…
Jacuzzi tubs:  No thanks.
Barcelona chairs: Timeless, yes.
Sunburst mirrors: Love them.
Wallpaper: Yes, please!
Wire hangers: Never.

More about Britany: Read her bio, browse her design portfolio and vote her your Design Star fan favorite.

Hey, all! I’m counting down to the Design Star premiere on Tuesday, May 29 by featuring seven fun facts and confessions from each of the season seven designers. First up: Our resident hat fanatic and eclectic designer extraordinaire, Bex Hale.

What color do you hate?
Hate is a strong word. I can’t say I hate anything, especially a color…but I do strongly dislike “Pepto” pink. I once had a pink bathroom with a pink potty and pink tiles that made me a little ill. I cringe to think that color will come back someday…everything does.

You’re shopping a thrift store. How do you know which pieces have potential and which are duds?
I’m a crow; reflective surfaces catch my eye like mirrored furniture, chrome lamps and blown glass light fixtures. I look for items that have an interesting shape and clean lines that can easily be painted or refinished. Personally, I’m always on the hunt for kitsch – the tackier the better. If it’s so horrendous that I can’t stop laughing, I buy it. Funny, ugly gifts are my specialty.

How particular are you about your home?  What is the one spot in the home that is the messiest or least designed?
The most organized space in my home is my closet. It’s a color-coded matrix. Every hat, every shoe has a home, and you need a security clearance to enter. Organized, yes, but messy is a different story. My place is either immaculate or a wreck. I’m an all-or-nothing girl.

What is the most trouble you’ve gone through to get a piece for yourself or a client?
I’ve traveled to South Central Mexico to find hand-painted tile and antique doors for clients. I recently traveled to Morocco where I bought rugs for a special client who appreciates authentic, hand-crafted pieces. Traveling for clients is a total fantasy. Don’t tell them, but I’d do it for free!

If you got to add one thing to the White House, it would be… a water slide.

What’s something no one knows about you? A hidden skill or talent?
I’m a kid magnet. If there is a baby or toddler within 100 yards, they will find me.

Lightning round! Yes or no…
Barcelona chairs: Yes
Wallpaper: Yes
Dogs on the bed: Yes, but only if they make it when they get up.
Wire hangers: For marshmallow-roasting only
Taxidermy: I live in West Texas, sooooo….

More about Bex: Read her bio, browse her design portfolio and vote her your Design Star fan favorite.

Since I’m a vintage girl (I was made in 1979 to be exact), I shop a lot at antique malls, flea markets and thrift stores. I’ve been doing it since I could shove my first silver-plated fiddleback spoon in my mouth, and I’m pretty sure my first word was “ironstone,” so the dos and don’ts of second-hand shopping are second nature to me. I know thrifting and flea-marketing can be overwhelming (and yes, there is a lot of crap out there) so I’ve come up with some tips (or shall I say secrets) that will help you get a vintage collected look, without all the junk.

1. Start early and shop BIG first. Don’t go into the stalls or booths unless a BIG piece of furniture grabs your eye. All the best furniture gets bought first, mainly by dealers/store owners, so if you take your time and meander slowly, all the best pieces at the best prices will have been snatched up. I literally race through, like a crazy person at 8am, because there is nothing worse (ok, there are probably worse things) than seeing the perfect dresser, finding out it was $40 but was just SOLD. Doh!

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