'Design Star 2011': Meet the Contestants
Premiering on Monday, July 11, the sixth season welcomes 12 new designers along with new host Tankia Ray, new mentor David Bromstad, and a star-studded panel of guest judges.
"Design Star 6" contestants
June 6, 2011
With the addition of a star-studded panel of guest judges, including designers Thom Filicia, Robert and Cortney Novogratz, Nate Berkus and Kathy Ireland, as well as Food Network's Paula Deen and Dina Manzo, event planner and former cast member of "Real Housewives of New Jersey," "HGTV Design Star" returns for a sixth season on Monday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series' celebrated line-up of stars includes HGTV's own returning judges Genevieve Gorder, Candice Olson and Vern Yip, as well as a guest appearance on the panel by John Gidding. David Bromstad, the first "HGTV Design Star" champion, will mentor the finalists as they compete for a chance to win their own show on HGTV. Hosted by Tanika Ray, "HGTV Design Star" will air on Mondays through September 12.
The finalists, who include professional interior designers, retail merchandisers, stylists and artists, must impress the judges with their ingenious designs and sharp on-camera skills to avoid elimination. This season's competitors include Alisha J Allen, Chevy Chase, Md.; Meg Caswell, Chicago, Ill.; Kellie Clements, Edmond, Okla.; Mark Diaz, Miami, Fla.; Leslie Ezelle, Dallas, Texas; Blanche Garcia, Montclair, N.J.; Kevin Grace, Chicago, Ill.; Douglas Hines, Atlanta, Ga.; Cathy Hobbs, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Bret Ritter, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Karl Sponholtz, Chicago, Ill.; and Tyler Wisler, South Orange, N.J.
The judges will visit the location of each design challenge to complete in-person evaluations of the finalists' work. The finalists also must successfully complete tests of their on-camera hosting skills, which range from providing simple design tips to executing a full design demonstration on a national talk show. Along the way, David will offer the finalists his helpful design insights and hosting advice.
"This year's finalists are established designers at the top of their game," said Kathleen Finch, general manager, HGTV. "We put them through rigorous design challenges in real homes, tested their on-camera presence, had seasoned industry experts evaluate their work and even asked them to execute a design demonstration on The Nate Berkus Show. Viewers will find this season entertaining and compelling as they witness the emergence of the next 'HGTV Design Star.'"
Yip adds, "This season, I've seen the single best room design in the history of 'HGTV Design Star.'"
The finalists, who include professional interior designers, retail merchandisers, stylists and artists, must impress the judges with their ingenious designs and sharp on-camera skills to avoid elimination. This season's competitors include Alisha J Allen, Chevy Chase, Md.; Meg Caswell, Chicago, Ill.; Kellie Clements, Edmond, Okla.; Mark Diaz, Miami, Fla.; Leslie Ezelle, Dallas, Texas; Blanche Garcia, Montclair, N.J.; Kevin Grace, Chicago, Ill.; Douglas Hines, Atlanta, Ga.; Cathy Hobbs, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Bret Ritter, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Karl Sponholtz, Chicago, Ill.; and Tyler Wisler, South Orange, N.J.
The judges will visit the location of each design challenge to complete in-person evaluations of the finalists' work. The finalists also must successfully complete tests of their on-camera hosting skills, which range from providing simple design tips to executing a full design demonstration on a national talk show. Along the way, David will offer the finalists his helpful design insights and hosting advice.
"This year's finalists are established designers at the top of their game," said Kathleen Finch, general manager, HGTV. "We put them through rigorous design challenges in real homes, tested their on-camera presence, had seasoned industry experts evaluate their work and even asked them to execute a design demonstration on The Nate Berkus Show. Viewers will find this season entertaining and compelling as they witness the emergence of the next 'HGTV Design Star.'"
Yip adds, "This season, I've seen the single best room design in the history of 'HGTV Design Star.'"
Season 6
Series Regulars