Last night’s ‘Design Star’had one contestant packing their bags leaving two to battle it out for the season 6 title. As we draw closer to the end, we started to think about last year’s contestants, and what they are up to now. Anyone who watches this HGTV reality competition realizes the show exposes one’s strengths and weaknesses. Season 5 Design Star had some fan favorites as well as a few contestants who left a sour taste in our mouths (okay, maybe there was only one). Some have seen great success since the show while others have bowed out of the limelight and/or veered off the interior design path. Let’s check in on a few of last year’s designers to see what they are up to. To learn more about HGTV’s Design Star, visit www.hgtv.com
Dan Faires – The “Handiest” Man
Season 5’s favorite carpenter has kept busy with projects across the country including New York Fashion Week (helped build walls, runways and prepping spaces). Even though he was not the winner of season 5’s Design Star, Faires did win over viewers in the fan vote. As a result, Dan received his own online show,‘Dan Made’ that tackled sustainable and budget friendly furniture projects. You can catch Dan re-purposing salvaged materials into new pieces at his company, Capsule Furniture.
Emily Henderson – Season 5 Champ
Since the show, Emily Henderson has graced HGTV with her likeable character, and amazing design eye. Her show, ‘Secrets From a Stylist’ continues to win over design lovers with easy to follow tips and gorgeous interiors. In its second season, Henderson works with homeowners in efforts to help them discover their own taste. Her show is one of the best we have seen from a Design Star winner (who can forget David Bromstad) and we wisher her continued success. You can catch Secrets From a Stylist Saturday nights at 9pm/8c on HGTV.
Trent Hultgren – Self Made Jetsetter
Trent beats to the sound of his own drum keeping season 5 viewers up to speed on his most recent happenings. From soaking up sun in the Hamptons to partying in Vegas, Trent Hultgren continues to make ripples in the design pool. Landing his first cover on San Antoniomagazine, Trent has also seen his work published on thenest.com. A new Austin resident, you can keep up with Trent on his Facebook page.
Julie Khuu – The “Kardashian of Design”
Being the first designer sent home did not dampen Julie’s party. Since the show, Julie Khuu has turned her blog, Haute Khuuture up a notch with great fashion and amazing eats (a little “Food Porn” anyone?). Showing off her eye for fashion, Julie pairs her personal style with luxury interiors and décor. You can follow Julie on her fashionable adventures by visiting www.hautekhuuture.blogspot.com
Michael Moeller & Nina Ferrer – Design Duo
Congratulations are in order for season 5 contestants, Michael Moeller and Nina Ferrer. The two landed a deal with the Style Network for their own show, ‘Clean House: New York.’ This is the first time (that we know of) in ‘Design Star’ that two designers landed their own show on a different network. We are excited to see how it will turn out and wish them the best of luck! For more information, read our article, “Former HGTV Design Star Contestants to Host New Decorating Show.”
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