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I would be interested in seeing an old school on a historic tax register converted into a sleek, modern, minimalist home for a young married couple who want to rehab this school into the home of their dreams. It is 13,000 sq feet, and is going to be a lot of work, but should also be a lot of fun!

Posted by Tonya Page – August 3, 2008 10:44 PM

More individual challenges, have them take on regular small bedrooms that have to serve multi-purposes. If you have to have them shop in one place for their "white rooms," let them shop at a one-stop shopping place like Target and choose their own furnishings. I do like seeing how creative they can get with a store like Michaels or Dollar Tree.

Posted by Louise – July 22, 2008 8:39 PM

I think that the new stars should design a space that is a tribute (that you can live in of course) to our soldiers in Iraq.....the creativity is the key to this design. Something that a soldier (male OR female) would love to come home to live in....My other idea is take a space of the Grand Ole Opry and design (such as dressing rooms) something amazing that oozes MUSIC...COUNTRY...TN HISTORY!!!!

Posted by Pam Lane – June 18, 2008 12:11 PM

Design an outdoor space for a party. Maybe a graduation party. They all need to work on the same environment with the same requirements and see what they come up with.

Posted by Cindy Shinsky – May 29, 2008 9:58 PM

I like having them design a sunroom which is done in tropical colors & that leads to an
outdoor area with a firepit & or a fireplace,
grill, outdoor seating in wood--teak or redwood,
or similar wood--& perhaps floral cushions on the chairs, & maybe the fireplace be Southwestern design with bench seating around
it. Also, a backyard pool with a gazebo & surrounded with palms & tropical flowers.

Posted by Alice Craig – May 28, 2008 3:34 PM

I think the designers should do a complete makeover on the Biggest Loser house and gym and make it so the contestants feel like they're staying at a high end oceanfront resort and spa even though there really staying at an old japanese college in calabasas california.
Since I don't recall seeing them watching tv or using the internet I think the designers should
give them a TV in both the house and gym and comcast high speed internet and laptops so they can stay in touch with family and friends back home. they also give them air conditioning in the house and gym of they din't already have it
the designers should also makeover each of the dormitories so they look and feel like rooms in a high end oceanfront resort and spa. From what I could see on TV when there not watching tv in the house they should have a system where wuth a press of a button a really great color photgrap of a southern california beach covers the tv it looked like there were upper cabinets in the kitchen obstructed the view to the family room and dining room I think removing those would open up the space more.

Posted by Stacy – May 24, 2008 2:42 AM

The designers should create rooms that completely change to do double duty, but do it well! A craft room becomes a family room with all the crafting evidence hidden. A bedroom with comfortable, solid beds becomes a study with all evidence of sleeping and clothing hidden. These ideas are important for people who need to use all the spaces in their houses on a daily basis, but occasionally need to use them differently. They have college children returning home for the summer; grandchildren staying for a couple of weeks; or have someone staying with them for health-related reasons. I would love to see something this practical done with style!

Posted by Lynn – May 18, 2008 7:56 PM

I would like to see a design stars challenge of taking the space of an old 70's style mobile home where the living/dining/& kitchen are seemingly combined to see just what they come up with.

Posted by vena – May 17, 2008 1:21 PM

I do sewing and/or embroidery everyday. I would like to see a craft, hobby, sewing room done. Mine is 20x30, truly blessed, and I would like to see it done on a TIGHT budget, using recycled products.

Posted by Pat – May 13, 2008 11:23 AM

When you do makeovers do them for people that can't afford them, but really need them. After all, Clive says on his show pretty soon there won't be an ugly house left. I understand that Tyrn does his designs to help. We bought a house that was inspected but the inspecter failed to find things that has caused us a great deal of money. I am not asking for new appliances. I just need a wall down to increase the space and some cabinets and a counter top put up and painted.

Posted by Judy Chamness – May 11, 2008 11:16 PM

I would like to see them do outdoor spaces. Recently this space has been the extra room in most areas. The challenge would be to work around something, an eye sore, that can not be removed such as the 25x25 concrete basketball court in my backyard. To make the area adult and kid friendly at the same time & disability accessible.

Posted by Dee – May 11, 2008 9:27 PM

I second (or third or fourth, etc.) the idea of decorating an apartment space where the walls must remain white, the wall-to-wall carpeting is beige/taupe, the window coverings are mini blinds and vertical blinds (on a patio slider door). Since we have all learned from HGTV that paint is the least expensive and most effective design change, what happens when you can't use it? Although it is certainly possible that there have been shows that addressed the problem, I have never seen one. I'd love some help with this!

Posted by Paula – May 11, 2008 2:24 PM

I love the show, and i think that instead of juse interier designs they should have to design a living space outsid. Not landscaping just a hangout on a porch or patio, where the design should look good and be functional

Posted by HugAtree – May 11, 2008 12:25 PM

I would like to see a challenge based on the needs for the disabled. ramps, and bedding, and access to cabinets, bathing needs, should not have to be ugly just to accomdate needs. I had a stroke in Jan 2008. I need to build a ramp to the front door, but don't want it to look bad. I'd like some ideas. I have to use a shower chair for bathing, but, don't want it to be the vocal point of my bathroom. I had to put the bed on the floor for safety, but would like to see a platform and storage with handicap needs taken in stride. I love your chllenges, but I think a challenge based on a handicaped setting would be helpful. Sue

Posted by Sue Tilbury – May 11, 2008 12:22 PM

I think Design Star should do something based on PETS only... maybe make a doghouse or something involving that. Also they should do a desighn around one tiny thing. Such as a sink handle or lamp.

Posted by Melissa – May 11, 2008 12:12 PM

There's lots of struggling single mothers (and fathers) in the world. Today is mother's Day and I am a struggling single parent of a 16 year old boy. We live in a one-bedroom (3 rooms total) apartment. I have tried my best to create separate living and sleeping spaces for us, but I would love to se what a designer could do. I think it is especially difficult because I have a boy and not a girl.

Posted by Theresa Zito – May 11, 2008 12:06 PM

I would like to see you set up small places for each designer that represents a typical room in any house in America. The bones are good, it just needs to be amped up a little. Give them $200 and ask them to update the space. This is a challange we as watchers are faced with every day. A room that needs updating with very little money to spend on the updates. All the rooms could be the same and the deisgners should be unable to see the other rooms as poeple work. Have them shop in the type places that "normal" people shop...Home Improvement type stores, Wal-Mart, Discount Decor stores like Kirklands or even a 2nds type store. I think a show like this would be great because it makes a porject like this seem possible for us too.

Posted by Cas – May 11, 2008 12:04 PM

Take vacant homes that have been for sale for more than one year and have not sold and stage them on a budget of $1,000 or less. It might be cool if you pick the home in the contestants' home towns. Test your contestant creativity and ability to budget. And you may actually help some people who are in desperate need of selling their homes.

Posted by Larry Wallenstein – May 11, 2008 12:01 PM

I think to test their abilty to design around any thing that you should find the ugliest sofa you can find and make the room apealing and welcoming and not change the sofa at all. make it blend in or be absorbed by the rest of the room so you don't notice how awful it is.

Posted by mark richards – May 10, 2008 9:10 PM

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I think a creative challenge would be to design a room that would work in a present day living room using a piece of out dated furniture. Such as a brown and orange glass bowl light that hangs from a brass chain, or a barrel chair with the lattice backing in teal, or a gaudy framed mirror.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Posted by Bre – May 10, 2008 7:06 PM

College kids and Military housing both offer design challenges that you don't find in a regular home. How about a design where it is all temporary and easy to apply and remove - you can't paint or drill holes; and when you leave it must be looking like new again (but you never have time or energy to repaint!)! However, while you are living there, it must be user friendly, easy to clean, and stylish, yet easy to change!

Posted by Maggie – May 10, 2008 6:05 PM

I would like to see a kitchen (10x10) combined with dining room (11'4 1/2" x 9'6"). The kitchen has no dishwasher, and the room is separated now with a counter and overhead cabinets. The dinning room has a china cabinet,large table with 4 chairs and a corner curio.

Posted by Barbara – May 10, 2008 3:10 PM

I join many of the others in desiring a home that has disabled access. I think the challenges are (1) in making it access friendly for both children and adults - some disabilities are hereditary, (2) taking into consideration both mental and physical disabilities - some have both, (3) include the ability to make changes quickly and easily - some disabilities (ALS) come on quickly and progress quickly, and (4) not making it too obvious that it is access friendly. I think this would be a great challenge; because if it is done right, it will increase not only the value of the home but the likelihood that it can be sold, if need be, at a later date.

Posted by Cid Conley – May 10, 2008 12:31 PM

I would love to see the design/decoration of a room where the walls canNOT be painted. Lofts and the new log cabin style homes most often do not have drywall walls. Decorators have to design something playing off the materials of the walls (or cover them altogether?).

I live in a new log cabin style home and I just never see any decoration of these homes beyond the standard country or lodge look although natural materials work well in contemporary and modern design.

This is what I mean by log style: http://www.northeasternlog.com/gallery/kentuckian.php I am not talking about ugly 70's fake oak paneled walls that you would paint over. You would like not paint over these walls on this website.

Thanks!!

Posted by yvonne – May 10, 2008 12:20 PM

I would also like to see the designers tackle a room that's had some damage, like a small flood in a basement, or a small kitchen fire, or termite damage, leaky roof ceiling damage, etc.

Another idea would be to have the designers work on spaces for various charities or community organizations, like a kids' playroom in a women's shelter that has to be safe, antibacterial, and kid-friendly, or have them try to accommodate enough beds in an overcrowded homeless shelter, or have them all work on different rooms within one home that's in a neighborhood restoration area, etc.

Posted by KWeed – May 10, 2008 12:14 PM

I would like to see a challenge where they are given a set amount of money -- let's say $250.00 and a room in a house or a large space like a basement that can be divided into several areas. The rest of the room has to be created by getting recycled items -- from web sites like free cycle or bulk trash night. They are given 24 hours to come up with their design ideas and gather the necessary items needed from the sites or around town and then two days to make it happen. As an added incentive the one who turns in the most money in the end should get a special reward.

Posted by Theresa – May 10, 2008 12:04 PM

I would like to see each Designstar contestant take on a very difficult client who is adament about a certain style in their home that may be outdated or completely unfamiliar to that particular contestant.

Posted by KWeed – May 10, 2008 12:03 PM

Design a living room in a furnished, rented apartment. You can't paint, you can't "adapt" the furniture but you still want it to feel like home. THAT is a design challenge.

Posted by Kate – May 10, 2008 11:50 AM

I'm a second grade teacher and would love help "desigining" my classroom. It would be wonderful to incorporate Feng shui into the space. A space where children are comfortable, yet accomplishing the task at hand. We spend almost 7 hours a day in this room and it is often neglected. I teach at a year-round school and we rotate classrooms, which means I pack up my whole classroom, store everything, and move out of the room three times a year, while another teacher moves in. When I come back, I move into another classroom. So three times a year, I'm setting up my classroom. I need movable storage and a plan to decorate my classroom quickly (usually over the weekend).

Posted by Cheri – May 10, 2008 11:33 AM

I agree with Sue Ovard about creating a sewing/quilting room. Most of us do not have as large a space as she has. I would like to see on in a room appoximately 10x12 ft. I have a small bedroom that I use. It should include, something on the wall to hang tools,a place for books, storage for fabric and notions, maybe in rolling carts with baskets, sewing machine area with an iron close by, a cutting table, an area for a design wall, it does not need to be permanent just an area where you could put something up temporarily when needed, a rolled up piece of heavy flannel sometimes works. I would also want my computer and small TV. You have a great person on HGTV that could be a good judge, Alex Anderson.
I am sure that I am forgetting something.

Posted by Jessie O'Donnell – May 9, 2008 3:12 PM

I would like to see something done in a small home. I live in a Small two bedroom 1 bath (and a small small bath at that). I'm a recent college graduate and everything is a hand me down. I would love to see their ideas on how to improve the space on a tiny budget.

Posted by Rachel Hazlewood – May 9, 2008 3:06 PM

Here's my list:

~A small bathroom;
~A typical subdivision patio;
~Creating an entryway where there isn't one--where you just fall into a small room when opening the front door; and
~An open hallway.

And I agree for the most part: individual challenges show a lot more about what a contestant can do. Team challenges show their ability to work with others, but this isn't about the "real" world, it's about hosting a TV show in the end.

Posted by Misty – May 9, 2008 2:58 PM

My pets are a big part of my life and I would like to see someone incorporate the needs of pet owners into a space. For example a den, bedroom or even an office. Thinking outside the box and making things that are utilitarian as well as stylish.

Posted by Sylvia – May 9, 2008 2:57 PM

To show that design changes can be for people of all income brackets, have the contestants design a room with items from a Goodwill Store, Salvation Army or other second hand store - ONLY.
It can be discouraging to see rooms done with thousands of dollars - this would make design ideas available to everyone.

Posted by Donna Livigni – May 9, 2008 2:56 PM

1. Design a set for a broadway play or musical.
2. Design a room inspired by a painting or a painter.

Posted by Malisa – May 9, 2008 12:41 AM

I believe that the designers should design an outdoor space that brings in great design

Posted by Drew – May 8, 2008 4:45 PM

There are millions of small 1920's-era bungalos across America with a host of design proplems, from small kitchens and bedrooms to multi-function living rooms that have flow problems. For instance, we live in a small bungalo and our living room is 12"X15". The North (long) wall has a doorway on it's East end to the bed/bath hall. On the south (other long) wall are two windows with 57" between them. The West end of the living room has the front door at the North end, with a large (4-foot) doorway just South of it that opens into a sun room. (In other words when you look at the West end from inside, the front door is on the right and the entry-way into the sun room is left of that). The remaining East (short) wall also has a doorway on its south side into the kitchen (facing the East wall from within you would see a doorway on the right side into the kitchen).
If someone could show millions of Americans how to make such a room be beautiful, functional & have have good flow, I'm sure America would be greatful (and me too)!

Posted by Elizabeth Wenker – May 8, 2008 1:08 PM

I would like to see them design something for low-income families, that live in small housing with a LOT of people. My city was a really big military city back during the wars, and the houses are TINY (700 square feet or less!) Because the economy isn't that great, a lot of people end up moving in with their extended family or friends to make the cost of living more affordable. It's not uncommon for there to be 6 people sharing a 5-6 room house. And ranches don't have the most functional floor plans either. It would be interesting to see how the designers can turn housing circumstances like this, that make up nearly half of the city's available housing, into something that is functional.

Posted by Josephine – May 8, 2008 12:20 PM

Hello. We have a 350 sq. ft. "poolhouse" in our backyard that we want to remodel into an apartment for our college age son. We'd like to see the Design Star 3 challengers design a full-functioning space with 350 sq. feet to include living, bedroom, kitchen, full bath, washer/dryer, closets, etc. This would be a great "final challenge"
Thank you.

Posted by Susan W – May 8, 2008 11:38 AM

I would like to see some new challenges.
1. Everyday, we are thrown a curve or a challenge in some of our lives. A parent has a health issue and has to move in with an adult child. The space has to be adapted to fit with their handicap, A child may have a illness / accident and the living space needs to be adapted to fit their handicap... be it blindness or low sight, designing to make the space work for each persons needs.
2. Try to challenge (say around the 4th of July) A room in Red, White, and Blue for each contestant. Make the challenge more difficult, by requiring that all of the materials in the room be made in America. Sources might be Ebay / Yard sales and finding the used USA made product and refurbishing it to fit the space. To further challenge the participants, have each contestant assigned a theme. Contemporary, Traditional, Transitional, Country, Tuscan.
3. Try a challenge where the inspiration if the Grocery Store. In the space one item from the grocery store might have to appear in the room and items from other departments in the Grocery store will be used to complete the space. For example, Fruits and Vegis, Dried Peas / Coffee Beans, Desserts. The contestant could use Digital camera's and photoshop, or paint art to finish the space... as well as paint to complete the theme.
A floral arrangement could have Cranberries filling the vase, with the flowers cascading over the side.
4. Try a challenge were each contestant has to complete a room in their least favorite color scheme. As a designer, you are sometimes forced to work outside of your comfort zone. Designing a room around the color Purple / Raspberry for instance could be very challenging for one of the male designers.
5. Have resources of Canvases, Digital cameras, for creating artwork available to each designer. Give everyone the same color of paint. Black, White, and Taupe and see where they go with the designs. Furniture will all be the same for each contestant. They could use Fabrics withing the design colors. They could use contact paper to create a stencil and use drywall compound to create interesting dimension to the wall. Tape out different designs with masking tape and use the drywall compound. They could also mix some of the 3 paint colors together to create some additional colors.
It was a pleasure to watch the show with Will creating a space for the little girls room who was in a wheel chair. As Americans, we are a nation with compassion and we want to honor some of our heros. Make their spaces enjoyable and give back to them... and thanking them for their service. What would be wonderful is to perhaps have a fire station renovation challenge.

For another challenge, give a team of contestants each a home (Get it Sold Style)... and then go in assess what needs to be done to make the house marketable, then have the teams get to work. Each would have the same budget and have to use some of the homeowners possessions to work into the design.

For another challenge, give each team a room from one of a Senior citizens Retirement Home. The room would contain the sleeping area, eating area, and all of their dated possessions. The rooms would be filled with clutter and out of style colors. The challenge is to honor their clients 2 - 3 most prized possessions, simplify, get rid of the clutter. Bring the room into the 21st century with a flat screen TV, Storage solutions and have the seniors rate their spaces when they are done. There should be challenges such as furniture can't be too heavy for the client to manage. Furniture could be something like the Flying Table Bed (Inova) or a murphy type of bed.

As a viewer, I am not thrilled with all of the fighting among the designers. If you are a professional and want to be the Design Star, then get a back bone and keep the fighting away from the camera. Working together more can be accomplished than when there is constant battles and tension.

I'm looking forward to another great season!

Posted by Marcia B – May 7, 2008 3:38 PM

I would like to see kitchen designs for various handicaped people, i.e. those who are wheelchair bound and those who have back problems where bending over or standing on their feet too long can be painfully challenging. Also, there are those who have a vertical challenge of height that need kitchen areas accommodating to a variety of family member heights. And all done on a budget attainable by these people with financial challenges and who are most likely on a very limited incomes. Incorporating the use of kitchens and materials torn out of homes of people who have the means to redesign their kitchens every 10 to 20 years, would be nice. I find it painful to see what some people throw away. This drains our world of resourses such as wooden cabinets, floors, granite and tile.
I also like the idea of decorating habitat homes, in particular the bedrooms of the children, if not all rooms.

Posted by Shirley – May 6, 2008 10:28 PM

I agree with some of the posts of doing a room that can't be painted. I live on a military base, although you can paint, there are times when you have to move in a hurry and there may not be time to paint or money in the budget to paint. With that said, I would love to see what can be done to a room that has lovely white walls.

Posted by Kimberly Roderick – May 6, 2008 7:13 PM

I'd love to see an outdoor living (with a fireplace)/kitchen area done where there is already a pool, but very limited space for anything else. Here in Texas it's extremely hot outside during the summer, as well as spring and fall, and we don't want to cook inside, so the outdoor cooking/living space MUST have a fan and plants for shade. I simply don't know how to design the space so it doesn't look like it's just been thrown together.

Posted by Nancy – May 6, 2008 4:05 PM

I see above that there are many requests that rental space be set as a design challenge. I would also add the following parameters: No more than 500 sq. ft. of space, including eating, sleeping, working, cooking, entertaining, watching television, etc. are all to be included in the one space. Bathing and laundry would be in their own separate room/closet. Oops! Forgot about storage -- just like the landlords! And ecologically and ergonomically correct! Thank you for your consideration.

Posted by mberkie0 – May 6, 2008 3:06 PM

How about an outdoor patio area??? So many people use their patio areas as an extension of their home, and those areas should be as welcoming as the inside of their homes.

Posted by Anne – May 6, 2008 1:14 PM

I'd like to see them design a living room that has a mixture of styles, both old world and modern.

Posted by Gloria – May 6, 2008 12:54 PM

Total green..using recycled, eco products and do a whole house. So, either individual each designer gets a room in a home or team does a particular room in a house. The idea would be really "green" from flooring, to paint to recycled flooring, tiles, material,lighting, if bath an on-demand hot water heater to radiant heat floor and non-toxic cleaning.

Posted by Sophie – May 6, 2008 11:33 AM

I'd like to see a wine room/bar/lounge (for lack of a better word) -- not Tuscan, either, something more modern.

Posted by Bill – May 5, 2008 9:07 PM

I love the idea of designing for someone blind, but all types of handicaps could be included in the challenge. Since many live in so called handicapped accessible apartments that can't be structurally changed or even painted it would be very interesting to see what new ideas your designers could come up with. Keep in mind the equipment the client would need to be using weather a bath aide, wheelchair, or even a 125 pound large service dog. And the budget should be modest as most have to scrimp to purchase perscriptions and such.
Good luck.

Posted by Anggie – May 5, 2008 4:36 PM

We'd like the challenge to be designing a hospital room for children!

Posted by Claire & Lindsay – May 5, 2008 4:08 PM

I'd like to see them tackle a small kitchen space by making it functional, modern and with a WOW factor. I have a small kitchen and would love to see what ideas the designers come up with.

Posted by Carol Zehner – May 5, 2008 10:40 AM

Individual challenges show the real capabilities of the contestants...not group work.
Designing similar spaces also shows what each person can do...a bedroom, a living room, a den...as opposed to a kitchen, living room, etc.
DO NOT let some outsider decide who wins and loses as you did in the Vegas segment. Those people had NO taste!
Don't just judge on which project shows up best on tv...bright garish colors show up well but would be hard to live with.

Posted by jb harris – May 5, 2008 8:51 AM

I teach kindergarten at a school in San Diego that has the 3rd lowest socio-economic levels (of the students families) in our city. I think the designers should be given a challenge where they need to decorate the classrooms of teachers at our school-to make them fun and funtional for our students and the teachers. I would love to teach in a classroom that was conveniently organized and had a jungle theme or tiki room theme to it. The test of the room would be the students response to it and how functional the room is once students and teacher are living in the space. Looking forward to the new season.

Posted by Michael Stanley – May 4, 2008 11:10 PM

I live in a 10 yr old mobile home. I would love to see them make changes on an area so tight in space. You never see makeovers for mobile homes and the only one I have seen, was making fun of living in one. I live in southern Oklahoma and it is very heavily populated with them.

Posted by Jill Williamson – May 4, 2008 10:21 PM

Hi,

I am a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, having a child with disabilities is difficult when it comes to room design and setup. I would like to see the team to design a room for a child that is in a wheelchair, has visual impairments or is autistic.

Posted by Rhonda Williams – May 4, 2008 9:02 PM

Since you are "starting at home", might I suggest a needed design for the front of a smaller professional greenhouse, 30 feet wide by 48 feet long, that would include a few factors involved re.function (like hanging baskets) of the house as well. I grow organic food plants, herbs, and flowers from seeds, and an entrance out of the way of the very front of the house (ex. could do a patio effect or?), which might carry on through into a little bit of the inside front of the greenhouse, might be attractively designed to welcome people who come to purchase plants. The greenhouse is located at my home, this challenge would fit into your "START AT HOME" theme, as well as the going green issues.

Posted by Mary A. Ruther – May 4, 2008 8:30 PM

I feel challenges that utilize common stores and budgets are best. I really enjoyed the dollar store show last season. Perhaps decorating just with stuff from Target, Home Depot, Michael's, etc. with budgets that most of us can do - like around $100.

Posted by alexis – May 4, 2008 5:25 PM

With focus on going green, a farmers' market could be a great design location. I sell organic plants and have a 10 by 20 feet space (OR LARGER IF NEED BE) each week that I fill with two full size plywood sheet tables, upon which to set my ORGANIC FOOD, HERB, AND FLOWER plants, as well as a huge bulletin board display of pictures of my plants for sale that day, every Saturday from 9am-1pm...set up starts 7 am...need to use space as efficiently and as customer friendly as possible. Needs to be portable and able to disassemble fairly quickly. HELP,I spend so much time on my organic planting efforts and need to display them in earth friendly manner, Mary Ruther, owner and operator of Aunt Violet's FINE PLANTS, WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON. Walla Walla Valley Farmers' Market has grown over past decade to include nearly 100 vendors over the season.

Posted by Mary A. Ruther – May 4, 2008 3:15 PM

Re-Conceive a Window

Drives me crazy to spend hundreds of dollars per sq ft on windows and the first thing designers do is cover 80% of it. Can't someone design an opening for a window and where it becomes a picture to the outside and design a 'movable privacy cover' (to avoid using the word drapes) that not obtrusive when opened.

Give them a blank wall and a choice of std windows and have them design from the rough framing to completion and decoration.

Posted by Larry – May 4, 2008 3:13 PM

I see the shows that are on and think they are all good for home owners. Why not do a challenge on having them redo or suggest making a smaller apartment better. For example many single guys have less then the basics and to me it would be nice to have something a little nice to call hoe.

Posted by Paul Savio – May 4, 2008 3:00 PM

I think that you should have the final four go to thier home town,and find a neighbors house that needs redesigning.then give them two days to redesign any room in the house.

Posted by rebecca – May 4, 2008 2:50 PM

I agree with the dorm room idea. One thing that I would add is that none of the changes can be permanent (no paint of the wall, no nails, no screws). Everything has to be able to be returned to the original blank room they started with. The designers should remember that students don't just sleep in their dorm room, but work and socialize in the room as well; so a very small room has to server many purposes.

Posted by Rachel – May 4, 2008 2:46 PM

I would like the design group have to go to a junk yard and get things from there to decorate a room. They could buy paint and a couch. That would be it. The rest of the furniture and accessories would have to been found it then junk yard. The challenge could be called from trash to treasure.
sincerely
KND

Posted by Katelyn – May 4, 2008 2:43 PM

i thought that it would be a great idea if one of the design challanges could be designing a reto-bathroom. each contestant could get a different decade to design. this will see which contestant is most flexable with design, and how creative they are since they are designing a different decade.

Posted by megan – May 4, 2008 2:40 PM

I'd like to see each team of contestants take the exact same room of a real home and re-arrange, re-hang, re-use what is in there (being allowed to "shop" only in the other rooms of that house) in a timed situation. No painting allowed - only using what is there. Then, everything is put back exactly as it was and the next team has the same amount of time to work with the same furniture, pictures, etc.

Posted by Rebecca Noot – May 4, 2008 2:38 PM

It would be exciting to see them design a resturant/bar. A hip, new, cool resturant is a perfect challenge.

Another one would be to design a school/work cafeteria. They are usually big and ugly at schools . And with a budget it would be a really good challenge.

Posted by Ben Osborne – May 4, 2008 2:32 PM

I would like to see the designers create a room for someone in a wheelchair. My dad is in one and there are challenges in all rooms for him especially the kitchen and bathroom, but any room would do. They need to be able to get to the windows, bookshelves, turn around, have flooring that the chair will roll on, counters that are low enough, and doorways that are wide enough. Also in the bathroom a way to take a shower. 261433

Posted by Molly – May 4, 2008 2:31 PM

I think that they should design a dog house/ doggie mansion

Posted by Dani Jones – May 4, 2008 2:28 PM

hi all you desinger
your design will be, if care to take the challenge is to take a L-shape room with a kichen, dinner, living room, fireplace and bookshelfs all together, open floor plan and bring it together. The pop is window all around and nine footceiling and not alot of wall space.
this is a L-shape design for you.

Posted by vriginia – May 4, 2008 12:58 PM

I would like to see the design stars design a 4 star kitchen as a challenge.

Posted by Brian Johnson – May 4, 2008 12:34 PM

I have two ideas for DesignStar.
the first I would really like to see result in a spin off for a series where the designers design an apartment space or any rented space. Decorating a space where the walls can't be painted, sometimes you can't put crews in the walls and the lighting is awful is a very difficult challenge.
The second idea is to decorate/organize classrooms. I volunteer my classroom to be first on the list. I teach in a building with no air-conditioning and no elevator, which makes it hard to have my morning classes downstairs and my afternoon classes upstairs when I have a lot of materials to shuffle all day long. I have 27 students in a very small room and the desks are to small for their bodies. Every math classroom is shared between 2, if not 3 teacher threw out the day. I would love to have a functioning classroom so that the time can focus on the learning.

Posted by emily geisel – May 4, 2008 12:17 PM

Have the design stars design a fashionable apartment for tenants who do not own the apartment. It will be important for the design stars to create a design without making any permanent changes or alterations to the apartment itself; no painting walls, no permanent fixtures. All elements must be removable. It will take some creativity and skill to pull this chalange off well.

Posted by Joshua Bloom – May 4, 2008 12:08 PM

I would like to see a room designed around
sound. Each Designer selects a CD for meditation, healing and relaxing. It can
be instrumental, vocal or environmental. Ask
them: What do they feel? What do they hear? What colors do they see? What do they feel like doing in this room? What objects are in the room? Examples might be: a Buddha, a Goddess,
a water fountain, instruments, meditation cushions, etc.? Maybe they envision a temple, a garden, a tropical paradise, a sanctuary, a tent, a chapel, angels, Koi fish...or whatever brings them peace and serenity. Now, they can gather up everything they saw and felt and create their rooms. OR, you could chose to select one CD for
all the designers. Have them sit down in a
meditative or yoga position, listen to the CD
and ask them a few questions like those mentioned. Then they're off to create their
visions.

Posted by J Puchelli – May 4, 2008 2:04 AM

I would like to see a design star challenge that would involve decorating an adult tree house get away. The design should be focused on a particular function of the home owner. For example: Home office, writer's nook, meditation room, spa, game room, etc.

Posted by Shirley Curry – May 4, 2008 12:26 AM

1. One of the things that you can almost count on finding in any school is a dreary looking neglected teachers' lounge full of people's castoffs...dilapidated couches, old (huge)microwaves rescued from kitchen makeovers, mismatched chairs and tables(often student-sized),and always a too small refrigerator!

2. Often shoe-box sized, the principal's office would be another spot in the school that could probably use a makeover. People bring so much baggage when they come to the principal's office - they need to calmed down and relaxed if anything productive is to occur. How can that happen when there is no place to file things properly, storage is nonexistent, and lighting is of the harsh florescent variety.

So those are my ideas for some interesting challenges that would benefit some deserving, hard-working folks!

Posted by Norma Horan – May 3, 2008 11:16 PM

I know this would definetly be a challenge, as it as been for us;however, we have been able to do it. We have a motorhome, and most interiors are very bland and basic. Most floor plans are dining, living and kitchen combined. I would like the designers to be given a budget to redo this area upgrading it from bland to fabulous (Keeping in mind weight requirements). Example: We have taken our kitchen and tiled backsplash, hardwood floors, reupolostered the furniture. IT WOULD BE A GREAT CHALLENGE!!!!

Posted by TOM – May 3, 2008 10:32 PM

I would like to see them tackle a craft/sewing room. I am a quilter/crafter trying to convert an 11 by 22 space that also includes a freezer, refrigerator and a food storage center that is an 8x8 foot set of 15"deep shelves. These items cannot be taken out of the space. They also need a limited budget and storage space for a large fabric collection, and quilting frames. There is also a large book and magazine collection that needs stored. Lighting is also an essential part of this plan.

The requirements for the designers could include elements such as I have that cannot be removed from the room, lighting, work space, and storage for various types of craft supplies.

Posted by Sue Ovard – May 3, 2008 10:24 PM

I would like to see some affordable outdoor places done. I live in a low income apartment so I also would like to see designs using discout stores and stores like Walmart not the expensive high end stores. Many of us can not afford to buy the expensive things. Plerase do challenges that low income people and families can follow through on.

Posted by Yvonne – May 3, 2008 10:22 PM

Having owned homes in the past, the housing market is such that, like many, I will probably never be a homeowner again. MY CHALLENGE:
design the typical living/dining/kitchen area of an APARTMENT within the limitations that so many of us now face: *Portability for future moves *nothing permanent may be attached to the walls *picture nail holes must be minimal *AND MOST FRUSTRATING: The walls are "apartment white" and painting them is NOT allowed. How do we find personality, color, warmth within these limitations. Please, Please and Thanks! Great show!

Posted by jim hamilton – May 3, 2008 10:06 PM

my husband and I always joke that we have the world's smallest kitchen. In planning our kitchen remodel, we discovered that our space is short by 12 inches in all practical areas. Those 12 inches we need is the difference between a simple remodel costing $10k and a major remodel costing $35k. I would love to see the designers tackle a kitchen like ours, just shy of a practical remodel space, but with budgetary constraints.

Posted by Joy – May 3, 2008 10:03 PM

I would like the contestants to all make over a similar room but each one has to pick a certain style from the paint can. (for example, deco, french country, moorish, etc...) One of David's strengths on his show is that he can design a room with the clients' taste and not just his own. This will weed out the one trick ponies.

Posted by Lesley – May 2, 2008 12:29 PM

I think the team challenges are important to show who is able to work well with others, but instead of the team leader being eliminated, it should be the one who contributed the least. I LOVE the idea of a tree house that someone mentioned! Each contestant should design, build, and decorate a tree house for the children of a needy family. I really liked the small individual rooms done is the past, especially the ones using only Dollar Tree items; a lot of people (myself included) want & need ideas for decorating on a budget. Few can spend tens of thousands of dollars on decorating. I think doing spaces for college students or people in the military is a great idea that has been mentioned by several people. I would like to see more for kids and teens.

Posted by Joy C. – May 2, 2008 12:26 PM

I'd love to see what they could design for a garage that is workable for many different every day functions. As a workshop, extra entertainment area, laundry, storage etc. That would be very interesting I think.

Posted by deanojac – May 2, 2008 11:25 AM

I would love to see the designers do a nursery for a small room with the ability to convert it to a toddlers room.

Posted by Heidi – May 2, 2008 11:18 AM

I think it would be fun to have three paint cans that each of the contestants would draw from. The first can would be the primary color they would use...the second can would be their budget...and the third could be either the kind of store they would shop in or the kind of room they would design. I think it would really be a unique challenge!

Posted by Linda Osburn – May 1, 2008 6:41 PM

How about assigning them to help a habitat for humaity home.
Family rooms.
Childrens play area or bedroom.

Posted by Carol King – May 1, 2008 4:59 PM

What you see now on TV is the "flipping frenzy", but in most cases they are all older homes with great structures and details - so why not use a room which is oddly shaped and has windows as obstacles as well as doors? We bought a 1939 home which someone had flipped, of course before moving our furniture in we didn't realize the major traffic pattern from the front door into the rest of the home or the fact we only had one solid continuous wall which would allow for a couch. The room is long and has a set of large windows in the middle so needless to say furniture placement is almost a joke because either way you look at the space you feel like you have wasted space. I guess what it boils down to - I'd like to see a room which is a little more realistic compared to a plain 3 sided room.

Posted by Susanne – May 1, 2008 3:01 PM

Plastic challenge
It would be great to have each person have to design a room using plastic modular storage items. Contestants could be given the colors they had to start with, primary, white, or bright. Plastic storage containers are widely used and it would be great to see a creative way to use them.

Posted by JulieAnn M Chambers – May 1, 2008 2:47 PM

I have 4 cats and they have their own room in my new house. This keeps all their stuff in one place and, most importantly, out of my kitchen. There is a closet for storage of food, etc., but they need places to eat, a place for 2 litter boxes, places to climb and hide from each other and the world. I've always thought it would be interesting to have a room designed to meet these needs, but have it look fun and interesting.

Posted by Penny – May 1, 2008 2:16 PM

I have often heard of the designing style called primitive. I would like to know how the new designers interpret this style. I know of the tribal/African style and the pioneer style. But what I would like to see interpreted into is the ancient man style, which would include fossils, ancient ruins, ancient tools, etc.

Posted by Donna Sharp – May 1, 2008 1:21 PM

design a library community room that is also wheelchair accessible.

Posted by Gina Zanardelli – May 1, 2008 11:31 AM

I like the idea of having each designer decorate a campus dorm room. The room should help inspire the student's major discipline of study, such as law, media, chemistry, etc. The room should also be done on a reasonable student's budget.

Posted by Cheryle Davis – April 30, 2008 12:12 AM

Two ideas come to mind.
1) I would like to see the finalist go back to their home town and redesign a living room, or some place in their parent's home or a family member's home.
2) I truly enjoyed the challenge when the group had a handful of money but could only spend it at the dollar store. How about Goodwill this time?

Posted by JulieAnn – April 30, 2008 12:01 AM

How about designing an apartment for someone who is blind. I know that would be a challenge because due to the fact that it would have to be visually appealing for their sighted friends, but also tactially appealing for the owner. Just a thought. Let me know if that would be interesting or not.

Thanks and can't wait to see the new season,

Thom

Posted by Thom Roberts – April 29, 2008 8:36 PM

In "real life" design, homeowners can sometimes be undecisive or even change their minds during the process. I'd like to see the challengers cope with "input" from the owners midway. Can they turn their original plan into something else without freaking out or going over budget?

Posted by Mary Blount Christian – April 29, 2008 5:54 PM

The first season offered more opportunities for individual creativity. Season two was focused more on personalities versus talent. Would like to see more individual design effort for season three. If the purpose of Design Star is only to find a TV "personality" then just interview the contestants and judge their on camera ability. If the purpose is to really find someone with design talent, then structure the show to challenge the contestants on their individual creativity as well as personality. Season two was too much about personalities.

Posted by Jacquie – April 29, 2008 4:36 PM

i'd like to see the designers solve the problem of making a space modular. so many design solutions on the various shows suggest that there is a 'correct' place for the couch... or that 'this way' is the best way for the room to flow. how about a challenge where the design was meant to be rearranged often. maybe 4 or 5 different combination of the same decorating elements. in my experience this is a huge benefit for somebody stuck in a small space, or for the creative individual who likes fresh views and eyelines to keep inspiration flowing. "rooms that transform". [would be awesome to see a good size open loft transform, where whole 'rooms' and room uses could change...]

Posted by Norman – April 29, 2008 3:34 PM

I would love to see them design a pet-daycare. I know it sounds weird, but some people's children are their pets and nothing is worse then taking their "child" to a run-down play area. Moreover, think about remodeling a child care facility for children.
Fun play area, sleeping area, arts & crafts and so on.

Posted by Shannon – April 29, 2008 3:27 PM

I think the first couple of tests need to be true individual design challenges. I don't want to see individuals chosen as team project leaders and only judged on their team’s performance.

Last year both project leaders where dismissed in the second episode due to their dysfunctional teams and supposed lack of leadership. I think this was unfair to the leaders and had nothing to do with their design ability.

Posted by jeff – April 29, 2008 1:58 PM

There is a community of us that that absolutely love "Primitive Decorating" - 17th and 18th Century - old wood, stoneware, crocks, jugs, sugar firkins, candles, a time when life was hard but less stressful than today's environment. Decorating techniques starting with painted floors, painted furniture, stenciling, old brick and warm milk paint colors is a challenge in today's world. Those of us that love the primitive look are always searching for that special Primitive Piece to add to our collections. I would love to see Primitive Decorating as one of the Design Star challenges.
Keep up the good work....love your shows

Posted by Jeri Way – April 29, 2008 1:24 PM

This would be a good one for the beginning of the show when there is a lot of designers. Have all of the designers design and draw up a plan for the same size spaces, maybe a small room set up similar to the dollar store challenge from last year. They would be told to make the drawings and specs very specific (HGTV can decide how long to give them). Then take all the drawings from them and have them all draw from the "paint cans"; in the can will be the name of one of the other competitors. They will have to design the others idea! This will show how well the can draw up, read and execute plans.

Posted by Mary – April 29, 2008 12:46 PM

Here is one for ya,
I am in the military and we don't make much money. I live in post houseing and we are allowed to do things but we can't do alot. how about an idea of how to make life better in post houseing and making it cheap for the common solider. Your always doing things for the home owner but have forgoten about us, the apartment dweller. I have everything a house has, the only difference is we can't knock out walls. PLEASE HELP US!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Mark Foster – April 29, 2008 12:39 PM

I would like to see the design of two rooms such as a living room and kitchen that is open to each other but keeping each room feeling different and independent but keeping a flow between the rooms.

Posted by Denise – April 29, 2008 12:31 PM

A good challenge would be for the designers to design a room in a small town with a population of twenty thousand or less. They could only buy supplies they need in this town.They could only go online to use Craig list.com and only buy locally. The rooms have to be eco-friendly and they can only spend five hundred dollars. The designer have two days in which to complete the rooms.

Posted by bev sutherland – April 28, 2008 9:36 PM

Bring life to the old!

Take a small town and give it some new life. Indoors (shops - town spaces), outdoors (parks - main street). Perk up and excite the area. It would be an awesome transformation to watch. Some place like . . . oh say, Ashland, Kansas. It's "A Lifestyle Worth Sharing".

Posted by Lynn – April 28, 2008 7:16 PM

Each of the designers will be given a room to the design (ie, bathroom, bedroom, greatroom).

Without letting anyone else know which room they got they are to design it as if it were to be their personal "ultimate dream room".

The ideas will be "paint canned", each designer will create the room with the specifications without knowing who designed the room.

Then without knowing who designed their room they will judge the room, pass or fail it and then in the end they will all find out who designed it and who created it. And since no one knows designer or creator it will avoid the "popularity" or "ali" vote.

I hope that wasn't over explained.

Posted by Katherine – April 28, 2008 7:12 PM

I would like to see Design Star do something with a large living area that includes a kitchen, dining area and family room. It is one huge open space. Knowing how to use color to separate the spaces but also make it flow nicely together. Make it feel homey and warm.

Posted by Amy – April 28, 2008 1:42 PM

How about an older Class C motorhome that needs serious updating. Small space needs lots of storage but without takin up living space.

Posted by Donna – April 28, 2008 12:21 PM

Two more ideas, a miniture to scale room, as well as the actual room...not on a computer but actual material.

Also, I love Real Simple Magazine and how they use paper to look like real iteams...for example it looks like a bucket with bubbles coming out but it is all made out of recycled paper...that can be done at benifit to raise money for a childrens charity or green foundation.

Posted by Tricia – April 28, 2008 3:51 AM

The designers are so very creative; their talent always amazes me. It is also wonderful to see them grow as they continue through the show. What about designing a dollhouse or a department store window.

My absolute favorite would be to see the designers work on a Habitat for Humanity house -- designing the decor for a newly built home.

Another thought is to design a room from one of their favorite pieces of music --- that would be interesting.

Posted by Che – April 27, 2008 9:24 PM

I am a teacher who has things that are built into every classroom. The rooms are gray, ugly, and boring because they are all the same. I would like to see them change our classrooms into inviting places to learn.

Posted by Kristy Leon – April 27, 2008 8:18 PM

how about a nursing home. They can be dull and peeping up nursing home space would make those staying their feel great.

Posted by heather raven – April 27, 2008 3:48 PM

How about a mobile home. Small kitchens, small baths/laundry rooms. Not everyone lives in big houses.

Posted by Missy – April 27, 2008 3:25 PM

I would like to see designs for townhouse outdoor spaces (front porch, back patio). I have been able to make my interior very much my own, but I'm not sure how to blend my personality with the regulations of a homeowners association and the opinions of my neighbors!

Posted by Vicki G. – April 27, 2008 12:20 PM

I'd love to see them do an outdoor living space using salvaged and second hand materials. Remix and recycle what an owner may already have will help keep things out of the land fills. Make it green friendly!!

Posted by Mary – April 27, 2008 12:19 PM

I am a Soldier in the U.S. Army, and I would love to see the designers do something to the military housing. We are so limited on what we can do as far as painting and remodeling, and the houses never have enough storage to hold our belongings. Call it a "Salute to Heroes"!

Posted by Kevin Creel – April 27, 2008 12:08 PM

I would like for them to go to a woman's shelter//Apt for woman and there children who are starting over and re-design some of the rooms//Apt.

Posted by Mickey – April 27, 2008 12:02 PM

Take a small room that has insufficient space, and not only redesign the room, but how could one knock out and move the wall the make it bigger and part of the room.

Posted by Sharon – April 27, 2008 12:01 PM

Take a couple or as many as needed large uninhabited house with many many rooms. Each one may be a different style of a house. Victorian or craftsman etc.
It could be done like a Show house. Later on in the real world this could be viewd for a fee and the money is used for a good cause. We have each designer given the criteria needed for a uniform theme or concept needed in each house. Each one does his own and is judged on his own design and work. Freedom to purchase items everywhere. If expensive furniture is needed, then rental or loan is available. Perhaps there is this mass ascessory store. and of course materials to build from scratch and alter something as well. Maybe eliminate the money factor or stress it. NOt sure on that.

Perhaps kitchens and baths can be eliminated from these challenges of the house to keep all on kind of a equal foot. Perhaps they can choose which rooms they want to do.

We need to see all on rather an equal basis.

Perhaps the exterior can be done by all and we see the personalities and work habits of all together.

Maybe a joint meeting of them also to see them discuss and share ideas they see that need the discussion in realtion to the house total success.

Perhaps a long time frame is needed in this.

Or maybe partnership in each room done.?

Posted by Frieda – April 27, 2008 12:29 AM

Show us the D. stars together and mixing together etc. Let us see their personalities together. relaxing, talking, mixing, partying. But not what they are working on. And who they are working with. So we see indivdual work. So it is not all about a face or body. Also Leave the personality of the individuals in relation to their work a mystery.
Show us their portfolio work done. Or series of drawings etc that they have. Maybe they can make Small models of rooms. Play houses. Little sheds. whatever. Perhaps they can construct small model room and decorated and designed in minature.

But nothing personal. Dont show us who they are until later on. Show us some rooms that they have done using their personal choices to do that room. Or s With certain specification, rules. They were given time and money. Free shopping, building choices. Enogh time to do crafts if needed.time opportunity to be creative and freedom to do like in the real world.

We should see their drawings,display boards, but we do not see who did which one. Then We vote on the outcome of the room ourselves. Maybe this voting poll can be told or shown. And maybe least liked would be eliminated.

Even if we start out not knowing who or what personality is doing which result. Later then, we find out on line or something who did which room. then later on we see the people and can root for the ones we think we like their way of designing.
Then later just like the judges we get to see who is who and what has been going on with living and working together and all the drama.
We need to see what they each can do before all the eliminations happen. Before all the personality and drama happens. Then we can judge more accurately.

Something on that order. We need more crafting, shopping at antique stores, good will , salvation armies, nature,craftstores, lumber yards, hardware stores where ever they have the inclination to shop. We need a little money, time and reality decorating. Design is not always the swing of green.
Decorating and art and beauty may have to work more than emphasis on function.

I am looking for a decorator/designer who can wow me with what they can do.

Posted by jo – April 26, 2008 11:46 PM

I would like to see Design Star contestants come up with ideas on how to display art or family photos for a person who rents a home and not allowed to put nails in the walls.

Posted by Denise – April 26, 2008 10:28 PM

I would like to see a challenge using only scrapbooking supplies.

Posted by Char – April 26, 2008 1:49 PM

I would like to see the designers decorate a green room,(eco-friendly). Everything in the room would need to be recycled or eco friendly COMPLETELY, even down to the finishing touches. They would also have to present it properly with explanation of each product. And you could also have a guest judge who is very knowledgeable in that area.
LOVE THE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by ESTER K WALKER – April 26, 2008 12:34 PM

Please design a room that has an awkward shape. A living room that is small. One side of the room has a closet and staircase, and the other side of the room has a half bath. Make everything eco-friendly and multi purpose, so it can be changed from time to time.

Posted by Sonya – April 26, 2008 12:23 PM

I enjoy your compatitions but have you considered decorating an apartment that you can not change the color on the walls. There are many of us who rent and are not permited to change things like rug or walls. I know there are many things that could be done by someone with the experience and creativity. You could even add more of a challenge by keeping a price tag of $500 or evn purchadsing from a thrift store.

These are also many of the constraints we apartment livers deal with, color and money.

Posted by Virginia Karman – April 26, 2008 11:15 AM

I live in a one bedroom apartment with my 17 yr old son, my 36 yr old daughter, and her 11 yr old son. We are out of room. I would like to see your stars design a one bedroom apartment that would meet needs like ours. It would be great to see how they would give some privacy to everyone.

Posted by Iris – April 26, 2008 11:05 AM

A childs room where one child is two years old and a boy and the other child is a newborn and a girl. Some way to combine the two kids spaces so that they have their own age appropriate space and everything in the room is cohesive. The room is an average size room.

Posted by sharon samaha – April 26, 2008 8:26 AM

How about a "New" condo (3 yr old) with a living room/kitchen feature. The woodwork around the windows is to die for, but the 'room' just needs something - the 'Design Star' touch!

Posted by Sherry Cavallaro – April 25, 2008 8:52 PM

What if they design a dorm room. College students need space to study as well as relax. However, most dorm rooms are small. They also usually have roommaates. So I'm sure it's a challenge to make it look nice but also be cohesive. One for male or female. Or just male or just female, like Agness Scott college in Atlanta, GA.

Posted by Venita Waller – April 25, 2008 7:20 PM

I live in a two bedroom two bath apartment in Washington State. We live in an apartment complex and cannot paint AT ALL! It is horrible. The livingroom, diningroom and kitchen are a long rectangle that all look like one space. With the white walls that I cannot do much about I can't figure out how to make the space separate areas. I watch all HGTV Shows, and I have never seen a show that addressed what us people who rent, can do with our low-medium income apartments. I have seen shows about apartments in NYC etc, but what about us regular people? I would love to see what a designer could do without paint! It is something that I have struggled with since I moved here, and I want to purchase a house just so I can paint! But I think it would be a GREAT CHALLENGE!!!

Thank you!
Jennifer from Washington

Posted by Jennifer Roy – April 25, 2008 3:58 AM

Design a backyard retreat for under $500.00. The designers are able to use pre-exsisting, furniture, materials, etc.

Posted by Marsha – April 25, 2008 3:54 AM

Ok guys you need to hit the trifecta:

handicapped accessible, green, and cheap
...and no comprimising style!

the guantlet has been thrown.

Posted by Emily Sanchez – April 25, 2008 2:42 AM

How about Helping Give Thanks to Vets. When it's down to three designers how about having them design a room for a vet who has recently been disabled in the Iraq war. What a way for HGTV to show support for the brave men and women who have suffered a terrible loss for trying to serve their country and fellow countrymen, I am sure that you could get companies to donate for such a good cause, and it would be very good public relations for them. If you won't consider this for a design star episode then how about making it a new show on HGTV and have Todd Davis, Alison and Will be the hosts and do 3 room makeovers on each show.

Posted by Bob Warner – April 25, 2008 1:12 AM

Here are my disparate ideas...to design/redesign:

RVs/mobile or modular homes; poverty-stricken-area home or apartment space; Hospice home or office; small business (front room/lobby); Appalachian home/help center/whatever; improved, morale-boosting space for someone returning home from the hospital or elsewhere with a terminal illness (to a formerly delapidated/depressing space); a modeling or talent agency's lobby or interview/photography space; playhouse; treehouse; play room.

Posted by Katherine – April 25, 2008 1:10 AM

Have the designer design a room for newly weds using items from each person home before they got married

Posted by Christal Carter – April 25, 2008 12:52 AM

I would like to see them design a daycare center.

Posted by elaine kyke – April 24, 2008 10:19 PM

The challenge is to design combination grade and multipurpose classrooms in a small elementary school. Saint Matthew 's Elementary School in Campbellsport , WI offers to test the design stars abilities with just such a challenge. The challenge includes each designer being assigned a team of students to work with. And a team of students would participate in the judging of how the design stars worked with their student team and the overall room transformation.

Posted by martin – April 24, 2008 3:39 PM

I think a really challenging space to show a sense of style while still maintaining the function would be a bowling alley. They're all the same - just plain BORING, with no style!

I'd also like to see a different take on the basic screened porch so common in parts of the U.S.

Definitely have the contestants use items found at thrift shops, flea markets and/or garage sales. Many, many people personalize their homes this way - let's see what these designers do with the opportunity.

I also loved the .99 cent store challenge. Is there still ample scope for design possibilities to bring that one back?

Posted by Michelle Haviland – April 24, 2008 2:40 PM

I'd love to see my empty yard done, but I would really love to see them do a Nursing home, there are a lot of Assisted living places but the nice ones are so expensive and the seniors that can't afford them get thrown into terrible places not by choice but because that's all they can afford since most are on Medicare. They need happy places to live out there remaining years. Don't you think they deserve a little enjoyment.
Thanks

Posted by LeeAnne – April 24, 2008 2:11 PM

I would like to see a show based on rooms that are covered in paneling at least 3 of four walls. The paneling cannot be removed. It could be painted, faux finished ect, but it must remain on walls. If you are interested in such a challenge, I have the perfect ugliest paneled room for the design stars to tackle. I would love to see this type of room redone. I think there are plenty of rooms out there that have this terrible decorating blast from the past.

Posted by shannon – April 24, 2008 1:02 PM

We are a military family and move frequently. I would like to see a challenge where the contestants create a design that would look great in several different spaces. I would like to know what pieces of furniture would be good for that purpose. It would also be great to see a show that showed how to decorate a room for each season using the same furniture but changing accessories and accents to make a big difference.

Posted by Melanie – April 24, 2008 12:09 PM

I think it would be interesting to see them decorate any room in a natural earthy style but without the wood or wood tones. No real wood, no fake wood, and no paneling or bead board. It seems like everyone who wants an earthy organic feel somewhere has a lot of wood and wood tones. It's greener to use MDF and paint it anyway, right?

Posted by Melissa Conrad – April 24, 2008 12:07 PM

Design a super posh public ladies' and mens' room for a super high-end restaurant or hotel.

Posted by Mindy – April 24, 2008 12:01 PM

I have a HUGE pool house, 20X20 that looks like a cottage in my back yard. It has cedar clapboard siding, with white trim, a peaked roof with an octagon window in the peak, a cute front porch with white columns.

Originally planned by my husband to become pool storage and a wood work shop, I suggested that it become a destination, changing area and a summer room/suite. The attic storage takes care of the lawn furniture but... the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Other home improvements have taken priority, a major addition underway, and landscaping needing repair from construction vehicles.

The pool house is still an unfinished location housing a filter and chemicals. Friends nearby have the same issue, great sized pool house but no charm. Come to MAINE!!! We have 2 locations minutes apart.

Posted by Cheryl – April 24, 2008 10:42 AM

an idea & an offer

idea - go to a town where there are massive layoffs & redo rooms for families hard hit by unemployment.

I offer up my home office - its horrible! or my avacodo green bathroom! yikes!

Posted by Jill – April 24, 2008 9:24 AM

There should be presentations of designs for handicap people, especially the kitchen, bathroom and living rooms. And your gardening shows should cover themes for handicap gardening as well. Tom

Posted by thomas hayes – April 23, 2008 8:05 PM

I would love to see a whole house designed for people with disabilities that is not only accessible but also attractive. So much of what is needed for a person with disabilities looks like a hospital...ugh! Can't it be attractive too! My son is disabled and we have struggled to make an existing home not only wheelchair accessible but also attractive.

I would also like to see a school classroom done. I teach public school and every year I struggle with setting up my classroom in a way that will be conducive to learning as well as brining a feeling of "homeyness".

Posted by Joanne Cunningham – April 23, 2008 7:05 PM

create a design theme for a kitchen based on their favorite dish. The design should include the same colors as the food and use things that symbolized the origin of the dish.

Posted by ms. adams – April 23, 2008 3:53 PM

I saw a family on tv one night that had adopted 24 special needs children. This was a family on oprah's big give that lived in atlanta. I really felt sorry for them because all they got was dinner. To see this family have a space designed for the 24 kids would really be a challenge and fun to watch.

Posted by ms. adams – April 23, 2008 3:48 PM

Idea #2: Have the designers (don't tell them until the day of) that they have to design a room based on what there wearing right now!! It has to match in color/colors and theme, ex; if there dressing casual or elegant, sparkling etc and of course a budget.

OR

Idea #2 Have the designers pick out of the paint can a disney carecter to decorate a room but the carecter can not be used, can the judges guess the carecter by looking at the room. Also it must be adult like? or some other little twist maybe?

Posted by Ayesha Naiche – April 23, 2008 11:36 AM

How about using only wood as your design product in ways that it doesnit look like wood or wouldn't traditionaly be used in that way, when designing the white blank room. You can use toothpicks, skews, flooring(but not on the floor),paneling,sticks,bark etc;, and there only tools would be glue and a saw, (no paint that would be to easy). Plus it could also be used as your green/planet theme?

Posted by Ayesha Naiche – April 23, 2008 11:13 AM

Design a small bathroom (very small bathroom) 83 inches wide 43 inches deep and 91 inches high. When you first come in sink is in front of you toilet to the left and the tiled shower stall is to the far left. No windows, no skylight, and no shower door. Give me some ideas guys!

Posted by Sanibel – April 23, 2008 10:15 AM

I would like to see something done with a pet theme. Perhaps a doggie day care facility for the pampered pet or plush doggie boutique - beauty parlor.

Posted by Jeannie – April 23, 2008 8:09 AM

I am an Interior Decorator and the biggest challenges almost always center around an odd shape or arrangement of windows or the placement of furniture in an oddly shaped room.

Also, the show seems to focus on the creativity of the design. The hardest part of the business is dealing with clients. How about a difficult client for them to deal with?

Thanks. I love the show!

Posted by Joey – April 22, 2008 2:20 PM

I would like to see what they can do with a mobile home that is affordable to the middle class and not out of reach by using unaffordable items and decor. I live in one and it is hard to decorate it because it is so specific and made a lot different. If I could see what ideas can be done on a budget to make a mobile home romantic, cozy - just like they do with rooms in a house, that would be wonderful and I may not want to move out so bad.

Posted by Maureen – April 22, 2008 12:56 PM

I agree with posters who don't want the artifical drama. I think most of us just want to see interesing and clever designs and not the sideshow. I loved the first season and last season I could barely force myself to watch, even though I likes most of the the contestants. I also think they should get a small amount of money to shop at thrift stores and flea markets and even yard sales to put together different rooms in a house for deserving people. Why should all that money be wasted on some showroom when there are so many who don't have much. Thanks to all who suggested this. And what about designing a wedding reception on the cheap, unlike the Vegas wedding. I'm talking about only having enough money for long bolts of material, thrift store silver or pottery, and creative flower compromises, such as branches with perhaps a few flowers wired to them. I guess you can tell I'd love to be a contestant, but I'm too old and pokey to keep up with the youngsters. ;)

Posted by mary a – April 22, 2008 2:44 AM

My idea is a starter type project that would pit designer against designer. (Group must be an even number) Give each designer a specific budget and time constraint. Tell them to decorate their space in a design which best fits their style. When the challenge is complete and they think they are off to elimination, you ask them to pull a number at random out of a bag. They then must find the designer who has the same number they have selected. These two designers will comment on each others rooms (off camera). What they don't know is that their challenge is not over. You will announce that they are to switch rooms with the designer they were matched with and change the appearance of the room to make it look "better". (Of course it's all up to interpretation and drama will ensue)! I'd cut their budget to less than half of what they originally were given and cut the time down to 6 hours (not including shopping time). They will have to keep a minimum of 50% of the items in the original design but make it their own. They will be judged on their original room and redecorated room for the elimination round.

Posted by Lu – April 21, 2008 10:32 PM

YOu should do a kids room where they give ample storage space for too many toys.

Posted by Adrienne – April 21, 2008 7:38 PM

I would love to see an apartment porch or patio idea from the designers. Like others have said, can't tear it down & have limited budget, as well as space. What can the designers do? Also, if the idea would be practical in design.

Posted by Amy – April 21, 2008 7:24 PM

I would like to see some interior design. Last year's show, while enjoyable - should have been called Decorating Star. Unlike David who is phenomenal (I never miss his show), last year's contestants were mainly decorators. I would like to see the ante raised to include Interior Designers with a sense of style and color. A few projects:

1. Designing in an older home with non-standard features that are a challenge. My mother's home was built in the 60's and has a corner fireplace from floor to almost the ceiling in a split level style. The fireplace on each side has a raised brick seating area that takes up one full wall on one side and about 1/4 of the other wall. Let me know if you need pictures! LOL. Lets see the contestants design around dormer windows; walls with windows or doors on all or 3 of 4 walls; angled ceiling.

2. Children's themed rooms

3. Designer's take on various styles: Tuscan, French Country, Contemporary,

4. Redesign a room for a home office/craft room combo

5. Redesign a very outdated bathroom and or master suite

6. Sunroom or enclosed patio redesign

7. Media room and game room from an unused bedroom

Posted by Sonewa – April 21, 2008 7:14 PM

I think they should design spaces for Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Target House, etc.

Posted by Melissa – April 21, 2008 3:42 PM

When my husband and I relocated to Arizona to be near my daughter and her family, the home we bought has a free-standing 8 x 10 structure that the previous owner used as an office. It has electricity, but no running water. I'd love to see how the designers would turn this space into a fantabulous play area for my three granddaughters, ages 8, 7 and 2! I'm sure their creativity would be absolutely incredible.

Posted by Cheryl Winter – April 21, 2008 3:35 PM

I found the commets from Clyde Pearse a bit annoying....He is not a designer, and should be only the Henchmam he was hired to be....on several of his ads he is depicted putting on rubber gloves and hurting himself (this was done because he was asked to help paint a wall) His accent is perfect and his appearance welcoming, but his comments were rude and a direct opposite to the end result and appraisals of the designers who critiqued the episode...so please have him keep his comments to himself....Please....

My suggestion for one of the episodes is to have an abandoned house or one in an out of the way setting to become a fantasy home...with a story attached to it...the story should be given to the designers and they will pick at random a room to decorate....One of the stories that comes to mind is the story of a boy/girl that lives in that farmhouse to be French or English or German and the walls of the house and the furnishings to be of that period of time....every room would be part of that story...His/Her bedroom decorated for a girl/boy that age (whatever age you deside) and for her to be a designer of gowns or for him to be an oil painting artist...the kitchen reminiscent of that time period and decorated accordingly...murals of his/her servants and or family as well as the pets they owns....a book should be made to tell her story ahead of time and when the house is done...a tour by the judges should be incorporated...if possible a barn or a separate dwelling should be decorated as well....and the competing designers are assigned to each one by picking a card from a hat...a color palette should be chosen by the HGTV stars and for each one of the rooms a different designer with a established show should be the guide and the mentor... the stars from Divine Design..Decorating on a dime....Miles of style...Homes Accross America..etc...etc...should be the nentors and answer all the questions...they should also sit on the panel of judges but could not vote when all the rooms are presented...I could come up with the outline of the story if you do not have anyone available to do it...

Once the home is done....You could show it for a few months and charge admission...something similar to the Pasadena Showcase House of Design which features a home every Year which is shown and then sold to the highest bidder...The book telling the story and the proceeds from the home could be donated to Charity....any charity...and would be unique and terrific show.

There are homes all around the United States which could be used for this endeavor...and I believe it could be as remarkable as the homes you do and give away to your fans....

If someone has already suggested this, or if it has been done....I stand corrected.....if not, I would like to talk to you about anything which is not clear to you...

My name is Ricardo Gonzalez and I posted my email above....

Sincerely yours,

Ric

Posted by Ricardo Gonzalez – April 21, 2008 2:49 PM

Design a kitchen or bathroom that would be functional for average height as well as little people.

Posted by Teresa – April 21, 2008 1:36 PM

Hello,I just love this show.I've got a idea for a test.Have the contestants buy things at a grocery store and decorate a living room!Wouldn't that be really hard?

Posted by Joyce Brewer – April 21, 2008 10:53 AM

A baby's room, or go green room would be nice

Posted by Sharon – April 21, 2008 10:38 AM

I have a good idea,decorate a living room with things from a grocery store.

Posted by Angela Bittner – April 21, 2008 9:24 AM

Since I live in an apartment complex where I can't paint the walls, change the floors, appliances or fixtures, I like to see the designers have to come up with a way to introduce color and warmth into my space. I'm sure it can be done with window treatments, artwork, pillows, furniture color and other accessories. I just don't have a clue where to start and think it would be a great challenge for a designer to come up with a neat design. I don't think it's easy but I also don't think it's impossible. Personally I don't have the talent to see the vision and I'm sure these designers would.

Posted by Suz – April 20, 2008 11:41 PM

As a person being home on disability, and love a beautiful garden I would love to see the contestants decorate an outdoor indoor space in the home,(kitchen or bedroom) live plants and flowers gives healing to the body and mind.

I am a big fan of the show of a a fact I am addicted to HGTV.

Posted by Claudia – April 20, 2008 11:14 PM

There are some great comments & ideas here! I particularly would like to second the suggestions to do charity work instead of studio rooms.

My challenges would be to recreate historical/cultural styles with consideration of modern sensibilities. Art deco, art nouveau, Asian, Egyptian, Moroccan, classical Greek, Victorian, Russian, Baroque/rococo, Prairie/Mission, etc. - each designer would draw a style/culture & the winner would be the one who best incorporated the elements of style in a contemporary American setting.

My DREAM is that you will do a whole season where NO ONE uses all of those gawd-awful greens your designers use ALL OF THE TIME. Mint, olive, chartreuse, lime, dead celery, yellow-green, green-yellow, moss, sage, asparagus, avocado, camo, pistachio, celadon, sour apple, acid green - I'm so sick of them all. It seems as though 50% of the time, when they open up a paint can it's one of those same old boring colors. What on earth is wrong with a nice blue-green for once? Or a pure, true green? Forest? Hunter? Anything but those yellow-greens & muddy greens you always have. Ban the dowdy greens!!! ;-)

Posted by ann – April 20, 2008 7:27 PM

HGTV is doing a wonderful job sending the message about using "green" products. I love learning about how much there is available for homeowners to use. I think to go along those lines would be perfect for the contestants. Their challenge should be to travel to and from stores using "Eco friendly" transportation, use re-cycled, green, re-furbished, re-used, re-purposed anything and everything in the given room, including paint. There are, I have learned, many products as far as paint go, on the market they could use. I think the challenge would be best used in a kitchen or living room situation. So, in short the challenge would be to design a room using only environmentally friendly products.

Posted by Kathleen – April 20, 2008 6:50 PM

I would like to see a galley kitchen designed, dimensions 8' X 12' with an open doorway at each end.

Posted by Sue – April 20, 2008 6:13 PM

I would like to see the design stars pick an older couple and redo their home, a couple that has spent their entire lives helping others and has put theirselves last on the list...this could be in any part of the country... this would be wonderful.

Posted by Judy – April 20, 2008 3:19 PM

How 'bout children's playhouses that could be given to deserving children...Our youth group and parents built several for Relay for Life a few years ago...One was decorated and given to 4 year old Tabitha...in remission from cancer...
An experience my daughter...now an interior architecture student will always remember as very special!

Posted by Sharon Edwards – April 20, 2008 2:15 PM

While I enjoyed the Vegas wedding and Wayne Newton's guesthouse, very few of your viewers would connect with them. I have 2 ideas-first is a porch or patio without using the exorbitantly priced outdoor furniture that is available. Maybe do it on less than $800--like many viewers would have to spend. The other idea is to take a room--any room and light it. Show us viewers how to properly light a room from lamps to overhead lights--and do it for around $500--again, the amount your viewers could duplicate.
ANOTHER IDEA--use the amount of the economic stimulus package!

Posted by Sally Angevine – April 20, 2008 1:42 PM

Out door space will be nice to see (can you do my?)to include a a buetiful modern water fountain

Also a bathroom/master room.

I love the show, and I would love to be a contestance for one of there challenge.

Posted by Gladys Rivera – April 20, 2008 12:44 PM

How about designing a room for cats or dogs?

Posted by Barbara – April 20, 2008 12:15 PM

I think a good show would to be have the design stars redo the inside interior of an private airplane or maybe a boat, yacht etc...

Posted by JERRY PERCHERT – April 20, 2008 12:07 PM

I would like to see them face a challenge I am currently facing. I am looking to add living space by finishing my basement. The challenge is working around the mechanicals, the lower cielings, etc.

Posted by Brian – April 20, 2008 12:01 PM

I rent my house. I would like to see a makeover that does not involve painting or demo. If it was a low budget makeover that a student or someone on a fixed income could afford that would be even better.

Posted by Michael – April 20, 2008 11:58 AM

I would like to see the designers redo a small business (retail shop) niche business, in need of a make over, taking the small business from good to better. The desgin would include layout, best way to display goods, a color correction, lighting, traffic pattern, smell, and type of music played in the store. I would also like to see the show last longer in order to give the designers more challenges.

Posted by Denise Wrenn – April 20, 2008 11:28 AM

I would like to see Design Star come to the mountains of WV and meet with the sponsors of Scotties Place a summer camp for homeless children. You would have the campers suggest their area of need. The designers would be required to use the material readily available in the woods, just like back in the early settler days. It would be great to see the children involved as it would help teach them new skills, also this would allow them to see a new prespective on life that otherwise would not be available to them. For further information on Scotties Place go to: http://www.scottiesplace.org

Posted by Debbie – April 20, 2008 10:03 AM

Manufactured home. They look like big boxes from the outside. Can you have the design wannabes do some outside design and give the home some architectural interest and a cozier feel? But do it on a dime, please.

Posted by Sheryl – April 20, 2008 2:16 AM

We have a 13-year-old son in a power wheelchair whom needs to learn to drive it independently, unfortunately it is very hard on the walls in our home. We are looking for a design that would allow him to drive his chair without us having to repaint and fill holes in everyday without compromising style. Also we have a sunken living room with a wheelchair ramp to allow him accessibility, however it is very dangerous for him to use alone as he can drive off the edge and flip his chair, which weighs about 250 pounds. We so badly want to allow our son free reign of the house as it is so important to allow him to gain independence, but at the same time we have a hard time hearing that chair scrape the walls all the way to his room, let alone the concerns for his safety. We would love to see your design teams come up with a solution to our wheelchair accesibility design problem, but keeping the house from looking industrial!!!

Posted by Tammy Gemmer – April 20, 2008 1:09 AM

I would like to see the contestants makeover a garage - multi-function for the car, laundry, workshop, hanging out, etc.

Posted by Dale – April 19, 2008 10:23 PM

A challenge idea is to interpret a famous piece of art (oil, photo, sculpture....)into a room design.

Posted by chris – April 19, 2008 10:22 PM

I think it would be great to see the contestants work with some of the current HGTV designers in a competition. (The competition would remain b/t the Design Stars and not the HGTV designers, of course) The interaction between the contestants and the HGTV designers could include everything from design work, the actual television production or with the behind-the-scenes crew. I think this type of challenge would be an opportunity to see if the contestants could work well under a head designer and within an established show. It would give them the opportunity to see how much work it takes to be a designer AND the host of a show. After the challenge, the HGTV designers could critique the contestants work, contributing to the decisions of the traditional judges.

Posted by C – April 19, 2008 10:18 PM

I would like to see the design stars do a teen bedrooms.

Posted by Elaina – April 19, 2008 10:16 PM

I would like to see two different challenges.

The first challenge is a baby's room that is trendy and eco friendly. However, to make this challenge even more difficult, it needs to be done on a budget that the average middle class family could afford when they are expecting a child. This would be of great interest to all of the expectant parents out there that are already eco friendly minded yet want their child’s room to be trendy.

The second challenge is a room that contains only American made products. Again to make this challenge apply to the designstar audience, it needs to be done on a budget that an average middle class family can afford. The room I would suggest would be the kitchen, given the limited selection of American made dishes.

Posted by Lenae – April 19, 2008 9:54 PM

I think it would be interesting to see them design or update a classroom. Designers should create a space that will help keep the teacher organized, use up-to-date technology and stimulate learning.

Posted by Susan – April 19, 2008 9:08 PM

I'd like to see a "junky to funky" kind of challenge, where all of the pieces used in a design were salvaged from thrift stores, yard sales, and even stuff that's been thrown away.

I'd also like to see an ecological/environmental challenge where the emphasis was placed on creating a space that utilizes more environmentally sound design. Innovation would be an important element in this challenge.

Posted by Anne – April 19, 2008 8:47 PM

I was unable to read all of the suggestions , so I hope my was not already stated. If so I apoligize for being a repeat offender. I would like the designers to design a room using none of their own ideas. I would like for them to actually use the eyes of the homeowner. The only imput would be pratical (furntiure placement, types of lighting etc.). If what the homeowner wants is totally outrageous, the designer needs to be tactful with pratical reasoning--no "just trust me". I know it is a reality show and it's all about the ratings. Not everyone needs to see high drama, 'cause that ain't really real. When these folks hit it big or small they will be entrusted with people's money and everyday living spaces. They should have personalities.

Posted by Theresa – April 19, 2008 6:38 PM

I would like to see them design a bedroom in a modified a-frame home where two of the upstairs
walls are slanted down. I can walk as far as where the ceiling meets the wall, then it angles down to a much bigger floor area. The usable straight up and down wall is the door entrance into the room and the other usable straight up and down wall is the window. Help.

Posted by Janet Bloxham – April 19, 2008 6:34 PM

Please do single wide moble home living room.

Posted by von – April 19, 2008 4:15 PM

I would like to see designer challengers finish an unfinished basement,
design a pool area, done by going green,
and pick out the ugliest colors to do a bedroom in, and then make it into a romantic/country chic style, using the same colors.

Posted by char seybert – April 19, 2008 12:40 PM

Make the challenges meaningful - no $1 store shopping, etc. that wouldn't be the sole basis for materials in a real design project. I'd suggest some public spaces such as hospital and rehab center waiting rooms; activity rooms in senior centers, Boys & Girls' clubs, social services' offices (especially county offices for children's and health services); Legal Aid offices or other non-profit groups such as Meals on Wheels; homeless shelter rec rooms, bedrooms and kitchens; soup kitchen dining areas and kitchens; public housing offices (play areas for kids whose parents are waiting for appointments); etc. There are also Habitat homes if you want new spaces; remodels sponsored by churches and community redevelopment programs. What about rural Kentucky and Arkansas; or some of the lesser known hurricane areas in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas; or tornado ravaged towns throughout the mid-West and South? Basically think of services that reach the most people unable to afford remodeling or just decorating, and reach out and change those! Again, while creativity counts and I LOVE both of the past winners and hope they are around for a long time, I don't think the challenges necessarily showcase the best of the talents of the contestants since in a real life project the artificial constraints of some of the past challenges would not exist. PLEASE DON'T PANDER TO THOSE WHO WANT "DRAMA" OF THE BIG BROTHER AND SURVIVOR SHOW VARIETY. Alice will always rate highly with me, even though I ultimately voted for David's design, because she took the high road and made her competition all about the design work, never attacking anyone else and being a real team player as well. BEST OF LUCK WITH THE THIRD SEASON - HOPEFULLY ANOTHER TRUE STAR WILL TRIUMPH!

Posted by KK – April 19, 2008 11:35 AM

I've really enjoyed the innovation of dollar store decorating as entertainment value. Not that this has many practical applications. I really like the idea
of nursing home "sprucing up." Maybe some oasis with plants and places to bond with animals. I like using
found items and bringing them up a level. Maybe if there was a set amount to spend at a large flea market venue to decorate a family's living space. Everyone wants to improve their space and I've enjoyed getting ideas for these possibilities.

Posted by Debbie J. – April 19, 2008 11:27 AM

I would like to see them design a room for older people who have difficulty with normal actions. Both my mother and my husband haver arthritic knees and hands and it is difficult for them to stand up from conventional furniture and open some drawers. Contestants would have to keep details in mind such as furniture height, hardware, etc. My family will come help judge!

Posted by Tracey Rush – April 19, 2008 11:15 AM

Here is a challenge!
How about creating a space for those of us that are renters. The obvious trick is to make the items transportable and removable so that renters will not incur penalties from the landlord. Any room will be great!

Posted by Sophia – April 19, 2008 11:12 AM

I would like to see the design stars be given a limited budget and to redesign a narrow small master bathroom - make it as nice as possible with little money, using resources anyone can find across the US (not using local stores that offer terrific bargains to only residents in that area).

Posted by Trish – April 19, 2008 11:05 AM

I would love to see a living room or family room with the recessed tv iche above the fireplace done. As a new homeowner who has one of these rooms, I know this type of space can be challenging. I think finding creative ways to hie a television or to re-purpose the niche completely would make for a great task for the contestants as well as providng inspiration and ideas for many homeowners.

Posted by Arlena Nwosu – April 19, 2008 11:00 AM

Final travel segment when it's down to three or four people do the opposite of what everyone expects. Give the contestants a very limited amount of time (12 hours?) and a very small budget ($100 to $300 dollars?) so they are forced to mostly use what's on hand or get very creative with the shopping. Maybe let them know where they are going ahead of time so they can scout shopping but don't let them know how small the budget is.

Posted by Tamara – April 19, 2008 8:11 AM

I'd love to see the designers make something spectacular out of a cookie-cutter living/dining space -- the kind that is in almost every condo conversion out there.

Posted by Kayniee – April 19, 2008 4:38 AM

How about something whimsical? I have a very odd sense of decorating, so I'd like to see the contestants take ordinary objects and use them in a way that looks like a million, but they only get a hundred. I'm taking the glass pebbles you put in vases and using them as mosiacs on my bathroom walls, along with sea glass and, of course, regular tiles. I have ugly ceiling tiles in my living room and I'm thinking of buying that embossed wallpaper with the leaf designs and cutting them out to embellish each tile to make it look almost Victorian. Speaking of Victorian, why is everything on your show modern? How about a challenge where the contestants have to do some older, shabby-chic type design, or even a cottage look. I wish there were more individual challenges at the beginning and no one is kicked off the first show. We need to see what each person can do before judging them. I really loved the dollar store challenge and wish you would do more of those.

Posted by mary a – April 19, 2008 4:29 AM

I would like to see them reuse products left over from other episodes, kinda like "thinking green". Save supplies and left over decor from other projects and see if they can come up with new ways to use it??

Posted by Kate – April 19, 2008 12:20 AM

I would like to see a house designed for the handicap. Getting older and then having foot surgery with only a bathtub to try to get into made me realize how all the houses I've been in are not handicap friendly.

Posted by Linda – April 18, 2008 11:23 PM

I think a fun challenge would be have the designers create spaces inspired by sitcoms from the 60's and 70's. Gilligans Island, Star Trek, The Adams Family, The Beverly Hillbillys, I Dream of Jeannie. The list goes on. They would draw their sitcom from a paint can then get $1200 to spend. Make it really difficult and they have one day to shop and cannot purchase anything new. Must shop at yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores or dumpster dive. This would not be a theme room but an inspiration

Posted by Jerry Rodgers – April 18, 2008 11:08 PM

My condo is what was the attic of a 1897 victorian in San Francisco just steps from the famous "Painted Ladies". The original single family home was built as a wedding present from the bride's father. The space carved out for the bathroom is 8'x14'. It's huge any seriously under utilized. Somebody along the way framed in the original claw foot tub to create a 'sunken' tub (you need to think literally on this). It's all a do-it-yourself job which seriously needs a complete redo that compliments the original house while taking advantage of the large space. Energy efficient, easy-to-clean and maintain are critical.

Posted by Mary Rudkin – April 18, 2008 11:05 PM

I would like to see a room redesigned using existing furniture. No painting or cutting up of the furniture. It can be covered, reupholstered or removed, but no new furniture can be bought.

Posted by Stella – April 18, 2008 11:02 PM

I would love to see the contestants makeover hospital rooms to be functional first but also warm and inviting

Posted by Jenn – April 18, 2008 10:57 PM

I would love to see your team spruce up our aged classrooms in a small rural school. Nothing has been done in years except for painting. We would love to see the students faces when they march in a "new" school. I believe your team could make all the difference in the world for our little school. We need your expertise, desperately!!! We need color, color, color. Our lockers are a drab brown.

Posted by Gloria Twohig – April 18, 2008 8:48 PM

I would especially like to see designs for open-concept, vaulted ceiling great rooms/foyers, as these are more common but present spatial challenges for most folks moving from more conventional-sized rooms. The show this season which can keep my attention will be one the average viewer can learn from, with a reasonable budget or time line for completion, and less personal drama, backbiting, fighting, etc. And no matter how challenging our budgets, how many of us, really, will be furnishing our living rooms from the Dog Food Store or Beauty Bar? Let's get real.:}.

Posted by Laura Anderson – April 18, 2008 5:14 PM

With all of Wounded Warriors returning from Iraq. many will recieve grants to redo their homes to make them handicap accesible, I would like to see ideas to make changes not only functionable but beautiful.

Posted by Sharon Hudnall – April 18, 2008 4:03 PM

I would like to see what your contestants can do with a long narrow patio/screened porch 10'x 50' setting it up with the usual patio items: hot tub, table & chairs, grill, refrigerator or freezer, cooler & heater. It's difficult to avoid the runway look and there is also an issue with curtains or blinds for shade and privacy without obstructing the view.

Posted by Karen – April 18, 2008 12:54 PM

I would like to see more remodeling or renovating of mobile homes. I really appreciated the work Kim did on last year's show and helped the family with the double-wide. Mobile homes get a bad rap, which is unfortunate, so many people live in them and can't afford anything new. Mobile homes have come along way since the 10 x 40 single wide, the newer ones are fantastic, but there are still many people who live in older mobile homes. I feel some folks refuse to renovate because mobile homes depreciate; like cars do, they feel there is no use and there may not be any home equity to tap into. But your home is your castle and a person should strive to make it the best it can be. This would be beneficial; more people will be hanging on to their older mobile homes due to the simple fact, the cost of living has gone crazy!

Posted by donna in wyo – April 18, 2008 12:32 PM

Here are some ideas: Workout rooms but without equipment, 1 color with black or white, children's rooms based on a children's book, Redo a room with only things in the house or with things from someone's elses's house, 20 questions with the client, based on a piece of art, based on a word for inspiration, or given an item for inspiration.

Posted by Carol – April 17, 2008 10:50 PM

I would have the new Design Star Team pick the ugliest colors they can find and tell them they now have to decorate a room with that color and use at least 50% of that ugly color.

Then I would have them redo the same room using a color of their choice to see which one works best.

Posted by Richard Mister – April 17, 2008 8:58 PM

Here is something a little different for you. Have the contestants work individually or as teams to upgrade and re-decorate older recreational motor home interiors. These should be in good running condition but lacking in style. After the winner is determined in this challenge, the motor homes could be raffled off to provide proceeds for a charity or could be the prizes for a viewer contest. I would imagine that an RV manufacturer or dealer and/or a campground organization would be willing to get involved in some manner with this also.

Posted by Brenda Monse – April 17, 2008 8:37 PM

The challenge is to design combination grade and multipurpose classrooms in a small elementary school. Saint Matthew's Elementary School in Campbellsport, WI offers to test the design stars abilities with just such a challenge. The challenge includes each designer being assigned a team of students to work with. Also a team of students would participate in the judging of how the design stars worked with their student team and the overall room transformation.

Posted by Mrs. Rhodes – April 17, 2008 7:39 PM

Assign each contestant one room of a house. Supply each contestant with a certain amount of cash to shop at yard sales and/or flea markets. Nothing should be purchased new except for paint if it is needed. Allow them one day to shop and one day to design their room.

Posted by Brenda Monse – April 17, 2008 5:40 PM

design craft rooms for people who want to get into the quilting, crafting, sewing business.

Posted by lari hoffman – April 17, 2008 4:52 PM

How about pairing contestants up against each other in mini-contests. After contestants pick a paint bucket, they are paired up to compete against each other. Each pair has to do a room in the selected style, for example Moroccan, Craftsman, modern, etc. who ever in the pair does it better can wins. Whoever in the pair does it worst is up for elimination. The judges then choose among the losers.

Posted by Elizabeth – April 17, 2008 4:14 PM

We have an extremely open floor plan. There is really nothing that separates the living room from the family room, nor the family room from the kitchen. The only thing separating the living room and the family room is the fireplace, the back wall is a shared wall between these room. As for the family and the kitchen they also have a shared wall the faces the ocean(SW). I would like to see how one of the designers would paint and decorate a home with such an open floor plan.

Posted by Teresa – April 17, 2008 3:21 PM

I think it would be fun to watch: instruct the contestants to go to a store and pick out one design accessory -- don't tell them why and don't let them compare notes.

Then producers buy enough of each selected item to have one of every item for every contestant. Then tell the contestants that they have to design and room and incorporate all of the selected items into the room. Judging will be based on creativity in incorporating the items and well as how coordinated the overall room is when complete.

Posted by Elizabeth – April 17, 2008 2:06 PM

How about a houseboat?
What I'd really like to see is design for people who move ALL the time, like military families. We move every 18-36 months and it's really challenging making our furniture fit in every house we live in. It gets WAY to expensive to buy new storage everytime we move, so we make due with what we have.
Along those same lines, how about a re-design using what the family already has in their home? The only thing the designers could buy would be paint or wallpaper.

Posted by Andrea – April 17, 2008 1:53 PM

I would like to see design star do a mobile home. Single wide,

Posted by Sandra – April 17, 2008 1:53 PM

Why not use your resources to have them design areas for charitable causes or to bolster morale in others with less?

For instance: military housing, homeless shelters, battered women's shelters, rooms where family stay for terminally ill children, children's waiting rooms in places like St. Judes (non-profit), commons areas (student centers) on college campuses, build playhouses, etc. for Make-a-Wish foundation, camps for children with disabilities or summer camps for cancer patients, each group design a Habitat for Humanity house (great end project for final two), waiting rooms for critical or intensive care families, lounges for critical care medical staff, design for a landmark such as old hotel or theater and do it in historical detail, group homes for troubled teens/children, commons area at a juvenile detention area, commons area for children at women's prison, or decorate a room totally green (eco friendly).

I really like your show and yet I keep thinking about how wonderful it would be if the final projects on each episode went to someone or some cause...such a potential for a win/win show!

Posted by DR – April 17, 2008 12:51 PM

I would like to see what a designer/architect could do to make a kitchen that is only 9ft by 11ft more efficient. This same kitchen was built in 1924. It has 5 doors coming off of it and a beautiful full wall window over the enameled sink. There is a small pantry where the refrigerator must reside, a small enameled oven original to the house and only 3ft of counter space. There is no room to expand. If this isn't what you are looking for, pass it on to another show. Thanks

Posted by Christy Hilliard – April 17, 2008 12:17 PM

I think it would be wonderful if the contestants on Design Star use their talent to make a real difference. It would be great if they were given the opportunity to decorate an orphanage. These children do not receive a lot of attention, and I know how grateful they would feel if HGTV Design Star cared enough about them to help make their lives just a little more enjoyable.

Posted by Kari – April 17, 2008 11:57 AM

MY TWIN SISTER AND I BOTH SHARE AN APARTMENT--THE PROBLEM IS OUR BATHROOMS COULD USE A FACE LIFT!

Posted by GLENDA – April 17, 2008 10:32 AM

I would like to see each contestant design a room with furniture and a box of items and accessories supplied. Often a person is on a low budget and are only able to design a room based on what they have on hand. Let's see how creative these individuals are based on what they have. No shopping or swapping with each other allowed! Let the creativity flow!

Posted by Cindy Engel – April 17, 2008 9:46 AM

With the importance of family making a re-emergence, I think a good challenge would be to create/update a family room/great room type space that would appeal to 2 adults, a mid-teenager and a 10 year old. Choose a single color to do the room (shades of the color would be acceptable), make the room "want to be occupied" by all family members (as a family unit - not individuals doing their own thing), and everything used should be green/recycled/environmentally friendly. Devise a plan to provide green energy for all needs of the room.

Posted by Mary – April 17, 2008 8:03 AM

I have always been interested in seeing how designers would tackle the challenge of structures that cannot be easily manipulated, such as reinforced concrete houses in need of remodeling, on a budget and correctly. I am not sure if Design Star travels abroad, but it will be nice to see them face a challenge in tropical Puerto Rico where houses are made of reinforced concrete. I often see that the challenges imply removing gypsum board walls and structures and not reinforced concrete, which is more challenging! From my part, perhaps we will have a need for a total kitchen design in San Juan. How about a challenge with limited budget that implies possibly removal of cement walls and some floors?

Posted by Waleska – April 17, 2008 1:01 AM

It would be a great public service for HGTV to spend their money wisely on challenges which could make a significant impact on peoples lives. I would suggest the following two ideas. One the House of Ruth and second Grant A Wish. There are many other excellent charities and these are only two.

Posted by Nan Mathiowetz – April 17, 2008 12:05 AM

I would love to see how the design stars would change the lighting and a drop ceiling in a basement bedroom and transform it into a more unique and cozy space.

Posted by Linda Beasley – April 16, 2008 10:24 PM

I would like to see the contestants create a futuristic look for McDonalds. Design the look for McDonalds in 2028.

Posted by Barbara Fausett – April 16, 2008 10:18 PM

Design practical attractive office space for an AEC firm. Especially attractive multi-use storage for architectural/design plans. As we all know flat files are not easy to use; roll files are not attractive, and very little standard office furniture works well with design drawings/CAD equipment.

Posted by Norman Dixon – April 16, 2008 10:00 PM

You always hear that updating your Kitchen can almost alway's increase the value of your house. Have the designers redo a Kitchen with Used (anything other then new) Apliances and things to add value to your Kitchen if you have very little money to to it.

Posted by Rick – April 16, 2008 9:20 PM

Challenge: Design a school. Each contestant could design a different classroom (all ages/grade levels K-12 should be considered). These rooms need to be functional for 15-20(although typical schools have approx. 30) kids per room. Rooms should include space for: the teacher (or two), students jackets, shoes, backpacks, desks or tables, projector & white screen, white board or chalkboard, maps, computers, books, & work space. If a school is needed I work for a great one that could definately use some improvement!

Posted by Sara – April 16, 2008 6:43 PM

I would like to see the design stars go in to a school and up date a class room including text books. I'm in a county in Michigan that is experiencing a lot of elementary schools closing. Let the school choose the room.
Going into a nursing home near the beginning of the season so more rooms get done would be cool. I volunteer at a nursing home and the decor is horrible. Just because people are old doesn't mean they want to live in an ugly room. Plus a new interior would help them feel better. Nice surroundings do make people feel better. Thanks

Posted by heather raven – April 16, 2008 4:21 PM

I'd suggest decorating a cheap "student" apartment on a student or young professional's limited budget- one that comes with an outdated kitchen, ugly linoleum floors, bad pre-installed window coverings- in a way that would enable the renters to still get their security deposit back (i.e. no destruction of structures)! This would speak to many young people who are struggling to live well on a limited buget in rental units with design features that they are stuck with, to a large extent.

Posted by MC – April 16, 2008 4:17 PM

I would like to see what they can do with a 300 sq ft basement space that was gutted due to water damage and has to function as a family space, a boomerang child (returning college student)room, an office and workspace for a knitting lesson business. I, quite frankly, an stumped on how to make that space do all those things.

Posted by PS Womack – April 16, 2008 3:46 PM

Small house. (Only 1067 square feet.) Adorable place, but with an absolute nightmare kitchen. Only 7 X 11 feet, with no room for expansion in any direction. Very little cabinet space, and what exists is useless because it is cavelike or out of reach. (Upper cabinets are blocked by appliances. To get anything from the base cabinets means getting down on your hands and knees.) Homeowner is limited income senior citizen with only $2000-$3000 available for a redo.

I would be very happy just to have someone look at this little monster and tell me how to fix it. I am an avid do-it-yourselfer, and I have no fear of work. But I just haven't got a clue what steps to take.

Posted by Wendy J. Henson – April 16, 2008 2:57 PM

Design idea - give each designer an article of clothing (ie. silk scarf, prom dress, man's tie, blouse/shirt, suit) and have them design a room around the item using colors, textures, style, etc. and use the item (does not have to be in original form)in the room. I liked the episode where they all started with a white box room and then designed the room from there. This would be a great start for the clothing item challenge

Posted by Garry Stuart – April 16, 2008 2:41 PM

I'd like to see them decorate a at home "learning lab" for kids. A space that is very conducive for kids to learn, study, or to just be creative without being distracting.

Posted by L. Griffin – April 16, 2008 12:05 PM

Have the contestants design an office for Donald Trump. At the end of the challenge he fires one of them.

Posted by Chris – April 16, 2008 2:52 AM

I think it would be a good idea to have them pick a room out of a paint can. Like bathroom, bedroom, living, or dining, and kitchen , study. And they would have to decorate it only with things from the store of your choice and they can't use paint, they have to find creative ways of using color to change the room from white. The only exception is the people that pick the kitchen or bathroom the sinks, toliet, stove, and frig already be in the room for them. And they can only spend $200.00 on wood, nails etc...,. Thank you for the opportunity to have input wether you use it or not.

Posted by Dawn N. Washington – April 16, 2008 2:07 AM

It looks like there are a lot of great ideas posted already. I like the ones that are more "real life" like using discount stores or thrift stores and reasonable budgets. I wish that the designers did not have to rush so much,sometimes the planning sessions and the shopping is on such a tight time frame that we don't get to see what they can really do. I know it makes for more drama,but in real life a designer would spend a lot of time in these areas. I'm not saying give them weeks or even days-but a little more time,please.

Posted by DC-Louisville,KY – April 16, 2008 1:03 AM

I would like to see the designers interact with actual homeowners doing a room design. Design professions should be able to work not only with their crew on a design project but a homeowner as well. Homeowners can have ideas in their head and not know how to implement the project, while others may have already started a project but it's just not working so well. A professional should be able to complete either type of project while being able to deal with all the different personalities of the homeowners. Seeing how they handle the "know it all" to the "gee I don't know, what do you think" or the "this is what I want, how can you make it happen" and the "you have total control over the project" personalities of homeowners.

Posted by barb stephens – April 16, 2008 12:18 AM

Here are some challenges I'd like to see:

1) Decorate a Habitat for Humanity Home. This could make a great individual challenge. Assign each person a room in the home to decorate.

2) Green / Earth Friendly challenge. The room design would embrace earth friendly products, reuse reclaimed items, etc.

3) Tighter budget, I'd like to see them do an entire room for $500 without going to the dollar store.

4) Design a community center /rec center

5) Outdoor spaces, design an outdoor room / landscape.

6) In several shows on hgtv, we have been able to see designers working with the homeowners. I'd like to see that in a challenge, having the home owners as part of their team/crew to get the project done.

7) Redesign. A very small budget that would allot for paint, maybe some slipcovers or other small finishing pieces that would alter an existing item. But other than that, they have to use only items they can find in the homeowners home. Garage, attic, basement finds are ok. No going out to the stores and buying furniture, flooring, etc. Figuring out how to work with just what they have.

Posted by GMC – April 15, 2008 10:11 PM

I would like to see a room in a nursing home done adhering to the code guidelines in existance, requiring inspiration to be brought to seniors and dealing with improvements in memory care. Also a hospice room where someone spends the last three days of there life.

Posted by kathy bradway – April 15, 2008 10:02 PM

I would like to see a theme room designed for a specific skilled worker using the major tool or item of their profession. For example, design a room for a mechanic using the main ingredient of car parts; for a farmer using tractor parts; a truck driver using tractor trailer.

Also, have garbage men/women or junkyard/salvage workers pick out 10 objects from their job and the room is designed around or out of those objects.

Design a room using at least 5 levels and 3 geometric shapes, and using different shades of one color only.

Posted by Jeff H – April 15, 2008 9:17 PM

i love hgtv especially house hunters and walls that talk it's amazing i watch it every day. some day i sware i'm going to get to excited i'm going to kiss my television screen.

Posted by karen – April 15, 2008 8:43 PM

i love hgtv especially house hunters and walls that talk it's amazing i watch it every day. some day i sware i'm going to get so excited i'm going to kiss my television screen.

Posted by karen – April 15, 2008 8:43 PM

I would like to see a challenge that is not only diffucult but takes ingenuity like having the desiners decorate a rental living room where the wall are white and cannot be painted and nothing can be installed perminetly. Alot of your viewers are not home owners and the challenge of white walls is common. It would be nice to see what the new designers could come up with to add color and style to a plain white box. Anyone can paint a room, but a real designer could change a room with adding color.

Posted by Evelyn Arp – April 15, 2008 8:17 PM

Have a contest to find a deserving family. Use the exact room dimensions of a room in their home to decorate. The winner of that particular challenge on the tv show would send all the materials to the deserving family and they would have a new room!

Posted by Barbara Woolie – April 15, 2008 7:23 PM

I love HGTV most all of the shows. One thing I have noticed is that small houses like a lot of us live in are not shown. I would like to see some of the design stars redecorate in a small town using a small budget so that they have to go thrift store shopping and in small towns, there is not a lot available. For example like decorating cents, or Design ReMix. give help to us the poor and struggling and design challenged.

Nancy Saling

Posted by NANCY – April 15, 2008 5:08 PM

I have 5 in door cats ans a very small apartment I would love to see them do something for pets. Making it safe and funny places for them to play and sleep. Also small kitchens, bathrooms and small bedrooms

Posted by Dawn – April 15, 2008 4:09 PM

I have a so called enclosed porch very narrow probably 4.5 ft wide but long about 20 ft. with five small windows.. I have no idea what the builder was thinking..but I have no idea where to start..so I can use it as a sun room.. could a challenge be to designing a narrow long enclosed porch with cement floor?

Posted by jennifer – April 15, 2008 3:21 PM

I'm begging for this one. Practical, inexpensive designs for the small eaves closets in old houses. I'm in my second house with bedroom closets that stopped being convenient after this kids hit their teens. I cant afford to raise the roof and when I look for modular systems they are too tall , too wide or too right-angled. Help, please, no show or book addresses this problem other than cute kids closets.

Posted by Derry Gleason – April 15, 2008 1:51 PM

As you know, in Michigan, our economy is on a downshift and it is affecting many things, including our school budgets; some schools are even closing down because of this budget crisis. Because schools are to the point where money is only spent on necessities, we were wondering if you could come to our school and design classrooms! Our classrooms are all similar structurally (and are sound, structurally, I might add), but they are not updated in design and could be much more pleasing to the eye!! Please consider our request as not only would this be interesting to watch on T.V., but your contestants would be doing something valiant and worthwhile by giving their time and effort to a deserving, appreciative community!

Posted by Michelle – April 15, 2008 12:00 PM

I would like to bring "average" American into the picture. The designers should have to design any of the following areas on a budget that is limited to $2-3,000.

Convert a workshop (500-600sq) into an apartment for a young man.

Design a bedroom for a 15 year old boy who has no distinctive hobby/sport.

Design a basement space into usable space that includes storage and a guest suite. Remembering low ceilings, and difficulty with plumbing for bathroom

Designing an outdoor kitchen for a typical family with an average space

Design a modern, useful classroom area for high school students in a career center

Posted by Katrina – April 15, 2008 11:42 AM

Hello! I am an elementary school teacher that spends most of the summer, 'designing' and planning the layout for my classroom in the Fall. I would love to see this season's Design Star contestants design a classroom, complete with the requisite teacher's desk, students' desks, but then also include the latest technology, like computers/laptops, SmartBoards and presentation screens! Then all the teachers could ask their building administrators to watch the show to our idea of a dream classroom!

Posted by Yvonne Wilson – April 15, 2008 11:34 AM

I would love to see the Design Star contestants design a family/living room using ONLY items found and bought at Thrift Shops, that support charities, e.g. the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Deseret Industries, etc.

Posted by ellen – April 15, 2008 11:25 AM

Please help design my 12x18 nyc studio, young college fasshion student needs help making the most of this space. This would also help college dorm students as well as young professionals getting their start.

Posted by Mark – April 15, 2008 10:56 AM

Use the principles of universal design when desinging a room.

Posted by Leigh Lewis – April 15, 2008 2:31 AM

Given:
24x 24 foot basement
Concrete floor.
8 foot height with no ceiling covering, bare joist.
Major floor beam down middle. HVAC ducts on both sides.
Three bare light fixtures on ceiling joists.
Furnace, water heater, chimney in middle.
Stairs down on one outside wall.
Electrical panel, gas, water, telephone, TV cable entrance points on same wall.
Concrete block walls.
Electric Washer and Dryer stored there but not installed.

Requires:
Bathroom with shower, sink, toilet.
Family room with LCD TV.
Family Computer area (desktop, printer, no laptops)

Mother likes sewing, jewelry making.
Father likes model railroad.
16 year old girl likes photography, dancing.
14 year boy likes sports, building models.
8 year old girl like Barbie dolls.
Each would like area for their interests/hobby.

Given all sewer work in floor can be done, just need any fixture to be placed with proper attachment at the floor.
Pumping lines in walls, ceilings need to be installed.
All electrical wires run.
All electrical stuff must work, telephone, computer internet, Television, etc...
Seven days to complete project. Designers will have HVAC, Electrician, Plumber and two carpenters; must schedule them as to when they will work.

Possible timeline:
Day 1: Design , Schedules and buy building materials. Building material will be delivered that night for use starting on day 2. Plumbing pipes, electrical wires and fixtures for use inside walls will be supply on set as required. Plumbing and Electrical fixtures for use outside the walls ( if it can be seen after walls are done, this includes outlets, switches and covers not the boxes) must be brought.
Day 2-5: Building and buying furniture.
Day 6: Furniture delivered.
Day 7: Final items completed and furniture staged.
Each team will have pickup truck and driver available each day.

Wall with stairs will have movable section on the set in order to tape show. The wall where the stairs are will be fixed in place.
One small wall will be fixed with Electrical panel.
All items brought will be fork lifted to "Ground floor" and taken down the stairs.
"Ground Floor" must be used for work, no walking out into main set aisle.
Building inspector using National Codes will inspect/grade design work. Also will be on location/ phone call to answer code questions.

Posted by Donald Kinney – April 15, 2008 2:00 AM

I would like to see them design spaces that include secret passages and/or hidden rooms/spaces.

Posted by Samantha – April 15, 2008 1:52 AM

Have the designers decorate a huge, life size doll house and decorate it, or nursing home rooms and family room for families to visit the senior citizens. House adapted for handicap, each designer gets one room to decorate and make for the handicap.
Decorate a big dog house, inside and outside.
Decorate a beauty shop, each designer has to make each room or stall from one part of the country.
Go to the Zoo, design different areas of it for different animals for people to enjoy, petting zoo, zebra area, etc.

Posted by Paula Davis – April 15, 2008 12:51 AM

Design a basement or attic......redesigning a very small bathroom or even a very small apt. to make it functional would also be interesting.

Or like on the commercial for faucets....give the designer a faucet and design a room around that.

Posted by Laurie – April 15, 2008 12:11 AM

OPEN UP THE FLOOR PLAN OF A 1950'S RANCH HOME. KNOCK OUT AS MANY WALLS AS POSSIBLE AND MODERNIZE THE EAT-IN KITCHEN AND LIVING ROOM. DO AWAY WITH A USELESS HALL ADD THAT SPACE TO THE KITCHEN. UPDATE THE COUNTER TOPS. ADD MORE COUNTER SPACE. ADD A LIGHTED POT RACK.

Posted by SHARRY – April 14, 2008 11:59 PM

Like Josh above, I work in a Residence Hall as a Hall Director. I basically will be living in an apartment that was once three dorm rooms with my husband. I would love to see someone either do a dorm room or a room like mine. Seeing a team of designers coming up with something that is a great design with all the restrictions, ie no taking out the furniture, making permanent holes, or painting would be a real challenge, and I VOLUNTEER MY APARTMENT (lol).

Posted by Ashley – April 14, 2008 11:15 PM

I have been an avid DS watcher. When I saw the add to have an idea for the show, what popped in my head was a DIVA pet house.
If the show could purchase some pre-made houses and the contestants could decorate them, possible in green materials.

Posted by Steve Shipp – April 14, 2008 11:11 PM

I love your show! I have watched it from the beginning. I would love to see a show where the design star contestants had to design and carry out a plan for a luxury spa style bathroom for someone who is in a wheelchair. Giving them all of the amenities that anyone would love to find in an upscale spa/hotel.

Posted by Donna Porter – April 14, 2008 11:07 PM

A fully functional, but magical nursery for twins with dragons and castles, fairies and glens, etc. type challenge. Imagination run wild for the infants to grow with, but fully functional for the new harried mom.

Posted by Denise – April 14, 2008 6:04 PM

You should give each contestant a bag filled with knik-knacs, and then have them design a room based off of the color,shape,size,or texture.

Posted by Avery – April 14, 2008 4:44 PM

Design challenge: I enjoy watching your contestants create a "new" living room/family room just by moving around the furniture and changing out accessories.

OR.....take the same living/family room and change it for the Four Seasons just by reconfiguring the furniture in the space and adding accents in colors of each season.

As a home owner who is retired, on a budget and not wanting to spend lots of $$$ on expensive furniture or remodels at this phase of my life......these are the types of designer help I'd truly appreciate.

Posted by Lila – April 14, 2008 4:26 PM

1.taking a regular room retangular or square and giving it the appearance of being having curves or different angles, (adding or deleteing wall structures,furniture,art,hardscape,etc...)without loosing valuable living space.
2.incorporating an outdoor foyer into the inside area.
3.i love to cook and my kids like to be in the kitchen also, what would be nice is a kitchen that works for both adults and kids. (maybe reg work stations and a kids work station) kids are starting to get involved early on.

Posted by k vk – April 14, 2008 4:19 PM

A very small mobile home doesn't have to be just there. Show people what they can do with a mobile home to make it pleasant. Just because I can't afford a home, doesn't mean I have to live in a bad situation. Show mobile home owners what they can do to make things beautiful. Small shouldn't mean ugly.

Posted by Cindi – April 14, 2008 3:58 PM

Why not have the future Design Stars make over an office for a small family business. We have a machine shop and my husband is the most disorganized person in the galaxy. Our office is really a home away from home. We have a kitchen type space, refrigerator, toaster over & microwave and then the rest of the office. It just needs more help than I can come up with.

Posted by Claudia Megson – April 14, 2008 3:50 PM

When doing any design ( maybe not something permanent - a party scene, or wedding) - have something "off" delivered - another style - another color, etc. and make them use it. See how well they cope and work in an emergency situation.

Posted by carol buffington – April 14, 2008 3:13 PM

595975 i would like to see them do something for the handicap. since i'm a farm a western theme show would also be nice.

Posted by kimberly – April 14, 2008 2:02 PM

I have an l shaped living room and dining room in one with an off set fireplace on the left of the l and huge windows at the end of the room. please help! have them try that.

Posted by Dora – April 14, 2008 1:43 PM

564088 As a person with specail needs I would love to see the designers cope with that challange. My mother and myself cannot reach the top cabinets in our kitchen. We need only bottom cabinets with pull out shelves so that we can reach the back of them. We are also hort (around 4'11") and would need the counters to reflect that. I would love to see them come up with ideas for people in our position and for other people with special needs. I am afraid that we are becoming more and more the people that need their help.

Posted by Barbara Beck – April 14, 2008 1:13 PM

Have two teams do the same room in two different houses. But the next day have the teams change houses and finish the room the other team started. Or have the teams finish the same rooms in different houses, then change houses and have each team do a complimentary room in each others house. i.e. Team one does a kitchen in house one, then does a dining room in the second house (where Team two did the kitchen and will now do the dining in team 1's house)
You can always do my house!!!

Posted by Karen – April 14, 2008 1:07 PM

I would like to see two mobile home made eco friendly or made for seashore ,also show how to fix mobile home when not build like a house.

Posted by Audrey Welsh – April 14, 2008 12:41 PM

I would like to see them do a jail cell. They could only use thing found in unclaimed stolen items from police impounds and they would be allowed to do anything at all to the bars paint ,basket weave ect. Also i'd like to see them do and office using only office supply goods.

Posted by valerie salva – April 14, 2008 12:26 PM

Would like to see the designer’s sketch a room then go shopping for things to design that room and once they get back each designer changes spaces with one another. The designer will have to leave the things they purchased in the room. They will need work with things the other designer purchased for the room.See what they come up and see if it is anything like what the original designer had in mind.

Posted by rob Avis – April 14, 2008 11:54 AM

I would like for the contestants to design a room using 100% recycled and repurposed materials and products. For example they could use recycled glass tiles and buy furniture from a Thrift Shop.

Posted by Jane – April 14, 2008 9:58 AM

A challenge that would be really fantastic would be to make over a small trailer park. Manufactured homes can be amazing, just look at some of the million dollar homes in the parks in Malibu!

Posted by Edna – April 14, 2008 9:20 AM

I would love to see a group challenge invloving some outdoor spaces. Patios, decks or screened portches. Also a "curb appeal" segment. I agree, the season needs to be longer than 6 weeks!

Posted by Jill – April 14, 2008 9:10 AM

Have a RateMySpace Face-Off: Split into 4 teams, have them do a challenge (ex: a remix of a space OR go to a RMS posters home who was ASKING for help) and have THEM critique eachother. (EX: Blue Team critiques Red Team.)

Posted by NYCLQ – April 14, 2008 8:43 AM

Have a COMFORT ZONE CHALLENGE: Ask contestants what they specialize in, and have them do the opposite: EX: From Contemporary to Country, Cottage to Classic, Shabby Chic to Industrial, Elegant to Eclectic, Morracan to Modern, SouthWestern to SoHo. IF they are a TRUE "designer" they will be able to adapt to any "style" thrown at them.

Posted by NYCLQ – April 14, 2008 8:37 AM

I would like to see them decorate a screened in porch/sunroom. Elements would include wicker (does not have to be furniture),plants,mirrors,paint..etc...

Posted by Tricia – April 14, 2008 12:07 AM

We have a 4x5 bathroom that needs a shower. I would love to see the designers show us how to pull this off. Designing a small space seems to be more challenging than a large one.

Posted by Jepsons – April 13, 2008 11:18 PM

I would like to see designs for weirdly shaped rooms, usable by a large family (We have 5 children living here) We have a paneled living room with 5 doorways and 1 window, and a fireplace in one corner. It has a vaulted ceiling - what to do??
I would also like to see the contestants do something for the community - maybe design some relaxation rooms for battered women, or something like that.
And stay green, environmentally aware.
Thank you.

Posted by Mom of Many – April 13, 2008 11:18 PM

In a little more than 5 years I will retire and move to a different town. In the meanwhile, it would be good to have a kitchen where I could reach things more easily; I'm not quite 5 feet tall. Since I'll be selling in the not too distant future, the kitchen would also have to be marketable to a wide range of people, some probably tall! Would love to see your solutions.
7366

Posted by marsha – April 13, 2008 9:54 PM

Take a room done in neutrals - design accessory out for each season. Something that can be changed out easily and that can be stored easily.

Posted by Ocean – April 13, 2008 9:51 PM

1. Using one color, with it's hues, only... no white, black, etc.. just that one color.

2. An office cubicle, usually gray fabric and metal with a built-in desk and storage. Using average company policy. Make it practical, ergonomic and with stuff from average office supply store companies order from.

3. Kitchen with a twist. You know how people are using tables or amoires for sink stands in bathrooms... well an entire kitchen (storage, stove top insert, oven insert, sink, etc) using only living room and bedroom furniture.

4. Design a room using only outdated electronic's parts/guts.

5. Definitely an "outside" challenge. Like a patio, porch or small courtyard.

6. Decorating oddly shaped/built rooms. Like windows that aren't centered, long and narrow rooms, electrical plugs halfway up the wall, etc .. and they can't change those problems, only hide them or make them work through decorating.

7. take a house or commercial building that's been abandoned for years and each designer re-do a room/floor...selling proceeds could be given to charity and you have a place that's no longer an eyesore/danger in the community.

8. decorating a room with things found in a boutique in a mall... like a hair stuff only, or toys only type place.

Posted by Rachel – April 13, 2008 9:36 PM

I'd like to see the designers work on a challenge where the designers stage a house that's for sale using items found at Flea-markets, garage sales and/or on Craigslist, and let the open house attendees rate the rooms. Teams of designers could be forced to team to make adjacent rooms cohesive, ie: the person that drew the Master Bedroom would have to team with the person who drew the Master Bathroom - the Living Room designer would have to work with the Dining Room designer, the Kitchen designer would have to work with the Family Room designer, etc...

I'd like to see IKEA prohibited from the entire show - I'm so tired of seeing cheap Klippan sofas, Lack tables and "Made in China" junk everywhere.

And enough of the wasteful "stage-set" challenges that use food, dollar stores, pet shops and automotive stores for supplies - stuff that's just going to end up in landfills. Make all rooms have to fulfill a prestated purpose (either by the judges, by draw, or the designers themselves) and the contents able to be auctioned off on eBay or donated to Homeless/Women's shelters .

Posted by bepsf – April 13, 2008 9:32 PM

I would really like to see is something true to life...something that us honest to goodness viewers do (or need to do). For instance, I bought an amazing 60's ranch and since the master bedroom was tiny we have decided to convert the downstairs family room into the master bedroom. Now to pull it all together I need to convert a 13 x 13 foot laundry room into a master bathroom to complete my "master suite". The reason I bought this house was because I had the vision that the master suite could be just stunning...now I need to get it to stunning. And someone already mentioned doing the design on a normal homeowners budget. Let's take that one further...I have been gathering materials for this project from freecycle and craigslist...how about doing your projects with predominantly recycled materials? Or on a shoestring? That is my challenge...let's make it theirs! There is SO much I have learned by watching HGTV, but so much more I have to learn. You guys have given me the courage to tackle things like cutting and laying tile and a whole host of things. But this is a big "change this room into that room" project that intimidates me a bit. I know a lot of people have projects like this and could use the pointers.

Posted by Lori – April 13, 2008 9:06 PM

I would like Design Star to design a complete home with limited space. Like IKEA has on display with 900,700,or 600 square feet living space.

I love getting ideas how to get more storage, or arrange furniture to maximize the space.

Posted by Susan – April 13, 2008 8:41 PM

I have a 2 bedroom / 1 bath home that is approximately 854 sq. ft.
in the downtown area of Mountain View, California. The street that
my home is on is wonderful, lined with palm trees down the entire
street, with all homes originally built in the 1920's.

The home is just too small for myself, my wife, and our 1-year old
daughter.

I'm interested in making this into a 3 bedroom / 2 bath home, with
a modern & integrated kitchen/living room area. I'm interested in
keeping this remodel on a tight budget, and I don't know if it's better
to remodel or rebuild from scratch. I'm hoping that a remodel will be
half the price of rebuilding from scratch.

Currently, the kitchen and living room face the street, and the bedrooms
are in the back of the house. To get to the backyard, one has to walk
through the master bedroom.

The home sits on a 50' wide by 100' deep lot, with a detached garage
in the back left corner.

I'm interested in the kitchen and living room on the left side of the
house, and the 3 bedrooms on the right side of the house.
This arrangement allows the living room to be vitally connected with
the backyard. We would like the kitchen and living room to be an
open design.

Attached is the original floor plan, and the proposed floor plan.
I'm having problems visualizing the kitchen / living room area,
and the separation from the bedrooms without a traditional hallway.

I feel that a good floorplan is essential for this remodel to work.
I completely believe in the basic principals of feng-shui, and would
like the energy of the home to flow from the moment you walk in the
front door.

Appreciate any help you can lend to this project.

Sincerely,
Erik, Liling and Kayla

Posted by Erik Kristenson – April 13, 2008 8:17 PM

each person gets paired with twwo contestands they have to design a airplane inside and out. Also they get a piolot and flight attendent. Then the judges fly in it for a ride.

Posted by Jordyn – April 13, 2008 7:49 PM

I want them to design an enviromentialy friendly bathroom for six people to share. With a budget very small

Posted by Lucien – April 13, 2008 7:41 PM

I Love the Show! I would like to see a treehouse or clubhouse in backyard designed for children. Can you design something a child would love to hang out in but parents will feel
their child is safe? A treehouse everyone one would love to hang out in, maybe even mom and dad.

Posted by Cindy B. – April 13, 2008 7:23 PM

I like the idea of designing the Playroom at a Childrens hospital or in the Pediatric Cancer Ward of a hospital, I also like the idea of designing a space for a childrens or womens shelter, or a room in a home for the mentally handicap. Lets give back to those who need uplifting the most.

Posted by Jenn – April 13, 2008 7:19 PM

How about having the designers start with some "problem" element of a room, like an awful paint color. That "problem" would then be the thing they could not alter. They should have to show how they can design a fabulous space despite the original "problem". This will show how design can make a problem look intentional!

Posted by Ray-Nitra Pugh – April 13, 2008 7:08 PM

I like the suggestion below, but as an added challenge it must be totally Green=Environmentally friendly:
I would like to see a challenge that put all contestants to the test!!! Allow each contestant to work on an empty space however they want to. About half way through the challenge make contestants swap spaces with someone else and finish their design without changing anything the started completed. Based on how a contestant used an existing space that a homeowner, if you will, wanted to keep, you get your winner! Very challenging ay!

Posted by Cory Jones – April 6, 2008 2:02 PM

Posted by Christine – April 13, 2008 6:59 PM

I like the idea of seeing the designers work with objects they don't choose, to really see how creative they each are. So maybe have them create a design plan and shop accordingly, but then as a surprise, have them have to hand over their purchases or items to another designer and see what they come up with! They could alter any item they end up having to work with, they just are prohibited from adding anything! OR have each designer start with the same pre-selected items, colors and everything, and see what each comes up with!! These two ideas could be team or individual challenges. Thanks!

Posted by Ray-Nitra Pugh – April 13, 2008 6:48 PM

I think they should have a challenge where they redesign an entire apartment. The challenge is they cannot make any nail or other holes in the walls, no paint on the walls, no hardwood floors llowed, no change to the carpeting or any structural changes. They would be able to use area rugs, furniture, lamps, hanging pictures using 3M Command hooks and other items that will not cause damage to the apartment and have the renter lose their damage deposit.

Posted by Christine – April 13, 2008 6:47 PM

Love HGTV and all programs! My suggestions? You have a huge, huge response! Agree with a lot them. Some very innovative! Here's mine!

1. About the bickering...this is a chance for the judges and viewers to learn how the contestant interacts with anyone, because anyone can be a client! However, I'm a firm believer in less is more! How about a question and answer forum for the contestants. Viewers ask a question, contestants have to come up with a concept, idea, solution...etc...and be judged on their ability to visualize and assess a situation on what little information is given in the question being asked.

2. Feng Shui...it doesn't necessarily have to be an asian design, take the concept and apply it to whatever items/colors are available.

3. Restoration...(i.e., Restoring America)? How about restoring and old building for a community.
There are thousands upon thousands of deserted structures available nationwide that could benefit the down and out, the homeless, disabled...etc. Keeping it econimical by using only recycled products...items...decor.

4. I like the idea of the contestants actually having to implement and complete the plans of an involved client(not a celebrity), possibly even a difficult one! That should make for an entertaining show. It would also let us see how the contestant deals with the public, colleagues and how they possibly overcome adversity.

5. How about old farm houses...rural America! How about turning and old barn into an amazing liveable space.

6. About outdoor spaces, how about an old houseboat. That would be great fun!

7. I really like the idea of the contestants beginning a space and then switching rooms, without having any idea what the others are doing and having to complete the task without changing anything the first contestant did.

8. I also like the idea of building a room around an object and/or art piece.

9. How about a celebrity judge each week? Some of the great designers HGTV showcases everyday...Candace Olsen, Lisa LaPorta, Karen McAloon. Choose the celebrity judge according to the assignment for the contestants.

I know whatever ideas you take away from all the suggestions, HGTV will make it an amazing season.

Posted by b.lee – April 13, 2008 6:40 PM

I would like to see the Design Stars design a space in the home of an Iraq/Afghanistan war disabled veteran or a space of an immediate family member who lost a loved one in one of the above wars.

Posted by Joann Alder – April 13, 2008 6:40 PM

I'd like to see them design a playroom for a soon to be 6 year old girl and 8 year old boy to share. It's basically the last room in my house and it is the only one with white walls and stuff thrown everywhere. I'm having trouble trying to come up with a theme since it has to be unisex. Also, I'm having trouble trying to decide if I want it more educational based (with desks, corkboards, chalkboard, etc.) or play based with a tv and game chairs and airhockey or pop-a-shot basketball or BOTH?? PLEASE HELP!!!

I think if they design any type of room that has to be unisex, it will be a good challenge. I hope you consider!!

Posted by AJT – April 13, 2008 6:35 PM

I would like the design star contestants to do a landscape or bathroom challenge for deserving families. In the interest of time,the deserving families and friends can be allowed to assist in the beginning of the project.

Posted by Deborah Gadson – April 13, 2008 6:35 PM

Since we are in the spirit of going green, how about having the designers design a room using items purchased from a local thrift store, Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Another idea would be to have them design rooms at a womens shelter or foster group home.

Posted by Tiffany Juniel – April 13, 2008 6:31 PM

My favorite Design Star episode last year was when Kim designed a new living room for the coal mining family in WV. I'd like to see something else like that -- maybe in New Orleans or on an Indian reservation (some of the poorest location in the country). It would be cool to give each contestant team a Habitat for Humanity house, for instance, and give them a decent budget to provide design for the whole house, which wouldn't be much footage in that kind of house. That would be a challenge, but a very worthy one. Vern Yip's show is my favorite -- something along those lines.

Also, your emphasis on preserving America might be worked into a challenge -- maybe teams renovating an historic building in danger of being torn down and producing a usable, pleasant space.

Thirdly, remodeling really small bathrooms would be cool -- lots of people don't have the size of bathrooms we often see on the bathroom shows. A remodel of a truly small bathroom would be a challenge and would be interesting to see if the contestants could really produce something inspiring.

I'm looking forward to the show!

Posted by Tenby – April 13, 2008 6:25 PM

I would like to see the competitors turn an unfinished space into some habitable. For example, a unfinished basement or unfinished room that basically had no drywall, but only wired for electricity. Take it from nothing to something.

Posted by Theo – April 13, 2008 6:08 PM

I would like the contestants to design a laundry room with maximum function, storage and usability. Plus it must look like a room in which someone wants to be.....as well as being environmentally friendly (i.e. recycling the water, etc...).

Posted by Patricia – April 13, 2008 6:02 PM

I read many of the comments and like the idea of design stars making over a cubicle or small office space. So many of us work in small areas at least 8 to 12 hours a day and 5 days a week. I know from my experience what it feels like to come to work each morning to an office space with no window and only piles of paper work to look at. I know that future design stars could come up with designs that could make our personal working space much more appealing (especially on Mondays!!).

Posted by Mary McInroy – April 13, 2008 5:34 PM

This is a pretend situation:

Pretend that a couple doesn't like anything of the "in" designs of today. No Retro, no eclictic, no slim lines, no modern, no victorian, no arts and craft-- none of the designs that Normal people like. They like the tacky country that went out of style -- or was it ever in style? They like clutter, they like love their things, not things that just go with the room. They like pictures of their family. They don't understand art-- so funky sculptures justwon't do. They have collections of "stuff" and need somewhere to display them, because they want all of them out there in their family room.

Ps-- Not my style, but could be an interesting challenge. Your not always going to find a customer that is going to want what the designer is used to doing.

Posted by Marianna DeBolt – April 13, 2008 5:25 PM

Hi, I'm Isabella and i'd like to become famous one day so call me, i can tumble and act :], only i live in wisconsin, email me if you need me!
Anyway, I'd like to see the design stars take on totally different challenges from last year. I think that they should design rooms for disabled people, deserving folks, and take on the toughest spaces ever. Also I think that you should have A challenge where Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Miley Ray Cyrus, Nick Jonas, and/or Zac Effron can help out too, to show that they also care. I think that this would be a great show if you include celebs that arent seen doing these things everyday, so i say they should be given the opportunity to do something like this! cant wait to see what the challenges turn out to be!!

Posted by Isabella – April 13, 2008 5:14 PM

i would like to see the designers design a teenagers room..

i would like to see this because iam a 13 year old and i love design but teenagers dont always have cool rooms..soo yeah

Posted by jacob – April 13, 2008 5:07 PM

I live in a manufactured mobile home and have a hard time trying to find new ways to decorate and remodle. We do o.k. on our own but just something new or different would be amazing. I watch hgtv every day and my husband laughs at me when I say "I saw this on hgtv " because he knows I want to something new to house!

Posted by Robin Rudd – April 13, 2008 4:58 PM

Why not ask each designer their most hated color and style. example I hate the pea green that seem to be so cheap and favor by most landlords, I hate country. Get them to style a room Using their least favorite with limited a budget. Also give them a bag with items (Kim's ideal) design a space around it with out knowing any thing about the client.

Posted by Deborah – April 13, 2008 4:34 PM

As a devoted fan of the Design Star Series, I have yet to see any challenges that would appeal to animal lovers. Many of us who love to decorate, would LOVE to create a special room in our home for our beloved four-legged friends. A place where our dogs or cats could spend time with lots of things to do, places to climb, and soft beds for sleeping. Ideally, this space would need to be pet safe, indestructable, easy to clean, colorful and cozy. Having a place for a human to sit or lounge and enjoy/interact with their animals would be a bonus! One could include multi-level floors, dancing lights for the pets to watch and chase, special/interesting sleeping quarters, innovative ways to conceal cat litter boxes, fun food dish ideas, places to store toys, and such. And as you have surely guessed, I have the perfect room or ROOMS available!!! This challenge would not only be fun and whimsical, but would also require the challengers to really think in terms of durability, safety, functionality, and practicality combined with attractive design.

Posted by Lynda Radecki – April 13, 2008 4:26 PM

I would like a challenge to be for an efficient workspace for a home-based internet sales business in a basement den. Work stations required are: an area for unpacking the merchandise to catalogue and clean (perhaps including a sink); photography studio with good lighting; computer desk with bookshelves close by that hold reference books; shelves or tables for storing the items; and a packing and shipping area.

Posted by Marilyn – April 13, 2008 4:23 PM

I would love to see them design a two-person home office. My husband and I each have computers and printers and myriad other office items. Storage and work space for two would be a real challenge. We are currently crammed into a room with mismatched furniture. Love the show!

Posted by LuAnn Trombley – April 13, 2008 4:19 PM

Design a garage space for a handicapped peron, who still drives and loves to tinker in the garage.
Outdoor space for a handicapped person who loves to sit in the garden in the evening.
Craft room/guest room. Mud room for a large family.
How about a restoration project on an old Victorian, or Mission style house?
Potting shed for the family gardener?
Give them each three or four elements, say fabric, paint color, flooring and a light fixture.
How about a cafeteria in a factory.
Home gym.

Posted by Lisa – April 13, 2008 4:17 PM

Design a garage space for a handicapped peron, who still drives and loves to tinker in the garage.
Outdoor space for a handicapped person who loves to sit in the garden in the evening.
Craft room/guest room. Mud room for a large family.
How about a restoration project on an old Victorian, or Mission style house?
Potting shed for the family gardener?
Give them each three or four elements, say fabric, paint color, flooring and a light fixture.
How about a cafeteria in a factory.
Home gym.

Posted by Lisa – April 13, 2008 4:17 PM

I LOVE THE SHOW!!! I would like to see a show done with a 48 hour time frame on a $1000.00 budget with each contestant/group of contestants having a different theme (such as tropical, vintage, contemporary, childrens rm etc.)and everything used in the room will come from second hand stores, flea markets, yard/garage sales and anything found or recycled. The only thing that could be bought new is paint.

Posted by Kathy – April 13, 2008 4:16 PM

I would like them design a small Hair salon. Maybe one for four or five stylist.

Posted by Rebecca – April 13, 2008 4:11 PM

Please design the cubical office. I don't know who decided that people work better looking at rows and rows of desk or cubicals. I've sat in low cubicals where I can raise my head and see everyone's head bent over their desk. I have work in a cubical where I actually had a window! But still cubicals or row upon row of desk does little to inspire one to work or be creative in the work place. I would like to see something inspiring, yet, functional and allowing each person to add his or her own personal touch (beside those old pictures of the kids!). Design either the room of desk or one cubical.

Posted by Lou kebort – April 13, 2008 4:11 PM

The challenge should include a mountain retreat. I have a 800sf building shell, built, already wired for electric and drywalled, but with no interior walls. It really is a blank, empty box.

Posted by Tracy T – April 13, 2008 4:09 PM

I would like to see you design a great contemporary space that is wheelchair accessible. Perhaps a dining room that flows and and works for the whole family but is also discreetly wheelchair accessible.

Posted by Charity – April 13, 2008 4:06 PM

A real challenge is trying to update a basement that has panelled walls!

OR

How to turn a room into a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast.

Posted by mikiaylask – April 13, 2008 4:02 PM

I'd like to see them design a dorm room. As a college student who is into interior design it's often hard to put your own spin and style on a space that has so many restrictions (such as no painting, virtually no money, etc). The other big problem is that the space is often very temporary, but it would be nice to have designs that you can carry along with you. Technically this could carry on to any impermanent space, but dorm rooms seem an extra challenge because they are often quite compact.
By the way...love the show and can't wait for this next season to start!!!

Posted by Moira – April 13, 2008 4:02 PM

I think a great challenge would be a mobile home, not the 'tin box' but the newer version that has wood siding and tiled roof. Since it's a manufactured home, I believe it could be an interesting challenge!

Posted by S Brown – April 13, 2008 4:02 PM

Please redo a living room with huge mirrored walls. The owner hates the mirrors and wants to see options of what can be done to disguise the mirrors with out breaking them.

Posted by Dolores Thomas – April 13, 2008 4:01 PM

I'm a college student, and designing my dorm room seems impossible because of the plain white concrete walls, wooden desk, wooden dresser and ex-large twin bed, and plain nasty curtains. I would love to see the designers design a dorm room.

Posted by Carmen O. – April 13, 2008 4:01 PM

I would like to see them organize and upgrade an elementary classroom. I am a teacher and would love to see how they would work within the needs of the classroom, a budget (teachers are great with budgets) and district/fire codes. Could be interesting?

Posted by Lynda – April 13, 2008 4:01 PM

Dear Design Stars -
As everyone knows, toddlers wreak havoc on the home. They're on the move, spilling and staining and breaking along the way. What if those "toddler years" never ended?
I'm the Mom of a beautiful, blue-eyed, non-verbal 10 year old boy - John - who is autistic. John's autism keeps him from developing an understanding of the importance or meaning of maintaining a lovely aesthetic environment. We try; but the carpets are stained and walls are coloring surfaces; fine linens become playthings - fun to shred, and every drawer is an invitation for mischief.
Is there a way to design a permanently kid-friendly home? I'd be so grateful for your thoughts and counsel.
With kind regards,
Noreen S. McShane
John's Mom

Posted by Noreen Stout McShane – April 13, 2008 3:50 PM

I live in a home that was built for our troops probably in World War II, Co_OP). There is NO sheetrock, the walls are plywood with paneling. Yes all the rooms have different type of paneling with a popcorn type ceiling. I have tried to redo the living room but I feel unsuccessful. Every room in my place is a challenge. They are welcome to come and try to make it better.

Posted by KennethCaswell – April 13, 2008 3:50 PM

i saw a few mention a 'green' space and that was one thought i had but what about a habitat for humanity home? it would be creating a practical living space for a family in need. you have also partnered with rebulding amercia and that would be awesome as well.

Posted by vickie – April 13, 2008 3:36 PM

How about . . . . organize and design a walk-in closet for under $200? Or maybe design a dream baby or wedding shower?

Posted by Cathy – April 13, 2008 3:17 PM

I think each design star should be given their own "fixer-upper" house. All the houses can have the same number of rooms or bedrooms...nothing huge. Each week, one of the stars must redesign one of the rooms, and all of the stars are designing different rooms at the same time. They will have to remove walls, move doorways and windows, rebuild fireplaces or floors, but each star completes a room in their fixer-upper. At the end of the show run....most or all of the house is redesigned.

Posted by Kathy Morgan – April 13, 2008 3:04 PM

I would like to see some make overs concerning Manufactured/Mobil Homes, especially in Modual/Mobil Home Parks. Changes that will not cost more than what we paid for our homes in the beginning. With tight accesses into our kitchen pantries, to no lighting in the main living areas, to under utitlized spaces. Please help those of us in need.

Posted by Margie – April 13, 2008 3:04 PM

Our home was built 80+ years ago and has many additions. The living room has 2 regular windows, a wide front window, 1 arch doorway and a rectangular double door opening. How can the room be designed to make it comfortable and attractive on a limited budget?

Posted by Carol Lane – April 13, 2008 3:03 PM

Someone already wrote about designing for the elderly/handicapped. I would like to see someone interview a physical or occupational therapist to find out what a person with hip and/or knee replacements needs in order to make his/her life more comfortable. I am certainly not handicapped but I look for ways to be more comfortable in my home, i.e., higher seats on chairs and sofas.

Posted by Bev – April 13, 2008 2:53 PM

Hi!
We have a huge room with huge windows (cathedral sized window). We bought this house because we love the huge windows, but we can't even dare to decorate the room. Help!!!

Posted by Michelle – April 13, 2008 2:48 PM

I would like to see a kitchen design. But one with an permanent/load bearing structure in the middle of one wall, a large brick chimney that stands out 3 feet from the wall? A galley style, no island room. How do you create symetry?

Posted by Katie Webb – April 13, 2008 2:42 PM

here is a good challenge for you i got a plain spot in the shed how would you make it into a barn a 1 stall w/tack or a 2 stall barn how bout that and the budget is $2000.00 how would you do it

Posted by darnell taylor – April 13, 2008 2:38 PM

I would like to see the contestant design a creative and relaxing teacher's lounge at a public school (i would like them to come to my middle school). They are ususlly dark with ugly furniture and a soda machine. Help all teachers of the world by creating a teacher's lounge where all teachers would say WOW!

Posted by JoAnn – April 13, 2008 2:33 PM

Design a true transitional indoor/outdoor room. My challenge is to design a cozy space for a room that has multiple entrances to indoor/outdoor spaces. The room is completely setup to be cleaned with a garden hose. The walls are soffits, the floor is indoor/outdoor carpet, even the ceiling fan is water rated - my husband's idea :-(. Above all, how do you handle this high traffic room which links outdoor activities with formal interior rooms, and keep it low maintenance and make it sexy, cool and functional.

Posted by Shelly – April 13, 2008 2:32 PM

As someone who just moved into a studio apartment and had to make it a comfortable, functional "home". I'd love to see what the contestants can do with making a small space a full home.

Posted by JB – April 13, 2008 2:30 PM

How about designing a classroom? Classrooms need different areas for many types of instruction. It needs storage...tons of storage. Colors can be calming or brights. This could really be interesting.

Posted by tammie – April 13, 2008 2:29 PM

I would like to see the designers tackle a man cave with no sports theme or poker theme. An upscale man cave that is modern as well as masculine and most importantly, fuctional.

I am looking forward to the new season.
Jim

Posted by Jim – April 13, 2008 2:29 PM

I think it would be great to create a 'Green' outdoor kitchen/patio.

Posted by Vivian – April 13, 2008 2:25 PM

i have a great challenge i live in a 14x70 mobile home. my husband is a great outdoors man, our living rm is done like a cabin, would love to have out kitchen to match since they are open to each other, need more cupboard space and countertop area though. we are on a small budget and would love something done. the current cupboards all 8 of them are handmade before we got here. the kitchen is very outdated and unfuntional.would love for vern to take this project on.

Posted by denise krueger – April 13, 2008 2:15 PM

Remodel a small hair salon. Divide the group into teams and have at it!

Posted by Bab – April 13, 2008 2:10 PM

I think a good challenge for the designers would be making a useful space of a room,that has no function at all except for odds and ends.I live in a 4 bedroom home and I do have a room with no purpose!
Now that is a challenge!! Beleive me!
And I agree with the other posters,Let whatever the room challenge is,It should be "Green" Not the color of course.I think we should all do something for the envirement,whether it is something very small or very big.At least it is something to help.
Good Luck Designers!!

Posted by Georgeann – April 13, 2008 2:09 PM

We renovated our screen porch into a sunroom. However, we just don't know what to do with it. It is all windows on one side and the rest of the wall have stucco so it is hard for us to hang anything on. We thought about makeing it someplace to put our family pictures or making it a relaxing retreat. I have MS so it would be someplace nice to retreat to.

Posted by Peggy – April 13, 2008 2:08 PM

My idea of the ultimate challenge has to do with designing a middle school classroom so that students can actually use it to learn science...hands-on!

The typical curriculum focuses on the following concepts: Earth Science, Environmental Science, Energy, and the Study of Matter.

How can I transform my "box" of a room into an interactive learning environment where students can't wait to get in the door?

Posted by Patti – April 13, 2008 2:06 PM

We have one room in our house that has to function in three very different ways. First, it needs to be my husband's office with space for paperwork, computer equipment, desk space, and office supplies. Second, it has to be a guest room for two adults. Finally, it has to be a place for my dogs to lounge around. This wouldn't be too much of a challenge; however the room is small, has one tiny closet, and one of the dogs is HUGE. He's a Great Dane. Keep in mind that he sheds constantly and has a lovely dog smell. If you want a real life challenge, here you go.

Posted by Wendy Darbouze – April 13, 2008 2:06 PM

I would like to see the Design Star contestants design my large master bedroom suite with sitting area; the 5 point bathroom is all white!! I like dark brown, cobalt blue and burgandy (strange combination but!!) Welcome to Houston Texas.

Posted by Elsie – April 13, 2008 2:06 PM

I am a disabled female who has trouble getting in and out of a bath tub. I can walk a bit, but use a wheelchair everywhere I go except in my apt. which is about 625 sq. ft. I have safty bars in my bathroom around the tub/shower. I am afaid of using the shower because I have trouble standing for more than 4 mins. before I fall down. the safty bars are not placed where they are a help to get me out of the tub. I have severe arthritis and severe degenerative joint disease and to help releive some of the pain a long soak in hot water helps. I am obese and need all the help I can get. So please design a bathroom that I can use without the fear of falling or getting stuck in the tub. I am sure many other people have the same problem. I watch alot of HGTV shows and have not seen any that addresses the disabled person either in the home or getting into the home. Even your two HGTV giveaway homes are not handicap accessible.

Posted by Dimitra Augousti – April 13, 2008 1:59 PM

How about decorating a space using just paper? I know there cardboard furniture is available. So everything in the room - including flooring furniture, decorations, decor items - all made of paper. Not everything has to be functional - but most should be.

Posted by S.Cence – April 13, 2008 1:58 PM

I will echo what Leslie said. I live in an apartment building and we can not paint or put holes in the walls, or remove the wall to wall carpeting. I would like to see what the designers can do with those limitations and still make my apartment look updated and stylish. I can't seem to figure it out, that's for sure.

Posted by Ron Caron – April 13, 2008 1:58 PM

We have an open concept home with a two story tall great room. There is a second story loft game room which opens up to the great room. The issue we have is sound. We can hear everything that goes on through out the whole house. Great design doesn't only address the visial but also the acustic asthetics of the space. I would like to see how each design star contestant would address this issue.

Posted by Anne Shannon – April 13, 2008 1:22 PM

I would like to see them take a 20'x30' space and turn it a full-blown studio apartment with living, dining, kitchen, bedroom, and bath

Posted by Gary Schaber – April 13, 2008 1:10 PM

I agree with every body wanting to see designs for the disabled. I live with my mother, who walks with a walker, and sometimes uses a wheelchair. Our house is a 1950's stlye slab,mostly still original. Mom has so many troubles getting around, especially getting in and out of the bathroom and bathtub. All doors are 29", and I know they're supposed to be 36". And me with a bad back, I can't always help her with bathing. Please show me what to do, and I'll get it done somehow.

Posted by peg burdette – April 13, 2008 12:51 PM

I think its important to design a stylish, functional kitchen for someone in a wheelchair. Not necessarily an elderly person, although that would certainly be a good idea for consideration.

Posted by Jen – April 13, 2008 12:34 PM

Please enough of the handicap episodes. I would like to see more kitchen designs with a home attached greenhouse.

Posted by Betty – April 13, 2008 12:29 PM

I'd like to see a challenge that strips the contestants of some of their skills so they are more like the viewers who look to them for inspiration. If your budget is limited, you lack carpentry, sewing & refurbishing skills how do you compensate from this? Have a challenge where the designers design a room by shopping only flea markets, garage sales & thrift stores and work only with a can of paint, a home tool box and a sewing kit.

Posted by Marie Hovi – April 13, 2008 12:11 PM

What about furnishing a studio for a 23 year old going solo for his first time. With only $1000.00 budget how can you get your bedroom area, a little sitting and kitchen looking great but spacious and separate from each other????? this is my dilema

Posted by Grimaldy – April 13, 2008 12:06 PM

It would be nice to see them take on a challenge to do a basement design as a challenge or even designing for the elderly.
another good challenge would be to design a nursing home lounge area

Posted by Manuela – April 13, 2008 12:05 PM

I would enjoy seeing the design stars team up and re-design 2 school cafeterias or give them each a trailer in a trailer park and re-design the entire thing.

Posted by Nancy Juday – April 13, 2008 12:03 PM

i think that the contestants should be able to remodel a store or a shop. another idea i have is that they should remodel a pet place such as a vet. office.. or a doctor's office.... :) :)
:) GOOD LUCK:)

Posted by coaco – April 13, 2008 12:03 PM

I would like the designers to design a dual function room that is not obviously a dual function room.

I have a living room that is 15' X 20' that also is our media room with a 13' motorized movie screen over a wall with an 8' window. The living room was off of a 14' x 10' two story entry. The challenge was to design the room so it functioned as a living room and be able to convert the room within 2 minutes to a full media room with this large motorized screen.

The trick was that no one was able to tell that the room had a dual function until the conversion took place.

For us a seperate media room was not practical or cost effective. Having a dual function room was a great plus for our home.

Posted by Lenora McDowall – April 13, 2008 1:45 AM

THIS IS THE ONE!!! ALL THE DESIGNERS DO ROOMS FROM DIFFERENT TIME ERA'S MAYBE EARLY 1900'S. WHICHEVER DESIGNER CREATES A ROOM IS REALISTIC AND PUT TOGETHER WELL SHOULD WIN. OF COURSE IT WOULD BE THRIFT STORE OR YARD SALE ITEMS...

Posted by JOANNE THOMSEN – April 13, 2008 1:15 AM

I would like to see them design a garage for a female who doesn't like pink. I don't want a feminime looking garage, nor do I want a manly looking garage. I want a functional, organized garage, with a flare. Oh, and a special parking space for my motorcycle!

Posted by Norma – April 13, 2008 1:07 AM

I would like to see the contestants on desighn star take on a historic presevation challenge.

Posted by Missy – April 12, 2008 10:57 PM

THIS IS THE ONE!!!!!!!!!!
CHOOSE A TIME ERA FOR THE COMPETION, MAYBE EARLY 1900, SEE IF THE CONTESTANTS CAN REPRODUCE THE ERROR AND HAVE IT LOOK LIKE A REAL LIVING SPACE FROM THAT PERIOD.

Posted by JOANNE THOMSEN – April 12, 2008 10:49 PM

Please design a fabulous patio for a family that has a bad one. And please design a wonderfully organized garage. Thanks. I'd love to see the contestants take a crack at both of these challenges.

Posted by Sally Morem – April 12, 2008 10:47 PM

I would like to see the design team tackle an apartment. Without painting the white walls, removing the camel tan carpet, or reconfiguring the kitchen, the theme would have to be accomplished through the use of artwork, area rugs and creative furniture placement. I believe if an item is movable or can be concealed, and the eye redirected it can be done. I feel strongly that it's a challenge which needs to be posed, as more and more families are being forced to make this decision.

Posted by Cheryl Bliven – April 12, 2008 9:18 PM

The designers should design a room for a cat or a dog or any other type of animal.

Posted by Ruth – April 12, 2008 8:25 PM

There have been some wonderful suggestions made for the 2008 season. During Season I and II many of the designs completed were modern or mid-century modern. I'd like to suggest that Season III Design Stars design a room around an unusual piece of antique furniture.
Thanks!

Posted by Lori Key – April 12, 2008 8:15 PM

Alot of good ideas here, and I only read some. So, I'm not going to repeat them (if I am, oops).
1) Design for a WHOLE apartment. No major changes (like not being able to paint), small spaces, storage needed, etc. An apartment just creates a LOAD of challenges. Budget should be reasonable.
2) I'd also like to see a challege with a certain style or type of design, but with no restriction about what room to creat. Ex: create a mediteranian room, but not specify which room.
3) There are alot of suggestions for handicap accessable rooms, but I suggest a room for some one who is blind in particular. Functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Can't wait to see the new season!! :D

Posted by Michelle – April 12, 2008 8:11 PM

I would love to see a small space design. My husband and I live in 700 sq ft, we make it work, but it's a challenge!

I also think a college dorm room would be fabulous! Not all college students want to hang posters on the wall, they deserve a little design in there lives too.

One other thing that I've never seen is commercial design, maybe some sort of hospitality restaurant, hotel, office etc.

I also think presenting design plans to clients, with floor plans, elevations, perspectives, and full renderings is just as important as the tour afterwards. Seeing how well they can take things from concept to finished project. How closely did they follow through with there original plans.

What about a tree house, or a house boat, something a little more unconventional!

Posted by Kristin – April 12, 2008 7:17 PM

I would like see a mobile home from the 80s design for the seashore. There not build like a house.

Posted by Audrey Welsh – April 12, 2008 7:09 PM

First off, I agree with the requests for less group challenges.

Design Challenge idea: Just like one of the episodes in Season 2 (possibly the $1 Store episode), give all the contestants the same sized bare space. Then, come up with a list of various consumer goods that would be sold in a retail environment (e.g. Books, children's clothing, electronics, etc.) and have each of them somehow take turns blindly picking an item. The challenge is to have them design a retail space that will be judged on two separate objectives:

1. How visually appealing the design is.

2. How functional the design is in regards to creating a space that offers maximum sales potential for their specific product (i.e. Books displayed on shelving that is too high = bad design).

You could even bring in a special guest judge that is an expert in designing retail space.

Posted by April – April 12, 2008 6:26 PM

I would like to see a room for wheelchair Vets who can't afford a makeover. These men and women defended our country and we need to give something back to them. Any room would be good for them.

Posted by Pat – April 12, 2008 6:20 PM

I love the ideas already presented to redo a room so it's usable for the elderly/disabled.

I would also love to see each contestant be given a very messy, unorganized closet that has to be totally reorganized with everything going back into the closet. The contestants would be given a smallish budget ($150?) to complete this task. I can't wait for this season and hope that you go back to the format from Season I where you do some personal profiles on each of the contestants. Thanks
Sue R.

Posted by Sue R. – April 12, 2008 6:12 PM

Start with a living room, giving them all the same couch, chair, and tables. Using your wonderful paint cans, take half of them and put the name of a design in it (beach side, country western, asian, nostalic 50's,etc.) In the other half of the cans put a color scheme they have to use (paint colors, fabrics, metals, wood finish, etc) Have half of the designers pick a design and the other half pick a color scheme. Randomly pair them up by drawing numbers or names out of a can.

Can you imagine a beach theme with red, black wood and chrome, or a country western theme with pale blue, silver and white wood?

Posted by Cheryll – April 12, 2008 6:04 PM

It's probably been said before. But I would like to see the "RENTAL CHALLENGE"! Lots and lots of people rent and most places won't let you paint. Painting is a huge way to decorate and personalize a space. But i'd like to see what the designers can do on a limited budget without being able to paint! It's hard to feel totally at home when you can't touch the walls!

Posted by Katie – April 12, 2008 5:55 PM

in what i hope will be a slightly better version of a previous comment, instead of doing a showroom for charity and selling tickets, why not redo two entire house's(in new orleans)as the grand finally,the winner being the one to get the most votes from us viewers for $1 a vote with the house's going to katrina victims and all the "votes" to goto the city of new orleans to further help out others who were affected by this horable disaster. the 2 familys who recive the houses could then have open house's to tourists to help them get back on their feet(this would make a good follow up video for hgtv to do after the house's are build and can be used as a lead into season 4), for a project earlier in the elemination why not do something for somebody who is disabled me and my wife loved the show for the girl who was disabled! it hit close to home cause i am disabled and will someday be in a wheelchair myself.

Posted by Patrick Selzer – April 12, 2008 5:47 PM

Design a space that is stylish but functional for a extreme collector and trader of various types of media (DVD,CD, Baseball cards) including space for several TV's and computers with storage for over 1000 DVD, CD, LPs, and baseball cards. Let's see how your designers can make this continue to be functional, but look like something out of a magazine for under $1000 and in a time limit of 3 days including shopping.

thanks for your time...You are more than welcome to use my husband as the ginnie pig.

Posted by Ilene Geronimo – April 12, 2008 5:45 PM

Designing a hotel room was fun--why not dorm rooms? Students would love it and it would present a challenge to be funky and functional.

Posted by Peggy – April 12, 2008 5:40 PM

I would like to see them do a bedroom & bathroom for someone with special needs. And to do a bedroom or "hang out" room for a moody teenager.

Posted by Jen – April 12, 2008 5:39 PM

I was going to say dorm room, but someone already suggested that--STILL a great idea. It would need to be a realistic budget.Most students don't have more than a couple hundred dollars to spend decorating their dorm.

Another would be a small apartment. This is my college living situation, and I think designing a space while still incorporating TONS of storage is a must. And make stuff functional! Many renters cannot paint.

Posted by Kari Jo – April 12, 2008 5:32 PM

I would like to see the design stars do something with older houses on a budget. I live in a 1910 bungalow that has a lot of built in features but not a lot of space. I would like to see how they deal with the limited space, keeping the integrity of the design but finding creative ways to update the space in a meaningful way.

Posted by Jason – April 12, 2008 5:30 PM

The ultimate recycling/green challenge: Use antiques in the design..lets the audience and the contestants learn about enduring (non-disposable)/quality decoration---being that everywhere you watch on TV, the decorating shows are IN LOVE with MDF and cheap pieces...lets study something totaly different!! this mid-century stuff is getting rather boring.

Posted by Gilda – April 12, 2008 5:29 PM

I'd like to see a room go from blah to brilliant on a budget, without replacing major furniture.

How about a green design, too?

Posted by Kathleen – April 12, 2008 5:26 PM

Our basement has old ugly ceiling tiles. Would love to see some creative, easy on the budget and medium level of skill ideas to update the space.

Posted by Deb Parks – April 12, 2008 4:08 PM

BUDGET: $1500

Designer Challenge: EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM

With the stress level of employees to day, reduction in staff, and current lay-offs, I would like to see the design team work with several hospitals or schools to design there employees breakroom.

Posted by Ms. Flowers – April 12, 2008 3:10 PM

I have a physical disability which, over time, the doctors have said, will make it impossible for me to walk...they still haven't found a "cure" for what ails me!...starting to become limited in my walking. needing to resort to a mobility scooter, and eventually, that will be necessary for me to use in my home.

Haven't seen any HGTV shows I've watched tackle the designing of a cool living room, family room, or other to accomodate people in wheelchairs, or other devices which take up some room. we have so many quadraplegics, and others who are confined to wheeled chairs, it would be great to have an adapted living area room which instills great design, but accomodates the chair...

I bought a one story house last year, from a 2 story, and have the mobility scooter. I'd love to adapt my living room to accomodate a scooter or wheeled chair with designer elements....and...oh yes..

maybe, another idea

My condition requires me to spend as much time in a RECLINER as possible with my legs preferrably above my heart.... so, how about a show designed around specific furniture pieces or adaptive devices???

thanks...look forward to you coming to my house!

Posted by Pat Wood – April 12, 2008 3:08 PM

Design a living space for someone renting a home. Often times in renting you are limited to what you can do to make the space your own, but you still want it to feel like home.

Posted by Heather – April 12, 2008 2:56 PM

My husband has been in a wheelchair for 20 years. He is a quadraplegic. I would like to see a challenge of backyard living space that is handicap accessable. He is energetic and likes to do yardwork. Looking forward to seeing the new challenges on Design Star.

Posted by Janice – April 12, 2008 1:59 PM

I suggest the design stars design a foyer. I have a long 9 x 17 foot foyer that allows you to see from the front door all the way into the family room to the fireplace at the opposite end of the house. A beautifully designed foyer would offer a focal point from the front door.

Posted by Kim Holmes – April 12, 2008 1:42 PM

I'd like to second (or third, or fourth...) some ideas:
RV/5th wheel/mobile home.
Outdoor spaces.
Spaces for the disabled.

**Basic office space: give each their own room.

**Theme rooms (like Hawaii, cars, rock and roll, games, lighthouses). The challenge is to do them tastefully!

**All green and on a very small budget.

Posted by Ann – April 12, 2008 1:20 PM

Please renovate a tiny bathroom - one toilet, one small sink, one 3x3 shower stall. This is the master bath and there is no extra floor space and no bathtub.

Posted by Lisa – April 12, 2008 1:14 PM

Just finished scanning all of the other ideas. Looks like I'm not the only urban dweller on the hunt for ideas! Love, love, love all of the input with a focus on recycling and sustainablity as central to a challenge, no matter what you do.

Posted by Pat Steele – April 12, 2008 1:13 PM

I recently purchased a downtown condo in the middle a large city on the move, Lousville Kentucky. NOT the kind you see in all the glossy's. It is a small, 2 bedroom (1500 sq foot)on the third floor with two large windows, not a loft. There is no "view" of the city or lots of light, but it does have lots of character. Soundproofing is an issue with a large restaurant two floors down. Nevertheless, I love it and want it to look beautiful, warm and inviting. Nothing in the decorating magazines addresses this type of urban living in a renovated building that didn't cost a fortune. How about something for those of us who are returning to American cities, but can afford million dollar dwellings and still want something wonderful to call home. I suspect as our cities make their comeback, lots of us boomers will be a part of it and will face the same dilemma. Love your show.

Posted by Pat Steele – April 12, 2008 1:10 PM

I have a fifteen year old Autistic son who wants to be a part of church but his sensory issues do not let him sit through a service because of acoustics, music, people singing off key - these are all things he cannot handle. Every church I've been too just seems overwhelmed at the idea of having a space for accommodating people with sensory issues so they can go to church too. Can your designers put together a space so that Teddy can go to church too? Maybe if they do - a whole lot of other kids with similar issues could share the experience - maybe we could even make it something other churches could copy to expand their family to include handicapped people.

Posted by Mim Williams – April 12, 2008 1:05 PM

Since you have a big baby boomer audience, I'd suggest a challenge to design a plan to "age in place"...equiping a home for senior living.

Another idea I'd like to see is a home office.

My last suggestion would be a great room with 5 or 6 doorways....

Bring the show to small town America...towns less than 25,000 or so. Let's see what they can do with limited places to shop...

Posted by J. B. – April 12, 2008 1:01 PM

Take a small, abandoned country or city church building and design it to be a community center, restaurant, pub or music venue. Or transform this church into a home or duplex for low-income dwellers.

Posted by Lisa – April 12, 2008 12:58 PM

As many have suggested, I would love to see some one redecorate a room in a nursing home using furnishings from the person's home.

Posted by Ginny – April 12, 2008 12:54 PM

I recently purchased a downtown condo in the middle a large city on the move, Lousiville Kentucky. NOT the kind you see in all the glossy's. It is a small, 2 bedroom (1500 sq foot)on the third floor with two large windows, not a loft. There is no "view" of the city or lots of light, but it does have lots of character. Soundproofing is an issue with a large restaurant two floors down. Nevertheless, I love it and want it to look beautiful, warm and inviting. Nothing in the decorating magazines addresses this type of urban living in a renovated building that didn't cost a fortune. How about something for those of us who are returning to American cities, but can afford million dollar dwellings and still want something wonderful to call home. I suspect as our cities make their comeback, lots of us boomers will be a part of it and will face the same dilemma. Love your show.

Posted by Pat Steele – April 12, 2008 12:53 PM

Here are a few ideas:
-Classroom (Design a classroom taking into consideration the needs of a classroom)
-I work as an outreach coordinator for a ministry that rents an apartment in a low-income neighborhood, and provides an after school program, and ESL classes for the community...Non-for Profit ministries could really use something like this...a lack of funds does not mean that people don't appreciate good design...Good Design helps take a good ministry and steps it up to the highest level...
-A challenge where they partner with an at-risk high school student who is interested in design would be awesome...Help kids get a glimpse of their dreams, and learn to work with others...(Can often be difficult for a designer!)

Posted by Laura Zimmerman – April 12, 2008 12:49 PM

I think it would be a blast if they did a room for Gene Simmons. :)

If not that then I think an our door space would be great. Someones front or backyard that their porch or deck really lacked any style at all.

Posted by Becky – April 12, 2008 12:45 PM

Design Star Challanges could be:

1.Similar to Trading Spaces and My Parents House, Teams could go in and re-do a parents space from the opposite team (think of the DRAMA!!)

2. Design a Salon (Paul Micthel or Vidal Sassoon could be a Guest Judge)

3. Layout an empty Retail Space (like a West Elm or Pottery Barn) incorporating flow and adjacentcies.

4. Coordinate a Dinner Party in a small space for 12 guests

5. Design a SMALL Outdoor Living space like a terrace, rooftop garden, or townhome space.

6. Glass House Challenge in Central Park on the Great Lawn.

7. Design a NON-home office space

8. Redo a Hospital Waiting area and Cafeteria

9. A Stairway Challenge: (Who will rise to the top?) Same blank stairspace, individual competition: Dollar Store items, carpenter and paint.

10. Design a Designers space: Vera Wang, DKNY, Nicole Miller: We know their clothes, but how do they live?

11. Give teams a photograph of a moment in time, and have them design a space with its essance.

12. Design a space to reflect a season, WITHOUT being a "theme".

Posted by NYCLQ – April 12, 2008 12:39 PM

we are an older couple and my husband has health issues...our master bath needs tub removed (not practicle for us) and a walk-in shower would be great...needs to be upscale and contemporary with glass and tile...and not look like a hospital shower...I know everyone says they want a tub, but for our generation a great walk-in shower makes more sense...and I love the show!

Posted by betty – April 12, 2008 12:33 PM

Here's a suggestion, do a challenge using eco-friendly products. Give them a choice, they can do one that is either a living room, kitchen, or a bedroom. Just a suggestion.

Posted by Sarah Bauman – April 12, 2008 12:17 PM

I think they should design a kitchen with a $10,000 buget in 56 hours to work.They only can use recycled things.they have to make anything extra.

Posted by adonis – April 12, 2008 12:13 PM

I'd like to see an unused, possibly unfinished attic space turned into useful square footage, keeping the expense as low as possible.

Posted by D K – April 12, 2008 12:13 PM

I would suggest a design for pets. One group or person could design a place for dogs, the next a place for cats, the next a place for birds, reptiles, horses, etc...

I think this would really bring a challenge to each group or person that they may not expect.

And fun for pets lovers...

Posted by Sandra – April 12, 2008 11:53 AM

Please don't do another "wedding challenge". Are you looking for a designer or a wedding/event star? Your most talented designer - Christina - was sent home on that challenge. I was so looking forward to more of her designs. Love Kim Myles' personality BUT she is NO designer. This time, find some contestants who are true designers. Cute only goes so far and is no help when you are looking for some ideas for your own projects.

Posted by Sharon K. – April 12, 2008 11:31 AM

I think there are some wonderful sugjestions on here! I agree with those that mentioned they would prefer to see more individual designs rather than the groups. During the beginning of the competition designers could do smaller rooms like in a battered woman's shelter, dorm rooms, retirement community, ect. Then maybe choose some viewers with design challanges in their homes. Mix up having them go green on some challenges, smaller more realistic budgets and just a couple with over the top "fantasy" budgets will force them to really show their creativity

Posted by Linda – April 12, 2008 10:09 AM

I would like to see the contestants design attractive and affordable storage for the space challenged. A job change resulted in our downsizing from a house with a basement, garage and extra family room to a condo with none of the above. Despite garage sales, donations and dumpsters before the big move, we still have more stuff than we have space. I suspect we are not alone in our quest to hide our stuff in open space. This is where form and function really need to come together.

Posted by k yates – April 11, 2008 11:53 PM

I would like to see interior design with a limo. Maybe give them each a fake room shape like a limo. I would like to see this because limos are very elequent and i would love to see how far contestants can go. I would also like to see them design a safe play room for children

Posted by Margrot – April 11, 2008 11:53 PM

I would like to see the next design star contestants decorate an outdoor space such as a patio, or walk in to house.
I would also like to see design star contestants model a room or space specialy created for someones pet.

Posted by Kaitlyn – April 11, 2008 11:48 PM

I would like to see the next design star contestants decorate an outdoor space such as a patio, or walk in to house.
I would also like to see design star contestants model a room or space specialy created for someones pet.

Posted by Kaitlyn – April 11, 2008 11:48 PM

I would like to see the contestants design attractive and affordable storage for the space challenged. A job change resulted in our downsizing from a house with a basement, garage and extra family room to a condo with none of the above. Despite garage sales, donations and dumpsters before the big move, we still have more stuff than we have space. I suspect we are not alone in our quest to hide our stuff in open space. This is where form and function really need to come together.

Posted by k yates – April 11, 2008 11:44 PM

How about a elmentary school teachers lounge, have you been in a public school teachers lounge, there is nothing inspiring for these teachers who give so much of their time to teaching our children.

Posted by Starr Marsett – April 11, 2008 11:29 PM

Have contestants work their magic on lobbies of different offices and throw in some "deserving design" by using non-profit offices...such as a women's free clinic, attorney who does only pro-bono work, county-funded mental health office, etc.

Posted by Anita – April 11, 2008 11:19 PM

Transform a therapist's office from 20-year old traditional to peaceful, Zen-like, Asian (yet warm) decor. I have one available for experimentation!

Posted by AK – April 11, 2008 11:04 PM

The most interesting and telling challenge I've seen on this series involves the white rooms--where each designer has the same blank canvas and has to be creative with limited materials/budget. I'd like to see this as a thrift store challenge. Buy materials and furnishings from resale/thrift/junk shops. This would be so entertaining, and totally green!

Posted by Barbara – April 11, 2008 11:01 PM

Individual challenge: I would like to see each contestant design one room for a military family. Interview with each family and listening to their design problem would be important.

Group challenge: I would like to see the group design a recreational area in an adult, assisted living complex. Designing with the stages of aging (progressive loss of mobility, vision, hearing) as well as utilizing ADA codes are key.

Group challenge (in teams): Each team will design a neuorology clinic with separate areas for examinations and private consultations. Space for 3 doctor offices, record keeping, 4 exam rooms, a lab, nurses' station and conference room.

Posted by Amy Taylor – April 11, 2008 11:01 PM

I live in an apartment and I would like to see the contestant design a room WITHOUT being able to paint the walls.

Posted by Kate R – April 11, 2008 10:48 PM

I have a practical, small challenge (compared to many I have seen during the challanges). A concrete block wall 'L' shaped one-room basement approximately 650 square feet. The walls are painted. The floors have vinyl or rubber tile. On the longest wall there are 2 windows of different sizes due to ground slope along exterior wall. There is a walk-out door on a short wall. A bathroom is ajacent and has the same walls, flooring and a window. The ceiling is not even due to covered duct work. An under-stair space is present.

I would love to see this converted to a master suite with walk-in closet, sitting area and 2-4 seat snack-nook (example: just for coffee & bagel or late evening cola).

All this done in an economical manner.

I am retired. Do volunteer work through my church. And I try to keep up with 9 grandchildren!

Posted by Peggy – April 11, 2008 8:38 PM

My family room is a diasaster we want a space that compliments everyone in my family. I have pee stains on my rug from my disabled dog. My kids put up a mini basketball hop in there and are ruining my shutters. I have glass in my family room with sketches of sea animals that i would like to stay. It is very big but i want it to be perfect for my family and i know design star can pull it off. PLEASE HELP MY FAMILY ROOM!!

Posted by Jane – April 11, 2008 8:32 PM

I would like to see the contestants fixing up a outdoor setting area with a fire pit and a BBQ grill.

Posted by David – April 11, 2008 8:31 PM

1. I like the "Kholer" commercial idea. Deisgn a room around one object of inspiration.

2. I live in a very TINY studio as a graduate student, it'd be great to see a nice, functional design. Can fit books, tv, desk, storage, have seating area. My place comes with an almost non-existant kitchen too, so also solving prep space/cooking issues. But yeah, redesigning a small space for entire life usuage.

3. I liked the idea for designing a hospital children's wing or something similar. Or doing showrooms for a charity event.

4. Designing a room using everything that is already in the room. Can buy new stuff, but have a very minimal budget. The main stuff has to make use of MOST if not everything that's already there.

5. Resutarant/retail store design.

Posted by Bunmi – April 11, 2008 8:28 PM

I live in a garden level 1200 sq. ft. condo, in an old community with lots of mature trees. With only an oversized patio slider, a small bathroom window and two full sized windows, light is at a premium.

I'd love to see a challenge where the contestants address lighting issues in a place like this.

Thanks for asking...Jan

Posted by JAN GITTINGER – April 11, 2008 8:26 PM

We are an active family of 6. Our house was built in 1963. The kitchen is our major headache. It was all handbuilt. The cupboards are very few. The lower shelf is much smaller then the top shelf which is quite large. The counter top is not deep enough for me to use to bake on. The cupboards are very close to the counter top. The stove is in the walk way into the kitchen. There is a large island that needs to come out or shortened. There are two layers of paneling on one wall that is horrible. There are upper cupboards above the ones listed above that are not usable, too high up for me and not convenient. The doors on all cupboards and sliding wood doors that in our humidity get stuck constantly. I would like to see what the competitor could do to change our kitchen. It is really bad.

Posted by Karen – April 11, 2008 8:25 PM

The designers should redo an entire house in Louisiana or Mississippi which has been restored from Hurricane Katrina and needs decorating. This could be part of a group challenge or individual challenge.

818048

Posted by janie Smith – April 11, 2008 8:12 PM

Baby boomers are heading towards retirement and downsizing. Take the furniture from their larger sq ft homes and decide what should go into the smaller retirement home - making it look more up to date, with it, while spending a minimal amount.

Posted by Kerrie – April 11, 2008 8:05 PM

A home fit for the dogs...and cats...5 of each. All indoors. Design a home using only materials that are virtually indestructible. easy to clean, cheap to replace and still look good.

I dare you!

Posted by Pam – April 11, 2008 7:32 PM

I would love to see how the designers handle this. Present them with a home or apartment with multiple spaces to design, assigned them each a seperate space and give them a certain amount of time to develop their design. Instruct them not to discuss their design with any other design contestant. Send them out shopping for all of the materials they will need to complete their space. Once all the designers return from their shopping spree, present them with the second part of the challenge, they are not designing the space they were originally assigned, they are now to take the items purchased by one of the other designers, without knowing what their design plans were and must now complete that designers original space.

Posted by Bibi Coe-Crawford – April 11, 2008 7:00 PM

BEST IDEA EVER !!! We are a county owned non-profit Long Term Care facility in a small rural community with few resources. We are transitioning to the Eden Alternative which incorporates plants, animals, and children into the facility to improve the quality of life for our residents. We have started to decorate some areas of the facility to change it from an institution into a "way of living". We still have "blank slates" that need to reflect the comforts of home. We would love Design Star to take this challenge and make a difference in our residents lives.

Posted by Cynthia – April 11, 2008 6:30 PM

I love the ideas of decorating a small bathroom (I've got a 5' x 5' master bath), a room for the disabled (Mom's getting up there), and a schoolroom (I'm former teacher, as well). Certainly, Habitat for Humanity can use all the help it can get. And my parents live in one of the most run down mobile homes...

However, one idea I haven't seen so far, nor have I seen anything like it on the shows, is designing something that requires historical or cultural knowledge--for example: designing a Renaissance or a Chinese-themed wedding reception/party; or a Turkish-themed or Federalist bedroom.

My husband and I love the show, and can't wait until this season begins again.

Posted by Noni – April 11, 2008 5:54 PM

I haven't read all the suggestions, but mine is along the same lines as several I read: team decorating of a Habitat for Humanity home. The catch is that they have to use products available at a Habitat ReSale store (for hardware, flooring, sinks, lighting, etc.)and Goodwill or Salvation Army for the rest. Though many products are used, there are also new and gently used products that would make anyone with a habitat home happy to have. Depending on the location, there can be a wide assortment of high-end designer things available (like the one in Cool Springs, Franklin, TN). This way, the whole process is giving back to those that need help. If certain items are not available (like cabinets), maybe the teams could buy "clearance" (not sale) items from places like Home Depot or Sears. Thriftyness is a desirable quality in a designer, as most people don't have unlimited budgets, but are interested in getting the most bang for the buck. This will also encourage others to take advantage of the products that places like Habitat's ReSale stores have to offer.

Posted by K Threlkeld – April 11, 2008 5:01 PM

I would like to see them design a laundry room from cluttered to neat and organized. Also how about a kitchen and familyroom combo design open floor plan one room flows into the other, also everyone's going green so design a room or two in the green theme.

Posted by Debbie – April 11, 2008 3:42 PM

I have been watching HGTV for nearly 20 years. I consider myself your BIGGEST fan. However, in those 20 years I have NEVER seen a show address these issues.

First, we live in a 90 year old house and apparently families lived differently than they do today. My kitchen has four doorways leading in and out of it. Yes, four, one coming from the dining room, one leading to the basement, one leading to the back porch/mud room, and one leading to the spare bedroom. How can I have a work triangle when I am dodging traffic all the time? I would love to see some brilliant solutions to that dilemma.

Second, we live in rural southwest Wyoming. Home improvement centers and home improvement supplies are scarce and even sometimes, rare. How do you design anything with no real access to home improvement centers? So many people around here use cardboard/newspapers for insulation and used pallets for lumber. Necessity is the mother of invention I guess.

Posted by Nellie Richins – April 11, 2008 3:09 PM

I would like to also see the designers do an outdoor space with taking the elements from nature and being ecofriendly.

It would be nice to have them do curb appeal for a neighborhood/subdivision/homes on one street , especially one of low income families who can't afford to make their homes attractive.

Good luck!

Posted by Sherri – April 11, 2008 3:00 PM

1. Design an efficiency apartment for a college student.
2. Design a child's play house
3. Several folks have posted the idea of assisted living facilities for seniors. You could also consider a nursing home.
4. Design a garage to create maximum storage and use for a family.
5. An office space for a non-profit organization.

Posted by Cheryl – April 11, 2008 1:46 PM

I would love to see the designers create an English country kitchen that extends out to an English country garden. When we redo our house, this is the first thing that I shall commission my designer to do.

Posted by Ann Kin – April 11, 2008 1:46 PM

So many great ideas posted!

1. Design waiting and play rooms in childrens hospitals

2. Design rooms/homes of military families who have someone on deployment. Keeping in mind that they may not be stationed in that home for long - needs to be a design that travels well! As someone who is getting ready to make our 12th military move in 15 years, we'd love to see something like this!

3. Helping design practical, pretty rooms in women's shelters would be incredible.

Design Star has the potential to make real differences to people - it's time to make the challenges really count!

Posted by Laura – April 11, 2008 1:35 PM

I would like to see the design stars create a bedroom for a newlywed couple. It would need to be "green" products/eco friendly. A nice romantic getaway for a couple just starting out and with no or very little money.

Posted by MAG – April 11, 2008 1:31 PM

I see that alot of viewers would like to see a challange around a handycaped home. My husband died last Nov. and I am building a home. I saw alot of suggestions and I would like to combine some of them. I am 5ft tall and disabled, I can walk around my present home without my cane but I can not stand at the sink and do dishes or stand at the stove and cook. I have a breathing problem and I takes me a very long time to clean house. Please design a kitchen or bathroom for a short, disabled,senior that lives alone and wants to stay as independent for as long as possible. Good luck to all of the challengers.

Posted by Jeannie Cibor – April 11, 2008 1:26 PM

I live in a house where the kitchen, dining room, and living room are all one big room (talk about an open floor plan). I would like to see how the designers would break up the space to allow the "room" to be used for all three functions.

Posted by Sherree – April 11, 2008 1:23 PM

Let's focus less on group bickering and more on individual design. I'd definately like to see some sort of challenge involving recycling/repurposing and a very limited budget ($100 max). Something for the vast majority of us who don't make huge saleries and/or aren't into conspicuous comsumption. Also, let's keep it real - buying all the design elements at a pet or automotive store is cutsey and shows creativity but please, who really does that? Finally, let's get some real judges on the show, people who actually DO interior design, rather than just write about it!

Posted by JStockman – April 11, 2008 10:44 AM

I would like to see the design star participants design an office / media room for a family that includes 3 generations. The room should be eco-friendly for all, safe for grandparents and toddlers, hip enough for teens and sane enough for the parents. The challenge could be the budget, the colors they are allowed to use, the stores where they can shop, perhaps using only yard sale finds. It's a real life situation!

Another idea would be to have the participants design an open study/play area for a under priviledged pre-school using eco-friendly components.

Posted by Valerie B Williams – April 11, 2008 10:07 AM

Hi,
Take a 4foot by 4foot shed. Have the designers decorate the shed any way they can but so that the shed is still use full and maybe auction them off for your favorite charity or give them to a childerns charity.
Love the show. Can't wait for the new season.

Posted by Cathy Hornik – April 11, 2008 7:25 AM

This would work for teams of two.

Find several Single, Middle-aged men, (I am one, so i know what I am talking about). These men need to be "Design-Challenged". They should have some ideas about what they would like to see happen in their space (1-2 rooms), yet not have the knowledge about how to go about it.

This would likely work better in an Older home that is in good condition, but just needs a "Touch" that the owner has not been able to figure out how to do.

Lets face it, most men do not live up to the stero-type of being "Fixit's", and often need a bit of guidence in how to go about doing a fix-up. And since Single Men do not have the "Significant-other" to help with figuring it out, they need a bit of help.

In this, the owner should be involved in the process, but should also Pre-Approve a design, created by the two contestants. The two DS contestants should each create a design, then the owner chooses the one they like best, and the designer not chosen needs to show the Team Spirit, even though her/his design was not chosen.

Posted by Ed P – April 11, 2008 1:13 AM

I agree with Pret, temporary, cheep designs for a dorm space, where you have to support a study, living and hangout space for 2 people and the room is the size of a medium sized bedroom. (some with no built in closets)

Posted by Brit – April 11, 2008 12:51 AM

As an apartment renter, I know there are limited (if any) changes I can make to my space. However, in high cost of living areas like San Francisco or New York city, or Washington DC., even entry-level condo owners have to deal with the 'small space' syndrome.

In my case, I have an approximately 700-800 square foot 1 bedroom apartment with a palatial bathroom - and a closet sized kitchen. Since I spend way (WAY) more time in the kitchen than the bath, I'd love to transform the space using the small euro-type appliances (small, energy-efficient) in my kitchen: Some electrical would need to be done as I live in a vintage 1930s building with old post-and-knob wiring, but there is no reason not to use the existing footprint to create a modern and even gourmet kitchen in a super small space. My floor space is 5x9 (at most), and I have less than 3 square feet of counter space. No dishwasher, no microwave, a 15 year old oven and fridge that belong in a Barbie mansion (I call my oven the 'easy-bake'oven in all seriousness). Having searched the internet for euro appliances (experts in small spaces), it's become clear that it's totally possible to create a tiny but fully loaded kitchen in my tiny space. I hope your next crop of design stars can address small spaces with maximum function. In today's economy and housing market, entry-level home owners are more in need of small space inspiration than ever! And us renters would love to get ideas on how to upgrade our homes, with our landlord's permission!

Posted by Suzanne Schellenberg – April 11, 2008 12:18 AM

Organized Living for Small and Temporary Quarters
I have a 960 sq foot 2 bedroom apartment that is hard to keep functioning and organized (and stylish!) with my 6 year old boy and my 10 year old daughter....I would love to see a challenge structured around these (or similiar) obstacles.
If you do think this is a great idea I would love to voluteer my space!! Thanks for letting me say my piece....
Love the show!
~~erika~~

Posted by Erika – April 10, 2008 11:27 PM

Design Star space design suggestions:

1. SMALL Outdoor Living Space (EX: Roof Top, Balcony, or Townhome Patio Area.)

2. A RETAIL Store Set Up: (EX:SET a West Elm or Pottery Barn Store.)

3. Design an NON-HOME Office space.

4. Design a SALON

5. A Night Club installation

6. Design a Living Space inspired from a photograph (EX: Like Cash Cab Rremix on Rate My Space)

7. Design a space suggesting a "Season"

8. Feng Shui a space

9. No Cost Decor: STAGE a home to sell

10. Could be a touchy (drama) subject, but, have teams makeover "Parents Space" (just not thier OWN parents: opposing teams parents.)

11. A Glass House competition on the Great Lawn in Central Park.

12.Design a dinner gathering for 12 in a small space.

13. Garage nitemare organization competiton.

14. Habitat for Humanties team challange.

Posted by Lynda Q. Davids – April 10, 2008 10:22 PM

I think doing a childrens bedroom would be chalengeing and fun.Bunk beds and color galore,it will be fun to do and watch.

Posted by Jenna – April 10, 2008 10:17 PM

My daughter and I have a few ideas:
1. "design a room around this" theme each person gets the same item, and can design any type of room. I happen to own a 4 ft. wide antique persian silver tray that could be a table, coffee table, room divider, etc.
2. Everyone gets the same layout, but each person gets a different color, and they must create a design using that color as their main theme.
3. Design a family home office/study area.
4. Design a room for middle income families who cannot throw away books, like us. We have 19 bookcases throughout our house.

Posted by Theresa Jeane – April 10, 2008 10:05 PM

Do a Bad bad bath on $500.00 with a theme in the paint can.

Posted by Nancy – April 10, 2008 10:05 PM

If I do not win the kitchen make over by Vern Yip, I would love to have the new design crew come to my house and make over my kitchen. I am almost 60 years old (this October I will be the big 60). I suffer from digenerative disc disease, digenerative joint disease and fibromyalgia. A redesign of my kitchen would make it much easier for me and my husband.
I am not sure if everything is in proper order because I cannot see all of the left side.Judy

Posted by Judy Chamness – April 10, 2008 9:45 PM

I love the ideas so far. Especially designing for disabled people. I teach disabled students and I love this idea.

My other ideas are for them to design a really small space. Like a small NY apartment. But the space would have to function as a whole apartment.
Another idea is to start with a room with all old or dated stuff, but the designers can't buy new stuff, they have to use/redo/or work around what is already there.

Posted by Katie – April 10, 2008 9:42 PM

I would like to see Design Star work with renters, we typicall have smaller apartments where we can't paint or can only paint a shade of white. In my building we have 12 apartments, 4 per floor. The bathrooms have very unusual colors. Stating from the left the three 2 bed room apts. have white and blue tile, the next group of 1 bed room apts. have white and pink. I would like to see Design Star work with renters, we typically have smaller apartments where we can't paint or can only paint a shade of white. In my building we have 12 apartments, 4 per floor. The bathrooms have very unusual colors. Stating from the left the three 2 bed room apartments. have white and blue tile, the next group of 1 bed room apartments. have white and pink. The following group of 1 bedroom apartments. have white and turquoise and the last group of 2 bed room apart has white and canary yellow. All have a coordinating blue, pink, turquoise and yellow tubs. Some still have the matching sink and toilet. Now that would be a challenge. Making these 60's era bathrooms feel up-to-date. If that's not a challenge enough for you! You should see my 60's era kitchen. I feel that HGTV does ignore renters...occasionally they will have a show with a renter, but not often. Home owners aren't the only ones who like to live in a nice space.

Posted by Bryant – April 10, 2008 9:32 PM

3 ideas:
1. Design an outdoor living space, part of it must be roofed or enclosed .
2. Design an empty white box with items chosen from a craft store like Pat Catan's or Michael's
3. Design an urban warehouse loft

Posted by Diane Yale-Peabody – April 10, 2008 9:17 PM

I would like to see them design a nursery, this would be neutral for either a boy or girl. I would like to see them get all the furniture second hand and redo them. The crib should be one that can be used as they grow, in the end the ends to be used as head board and footboard for single bed. I would like to see a changing table, old style rocker with an ottoman. Plenty of storage space, possibly a bench seat by a window.
Another space I would like to see designed is that of the living room and kitchen of a trailer. This is extremely small space. I would be intrigued to see this as I live in a trailer that the total dimensions is 14 x 64.

Posted by Carla – April 10, 2008 9:08 PM

I would like to see the contestants prepare a:

(1) meeting/rec room for a retirement/nursing facility

and

(2) a club/lounge on a cruise ship (maybe a theme room)

Posted by Kelly S – April 10, 2008 9:07 PM

I would like to see how your designers would un-clutter a multi-functional room that serves as a bedroom, computer room, and a place for my parrots! I've shared my narrow (former breezeway) for 15 years with my 15 yr old Amazon parrot! She is the love of my life, but her cage and things are messy. I would love to see a room designed that would make my parrot happy as well as me.
Thank you!
Lori

Posted by Lori Moreda, Tampa, FL – April 10, 2008 9:01 PM

I would like them to design an office the has no real wall space. I have a room with a double windows on one side, double french doors on two of the other walls and a small doorway on the fourth wall.

Posted by Donna – April 10, 2008 8:57 PM

Design a family room that is L-shaped and has one long wall with a vaulted ceiling (comes to a point in the center).

Posted by Mike T. – April 10, 2008 8:55 PM

First, I want to say how much I have enjoyed the Design Star shows. I have gotten so many great ideas from the very talented contestants. I was ecstatic when the Myles of Style show aired, I knew it would be good and it was great!!! There are so many wonderful ideas already listed,and I'd like to list one more. I have recently just finished two long, hard years of nursing school. I am proud to say that I am now an RN!, at age 44. We have a 950 square foot home that is smaller than alot of apartments. We do have a full size basement that is dry as a bone and already plumbed for a bathroom down stairs. We have lived in this house for 19 years and it has always been my dream to have it finished. We have never had the money, skills, or health to have this done. Now my husband is disabled and I'm afraid that we may never get to fullfill my dream. Two of my neighbors are in the same boat. I would love to see what three teams could do with the three blank canvases. Please let your dream team turn my dream into a reality show.

Posted by Tammy Eskins – April 10, 2008 8:42 PM

I would like to see the design star contestants getting back to their childhood roots by designing nurseries for new parents. The challenge would be to design for both parents and baby along with all proper safeties in place.

Another challenge could be designing rooms for parents of babies that hospitalized such as premature babies or rooms for longterm hospitalized older children. In such a difficult time giving something as simple as a designed room would be a great opportunity for the design star contestants to give to others need.

Posted by Andrea – April 10, 2008 8:22 PM

I would like to see two small bedrooms made into one nice master suite. The south facing bedroom closet can be made into a walk in closet. The bathroom already opens into one room and the hallway. No added plumbing will be necessary, but an updated bathroom would be nice: soaker tub, moved out wall (into the bedroom), new floor, new vanity & sink. Also the window on the south facing room can be taken out and a slider put in. A balcony can/will be added later. This is what I'd like done in my house.

Posted by Suzanne – April 10, 2008 8:09 PM

Many of us live in older houses/homes that are very small. Living spaces that are about 12x12 max I have one about that size and it also has 3 windows and 2 doors Please help with design ideas

Posted by rob – April 10, 2008 8:08 PM

After several challenges and the contestants have had some time to get to know each other, have them randomly draw names of the remaining contestants and design a room for their competitor. Keep it secret until the rooms are done, then let the competitor the room was designed for critique the room followed by a critique by the judges.

Posted by Shelly Mullis – April 10, 2008 8:06 PM

One of the most difficult areas to decorate is the long, narrow, dark hallway. Doesn't sound very glamorous, and it usually isn't, but why not? It is an essential part of almost every house, but usually neglected. Definitely a challenge!

Posted by Debra Claus – April 10, 2008 8:06 PM

I have two ideas for design star. They both would be very fun and interesting. I also think it would cool to see my ideas used on Design Star because I am 13 years old, here they are.
1.Have one (or all) of the designers design a room (probabley a living room or bedroom) without much money. Making them go to rummage sales or thrift stores.
2. Have a designer design a hospital room. Making it relaxing and comfortable.

Posted by Hannah – April 10, 2008 8:06 PM

I would love to see a challenge that designs a small efficency apartment as stylish as possible and makes it so that the client can entertain and live in the same space.

Posted by Madeline – April 10, 2008 7:57 PM

In the each paint can should be a kind of style ( cottage, craftsman,Victorian, contemporary, etc, Each contestant chooses a can and MUST design the room within the design elements for that term. In the field, a designer must produce what style the client wants.

Posted by Anne Park-Seldomridge – April 10, 2008 7:46 PM

In the each paint can should be a kind of style ( cottage, craftsman,Victorian, contemporary, etc, Each contestant chooses a can and MUST design the room within the design elements for that term. In the field, a designer must produce what style the client wants.

Posted by Anne Park-Seldomridge – April 10, 2008 7:46 PM

I would like to challenge the designers to design a workable den/office space. Most families would appreciate the design of a dual purpose room that is functional and relaxing at the same time. My husband is retired and now runs his own business from home. We are challenged with keeping his office in one work location in our home. I've not been able to find a solution for my problem and I know that I'm not alone with this issue.

Posted by P. K. Hightower – April 10, 2008 6:00 PM

I love the show! I love some of the ideas in the comments people have posted.
My idea would work with many of the other's ideas! Whether it be a hospital, a school room, a disabled person's room, etc ...
The Design Star Contestant would be given XX anount of dollars, say under $500. They start with an EMPTY room, in a real person's house and have completely design it from the Neighbors Yard Sale Items. They would have to go "door - to - door" and ask neighbors if they had any items that they would like to sell.
Hopefully they could find items such as paint, rugs, fabric, furniture, wall art, or supplies (wood) to build things out of.
If they couldn't find the correct item, such as paint to paint the walls, then they would have to get 'very creative' to find a wall covering.

Posted by Apples – April 10, 2008 5:36 PM

For an individual challenge design a room using all recycled objects.
For a group challenge they could do a "Designed to Sell" job on my house, because I am desperate to sell and my house is nowhere designed. If you would like to see what the designers would have to work with, my home was featured in the November issue of Better Crap and Trash magazine.
Holly

Posted by Holly – April 10, 2008 4:20 PM

When they do the "cubicle" identical rooms, I would like to see some windows and window treatments.
I like the idea for doing a dorm room. I also love to see garage makeovers, with inventive, usable storage ideas.

Posted by Renai Johnson – April 10, 2008 2:59 PM

Hello!i live in a low income UGLY apartment, tiny no room to move and can not paint the rooms or make alterations.Many of us are in the same boat in this country. I would love to see a design that allows for change without damaging the walls like false walls,additional lighting,more storage,you know a miracle. The shower is a joke the water runs onto the floor because the lip is too low,I am disabled too so another mess I do not need. ty for your consideration in this matter!!!

Posted by Shirley Henson – April 10, 2008 2:22 PM

I just love the show...
My suggestion would be to have the contestants design an outdoor deck for entertaining. I have a very basic outdoor deck and would love tips on how to make it over...
Can't wait for the new show to start!!!!!

Posted by Sally Chiera – April 10, 2008 2:17 PM

I have 2 ideas.
1. Redesign a kitchen or bathroom to handle a person with physical challenges. Not everyone with physical challenges is elderly - so keep that in mind.
2. This one is more personal. Take a small bedroom (about 10 x 11) with one entry door, one closet door (almost behind the entry door), and 2 windows (on the wall opposite the entry door) and turn it into a home office/library. Yes - this is one I have been struggling with for 10 months now and could use some creative ideas.

I support the ideas others have posted about doing a space for charitable organization. This is a great idea.

Posted by Martha – April 10, 2008 2:06 PM

I would like to see the "white space" challenge be a different room, like a bedroom or a dining room.

Posted by Kathy DaSilva – April 10, 2008 1:59 PM

I would like to see them make over unfinished basements, which are often neglected, dark and dingy.

Posted by Emily – April 10, 2008 1:56 PM

I would love to see the designers compete in two groups. They design the rooms for the Gosselin sextuplets. One team for the girls and one for the boys!!!!!

Posted by lisa – April 10, 2008 1:46 PM

I would like to see them in teams of two for a "we're having a baby challenge". They can pick from the paint cans, if they are having a boy or a girl and then design a nursery for which ever they pick.

Posted by Tori – April 10, 2008 1:45 PM

I live in a 40 year old 10x48 traveltrailer, let's see what they could do with that?????

Posted by rob suiter – April 10, 2008 1:29 PM

I'd like to see them take on the challenge of making a small house (762 sq. ft.) with one bedroom and one bath into a space that isn't cluttered and can function efficiently for two people. As expected, storage is a huge issue too. Also, the outside living space could be an asset to this small house if designed nicely.

Posted by Janet – April 10, 2008 1:24 PM

1. Love the show. Great ideas so far on this blog - especially a) green; b) a public space; c) space for a disabled person; d) more individual challenges; e) enact Kohler (or other product) commercial.

2. How about a 'flexible space' challenge. So many of the designs are static - there's little possibility for rearranging the furniture, and I love to rearrange my furniture. Design must work with three furniture arrangements.

3. I also have an idea for a new HGTV show. People often buy things on impulse - in my case, a set of four gorgeous red paisley napkins - to become pillow covers if I can't figure out something else - but definitely an inspiration. Another is a Mediteranean tapestry. For this show, the homeowner would have the basic colors in place plus the inspiration item, but is stuck. Homeowner could choose from 6 HGTV designers and say, "Finish this Room!" Once a designer has been chosen, he/she would rotate off and another designer would rotate on. Get Clive to host it. Meanwhile, "finish this room" would be a good challenge for DesignStar.

Posted by Marti – April 10, 2008 12:26 PM

My living room is literally a square with 1/4 of it removed. The rest of the space has three 84" sq windows, a 80" x 60" fireplace, 4 built in shelving usits (averaging 2 1/2 ' wide) and my husband's handmade 9' wide x 8' tall wall unit. It is a high travel area between front & upstairs of house and back & kitchen. House is a 1912 side-hall colonial with beautiful pine on lower 1/3 of walls. I cannot figure out how to make the whole space cohesive, without spending a ton.

Posted by Helen – April 10, 2008 12:09 PM

Design challenge-a large living room rock wall, approx 30ft x8ft which is about 40 yrs old which has a 1/3 of it protruding out from the other 2/3 section. the area between the two sections is slanted at about a 45 degree angle. The rocks are very uneven at the top next to the ceiling. Can it be saved somehow to be leveled out and have moldings put up.

Posted by Paulette – April 10, 2008 11:40 AM

Please design for an elderly person with disabilities. we baby boomers are soon there. we may need these designs soon.

Posted by Eva Wharton – April 10, 2008 1:16 AM

1. I would like to see the Design Stars enact the "Kohler" commercial--Give them a faucet or a vessel sink or some fixture, and have them design a bathroom or kitchen around it.

2. I would also like to have them design a limited edition "Design Star" edition of an auto, i.e., such as the Eddie Bauer edition of Subarau.

Posted by Velda – April 10, 2008 12:50 AM

Thank you for this opportunity to give you a dilema to solve!.....I am an "empty nester" who had 3 children and all their friends at one time eating in my Breakfast room......now it is not needed as much except on special occasions when family comes for holidays. I would like to make it into a COMFORTABLE sitting area for my husband and me to enjoy TV or reading but also have it available for eating a meal by using a table that "pops up" from a coffee table height to a dining table height. The room is curved with windows around the curve halfway to the floor.....except the curve is not a perfect half of a circle......it is curved on one end of the room and squared off on the other. I have a Country French design antique dark oak cupboard with a plate rack at the end of the squared off side, and an oval cherry table centered in the middle of the room with 6 colonial chairs around it now. I would like to replace the table. My home is a Lousiana Plantation style house with curved moldings over the step-up entry way into the breakfast room...with square columns...very traditional. I want the area to be a comfortable place for my husband and I to eat dinner on the pop up table together and then make it into a larger dining area when family comes...Any ideas?? thank you so much!

Posted by Toni Murphey – April 10, 2008 12:22 AM

Awkward spaces are everyone's greatest problem.
How about challenging the contestants to turn a long, narrow space into an inviting bathroom and dressing area. (Yes, it's a selfish request -- I've been struggling with the problem for ages.)

Posted by Barb – April 9, 2008 11:26 PM

A bathroom for wheelchair bound person(s) that meet the person's needs and wants

Posted by lisa – April 9, 2008 11:19 PM

I like the idea of designing a room around one object (object doesn't have to be in the room - just the inspiration).
Design rooms inspired by artist/painting.
I also like all the requests for doing some form of public space: school, library, hospital.
Please, fewer group projects. I'm interested in the designs, not the bickering.

Posted by Fred – April 9, 2008 11:05 PM

Group Challenge: Design a waiting room that might be used by a free clinic, homeless shelter, or common spaced used in a home for battered women or the dining room of a soup kitchen. Non-profits often do not have the budget for extra home touches that lift the human spirit.

Posted by Cheryl Young – April 9, 2008 10:58 PM

This might be a bit different for what Design Star typically goes for, but I think a lot of people who watch HGTV do so to get DIY ideas for home design and home improvement. It would be interesting to see the designers plan a room for the DIYer--they create the budget-friendly plan, but have someone else actually accomplish the work...successful completion would be determined by the design and the ease of completion. Just an idea!

Posted by Laney – April 9, 2008 9:41 PM

We need a space for our 10 year old Autistic boy to play in. It needs to be colorful, stimulating, along with theraputic. How about redoing an existing garage space into a therapy room or play space for a special needs child. Something to inspire parents like me who are on a very scary budget for special needs services. We NEED your help!
thanks

Posted by Cheri – April 9, 2008 9:17 PM

I am disabled. I had 4 strokes and a heart attack since 2004, but I'M STILL HERE! I agree with a previous idea of having the designers do, as a final project, an unfinished basement, that can be done with little income; and, another idea (thinking Green!), using items from thrift stores, garage sales, maybe consignment stores, etc., restored and modernrized! Most of my home, before I got sick, was furnished this way! My basement is an eyesore! Also, I like being different, with design. I love watching this show! I don't think I missed a single episode, since it began! I just wish I was healthy enough to implement some of the ideas I saw. I also like the idea of an outdoor area,porch, etc. I have that problem, also. All my planning and doing ended when I had my unexpected illnesses. Keep up with the good entertainment!

Posted by Sharon P. Lambert – April 9, 2008 8:52 PM

Design a charity decorators showhouse. Choose a city and charity - have each designer do one room but make sure it is well coordinated and that there is enough time and budget to do it correctly. Have the home remain open for a specified length of time with all procedes from ticket sales going to charity.

Posted by Becky Rawle – April 9, 2008 8:41 PM

Design competion suggestion: Assisted living facilities that serve the often forgotten populations: the developmentaly disabled and the mentally ill. Many of these people are young adults and face years of living in these types of homes. Their lives often consist of long days of boredom spent without cars, spending money, prupose, contact with family or activities. It's a great waste of human energy. Designing spaces for them (bedrooms or common areas) that focus on activities could boost their spirits and enhance their lives.

A great contact person is Valerie Boyce of Loveland, Colorado. She is a state wide leader of those who run assisted living facilities. She can be reached at primroseplace@msn.com

Posted by Ann Clark – April 9, 2008 8:35 PM

The challenge I am presenting to the designers is to transform a small rural elementary school that has seen hard wear into areas that inspire focus and determination for learning. The design stars show their motivation and drive as they approach the challenges they are given. These design stars
would have a positive influence in showing our
young learners at Saint Matthew’s in Campbellsport, WI that great things are possible with vision and hard work.

Posted by Matthew Rune – April 9, 2008 8:19 PM

At the very beginning of the show, say, the first episode, I would like to learn more about the contestants. I think seeing their past designs would be a great factor into their abilities and their creativity!

Posted by Michelle – April 9, 2008 8:08 PM

ONE OF THE BEGINNING CHALLENGES SHOULD BE TO RE-DESIGN THE CHILD WING IN A HOSPITAL.

I THINK IT WOULD BE REALLY GREAT TO SEE DESIGN FOR A GOOD CAUSE. BEING A CHILD AND IN THE HOSPITAL IS SCARY. IF THEIR WING WAS MORE CHILD-FRIENDLY AND FUN THEN THE CHILDREN THAT ARE IN THAT HOSPITAL WILL NOT FEEL SO SCARED OR AFRAID.

Posted by Michelle from PA – April 9, 2008 8:00 PM

I would like to see contestants (maybe in teams of 2?) design each room of a Habitat for Humanity home for a very low income family.

Another idea I had was to halve or quarter their usual design area and place (not install) a commode. The idea being that each contestant needs to design a perfect small powder room! Bathrooms are challenging for us real people and I would love to see what they come up with.

I can second and third the dorm room redos suggested and Chapman College and CalState Long Beach are both good places to start!

Posted by Heide – April 9, 2008 7:25 PM

Design a kitchen for a short person or someone who is confined to a wheelchair AND LIVES ALONE!

Posted by wheelchair bound – April 9, 2008 7:14 PM

Hello!
I'm very excited to see "Design Star 3"!!!
I would like to see one of the challenges "be green"
as in creating an entire room reusing/ refurbishing furniture, linens, and accessories from "junque stores" with a minimal budget of say $300-$500.
I'm trying to do just that myself, with an entire house! I'm sure there are plenty of us out here that could use some great ideas on an almost non-existent budget.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider
this challenge.
Waiting patiently,
Carol Franzen

Posted by Carol Franzen – April 9, 2008 7:04 PM

I thought the segments that were done for deserving families last year were great, a la "Deserving Design". If all contestants can't do this, at least the last 3 or 4 should be a repeat on this.

Also think, a "green" space of the contestant's choice.

Posted by Diane – April 9, 2008 6:55 PM

I have a really small kitchen with a horrible layout. My husband and I both love to cook but actually bump into each other while trying to prepare meals!!! We have a rolling dishwasher and need a built in one. I want a traditional look that will be timeless. We also have three kids and need a space to eat in. We would love to have your team help us out and are HUGE fans!!! Thank you.

Posted by Annette Pajor – April 9, 2008 5:21 PM

Like to see the designers do an outdoor entertaining area. Keep the "budget" so the "middle income" person/family could afford...

Posted by Phyllis – April 9, 2008 3:34 PM

since Summer is going to be the time frame the show will be on,
1. How about designing a back porch area for a family and lets be real about the budget.
2. How about a Theater room on a budget
3. How about a Bathroom

Posted by loretta – April 9, 2008 3:20 PM

I'd love to see:
some worldly designs - Moroccan, etc
designs for the creative people (writers, artists, etc) that are inspiring, but not overkill

Posted by Melissa – April 9, 2008 11:56 AM

Design an inspiring yet practical studio for an artist.

Posted by Melissa – April 9, 2008 11:52 AM

I would like to see a design for people with allergies to dust, mold, and mildew. There are a lot of new products that can be integrated, but mainly, how does one make an overly sparse room look nice and designer-y. Any allergist would be able to provide designers with rules for decorating - i.e. no pictures sitting around; things must be machine washable; ugly air purifiers. How would your contestants design around these restrictions?

Posted by Leeann – April 9, 2008 11:47 AM

I once lived in a rented apartment where the landlord refused to let me paint and resticted nail holes in the walls.I found a creative way around him. When I was finished, he didn't like it but I had stayed within his resrtictions so he had little to say.

I took those hooks you can buy where you can pull the backing out. I drilled 5 1" holes along the top of very lightweight woodpanels, painted them the color I wanted and hung them on the hooks. Then I used very sturdy tacks and hung lightweight pictures and decorative items.

I could change wall colors and decore on a whim.

Posted by D. Darling – April 9, 2008 10:40 AM

I work in an urban middle school and it is very disheartening how little money is allocated to the aesthetic environment of some schools. I would LOVE to see the Design Team complete a challenge to design an area school that really needs it.

Posted by Sherron Moore – April 9, 2008 8:17 AM

I would love to see what the contestants can do in an elementary school classroom. The ideas are endless!!

Posted by joanne – April 9, 2008 12:00 AM

pick 3-5 existing HGTV shows' "theme" - either assign by teams, or do as a series of individual/team challenges. I would choose Design Remix where she really only spends money for paint and bare necessities. These could be real people's rooms or created for the designers with only odds and ends available for use. I'd also choose something like the Sensible Chic challenge of showing a top designer room and reinterpret it for a low budget.

Posted by Judi – April 8, 2008 11:46 PM

I would like to see the designers design a room for someone who was very particular (who had specific ideas) and wanted to be hands-on with them. I am a person who knows what I like but have difficulty putting it together. I find that decorators want to do all of the selecting and not give you options. I like to try several colors on the wall, several fabric combinations, etc. before I make a decision. I would like to see a challenge where they have to design a room working together with a client who has these very specific ideas/color/style....and preferably not a contemporary taste (I think contemporary is overdone). I would love to see more traditional/casual. This may be a challenge that cannot be completed in one episode. The client should be able to provide feedback as to how the designer worked with them throughout a week to make their selection of materials. For example, the designer may have found the "perfect" lamp but if the client doesn't like it, it doesn't matter how great the designer thinks it looks. I think it is not just about transforming a room, but meeting the needs/desires of the client.

Posted by Judy – April 8, 2008 11:32 PM

We would just like to see more of the individual room challenges where the designers have to design/build a room. Season 1 did a bunch which we enjoy but Season 2 seemed to get away from those.

Posted by Chris & Jessica Bobal – April 8, 2008 10:02 PM

1. Definately go green - at least stop the episodes where they design rooms that really can't be lived in because they had to shop in a pet store or dollar store - what a waste!

2. Design rooms in similar homes for real people - like the homes they are building for Katrina Victims or Habitat for Humanity Homes.

3. Design rooms in an older home, without ruining the integrity of the home and working with extisting architecture.

4. Please - no more kitchens on impossible budgets and time restraints. What a nightmare!

5. Laundry rooms - design meets function

6. Budget rooms - it doesn't have to be all thrift store stuff, but can you guys occaisionally scale down the budget to realistic amounts so we can see if they would have a show we'd be able to get something from?

Posted by Debbie – April 8, 2008 8:07 PM

How about sending them to design different rooms in a homeless shelter, halfway house or hospise.

Posted by Myrna – April 8, 2008 7:26 PM

I Love the Show and the winner's shows also and their creativity they show.
I'd like to see.....

designers do small spaces on small budget of places people really live in
small homes small moble homes apartments
rvs campers dorm rooms school rooms break rooms etc.
take a church and design the different rooms and offices and make them more inviting to workers and vistors
also like the idea of designing hospital waiting rooms that are small and have very small kitchenette and lots of chairs to hold family and friends childrens rooms these places could be a little ( a lot more ) friendly not so dull

Posted by Tina – April 8, 2008 5:45 PM

I live in a mobile home and would love to see what they could do with a limited space. The kitchen and living area are just one room actually. It would be wonderful to have some destinction between the two. LOve the show!

Posted by Leola Davison – April 8, 2008 5:24 PM

I would like to see the designers use only stuff found at an auto salvage yard or only from a copy center. Another suggestion: Have the designers use found items, reused, recycled, or re purposed stuff. Now that would be a challenge!

Posted by Vickie Graber – April 8, 2008 5:13 PM

Design using only items from thrift shops (and paint). Does not have to be a low budget, just a restriction on where to buy.
Also, I love the idea of doing a Habitat for Humanity home, or the cool version done in San Francisco called Habitat for the Homeless, which uses a much smaller space and would be an interesting challenge for the designers.

Posted by Robin – April 8, 2008 4:58 PM

I'd like to see what the designers can do with a split level home. I have never seen this done on TV and I'd love ideas!

Posted by Lori A – April 8, 2008 4:46 PM

I think the design stars should design a college dorm room. Taking into consideration living, sleeping, partying, and dinning areas. Some for women and some for men ..

Posted by Adrienne Gramberg – April 8, 2008 4:22 PM

Since many designers are needed in the business world how about the lobby of a mid-size corporation? Make it a challenge to keep clients comfortable and yet sell the corporate business.

Posted by B d Allen – April 8, 2008 4:05 PM

It would be great have the designers makeover a highschool theatre dressing room. The dressing room at my daughter's highschool is dark,dingy and not very functional. The space could use more storage, make-up lights, mirrors, chairs,etc. It should be a space where they could easily store their costumes and get ready without tripping over one another.

Posted by Maggie Morales – April 8, 2008 3:42 PM

I would like to see them do an older single wide mobile home. The rooms are usually odd sizes, and have paneling on all the walls or at least half. It would be interesting to see what they could do and might give some of us who live in mobile homes some fresh ideas.

Posted by Kathy – April 8, 2008 3:23 PM

I want them to come and redesign my entire house. I have a 30 year old colonial, small spaces and difficult spaces. This would be great if each designer was assigned a room.Or if each group was assigned a level. We have no supporting walls so they can be knocked out and rearranged. We live in Northern VA very close to DC.

My other idea is for them to design an outdoor space.

Posted by Renee – April 8, 2008 1:28 PM

I'd like to see them design a zen bedroom. They can start with a small room that is originally designed for a little girl. That means lots of pink on the walls, carpet, bedding, everywhere! A big part of the challenge would be to do this on a college student's budget. This would be a great way to show people that they can make a HUGE change in their space without spending a large amount of money.

Posted by Britt – April 8, 2008 1:26 PM

I think that a remodel of an older bathroom would show there skill for updating without a major overhaul.

Posted by Don – April 8, 2008 1:12 PM

How about a kitchen without the ubiquitous granite, stainless and cherry wood. It is SO BORING.!

Posted by linda bogan – April 8, 2008 11:53 AM

CA very uptown 30's look to a down stairs family room, (next to a media room and bedroom done in the 30's)but not necessarily a theme room.I really need help with this project. I am a huge fan. Keep this show annually, please!

Posted by Susan Linds – April 8, 2008 11:49 AM

Create a useable space/room in an unfinished basement - one with cement walls, washer/dryer, furnace and pipes above which can't be closed up or moved.

Posted by Harriet – April 8, 2008 11:41 AM

The design star contestants should have a very limited budget to redesign a large living space. It would be a good challenge to test what they could come up with or reuse. They might freak over having little to spend. I think it would help them to practice for families that have little money that want to redesign a space.

Posted by Kyla – April 8, 2008 11:33 AM

Spacial design for day to day living in a 450 square foot NYC studio apartment

Posted by Nicole – April 8, 2008 11:31 AM

Have them decorate an office cubical (No windows and small). Give them a old desk (with big old computer on it, nothing fancy) and a work surface that does not match the desk. Give them a mix matched chair. Many old offices are like this, especially now, when money is so tight. Give them company guidelines to follow. See if you feel like going there everyday.

Posted by Kathleen – April 8, 2008 7:30 AM

My challange would be a mobile home, there is limited space to work with and it would be a challange to see what they could come up with in storage, flooring, walls, etc.

Posted by Jan Kerr – April 8, 2008 5:16 AM

Redesign a 'family oriented' waiting room at a Children's Hospital.

Posted by Cheri – April 8, 2008 5:03 AM

I am so glad your doing this. I've had an idea for a show or segment of a show for a long time but no way to share it.
My idea is this. you could either do this individually or split into groups... take 2 identical rooms, give them many of the same items, I think I would prefer the furniture and some accessories be the same and give them a very minimal budget to buy just a handful of individual accessories/items and then see what the groups/contestants do with it. See who can come up with the best room using the rules of design. I know it seems very simple as I put it above but I do think it would make for an interesting episode.

Posted by nawanna – April 8, 2008 3:37 AM

Many homes in the 60's were built as split entries or tri level homes. High wide short windows, tons of wall openings, smallish rooms and closets that don't hold much. Both difficult to decorate. Have them show what can be done with the basic house.

Posted by Cato – April 8, 2008 1:43 AM

I think it would be great to see the contestants do some great stuff with a very small space. I live in a 450 square foot studio condominium and I would love to see how they make that type of space work for real people to live BIG in. Everything is basically in one room and I find I am always struggling to live comfortably in a relatively small space, though I believe that it is possible with good design. I would love to see this as a challenge and I would be happy to volunteer my humble abode if needs be!

Posted by Ross Taylor – April 8, 2008 12:55 AM

You should give everyone $50 and they must decorate a 12x 18' space with nothing but garage sale finds. They all have to pick a color from a bucket filled with paint samples and that starts the room.

Posted by angiono – April 7, 2008 11:56 PM

I agree with Linda 04-06 at 8:04pm. I would love to see all that effort put into Habitat for Humanity homes.

Posted by mary – April 7, 2008 11:49 PM

When I was a little girl my grandmother took my aunt and I to a woman's home in So. California.

The house was mid-Century modern and had a grand pool in the back. There was an outdoor shower and when you entered the house from the pool area you entered into a mudroom/laundry room.

It was a large area and the only part of this beautiful house that lacked style.

I think a good challenge would be a mudroom/laundry room.

Posted by Lois Moore – April 7, 2008 11:21 PM

1. Something that every home has is a closet, I would like to see the contestants work on ... closet redos & organizing, along with a dressing area attached or unattached, it maybe removeable or perm. compartments for storage. Something which addresses all the needs of any individual and/or couple. (One suggestion maybe for the contestants to select a paint can for the size & type of closet area being designed)this could also include a multi-level closet,a conversion of an extra room into closet organization/ storage area. There are enless possibilities.
2. Another, a guest designer (an average lay person)ie, a childs room: a child in that age range, kitchen: actual people using that kitchen,
playground: the school involvement, (we all know the best way to learn is being taught and teaching goes both ways and what better way to share and expand this field)

Posted by k vk – April 7, 2008 11:15 PM

DESIGN A ROOM BASED ON THE NAMES AND FLAVORS OF ICE CREAMS! I THINK THAT WOULD BE A "COOL" IDEA! :)

Posted by daniel mills – April 7, 2008 10:42 PM

I think that the design stars should take on a completely new challenge....designing a doghouse!!!! It would be completely different and force the design stars to compensate with a teeny little space that has to be durable and spacious (kind of).

Posted by Axolotl – April 7, 2008 10:33 PM

One design challenge I have, and have never seen addressed, is that I have inherited my grandmother's house and do not know how to update the main living space, or the kitchen, and keep the integrity of this 1914 early California craftsman cottage. How does one modernize and honor the past at the same time when it is the FAMILY home? In my case my uncle 'ruin-ovated' the living room by covering the floor with particle board and linoleum. Yuck!

Posted by Judith Raimondi – April 7, 2008 10:33 PM

Dorm rooms would be a great idea! Stylish and functional, great storage solutions that look good. It would be great if they did a smaller dorm room too. Mine is very small and its hard to find storage that looks good and is actually functional.

Posted by Katlin – April 7, 2008 10:30 PM

I want each contestant to decorate a room in a
solid color, white, tan, ect...

Posted by Star Lynn Mormon – April 7, 2008 10:30 PM

Design a room for handicapped accessibility, kitchen or bath would be the biggest challenge, but could also do a family room/entertainment room or office.

Posted by Jackie – April 7, 2008 10:30 PM

Log frame houses present special challenges, especially when the space is mostly open space. I would like to see your designers tackle interior design that delineates different functional areas within the space while keeping the overall open feel and the massive integrity of a large handcrafted log frame structure.

Posted by Richard – April 7, 2008 10:16 PM

Iwould like to see a small space decorated , made to look bigger.

Posted by Peg – April 7, 2008 10:15 PM

Try designing an interior living space where inside cats and dogs can live in harmony with their people pets.

Posted by Cindy C – April 7, 2008 10:10 PM

How about designing an outdoor pool space with interesting, durable and comfortable furniture and a cabana or a pergula or something fabulously cool and different to provide shelter from the sun. Let their imaginations flow!

Posted by Nancy Quenelle – April 7, 2008 10:09 PM

I am starting my life over in a new city with a new job and new apartment. I want to live as simply as possible. I want to have an apartment that is comfortable but also very mobile. I'd like to be able to pack up all my stuff and fit it into one regular Ford F-150 truck bed and move everything. I dunno is this even possible?

Posted by James – April 7, 2008 10:06 PM

Redesign a kitchen to accomodate a handi-capped wheelchair bound individual.

Posted by Leslie – April 7, 2008 9:58 PM

I would like to see the contestants design media room or a excercise room science my family needs to lose wieght or i would like to see the contestants design a room for someone who is "deserving design" like on Vern Yips show, maybe they can even have himguest star/help out,Also from season 1 Pimple should HAVE WON!!!!!!!!!! How Dare America vote her off!!!!!!!!!!Thanks for reading

Posted by Andie – April 7, 2008 9:58 PM

RV
Hospital
Classroom
Dogs Day Out - Kennel Decorate Spaces for Dogs
Handicap Spaces
"Green" Rooms - Eco Friendly

Posted by Jennifer – April 7, 2008 9:52 PM

This is there some were But..........Our Pets are
family members would like to see rooms for dogs or cats.......either inside the home or outside

Posted by Dawn – April 7, 2008 9:47 PM

How about designing a space for seniors? Many have special needs in the bathroom and bedroom especially. As Baby Boomers take over, they'll need some help and most people don't realize there are a lot of new and improved options available.

Posted by Cindy – April 7, 2008 9:34 PM

I would like to see designs for:
1. A waiting room where people would have space to fill out forms, and wait and wait and wait. Places like the drivers license center, waiting for family in surgery, jury selection room.
2. A dorm room is a good idea.
3. A store front or window display.
4. An outdoor play area. 5. A department in a department store: examples: shoe department., stationery department., housewares department. Each designer could do a different department. Or they all could do the same department.

Posted by Diane Lynn – April 7, 2008 9:22 PM

I have a hundred year old home and I think it might be a great challenge to have the designers remodel a basement in a home like mine. It has low ceilings, locust posts holding it up, poured concret floors and walls, the old cast iron pipes hang down as well as the newer copper ones. I thinki that it would be interesting to see what they could come up with, it is not an easy task to turn a basement in an older home into a great useable space.

Posted by anne – April 7, 2008 9:18 PM

Design a family room in a low ceiling basement. With the older homes having 7 foot high ceilings in the basements, how can we make the space appear inviting and spacious? Pipes, electrical, and heating vents often invade the ceilings making them even lower in some places than the 7 ft. height.

Posted by Jennifer – April 7, 2008 9:18 PM

A unique idea for the final challenge would be to make an efficient studio appartment out of a large POD's storage container. It would be interestiong to see how they could take an idustrial item and make a small living space out of it. Very creative opportunity.

Posted by Emily – April 7, 2008 9:04 PM

DESIGN A PERSONAL ROOM/BEDROOM FOR A TEEN THAT'S STARTING THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR.THE DESIGN NEEDS TO FIT A MALE/FEMALE TEEN.THE SPACE NEEDS TO APPEAL TO BOTH SEXES REGARDING COLOR/SPECS OF THE ROOM.
*** THE SPACE SHOULD NOT BE DESIGN SPECIFIC AS A MALE OR FEMALE SPACE AND THE ROOM IS NEEDED THROUGHOUT THEIR HIGHSCHOOL YEARS. THE ROOM NEEDS TO REFLECT A TEEN !!!!!
THE CATCH IS THAT YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO FILL 3 SPECIFIC NEEDS FOR A TEEN WITH A SPECIFIC FLEX BUDGET OF($500-$800). THE DESIGN STAR HAS TO FIGURE OUT THE NEEDS OF THE TEEN BY THEMSELVES.
THE FULL BUDGET RANGE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE USED IN TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT. A PART OF THE CHALLENGE IS ALSO TO COMPLETE THE ROOM WITH LESS MONIES. IF THE WINNER OF THE CHALLENGE HAS ANY MONEY LEFT OVER IT CAN BE DONATED TO HIS/HER FAVORITE CHARITY IF THE SHOW ALLOWS.

Posted by MARY HC – April 7, 2008 8:52 PM

I would love to see the designers design an apartment completetly on flee market/yard sale finds -- this includes all accessories, bedding, rugs, chairs, etc. As a person on a budget, I would love to see what they do with this challenge.

Posted by Sharon Cook – April 7, 2008 8:48 PM

I own a Bed & Breakfast in Provincetown, MA, the Somerset House Inn. We have twelve rooms and purposely try to make each room a different design. I'd love to see your designers tackle a B&B. Each designer gets a bedroom and designs it in a way that would appeal to guests. It could combine many of the great suggestions already listed here, make it green, use all one color, etc.

Posted by Dan Hoort – April 7, 2008 8:39 PM

We are "full timer" RV'ers traveling around the country. We have added window treatments, a library area, two computer stations, updated lighting and redone bathroom floor. We need to see a way to do the general flooring in an RV. The rugs in most RV's leave a lot to the imagination. Changing the walls is another challenge. Luan is used and wallpaper will only stick if use use "Kilz" first, we know for a fact! Same goes for painting. Been there done that too.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Bob & Chris Huffman

Posted by Bob & Chris Huffman – April 7, 2008 8:00 PM

728I think someone should redo any room in a modular/mobile home because nothing in them is standard size. A lot of people watch your shows that cannot spend 25,000 on a bathroom but still try to incorporate many things they see where it is possible

Posted by Charlene Hanner Bell – April 7, 2008 7:42 PM

I work at a University and some of the older dorms could use some serious help! Have each contestant redesign dorms to make them more functional and a great place to come home to after a tough day of classes. Clemson University has a lot of duplexes that could use renovating. Come to the Southeast!

Posted by Lita – April 7, 2008 7:34 PM

i have a kitchen that is about the size of a postage stamp - literally. actually, my whole house is tiny, but the kitchen frustrates me the most. i love to bake but there is only usable counter space of about 17" wide by about 20" deep. my entire first floor, from the front door to the minicule kitchen lookos like something from the 60's 70's. this would be a design challenge that would truly test the contestants - to transform this hideous space into a home i could be proud to show off. i would gladly welcome the contestants in to this space to see what they could do with my nightmare to turn it into a dream.
my bathroom is even smaller than the kitchen, although i don't mind the size there so much - i love my claw-foot tub - great for soaking, but the vanity is too big for the space. the 2 bedrooms are not all that bad but i lack good storage.
yeah, i have a house that would be the biggest & possibly one of the toughtest challenges for the design star contestants. and boy are they welcome to have a go at changing it!! any time you're ready, i'll throw open the doors for you.the biggest challenge awaits right here.

Posted by jane – April 7, 2008 7:23 PM

I work with disabled people. I would like to see the designers design a bedroom that is fashionable, wheelchair accessible and incorporates a hospital bed

Posted by Cheryl Paul – April 7, 2008 6:35 PM

Military families are always having to pack up and move to a new base or post and move into spaces that have few or no architectural elements to work with. Design a family room that can be easily assembled and broken down . In many cases, they can't paint and have to work with the existing flooring.

Posted by Sally – April 7, 2008 5:53 PM

An office space that needs an update. For instance, a doctor office waiting room, office, and patient room, or just one! Our office could use a redo to look more "Spa" like! Love the show!

Posted by JoAnn – April 7, 2008 5:53 PM

While I didn't read all the posts (there are so many!), there are a lot of great ideas here.

Some ideas that I had include re-doing a room only with items found at a flea market or from a recycle store like Goodwill or Salvation Army. How about redecorating with things already found in and around the owner's home -- repurposing.

Stepping outside the home for some different design ideas -- why not redesign the interior of a motorhome, RV or third-wheel. Or if you really want to take them outside their comfort zone have them design a child's birthday party or the paint design of a NASCAR race car. Now there's a new challenge!

Keep up the great work HGTV!

Posted by Deborah – April 7, 2008 5:28 PM

How about a kitchen for excruciating painfully light sensitive persons? Where they can only use 40 watt bulbs in their other rooms- cover shades with dark material.
No shiny surfaces, dim lighting overhead, undercabinet light okay if light does not shine out in eyes or reflect off surfaces.
No reflective material.

I have been living with this myself for over 10 years and would like to see some good options for opting out on light...

Posted by Rusty – April 7, 2008 4:46 PM

I live in a cookie cutter North East pretty colonial. Became handi capped, walk with forearm crutches. Suddenly everything is a challenge. Walking up stairs, using the bath room, trying to cook dinner and do laudny. like most people I do not have the money to change everything making it handi capped adcessable.
THe challange would be to adapt a regular house - or one room - to be hand capped acessable with with under $2000 = I know these designers have the inovation to do it, along with the dignity to treat the handi capped the same as everyone (it does not happen in the country...I thought it did until I became handicapped). Treat us with respect, dignity, and take the opportunity to open door ways for others like me. I know millions will benifit. thanks,

Posted by christine feterowski – April 7, 2008 4:01 PM

How about a massage therapy room that pays attention to details such as lighting, music, aromas, textures using only green materials?

Posted by Beth – April 7, 2008 3:40 PM

Design a craft room that could be used for more than one craft. The room should be organizationally set up, have functionality, good use of space and have aesthetic appeal.

Posted by Jeri Leaverton – April 7, 2008 3:33 PM

Scenario: Decorate a living room using all recycled material. I would like the shopping to be done at a Thrift Store. Each contestant would be given a certain amount of money. They would have to shop in every department. Any item could not be used as originally intended. Books could be stacked or a chair could be an end table. A cooking pot could be a vase. Scarves could be curtains. Jeans could become rugs or upholstery material, etc. I think it would be fun and enable people to look outside the box.

Posted by Linda Harp – April 7, 2008 3:28 PM

I think each contestant should decorate a playroom in the childrens' wing of a hospital.

Posted by Angela – April 7, 2008 2:40 PM

The staff of our school works very hard and deserves a comfortable, pleasant, functional place to relax and work during our prep periods. We currently have a beige (I think) room last redecorated in 1950. We have 2 teacher's rooms about the size of a large walk in closet. The space contains a lavatory, a closet and a large table. We really could use an enthusiastic design star to help us. 580668

Posted by Lynne Miller – April 7, 2008 1:35 PM

Design/Decorate
Help...I have a master bedroom that is approx. 10 x 21, vaulted ceiling with a loft that is about the same dimension. Yes, the master bedroom is TWO LEVELS. You enter the loft from the master bedroom. No additional access. The wall has a dark green textured paint about five feet high from the floor, no other color - new home neutral(this is what I have come up with for the standard color on the remainder of the walls) and a ceiling fan that is dated and truly not my style. I would love to make this a true luxury inspired sanctuary/retreat from the rat race of big city living where I work. However, currently, the loft is being used as a make shift office.

Posted by Vanessa – April 7, 2008 1:32 PM

Try to decorate attic rooms with their difficult angles and roof lines. Or decorate "green" using only natural, non toxic, recycled items.

Posted by Kim – April 7, 2008 1:23 PM

I recently sold my home and I'm renting a small Condo until I find a more permanent place to live. It would be nice to present the contestants with the challenge of decorating a rental space. As I renter, it's a challenge to really express a certain decorating style since I'm limited to what I can do in "someone else's" place. But I would like for my temporary home to have a nice homey feel to it since I plan to be here for at least a year.

Posted by Michelle – April 7, 2008 11:50 AM

My design idea for Design Star 3 would be to decorate a space (i.e. sunroom) under the theme of "Outdoor Odyssey" using only natural products such as tree branches, flowers, plants, and other eco-friendly products)

Posted by Misty – April 7, 2008 10:27 AM

Completely redesign a SMALL 18' x 28' house that has the following:

1.5 bedrooms:
(one BDRM is 8x10 for adult functioning as bdrm & home office w/storage for clothes & other items).
~
(other BDRM is 5.5' x 10' for tween functioning as bdrm w/storage for clothes, tv/gaming & toys).
~
Long narrow kitchen (7.5 ft wide x 15.5 ft long) including compact washer/dryer, dishwasher, frig, gas stove, table w/2+ chairs. (combo kitchen/dining).
~
Livingroom is 10x12.
~
Bathroom is 5' x 9' w/water heater, tub/shower, toilet, small sink/vanity.

Windows are standard size in all rooms. Front entrance door is in livingroom corner and back entrance is directly across in kitchen (length bwtn front & back doors is 28').

Must redesign complete inside for under $3000.00 with cost to include decor, materials, labor and all appliances.

Posted by Penny – April 7, 2008 9:27 AM

IDEAS:
*ONE COLOR THROUGHOUT A ROOM
*BASED AROUND A COLLECTABLE SOMEONE OWNS-DISPLAY AND THEME
*DE-CLUTTER A HOME OR ROOM
*COMMON ROOM OF FRAT OR SORORITY HOUSE
*SMALL KITCHEN - UTILIZE SPACE AND MAKE FUNCTIONAL
*SHOW VIEWERS BASIC IDEAS OF DESIGN AND HOW THEY IMPLEMENT THEM IN A REAL HOME.

Posted by Jeanne – April 7, 2008 9:10 AM

I cannot think of a bigger design challenge than a church basement. Most of them are dark and ugly, yet are needed for so many functions. Everything from Sunday coffee hours to potlucks to meetings. It would be great to get some ideas and see what others do to make them functional and inviting.

Posted by T. Sanders – April 7, 2008 8:27 AM

To create a space/room for asthmatics that is warm, comfortable, but not boring while keeping in mind the need for allergen reduction.

Posted by Thuy – April 7, 2008 7:59 AM

Please, no more group challenges; the only thing they do is provide so-called TV drama (yawn..) If you want to see "teamwork" give them a real team, like clients, carpenters, suppliers, the normal people that designers interact with. If you must have them, do them with public service projects; I've seen several good suggestions listed here.

I realize that cost is a factor, but even the white box challenge could do someone who's income is limited a good turn. I agree with an earlier post; stop wasting resources.

For the final challenge, when there are only 2 people left, put the money on the table and let them go all out, cost is not a factor! I really enjoyed the final challenge last year; just wish they had money and time to do it right.

Posted by Andrea Lorton – April 7, 2008 6:43 AM

The challenge I present to the design team is that
of redesigning a rural school environment that is in need of repairs, like we have have at Saint Matthew's Elementary in Campbellsport, WI to an environment where our future generations are invigorated to learn and to grow in an atmosphere that screams with excitement and energy. St. Matthew's in Campbellsport, WI is a small school in need of repair but all have a giving heart and an enthusiastic spirit. Bring your team and meet our challenge.

Posted by Charles Rhodes – April 7, 2008 6:29 AM

i would love to see how the contestants include pet related items (beds, toys, feeding station) into an open living room/kitchen floorplan, without them "standing out". thanks!

Posted by amy – April 7, 2008 12:44 AM

I love the show. My 11 year old wants to be a designer, and each year, from the second or third episode, has picked the winner!!!! She's amazing! I hate the time limit. I would love to see the designers be able to complete a project to their potential, not withing a certain amount of time. I know that isn't totally practical for TV, but it's frustrating for me to see them rush around at the end, with unfinished work. In a real world, they truly won't have this restraint. They will be able to complete the project for which they have been contracted. Please try to remedy this. I would also LOVE to be "the family" for which the design stars design a room. We're not "down and out", but we do sometimes struggle to make ends meet (as most Americans do) in a suburban area of Indiana. We have no "sob story", but life does throw it's wrenches. We have an unfinished basement. I'd love to see it completed, or at least have the home theatre section done. What a treat....and real life, too!

Posted by Jessica Cole – April 6, 2008 11:19 PM

Design Star Challenge suggestions
1. Green design
2. Apartment dwelling: create a design using color, etc without painting and without doing major construction – no demolition. Though constructing furniture and storage within the confines of the footprint
3. Create high-end looks with recycled materials, refurbished furniture, reclaimed wood, etc. to be used for the same or different furniture
4. Create high-end look on a very limited budget – low income or middle income
5. Library/living room with a garden influence that is subtle
6. Create a feminine room without being ‘frou-frou.’ Crisp, clean lines, geometric, graphic design
7. create a ‘house’ of rooms (living room, dining room, office, kitchen, bath, and bedroom) that belong together, though the style of each is different (example: old world, traditional, French country (subtle), Spanish, Asian influence). Each room different in style, but having one or two elements that are carried throughout, without being modern, contemporary or industrial
8. Create an Old World look in a kitchen that is as if one has stepped back in time or that one has taken such good care of so that the pieces and structures are not damaged. (No peeling paint, no worn or chipped painted pieces, no damaged wood – unless the wood was previously damaged when reclaimed, no rusted metal, no crackled finish.)
9. Combine two or more styles – example Spanish with an Old World influence, Maybe an Asian influence
10. Indoor garden room: sun porch, conservatory: growing herbs, vegetables, fruits, and some flowers
11. Design a room that is wheel chair accessible or that would be for a person with limited range of motion or who can not stand very long. Kitchen or living room
12. Re-design teachers’ classrooms, making them warm and inviting, using drama and style while being ‘kid friendly’ Imaginative storage. A fantasy room: K-12 (example- Primary School – pre-K to 2, Elementary School – 3 – 5, Middle School – 6 – 8, and/or High School 9 – 12) Rooms would be based on what is being taught in the room or on what the teacher is passionate about.
13. Design a room for a reading tutor – converting a dining room or a bedroom – in such a way that they serve the original purpose while working for the tutor. Include storage for equipment, for books, books – a room that children would like to be in – fanciful. Include artwork, maps (to search where a story takes place, where an author lives (or where the author visited in order to write the story), or where an animal character would live as a real animal. Include computer access. Include multi-sensory ways to teach.

Posted by Sandie Nicholson – April 6, 2008 11:13 PM

A bathroom redo. We have a large tub and not storage. We want to get rid of the tub and open the room to more light (there is no window).

Posted by Martina – April 6, 2008 11:10 PM

I would like to see a small kitchen (9 x 12). I have a small kitchen with a bay window and small pantry and want to kick it up a notch. Thinking maybe the designers can come up with something spectacular.

Posted by Carol – April 6, 2008 11:07 PM

I think a challenge would be a monochromatic color scheme using only one strong accent color used in only 3 pieces!

Posted by Suzie – April 6, 2008 11:06 PM

A co-worker of mine inherited a lake house when her mom passed away. Long story short, she didn't want it to leave the family because she had so many good memories (and one bad memory -- her sister had drowned there at an early age), that she actually sold her own house and moved in. It is a really cool (large) house, but needs some TLC. I thought each contestant could take one of the rooms and do a make-over. What would make it even more interesting would be to use the memorabilia that has been left in the house -- the family traveled quite a bit and brought back some really cool items (like the life-sized elephant foot) She is a very deserving woman, and never, ever puts herself first. She raised her kids as a single mom and never complains. She has done extensive volunteer work and is always there when you need her. Thanks!

Posted by Lauri McCarthy – April 6, 2008 10:58 PM

Please take the Design Star contestants to a nursing home and have them all to design living quarters for Assisted Living Residents. My Father-in-Law is at Bradley Bay in Bay Village Ohio and it would be perfect for the project. The units are small and in need of brightening. Each star would have the same amount of square footage. This home has the best most caring staff in the world, and it would be so awesome to see some of their residents' spaces get a lift. Everyone would have to take into consideration the personalities of the residents -- the selection could be at randum and you could do a short feature on each of the residents who range in age from 60's to over 100. The possibilities are unlimited and most of all you would bring joy to some people who have very little. Thanks for considering my idea. 144422

Posted by Joyce – April 6, 2008 10:58 PM

My best friend lives in an old model trailer home, not a manufactured home. She is always trying to come up with ideas that would help improve her surroundings. Because of their unique structure, innovative ideas have to be used.

Posted by LINDA – April 6, 2008 10:40 PM

Restricted to one color.
Redesign a room in a house using only things that can already be found in the house (not rearranging furniture, but actual, NEW design)
An "update an era" challege: 70's, rococo, art deco, Louis 15th, etc.
A challenge where they start their room one day and then on the second day (unbeknownst to them) they have to switch rooms and finish the design that another designer began--with no consultation between the two
A fabric challenge. All the design in the room has to be done with fabric (and construction, but the construction will be covered in fabric).
A dining room/front of the house in a restaurant.
A kitsch challenge. Their entire design has to be based around knick-nacks.
All designers are provided with the exact same materials; same paint, same furniture, same decorations,and must generate a unique room without purchasing anything else

Posted by Katie – April 6, 2008 9:55 PM

The design challenge I thought of was a two fold one. 1.Split the designers into two groups and have the members of each group work together to design one of two identical rooms. The group then presents their design for their space. 2.After presenting their designs it will be time to implement them. The twist is that the teams are in charge of implementing the other team's design.

Posted by Charles – April 6, 2008 9:55 PM

I would like to see the designers have to renovate/design a homeless shelter or domestic violence shelter. It almost seems a waste to design model rooms when they could be getting similar challenges and at the same time helping others in need of a nice place to live. Also, remodeling not-for-profit offices would be nice, because they often devote their limited resources to outreach rather than making the work space usable/visually appealing.

Posted by Wendy – April 6, 2008 9:50 PM

A few ideas for DesignStar: How about an outdoor space? Also, I'd like to see a challenge that involves sewing, serious power tools and other more "customizing" projects. Maybe that would be a challenge featuring innovation. Another idea would be to make over a business, such as a hair/nail salon, call center, temp agency, or a corporate office.

Posted by Laura – April 6, 2008 9:41 PM

Not sure if the following were suggested already, but here goes:
(1) Have the contestants each design/decorate a room in a unit of a State Mental Hospital. These are people seemingly at the 'bottom of the list' as far as recognition.
(2) Just for fun: Have the contestants each paint a picture of the place they would most like to visit anyplace in the world. Give them about an hour. Then, collect the pictures and give them out to each contestant making sure that no one gets their own picture. At that time, announce that they will have an hour or two to plan a room around the picture and give them each $250 to shop at only Thrift Stores. The result will be judged on how closely they followed the picture's theme. (By the way, when they are painting the picture, it would be better if they weren't allowed to see or know the theme of the others pictures).
(3) I would love to see a yard designed with cats in mind - I have 7.
(4) Finally, this would be fun: Have a central room with different design/color seating, tables, lighting, accessories, drapes, rugs (and any other design elements the Judges would choose). Each piece would be numbered. Lets say there would be 5 contestants - then, there would be 5 of each element. Each contestant would have to choose a number to see which element they would have to use. Example: After choosing for each element, they might have a red loveseat, an oriental gold/brown lamp, a modern silver/glass table, etc. It would be interesting how they would put these pieces together. Of course, they would be able to choose the color of their paint and maybe a rug of their choice at a local Wal-Mart, Sears, Home Depot store with a limited amount to spend.
I love Design Star and can't wait for the designs to begin! Good luck to all!
June Holeman

Posted by June Holeman – April 6, 2008 8:32 PM

Home Office Challenge:
Many people work from home these days and need a space that is conducive to work and comfort. A challenge for condo or apartment owners is turning a second bedroom into a home office/guest bedroom. I would like to see some creative solutions on Design Star :)

Posted by Sharon – April 6, 2008 8:29 PM

Home Office Challenge:
Many people work from home these days and need a space that is conducive to work and comfort. A challenge for condo or apartment owners is turning a second bedroom into a home office/guest bedroom. I would like to see some creative solutions on Design Star :)

Posted by Sharon – April 6, 2008 8:29 PM

I hate to see the money wasted on some of the designs that will never be used.

I would like to see the design stars design actual rooms that will be used. I think they should use houses in Habitat for Humanity and create functional, and realistic uses for real life families.

Why not do that for families that could never afford to have a designer come into their homes.

I think the designers would have a vested interest in creating an environment that would be something a family would enjoy forever.

Posted by Linda – April 6, 2008 8:04 PM

My ideas are: design a space that is eco-friendly, we are seeing more and more concepts that are based on earth friendly products. Another one would be a space that is handicap useful. This would include considering counter heights, space for a wheelchair, etc.

Posted by beth – April 6, 2008 7:39 PM

General suggestion: more individual challenges and less team/group challenges.

Idea #1: designers are assigned one or the other of these two options -- an outdoor screened-in porch area for use in the summer in either a northern climate or a coastal climate.

Idea #2: designers are assigned one or the other of these two options -- an office for a 'yuppie' couple or a grow-with-us 'play' area for tweeners.

Idea #3: designers are assigned one or the other of these two options -- a teacher's lounge/work room at an elementary school or at a high school.

Posted by Louise – April 6, 2008 7:28 PM

I logged on to post some of my ideas and found that many had already posted them. Whatever you do I would like to see you do the whole season with a "green theme" We really need to think of our environment as being a loan from our children and that we need to make sure we can repay that loan. My ideas were a mobile home community, a community playground with bandstand and picnic area, a house boat, a rural cabin, a small bathroom, a laundry room, and handicapped room. I recently broke my ankle followed by cervical cancer surgery and had to move my bedroom into my living room for six months as I didn't have a bedroom on the ground floor so maybe a challenge about rethinking living space when an emergency arises might be a good challenge. Another idea would be to have the design stars pair up with an "at risk" youth to teach them how to do minor repairs in a home as well as redecorate on a budget. The Business and Professional Women's Club of Indiana has a Reality Store that they do with "at risk" youth that could be a great set up for the show and expanded into the challenge. The youth pick a job and find out their salary and other financial obligations at the start of the Reality Store. They are given imaginary children and buy furniture to fit their family and home/apt. I know the BPW/Indiana has a website where I am sure you can find the particulars. Lastly, I live in the St. Lawrence Valley in Northern NY where there are not many decorating outlets. So I would like to see something based on decorating from online sources.

Posted by Carolyn – April 6, 2008 7:21 PM

I would like to see designers design older public schools multi-purpose rooms. These are rooms where students eat, have assemblies, often have p.e. classes, and are used for special activities. Designers would have to use their imagination to make the rooms functional and visually appealing to a variety of both children and adults.

Posted by H Campbell – April 6, 2008 7:15 PM

I think the idea of making over rooms in Mobile Homes is a fantastic idea. Many people in our area live in Mobile Homes. Yes they are challenging because they are made differently. I would find it interesting to see how they would adjust for the differences.

I also like the ideas on using Flea Market finds and repurposing items.

Posted by April – April 6, 2008 6:57 PM

I agree with the college student dorm challenge. Two kids in a room and NOOOOOOOO space!! That's a challenge!

Posted by Rox – April 6, 2008 6:57 PM

I think the idea of making over rooms in Mobile Homes is a fantastic idea. Many people in our area live in Mobile Homes. Yes they are challenging because they are made differently. I would find it interesting to see how they would adjust for the differences.

I also like the ideas on using Flea Market finds and repurposing items.

Posted by April – April 6, 2008 6:52 PM

I would like to see a design for outside lawn, patio,entertaining area. Maybe something without an actual deck, because some people just don't have that extra space. Take just a plain,flat yard and make it into something beautiful.

Posted by cindy – April 6, 2008 6:41 PM

There are many of us living in apartments, where we can't hang wallpaper, paint, hang lights, make too many holes, etc. We are stuck with white walls and wet sand-color rugs. Other than hanging a few pictures, what can we do to spice up the place and make it our own - which of course, we take down and take with us?
Inspire all us apartment dwellers.

CT

Posted by Carol – April 6, 2008 6:31 PM

For something really frivolous, how about designing a fancy doghouse or dogbed for the truly spoiled canine? I've seen some commercial ones as fancy as a child's dollhouse to as simple as a cityscape backed bed in a corner. It would be interesting to include at least the dogbed part in a bedroom or living room makeover to see what they do with it. Maybe they could makeover a bedroom to be the pet room in a house? Not very practical but just think about how frustrating this would be to some contestants. The tv footage would be interesting to say the least.

Posted by laura – April 6, 2008 6:29 PM

They should do at least one kitchen. Kitchens always need some prepping up. Besides, the kitchen is the place to be.

Posted by Cali Graham – April 6, 2008 6:22 PM

People are making a concious effort to live more green.
My suggestion, which I'v seen in the commnents already, would be to decorate/design a space using only items purchased from Goodwill, second hand or thrift stores. Paint and hardware excluded.
With the state of our economy I think this would speak to a large portion of your viewers. I'm sure they would appreaciate seeing some spaces come together using the same resources that they have access to and can afford.

Posted by donna – April 6, 2008 6:14 PM

Challenge? A kitchen that does NOT look like a kitchen. Kitchens are so unfriendly for someone who has difficulty bending over and cannot see in lower cabnets without a flashlight and has two cabnets for food. We have a small breakfast room that I believe would be great for a pantry for EVERYTHING in a kitchen. Any designer can paint and buy stuff for a living room, bedroom or family room, lets see if someone can design a kitchen that does not look like a kitchen and where one does not have to bend over looking for food or baking pans. Design challenge is now in your court. GOOD LUCK. Mary Alice Tricot Clarksburg, West Virginia

Posted by Mary Alice Tricot – April 6, 2008 6:03 PM

I have enjoyed the past two seasons. Wonderful ideas have been created by all the contestants.
This season, I would like to see a child's/children's playroom, or bedroom, designed. Also, it would be great if they could do something for an underprivileged daycare center. Interviewing the children for their ideas would be an added touch.
We'll be watching!
Thanks...a watcher in Texas!

Posted by MIchaelle Green – April 6, 2008 5:52 PM

I would like to see them come to VA and do a house that was built in 1968. Redesign the kitchen and give it a new lay out. Let see something that also has a fireplace in a very strange place with a quart wall. Do a yard large or small. Good luck, I'll be watching again this year.

Posted by Billy – April 6, 2008 5:52 PM

I work as a residence hall director at a college campus. As part of this work, I live in a college dormitory with my wife; others who do this work with me also live in hall with their families. Often the apartments we live in are little more than converted dorm rooms with walls torn down between, and they look and feel like exactly what they are. I would like to see the design star contestants go on site to a college campus and have them redesign hall director apartments so that we can live in a apartment that feels like a home.

Posted by Josh – April 6, 2008 5:46 PM

How about a dorm room re-design. It would be good to see what you can do with a space where you can't paint, put holes in the wall, and make it easy to put up and tear down when you are sent home for the summer.

Posted by Creig – April 6, 2008 5:46 PM

I would like to see the teams tackle a kitchen/dining room redo in a 15-20 year old double-wide mobile home in good condition, which have their own limitations --- like not making them look like a long skinny railroad car!
Oh and it would be one that is out in the rural desert-Desert Center, CA - 50 miles from the nearest store of any kind(except a tiny mini-mart)- only one shoppng trip allowed! Cheers!
JoAnn Dean

Posted by JoAnn Dean – April 6, 2008 5:17 PM

I would like to see the design star contestants help a young adult transform his or her bedroom from a collage dorm style to a sophisticated adult space but using a limited budget, say under $500.

It would also be interesting to see designs done with a green angle since that seems to be so popular today.

Posted by Tara Williams – April 6, 2008 5:05 PM

Here'e a few suggestions.

Design or decorate a

1. Medical Docotors waiting room, not a private practice but, a public one, like for those on Medicaid and Medicare, a Clinic type place.

2. A Middle School Gym, for a needy school, not a rich school, the object here, is for one in NEED.

3. A Senior Citizens Community Center.

4. Hospital Room for New Mom's, in a public Hospital. A few rooms.

5. Oh and of course my blan art/crafts/office space.

Posted by Nastacha Johnson – April 6, 2008 4:45 PM

417479
Please do a Real Life show. The items used are restricted to items available in store at a major retailer. The art projects are done by random people in the audience. The tools have to be part of the cost or available to rent at a major retailer. Everything in the room needs to be available and part of the expense. Do not assume I have designer furniture in another room. In other words, if I had a week and $1000, I could do it.

Posted by Carol Newman – April 6, 2008 4:35 PM

We love Design Star, my husband and I watch every episode. He's in the military and we just got transfered to SC. We want to purchase a home here, but have to wait for our old home to sell. Right now we are renting. All the walls are white and can't be painted. In my house I used white accessories and accents with my colorful walls.

Design Star Challenge Ideas:

1) Renter's Challenge - Kitchen overlooking the living/dining room. The walls, cabnets, trim, and moldings are all white. Also, the majority of the renter's accessories are white. Major twist, the lease says NO PAINTING!

2) Harmonious Child & Teen Room Challenge - Many parents have limited space with several children varing in ages. We would like to see a room for a baby/toddler/young child and a young or older teen.

We've seen Design Star use the paint can challenges. This challenge comes off of that concept. Each paint can contains a different assignment, pairing a young child and teen together. Sample pairings: toddler & teen boys, toddler & teen girls, toddler boy & teen girl, toddler girl & teen boy, twins of opposite sexes both young children and teens.

Posted by Tammy – April 6, 2008 4:32 PM

I think they should do an earth friendly room.

Posted by Devin – April 6, 2008 4:30 PM

A GREAT ROOM FOR FOR A YOUNG MAN IN A WHEELCHAIR!
REMEMBER THIS PERTICULAR YOUNG MAN HAS NO USE OF HIS RT HAND. (MAKES A BIG DIFFERANCE) SPENDS ALL HIS TIME WITH PEOPLE TOWERING ABOVE HIM, THOUGH HE WOULD HAVE BEEN 6 FT TALL. SPECIAL NEEDS? SINK FOR MEDICAL USE FOR HIM SELF, ROOM FOR WHEELCHAIR, WHEELCHAIR BOUND PEOPLE MUST AT TIMES BE CONFINED TO BED FOR HOURS TO DAYS TO SOLVE SKIN ISSUES, AND MUST HAVE SPACE FOR TRANSFERING IN AND OUT OF CHAIR TO BED AT LEAST. DESK WITH COMPUTER FOR SCHOOL WRK AND LARGE TV FOR GAMMING. THIS YOUNG MAN LOVES OUTDOORS, LIONS, STARS AND IS HIGH SCHOOL/COLEGE AGE. MIGHT EVEN CONSIDER DISGUISING HOSPTIAL BED. GOOD LUCK AND WATCH FOR WHT I PLAN TO DO IN THE UP COMMING YEAR!!!! FOR ONE HECK OF STRONG GUY:)

Posted by ANGELA WILLIAMS – April 6, 2008 4:26 PM

How abount converting an attached garage into a family room --

Posted by scott – April 6, 2008 4:25 PM

My husband is disabled & just underwent a hip replacement. We know we are in the fall of our lives and will eventually need the little extra's age brings, but we very much love the Asian Zen Contemporary style. I would love to see them do a master bedroom/ bath disabled room that is simplistic, clean and functional without all the handicap items showing as such.

Posted by Debbie Mills – April 6, 2008 4:12 PM

I have read through a lot of the ideas. and they have covered about everything. I also think they should design places that are really going to use. A group choice can be different rooms in shelters for each group. Green and recylced rooms. Real challages with Handicap rooms or pet friendly homes. I love the shows with limited budget like design on a dime but there are a lot of areas that don't have those awasome second hand stores that they use all the time.

Make real challages in real places.

Posted by Marge – April 6, 2008 4:12 PM

I would like to see a room designed for growing children, from one age to another. A design that can be altered or transformed into something that requires a little upgrade, but still acceptable as the child ages from 3 years to 9 years to teenage years.

Posted by Karen B. – April 6, 2008 4:12 PM

I prefer to see more single compitition rather than team work. I like the cubical compition from the dollar or specialty stores. I would also like to see you bring back the studio apartment compitition from season one. Rather than leaving the design to the contestant, a home owner would know what style they like so pick the decor or color palet for designers. I do not think that this compition format is condusive to kitchens. I think you shoud stay away from that this year. It you want to see their cabinet & tile skills try a standard 5'X10' bathroom that most homes have and people are looking to update.

Posted by Linda – April 6, 2008 4:09 PM

As a college student in Chicago, I'd love to see dorm room makeovers and/or designing a small studio apartment. Most of my friends and I all live in tiny apartments, many of them studios because they're more practical financially, so I always love seeing ideas for making a studio apartment functional and budget-friendly.

Posted by Kate – April 6, 2008 4:09 PM

I would like to see Design Star design a play room for Kate & Jon Gosselin and their 2 sets of multiples, twins and sextuplets.

Posted by Dolores Turenne – April 6, 2008 3:57 PM

I think they should design something out doors around a pool and make it like it is part of the inside of the home... but where you can swim, have a cook out and entertain guests..

Posted by Marge – April 6, 2008 3:50 PM

I think they should design bathrooms because most people dont know how to make a great modern bathroom. Its hard to find things that look great but dont cost a lot of money!

Posted by Nancy – April 6, 2008 3:36 PM

Design a blank dorm room. The space is an obvious challenge, plus different styles of the roommates. Give them a small budget, the same a student would have.

Posted by Kate – April 6, 2008 3:36 PM

As a disabled American I would love to the Design Star create either a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom that some in a wheelchair could use with out assistance.

Posted by kristie – April 6, 2008 3:32 PM

I have worked part-time at a Greek diner for about 15 years. Nothing has changed about it since it was built almost 40 years ago. It is still standing, but the heavy wood and paneling not only dates it, but makes it seem much smaller then it is. There are plenty of similar diners all over the country. I think it would be great to see what they did with a space like that. It would really be a challenge!

Posted by Angela – April 6, 2008 3:30 PM

I would like to see modern,comfortable,relaxing. Something for a woman to be able to calm down after a rough time with kids.

Posted by jay – April 6, 2008 3:29 PM

I think the contestants should have to do a monochromatic room. They would pick a can that would contain their main color and they would use only shades of that color for decorating. You could also allow them to use a neutral, like white.

Posted by Deb W – April 6, 2008 3:08 PM

I think it would be really cool if you had the designers turn a very small room, such as walk-in closet, into a very functional living space for a child. I think they should do several kid's rooms, and also outdoor spaces and landscaping. I think they should take a garden and turn it into an outdoor room with fully functional furniture. For the challenge where each designer gets a cubicle, I think that some should not be allowed to use any paint, some should have to not use any new wood, some should not be allowed to use any new fabric, and some should have to only use what they already have, plus like 50$ or something. They should have to shop at a convenience store and come up with creative ways to not use paint, fabric, or wood. Another challenge should be that they have to create a play theater, including stage, seats, and fly systems or such, to make a small theater feel like it's on Broadway. This should be a team challenge. I also really like the idea of designing a classroom. Similar to others who posted, NO BICKERING WHATSOEVER BECAUSE IT JUST MAKES THE EXPERIENCE REALLY ANNOYING. I like the idea of designing a teenager's room. Another Idea I have (this is basically happening in my house) is to design a central room that a whole family shares, such as a back porch, but every member of the family has different tastes. They might have metallic modern, aclectic jungle, traditional tuscan, and the last one doesn't really care the style, as long as they don't have to throw anything away. I hope you take these ideas into consideration.

Posted by Christopher Berry – April 6, 2008 2:51 PM

I'd really like to see the season 3 design stars remodel in a green way a fire station. Kitchen, Dining and Living areas. Taking into account all the needs of the entire fire crews. The designs not only have to be green but very functional and durable.

Posted by Jim – April 6, 2008 2:41 PM

Small spaces are such a challenge, I would like to see the designers take a small bedroom and show how you could add "baby" into that same space.

Posted by Nancy – April 6, 2008 2:36 PM

I would like to see them take on a real mans room. Something that is traditional but sophificated. I hate theam rooms like sports or hunting or travel. I would like to see a room that includes the totality of a man that takes pieces of each theam and works it into one complete room.

Posted by John Martinec – April 6, 2008 2:34 PM

I would love to see a challanged based entirely on recycled items.
No sense in spending thousands to create a green space, when there is an abundant supply of furniture and decor that will soon flood the landfills.
Everything from re-purposed items like over painted canvas, to re-covered sofas!
It's fun and Earth friendly!

Posted by Jessica – April 6, 2008 2:34 PM

I would like them to design a dorm room. They could not paint the walls, they would have to keep all the furniture in the room and not do anything in it. They would have to keep it functional for at least two people to live in. They would also keep it affordable, and I mean affordable, college students don't have a lot to spend. They would have to include a tv, dvd player, mini fridge, computers, and microwave because those are things college students need in their dorm rooms. I would like to see them do this project in a school that isn't it a huge hip city, because many people don't live in those places and the supplies they use need to be readily available.

Posted by Jenny – April 6, 2008 2:31 PM

There's a new condo building in our neighborhood with a room that has no windows. It's supposed to be a dining room; it has only three walls and opens directly from the living area. But what to do so that it doesn't look like a cave??

Posted by tc – April 6, 2008 2:31 PM

Inner city public school classrooms are in great need. Adopt a school and make a difference in many lives!

Posted by francine – April 6, 2008 2:28 PM

I would like to see a dorm room for a boy or girl. I also would like to see a "first apartment" done with recycled pieces from thrift stores and a budget. I think recycling is a great theme and one we should to reduce trash.

Posted by Ann Beauchamp – April 6, 2008 2:27 PM

I would like to see the designers to have to design a play room for a fmaily with a boy and agirl who have complete opposite tastes.

Posted by Jill North – April 6, 2008 2:26 PM

I would like to see a challenge that put all contestants to the test!!! Allow each contestant to work on an empty space however they want to. About half way through the challenge make contestants swap spaces with someone else and finish their design without changing anything the started completed. Based on how a contestant used an existing space that a homeowner, if you will, wanted to keep, you get your winner! Very challenging ay!

Posted by Cory Jones – April 6, 2008 2:02 PM

I would love to see them design a classroom for a secondary social studies classroom that is educational but inviting. Middle level preferably or even high school.

Posted by Rockibee – April 6, 2008 2:02 PM

Hi, I love watching the "Design Star Challenge"!. I also enjoy watching, David and Kim do their thing every week! Thank you.
I would love to see what a designer could/would do in my "Everything Room". I live in an apartment now, due to an accident that left me disabled, I had to find a lower income home. I have some ideas but I am really stumped with this room.
The room is multi purpose, living, dining, computer etc. I have moved my furniture at least 25 times since I moved in but, I am still at a loss. The measurements of the room are,12 feet wide by 22 feet long. Now I have my desk in a little nook under the stairs that go up to the apartment above me. It fits perfectly there. I also have my sofa at a 45 degree angle facing the opposite wall, I can see the TV from there fine. I also have a wall unit which I just broke up yesterday (I moved the 2 bookcases to the back wall framing the window with a trunk in between them. The matching armoire is against the only wall (aside from the nook) holds my TV.
I feel I need a "Focal point", I just can't figure out what or where it should be? I want to paint the walls a blue with chocolate and green accents. Help!!!
Thank you in advance for your courteous attention to my request! I hope I hear from you so I will finally be able to sit down and enjoy this room, after 6 years, and maybe then all my friends and family will understand why the only show I watch on TV is,"HGTV"!!!

Regards and Good Luck to All the Contestants!

Sincerely,
Veronica (ronnie)

PS: you probably noticed, I didn't mention an eating area, that's because I haven't figured that out yet.

Posted by Ronnie – April 6, 2008 1:35 PM

I'd like to see a challenge involving a studio apartment or mobile home. Both have extreme space challenges requiring versatility and multiple use furniture/storage.

Posted by KatieJ – April 6, 2008 1:29 PM

Have the contestants work with someone outside their group and in need of a redo of a room in a home they live in. Picking a family or person that has a disabilty and is doing their best to be a success in their home and community.

Posted by Earl Behrens – April 6, 2008 1:19 PM

Sorry if I repeat an already written idea ,but there are a lot to read on this page.
My first idea is for the stars to create a historic period style (example: Victorian, Deco, Empire......) Most of todays designs come from the past and the designers should know their history and how it relates to the present. My next idea is for the stars to design store front windows (like Macy's at christmas ). The windows could be a furniture, home decor, resturant or major dept. store, Designing for a small space is always a challeging. The last idea is to design an outdoor room. Maybe a childs play area, an outdoor kitchen or even a cabana/guest house. Thanks for considering these ideas. Tammy

Posted by Tammy Deller – April 6, 2008 12:04 PM

I would like to see the desinger make over a moblie home that is a one bedroom,one bathroom, kitchen and frontroom. all on a buget of 300.00 dollars.
I do love this show and love Clive Pearse

Posted by Sharron Ashley – April 6, 2008 11:58 AM

ONE ROOM LIVING!!!!
That is by far the most challenging thing ever. I live in a studio apartment in MAnhattan and have met with 3 designers and they haven't been able to create the space that I need or wish for.
Being that these guys are crative enough they should be able to create a practical yet aesthetic space for city dwellers.

Posted by Herbie – April 6, 2008 11:39 AM

i would like to see you do a challenge in a cube room, basted on teenage girls rooms.
Or even maybe do a toddelers room or a kids room.
It would be so cool if you guys would do that!!

Posted by Emily – April 6, 2008 11:35 AM

There is a problem with this page. I cannot see the left portion of the numbers below. The page is not centered properly.

I would like to see the designers work on an apartment with restrictions to changing fixtures, floors and walls.

Thanks and good luck to all.

Posted by Marilin French – April 6, 2008 11:33 AM

I would love to see design star travel to a local college and makeover dorm roooms. A small space and restrictions will make for a good contest!

Posted by Alison – April 6, 2008 11:27 AM

We all know the population is aging, but I haven't seen HGTV address how older people can remain in their homes by adapting their spaces. I'd like to see the design star contestants go into the homes of older people, perhaps people with limited mobility or medical challenges and modify their homes to make them livable and comfortable as they age. This doesn't have to be boring and it will bring great info to the viewers. Design stars should be familiar with universal design--& this is a great application. It would also tell you which contestants have a "heart" for this work--truly enhancing life (& safety) through good design.

Posted by Laura C. – April 6, 2008 9:22 AM

I forgot how about a resturant makeover for person starting a business or has been in business for a while. Preferrable a woman or minority.

Posted by Parisa Patel – April 6, 2008 8:42 AM

Create spaces that inspire:
1.) Redo a classroom or day care in a disadvantaged area.
2.) Brighten up a senior citizens center

3.) Redo a Church (this would be cool)

Posted by Parisa – April 6, 2008 8:38 AM

I would like to see their designs benefit the community. Re-design the dinning room, kitchen, and gathering rooms of either a Ronal McDonalds house or Hospice Facility. The families who have loved ones going throuhg so much, need places to relax away from the hospital environment.

Or even Family rooms or waiting areas in the hospitals.

Posted by CC – April 6, 2008 2:42 AM

Challenge: To update a 19th century room (or home) while keeping the character of the house. Make the house functional to modern standards while staying true to the history of the home.

Feel free to contact us if you need a home to work on! Regardless, I would love to see what the designers come up with because I need some ideas :)

Thanks for a great show.

Posted by Kathy – April 5, 2008 10:16 PM

I really enjoy the Design Star show. I am a really big HGTV fan. I would like to see a room done with a Native American theme. It seems that most other ethnic groups have been done. I would like to see a design for my ethnic group. Nevertheless I will always enjoy the programs you air. Thank You.........George

Posted by George Eads – April 5, 2008 10:06 PM

I'd like for the contestant to design a room for someone who is primarily blind or visually challenge. This means a lot of texture and tactile design.

Posted by Gerry – April 5, 2008 9:28 PM

I would love to see them design a room like the episode you did where they had to buy all stuff from the dollar store but instead of the dollar store the thrift center!

Posted by Anomonys – April 5, 2008 9:25 PM

I am a fifth grade teacher in a small town in North Carolina. We don't always get the time and money to furnish our classroom and make it inviting. I would love to see the contestants design a classroom with functionality.

I would also like to see you design a house for your average everyday, American citizen, not for a million dollar home (as some shows do) but for that couple that just bought their first house, the elderly couple that have lived in the same house for 50 years, family with children that need help.

I think America needs to see more people get help that deserve it and can't afford it.

Posted by Amy – April 5, 2008 9:17 PM

I've owned a large home, small condo and rented even smaller apartments. A big challenge in renting is not only not having enough storage, but being able to decorate in ways that use color, and creatively making it your own, while not doing anything drastic that can't be "undone" when you move out. So - I would like to see some of your designers work on a rented apartment space with all blank white walls and no built-in storage available.

Posted by Tamara Tomaschow – April 5, 2008 8:38 PM

I challenge your contestants to make over 2 elementar staff rooms. Often districts follow the same building plans, so they have mirror images of the same room. As teachers, we often spend our own time and money to improve a cold, institutional space. Teachers need time to catch their breath, realign their sanity, drink some coffee, eat lunch. It has to be a space that is functional and can store individuals' food/dishes too.
There are thousands of schools who could use your help.

Posted by Debra Mallard – April 5, 2008 8:33 PM

I would like to see an outdoor space converted into a workable cooking, living, eating, entertaining area. Particularly in California where outdoor dining is popular, and with homeowners trying to use every inch of real estate, this is the perfect challenge!

Posted by Mike – April 5, 2008 8:29 PM

How about designing a room against color type? For example, provide a room with red walls, and designers must design a tranquil, spa-like room, with at least 80% of the red walls showing. Or, a room with soft baby blue walls, and designers must turn make the room into something sizzling and passionate.
And how about a little longer season? We didn't really have time to see many of the designer's ideas.

Posted by Mary – April 5, 2008 7:17 PM

I live with two wheelchair bound people, what I would like to see is; a universal design(wheelchair accessible) bathroom or kitchen. It's hard for them to get into the bathroom, the doors not wide enough for a wheelchair to go through, and is nearly impossible for them to get in and out of the tub in the bathroom. It's particularly hard for either of them to help with the cooking and clean up in the kitchen. The cook service is set too high for them to see the food as it's being prepared. Clean up of the kitchen is hard also, the sink being to high and with cabinets below them, that a wheelchair can't get close enough for washing dishes. Also, the wheels of a wheelchair tear up tiled flooring, so an alternative type flooring would be nice, one that can take some abuse of wheelchairs.
Note also that more and more people are using wheelchairs and other forms of mobility each year. This would make a really good challenge for the designers.

Posted by Elaine Davis – April 5, 2008 7:00 PM

I am a school librarian, and I would love to see the designers tackle school libraries, both elementary and secondary. Libraries need to the calm and functional, but should encourage kids to read as well. I am constantly struggling with making my library more appealing without losing the functional aspect or the quietness and calmness.

Posted by Bev – April 5, 2008 6:52 PM

I agree with the RV, Mobile home, elderly and Habitat for Humanity (or similar organization) ideas.
Another idea: Take the designer's to a store. Have each designer pick an item (under $50.00) that he/she would like to be featured in a room in his/her own home. Then, using the paint cans, they pick a designer's name and have to design the room for themselves using the item the other designer selected. (Someone may get lucky and pick their own name - that's OK). The item MUST be prominently displayed whether they like it or not.

Posted by Sandi – April 5, 2008 6:32 PM

I also enjoyed the "empty box" rooms in Seasons 1&2, but I can imagine that choosing specialty shops are almost always going to be the same every time. I myself am a design student and going green is a pretty big deal in the design world, so using this jumping off point to teach others how to be green can aid to a challenge.

Maybe a challenge for the contestants to translate some other form of art into a design for a room. A painting is way too easy for that though, so something like poetry or music lyrics that have been preselected. I've learned that descriptive writing is a must as an artist which helps one to express through words what their work is all about. If the final thought of something is already written, what did the idea before that look like? This could work out really well if there is no obvious theme given. "Story book" themes aren't as exciting as they used to be.

Pret's dorm room idea is a great one too (March 14). Most of my friends live in the dorms and go crazy with the blah environments. Even my friends who have moved out of the dorms are still stuck in a really limited sized apartment studio - living in a space like that is a challenge in itself!

Posted by Jennifer – April 5, 2008 6:27 PM

A master bath - from a house built in the early 1960's where master baths were very small rooms -7-1/2' x 6'. Something spa like and romantic in a small, cramped space for 2 adults wholike their own space.

Posted by Donna – April 5, 2008 6:25 PM

I would love a makeover of a home for someone with a disability. Perhaps someone who is blind, so design has to take on a totally different function, textures, scents, sounds, etc.

I think it would be an amazing gift to someone deserving and also be an incredible challenge!

And of course, functionality would be important for them, as well as visually appealing for their guests, friends, and families.

I hope you like the idea! Thank you kindly.

Posted by Celeste – April 5, 2008 6:19 PM

I would love to see a 70's tri-level home updated. Although I realize they cannot do an entire house, perhaps combine the tiny kitchen and living room in to one room, or update the very small bathrooms. We enclosed our garage and turned it into an artist's studio, but it needs TONS of help! (Clearly this is my home I am talking about!) This is my absolute favorite show on HGTV.

Posted by Carmen Jeter – April 5, 2008 6:04 PM

I think a "green" room would be cool. Also a chic treehouse, "couture" rooms, and kids rooms.

Posted by Amanda – April 5, 2008 5:50 PM

We recently moved from a 2800 sf home high in the CO mountains to a 1159 sf manufactured home 20 miles from the ocean in S. Cal. Our furniture is too big and we have too much of it (inherited from both our folks). We have too much to work with and too little space to store anything. Many retired (read fixed income) people face similar problems. We aren't poor or downtrodden but we aren't rich either. We go to a lot of free entertainment and have not much to spend on changing things. Thanks for great shows.

Posted by Ronald Blaine Thomas – April 5, 2008 5:48 PM

It would be great to have the contestants make over either a patient room in a convalescent hospital or a nurses station.

Posted by Debbie – April 5, 2008 5:48 PM

Given the abundance and low cost of shipping containers, they are being used more frequently for housing. The average dimesions of a container are 8'x 40'. It would be great to see how the designers would deal with the challenges of a decorating a shipping container as a small living space. Even an eco-friendly design challenge would be great!

Show us how it's possible to repurpose and recycle the unexpected into something incredible!

Posted by Sonja – April 5, 2008 5:44 PM

I have three challenges:
1. A very small 6'x6' bathroom only large enough to contain a tub, single vanity, and toilet.
2. A screened in porch.
3. An assisted living suite. This will really become important as the boomers get older.

Posted by Linda H.York – April 5, 2008 5:44 PM

I think the ideas of designing/redesigning a room for someone in need is a great idea - a homeless shelter, a wheelchair bound person, a schoolroom. My favorite challenge, however, is the one where each person must design their white box room with dollar store supplies. This is the most creative challenge (in my opinion) and the designers use supplies available to all of us. I look forward to this episode more than any of the others!

Posted by Debbie – April 5, 2008 5:39 PM

I love to resale shop, dumspter dive, garage sale and I get very excited about creating from "nothing or little cost" items. I would like to see the design star challenges creat a room from free or low cost items (nothing over forty dollars. They should collect items during the course of the show to put the room together at the final challenge. Good luck and this true test will draw from the soul of the designer!

Posted by Edna Neal – April 5, 2008 5:39 PM

My mom and I just got back from visiting dogs at the SPCA here in Raleigh, NC. Their visitation rooms, were boring and sterile. I would like to see the contestants design some comfy cozy visiting rooms for a deserving animal shelter.

Posted by Dawn-Marie Ennis – April 5, 2008 5:36 PM

I would like to see them transform two small (5x7)outdated-tiled bathrooms into two more modern bathrooms with no tile and an accent on storage. They should maximize the small space with more than pedestal sinks and bright colors.

Posted by Natalie – April 5, 2008 3:44 PM

I think many people want to re-design a room, but hesitate because of fondess for one element of the exsisting room. Why not use this as a challange by presenting each contestant with a wall-papered room. Their challange would be to design a contemporary room while maintaining an element of the wall-paper. Would they create a huge wall graphic using the wallpaper pattern? Use the wallpaper colors as their color pallet for the room? Or simply frame a piece of the paper? Could be fun.

Posted by Mary Arnold – April 5, 2008 3:20 PM

I would love to see the contestants design a college dorm. I lived in the dorms and they were terrible, even though they were brand new. There has to be a way for them to be fully functional, comfortable, homey, and stylish. I'm sure they could figure out a way to do it!

Also, what about fraternity houses, student centers, or student lounges on college campuses?

Posted by Sarah – April 5, 2008 3:20 PM

I'd like to see them redecorate the entrance, stairwell and landings of an old triple decker. I live in one in Boston and can't find ANY ideas on how to redo such an awkward space. Plus, they'd have to take into account the different tastes of 3 different tenants. That could be interesting...

Posted by Abby – April 5, 2008 2:12 PM

I would like to see a mid 80's small bathroom redesign - no expansion of space (small foot print). This is a real problem for the average home owner. It would be a true challenge.

Posted by Pat – April 5, 2008 2:04 PM

Hi, I love the show and I think the bickering between the contestants shows its real life. I would like to see maybe a rural living room with a picture window with built-in shelving on each side and front door on the entrance wall and the opposite wall ( load bearing wall ) would be a built in bar and doorway opening into the kitchen, then a hall entrance on one wall with an entrance to a bedroom on the opposite wall.

Posted by Theresa Long – April 5, 2008 1:32 PM

I think making a wonderful environment for people in a state-funded assisted living facility would be the best challenge of all! So many people in their elder years lack the resources and family to help them. It would be great to have the designers live with them while doing the challenge. If you need a suggestion for a facility, please contact me. Many veterans and other deserving people don't always get what they deserve, and everyone deserves color and beauty in their final days. I see other posts here regarding helping the elderly, and don't see the subject addressed often on HGTV.

Posted by Mary Runger – April 5, 2008 1:15 PM

I am pregnant with my first baby; therefore, everything in my life right now is BABY, BABY, BABY! I'd love to see them design a nursery that can grow with the child. So get rid of those cows jumpin' over the moon and create a nursery that is functional and doesn't need to be repainted and redesigned in a year!

Posted by Melissa – April 5, 2008 12:44 PM

Design a room for a member of the first generation of television's design stars in their style: Christopher Lowell, Lynette Jennings, Matt Fox, Laurie Smith or Debbie Travis.

Or even better - a revenge room - design something for Hildi Santo Tomas. Challenge the designers to out-Hildi Hildi.

I also like the previously mentioned ideas of giving the contestants "clients" who are indecisive and difficult to get along with. This doesn't seem to be the norm in the world of design television (after all how much can people complain when they are getting things for free) but it is very realistic in the real world.

Looking forward to season three and the next Design Star.

Posted by Ellen Kelley – April 5, 2008 12:39 PM

Here are the rooms/challenges 0 I would like to see:
1. Baby nursery or toddler rooms - they could draw boy/girl and/or baby toddler - or could be done for specific families
2. Give each designer the EXACT SAME supplies to work with (paint color, furniture, elements, decorations, lighting etc -) they don't ADD anything else.
3. Small spaces challenge - like bathrooms, office cubicles, dorm rooms.
4. Shared room challenge - design room for siblings to share that have different tastes that need to be combined.
5. Styles design challenge. Each designer draws a specific style and must do their design in THAT style. Country, English, Contemporary, Asian, Modern - etc.
6. Art challenge - each is given a painting to design a room around.
7. Art challenge 2 - each must design a room with an artistic focal wall.
9. Color challenge - Each is given identical rooms/furniture. and without changing the furniture design their room using COLOR they have drawn or chosen -
10. I would like to see the larger team challenges where they are given more reasonable time frames for completing the projects - ie given time to shop beforehand that doesn't take the designers away from the work that needs to be done. If they 'forget' things then that would of course happen and be counted against them. But they should have all the things they need at hand when they start the actual on site work.

Posted by Birdiekity – April 5, 2008 12:36 PM

I would love to see a bathroom designed with wheelchair access and handicapped features.

Posted by Pauline – April 5, 2008 11:59 AM

I think that it would be totally awesome if you did an oriental theme. Like, Fung shui and red and dark cherry wood. That would be cool. Maybe encorperate origami, too.

Posted by Nocciola – April 5, 2008 11:13 AM

I would 'collect" left over materials from a remodeling project, new house construction, etc., (trash dumpster) and have the designers recycle the materials, etc. to design a space. Let them show their creativity!

Posted by John – April 5, 2008 11:03 AM

First I love the show and cannot wait until season three. I tried to read all the above suggestions but they were really long so I dont know if this was suggested or not. but here goes anyway...
First I am a renter and have been for way too many years but unforuntely i am still renting. SO I would love to see them design for someone renting a apartment or a house, (which I am renting now). Things that can easily be moved and nothing permanent. But the other thing is I LOVE DESIGN TO SELL. I think Lisa Laporter is amazing the way she gets the entire house "seller ready". So I know I owuld love someone to help me, in my rented house" be designed to sell, but instead just keep everything. You know go thru the whole house, or the worse rooms and "stage" them. Just you would be sstagin them for the renter and not to sell it. That is something I would love to have in my house. Someday soon I hope I want to buy so I would want to take and repeat as much as i can. Lots of furniture and accesories..
Also I agree Wayne Newton was fun but he CAN AFFORD ANYTHING HE WANTS. I like when u design for people who wouldnt overwise have a designer help them. Cant wait to see the new season...
Diane Lee

Posted by Diane Lee – April 5, 2008 11:00 AM

Design a room for someone who is handicapped. I am bedridden and have to get to many items in my room within reach but I still want my room to look nice when friends and family come over.

Posted by Nicole – April 5, 2008 10:59 AM

Some people come with collections. Find some folks with interesting collections like rocks, old toys, John Deere tractors, Hummels, circus pictures, q-tips, or whatever crazy things people have and design a room that incorporates something that really makes it a challenge.

Posted by Denise – April 5, 2008 10:34 AM

i would like to see a kitchen designed that measures 9 by 12 that has 3 doors & a window.
cupboards on both sides,counter on one side only.
it is very small & DARK.lighting is a ceiling fan
only.old melamine on the walls half way up.no
where to expand.it is a real challenge!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by sheila belden – April 5, 2008 8:32 AM

Give each contestant a doll house to decorate. Design each to suit their child client.

Posted by Sage – April 5, 2008 8:21 AM

Let them decorate tiny bathrooms you find in older homes. We have a home built around 1967. The biggest bathroom is about 8X6 but the floor space is only about 4 feet across. In that space is a built-cabinet with laundry hamper, tub with shower, toilet, and vanity. The bath attached to the master bedroom is only about 8X4 and that includes a toilet, vanity, and walk-in shower. I dare you to do something original in itty spaces like these. Anyone can make something of a 10X12 bath but something as small as my baths....now that's a challange!!!!!!

Posted by Genie – April 4, 2008 11:23 PM

I would like to see several different things;
A hotel lobby
A hotel guest room
An entry way/foyer
A studio apartment
My small house living with 4 men!
A garage!
An outdoor room
An office space for one or multiple workers!
A school room
A waiting room

Just a few ideas but seriously, my small house living with 3 boys/men would be an excellent idea since I am merging my single life with a man who has 3 boys and boy is it different than the plush apartment I lived in before! I love the idea of now having a home to live in but the comprimise is that I have to share it. I'm not complaining but the house needs updates and clean up and a feminine touch which my new housemates are eager to see me take on. :)

Posted by Amanda – April 4, 2008 10:35 PM

I would like to see the designers do a trailer/mobile home. Elderley people and folks that have a dream of owning their own home but can't afford a lot, live in mobile homes. All you ever see on shows are homes that many people couldn't afford. I would like to see a single wide, inexpensive mobile home redone to look beautiful.

Posted by Jamie – April 4, 2008 10:23 PM

I'd like to see them remodel mobile homes that are at least 10 years old. Mobile homes have several challenges, such as weight limits on the floors and walls, odd sized windows and cabinets, and no attic space. Not to mention the cheap materials used to build the home. I'd like to see them remodel mobile homes that are at least 10 years old. Maybe incorporate energy savings into the challenge, since mobile homes that old are big energy eaters. I know mine is.

Posted by Rosanna – April 4, 2008 10:19 PM

I would like to see them decorate a play room for children that are in the hospital .
I have been a patient in hospitals that have children and they haven't got a room to go to play with oth