Watch Designer Finals

Designer Finals was a reality television show that aired on HGTV in 2004. The show aimed to showcase the talents of up-and-coming interior designers by pitting them against each other in a series of challenges. Each episode saw the contestants being given a design brief, which they had to interpret and execute within a specific time frame. They were then judged by a panel of industry experts and eliminated until only one designer was left standing.

The show was hosted by former Trading Spaces cast member Genell Dellin, who had a keen eye for design and provided insightful commentary throughout the competition. The panel of judges consisted of notable interior designers, including Vern Yip, who went on to become a regular judge on HGTV's Design Star. They assessed the contestants on various criteria, such as creativity, functionality, and adherence to the brief.

One of the standout features of Designer Finals was its emphasis on practicality. Unlike other design shows, which often prioritized aesthetics over practicality, Designer Finals required its contestants to consider the real-life needs of their clients. For example, in one episode, the designers were tasked with creating a family-friendly living room that could withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. This forced the contestants to think beyond their own design preferences and consider the needs of their hypothetical clients.

Another unique aspect of the show was its focus on DIY skills. The contestants were expected to not only come up with a design concept but also execute it themselves. This meant that they had to be proficient in various skills, such as carpentry, painting, and sewing. While some designers excelled in this area, others struggled, and it became a deciding factor in their elimination.

Despite the high stakes of the competition, Designer Finals also had a lighthearted tone. The contestants were friendly with each other and frequently joked around, which made for an enjoyable viewing experience. There was also an element of camaraderie, as the designers often helped each other out when they were struggling with a particular task.

While Designer Finals was a hit with viewers, it only ran for one season. This was likely due to the overlap with HGTV's already popular Design Star series, which premiered the following year and focused on a similar concept. However, Designer Finals paved the way for other design competition shows and helped to establish HGTV as a leading network in the home improvement genre.

Overall, Designer Finals was an entertaining and informative show that offered a unique spin on the classic design competition format. It showcased talented designers and provided valuable insights into the process of executing a design concept. While it may have been short-lived, it left a lasting impact on the world of home improvement television.

Designer Finals is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (87 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 2004.