Smallscreen News

HGTV Design Star back this June, last season's winner Antonio's tips

By April MacIntyre Apr 25, 2010, 21:37 GMT

Mark Burnett - 2010 People\'s Choice Nominations Press Conference - SLS Hotel - Beverly Hills, CA. USA © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

HGTV's top-rated reality competition, HGTV Design Star, will return for a fifth season beginning Sunday, June 13, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Produced by Mark Burnett Productions, the series will feature 12 competitive and creative finalists executing ingenious designs, as well as a judging panel of acclaimed interior designers (Genevieve Gorder, Candice Olson and Vern Yip).

The finalists will include professional interior designers, contractors, stylists, architects and artists, qwho all must navigate innovative design challenges and impress the judges--and special celebrity guests--with creativity and ingenuity until one wins their own show on HGTV.

The hour-long series, shot in NYC this season, will air on Sundays for 11 weeks through August 22.

The last season ended September 13, 2009 with Antonio Ballatore named the winner; his new show premiered on HGTV.

During the premiere of The Antonio Project this past Sunday,  Antonio gave everyone a chance to ask him questions via Twitter. Here is a transcript:

Q: Do you have any tips for homeowners who want to buy fixer-uppers?

Antonio: 1. Do your homework 2. Get a reliable inspector 3. Be sure it’s a place you can love during the hard times of bringing it together. 4. Don’t buy a can…of worms. 5. Add 20-30% to your budget, anticipate going over!

Q: You’ve worked with photographer Annie Leibovitz…are you into photography too? Do you own any of her work?

Antonio: I love photography. I have collaborated with some of the best photographers as a set designer. Working with artists like Annie is what keeps me inspired. I don’t own any of her work, but I do own a LaChapelle

Q: Which other cast member from Design Star did you like working with the most?

Antonio: Jason and I bonded over the kitchen challenge. We are an unlikely pair but he kept me laughing. I’d be happy to work with him again.

Q: Has your life changed since winning?

Antonio: I’ve got a lot more friends on facebook and I got mobbed at Trader Joes. ha!