Ep 3. Wild Card Design

In HGTV Design Star season 1 episode 3, titled "Wild Card Design," the contestants are faced with a unique challenge that will test their creativity and ability to think on their feet. The episode kicks off with a surprise twist - each designer is asked to create a custom piece of furniture from scratch, and they only have 24 hours to complete the task.

The designers are given a budget and access to a variety of materials, tools, and resources, but they must come up with a unique design that showcases their individual style and talent. Some contestants opt for sleek, modern designs while others choose more traditional and ornate styles. The judges, including HGTV host Vern Yip, designer Cynthia Rowley, and architect and designer Martha McCully, will be looking for originality, functionality, and overall appeal.

Once the furniture pieces are completed, the contestants are then given their main challenge: to design a living room around the newly created piece. But there's a catch - each designer pulls a random card that determines their "wild card" element that must be incorporated into their design.

Some of the wild cards include unusual color schemes, unique lighting fixtures, or abstract art pieces. The designers must find a way to seamlessly integrate these elements into their overall design while still creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.

As the contestants work on their designs, tensions rise as some struggle to work with their wild card elements while others rise to the challenge. The judges take note of each designer's ability to problem-solve, collaborate with others, and deliver a functional and stylish living space.

The episode wraps up with each designer presenting their living room designs and furniture pieces to the judges, who critique their work and ultimately choose a winner. The winning designer not only receives high praise from the judges but also earns immunity from elimination in the next challenge.

Overall, "Wild Card Design" is an exciting episode that showcases the contestants' design skills and ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. With a mix of DIY furniture-building and interior design, this episode is a must-watch for fans of home improvement and interior decorating.