Ep 5. NYC Studio Apartment

In the fifth episode of HGTV Design Star season 1, titled "NYC Studio Apartment," the remaining contestants face their biggest challenge yet as they tackle the daunting task of transforming a small New York City studio apartment into a stylish and functional living space. With limited square footage and a need to maximize every inch, the designers must flex their creative muscles to create a stunning, yet livable, home for their clients.

Hosted by Clive Pearse, the episode begins with the contestants meeting their clients, a young couple who recently moved to the city and are eager to have a beautifully designed apartment that reflects their personalities and lifestyle. The couple explains their preferences, offering insights into their design tastes and requesting specific elements they would like to see in their new home.

Divided into teams, the designers embark on their mission to create the perfect studio apartment that not only showcases their individual styles but also fulfills the desires of the client. Each team is given a set budget to work with, forcing them to make strategic decisions and prioritize what is most important for the space.

The designers face numerous obstacles throughout the process, as they must find innovative ways to overcome the challenges associated with a small living space. From selecting multifunctional furniture pieces to utilizing clever storage solutions, the contestants are tested on their ability to maximize the efficiency of the studio apartment while maintaining a visually appealing design.

Time becomes a crucial factor as the teams race against the clock to complete their projects. With only a few days to transform the space, tensions rise as unexpected complications arise and the pressure mounts. Each designer must demonstrate their ability to adapt and problem-solve in order to deliver a finished product that exceeds the clients' expectations.

Throughout the episode, the contestants receive feedback and guidance from a panel of expert judges, including Vern Yip, Cynthia Rowley, and Martha McCully. The judges offer valuable advice and critique the designers' progress, challenging them to think outside the box and push the boundaries of their creativity.

As the deadline approaches, the completed studio apartments are revealed to the clients. The young couple is awestruck by the stunning transformations and are overjoyed with the end result. The designers eagerly await the judge's decision, as only one team can be declared the winner of the NYC Studio Apartment challenge.

Tensions run high during the elimination round as the judges evaluate each team's performance, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of their designs. In the end, one team is crowned the winner while another faces the disappointment of elimination.

The NYC Studio Apartment episode of HGTV Design Star season 1 showcases the immense talent and creativity of the contestants as they navigate the complexities of designing a small living space. With the added pressure of meeting the clients' expectations and impressing the judging panel, the designers must bring their A-game to the table in order to succeed. Tune in to find out who emerges victorious and who falls short in this thrilling episode of HGTV Design Star.