Ep 2. The Second Challenge

The Second Challenge of HGTV Design Star season 2 is the continuation of the reality competition between 12 designers who are vying for the opportunity to have their own show on HGTV. Host Clive Pearse announces that the second challenge will be a room makeover of a home in the same neighborhood where the designers are living during the competition. The catch? The designers will only have 24 hours to complete the challenge, which is sure to test their time-management skills and creativity.

The contestants are divided into three teams of four, with each team in charge of a different room in the house – the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. They must stay within a budget of $2,500, make design decisions together, and work collaboratively to create a cohesive look for the entire home. The stakes are high, with one designer from the losing team set to be eliminated at the end of the challenge.

As the designers begin to work, it becomes clear that each team has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The living room team is struggling to agree on a color scheme and furniture layout, while the kitchen team is torn between modern and traditional design elements. Meanwhile, the master bedroom team is off to a strong start with a clear vision for a luxurious and serene space.

Throughout the challenge, the designers receive feedback from judges Vern Yip, Candice Olson, and Genevieve Gorder, who critique their design choices and offer suggestions for improvement. The judges are impressed by the master bedroom team's attention to detail and use of texture, but also note that they could have taken more risks with the overall design. The kitchen team receives mixed reviews, with some judges questioning the placement of certain elements and others praising their use of color and pattern. The living room team struggles to pull their design together, with the judges noting that their choices feel disjointed and unfocused.

As the clock ticks down, tensions rise as the designers scramble to finish their rooms in time. Some teams are forced to make last-minute changes to their designs, while others struggle to stay within budget. Finally, the 24 hours are up and the judges are ready to make their decision.

In the end, one team is declared the winner, while the other two teams are left to face the possibility of elimination. The judges praise the winning team for their cohesive design choices and attention to detail, but also note that they could have taken more risks with their overall vision. The losing teams receive criticism for their lack of focus and failure to work collaboratively. Ultimately, one designer is sent home, leaving the remaining contestants to continue on to the next challenge with renewed determination and the knowledge that the competition is only going to get tougher from here.