Karma and Lindsey Vander Velde

Can you believe it?  Karma and Lindsey are our final contestants in DesignIt 2012!  Here's what they had to say about their design:

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around?  

When my daughter and I first walked through the store, we were overwhelmed with all the beautiful possibilities, so we knew when we came back to pick out the furniture for our room, we would have to let our ideas spring from one piece that really "spoke" to both of us.  We were no sooner through the front door when Lindsey said she really liked the painting on the wall.  When I saw it, I knew that would be the foundation for our choices.  We loved the color, movement, and texture of the painting and those things helped dictate what other items would fill the room.  In the painting were golds, greens, and a beautiful poppy red, and we tried to have those colors reappear in the room in other pieces. 

How would you describe your design style?

I really don't know what our design style is!  Warm, comfortable, inviting, colorful, textural are some words we would use to describe our approach. 

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

I first heard of the contest through a friend and coworker.  I knew it would be a great opportunity to stretch myself and also a fun thing to do with my daughter.  I must admit I approached the challenge with nervousness and uncertainty, but am so thankful how things came together and how much we enjoyed the process! 

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

If our room is chosen, Lindsey and I would split the money.  My husband and I are planning a remodel for our TV room next summer so I would chose something for that project. As a college student, Lindsey said she is not sure right now what she would choose, but she isn't worried about not having enough options!

Jay Van Dyken

Jay Van Dyken took to the Center Mall to show off his design chops this week.  Vote for his design by liking and sharing his photo on the Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring Facebook Page.

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around? 

I wanted to incorporate rustic and contemporary pieces to create a warm, modern feel.

How would you describe your design style?

Simple.  I feel in most cases less is more.  I try to use large décor and furniture and allow the pieces to be the focal point of the room.

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

My wife and friends encouraged me to enter.

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

I’m not sure.  I didn’t really enter to win the prize.  I wanted people to see maybe a different approach to design.  

What else would you like us to know?

Anybody can design.  You don’t necessarily have to be creative, handy or a visionary.  Most of my ideas come from magazines I like, websites I follow or friends.  Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive either.  Grab an idea say from Pinterest and try making it yourself. 

Julie Winter

This past week, we had the privilege of watching Julie create her space for DesignIt 2012.  Here's a glimpse into what inspired Julie:

 

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around?  

I challenged myself to do a contemporary room. I started with the grasscloth wallpaper remnants, the green bedding, and black bed frame.  It was really fun finding pieces in the store that tied together from there; like the linear dresser, area rug, and artwork to the grasscloth; the vases, pictures, and small accessories in the green color; the black in the drawer pulls, pillow, trunks, and the candle sticks; and the “bling” of the glass table, nailheads on the chairs, the tall vases, and the lamps on the dresser.

How would you describe your design style?

I like several styles, but prefer clean lines, functional spaces, and an “uncluttered” look.  

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

I was excited as soon as I read the ad in “The Shopper” and have been thinking about it ever since.  I wanted to see if I could design a 20x12 room from scratch.

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

I would share it with my daughters-in-law; they were great help setting up the room!  I would like to have the benches and chairs in my own bedroom.

What else would you like us to know?

What a fantastic experience—designing a whole room without a budget!  Thanks to Vander Berg Furniture for this fun opportunity!