Alissa Sutton

Age: 30

Education: Bachelor of Science in interior design from Texas Tech University

Current Job: Designer/marketing (Director of Corporate Design & Media Relations for Cantoni)

Why I should win HGTV Design Star:
I am very versatile when it comes to design. I have unique ideas and always think big. I am determined to design a room with impact and leave the client with a space they will be proud of and can enjoy, but in order to accomplish this I have to listen carefully, then encourage them to take risks and not be afraid to think outside the box to create something amazing. I know I have what it takes and think my versatility will keep things exciting.

Describe your design style in four words.
Unforgettable, hip, sophisticated and glamorous

Who is your design icon?
Dorothy Draper and Philippe Stark

What is your dream design project?
Creating my own line of products for the home to be sold around the world

Where do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere!

When designing, what can't you live without?
Spray paint

What are your most creative hours of the day?
Afternoon

What do you think is the worst design trend?
Too much of anything. I believe good design has balance.

What's one thing about you that would surprise people?
I collect rocks.

Where's the farthest you've ever traveled from home?
Brazil to visit my best friend Stefani, who is married and now lives in Brazil with her husband and little girl. We love spending time at their beach home, afternoons on their yacht and eating all the amazing food they have there. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place!

What's your guilty pleasure?
Bubble baths

What's your most unusual talent?
I can make the best guacamole in the world.

What word/phrase do you say way too often?
Fabulous!

When I was a kid, I thought I would be:
A lawyer

Who's your hero?
My parents

What's your fashion style?
Young, fun, edgy and classy

Favorites
Color: Hot pink, turquoise, black and white
Scent: The smell of rain, roses and the fabulous candles at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York
Music: Everything but country
Song: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Amazing Grace" and "What a Wonderful World"
Food: Sushi and Tex-Mex
Magazine: Love all European design magazines, especially Elle Decor UK edition and People magazine, of course
Movie: Singin' in the Rain
Room in your house: Bedroom
Room to design: Living area
Thing in your home: My headboard in my bedroom. It's just like the one they had on Green Acres, and I loved that show as a kid.
Hobbies: Traveling, shopping, photography and eating dinner with friends
Vacation destination: St. Martin and Brazil
HGTV show: Divine Design
Design tip: Think big!