Design Star Season 4: Where Are They Now?

Want to know what happened to season four contestants after the show? We caught up with some of your favorite designers and got the scoop.

Filed under: Decorating

Amy Sklar

How has your life changed since Design Star?
I feel the show has increased my visibility, and I have noticed my referral base has really increased.

The living room in the Santa Monica townhome features an elegant neutral palette.

What have you been up to?
I am working on a full remodel of comedian Patton Oswalt's new Los Feliz, Calif., residence. I have also been working on a historic mid-century modern residence in Silverlake, Calif., built by the esteemed architect Raphael Soriano. Soriano designed homes for the famous mid-century architectural photographer Julius Schulman and worked closely with noted architects Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler.

Amy creates a relaxing bedroom for the Santa Monica townhome.

In addition, I have recently completed a top-to-bottom design project for a three-story townhome in Santa Monica and am currently in the schematic design phase of my first restaurant project in Silverlake in Los Angeles.

Have you kept in touch with fellow contestants?
I am so fond of some of my fellow contestants. We really went through a life-changing experience together. I also got to chat with some past seasons' contestants who I think are amazing. I really think that Nate, Lonni and Dan are incredible people. I feel very lucky to have met them. Matt Locke [from season two] is also a fantastic person.

What was the most important lesson you learned from being on Design Star?
I walked away from my Design Star experience not doubting for a minute my strength as an interior designer. However, I have learned I am not cut out to be a reality show contestant.

Which HGTV talent would you let have free rein in your house?
David Bromstad or Lonni Paul

What's your home "secret shame"?
The garage. It's is our purgatory for all things in and out of our lives. All we have to do is watch an episode of Hoarders and my husband and I immediately start cleaning it out.

What celebrity home would you most like to design?
I would have desperately loved to refurbish Grey Gardens, the famous East Hampton home in disrepair owned by the Bouvier Beales. The residents weren't so much the celebrities as the home was.

Which three books would you take on a desert island?
A medical manual, The Narnia Chronicles and The Alchemist