Sara: What’s your take on the competitors on Beach Flip? How did they compare to, say, contestants on other shows in the past, like Design Star and Flipping the Block?

David: The contestants were absolutely unique and talented, and they were fierce competitors. The major difference between Design Star and Beach Flip is that with Design Star, the contestants were trying to get their own show, and they had to have the personality to carry a series plus have major design chops. Beach Flip is more about a transformative before-and-after renovation. And let me tell you, the designs that they turned out were truly amazing.

Josh: The idea behind Beach Flip and Flipping the Block is similar: Both feature teams of competitors who are charged with transforming a space to increase the resale value. These Beach Flip teams were seriously prepared and already experienced in the flip game. They started out playing it friendly and safe. But the fire of competition kicked in pretty fiercely after the first challenge. There are some strong personalities in this group. What was surprising was that the will to win took a back seat to the will to do a great job. And it showed in the end. Gulf Shores has four new beautiful homes!

Sara: What did you think of the houses before the makeovers, when you first saw them? In other words, how yucky were they?

David: The houses were actually not in bad shape. They were totally dated, of course. At first it didn't look like it was going to be too crazy hard. But when the contestants started getting into it, they realized there was a lot to deal with. Mold, water damage—that’s where paint comes in!

Sara: What was the hardest part about your role as a mentor and a judge on the show?

David: The hardest by far was choosing a winner every week! We each had such a hard time because the competition was so good.

Sara: Were you sometimes dying to tell the contestants “Don't do that” or “Do that”?

David: We were allowed to give our opinions and tell them what we would do and what they should do. That’s what made this show so different, which as a mentor was amazing! Withholding valuable information, whether they use it or not, is kind of like a massive buzz kill.

Josh: It was hard being both a judge and a mentor. How do you give “equal but fair” advice to four different teams? Every time I stepped in a room, I had ideas about quality, material, or time management.

Sara: What are some design ideas on the show that you think people will love most? What do you think they can imitate in their own homes even if they don't live at the beach?

David: One of my favorite design elements from the show was something I used to do on Color Splash all the time: adding beams to the ceiling. It’s simple and inexpensive, and it gives a room so much character.

Josh: There were lots of ideas to imitate: beadboard, murals, window dressings, custom wall panels, built-in seating, tons of great reclaimed-wood applications. The list really goes on and on.