Get to Know Anitra Mecadon — the Designer Behind 'Lil Jon Wants to Do What?'

Starring alongside Lil Jon in HGTV's new series Lil Jon Wants to do What?, Anitra helps bring epic designs to life.

April 22, 2022
Lil Jon and Anitra Mecadon, of HGTV's Lil Jon Wants to do What? (Syndication Portraits)

Lil Jon and Anitra Mecadon, of HGTV's Lil Jon Wants to do What? (Syndication Portraits)

Photo by: Emilee Ramsier

Emilee Ramsier

Working alongside Lil Jon in his new HGTV series Lil Jon Wants to do What?, Anitra Mecadon uses her maximalist design skills to help homeowners find their design wild side.

When Lil Jon proposes an unconventional creative vision, Anitra — an expert renovator — makes it happen. She's also a budgeting guru who's able to bring Jon's sometimes radical (and expensive!) ideas to life in a cost-effective way.

But who was Anitra before co-starring with Lil Jon? She was kind of a big deal. Here’s everything you need to know about her ahead of the series premiere on Monday, May 2, at 10/9c.

She Previously Starred on DIY Network’s Mega Dens

Anitra designed and built super-cool rec rooms during the series' five seasons. She transformed the idea of a traditional family room and renovated spaces into home theaters, gaming areas and storage spaces.

You also might recognize Anitra from her appearances on HGTV’s All American Handyman and Behind the Build: HGTV Dream Home.

She Designed Some of Atlanta’s Most Well-Known Spaces

She’s done everything from edgy restaurants to boutiques and galleries. Anitra is the designer behind one of the top nightclubs in Atlanta, Tongue & Groove. Decked out in bright, pop-art murals, plenty of neon signs and a giant circular bar, this nightclub is meant to stand-out.

“I believe the best designs come from people that live outside the box — original thinkers, artists and craftsmen that create for the love of creating — rule breakers that don’t follow the trends, but dare to create them,” Antria writes on her Instagram.

She Has an Art and Theater Background

In addition to her degree in interior design from Bauder College, Anitra is experienced in art and theater. She puts these skills to use in her designs by creating custom painted furniture — everything from graffiti inspired chairs to hand-painted green cabinets. Anitra uses her artistry and imagination to create one-of-a-kind spaces.

Hosts Lil Jon and Anitra Mecadon check out the basement of homeowners Greffin and Torie, as seen on HGTV's Lil Jon Wants To Do What?. (Demo) .

Hosts Lil Jon and Anitra Mecadon check out the basement of homeowners Greffin and Torie, as seen on HGTV's Lil Jon Wants To Do What?. (Demo) .

Photo by: Emilee Ramsier/ NorthSouth Production

Emilee Ramsier/ NorthSouth Production

She Puts in the Elbow Grease

When it comes to demolition, Anitra is not afraid to get her hands dirty. Whether she’s dangling from a scaffold or breaking down a concrete wall, her rock 'n' roll approach gives her an edge not usually found in most designers. She’s an expert builder who does anything it takes to make designs come to life.

She's a Mom

When she’s not demo-ing and designing, Anitra is mom-ing! She has one 5-year-old son, Nash, with her husband Adam, and she loves sharing her #momlife moments on Instagram.

Lil Jon Wants To Do What? premieres Monday, May 2, at 10/9c on HGTV. Connect with Lil Jon Wants To Do What? on HGTV's digital platforms. Follow @HGTV and #LilJonWantsToDoWhat on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for additional show content and updates. Follow Lil Jon (@liljon) and Anitra (@anitramecadon) on Instagram.

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