Design Star adds judges, a host and mentor in latest TV season

HGTV's hit design show, "Design Star" begins its sixth season on July 11 with a new host, guest judges and a mentor for the contestants who was a contestant himself in a previous season.

Joining designers Genevieve Gorder and Vern Yip - both formerly of Trading Spaces - on the judging panel will be a rotation of guest judges to include Nate Berkus, Thom Filicia, Food Network star Paula Deen, and model/entrepreneur Kathy Ireland, according to Zap2It.com.

The new host will be Tanika Ray, who hosts "HGTV'd."

The 12 contestants, who will compete for a chance to host their own design series, will also be coached by mentor David Bromstad, winner of the 2006 debut season of Design Star. He has since gone on to host HGTV's Color Splash and Color Splash Miami.

The program has become a showcase for the creative process of interior design as contestants come up with flooring, wall designs and window treatments in a variety of challenges. For instance, choosing the right window covering, from elegant soft sheer shades to versatile mini blinds, can help set the tone of a room.

"The talent just keeps raising the bar every year," Gorder told the website. "This is the most talented group we've ever had on the show."