Kristan Cunningham - 2012 Press Kit
Kristan Cunningham's style of do-it-yourself design has never been more relevant, or in demand than it is now. With less money to spend and more free time at home, design enthusiasts are taking on projects themselves and looking to designers like Kristan for tips on the easiest and most budget friendly changes they can make to their homes.
Because KC believes that everyone deserves to "live a little lovelier,” she encourages people to not let a lack of funds or do-it-yourself know how stand between them and their dream spaces. A schooled interior designer, but self taught DIY enthusiast, her energy and can-do spirit encourages people to roll up their sleeves and tackle projects on their own.
Kristan studied interior design at The University of Charleston in West Virginia before moving to Los Angeles in 1999. After running showrooms and working with several well-known designers, she landed at a small upscale firm in the heart of Los Angeles' design district. In 2001, a friend invited Kristan to partner up and compete on HGTV’s "Designer’s Challenge". One year later, producers contacted Kristan and asked her to join the "Design on a Dime" family. In 2002, Kristan kicked off the first of 10 seasons making her one of HGTV’s most recognizable faces. Later, Kristan returned to the network as a judge and mentor for "HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge" and "Bang For Your Buck".
"The best part of my job is when people tell me how proud they are of their work. But what's even better is when they tell me they had fun doing it. That is when I know I have made a difference in someone's life."
Next, Kristan joined the "Rachael Ray Show” as the resident design guru, where she tackled hundreds of assignments. Her duties ran the gamut, from performing surprise makeovers for viewers, to creating a full service pop-up restaurant alongside hosts Ray and President Bill Clinton.
Since her time on the "Rachael Ray Show", Kristan has become the go to designer for a variety of talk shows including The Talk, Today Show and The Early Show. Her work has been featured in top publications including; People Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Cosmopolitan, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook, Health, Shape, O at Home, and The New York Times. Kristan’s personal homes have twice been featured in The Los Angeles Times, ranked amongst their top 20 most viewed homes.
When she is not traveling the nation working on design projects, Kristan resides in Los Angeles with her fiancé Scott and their dogs Floyd and Bean.
For design and lifestyle tips, follow her on Twitter @kcdesign.
