Dan Faires Named HGTV Design Star "Fan Favorite" by Online Visitors to HGTV.com

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dan Faires, 26, an independent contractor from New York, N.Y., and finalist in the hit reality competition HGTV Design Star, was selected by an online vote as the series’ “Fan Favorite” designer. Faires has won the opportunity to host his own online design series on HGTV.com, expected to launch in 2011.

“We look forward to adding him to the line-up of experts at HGTV.com.”

Prior to the kickoff of the web series, fans can visit HGTV.com in the coming weeks to view videos of Faires addressing the online community. In these video shorts, the designer will share his thoughts about the whole HGTV Design Star experience, including the finale, the judges’ decisions, favorite moments, and behind-the-scenes dish. He’ll also reveal the topic of his new upcoming web series. These videos will be posted on the Design Star blog.

“After 10 weeks of voting, we know that HGTV Design Star viewers and online community are excited to see more of Dan Faires,” said Jillian St. Charles, vice president and director of HGTV.com. “We look forward to adding him to the line-up of experts at HGTV.com.”

Originally from Springdale, Ark., Faires distinguished himself in the outdoor room challenge, where his construction skills and positive outlook helped the girls’ team score a much needed victory. He was eliminated in the fourth challenge where finalists had to draw inspiration from a floral bouquet. Dan himself agreed with the judges that he “put design on the back burner to help the team,” and acted as more of a handyman for his teammates instead of showcasing his design talent. Faires returned in the finale of HGTV Design Star to join Emily Henderson’s team and propel her towards victory.

Faires specializes in custom interior and exterior design projects for private clients and boutiques. His love for construction began when he and his father worked on the family’s home, a century-old place that needed constant repairs. Faires also found inspiration by frequently watching HGTV and was often eager to try the projects he’d seen. After earning a degree in biology from the University of Arkansas, he moved to Gulfport, Miss., for a job in medical sales, but his professional plans changed when Hurricane Katrina hit. The destruction of so many homes rekindled his passion for building and he soon left his sales job to join a construction crew. He defines his style as “rustic” and believes that “design should always incorporate rustic elements because it adds texture and warmth to every space.”

This season of HGTV Design Star was shot in New York City under the direction of Mark Burnett Productions. The iconic city inspired several of the series' design challenges, including a fire house makeover and flower market challenge. The finalists also designed a model apartment in the new Trump property, Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City.

From its premiere on June 13 through the Aug. 22 season finale, HGTV Design Star generated strong response on HGTV.com, where it was a huge hit with millions of weekly page views driving visitor traffic and video plays.

About Scripps Networks Digital

Scripps Networks Digital is a diversified multi-platform programmer that delights millions daily with award-winning content in the home, food and living categories. SN Digital's websites -- HGTV.com, FoodNetwork.com, DIYnetwork.com, GACTV.com, Food.com, HGTVPro.com, FrontDoor.com, Food2.com; and the newest CookingChannelTV.com -- are powered by engaging content, interactive tools and social spaces that take fans of Scripps Networks cable brands further into the story and offer online users information and inspiration to fuel their passions. SN Digital also distributes content to mobile and online partners, providing lifestyle solutions virtually anywhere, anytime.

About HGTV

HGTV, America's leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 99 million U.S. households and is one of cable's top-rated networks. HGTV's website, HGTV.com, is the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination, which attracts an average of 5 million unique visitors per month.