The competition begins as 10 aspiring designers meet host Clive Pearse and get their first challenge: Design an entire NYC townhouse in 24 hours! Judges Martha McCully, Vern Yip and Cynthia Rowley are surprised, impressed and bewildered by the results.

The designers choose teams and work to improve the sales appeal of a large suburban home by redesigning the kitchen, living room and master bedroom.

The competition heats up as the designers work on their own individual rooms for the first time. But it's a surprise, as their creativity and talent are put to the test when they shop at only one unusual specialty store.

Two challenges and two eliminations this time, as the designers each present their ideas for a $10,000 kitchen makeover, and then must work together to complete the chosen design. Time is short, and leadership and planning nowhere to be found.

Color is the theme, as each of the four remaining designers must create a New York City studio apartment based on a single assigned color. Individual talent shines through, as they must also host a tour of the completed room.

Competing for spots in the final two, the remaining three designers hit the road, traveling to an HGTV viewer's home. They complete a $10,000 dream room makeover in 28 hours, and then reveal their work to the lucky winners.

In the season finale, the 10 designers reunite to settle the score and discover who will be the next Design Star.