Confession: I still watch HGTV’s Design Star. After all these years. I have been a loyal fan of the show despite its subliminally vanilla devotion to Pottery Barn–not that there’s anything wrong with Pottery Barn. Au contraire mon frere! It’s just that we can all head on over to Pottery Barn to see that. Buy that. We already have some Pottery Barn goin’ on at the homesteads. We need to see somebody do something special. Gimme somethin’ to knock my socks off, peeps!

And I’ve supported previous winners as the best guy/gal usually wins. I especially love Antonio Ballatore’s new show on the H-to-the-G-to-the-TV “The Antonio Treatment.”

However, this season, all my hard work (none at all, really, minus the effort to record the show via one of the greatest inventions of man–the DVR–and press “play”). This season, HGTV “judges” Vern Yip, Genevieve Gorder, and Candace Olsen (so, so tall, right?) have crowned “the people’s” designer–at least, this people’s designer. Her name? Emily Henderson. Adorable and super fun Emily Henderson. She’s super fun. I’m a super fan. Observe:

See what I mean? That’s Emily with her buddy Ian Brennan, co-creator of “Glee,” on the set of her new HGTV series, “Secrets of a Stylist,” her prized for winning “Design Star.” For the premiere ep Emily styled Ian’s new home in Cali. This is a glimpse of the finished product, though you’ll no doubt want to see more. And when you do, you should definitely, absolutely, unrestrainedly head on over to her blog The Brass Petal for more design goodies.

Still not convinced it’s worth the click of the button (a little lazy today much)? Then allow me to give you words that only a true design wannabe might utter: Her style hearkens back to a better time. A time when Domino Design magazine still graced my mailbox. 

That’s for serious, Doubters.

I know what you’re thinking: There’s no way to replace what once was. And you’re right. But with Ems here, you get the fun, relaxed approach to design you’ve been missing. The effortlessness we crave with TONS of personality unlike other design blogs (still love you Design*Sponge).

So what sets Ems apart from the rest? The fact that she’s a real stylist for magazines you’ve actually read and loved (ahem–Domino). She’s the real deal. Talented with an effervescent personality to boot. And get a load of some of her work:

More of Ian’s house for “Secrets of a Stylist”:

From “Design Star”:

Random delightfulness (her styling):

Pretty impressive. I digs me some divine design. And besides the great taste, she’s got a really fresh approach to the blog (and I assume life, if the shows are indicators, too). Check her out, and be sure to give me ALL the credit for passing the word on about her. I promise there will be no “Pottery-Barnin.’”

Happy Wednesday!