EMU students compete in interior design challenge

Four teams of interior design students participated in a Designer’s Challenge at the Home and Lifestyle Show of Michigan on Saturday and Sunday at the Convocation Center.

The event allowed students to turn blank spaces into their own designs.

Each team had a different design concept.

Team number one, Floral Focus, focused on sustainability. They wanted their room to create a calm, inviting element by reflecting nature.

Team number two, Revitalize, focused on budget-wise design. They wanted their space to be refreshing.

Team number three, Coexist, focused on blending styles. They wanted to create a cohesive space.

Team number four, Mod Squad, focused on mid-century revitalized. They utilized thrift store objects and went for a retro style.

The teams developed their design concepts through 3D modeling.

At the competition, students had eight hours to finish their project. In this time, they had to assemble furniture, paint, and install other elements.

Floral Focus won the Consumers’ Choice Award and Coexist won the Judges’ Choice Award. Winners received a plaque.

Each team had a spokesperson available to answer questions.

The event featured over 100 home design exhibitors, who gave attendees advice on ideas and products for their own home improvement.

Furniture, paint and other accessories the students used came from Art Van, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Anderson Paint, which organizers partnered with to put on this event.

“This competition has brought together many elements of the interior design program in a real-world application,” said Madeline King, a senior in the interior program, in a university press release. “From space planning, budgeting and client input, we have all learned so much during this challenge. It's been a fun project to work on outside of class and we've had a healthy dose of friendly competition to keep us all on our toes!”