Candice Olson sidesteps the query of becoming the next Martha Stewart. “Obviously it’s a very timely question,” said Olson, the host of quirky-but-popular “Divine Design” on HGTV. “Martha’s got some pretty big shoes to fill. Martha is everything. I’m a designer, and that’s it.”
But Canadian designer Olson is branching out in a Stewartesque manner. In an interview this month, Olson said that books and merchandise are in the works. No deal had been formalized, she said, so she couldn’t reveal details.
In the meantime, world domination will have to wait. Olson is settling into her new role of contributing editor for “Home” magazine. Plus, she’s one of the few designers with her name splattered across the screen each time the show’s title and logo appears.
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When sizing up a room in the “before” stage, Olson said she takes into consideration “how they [the homeowners] live in that space, what their family makeup is.”
“There always has to be a reason to do the makeover,” she said.
Unlike some room-makeover series, “Divine Design” has no preset spending or time limit built into every show, Olson said.
“We’re more focused on take-away information,” she said, such as choosing the proper paintbrush. “We don’t focus on budget.”
We should all be that lucky. Olson transforms rooms using rich, soothing colors and sumptuous fabrics and textures, from silky drapery sheers to a velvety, custom-made headboard complete with mood lighting. Her creations are among the most elegant and tasteful on the network. They often outdo any tips served up by Olson and her crew, which includes an electrician, carpenter, painter and seamster.
And contrary to Martha Stewart, Olson isn’t afraid to look silly. She hams it up with her crew in the musical interludes that bookend commercials.
“We’re all professionals,” she said, “but we’re not taking ourselves too seriously.”
As for Stewart, Olson said, “Martha is a smart lady, and she’s going to come back.”
“Divine Design” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. on HGTV.
Spud falls off couch, rolls into newsstand
The August/September issue of “Metropolis” has a Q&A with Roberta Feldman, an architectural educator and researcher. Feldman offers her point of view on modern architecture’s effect on public housing and speaks extensively about Chicago.
– “Smart HomeOwner” gives its annual energy review in the September/October issue, examining geothermal, wind and biodiesel alternatives. The magazine also offers tips for finding a home inspector.
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Carmel Carrillo is assistant editor of the Sunday Real Estate section. You can e-mail her at [email protected].