Downers Grove Designer Takes on HGTV's 'House Hunters Renovation'

Downers Grove, IL — HGTV's show "House Hunters Renovation" is about to get a taste of Downers Grove flair.

Local interior designer and business owner Chad Esslinger was chosen to help a newlywed couple transition from their cramped Chicago apartment to a spacious home in the suburbs.

"Alan has his heart set on a Victorian style home with rustic charm on the interior. Lucy would prefer a Cape Cod house that has an updated traditional vibe," reads the episode's description. It also notes the two may not agree on style, which could prove a challenge for Esslinger, who decorated the fixer-upper the couple chose.

Esslinger graduated with a degree in industrial design from the University of Illinois, and he opened CHAD ESSLINGER DESIGN in 2011 in Downers Grove. The full-service design company focuses on residential interior design, decorating, remodeling and design and development of home decor products.

Esslinger took a little time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for Patch before his television debut on "House Hunters Renovation." You can catch the episode, "Reno From Floor to Ceiling" July 9 at 9 p.m. Central and again at midnight on HGTV.

Patch: How did you land the spot on "House Hunters Renovation"?

Chad Esslinger: A friend here in Downers Grove called me one afternoon last fall and said that a friend of his who is a designer in the northern suburbs called him because HGTV called her to see if she knew of any designers in the Downers Grove area. He gave my number to her and she gave it to the network. They called me the next day and asked that I submit a short audition tape. I thought that I had about a week to complete it, but the day after I spoke to them, they asked me to get it to them as soon as possible because the people making the decisions for the episode were going out of town that afternoon. I propped up my iPhone on a table and did it myself, then emailed it to the network. The next day they told me I was in!

Patch: Did you change anything about your approach to this project because it would be on TV, or was the process similar to working with your regular clients?

Esslinger: It was a real-world project in many ways because the size and timeline of the project were typical with renovations of this type, but there were definitely some adjustments that had to be made. Typically, I will start the design process slowly with the homeowners, showing them a few ideas at the start so that we make sure we are all on the same page, but in this case I had to put the entire design and budget together and get it approved by HGTV first, then show the completed design to the homeowners on camera. But like the real world, they had the ability to veto anything I showed them. Also, if we were doing anything particularly exciting or interesting within the home, we had to "save it for TV" so that we could capture it for the audience.

Patch: Can you tell us about any interesting challenges you faced with this project, such as navigating the homeowners' personal tastes or budget?

Esslinger: This particular episode was to be integrated with products specific to one supplier, so we were limited as far as some of the materials we could choose, but this also streamlined the process so that I wasn't running around all over town for various items for the home.

Patch: Do you have any favorite current design trends, or any that you just can't stand?

Esslinger: I love being able to integrate a family heirloom or antique within a new space so that there is a sense of history and personality.

Patch: Why is Downers Grove a good place for you to base your design business?

Esslinger: My family moved here two years ago because we fell in love with the hometown feel and wonderful neighbors. And everywhere you look there are homes being built and renovated. People love Downers Grove and make their living spaces homes that their families can enjoy for generations.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to say, or you want people to know?

Esslinger: I operate CHAD ESSLINGER DESIGN while also happily taking on the majority of the childcare and household duties while our kids are still small (9, 7 and 5). My wife works in nearby Hinsdale and we just love Downers Grove for so many reasons.

Also there were some other local businesses that were part of the episode as well: Platinum Restoration, Oakwood Electric & Generator, Jay's Plumbing and The Shallow Group realtors.

Photos courtesy of HGTV.