So, the final challenge of this seasons Design Start was tonight.

I must say, it's a difficult one this year. For those that missed the final challenge, please allow me to recap it for you along with the pictures of their AFTER rooms. The two finalist, Matt and Jennifer, were given two deserving families that lived in New Orleans. They have 36 hours and a budget of $20,000 to complete a living room, dining room and kitchen in their families home.

Matt's home was great!!! I loved his Dining Room with the gorgeous merlot walls offset with the white chairs and art pieces...and that light fixture - LOVED IT! I have to admit I wasn't too crazy about his living room which happened to be the first thing you see when you walked in the front door. How about those two red chairs though - very eye catching and they look so comfortable. His kitchen was very good as well and I'm SO glad he decided to go with brown cabinets rather then the red cherry wood he was originally shooting for. Nice work Matt. From what I had seen on the other challenges for some reason I expected more creativity from Matt but with only 36 hours and the stress involved in this project, what an excellent job!

Jen's home was magnificient too!!! I have to say I pretty much loved everything about her home. Her striped paint treatment was right on and really added visual interest in the bosy home. I personally did not see why she was spending so much time on her couch layout as there really only seemed to be one option - but I wasn't there to really know what challenges she was facing. I wasn't too fond of her kitchen but it was all based on the homeowners tastes and wants - which they did mention red cabinets and I think they loved them. I completely missed the smaller kitchen dining area in the reveal, probably because I was so captivated by the beautiful tiled fireplace and wall. So, I have to say going into this I was really thinking I would be voting for Matt...but after this episode...I think it's Jen.

After checking out the pictures...who do you want to him HGTV's next Design Star???