HomeStyle Magazine - Vern Yip Interview by Jetta J. Bates May. 2014 Volume 1 | Page 3

HOMESTYLE 2011 – ISSUE 6

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More YipTips
for a Quick
Design Boost

1

Pull out the paintbrush.
Paint the room a different
color, or just change the
color of one wall to create an
eye-catching accent.

Home Shopping Network

and left communist China to come to
America so that my sister and I could
have great education and health
care,” he explains.“So much of my
personal history is woven into this
collection.”
As a respectful nod to his past, Yip
includes a lotus flower on his shams
and coverlets. The flower refers to
the name of his parents’ first business
and also represents renewal and
rebirth in traditional Chinese culture.
As for his television career, Yip is a
clear favorite among HGTV designers. Recently, he showcased the
breadth of his talent by designing a
condo at Trump Tower in the heart of
downtown Chicago that will be
given to a competition winner in
December 2011. The luxe 1,000-plussquare-foot living space, valued at
more than $750,000, features floor-toceiling windows with outstanding
views of Chicago’s skyline.
He’s also hosted “Deserving
Design” for four years now. When
asked to identify his favorite makeover from that show, Yip, father of
two toddlers, exclaims,“That’s like
asking who my favorite kid is! That is
so hard!”
He says,“I really wanted to do
something positive, and when I
approached HGTV, they were on
board. It is exciting anytime you do
anything for an exceptional child that
wants give back to their community
at a young age, or, of course, people
in service to our country. Teachers
also hold a special place in my heart
– they are really people who have
dedicated their lives.”
His “Deserving Design” persona
flows into his personal life as well –
in addition to his busy professional
life, Yip serves as a worldwide ambassador for UNICEF.
As a design veteran with more
than 12 years of experience, Yip has
been in enough people’s homes to
know what is important. For him, it
is all about the details. That’s what
really shines through in his collection, his shows and his personal life.

Touch luxe: The tufted material used in this comforter set bring texture and a luxurious feeling to the bedroom.

BeYour Own Designer
As a consolation prize for those who aren’t lucky enough to win
their very ownYip-designed “urban oasis,” the always-smiling TV
host offers 4 tips on how to be your own interior designer:
1.Yip believes today’s home is about expressing your personality. It should
manifest who you really are in your home, like a calling card of sorts. Pick
items that really speak to you, and have fun with it.
2. When you buy, choose quality brands and items, even if you are just starting off – it will pay off in the long run.Yip designed the bedding for his collection to be durable because he believes it should remain beautiful after
washing.
3. Consider the size of your room when you buy furniture. For example, a studio dweller should consider using smaller pieces (like a “sofette”) versus a
large couch.Yip sees a lot of issues with scale, which is why he designed furniture options that could work with different sized rooms. “Furniture should
grow with you,”Yip says.
4. To make your new home sparkle during the holidays, Yip suggests spreading the holiday cheer throughout the house. “I am not one to limit the holiday
décor to the one tree. I love multiple trees, and I have candlelight through the
house during this time of year.Try battery-operated options,”Yip advises.
“Just really look at spreading the holiday to every surface, but not overdoing
it. I have lots of silver and white, and it goes everywhere, just little special
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touches.” – Jetta Bates

2

Change those towels.
Buying new towels or a
beautiful shower curtain
will give your bathroom a fresh
look. Don’t be afraid to add a little
drama with luxurious textures
and colors.

3

Hang a picture or two.
Images speak louder than
words and will go a long
way to pull the look of a room
together. Black and white photos
are striking in bold frames; lively
color graphics work well when
shown in simple, sedate frames.

4

Breathe life into a room
with color. Nothing perks
up a neutral room (think
beige carpet with off-white furniture) like an injection of color.
Buy vibrantly colored couch pillows or a floor vase, or position
brightly colored candles on the
mantle.

5

Sweat the small stuff.
Special little touches that
reflect your personality and
style spread throughout the
house makes it a home. Everything does not have to be a major
purchase; switch out the light
covers or change a lampshade.
– Jetta Bates

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