feature article

Richie's got designs on TV stardom

The Cairns Post, Monday, April 6, 2009

CAIRNS interior designer Richie Stevens will be launched into the national spotlight when he debuts on Channel 9's new program, Home Made, dubbed as "the biggest renovation competition ever."
A regular columnist for The Cairns Post’s Home Magazine and co-owner of local business, Insideout Property Stylists, Mr Stevens, 30, was one of thousands nationwide to audition.
And as the only Queenslander to make the final cut, the state’s reputation will now rest on his shoulders as he sets his renovation skills against nine of the country’s hottest designers.

"What I’m most excited about is taking on designers from the capital cities and showing the viewing public of Australia that Cairns is not just some backwater where people come for holidays – we are a growing cosmopolitan city with taste," Mr Stevens told The Cairns Post.
"Of course I’d like to win, but as long as I am not the first to be voted off I will be happy.
"Out of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and everywhere else in Queensland, a Cairns boy made it."
Mr Stevens said what set his audition apart was that it was different and that he brought a unique flavour to design, something he hopes will come through on the show.
Every week contestants on the show will be challenged to renovate two entire homes in just five days.
"It’s crazy how much will need to happen every week to complete the renovations on the homes, but it’s great fun, and will certainly make for some great TV," Mr Stevens said.
The show is set to debut next month