On Monday's premiere of the sixth season of HGTV's 'Design Star,' the first challenge saw the designers pair up to decorate rooms in a ginormous New York apartment. It yielded some excellent results -- and more than a few disasters.

Most importantly, we got to know the 12 finalists, who range from a Type-A former newscaster to a criminologist.

After the jump, read my first impressions of the contestants and share your own in the comments.

Look for some familiar faces on the judging panel when 'HGTV Design Star' returns for a new season starting Mon., July 11 at 9PM.

Food Network personality Paula Deen, 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' veteran Dina Manzo, talk show host Nate Berkus and Kathy Ireland will all stop by the judging panel during the design competition's sixth season. Thom Filicia and Robert and Cortney Novogratz will also serve as guest judges.

"This year's finalists are established designers at the top of their game," Kathleen Finch, general manager of HGTV, said in a statement. "We put them through rigorous design challenges in real homes, tested their on-camera presence, had seasoned industry experts evaluate their work and even asked them to execute a design demonstration on 'The Nate Berkus Show.' Viewers will find this season entertaining and compelling as they witness the emergence of the next 'HGTV Design Star.'"

Vern Yip = Simon Cowell?

Not quite, but if the 'Design Star' judge has seemed exacting this season, it's because he's just as serious about finding the next 'HGTV Design Star' as Cowell was about finding 'American Idols.'

This season of 'Design Star' has felt more intense and dramatic than ever, which Yip said is all thanks to new producer Mark Burnett ('Survivor') and the show's move to New York.

Yip spoke to TV Squad this week about Sunday's episode, featuring Donald Trump, Jr., and previewed the rest of the season. And don't forget, you can vote for your favorite designer at HGTV.com!

HGTV's breakout hit reality series, 'Design Star,' is getting back into an Empire state of mind.

The fifth season of the show returns to its original location, New York. But that's not the only change in store, according to judge Genevieve Gorder, who spoke to TV Squad by phone yesterday.

Gorder and fellow judges Vern Yip and Candice Olsen take on hosting duties from Clive Pearse. They get more involved in creating the challenges, following the contestants' work from start to finish and mentoring them throughout the entire design process.

A fabulous season is in store for viewers, one that was "a lot more fun," Gorder said.

Check out what else she had to say about 'HGTV Design Star.'