STEPHEN SAINT-ONGE
by Stephen Saint-Onge
America’s Home Designer, Stephen Saint-Onge firmly believes that “good design has the power to change lives.” In the past decade, he has become an expert on the home and a household name. Coming up in the fall of 2007, Stephen will be seen monthly as the new Contributing Home Editor for Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
Stephen’s keen understanding of the homeowner has catapulted him into the spotlight in recent years through his work on television and in magazines. This understanding, accompanied by his friendly, approachable, and creative style, has broken down the stereotype of what a typical designer is supposed to be by making design accessible to everyone. The media seeks him out for his expertise on design and style. Corporations seek him out as a trusted representative of their products because they value his connection to the consumer. Homeowners trust him because he—as a husband, father and homeowner —understands the needs of their family-focused lifestyle. “I have the same ‘To-Do’ list on my refrigerator that everyone has. There is always something to be to done with our homes and hopefully what I bring to the creative table will help everyone see the best in their homes,” says the designer. Hence, why Saint-Onge has been heralded as “The Home and Style Designer for the Everyday Family.”
Along with his numerous television appearances on programs and networks such as “Oprah,” “The View,” CNN, CBS’s “The Early Show,” Fox News, ESPN, and Discovery Home, many fans know Saint-Onge as the original designer on the hit TLC program “While You Were Out.” His work has also been featured in publications such as House Beautiful, In Style, Child, Renovation Style, Real Simple, Elle Décor, Cottage Living, Metropolitan Home, Home, Shape, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. In every project he takes on, his mission and focus remain the same: “home is where the heart is.” Stephen uses his talent to show everyone how their home can be at its best - no matter who they are, where they are or what their budget may be. He says: “When you live in a home every day, you sometimes cannot see the potential that is already there in front of you. I bring in a fresh, new perspective that can help give the homeowners a new way of seeing their homes. Our homes should be good to us– they are the foundation of all our lives.” House Beautiful magazine named him “one of the top fifteen designers in America under 40.”
All of his projects in 2007 drive home his personal motto that “good design has the power to change lives.” Aside from his television and magazine work, he also enjoys the opportunities he receives to tour the country and talk to fans about home, design and creative work which further drives home his motto. Through his creative talks, he is able to empower, motivate and inspire the homeowners because they know that he understands them and is walking in their shoes. Stephen also maintains a rigorous private client roster around the country.
Stephen also lends his time and name to worthy causes and events. With the knowledge that creative arts programs are being eliminated from many school curriculums, he has been speaking up about the importance of these programs and their teachers as part of the full development of young people. He is acting as Honorary Chairman of several design show houses and children’s arts events benefiting children’s programs in various cities.
When he is not working, Stephen loves entertaining at home with his family. He has a strong passion for film (especially the classic films of the 1940s), soundtracks, photography, vintage trucks, oil and watercolor painting, cooking, and taking in the sites of our great American countryside.