The sixth season of the American reality television competition series HGTV Design Star premiered July 11, 2011. The two major additions to the show were Tanika Ray as host, and David Bromstad as mentor. ⁕Meg Caswell, 33, Chicago, Illinois -- Winner ⁕Karl Sponholtz, 42, Chicago, Illinois -- Runner-Up ⁕Mark Diaz, 33, Miami, Florida -- Third Place ⁕Kellie Clements, 33, Edmond, Oklahoma -- Fan Favorite ⁕Kevin Grace, 42, Chicago, Illinois ⁕Leslie Ezelle, 43, Dallas, Texas ⁕Cathy Hobbs, 42, Brooklyn, New York ⁕Tyler Wisler, 35, Orange, New Jersey ⁕Bret Ritter, 30, Brooklyn, New York ⁕Doug Hines, 44, Atlanta, Georgia ⁕J Allen, 31, Chevy Chase, Maryland ⁕Blanche Garcia, 32, Montclair, New Jersey