Monica Pedersen

Designer, lifestyle expert and television host Monica Pedersen grew up in the world of home repair and remodeling, absorbing her father's handyman skills, as well as her mother's talents with a sewing machine. This self-taught designer developed a passion for beautiful textiles while traveling the world as a successful fashion model and incorporates what she calls her "fabric obsession" into most of her designs.

Described by the New York Times as the “radiant, high-energy mistress of ceremonies” at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry show, Pedersen’s enthusiasm for her career as an interior designer and television host is projected in all she does.

As a designer on over 90 episodes of HGTV’s hit television series, "Designed to Sell," and 50 episodes of "Bang for Your Buck," Pedersen quickly became a trusted expert showing viewers how to add value to their homes while working within a tight budget. Her work as an interior design expert and television host can also be seen regularly as the host of HGTV’s "Dream Home" and "Green Home Giveaways," "House Hunter’s Great Escapes" and in appearances on NBC’s Today Show, Steven and Chris, The Revolution, Steve Harvey, Fox News and WGN.

In addition to her work on television, Pedersen released her first design book titled "Make It Beautiful" in May 2012.

Monica’s designs and tips have been featured in national publications including People, HGTV, Redbook, Town and Country, Traditional Home, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s Day, and Family Circle. Monica was also featured as one of Chicago’s 50 most beautiful people in Chicago Magazine and is also a contributing columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times Daily Splash column.

Pedersen is currently bringing her design style to retail and designing her own lines of home décor accessories, textiles and furnishings.

She is a spokesperson for the National Home Furnishings Association and serves as a member of the Sustainable Green Furnishings Council, and volunteers her time to the L.O.S.S. Program of Chicago sponsored by Catholic Charities.