Interior Design instructor brings her designs to DIY and KARE 11
Airtime begins for Anne Farniok, an instructor in the Interior Design program at Dakota County Technical College, in 2008 when she submitted her project concept to a green design contest on Blueprint for Green, a local syndicated home improvement program on KARE 11. After appearing on the show, Farniok became the interior designer of choice for a local project called the Green Fin House, a unique residence in Edina, Minn., created from energy efficient and recycled materials. Farniok’s students also participated in the project.
Apparently, Farniok made quite an splash on her TV debut because two years later she was asked to design a bathroom project for Bath Crashers. The premise of the DIY Network show is to “crash and trash bathrooms,” morphing them into living spaces that are stunning, far more liveable and fully modernized. Host Matt Muenster blindsides homeowners out home-improvement shopping, which sets the stage for an ultimate bathroom challenge overhaul.
Professional designers in the chosen locale are tabbed for work on the show. Farniok’s first task was to create a modern green bathroom space with more light. For a punch of color in the tiling, Farniok worked with Mercedes Austin from Mercury Mosaics, a handmade tile company in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. That Bash Crashers episode, “Clean and Green,” aired Nov. 1, 2010, on the DIY Network. The episode will air again May 9, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. central time.
Farniok was asked back to Bath Crashers in 2011 to fashion revolutionary ways to renovate a townhome bathroom. That season 4 episode aired March 28 and April 8, 2012, but you can watch it on the DIY Network website by following this link: “Stainless Steel Floors.”
The townhome project was more than a typical bathroom makeover. Farniok’s inspiration came from an Ansel Adams’ photo she saw in the client’s home. Tile floors and granite countertops weren’t going to fit the bill, literally. Farniok had to think outside the box and choose less expensive materials. Having a husband in the metal industry, she decided to try using stainless steel—even for the flooring. The steel added a beautiful contrast to the vanity’s woodwork, the tilework and a bright red wall treatment. Though the flooring was the highlight of that Bath Crashers episode, Farniok said, “The laser-cut panel was my favorite part.”
According to Farniok, the process was long but exciting. The actual design stage took a few months with several revisions. She said most of the design work was completed by the time the show was filmed. Once they began taping the show, the crew was in and out within a week.
The most rewarding part? “Seeing my name at the end of the show in the credits,” Farniok said. “To know I did that.” Under her name, she requested to be listed as “DCTC Instructor.”
Farniok began teaching interior design at the college in 1998 as an adjunct. She became a full-time instructor in 2007. She saw the Bath Crashers project as a great opportunity to work in the field again and spotlight her program. She has more than 20 years experience in the interior design field and has several professional accomplishments, including a Best in Real Estate Award. She has published work in Furnishings Magazine and the Real Estate Journal.
When asked to give advice to someone looking into the interior design field, Farniok said, “You must have passion for the field. That’s the key.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for interior designers is projected to grow faster than average, increasing 19 percent between 2006 and 2016. The BLS also states that the median salary for interior designers nationwide tops $46,000 a year, or about $22 an hour. According to iseek.org, the average wage for interior designer in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area is more than $24 per hour. Top earners make nearly $38 an hour.
The DCTC Interior Design program prepares graduates to become professional interior designers. Students acquire the knowledge base and skill set needed to design interior environments that are both functional and beautiful. Versed in design theories, interior materials, building codes, and manual and computer aided drafting, students conceive and execute high-quality design solutions for residential and commercial projects.
To learn more about Interior Design at DCTC, contact:
- Katharine Huus
Interior Design Director and Instructor
651-423-8456 - Anne Farniok
Interior Design Instructor
651-423-8414
