Blog & Social

The stars of HGTV's hit show "Down Home Fab" are bringing their signature style and design expertise to the Des Moines Home + Garden Show. Chelsea and Cole DeBoer have mastered the art of turning houses into warm, welcoming homes while raising four kids and running a successful home decor store.

As the couple prepares to share their insights with Iowans during their two appearances at the Des Moines Home + Garden Show, Chelsea sat down with us to share a sneak peek into her design philosophy, current projects, and life on their bustling farm.

Q&A with Chelsea DeBoer

What's your favorite paint color?

Chelsea: I use all Sherwin Williams colors, my favorites are Tricorn Black, Pewter Green, Black Fox, Black Bean and Shade Grown.

What is an outdated home trend you hope doesn't come back?

Chelsea: I really hope the orangey oak wood NEVER comes back around.

What is your favorite tip for incorporating a new design trend into your home?

Chelsea: I would say to start small, incorporate the trend with accessories: throw blankets, pillows and decor!

What home project are you currently working on?

Chelsea: We are currently working on our kids' rooms. Our teenager has been begging us to redo her room and our little girls have been begging to share a room. So those projects are in the works!

What is your favorite type of music to listen to when you're working?

Chelsea: Cole and I both LOVE country music. Old country, current country, anything country!

Are you a plant fanatic, or is your green thumb lacking?

Chelsea: I recently entered my plant era and I'm obsessed. I used to think I didn't have a green thumb to save my life, but over the last few years, I've found a lot of joy in gardening and caring for plants.

What are your recommendations for a home-themed hostess or thank-you gift?

Chelsea: I love putting together a themed gift basket. You can get a cute basket and make it cozy-themed with a throw blanket, a candle, and a little mug. Or go host-themed with wine glasses, a little charcuterie board, and some cheese knives!

Which HGTV star would you most like to work with and why?

Chelsea: I gotta go with Joanna Gaines, seeing what she and Chip have done together and in their careers is so inspiring.

What do you enjoy about being at a home show?

Chelsea: We absolutely LOVE seeing all the upcoming trends for the year, love seeing everyone showing up proud of their businesses and of their work. We love meeting new people we could potentially work with in the future — so many things!

We heard you're quite the animal lover. Tell us about your pets.

Chelsea: We have a TON of pets, chickens, cows, goats, three cats, three dogs — and all of them have silly “human” names like Patrick, Dale and Barb. We love them all! Our kids are all huge animal lovers.

Finally, what's in your bag or purse?

Chelsea: Oh man, I am someone who travels around with a LOT of things, but things I ALWAYS carry with me in my work tote are, my laptop of course, gotta have my go-to lipstick and liner, a little travel perfume, usually a Celsius or two in there for energy, and a mini hairbrush!

Don't Miss the DeBoers at the Show!

Want to hear Cole’s answers to these questions and ask yours as well? Catch the DeBoers on the Rose Farm Inspiration Stage at the Des Moines Home and Garden Show on Friday, February 14 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 15 at noon. The full Home and Garden Show runs February 13-16 at the Iowa Events Center, with show hours as follows:

February 13: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

February 14: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

February 15:  9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

February 16: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tickets are available online for $12 (regular adult admission is $14 at the door). Children ages 7-12 get in for $4, and children six and under are free. Military members and first responders receive free admission with a valid ID any day of the show, and teachers receive free admission with a valid ID on Sunday.