In just one year, Edward Walker has carved a role for himself as the dapper gentleman of Trading Spaces. His tailored clothing and signature ponytail reflect his design aims, mixing classic elegance with urban chic. Even when under the glue gun and over budget, viewers and homeowners have admired Edward's polish and manners, products of his southern upbringing.
Personal History: You don't get much further south than Sylacauga, Alabama, where Edward was born. He spent his youth in similar size towns across the region as his father, a Baptist Minister, served various churches. His formative years were spent in Whiteville, North Carolina, where he developed a flair for style in the high school drama department. His mother, a college counselor, and his grandmother, a crafty homemaker, inspired Edward to dive into the world of art and design with their fashion sense and sewing skills.
Professional Background: After earning his undergraduate degree in art from North Carolina'Wingate University, Edward headed off to the big city to study at New York City's famed Fashion Institute of Technology. For the next decade he worked his way up through the design houses of midtown Manhattan, developing a specialty in beaded gowns and formalwear. He even dappled in publishing while overseeing art direction for catalogues showcasing his creations. In the late 90's, Edward decided to return to his roots, and open a design business in Raleigh that reflects his love of the south with his new metropolitan tastes. It was during this time that Trading Spaces tapped Edward to join the cast as a seamster during its second season. As the show grew in popularity, Edward shared his desire to do more than sew behind the scenes and auditioned for the role of designer. The dapper gentleman was born!
Design Style: Edward prides himself on his versatility and ability to work with any materials at hand, within any budget. His goal is to deliver a high style that fits the homeowner's lifestyle. In doing so, he often combines metropolitan chic with southern sensibilities - throwing a splash of excitement in with the comforts of childhood. Edward likes to take the everyday and make a unique statement reflecting personality and charm. Inspiration pieces in the past have included a backgammon board, salvaged columns, even clearance bin bed-sheets.
The Rooms: Edward's rooms are often the height of classic elegance laced with subtle surprises. Rich fabrics and warm color tones envelop clean lines and symmetry, creating an inviting ambiance. He has a passion for accessories and complementary lighting. And you'll often find his signature touch: rope chording in place of moulding along the ceiling.
Quotable Edward: He likes to joke, "I don't do ugly." But his operating philosophy is simply "Let's build a bridge and get over it. No matter what obstacles fill a room, there's a way to paint, glue or slipcover over them. So let's get on with it!" (TS Website)
15 Suits
10 blazers
20 Jeans
30 Dress Slacks
25 turtlenecks
25 mock turtlenecks
38 sweaters
40 belts
20 pairs of cuff links
40 watches
40 pairs of shoes (25 pairs of them are black) (TS: Make It Yours)
