Meg Caswell began her career in home design the moment she decided not to attend law school. After she earned a degree in criminology, she soon enrolled at The Art Institute of Chicago where she earned a B.F.A. in Interior Architecture. The interpersonal skills she learned during her criminology studies helped her develop profiles of her clients and uncover their true design preferences. She started her design career with Ralph Lauren Home and quickly became an owner of a design firm and a home decor store in Chicago. She’s determined, direct and a high-energy personality.. a typical redhead!
She sat down with How to be a Redhead to discuss her completion of Meg’s Great Rooms on HGTV since becoming the season six winner of Design Star, her life as a redhead and her favorite beauty products:
H2BAR: Did you always know you were going to be a designer?
MC: If I look back at what I always did with my free time, I would say I figured it out at a pretty young age. The thing is, I didn’t know what a home designer was when I was 10-years-old creating floor plans.
H2BAR: Congratulations on your very own HGTV show! What do you love about it all?
MC: I love giving to others. I’m not just transforming homes, I’m transforming these peoples lives. It’s a really great feeling.
H2BAR: Why do you love being a redhead?
MC: I feel like I belong to a really fun tribe. We have a green light to be sassy and unique just because of our hair color!
H2BAR: You must get your hair and make-up a ton! What is your go-to makeup and hair on and off set?
MC: On TV, I like to have my hair loosely curled or straight with it pulled back to keep it out of my eyes while doing DIY projects. For makeup, I’m always wearing HD foundation by MAKE UP FOR EVER that evens out my skin tone. I have very red checks and it makes my skin look natural while still allowing my freckles to come through. When I’m not on TV, I love to wear my hair natural, like I have been to the beach all day. When you have to spend almost two hours every single day doing hair and makeup, it’s the last thing you want to do when you’re not working.
H2BAR: What was your experience growing up as a redhead?
MC: I was 1 of 3 redhead’s in my class. I think there was at least 1 or 2 per grade in my school, but I still felt unique and different.
H2BAR: Does red hair run in your family?
MC: Yes! On both sides.My mom’s mom had soft red hair, but I got my dad’s color red hair. My brother also has the same color red. Some cousins on both sides have red as well.
H2BAR: With redheads having such sensitive skin, what are your go-to skin products?
MC: I use Olay All Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 on a daily basis.
H2BAR: What is your favorite “redhead friendly” wardrobe colors to wear?
MC: I grew up never wearing pink or red because someone once told me redheads can’t wear those colors. Now, I love wearing jewel tones including fuscia. I have to say emerald green and royal blue are my two current favorites.
H2BAR: What is one makeup product that you will buy over-and-over again?
MC: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in dark brown.
H2BAR: What’s in store for you for next year?
MC: I’m currently putting together my new online store at Megcaswell.com. I’m also working on multiple design projects while developing a new show. Stay tuned!
