Headlining the Spring Home Decorating & Remodeling Show in San Diego, April 25, is Michael Maloney, the design star of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (Sundays at 8 p.m.). Maloney is a featured designer on the show that builds brand new homes in one week for deserving families.

After 10 years in the fashion industry, Maloney turned his design concepts to homes in 1990. His eclectic, fresh approach to decorating took off as soon as Maloney became synonymous with spectacular interior design, working with celebrities such as Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Ryan Seacrest, among other projects with Walt Disney Co. and the NFL.

The Palos Verdes, Calif., native set out to combine his love of shopping, knowledge of design and entrepreneurial skills to open two high-profile home design stores just south of Los Angeles. He combined vintage treasures found at flea markets all over the world, new accessories and giftware. Madison Luxe, one of the stores opened by Maloney, is located in Manhattan Beach and sells unique home furnishings to customers including Goldie Hawn, Candace Bergin and Rachel Hunter.

Maloney’s television credits include “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “EXTRA!,” “The Wayne Brady Show,” “Greg Behrendt,” “Designers’ Challenge,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood” and many others. Viewers can also catch him on episodes of “Clean House” on the Style Network.

Because of his unwavering good taste and sharp eye for fashion, Maloney is a popular choice as a guest speaker or special correspondent for top entertainment shows. He recently co-hosted “Fashion Wrap” on the TV Guide Channel with Joan and Melissa Rivers.

Maloney is now in his fifth season on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” – this year he hopes to bring more of an environmental flair to his design by incorporating more “green” elements and environmentally-friendly products into each home, a trend that will be explored at the San Diego home show.

The Gay & Lesbian Times caught up with Maloney to chat about his background, and what he has planned for the Spring Home Decorating & Remodeling Show this weekend.

Gay & Lesbian Times: Your first career path was in fashion. How did that develop? What interested you in that field?

Michael Maloney: Fashion was always a part of my life growing up. It was a big deal as a kid to go school shopping with my mom and pull together seven or eight outfits that I thought rocked and that I could work different ways. As I got older and I guess you could say I refined my skills, fashion is still a major part of my life. I had the opportunity to work for Ralph Lauren in the garment industry, behind-the-scenes learning many different aspects of the business.

GLT: Was it difficult to apply your slick fashion sense to homes? How do they differ?

MM: I think design transcends. Fashion and interiors are different but the design process is very similar. For me it is a quest - all this beautiful and harmonious, each person has a different perspective of what this is, and that’s what I love about it.

GLT: Explain your interior design style.

MM: I try not to be defined by a style. I get the greatest pleasure by being able to explore all styles. I can give a client what they think they want. I put my spin on it and everybody’s happy. However, I definitely love modern, clean design but I also love juxtaposition and a little whimsy.

GLT: In reference to your style, what results does your style bring to a room or home, i.e. particular energies, feelings?

MM: I feel a room needs to work for the occupant, so I try to create spaces that work for people and inspire them to be there – to essentially use each space.

GLT: How can one be eclectic in his or her design yet stray from producing a cluttered mess? Where is that fine line?

MM: Eclectic does not mean clutter. Clutter doesn’t work anywhere. Being eclectic is about being a little adventurous with your choices.

GLT: Was it difficult to open two high-profile design stores in such a competitive market? How did you make the cut and become successful?

MM: When I opened my first store in 1992, I just wanted to give people cool pieces in an environment that was inspiring. I believe in not selling out. Everything I had for purchase was the best I could find at the fairest price. I scoured the world in search of the perfect mix.

GLT: What are a couple of your favorite celebrities to work with? Why?

MM: I worked with Marlee Matlin and was profoundly moved by her. She has it all! Except her hearing, but after spending a little time with her you would never know it. She’s awesome. I have met and worked with some amazing people … Elton John - are you kidding?!

GLT: Why, in your opinion, is interior design emphasizing “green living,” particularly in the past few years? Does the stimulus for this design stem from the design world, society or even politics?

MM: As far as being green, it must be a part of everything we do today. We must teach our children all we can about green living because my generation definitely did not. I hope green building is not a trend but simply the only way in the very near future.

GLT: What do you enjoy most about your work on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”? Any favorite experiences or families whose lives you’ve helped brighten?

MM: Working on “EMHE” has been the greatest blessing for me – going to work every day, making a difference in so many lives; not just the amazing families that we help but anyone who comes in contact with one of our builds. The show is also loved by kids and I think we offer parents a very safe forum to talk to their children about some very touchy subjects. We have done shows that have dealt with everything from AIDS to domestic violence. It’s a great feeling when someone comes up to me and says “thank you” for what you guys do. Each one of our families we build for are special, but one of my favorite stories is Redondo Beach police officer Christina Riatti. She was shot in the line of duty and became paralyzed from the chest down. She was a triathlon competitor and has not let anything stop her! She just gave birth to a baby boy.

GLT: OK, it’s just too cute: tell us about your pooch, Rique the Design Dog! How has he influenced your work and extracurricular interests?

MM: I love animals. My dog Rique is the best! He was a rescue and is dear to my heart. Since his coming into my life, I have tried to help as many animals as I can by choosing animal-related charities. I have been involved in several, most recently Dog Day Afternoon in Cabo San Lucas where I hosted a huge day of fund-raising for the many strays of Cabo.

GLT: You’re headlining the 32nd Annual Del Mar Spring Home Decorating and Remodeling Show this year – what will be some of your talking points? What do viewers have to look forward to?

MM: I’m looking forward to sharing insight with the community about what goes into making our show and what the audience can look forward to. I’ll have lots of behind the scenes tidbits and will also be available to answer questions on the show, design, decorating etc.

GLT: How do you keep up such fabulous energy with your many appearances and shows and nonprofit interests?

MM: I guess I’m just lucky, born with endless energy! Let’s face it I have one of the best jobs in the world and as long as people are watching and are interested I will be there. Of course I do try to eat as healthy as possible, exercise and get plenty of sleep.

GLT: If our readers could try one or two things differently to spice up their home, what would you recommend?

MM: When you’re ready to make a change, first evaluate how exactly you need the space to function. Then have some fun, be adventurous! Look at design magazines, pull out pictures of things you respond to and use these as a guide. Paint is the easiest, quickest way to make a change in any room. Also, lighting is key; make sure you have at least three sources of lighting. And if you’re not sure, enlist the help of a friend whose taste you admire. Always have fresh flowers – they will make you smile and feel calm.