PHOTOS: The Refined Furniture of a Gay Ellen's Design Challenge Contestant

"I realized when I had my name on the show that I could change the rules," DeGeneres says in promotions for the program. "Plus, I love furniture and I love television, so to put furniture on television is a win-win." She jokes that she looks forward to "seeing the furniture and then stealing it for my home."

In celebration of the launch of the six-episode series, which premieres tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on HGTV, take a look at the oeuvre of Gaspar De Jesus, a gay man who is a contestant on Ellen's Design Challenge. And check out more of his work at GasparDeJesus.com.