Trading Spaces used to be my favorite show. I watched it faithfully every week, and if I had to miss it, I recorded it. I started watching when Paige Davis was the host and the format was a little different.
These days, the show has no host. The couples trade keys and then trade spaces on their own. At some point during the adventure, they are told which designer is in their home. Instead of knowing in advance, which of the rooms will be made over, the couple doing the work in their friends’ home gets to choose one space from a list of three.
Instead of the regular $1000 budget, they have a one in three chance of choosing the “bonus room” and doubling the budget. Now, rather than having two days to complete the makeover, they actually have a third day to shop and plan before beginning the actual work.
After the reveals, the designers and carpenters enter the room and visit with the couples instead of disappearing as they did with the old format. I think the best part is when they follow up with each couple two weeks later to see if they really like their room and if they have made any changes.
Since many times “designer” rooms are more stylish than functional and comfortable, it is interesting to see how the couples react after living in the space for two weeks. Most couples agree that they would do it all again if asked, surprisingly, even those that don’t particularly like their spaces.
I still enjoy Trading Spaces. Even though I don’t have time to watch TV very often, I still try to catch it when I can. I think this show has many original, affordable decorating ideas that people can try at home. You can also get great tips and ideas by visiting Trading Spaces online, or check out pictures sent in by viewers who did their own makeovers.
If you haven’t watched Trading Spaces, or haven’t seen it lately, check it out. Click here for air times.