Doug Wilson Gives Us the Inside Scoop on the Relaunch of "Trading Spaces!" by Nicole DeAvilla

Remember that little show called "Trading Spaces?" We were thrilled to have designer Doug Wilson from "Trading Spaces" as our #30Seconds Twitter chat guest! Doug is a farm-boy native of Broadlands, Ill. As an actor and performer, he graced the local professional and community stages during high school and college at the University of Illinois while also working weekends and summers with an interior designer and silkscreen lithograph artist. Doug became a household name across America when he landed on the hit show “Trading Spaces.” Read on, "Trading Spaces" fans...

I think seeing the cast all together is one of the things the fans are excited to see again. What a great bunch! #30seconds

— Renee (@HerrenRenee) February 22, 2018

Q: Doug, congratulations on the relaunch of "Trading Spaces!" Tell us how this happened and when the show will air?

"It’s funny! I heard through the press that TLC was bringing back the show, but I wasn’t made aware of it! I was like, hello??? A few months went by (crickets) and then I called the Network to say 'Hi, congrats. If there is ANYTHING I can do to support the reboot of ‘Trading Spaces,’ well, let me know!' I eventually had a meeting with development peeps at TLC and began to understand what was really happening. It was exciting and something I wanted to be a part of. I helped create what it became and wanted to somehow be a part of the reboot.

"Another few months went by and TLC was then offering me a role to once again be the 'Designer Doug' on TLC’s ‘Trading Spaces!’ I was thrilled and happy to continue the legacy! As time went by, I became aware that my friends and cohorts would all be coming back! Ty Pennington, Hildi Santo Tomas, Frank Bielec, Laurie Smith, Genevieve Gorder with Carter Oosterhouse and Vern Yip. And of course, host Perky Paige Davis to reign us in!"

SO EXCITED for Trading Spaces! Thanks a bunch for joining us in the #30Seconds Chat and I cannot wait to watch you make #interiordesign magic on @TLC!

— Ms AJ Rogers (@MsAJRogers) February 22, 2018

Q: What have you been doing during the years off from "Trading Spaces?" Fill us in!

"As most of you know, I had a spin off show called 'Moving Up' on TLC, which ran a bit longer than 'Trading Spaces' in the end. Unfortunately, the economy tanked in 2008 which affected people buying real estate, but the show continued into 2009.

"As 'Trading Spaces' was winding down I purchased a restaurant near my hometown area in Sullivan, Ill., called Doug Wilson’s Jibby’s. Jibby’s was the original name of the business. I completely gutted the restaurant and opened a family steakhouse in Central Illinois. A regionally famous theater was also located in the town just around the corner and I got back to my roots and played Sky Masterson in 'Guys & Dolls' in that theater. The demands of running a restaurant were tolling, but I managed to keep up on design projects in NYC and the Illinois area.I also spent some time in Spokane, Wash., doing a huge renovation transforming a business space into an open space loft dwelling. Met some wonderful people there!"

Hi Doug! Hope you are enjoying your chat! #30Seconds

— Laurie Smith (@LaurieHSmith2) February 22, 2018

Q: What is your favorite memory (or two) from the original "Trading Spaces" show?

"Wow! I really don’t know! As I think back I cherish the friendships that were created among the cast of 'Trading Spaces!' We went through soooo much together and have a very strong bond and loyalty to each other for the most part.We had many opportunities to be on talk shows and such. But, of all the things that happened, I was able to meet Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy when Paige and I did 'Hollywood Squares!' That was magic!

"It may be a bit sentimental but I have adored the fan mail from children who became inspired by what we have done. We have lost so many art programs in schools and I feel that we helped bridge the gap that our society is not respecting and funding.

"We were nominated for at least two Emmys. The first red carpet Emmy I was in the far east on vacation and was not able to attend, but the second Los Angeles red carpet event I was able to join the posse. There is nothing as exhilarating as walking down the Emmy red carpet with your fellow cast to hopefully win. Whether or not we won, it was a most memorable moment in time!"

Can’t wait to watch the relaunch of trading spaces #30Seconds

— Siobhain (@summer0001) February 22, 2018

Q: You have a fascinating background in both theatre and design! Tell us about that.

"I have been performing since I was in the 5th grade. Early years involved school, church and various outlets. My mother was a big influence in my life and I cherish the positive attitude she gave me!I was involved in a christian singing group, Celebrate Life, for several years through high school and beyond and performed throughout Illinois mainly but also nationally.

"I became a voice major at the University of Illinois where I also played Danny Zuko in 'Grease.' But also through those years, I worked for an interior designer and silk screen lithographer, which gave me a foundation in the fine arts. Those tools I have used continually throughout my career.

"With a solid background of construction (by virtue of living on a farm and doing things ourselves) and design influences I created a business, Handy Man Can, in NYC to help ends meet. The business turned into contract painting, decorative painting and then interior design.

"I was doing a lot of high-end decorative painting work for major national designers and getting credit in The New York Times as well as other publications. I decided to take on my own spaces in decorator showhouses and received acclaim in publications which led to people looking for designers for an un-named show which would become 'Trading Spaces!'"

I’m loving finding out more about the path that led you to where you are now @DougDesignsReal - fascinating! #30Seconds

— Kimberly Johnson (@kimberlycj) February 22, 2018

Oh my gosh!!! That is too crazy! Sky is a fantastic role for you! We are having fun singing together and trying out the accents. 😃 #30Seconds

— Kim Kusiciel (@KimKusiciel) February 22, 2018

Q: What is your dream design project, or dream client, and why?

"I don’t really have a 'dream client.' I just want clients that are willing to expand beyond 'what they are' to become 'what they REALLY are!' So often we don’t see the potential in ourselves to be something we really are and how we want to dwell.I feel that I have a penchant for hospitality design. I love to create environments that are aspirational and evoke a spirit that can move into homes. 

"That said, I love doing homes! Give me a blank slate and a few ideas and I will create for you an amazing space! My feeling … clients are only as good as their designer. If you let the designer into your life to understand you, then they will be able to design for YOU!"

Maybe we could make a TRIBE trading spaces of our own.....I'd love to help #30Seconds

— 💕 Toni B 💕 (@rychepet) February 22, 2018

Q: What do you recommend to home owners who’d like to make a design change on a small budget?

"This is a difficult question! It all depends on the room we're talking about. But, you need to take things in small steps. In order to do things on a small budget you need to be aware of what is readily available and watch for sale items and available discounts. Be patient if you want to be thrifty! 

We love going "SAILING" aka yard sales.........you can find some cheap items to revamp into something cool #30Seconds

— 💕 Toni B 💕 (@rychepet) February 22, 2018

"However, obviously, paint is a big change that will transform any space but be careful not to overdue your makeover with a huge color change. Fabrics are essential within design! You may look at your curtains, throw pillows and even that throw on the sofa that is dated! Fabric updates are not as expensive as they once were!

A6 PAINT! a new color is the answer #30Seconds

— 💕 Toni B 💕 (@rychepet) February 22, 2018

"Your bedroom is the most important room in your house! Oh, yes, they say the kitchen is, but NOOOOO! Where do you actually spend the most time? Yes, the bedroom. You rest, you sleep, you well … whatever! Simple changes beyond paint can transform the space to make it inviting for both sexes! We must make the bedroom gender neutral and be inviting to all! Same sex relationships … I’ll respond later."

No!!!!! Its not One or the other! Layering is essential in great design. Keep the plantation shutters and depending on the overall look just use them independently or add draperies to the windows. So OK to do Both!!!!! Watch one of my episodes this season and see how I did it!

— Doug Wilson (@DougDesignsReal) February 22, 2018

I agree with that. Contrary to the mode of show which a time crunch, one of the best tips I tell people is to go slowly. Avoid mistakes. And don't try to fill an entire room with furniture by buying a whole matching set. Let items find their way into your life.

— Paige Davis (@RealPaigeDavis) February 22, 2018

Q: Where can we learn more about you and the show, and is there anything else you want to share with us?

"'Trading Spaces' will air April 7 at 9 p.m. ET. And yes, I will be in the premier episode. Before that TLC will be airing part one of our reunion show at 8 p.m. ET. We all, the entire cast, are so thrilled to be back and give to you another run of design inspiration!I can’t divulge too much but what I can tell you is that we are back to give you the unexpected design show that launched ALL OTHERS.

That's RIGHT it did!! Trading Spaces on @TLC was most definitely the show that launched all the other #interiordesign #FliporFlop #FixerUpper and remodeling shows! #30Seconds

— Ms AJ Rogers (@MsAJRogers) February 22, 2018

"So many shows have given you the same design, time and again. That might be fine, and you may watch those show as you are cooking or doing laundry, but you will be watching 'Trading Spaces' because we are unpredictable, unprecedented and … ohh, unbelievable!

"There are a number of guest designers who you all know that will be joining us! We are thrilled to have these superstars in our midst! Just wait!!"

That's SOO cool that you get to win prizes via #30Seconds. Thank you for this weekly conversation with awesome guests like Doug.

— LivingHipp (@LivingHipp) February 22, 2018

So many of you participated with @DougDesignsReal in the #30Seconds LIVE chat. And I noticed many of you started Following me on Twitter tonight. That’s super cool. Love you guys for that. #socialmedia pic.twitter.com/uCbNV95030

— Paige Davis (@RealPaigeDavis) February 22, 2018