What Do "Trading Spaces," Doug Wilson & 30Seconds Have in Common? Read This to Find Out! by Ann Marie G. Halstead

When "Trading Spaces" first premiered in 2000, I was instantly hooked. I have always been interested in all-things-creative, and this show had creativity and so much more: designers and carpenters with personality (and let’s be honest: great looks, too!) and the element of unpredictability. Would the homeowners cry tears of joy or tears of horror at the end of the show? Would the walls be covered in paint, hay, flowers, cardboard or a mural of the designer’s face?!

I was a loyal fan through the show's conclusion in 2008. And then I began watching countless other home design shows that exist, at least in part, because of "Trading Spaces." TLC’s Howard Lee, Executive Vice President of Development and Production, commented on the influence of the show, stating, “The impact it had was seismic.” In addition to its impact on the genre, Lee has remarked that, “Out of everything TLC’s ever done, it’s probably the biggest fan favorite.” (TV Insider)

Imagine my excitement when TLC announced that "Trading Spaces" would return on April 7, 2018, and with most of the original cast (as well as some new faces).

Fans of the original show will be thrilled to learn that designers Frank Bielec, Genevieve Gorder, Laurie Smith, Hildi Santo-Tomas, Doug Wilson and Vern Yip are returning, along with carpenters Carter Oosterhouse and Ty Pennington and host Paige Davis. The format will be largely unchanged, though designers will have a $2000 budget for their makeovers, increased from the original $1000.

Members of the 30Seconds community got an opportunity to hear from Doug Wilson, my personal "Trading Spaces" favorite, at a 30Seconds Twitter chat! Doug has a fascinating background in both theater and design. He recently performed with fellow "Trading Spaces" alum Hildi Santo-Tomas in "Love Letters" at the Depot Theater Company in Dodge City, Kan. Doug gave us the inside scoop on the relaunch of "Trading Spaces!" (Read the Doug Wilson blog post!)

Doug’s message to the 30Seconds tribe: “I’m so excited for everyone to see, once again, ‘the Mother of All Design Shows’ bring back the ‘reality’ of what attainable design really is!" Before you know it, we'll be hearing Paige Davis utter those familiar words again: “Are you ready to trade spaces?” 

Be sure to visit Paige Davis' and Doug Wilson's 30Seconds pages! This video is longer than 30 seconds, but we think it's worth it.