The Most Insane HGTV Series From the 2000s
The HGTV Series Trading Spaces was the MOST Bonkers Home Makeover Show in the HISTORY OF HGTV SHOWS.
There, I said.
I’ve been thinking about the craziest time in television history, the off-the-wall, batsh** nuttiness that is – wait for it- HGTV.
Specifically: “Trading Spaces”
So, 2000s were a time when HGTV was the go-to channel for home improvement madness. And at the center of this whirlwind of craziness was none other than “Trading Spaces” – the show that made swapping home renovations between neighbors a national pastime.
It was BANANAS.
Two neighbors, armed with nothing but a limited budget and some questionable design ideas, hand over the keys to their homes to a team of designers. What could possibly go wrong, right?
Well, everything, and that’s exactly why it was must-watch TV.
First up, let’s talk about the hosts. Who could forget the dynamic duo of Paige Davis and Ty Pennington? Paige, with her irritatingly infectious energy, and Ty, with his pre-rehab rugged charm, were the perfect guides through the chaos that was about to unfold.
But it wasn’t just the hosts who made “Trading Spaces” a hit – it was the designers too. From the flamboyant Hildi Santo-Tomas to the always unpredictable Doug Wilson, each designer brought their own brand of madness to the table.
Now, let’s dive into some of the craziest moments from the show. Remember that time when Hildi decided to cover an entire room in straw? Yes, actual straw. Or how about the episode where Doug thought it would be a good idea to staple hay to the walls?
TERRORISTS.
But perhaps the most iconic moment in “Trading Spaces” history was the infamous episode where designer Vern Yip glued thousands of silk flowers to every surface imaginable. The homeowners’ reactions ranged from shock to horror, and let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty.
And let’s not forget about the homeowners themselves. Who in their right mind would agree to let their neighbors completely overhaul their living space without any input whatsoever? But hey, that’s what made the show so entertaining – the sheer audacity of it all.
As the seasons went on, “Trading Spaces” only got wilder. From painting murals of jungle scenes on bedroom walls to turning entire kitchens into tiki bars, there was no limit to the insanity.
Check this HGTV reel out. It’s mind-blowing what these people sanctioned:
But all good things must come to an end. In 2008, “Trading Spaces” went off the air, leaving behind a legacy of questionable design choices and unforgettable moments.
So where are they now? Well, Paige Davis went on to host other HGTV shows, while Ty Pennington became a household name thanks to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” As for the designers, many of them are still in the business (HOW????), creating jaw-dropping spaces for clients all over the country.
“Trading Spaces” was the epitome of early 2000s HGTV craziness. From the outlandish designs to the shocked reactions of homeowners, it was reality TV gold.
