Long before reality television was most often associated with vain celebrities, ridiculous dating scenarios, and generally exploitative and invasive behavior, the world was captivated by reality series that focused on design and renovation. Arguably one of the most popular and most well-executed of these series was the TLC hit Trading Spaces, which was itself an adaptation of the British series Changing Rooms.
Originally airing for eight seasons between 2000 and 2008, the series followed two pairs of friends, family members, or neighbors who swapped homes and renovated a room in each other's places, along with the guidance of a designer and a carpenter. Whether you loved or hated the rooms that were created, there's no denying that the series had some personalities who were truly larger than life and out of this world. We're catching up with where some of the series' most memorable cast members are today.
Hildi Santo-Tomas
In a series filled with larger than life personalities and quirky behavior, designer Hildi Santo-Tomas was by far the most unique and boldest of all the designers. Hildi was known for shocking design choices, and it was common for contestants to not exactly love the rooms she created for them.
Since the original Trading Spaces wrapped production in 2008, Hildi has continued to live her life of luxury, photography, and travel, residing for years in France. She is one of the legacy cast members to continue on with the series in its revival, and she's still shocking a whole new generation of homeowners with her daring style choices.
Doug Wilson
While Hildi may hold the title as the loudest and proudest of Trading Spaces' designer crew, fellow ambitious designer Doug Wilson was never far behind. Doug's intense commitment to his own style could lead to just as many unexpected scenarios and reactions as Hildi's bold choices could.
In addition to his time on Trading Spaces, Doug hosted another TLC series, Moving Up, from 2005 to 2009. After both series wrapped, he briefly dabbled in running a restaurant in Illinois and continued working in design, before returning to the Trading Spaces series with its newly launched revival.
Edward Walker
Before he became one of the most lovable members of the series' cast of designers, Edward Walker worked behind the scenes, coordinating fabrics and textiles for the designers on the series. As soon as he stepped in front of the camera, however, the always ponytail sporting designer quickly showed just what he was capable of, and earned a spot in the series' history as a beloved cast member.
Although Edward sadly didn't return to the series for its 2018 revival, he has been keeping busy in the world of design, operating the design firm aptly named Edward Walker Designs.
Amy Wynn Pastor
For the most part on the TLC design series of the past, carpentry was a boys' club. Thankfully, Amy Wynn Pastor would go on to join the series as its first full-time female carpenter, proving that girls could totally kick butt at carpentry, too.
In addition to her time on Trading Spaces, Amy worked as a carpenter on the 2007 series Backyard Stadiums with Michael Strahan; published a book on carpentry in 2005; and briefly returned to the Trading Spaces revival series in 2018 to take part in the reunion episode with the series' legacy cast members.
Genevieve Gorder
The resident flower child of Trading Spaces, Genevieve Gorder was far and away one of the true stars of the original series' run. With a sweet and bubbly personality that never felt cloying or annoying, Genevieve brought her optimism and bohemian styles to each and every design she was responsible for.
Since Trading Spaces wrapped in 2008, Genevieve has kept busy, with a long list of television series under her belt, including HGTV Design Star from 2009-2012, Dear Genevieve from 2009-2013, Genevieve's Renovation in 2014, Netflix's Stay Here in 2018, and, of course, the ongoing Trading Spaces revival on TLC.
Carter Oosterhouse
Carter Oosterhouse was a late addition to the series, but it's hard to imagine anyone being able to forget the dreamy carpenter, no matter how briefly they tuned in to Trading Spaces. Carter was with the original series from 2003-2007, and he has since rejoined the cast for the revival on TLC.
During the years between versions of Trading Spaces, Carter also kept himself plenty busy, serving as host, judge, or special guest star on Million Dollar Rooms in 2012, Rowhouse Showdown in 2014, The Great Christmas Light Fight from 2015-2018, and many, many appearances on Rachael Ray's talk show.
Vern Yip
Best known for his elegant and refined designs, Vern Yip was one of the strongest designers in the early days of Trading Spaces' original run on TLC. He's since returned to the series in its revival run, and his style is just as impeccable as it ever was.
After leaving the original Trading Spaces series following the series' first four seasons, Vern continued to establish himself as a true talent in the world of television design competitions, with major roles and hosting or judging duties on the series Deserving Design, Bang for Your Buck, and HGTV Design Star.
Frank Bielec
When it comes to picking the most lovable and adorable member of Trading Spaces' often massive cast of characters, people truly don't get any more adorable or lovable than the almost Santa-esque Frank Bielec. Best known for his folksy charm, belly laughs, and love of all things chickens related, Frank is one of the biggest and best personalities on the series, and we're more than thrilled whenever he drops by on the revival.
In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Frank described his post Trading Spaces career: "I've been doing a whole lot of nothing followed by a nap." Among that whole lot of nothing, he's run a business with his wife called Mosey 'N Me, a business specializing in all things arts and crafts.
Ty Pennington
Even if you've never seen a single episode of Trading Spaces, odds are pretty good that you know Ty Pennington somehow. During his brief run on the original series, Ty served as one of the main carpenters, best known for his childish sense of humor and boyish antics, in addition to his talent at carpentry.
Following his time on the series, Ty would go on to host the successful home renovation series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition from 2003 to 2012, the 2014 series On the Menu, and the 2015-2016 series American Diner Revival, before rejoining the core cast of Trading Spaces in the ongoing revival series.
Paige Davis
As hard as it might be to imagine, Paige Davis wasn't the original host of Trading Spaces. Only joining the series a year after its premiere, Paige would soon become completely synonymous with the series itself. Her zany sense of humor and warm personality gave every episode of the show a comfortable, inviting, enjoyable atmosphere - no matter what bizarre antics might have been going on in any given episode.
In addition to her work on both the original and revived Trading Spaces, Paige has hosted short-lived series including Home Made Simple, and maintained an active theatre career, both on and off Broadway.