Living in England, I became a fan of Changing Rooms, the show on which Trading Spaces is based. Both shows include the same elements which make it so exciting: two days (time constraint) in which neighbors (putting their relationships on the line), with the help of designers (putting their reputations on the line), redecorate a room in each other's houses. The American version, our Trading Spaces, is different than Changing Rooms, in that it's longer (an hour as opposed to 30 minutes), and it is very American. The neighbors openly disagree with the designers - there's no editing for harmony here! I absolutely adore this show. Alex McCleod is always lending a welcome hand in each room, and a breath of fresh air when things become too stressful in one house. All of the designers have unique tastes - but always create an amazing space no matter what their "motivation." And the carpenters, both Amy Wynn and Ty, are such characters! A woman carpenter - awesome.
It's entertainment, but it's instructive - you see normal people, under a constrained budget and time (like most normal people anyway), creating amazing rooms. It's a boost of confidence!
