Ep 11. New Jersey: Perth Road

Trading Spaces is a popular home renovation show where two sets of neighbors agree to redecorate a room in each other's homes with the help of professional designers and a limited budget. In season 2, episode 11 titled "New Jersey: Perth Road," we are taken to the bustling town of Warminster, New Jersey.

The episode begins as host Paige Davis introduces us to the two neighboring families who will be trading spaces for this episode. On one side, we have the Thompsons, a lively and fun-loving family of five consisting of parents Tim and Julie and their three children – Gwen, Ethan, and Lily. The Thompsons are known for their vibrant personalities and love for contemporary art. They have agreed to revamp their living room and turn it into a family-friendly space where they can relax and entertain guests.

On the other side, we have the Marshalls, a more traditional family of four. Parents Mark and Sarah and their two children, Mason and Emily, have a passion for vintage and rustic elements. They want to transform their outdated and cluttered living room into a modern and chic space that reflects their personality.

The designers assigned to this challenge are Frank and Hildi. Frank, known for his eclectic and bold design choices, will be tackling the Thompsons' living room, while Hildi, an expert in unique and unconventional designs, will be working on the Marshalls' space. Both designers are determined to create rooms that the families will love while pushing the boundaries of their own creativity.

The Thompsons are more than ready to dive into the redecoration process. They have a few requests in mind, including a comfortable seating area with a pop of color, ample storage solutions, and space for their kids to showcase their artwork. Frank is excited by the Thompsons' enthusiasm and immediately starts brainstorming ideas to bring their vision to life.

Meanwhile, the Marshalls are slightly hesitant about the entire process. Mark and Sarah worry that Hildi's avant-garde style might clash with their more traditional taste. However, they decide to trust the process and hope for the best. Hildi, on the other hand, is thrilled to have the opportunity to challenge their comfort zones and surprise them with her unique design ideas.

As the families meet their designers, tensions run high. The Thompsons are excited but nervous about what surprises Frank might have in store for them. The Marshalls try to keep an open mind but can't help but express their concerns to Hildi. Nevertheless, both families understand that Trading Spaces is all about taking risks and embracing the unexpected.

With the plans finalized, Frank and Hildi get to work. Frank starts by painting the walls a bold shade of turquoise and incorporates playful patterns into the upholstery and curtains. He builds custom storage units to fulfill the Thompsons' need for organization while creating a focal point with an oversized wall mural. Frank's innovative and vibrant approach transforms the Thompsons' living room into a lively and inviting space that perfectly matches their personality.

Hildi, on the other hand, surprises the Marshalls with her daring design choices. She opts for a mix of vintage and modern elements, combining rich leather furniture with sleek metallic accents. Hildi takes the Marshalls' love for rustic elements and translates it into a contemporary yet cozy space. She embraces asymmetry and uses unconventional materials to add interest to the room. Hildi's design proves that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to stunning results.

At the final reveal, the families anxiously wait to see the transformation of their spaces. The Thompsons are overjoyed with their newly renovated living room. The pops of color and personalized elements perfectly capture their vibrant lifestyle. The Marshalls, despite their initial doubts, are pleasantly surprised by Hildi's design. The room feels fresh and modern while still incorporating their beloved vintage pieces.

Trading Spaces season 2, episode 11 proves once again that a little risk-taking in home renovation can lead to extraordinary results. The Thompsons and the Marshalls have experienced firsthand how a well-executed design can transform their living spaces and make them feel even more at home. Join us next time as Trading Spaces takes us on another thrilling journey of unexpected transformations.