'Trading Spaces' films in Shamong
By Paul Leakan Neighbors swap one-room redecorating ideas for The Learning ChannelSHAMONG — Armed with paintbrushes and power tools, the crew from the cable TV cult hit "Trading Spaces" spent the past three days filming an episode at two homes on Manitoba Trail. Neighbors welcomed crews with homemade coffeecake and other goodies, providing plenty of down-home hospitality before filming wrapped up yesterday. "They said to us, 'Nobody has ever done this before,'" said Lori Mariano, who lives a few doors from where filming took place. "I said, 'You don't understand. Nothing ever happens out here.' This is a big thrill for us." "Trading Spaces" is The Learning Channel's highest-rated show in prime time, drawing 6 million viewers a week. The hour-long episodes focus on two sets of neighbors. Each set is given 48 hours, a $1,000 budget, a carpenter and a professional designer to redecorate one room in the other's home. The participants swap house keys and often have to stay up until the wee hours of the morning painting, sewing, staining furniture, stuffing pillows and hanging drapes. This week, homeowners Rick and Peggy Stephens traded keys with friends Michael and Christie Zdon, who live across the street on Manitoba Trail. Rick and Peggy Stephens had several splotches of paint on their faces and arms as they finished their neighbor's room yesterday. "No matter what our room looks like, we'd do it all over again," Peggy Stephens said. Designer Frank Bielec praised the Stephenses for their hard work. "Peggy and Rick have worked harder than anybody," he said. "They have been the backbone of this team." Michael Zdon appeared exhausted as he emerged from his neighbor's home yesterday. "It's a lot of work," he said, "but it's a lot of fun. It's worth it." The Zdons worked with designer Doug Wilson. The two couples got on the show by filling out an application on The Learning Channel's Web-site. Paige Davis, host of "Trading Spaces," said the show has been wildly popular because it appeals to viewers of all ages. "The men love the hot babes and the carpentry, and the women love the decorating," she said. "The kids love the magic of it.... It's not a how-to show. It's about fun." Mariano and neighbor Susan Barilar said they will be glued to their televisions when the Shamong episode, titled "Manitoba Trail," airs in November. "They're somewhat famous," Mariano said of the show's cast, "but they're so down to earth. They're just like neighbors." |
