'Spaces' fans wouldn't trade this chance
By Lisa Renze-Rhodes Diehard 'Trading Spaces' viewers flow into FishersWith cameras dangling from their wrists, the fans came in small groups, pushing strollers and pulling wagons, pointing and whispering excitedly when a "star" was spotted. These folks hadn't gathered to catch a glimpse of His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, during his visit this week to Indianapolis. Instead, they came in jeans, flip-flops and T-shirts to see Paige, Doug, Genevieve and Amy — personalities on cable network TLC's popular "Trading Spaces" television show. "It's the most exciting thing we've seen in our neighborhood," said Sonya Mullins, who came both Wednesday and Thursday to watch the show's taping. The program, in its third season, asks two neighbors — in this case, Dona and Brad Loftus and Genevieve and Craig Vermeulen of the Sandstone subdivision in Fishers — to swap houses and let each decorate a room in the other's home. In just 48 hours, with the help of professional designers and carpenters, the couples each can spend a maximum of $1,000 to transform the room. The show has generated almost a cult-like following — past broadcasts of the show are for sale on the show's Web site, and "Spaces" gear also can be bought to wear with pride. And fans know what homeowners from previous shows, liked, loved — or hated. "I don't like the episodes where people agree to (swap), and then they act mad when they see (the finished room)," said Lori Edwards. Locals were eager to witness the taping of the show, with personalities they've come to welcome into their homes as if they were friends and neighbors. "We came out (Wednesday night), and there were probably like 80 people here," said Lacy Katterhenry, who returned for another peek on Thursday morning. "We've been here so much my daughter was like, 'Are we going to 'Trading Spaces' again?'" The regulars on the show said the fan appreciation is a fun by-product of what they dub a great job. "It's nice when we come to the Midwest. People are very sweet," said the show's host, Paige Davis. "Sometimes (this) is very hard on a neighborhood because we literally take over. It can be real disruptive, and it can be really loud. "But they really do know me, which is interesting because we really are ourselves on camera, as opposed to a fictional character." Davis said that when fans know "Trading Spaces" is coming to town, they "scout" for the location in advance of the shoot. Precisely what Laura Anderson of Fishers did earlier this week. "I came here Tuesday night. I kept calling all my friends and telling them, 'You're not going to guess who is here — 'Trading Spaces!'" While the show's stars are familiar with all the attention the "Spaces" logo garners, the Fishers homeowners said that aspect of taping took some getting used to. "The most surprising thing was the crowds," said Genevieve Vermeulen. "I was just amazed at the amount of people that have just shown up — even to get a glimpse of the trailer." But by Friday morning, after more than two days of living a "fishbowl" existence, Vermeulen said she'd do it all over again. "In a heartbeat," she said, adding it was an incredible and amazing experience. And Vermeulen said she loved the room designer Genevieve Gorder envisioned for her home. "It's awesome, it's just awesome!" she said. "I thanked her profusely when I saw it. This is by far her best room ever!" The edition of "Trading Spaces" taped in Fishers likely will air in November, show officials said, though an exact date was unknown. |
