Trading Spaces: Where Are They Now?

"Trading Spaces" hit TLC's airwaves for the first time in 2000. In 2002, the show soared in popularity, inspiring everything from spin offs to books, games, DVDs, and a new image for The Learning Channel.

The show has undergone some changes ever since the popularity of the tried and true format (two sets of neighbors, two days to re-design a room, two designers, a carpenter, a host, and a $1,000 budget) faded. Now, TLC is unleashing a new version of the show with a new host, new carpenters, and new designers. They are also looking for homeowners who are going through major life transitions to be part of the show's new look.

With a completely new crew on board, you may be wondering where some of your old "Trading Spaces" favorites are now. As a former fan of the show, I did my research and am eager to please you with what I found. Here are some updates on some of the cast members of Trading Spaces past:

Laurie Hickson-Smith

While on the show, Laurie became best known for her symmetrical designs using numerous shades of yellow, orange, and other earth tones as her main colors. Her first pregnancy with her son Gibson was mentioned on air during the second and third seasons. Since her launch to fame, she has appeared at promotions for the Home Depot and has done other design and home shows throughout the country.

Hickson-Smith has also launched a line of her own fabrics through Hancock Fabrics and serves as a spokeswoman for Lane Home Furnishings. In 2005, she released a book called Discovering Home where she uses her own home, a design journal, and her interior decorating training to teach design techniques to amateurs.

After having her second child, a daughter named India, in November 2006; Hickson-Smith is taking time off to be a wife and mother. She is planning to release a second book, but has not announced if she will be returning to television.

Ty Pennington

Carpenter TY Pennington stayed with Trading Spaces until 2004 when he left to start his TV show, Extreme Home Makeover. The show does complete home makeovers for families and individuals in need, working on a whole new exterior and giving them completely new rooms. He is currently a spokesperson for Sears and has created his own line of home furnishings and accents, focusing on modern, casual spaces.

Pennington has also taken to the publishing world, but has chosen magazines over books. In May, he put out his first issue of Ty Pennington at Home which helps readers bring style to their homes without spending too much money.

Carter Oosterhouse

Hunky carpenter Carter Oosterhouse is still on television. He is a regular correspondent on NBC's Today show and co-hosts another show called Three Wishes. He has also been on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Tony Danza Show, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest, Inside Edition, and Extra.

This year, Oosterhouse was seeking candidates for a new HGTV show called "Carter Can." The show will feature people who want to tackle a home makeover, but don't have the time and knowledge to do so. He is seeking to help people whose lives will be better because of these improvements.

When he's not on TV, he's charming female readers across the country. He was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 2003, and has done covers and interviews for TV Guide, US Weekly, Organic Style, and USA Today.

Vern Yip

Vern, an award winning architectural and interior designer, quickly became a Trading Spaces fan favorite. He is currently a judge on the HGTV series Design Star and is set to host an all new series called Deserving Design, which will air on the network beginning on September 12.

Yip also has his own line of interior products and has written a book called Designing Spaces.

Paige Davis

Who could forget about Perky Paige, who hosted Trading Spaces until the show switched to a hostless format in 2005? She had done numerous TV and magazine appearances at the height of her own and the show's popularity, but has slowly faded out of the public eye. Today, she is back better than ever.

In June, Davis began a run in the touring production of Sweet Charity, playing the role of Charity Hope and replacing Molly Ringwald. Her other Broadway credits include portraying Roxie Hart in Chicago and Val in A Chorus Line.

You can still purchase her book Paige by Paige, where she chronicles the production of the show's third season. She is also featured in a book about the behind the scenes parts of the show. She has also been on TLC'S A Wedding Story.