Meredith to Publish Series of Trading Spaces Books

Posted on November 13, 2002

Meredith Corporation announced that Meredith Books will publish three books for TLC's decorating show, Trading Spaces. The first of the three books, titled Trading Spaces: Behind the Scenes, will introduce fans to the designers, answer frequently asked questions, and present decorating solutions. It is scheduled for release in March 2003. The next two books will focus more on projects drawn from actual Trading Spaces locations. They will be released later in 2003.

"We at Meredith Books understand the intense viewer loyalty and passion that 'Trading Spaces' has fostered, especially among younger viewers, and are thrilled with the opportunity to translate that spirit into print," said Jim Blume, Publisher of Meredith Books.

Each episode of the Emmy nominated Trading Spaces series provides two neighbors with $1,000 each, a professional designer, a carpenter and 48 hours to redo a room of their choice. But there's a catch-they have to switch houses, they have no say in how their own room will look and the end result is anybody's guess.

All the books will include Trading Spaces essentials, such as surprising decorating styles, before-and-after pictures of entire room redecorations, and small ideas for savvy accessorizing. Readers will also enjoy learning more about the personalities of the cast, as well as witnessing homeowners' reactions to the dramatic transformations, elements that have contributed to the show's success.

Roger Marmet, TLC VP of Programming and acting GM said, "No matter where you go, the success of this hit show is phenomenal. We're excited to extend the property from the television screen to stores, providing our viewers with a variety of ideas, products, and information to bring some of the fun and excitement of the show into their own homes."

The collaboration with Trading Spaces is the latest in a series of licensing arrangements for Meredith Books. Meredith also produces over 90 gardening, landscaping and home improvement titles for Ortho and Scotts, and produces books for other brand names including Waverly, JoAnn Stores, Stanley, Nestle, Kraft, SubZero, Armstrong, and Mary Engelbreit. Additionally, Meredith has lines of books under its own brands, led by titles bearing the Better Homes and Gardens name, including the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.

"Publishing is a natural platform to leverage the Trading Spaces 'self- empowerment through smart design' concept, and we are delighted to partner with an industry leader like Meredith to help extend that concept to consumer publications," said Sharon Markowitz Bennett, SVP Licensing and Strategic Partnerships for Discovery.