Trading Spaces: Elvis versus Cher (Part 1)

The photo above shows from left to right, Janell and Matt Lewis, 

(from Trading Spaces:  Doug Wilson, Paige Davis, Hildi Santo Tomas) Heidi Thompson, Gene Sironen. 

When I was called to be on a TV reality show called, "Trading Spaces," I thought it might be a kick.  I also thought it would be a great way to promote my newest entertainment project, The WOWgirls, a sexy cowgirl dance troupe.  I was right on one account.

Trading Spaces wanted to do a themed show based on impersonators.  I suggested they get Matt Lewis, the "Elvis" from the Legends in Concert show here in Las Vegas.  Matt is a star in his own right and would surely be great for the show!  Plus, his gorgeous wife, Janell, is a dancer/choreographer that was working with me on the WOWgirls project.  There could not a more perfect couple to trade spaces with me and my wonderful husband, Gene Sironen.

The trucks pulled up to our respective houses.   Soon, my bedroom was decorated with stacks of metal production cases.  I might add that they did not lay a protective cloth down first, which gave me concern for my marble floor.  But, they were pretty cool about it, so I proceeded on faith that all would go well.

The room chosen to be redone in both homes was our offices.  I was asked if there was anything I would not allow to be changed.  I answered "YES! My desk!"  I have this very expensive, very ornate carved Italian fruitwood desk with a marble top.  The desk with the matching chair retailed for over $5,000.  So, I was adamant that they not change it any way.  I did not take into consideration that they only had $1,000 budget for the entire makeover and it would be extremely hard for them to match the high-end aesthetic of my desk.  I also did not know they were allowed to take items from other rooms in my home and place them in the office.

The crew was busy setting up.  My guest room was now the dressing room for the show's star, Paige Davis.  They took a sofa table from my living room and placed in the guest room for a make-up table.  They did not cover it, which again gave me concern as the top was delicate.  So, I got a towel and placed it over my table.

Now, it was time to trade spaces.  We were sent over to Matt and Janell's home with our suitcases in hand.  There were a few short days in which to complete the tasks ahead.

Gene and I were working with designer, Hildi Santo Tomas.  For those of you who don't watch the show, Hildi is best known for her crazy designs such as placing furniture on the ceiling or covering a wall in straw. 

"I'm a big Cher fan and that's why I asked to do this episode," she told me upon our first meeting.

I knew I had to watch Matt and Janell's back with this obviously eccentric designer at the helm.  But, we were put at ease to learn that designer, Doug Wilson, was working with Matt and Janell on our office.

(Look for Part 2 of this story to follow soon)