"My job exists because of 'Trading Spaces,'" says Janet Fick, interior design instructor at Ball State University.
Fick says that it's no coincidence that the increase in interior design majors mirrors the success of shows like "Trading Spaces."
"These shows get students interested in the field," Fick says. "Once they see the wider aspects of interior design, they stay in the program."
Interior design is much more than the painting and wallpapering emphasized in interior decorating. Interior design courses focus on space planning, and codes and regulations, such as Life Safety Codes and ADA compliance.
Two years ago, Ball State had 80 interior design majors. Today, that number has tripled. Just three seasons old, "Trading Spaces" will air 60 episodes this year and is The Learning Channel's highest rated show. The basic premise of the show is that two neighbors swap homes and are allowed to decorate a single room as they please.
"When I ask new or prospective students if they watch 'Trading Spaces,' every hand goes up -- even when I speak to middle school students," Fick says. "That show has done wonders for my career."
Fick can be reached at [email protected] or (765) 285-4977.
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