Doug Unpacks His Answers to Moving
Q:
What makes
Moving Up so different from
Trading Spaces and
America's Ugliest?
A:
I'm not there to dictate design style and to help out. It's really about the homeowners' style and how they want to decorate. The differences also stem from the element of a new home purchase, and
Moving Up's homeowners jumping into uncharted waters — a new home, a new life, a new space. It's about the emotional aspects of moving. Design, decorating and renovation can be fearful enough, and moving compounds the stress levels.
Q:
Do you ever feel tempted to jump in and lend your expertise and skills?
A:
I do lend my design expertise, but honestly, it's difficult not to take over completely. I don't have the time in my schedule to help 30 families (two per episode) redesign their entire houses, but I do want to give more than I am able to each and every visit I make when checking up on them!
Q:
What have your own moving experiences been like?
A:
Well, in my 20s, I moved myself and discovered that, by the time I reached my 30s, it was too hellacious on my own, so I hired movers. I really had a traumatic move before, so I learned to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute. I am sentimental and keep a lot of things, but I don't keep excess crap that doesn't mean anything to me. Maybe that's because I live in New York City and have learned that you can't hold on to everything. I've always lived in rentals and have always decorated and made my home comfortable. I love changing my environment, and it's the little things, like sewing zebra futon covers and refinishing thrift-store chairs, that make the difference. (By the way, the zebra covers were a mistake.).
Q:
Any major surprises in filming the series?
A:
The biggest surprise was the emotional aspect of moving — at times spouses were arguing and battling over much more than just design. Moving is a trying time. A wake-up call.
Moving Up is not about the decorating process all the time. We've had a near-divorce happen because of the pressure.
Q:
Do you ever find it confusing to film all of the episodes simultaneously?
A:
Yes, yes, yes and yes. We literally filmed all 15 episodes during the same time, so I would go back and ask: Where am I? Who are the homeowners, and how are they doing? The producers had to help me remember and update me on previous conversations about 30 different homes (two per episode) and 45 sets of homeowners (three per episode). But as soon as I was on location at the home, it all came back to me. I just needed the environment to jar my memory.
Q:
Do you think
Moving Up will stand out in the home-makeover genre?
A:
The series is so much more than a makeover show. It's the best and worst in design. It captures the theme of moving and home ownership. And it's a window into real life.
Q:
How can people who are moving reduce the stresses of the big day?
A:
Lots of pre-planning, editing your belongings, feeling comfortable in your new space and letting the children feel safe. If you have the opportunity to paint and renovate before you even move, that is such a luxury, and possibly worth an extra month of rent. Try and work it into your budget!
Q:
Where does Doug Wilson live? Kidding. What's your dream space? Are you living in it now?
A:
I would love a home with lots of guest rooms for family and friends. Perhaps a modern beach house that is comfortable and earthy.
