TLC aiming for livelier ‘Trading Spaces’

“Trading Spaces” will undergo an extreme makeover this fall.

Second-quarter ratings for TLC’s most popular show, hosted by Paige Davis, have plunged 50 percent from the same period a year ago.

Because of that, the show’s format will “evolve” when Season 5 launches in October, says Roger Marmet, TLC’s executive vice president and general manager.

“We’re loosening the very tight format,” Marmet says. “We want to make the viewing experience less predictable and more spontaneous. Several of the elements will be new and different to the audience.”

While he wouldn’t go into details for competitive reasons, Marmet says the show will include more behind-the-scenes peeks into the design process.

He says the basic “Spaces” structure “that people know and are passionate about” will not change: Two sets of neighbors design a room in each other’s house over two days, using a designer, a carpenter and a $1,000 budget.

“We’re keeping the heart of the format,” Marmet says. ” ‘Spaces’ is still our highest-rated show. We’re not looking to throw out the baby with the bath water.”

“Spaces” is averaging more than 12 million viewers per week this season, counting all of its more than 10 airings. Sixty original episodes run until September, airing at 9 p.m. on Saturdays.