For one of her first projects as a carpenter on The Learning Channel's (TLC) hit home improvement show "While You Were Out," Ali Barone created a Euro-inspired room divider for a cool lounge that her castmate Mark Montana had designed.

"The piece really turned out to be great, a bold, different sculptural work" said Barone. "It was phenomenal and I loved working on it."

Barone now travels all over the country redesigning other people's homes. She attributes her experiences as a student at SUNY New Paltz with preparing her with the skills necessary for the job.

As a scenography major at New Paltz, Barone spent much of her time pulling all-nighters to build sets for the college's productions.

After graduating, she worked as a set designer for "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway, VIP Coordinator on the first season of VH1's "Hard Rock Live," and art director on a number of commercials and episodes of Comedy Central's "Pulp Comics."

Barone then decided her role was as an educator; she earned her master's in education from Wagner College and worked as a New York City schoolteacher.

In 2003, Barone was asked to pursue a different kind of teaching position -- one in front of the camera. A fellow New Paltz alum was directing "While You Were Out" and asked Barone to audition for a spot on the show. Barone auditioned and got the part; she started filming in September and in November had a contract for 18 episodes. She has since renewed her contract for 30 additional episodes.

Aside from her work on While You Were Out, Barone has developed her company, Ali Barone Creations, into a multi-dimensional home design corporation specializing in creative interior transformations. The company's Web site, www.alibarone.com, was designed to inspire and guide viewers to explore their own creativity.

Barone's efforts have inspired current New Paltz students. Graduate student Mark Kanter was inspired by what he saw on "While You Were Out," and transformed his horrid off-campus house into an attractive artistic abode based on tips he learned on the show (see images above and below).

Photo by Cassandra Olander


Photo by Cassandra Olander