Well, the good news is I didn’t have to spend Valentine’s Day sitting in a jury box. The bad news is, it’s the day we found out that HGTV decided not to go to series with our design TV project.
And even though we’re bummed our pilot episode didn’t turn out to be what they were looking for, we’re so grateful they allowed us the opportunity to give the whole wacky thing a whirl.
The biggest bummer, however, is that we won’t be able to collaborate with blog readers & writers, in person, on a regular basis. We love that kind of stuff, and that was definitely the best part of filming the pilot. A whole bunch of fun folks met up in Suwannee, Georgia, and shared their time & talents, and in just 5 days, we were able to create a colorful, new living room for newlyweds Alex and Emily Morrison, together…
It was so nerve-wracking/fun to reveal it to them on day 5!
Anywho, our production company *may* try to pitch the show to a couple of other channels, but we’re just going to keep on, keepin’ on- doing all the things we’ve loved doing all along: creating art & photographs, writing music & books, and blogging about whatever tickles our fancy, and tugs at our heart strings.
And as always, we’ll continue to bust out our video camera to document our own “indie” style renovation adventures, too!
Thanks so much to everyone who encouraged us on our design TV journey. It was a wild ride, and we feel so blessed to have had the chance to experience it!
Chrissy @ Adventures in DIY
I am so bummed about this news. I was so looking forward to seeing your show. It’s so cool that you at least had the opportunity. Hopefully this will mean that there’s another great opportunity waiting for you. 🙂
Samantha
Bummer! I’m so sorry, Layla. I was really hoping y’all would be picked up. I have to admit, I’ve all but stopped watching HGTV any more. I enjoyed watching it for actual design content and that has gotten so rare, I just forget to turn over there to see what’s on. Sarah Richardson is about the only one who can entice me over any more. Maybe the pendulum will swing back again and they’ll reconsider. But in the mean time, it seems like y’all have some other good things going on and we can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with next.
amy j.
I agree. HGTV is very stale and uninteresting…with pretty bad design in my opinion, when you see design anymore. I think they’re making a huge mistake.
That room was GORGEOUS!!! I think you should hire your services out, honestly, to do these makeovers!!! You’re not far from me, I’d hire ya!!
Michelle
I agree as well. Too many buying home shows and not enough decorating/gardening homes. It’s called HOME and GARDEN TELEVISION for a reason, not HOUSE HUNTERS TELEVISION!
Debbie
So sorry, Layla…….truly their loss.
I also agree with comments about HGTV. They lost me with bombardment of Buy & Sell projects. For me, they’re no longer relevant & offer little inspiration. Unlike you two!!!
Sandra
Layla and Kevin, I’m so sorry…I totally agree with what Debbie had said. There are way too many home buying shows on HGTV right now. HGTV really missed the mark on this one. I feel that you and Kevin would be a breath of fresh air to the network. Fingers crossed you guys get picked by one of the other channels.
antiquechase
Oh that’s too bad. I really have had enough of the buy/sell shows.. enough already! Yours sounded so refreshing! Hope something works out with another channel.
Tonya
I agree. I’ve stopped watching as well because the buy/sell shows are always on. Boo!
Emilie
Hugs! I’m a firm believer that when something amazing doesn’t happen it just means something even MORE incredible is around the corner!!!
It’ll come. Keep Dreaming big!
Stacey in Michigan
So agree with Emilie! Keep your chin up! I so would have loved to have watched your show… and I have hope hopes that it will happen in the very near future. Just keep on doing what you’re doing… I foresee a very bright future for you and Kev!
Cathy
I’m so sick of buy/sell shows! I used to watch HGTV every day, but now I have a couple of their shows set to record on the DVR and that’s it.
Centsational Girl
Oh my friends, I’ve had my fingers crossed for you for months, this is not what I was hoping to read!! You two have so much talent, love, and enthusiasm for renovation and sprucing up spaces inside of you that you will continue to shine on in the world and showcase your skills not only on TLC but I’m convinced across the country. Hugs to you both and can’t wait to read more about your upcoming adventures in great design!
xoxoxoxo
Kate
Layla
MUAH! Thanks for the sweet comment, Kate! You’re such a great friend, and I’ll always cherish the time we got to bunk together at Blissdom! 😀
Miriam
I. Am. Shocked! I just wasn’t even doubting that they’d pick your show up. While it’s always disappointing to hear news like that (and on Valentine’s? Come on, hgtv!), I just am not worried at all for you guys. You are such a talented, capable, and positive couple- great things have and will happen to you. Best of luck! I can’t wait to share where you go next 🙂
Miranda
I’m so sad about your series…I was totally looking forward to being a loyal viewer. BUT I LOVE your attitude and I know that you guys are going to bloom at whatever new thing God sends your way. He has big plans for your lives. I’m looking forward to Kevin’s photography series. We’re going to be in Altus, OK for a month or so, and so I’m hoping to work on my photography while I’m there and have some good light (unlike here in Alaska).
Funky Junk Interiors
Big sigh… so not what I hoped to hear!
I will admit I look forward to see what else is in store for you.. it must be REALLY SOMETHING if this TV gig wasn’t it… 🙂 I’ll be watching and applauding you two on!
Donna
Layla
Well, thank you Donna! We sure do appreciate your (and everyone’s!) encouraging comments. Our big goal for the year is to release a coffee table/design book, so I guess we’ll have more time to do that now- ha! 😀
Michelle
I am so sorry. I beleive things happen for a reason even if we are not happy with the result at the time you might look back on this and relize this was a good thing. Life was life changing for us in 2008 and I was so sad when I got some news but now I look back and know it was what we needed to give us the drive to make those choices. We left a place we lived for 15 years and it was so scary but now I see it happened for a reason. You never know whats around the corner for you guys, and it might be a awesome journey!
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife
oh, I’m sorry to hear it wasn’t picked up… but crossing my fingers it does on another channel!!! There are SO many talented bloggers out there, I would love to see some of them in the lime-light!
Oh and that living room is amazing! 🙂
Sara
I’m really, really sad.
Laura Bright
Oh, I am sad about your news. I was really looking forward to this show. I wish you the best and I will look forward to future blogs.
🙂
Stacie Czech
I was so hoping y’all would get picked up!! Like others, I too am tired of the buy/sell shows on HGTV…. I never watch it anymore, I find more relevant info in the Blog World. It’s also been my experience that when something didn’t work out that I really wanted…. something better ALWAYS came around the corner. It will be fun to see what’s in store for you! Thanks for your great blog and even greater attitude! You inspire us all!
Gayle
Ditto to what Samantha says. I used to watch HGTV all day long, but I hardly EVER watch it now.
What a shame, I think you are both so charming and I am sure your pilot was too. Hope another network will be smart enough to pick it up. It is such a current, interesting concept.
In the meantime, I wonder if they would consider putting the pilot on amazon.com or iTunes. I’d buy it!
All the best you both.
Anja
I believe HGTV has made a huge mistake, BUT God knows what is waiting around the next corner for you and it is obviously better! You have inspired so many of us with your enthusiasm and the way you have handled this disappointment. You guys rock!!
Much respect
Anja
Dixie Redmond
It IS hard to have something not pan out. I love your attitude. And I LOVE that room. OMgushing heart.,
I totally would have watched that show. My favorite shows are the ones where people transform and existing space to make it fit their lives. Real Rooms for Real People! Because I am totally staying in my house, and want to make it ours. I get inspired by seeing how other people do this.
I hope your show gets picked up for another channel. And when it does, please post here so I can fire up the DVR.
Katie
What a shame. I bet your show would have been so fresh and joyful and fun. I hope someone else picks it up!!
GIO
SORRY about your luck as i am doing my filming soon for a project, yes, it’s a tough world out there & i don’t take no for an answer, so i roll on. other networks are more lenient on what they’re looking for & willing to give the underdog a try. it just takes that one niche idea that sets you apart from the rest 🙂 good luck!!
Gina
God has bigger, better plans for you! Trust Him…I know you already do.:)
Lori
I am so diesappointed about this news from HGTV, I for one am very tired of the buy/sell shows. I want decorating shows, like yours, ones the viewer can watch and put many of the ideas to work in their own home. Just like your blog has done for me. The room looks fantastic, you two did an amazing job.
pamelaroberge
I agree with the above posters!! I have stopped watching HGTV except for Sat. evenings when they do have design shows on. How many House Hunter buying and selling shows can you watch??? I hope another channel is created where it is about design again!! LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!
Pam
Amy c
Oh what a bummer! I too have had it with HGTV. Used to watch it all the time and now hardly ever. I’ve had it with those buy-sell shows! Now I spend my evenings browsing design blogs instead! Like many we have no plans on selling due to the poor market and are looking for creative ideas to improve the one we live in but not in that cheesy design on a dime way. Your blog is so inspiring and refreshing. everything happens for a reason and for the best. I look forward to stopping by everyday and seeing where your journey brings you! 🙂
Julie
Exactly! Im stuck in my house because of the market. And hgtv is boring & unoriginal anymore. I find better inspiration on blogs. Hgtv, you dont know what you just missed out on. Layla, keep up the awesome inspiration here, girl. We love you! Ever think about bringing back the room design packages?
Amber
Super big bummer. I was hoping you would get it so you could come to OHio and help me decorate my boring ranch. There is going to be something bigger and better to come out of this but only time will tell.
megan
Maybe we should start a facebook campaign?
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh
Who says networks know what “their” audience wants to watch? I’m sick to death of the whole “buy/sell” show concept and rarely watch it anymore unless I need “white noise” in the background in lieu of the news in the morning. I say you keep on pushing. You guys are amazingly talented and that talent is NOT ‘too twisted for color TV’ baby!
Here’s to better things on the horizon!
Mary
I’m so sorry. I rarely watch HGTV anymore, because it is all buy/sell shows. I would have loved to see afresh new show. I LOVE your videos. You always deliver the info in a fun and entertaining way. I know there are great things for you in your future. All the best…
Kim @ Sand & Sisal
Oh Layla! I’m so sorry! I had my fingers crossed that this incredible opportunity would materialize for you all! No matter the result, know that we all couldn’t be more proud of y’all’s success! (Standing up & applauding for you both!!!). Hugs ~ Kim
Ricki Jill Treleaven
I do not understand HGTV. Every single time I tune in it an episode about buying/selling real estate is on. Do they not realize that NO ONE is selling real estate under the current regime? NO ONE can buy anything because it is nearly impossible to get a loan??? EVERYONE is having to stay put so they might as well feather the nest where they are currently?????
I smell a rat. I think the National Association of Realtors is behind it.
I rarely watch HGTV anymore.
I wish you and Kevin the best, Layla.
Maybe one day HGTV will grasp a clue in reality. Because HGTV is producing fantasy, not reality TV right now.
xo,
Ricki Jill
Antoinette Seminario-Skinner
Awww!!! I am so disappointed the pilot wasn’t picked up!! Hopefully that means that there is something bigger and better in store for you!! I love your positive attitude and your amazing work. Keep your chins up, and keep moving forward! I wish you continued success and all the best there is in this life!
And btw, that living room is GORGEOUS!!!!
Lisa Brown
So sorry, Layla! I hope someone else picks it up…HGTV is really missing out on this one!
Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Lisa 🙂
Lisa
I can’t wrap my head around HGTV anymore. Instead of encouraging people to embrace their home, whatever the flaws may be, and make it their dream home, they’re constantly shoving real estate shows down our throat. In this economy, who’s doing all this buying and selling?
It’s funny – I found a box of VHS tapes that my Mom had recorded of HGTV “back in the day” (2002-2004-ish) and there were so many great decorating/renovating shows. What happened to Kitty Bartholomew? Joan Steffand? Brooke Channon? Joe Ruggiero?
Wake up HGTV – WE WANT LAYLA & KEVIN!!!! We don’t care who’s wheeling and dealing in LA and NYC.
Here’s hoping someone at Scripps will wake up and smell the coffee.
Gina in Louisville
I am disappointed. But ya’ll keep following your hearts. I would have watched the show and if you came near me, I would have travelled to hang out and work you you guys.
Darlene
So disappointing. Unfortunately, I have lost interest in HGTV recently because of their choice of shows – I’m not really interested in watching someone go through the process of buying an international home. I was hoping that they would go back to the way it used to be – your show would have been perfect.
Lisa
I.am.shocked. Another channel will pick it up and HGTV will be soooo sorry!
Nicole
Well, this is a definite sign that you have bigger fish to fry my friends. Maybe it’s time to think even bigger than HGTV? 🙂
April Z.
I would love to see a show like the one you pitched!! I hope another network picks it up. I think it would be so much fun to watch!!
Shannon Hoose
You are my inspiration for redecorating!!
Maureen
That is bummer! I think HGTV is missing the boat. The House Hunter is played to death but I’m sure it’s good for their budget. Don’t give up..TLC always had great design shows!!! The couple’s room looks fantastic. Great job!!
All the best to you both
Maureen
Angela Fritz
interesting – i wonder who their focus group was made of and what they were thinking!
i’ve had enough of the buy/sell shows, too, to the point where i barely watch hgtv anymore. i’ve already bought, and i’m not selling any time soon! i want to be inspired with how to decorate! i’ll cross my fingers that your show gets picked up somewhere else. you never know! LOVE that living room makeover by the way!
Lynne
Hello! I am so disappointed to hear hgtv didn’t pick up your show. I think they are totally missing the mark. All they show any more is house hunters. There are very few decorating shows on and the ones they do have on are for people who have tens of thousands of dollars to spend. I guess they aren’t really interested in having shows for us “common” folks who need to redo a room for several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. I was always a huge hgtv fan, but over the last 3-4 years I find I rarely watch. I was so excited to think they were going to have a show show casing my favorite blogger! Well, you just keep doing what you do because we all love you and your talent! Decorating blogs are my go to source when I am looking for design help!
Melissa @ HOUSEography
Oh so sad, Layla. We were really hoping it would all work out so we could snuggle into the couch and watch you guys every week! Something more wonderful will come along, right? 🙂
Layla
Thank you, Melissa! We’re super excited about some other things we’ve got in the works! 😉
Louise
That’s such a shame! I don’t think they realize what they’re missing. 🙁 The room looks stunning by the way! Enjoy your weekend!
Amanda
I’m so sorry to hear that – I was looking forward to seeing you guys on TV! What an experience, though!! I can see where HGTV is coming from with their programming, though, with the market the way it is. Of course, those pendulums DO swing….
And in the meantime….maybe one of the other networks will be interested? I hope so!
Layla
We’ll see, Amanda! Thank you for your sweet comment today! 😀
Alicia
I was really looking forward to watching you guys. No worries..better things are around the corner and have plenty of blog fans–including me!
Layla
Thank you, Alicia! 😀
Danielley
I’m so sorry your show didn’t get picked up. I love reading your blog and seeing all the design pictures. It inspires me. I agree with other commenters that I, too, am over the buy/sell shows and miss actual design shows. I hope it gets picked up elsewhere because I would love to watch it!
Kerri
Gorgeous re-do- that in itself is a fabulous accomplishment. And how fun to have it all paid for :^)
Melinda
We gave up cable last year. I thought I would miss it. I don’t. Buy/sell shows and reality TV are one reason–there just wasn’t anything of substance to watch. I also hate that HGTV doesn’t have gardening shows anymore, but oh well.
Is there any sort of social unrest we can unleash? Shall we write/blog/twitter HGTV? I’d be happy to lend my support to your cause because you have real, genuine, reasonable ideas for making daily life more beautiful. I think that’s what people are looking for these days.
Kristi @ Creative Kristi
I, for one, think that I hate buy/SELL shows LOL it’s the number one reason I haven’t turned on HGTV in weeks. I’m stuck in this house and want to know how to make it better. Hence why I love blogs!! So sorry friend but I hope you either a)find another network to air it or b) find contentment in doing what you are already doing brilliantly well! XOXOXOXOXO Friend!!
-Kristi
Debbie
Big Mistake is all I can say for HGTV! I have also stopped watching HGTV, mainly because of all the House Hunter episodes~there’s just too many! I love you guys and I know that only good will come from this. By the way that room looks awesome! Just like I knew it would, because y’all are talented and know just what to do to make things gorgeous!
Debbie