We’re back from Suwanee, Georgia- and the room we re-did for our pilot episode for HGTV is done!
It was an exciting/fast-paced five days, and we’re thrilled with how the Morrison’s living room turned out! (More importantly- so were they! Yay!)
Our adventure started on Thursday, September 8th.
We borrowed our neighbors Suburban because we had so much stuff to bring with us for the makeover. That sucker was packed front to back and floor to ceiling!
(Thank you Peter and Josette!)
I shared the passenger seat with a table lamp from TJ Maxx.
Our friend Meghan warmed up my hair on Friday, the 9th…
…and we spent the 10th and 11th pounding the pavement for some new duds, and more furniture and accessories for the makeover room.
On the 12th, our TV team gathered in our hotel’s conference room to talk about everything that needed to be accomplished over the next 5 days.
That’s Patrick, our executive producer, at the head of the table. It was his idea to create a show that was an extension of our blog, and we can’t thank him enough for allowing us to be ourselves, and for letting us video things with our own camera like we’re used to doing for our posts! (He even incorporated our presto change-o concept into the show- yay!)
These three kept things running super smooth all week…
That’s Jinnie on the left, (remember her from Carter Can? She’s amazing!), Jason in the middle (construction manager extraordinaire!), and Whitney on the right. Whitney coordinated everything and made sure we all knew where to be, and at what time. She’s 14 years younger than me, but holy cow is she waaaay more organized than I was at 23!
This is Michael…
He used his big fancy-schmancy camera to shoot footage of us, while we shot footage with our little bitty camera. His view will show things from another perspective, and capture things we couldn’t with our own camera. We’re excited to see what that looks like!
Terry was in charge of capturing all of our audio…
I felt so bad for him having to tote that thing around with him all day, every day!
Here he is, putting Kev’s mic on him at the beginning of day 1…
And that cool old blazer on the right side of the pic? That’s Suzie.
A friendly fellow blogger named Charity (and her hubby!) let us borrow her for the shoot.
(I have another story to tell you about her this week, but I want to save it for a separate post.)
Our friends Matt and Shaunna graciously volunteered their time and talents the whole week too…
…and if they’re able to work it out, we’re hoping one or both of them will be able to join our crew full time if the show gets picked up! (We also want to send out a HUGE thanks to Shaunna’s parents for kid-sitting so Matt & Shaunna could be a part of the show!)
(Matt, hard at work)
(Shaunna, ready to shoot a pic of us pulling up to the makeover house on day 1. PS- Would you believe that sucker sold for almost the exact same price as our little Lettered Cottage?!)
And speaking of helpful-volunteers-we-owe-big–time…we were stoked so many bloggers and blog readers were able to come out and participate in the shoot!
(Deneen (who drove all the way from TN!), Mendy, me and Donna)
(Rhoda, on wallpaper duty)
We seriously would not have finished the room without our blog friends’ help. Like we mentioned in an earlier post- the show would be about connecting with our e-friends and redoing rooms on a budget, so we’re really excited about the opportunity to work with lots more bloggers and blog readers on future redecorating adventures!
This is Rachel…
She was the first person there on day 2, and one of the very last people to leave that day! She drove all the way over from Columbus, GA- and was an absolute delight to be around! Our construction manager, Jason, was very impressed with her work, and we can’t thank her enough for jumping in and making over that room with everyone!
We also want to thank Sherry from GertieMaes.com for donating so many lovely fresh flower arrangements and plants, and Mel & Denise for sewing together all of our curtains and throw pillow covers! We felt so lucky to have you guys there!!! And our favorite salvage shop in Alabama, Southern Accents, hooked us up with great deals on several of the wood elements in the room- SUCH AMAZING PEOPLE!
Kev and I are so used to tackling redos by ourselves, but we had to do a lot more yappin’ than usual this time…
(photo)
…so we’re very grateful that so many friendly folks were able to come out and help with this (big/fast) redo! (If the episode airs, you’ll notice that my voice is significantly lower and weaker on day 5 than it is on day 1- LOL!)
Here are some random pics Shaunna shot throughout the week…
Patrick pinching my cheek…
Just kidding, I have no idea what was going on there!
Kev, shooting something with our blog cam…
Terry, sticking my mic to my shirt…
Lori, Rhoda, Emily and Alex- taking a break in the kitchen…
Kev and me- taking a banana break in the kitchen…
Me and Jinnie Choi…
Patrick giving us our first iPad lesson…
Jason, hard at work…
The electrician that gave us a heck of a deal…
The living room before…
The living room during…
Shaunna, Matt, Kev and me…
Flea market shopping at Queen of Hearts Antiques in Buford, GA…
This was right before we showed the Morrisons their “new” (soon-to-be-reupholstered) armchairs…
And here’s a shot of Kev explaining that the flap of fabric at the bottom would be taken off to expose the chair’s great-looking legs…
Thanks to Susan from Sassy Stitches for knocking that reupholstery project out of the park!
The night of day 4 (a 17 hour day!) we did a little shooting at the Gwinnett County Fair…
Rides were ridden, cotton candy was consumed, and stuffed animals were won- it was a night we’ll never forget!
And last but not least, here’s a sweet shot of the newly-wed homeowners…
(Alex and Emily)
They just moved into the house a couple of weeks ago, and it just so happened that their one year wedding anniversary was on the exact same day we revealed their new living room to them! We’re so glad to have had the chance to meet them, and we hope having their living room done will inspire and motivate them to forge ahead with the ideas they have in the rest of their house! Purchasing a foreclosure can be intimidating (especially when you have to spend all of your redo money on a new HVAC unit before you even move in, like Emily and Alex had to do!), but we tried to show them that even a shoestring budget can stretch a long way if you think outside the box and make a party out of it!
Thank you friends and family for inspiring and motivating us to give this thing wild thing a whirl!
__________________________________________
And like our header says- 0ur blog is our playground, and passion pushes our swing- so no matter what happens with that all that wacky TV footage, we’re so grateful to have had the chance to try something new, and redo another room!
PS- We’ll let you know if we hear anything back from the folks at HGTV before the end of the year. It’ll take a couple of months to edit the episode, so it’ll be a while before we blog about a yay or nay!
Layla and Kev,
It looks like the two of you had an awesome time. I found myself squinting to see the room details. I’m thinks all that wainscoating got a nice coat of white:) I love the carnival photos of you and Kev, so adorable. I also noticed your newly used shoes were included in your trip;) Can’t wait….come on HGTV Pick-um up!
You guys are adorable !!! I totally enjoyed reading your post and cannot wait for the next one 🙂
Kept up through updates from the blog community & twitter. I’m relatively new to the blogging game, an old timer at flipping, remodels, and design, and a life long supporter of the art of couples working together! They say a picture tells the story and these certainly do. Congratulations to you both on the pilot, having such strong support & love of friends & community, and mostly the support & love of each other. My husband and I have been doing this together for many years and are living proof that the couple that works together can most definitely stay together. Again, congratulations from another one of your cheerleaders!
Best regards,
Darleen~Places In The Home
Hi Guys,
Can’t wait! Hope they pick it upi.
Patti
All I can say is HGTV better air your show! Because I think you guys will be a HIT! I’m looking forward to seeing you.
That looked like an absolute blast! Y’all looked fabulous the whole time, so I’m not sure I believe that you worked 17 hour days! Ha! Can’t wait to hear the good news that HGTV will air your show!
This all couldn’t happen to a more well deserving couple! I am so excited for you both. I will be keeping y’all in my prayers:))))
I found you through Lori May. What a wonderful ride for you folks! The blogging community is a great one indeed!
I wanted you to know that I found you guys blog by accident a while back, while searching the enternet. I think it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I don’t even recall what I was looking for when I found you. I have since then became a blog lover. I wish I had the know how and time to create one of my own. I have been decorating my house as well as crafting since I met y’all on here. I have been introduced to other blogs but you guys are my mother blog…. I just love ya… Thanks for the fun times, inspiration, great pictures and smiles.. Very uplifting.
P.S. Have been so excited about this redo. Glad it was a success. I wish you guys the best for future events…I am in Freeport Florida. If you ever do anything relativly close, I will be there with bells on…
How exciting! It’s always so amazing to hear about how much work goes into making every episode of a show. I really hope they pick it up! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Oh my gosh! What fun you guys must have had! Can’t wait to find out whether you guys will air or not. I might have to find someone with cable just for the occasion. 🙂
I loved looking at the pictures of your Re-do. What I love about your Blog is that you update it often and there is a variety of ideas. What I love about Layla and Kevin is that you are real honest to goodness decorators that know what the average homeowner wants and can do on their own. Thanks and good luck on making the cut!!
What an amazing week/post/opportunity! I am keeping my fingers cross that I see your show on HGTV soon! 🙂 -Lily
so excited for you guys!!!
can’t wait to see it happen!
Gertie Mae’s used to be a shop in my hometown in Clarkesville, GA….LOVED her flowers…bought several things from there…got some really cool boxes!!!!
i bet you guys are playing the ants in the pants waiting game! wishing you both the best of luck! sending love from one cottage blog to the other!
ashley at {hookedonhickory.blogspot.com}
oh my goodness! i totally chickened out on coming by, afraid to appear like some crazy-blog stalker girl. but the sweet couple you helped are my mom’s bestie’s daughter and son-in-law. did you get to meet emily’s crazy mom, pam??!! if not, you missed the best treat of all … when i say she is cuh-razy, she totally is – you’d have loved her! and the queen of hearts – my local hangout … love that place to just spend an hour or 2 to roam. and the fair … oh my goodness – yall got the best intro into life in gwinnett county! so glad you enjoyed our neck of the woods – come on back, ya hear??!
So looking forward to your first episode (fingers crossed that it airs US and Canada because you have a huge fan base that will certainly support the show!)
You two are so special…leaving footprints on hearts wherever you go!
That is awesome! I am so, so hoping that it airs. You guys deserve a show- you are amazing!
Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for you guys!!!!!Happy dance for you!!! Can’t wait to see it air on tv! how fun for so many wonderful friends to come and help 🙂
XOXO
Kristin
the pics are great – looks like great fun – but know it’s a lot of hard work. LOVE your hair layla – yours too kevin! can you in your wildest imagination and dreams believe that you just made a pilot for a tv show?? good luck.
Just thrilled for the two of you! You both have such presence on your blog so I can only imagine how great your show will be!
I can’t imagine them not airing your show! I can’t wait to see the pilot, and I’m sure there will be many more to come! You two are naturals. Thanks for the inspiration and fun!
looks like a lot of fun (and work). Cannot wait to see what you did! Now come to Atlanta and redo my husband’s office/ space to watch tv without kids 🙂
Congratulations!!! I’m so excited for you both and can’t wait to hear the news that the show has been picked up!
On a side note — you guys look GREAT in the photos 🙂
I’ve been following your blog for several months now and just love everything you two do. You even take the time to answer questions. This is just the kind of show that fans of HGTV have been begging for. Good luck and keep doing what you’re doing. Love it! I see your new shoes were at the fair. The stretching must have worked! LOL
Hey Lauri!
Thank you for the sweet comment! We’ll keep you posted on whether or not anything becomes of the pilot.
And, yes, the shoe stretching did work…thank goodness!!! 😀
Can’t wait to see the finished product! Y’all are so cute, good luck and keep blogging, its great fun reading about your adventures!
Thank you Rebecca! We’ll definitely keep blogging too…it’s my favorite thing to do! 😀
It looks like it was so much fun!! I can’t wait to see the finished room. I am positive it will get picked up! And I hope it does… we can sure us some help in our new house! 😉 Congratulations!
Thank you Allison! We’d love to help with your house too- stay tuned for future casting calls! 😀
Looks like you had so much fun!! I really hope that it’s picked up because I would LOVE to see this! Congrats guys!
PS: Layla – looks like you’ve lost weight! Lookin’ good!
Thank you Megan! We appreciate your kind comment so much!
(PS- I have lost 12 pounds since January…tummy troubles have me on a very limited diet, but I am glad to be back to my “wedding weight”!) 🙂
I can’t believe you were in my neck of the woods that whole time! My mom lives in Suwanee and I’ve shopped plenty at the Queen of Hearts in Buford. I grew up in Gwinnett County. What a small world! Looks like ya’ll did alot during the short time you were here. I really hope your show gets picked up. Keep us all posted. If it doesn’t, I hope you’ll at least share the pics of how the room turned out.
Hi Kelly!
We’ll definitely share the after photos of the room if the show doesn’t get picked up!
Hopefully we’ll know something by Christmas!
😀
Looks like it was quite an experience! keep us posted on any news! You two are so talented and such good people!
Thank you Joyce! We will definitely keep you posted, and you’re so sweet to take the time to leave us such a kind comment today!
😀
What fun it’s been to watch you guys develop and follow your dreams over the last couple years! Y’all have been an inspiration to me and it’s exciting to see that you have the opportunity to broaden your audience beyond the blogosphere. Wishing you the best!
Thank you so much Stacy! We appreciate your kind comment so much! 😀
Can’t wait to see it! I’m sure you’ll be HUGE stars!!!
Thanks Dorothy! Your kind comments are truly appreciated! 🙂
Layla and Kevin.
I love your attitude in everything you do.
you are both always so gracious, positive and energetic not to mention charismatic and beyond creative.
I know you made the room sing.
Love you guys. Love your outfits too.
Prayers always.
Thank you Geri!!!
Your comments always make us feel so happy, and we hope to get the chance to work/play alongside you one day in the future!!!
Tell me where you’re located again…wanna make sure to come visit you sometime!!!
😀
My door is always open to you.
I live in New Fairfield, Ct. It is the western part of Ct. and 1 hr to N.Y.C.
I would love to meet and work with you and Kevin.
I promise not to have room sliders ready for any prest changos. hehe
Hugs. Geri
Yay, Layla and Kevin! This looks like an absolutely fabulous (and exhausting) week! I am beyond thrilled for you guys and I am living vicariously through you. 😉
I know the show will be a hit, just like your blog because you and Kevin are the REAL DEAL!
I am so bummed I couldn’t make it down there. I pray we can work on a room together someday soon! 🙂
And oh yeah, Me and Eli would like to join the crew full time with Shaunna. 🙂
Love you, girl!
Traci
Thank you, friend. 🙂
It’s been so amazing getting to know you over the past couple of years, and Kev and I both reeeeally hope to get a chance to spend some time with you guys in person again sometime soon!!!
Love you!!!
So excited for all of you guys!!! I would love the show to air! Can’t wait to see the finished product!!
Thank you Stephanie!!!
We’ll keep you posted, and we’ll post our after pics right as soon as we’re given the green light! 😀
Wow, wow, wow!!! 🙂 I am so excited for you guys!!!
A show that is an extension of your blog? Don’t know if I can stand something that good. Prayers going up for your awesome opportunity.
Goodness… I felt like I was there. I’m on the edge of my chair hoping this truly flies for you two. You are so in your element!!!
Thanks for sharing what you have thus far. And helping to lighlight blogland. What a fascinating ride!
Donna
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you guys! Would love to see you on tv and I know you would be a big hit! Good luck to you!
Very awesome! Hoping, hoping for you two to continue- and then make your way to my lovely little fixer-upper! Great post!!
What an awesome experience! And love love love the pig – where did he end up? 😉
I am so excited for you both! It looks like you all had a great time. I wish I could have taken some time away from work to help out. I will definately stay tuned to hear the news that your show got picked up! :-):-) What will you two be doing in the meantime?
Hot dog! So stinkin’ excited for you guys (maybe even more so for me b/c I cannot wait to watch your show). Something to look forward to!
So. Much. FUN! Girl, that hair!!!!!!!! It’s so swoopy and luscious. You look fantastic. Love American Eagle. Love you. I was praying up a storm for you over those days and I”m so happy to see that you had time to eat and extra hands to help.
xo!
So excited for you both! Hoping to see you on your next journey! You are an inspiration to so many. Wishing you all the good luck, HGTV would be crazy not to pick up the show! Think it’s a fab idea!!! Would love to be a bloggie helper if you make it to the Midwest someday:)
What an amazing few days you had and I can’t wait to be able to watch your show. I know they will pick it up…how couldn’t they? By the way, if you would like to come to Murfreesboro TN, come on and see what you can do with my home. I need a new kitchen or living room, or bedroom, or craft room/office. Or my upstairs finished….ok, so I need a lot done to the house. LOL
Wow! How awesome would that be to see Layla, Kev, Shaunna and Matt working together!?!?! I am so excited for you! You took risks, and followed your dreams, and look where you are! I will totally watch your show, HGTV has to pick it up. You could take over “Design on a Dime”. Or do some thing totally new. Whatever, I will be watching!
so amazing, I absolutely cannot wait to see it!!
congrats on such a HUGE accomplishment!!!! i hope you guys had a BLAST! {btw – LOVING what you wore during shooting! you look fab!}