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!
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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!
I’m with Shannon – I am still mesmerized by the TV hair. I like that the hair & clothes still seem like “you” though! I was thinking of y’all all last week. Following the feed on Twitter. I rarely say much but I’ve been enjoying the process. I’m so happy that you guys finally got your shot. And how awesome would it be if you & Kevin get to work together full-time?? Keep dreaming big. 🙂
Thank you Erin!! 🙂
What FUN these past weeks seem to have been for you. I love how you captured so much of it to share with us. . .and here’s hoping that the folks at HGTV see that same spirit that us followers have been addicted to these last years. I’m sure it took a few days to come off that high. . .can’t wait to see how it all turns out 🙂
OH MY GOSH!!!! This post could NOT MAKE ME MORE HAPPY!!! We can all say we knew you when….LOL!!! :o) Can’t wait to hear when it gets picked up!!! woot woot!!! :o)
Looked like a lots of fun. I hope the show gets picked up. I reall enjoy you two on your blog and would be even better to get to see more of you on tv. I think your a special couple.
Layla & Kevin, so glad I got to come & hang out & do a little bit to help this reno. I just love y’all & hope so much that this is a huge hit!! I think it will be & you might be busier than you can imagine. xoxo
It’s all on your faces. It’s obvious what a wonderful, unbelievable time you had. Way to go!!!!!! So stinkin cute…………………………
This is so great! What a wonderful opportunity and I have not doubt whatsoever that HGTV will junp at it. I felt I was there right along with you, so sad though that we have to wait for the reveal for such a long time. But I am sure it will be worth the wait.
What a great idea this is! Can’t wait to see the show when it gets picked up! Btw, I love Kevin’s shirt. Im probably the last person in the world to see on like that but “ny loves me” is hilarious.
Priceless photo: you guys and the GIANT pig! haha. I heard/read somewhere that you guys were going to be at the Country Living Fair in GA. next month. I was thinking about planning a trip from my ol’ Kentucky home to the fair. Will you be there?
wow! what an amazing adventure!!
Congrats! I hope to see it on TV someday soon!
Thank you Shauna! We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a kind comment! 😀
this is so cool! I would have loved to come help if I wasn’t away for work. You guys seem so genuine and full of passion for what you do, I hope to see your episode on HGTV!!!
So, so, so excited for you guys, Layla & Kevin!!!
This how MUST happen!! You guys are amazing and we will keeping our fingers crossed that you post a big fat YAY on the the show!!
Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
http://herlatenightcravings.blogspot.com/
Richmond, VA
Great recap! I love seeing some of my fav bloggers ‘in action’. I just left a comment on Rhoda’s post – I got to work on HGTV’s Yard Crashers last December. It was their Christmas episode but it airs THIS year! OMG, it was so crazy – tons of contractors, workers, equipment, supplies, people. Mass confusion to me, a simple artist, but not to the talented people at HGTV.
I so hope your show gets picked up. First Ree, then you guys. We might just take over the airwaves 😀
One picture I missed though – the guy that runs around with the huge white reflecting board. I never did find out what it’s called, but he was everywhere the cameraman was – on the ground, up in the cherry picker, on top of the roof. It cracked me up.
Again, thanks for the recap and Good Luck!
Thanks Colleen!
How fun that you got to work on Yard Crashers! I bet it was a TON of work though! 😛
We didn’t use a reflector on our shoot…which is fine by me because those suckers really make your eyes hurt after a while! 😀
I am so happy and proud of you guys! I have followed you for years, and couldn’t be more pleased that your talent is being recognized. I think what attracts myself and all the others to you two is, not only your obvious talent, but, also your love for life – and for each other, and your ability to see good in every situation. Ya’ll are an inspiration for so many!
I’m so excited for the two of you! It’s so inspiring that you’re pursuing what you love and people…lots of people…are noticing and it’s paying off. Good for you!
Thanks Marian!!!
SO happy to be a part of this amazing community of peeps!
Can’t wait to work on a room with you sometime too!!!
😀
Oh my gosh…totally.
Super Duper fun! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Thanks for stopping by today Susana! Always good to hear from you, and we appreciate your encouraging words so much!
Layla & Kevin –
Words are not adequate enough to express how happy we are for you. There is nothing better in life than witnessing dreams come true!
Your Friends,
Deborah & Thomas
Layla, I know this might sound a little nutty since I don’t even know you, but reading this post, my heart swells with pride! I’m just so excited for you and Kevin, and for all of us who will (WILL) get to see your amazing talents on HGTV. Can’t wait to see the final reveal, but I know it will be worth the wait 🙂
So so excited for you guys. Can’t wait for a show like this to be on HGTV. Thank you for the continued inspiration in life and design! Its nice to see good things happen to good people.
Thanks for sharing this with us…HGTV would be crazy not to air this AND give the show a test drive. We’re out here and ready to watch! My favorite shot of the shoot is one of Michael in the kitchen with important tools of the trade — a paint brush and a corkscrew! 😉 Janita
Would LOVE to see this episode!!!! Let us know when it’s planning on airing! HOW EXCITING! Congratulations : )
How great it is to see the “behind the scenes” stuff. I’m so hopeful you and Kevin will make it big. Very deserving, I’m sure.
Sounds like a wonderful adventure….and how cool to be able to do it with the one you love….sweet.
I can’t wait to see the show….fingers crossed.
Happy Day
I’m fairly new to your blog but in the short few months I’ve subscribed, I feel like I really know you two! And that’s what makes you both special and what will lead to incredible success in the future. Your show, as described here, seems to reflect your ability to let folks “in” and that has so much appeal! Can’t wait to see your show on TV!
I love it. I love the adventure God is taking you two on and thanks for letting us come along for the ride. He has a perfect plan for your lives!
Hey Kevin, Layla! I feel like I have read your blog forever! I’m so super excited for your guys. It’s almost like it is happening to part of my family!! You guys are so awesome…..makes me giddy happy! Ya’ll rock!
Layla and Kevin, you guys have worked so hard for this and it shows. I’ve been keeping you in my thoughts all week long. I admire your courage to tackle this sucker head-on. I’m so shy, I could never talk in front of a camera, let alone film a pilot, OMG! You guys are my design heroes, for reals. PS – LOVE the hair, gorgeous!
oxox
Jennifer
I am so excited for you guys. Ever since I first saw your blog I was telling my husband that you two had the “it” factor and that someday I think they will have some kind of deco. show. Can’t wait to see what this journey of life brings for you both!
Linda Hilbrands
What a great recap! You two are amazing. I truly hope we can work together in the future. I had a awesome time!
*an
I think this looks like the best idea for a show ever! Bringing people together who have shared so much through blogging! I’m so excited for you guys. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Okay Layla and Kev, I thought I would peek in and see how the shoot was going.I was not prepared to be caught hook line and sinker! Okay I would have watched on TV the making of your project just from what is here on the blog.And guess what I would become a faithful viewer if they pick your guys show up.AND I am not your age, not even close but people of all age groups,interests and taste will love LOVE this show.You will capture a W-I-D-E audience! There was something in the pics chronicaling your journey that will have something for everyone on this show.If they want a new hot show….I’m just sayin
What a neat post. I am so happy for y’all, and I know that America will love the pilot. I wish y’all all the best, and it warms my heart to read about all the extra help y’all had from bloggers.
I cannot wait to watch your show! I am excited!
(I also can’t wait to see the project using stuff from Southern Accents. I love that store!)
(((hugs))),
Ricki Jill
Can’t wait to see everything on TV, hopefully!!
Man those newly-weds look like they could be brother and sister! I really hope the show gets picked up! Looks like yall had a blast AND yall were dressed so cute everyday!
Oh my gosh! How fun all your pictures look! I so wish I lived closer… So I could help you too! Good luck with all your new and fun adventures! I will be watching and definitely reading… XoXo
Thanks for sharing the pics of your adventure in HGTV land! I hope you get picked up – I will certainly be a viewer! If there is anything your faithful blod follwers can do to help, be sure to post it!
Oh my goodness my friend, how exciting to see how the week went for you both! I’m positive that room was AH-MAY-ZING and that HGTV will surely pick up the show!!! Love your beautiful hair and smile, and so nice seeing Kevin too! I think my fave is the one with you both with the pink pig, love it!!!!
Miss you tons.
xo
Kate
Thank you Kate!!!
We are so happy to have met you through this awesome world of blogging, and hope to get a chance to work on a room with you next year too!!!
😀
If they DON’T let you guys have a WHOLE show then they are crazy. You are both so cute, so talented and HGTV needs to have you. I’ll stop watching them if they don’t. Everytime I turn to HGTV it is a house hunter show. Ok enough HGTV. I want Layla and Kevin’s show!
Layla and Kevin: You two are so deserving of a show! Over the years, you have grown, but never waivered from the real you. I wish you much success. Cindy
Thank you so much Cindy! Blogging has been so much fun, and we are so thankful to have “met” folks like you throughout the last few years! 😀
You guys deserve every bit of success that comes your way!! Hope to watch you on HGTV soon—so excited for you guys!!
Thank you Alicia! We sure appreciate your kind words!! 😀
Layla and Kevin
You both left “footprints on my heart”! Thanks for including me and mentioning me above!
Deneen
Can’t thank you enough for coming out and chipping in, Deneen! You rock!
I knew the first time I saw your blog you two were special! Can’t wait to see the show. I think it will be the best on HGTV!!!
What a sweet thing to say, Michelle! 😀
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog today, and for making us smile!!!!!!! 😀
So excited for you guys! I can’t wait to see it. I just know it’ll air. It HAS to!!!
Thank you Tina! 😀
We’ll see what happens…and we’ll let you know if we hear anything either way!
Aw man! Such an awesome post for so many reasons. You guys stayed true to who you are and that in itself is one reason I’ll be watching y’alls show FOR SURE! Staying positive ya know?
How could they not see the potential y’all have? The fun, the orig. ideas and the chemistry between you and Kev? SO CUTE!!! I wish I could hug y’all and say “Job well done” but alas, a virtual hug will have to do so wrap yourself up and squeeze my “friends”.
One question though? Where’s the story with the pig?
Big congrats, that is so exciting! What ever happened to the giant piggy? Ha! I’ve never seen such a huge stuffed animal!
Oh! It will for sure be a YAY! You’re so inspirational. It’s going to be a huge success! And I can’t wait to watch! 🙂
Can’t wait to see the pilot! Looks like you guys had a blast! I wanted to come help, since I am not too far away, but I didn’t have anyone to watch the kiddos. Maybe, next time!
HGTV would be CRAZY not to produce a show with you guys. Surely they know that EVERYONE would watch EVERY episode? Loved seeing all the behind the scenes pics and can’t wait to see the episode – and you look Beautiful, Layla!