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!
I was so looking forward to your show. Another door will open for you because you are so loving and it is so much to see what you are doing and thinking. Loved the room you did. I watch lots of HGTV and I think they are wrong and you would have had a big following if they had let you get close to the people.
For starters, I LOVE that room! What you guys did there is so beautiful!!
I don’t want to be negative, but I do want to echo the HGTV sentiments so far. I cut my DIY teeth on shows like “This Old House”, “Trading Spaces”, and “Hometime,” on TLC and PBS. Your style/methods remind me so much of those (only you’re more stylish ;), and I love that! I don’t watch HGTV anymore because I can’t relate to it. Real people doing real things to real houses appeals to me. That’s why I love your blog!
I also am a firm believer that when God says no, it’s because He has a better plan. You guys are insanely gifted. I can’t wait to see why this door is closed, at least for now.
I’m sorry to hear this for you and ME! I’m so tired of the buy/sell shows on HGTV. I find that I turn the channel off far more often than not because it’s the “same old, same old.” It’s either the same old thing or a repeat of the same old thing. HGTV really needs to revamp their line-up, diversify!
You know how I feel. Here’s to the journey ahead. 🙂
XOXO,
shaunna
What a bummer about the pilot, but I have no doubt life will bring you new opportunities that you’ve never expected. If you ever want to collaborate on a space – I’d love it! You don’t have to have a show to do that 🙂
Your Pville Blogging Neighbor
Lindsey @ SimplySalvage
You’re right, Lindsey- and we’re actually cookin’ up a fun project to work on with local peeps, so we’ll definitely keep you posted on that! 😉
So sorry to hear this news. How many more buy/sell shows do they need?? Bummer. I know this was a great experience for all involved though. Bummer too that they won’t let you have the footage back. You guys are awesome and even if this wasn’t meant to be that just means something better is waiting for you.
Well, I think YOU’RE awesome, and Kev and I always appreciate your kind words, Gloria. HUGS TO YOU! 😀
That’s a bummer for you and all of us who love you guys! I know something fantastic is awaiting…in the meantime, you’ve got lots of readers who look forward to starting our morings with your blog. Thanks for all you do!
Well, that little bit about starting your mornings with our blog just made my WHOLE DAY, and it’s only 8:00am- LOL! 😀 Thank you for being so sweet!
Well you gave it go…I say definitely keep plugging..someone will want to take it on. I love you and your husband as a design team. Your young, fresh and talented, and cute as HECK! HGTV..just may be sorry someday:)
Gosh, I’m so bummed! I hope one of the other Scripps networks pick this up. The room is BEAUTIFUL! Of course!!
Shoot. I, too, have given up on HGTV for a while. It’s either too cheesy (Design on a Dime) or too extravagant (Dear Genevieve, Candace Olson). I would have loved to see you two hard working sweet designers in a fresh new show. I’m not usually one to give opinions so freely but I’m hoping networks are snooping around and reading about what their audience really wants. Good luck to you both on your future adventures! I’ll be reading all about them.
I have to admit I am disappointed for the two of you, but I do believe that things always work out for the best. That just makes me excited to see what other interesting things you guys have up your sleeve! No matter what, I’m a huge fan. Now come on back to Georgia and let’s have some more fun!
Hang in there! You have a loyal, and growing, band of followers online.
I agree with many of the other commenters. I’ve stopped watching HGTV, because of the shows that they have on, now. Your show would have been a “breath of fresh air!”
Thank you, Susan! It sure would’ve been fun to work with them and their big fancy cameras, but our show just wasn’t the right fit for them right now, so we’ll just have fun filming redos with our little handicam like always- LOL! 😀
I have all but quit watching HGTV because of their swing toward buy/sell shows. They have turned into the real estate channel instead of what they used to be. I’m disappointed to hear this news, but know big things are ahead for you guys.
Hi Layla & Kev,
First I wanted to say that I adore your site, its the first thing that I check out every morning! You inspire me everyday!!!
Sorry about your series but one of the great things about not getting what we work so hard for is that there is something definately bigger waiting to surprise you. Life sometimes happens that way.
Again, thank you for doing what you do you both are SUPER great!
Maria
That’s totally HGTV’s loss. I don’t need to know how to buy/sell houses. I need to know what I can do with what I already have! I love your style and I was REALLY looking forward to getting to see your ideas come to life on TV. I’m sorry they don’t know any better.
¡Qué triste! I think they would have had a hit on their hands! There are SO MANY of us DIY bloggers that would tune in. Their loss! And ours too 🙁
I am so sorry HGTV did not go with your pilot/series plans. Truly they are missing out, as am I at seeing all you could do and teach us in a show! Praying for other opportunities to come your way for other more awesome things!
I am so sorry to hear about the show, but I know that there are still great things in store for you. I have to echo the others that are tired of the buy/sell shows. It seems these networks loose touch with their audiences every once in a while. Keep up the good work, have fun, and blessings upon you!
Thank you, Misty! We will definitely keep having fun and appreciate your blessings today! 🙂
HGTV’s finger is WAAAAAAY off the pulse of ‘designistas’! I used to watch it but have overdosed on their buy/sell shows. C’mon HGTV! Your audience wants what is exploding on the blog world – people who have the ability to open our minds to new ways of making our homes and lives more interesting through good design without spending a fortune. HGTV – if you want me back, you’ll have to give me what the Palmers (clearly in the top five) and thousands others have delivered to my compuiter!
Dear Layla & Kevin,
I am as disappointed as all your other readers. Clearly it is a huge mistake on the networks part and they just don’t get what one of your room make-overs does for people — and not just the ones who will be lucky enough to live in them! What the world needs now is love sweet love and you two exude it in everything you do. Please remember when God closes a door he opens a window. He has better and bigger plans for you!
Love, Deborah
So sorry to hear this. I, for one, am rather tired of all the buy/sell shows on HGTV. As a homeowner with no plans to move, I’d like to see more redesign/design shows. I hope another channel sees the value in your work!
Don’t be too disappointed Kevin and Layla-as you know bloggers are about a year ahead of the game…so I am betting you will get a call of some kind in the future…..It will happen…you both are just too talented to not be shared!!
chris
I just went to HGTV and sent them a long suggestion email that they reconsider the show. I wasn’t nasty – I just explained why so many people have lost interest in HGTV’s buy/sell shows, and that we want to know how to freshen up what we have instead of selling it and starting over (who has the money right now to just buy a new house???). If you are all as disappointed as I am, go send HGTV your own message!
That is really disappointing news. I am so tired of turning on HGTV only to be bombarded with another episode of House Hunters or the show where someone is trying to sell their house so they make some cheap quick updates. Oh, the first time home buying. Too bad even HGTV isn’t showcasing as much creativity. I bet is is less expensive for them to film the other shows. Hopefully doors will open up for you in another network. Best Wishes!
Your time will come.
Layla and Kevin: While I am disappointed that your show was not picked up, I do believe that there are bigger things in store for you. I wish only the best for you! Cindy
Wow–I am so disappointed…that network is missing out on something that would be great! We are closing on a little rundown cottage at Tybee Island today and I was going to volunteer to be your next makeover (we would fund it of course). Bummer……….but I always trust that God works all things for our good according to His purposes and His wisdom and greater understanding of the situation. I’m sure that this is no exception. There’s something better out there for you. In any case I appreciate what you do and how well you do it. You guys are awesome!
so sorry about the show – but oh my gosh you got to make a pilot show! and the room is gorgeous!! wanna come to the southern california desert and re-do my living room? i’m so stuck about what to do for curtains. we know that you’ll enjoy what lies ahead for you both. take care
Boo! I am really wondering what is up with HGTV these days. It’s always shows about buying houses…how many houses do people buy in their life?! I think they need to look at some thing else than House Hunters! Boring.
I for one can say that I would enjoy your show! I really hope someone will pick it up.
That is a bummer, I know I would have been watching! You guys worked so hard and built something great that people love, I am sure they will find the right place for your show and everything will work out 🙂
*tear*
I love your perspective here, El. As always.
I also love that lost shot of you smooching Kevin. Your hair! Your outfit! Your bracelet! Maybe you need to dress ME. 🙂
I’m sad to hear the show didn’t get picked up. I was looking forward to watching you (on Hulu since I don’t have cable). It’s all in God’s planning though. So don’t regret what could have happened because it would never be better than what he has planned for you!
Well, poo!
I was just thinking yesterday how much I miss the HGTV of old…”Room by Room” was one of my favorites. They are on Create…that and “For Your Home” are great shows.
I would say good luck…but your success will come! God bless!
Oh man, that blows. I wonder if a channel like Create TV (PBS) or planet green would be interested. The did the Beekman boys. I would love to see you on TV! Who wants to be on the stupid Real estate channel anyway (HGTV).
I think HGTV has enough buy/sell shows on. It must be a less expensive route for them to do. I think if you ask the viewers they would tell them give us something new!!! Best of luck in the future.
Laurie 🙂
So sorry to hear that news. I was looking forward to something refreshing and inspiring on HGTV. I stopped watching HGTV almost a year now. Would have loved a show like yours.
And LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the room you did above! You are both so talented and inspiring. I’m sure that if HGTV is a no-go that God has something better for you! 🙂
Bummer! !! I am sick of buy/sell shows. I only watch the decorating shows and yours looked interesting. I’m sorry we won’t get to watch it.
Oh wow – I’m so sorry, and bummed for all of us, too! I agree with others – I’ve had more than enough of the buy/see shows on HGTV. In this economy we need more high quality DIY design shows, and not the kind that give these giant themed rooms, but the kind that you do, where it’s a true reflection of the people who live in the home and is quality work – and entirely doable by anyone!
I sure hope you continue to show us your design talent, because it’s inspiring. Your Prestos, your own home – all so much fun to see!!
I’m so sad to hear that news :(. I would have loved to watch the show!! And I think the after of your project is Gorgeous! Keep on keeping on and spreading the wonderful things that you do 🙂
AhhH! Can I just say I think HGTV is making a HUGE mistake?? I’m tempted to write a letter….
You are so gracious in the way you are handling it all.
I am excited to see where the detour takes you.
Bigger things on the horizon for you two!!
There’s so much talent and expertise between you and Kevin, not to mention the great chemistry, that I have no doubt your journey is just beginning. Can’t wait to see where it takes you!
So sorry to hear about this sad news. I really love your blog and would have loved to see more of your work, ESPECIALLY after seeing the pics of the room you redid. It is gorgeous and so cozy. Will you be doing any posts about the products or your design plan? I would love to know what the paint color is on the walls!
Best of luck with your future projects and keep posting your great work!!
I would love to know the paint color on the walls, too. I love your design and I’m so happy that I found your blog
Only means something better is coming along. 😉
I am so sorry to hear that! Just an idea, but can you pitch to HGTV Canada? I had some friends who did a pilot to one (I think Canada first), only to be accepted by the other (US). I know I am not alone in that I want the good ole days of HGTV back. Back to home decor shows, and NOT buy/sell shows ALL the time. HGTV Canada plays many US shows, so it does not need to be all Canadian content or feature Canadian homes (although, if ever you desire, I’d be first in line if you want a fun ole trip up North =).
well, dang. Dang that your show didn’t get picked up and Dang that HGTV thinks viewers want more ‘sell’ shows. Not me. And not a lot of DIY bloggers, I can tell ya.
But now you have some great experience so you’ll be that much more ready when the right opp comes along. And it will! You’re both waay too talented. Maybe it’s all in the Plan to let Kev get his new site up and running ;)Yay for simple photog sites!
I hope HGTV reads your blog posts. Who is their test audience. I don’t watch the buy/sell anymore. So bored with it. The homes are never comparable to anything like the homes where I live. I do like the shows with the design stars like David and Emily. You are such a darling couple and a show with the two of you would be such a hit. What are they thinking. So sorry. But you two are rock stars in my book.
So disappointed as your show would have given me a reason to watch HGTV….years ago I was addicted to HGTV…now its not “home and garden tv”…it is just a real estate show…I rarely watch now….wish someone else would start a network to pick up where HGTV dropped the ball!
Sad! Maybe someone will be smart enough to snatch it up still!