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!
Awwwww, I’m so bummed that they didn’t pick up your show…. I was SO looking forward to watching you guys turn into tv superstars.
If not now, it will happen soon enough…. 🙂
That’s a bummer! I’m so tired of all the buy/sell shows on HGTV. I miss the real decorating shows. I hope another network picks it up. What a great concept!
I still miss TLC trading spaces!
When one door closes another opens and I believe there will be something great behind it. I really think HGTV should pay attention to the blogging community and those of us who read and are inspired by you all on a daily basis. Looking forward to what the future hold for you!
I’m bummed! But I truly believe that if it didn’t happen, it wasn’t meant to be, God will put you where you need to be!
I too am tired of the buy/sell shows I never watch them. Love me some Design Star though! 🙂
Would love info on the fabulous room you guys did for that couple. I love that mantle!! Good Luck to you guys!
They must be absolutely crazy! That one room alone just oozes with style and talent! How in the world could they think buy & sell shows are smart in today’s housing market??? Glory. A smart network would target the American population that is trying to stay in their home and make it into something beautiful…which you two clearly help folks do. I am just shaking my head… Here is what I would like to see – your show in Sunday evening on PBS right before Downton Abbey..a sure winner’s market. hmmm…anybody out there know someone at PBS?? I know it must be disheartening, but be proud that you had the opportunity and happy that you were brave enough to take it. Better things MUST be headed your way I know.
Now go work on your photography blog Kevin! ha ha.
I’m so disappointed. It seemed like the perfect gig for you two and for all us fans/bloggers. However, you know what they say, when one door closes another opens. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you.
I know you may not read this as I am 228 in the pile but, I was looking forward to a buy/celebrate show. The buy/sell shows are starting to wear and I find that I don’t watch that much HGTV anymore because of this. My husband and I are in our forever home (not our sell home)and I am an addict to home design and would love watching more shows with people living in their homes. (especially with a vintage style)
Watching to see what you do next.
awww…I am sorry! But, hey we all still love and support you. Something better will come along you wait and see. Best of luck in your new path!
I’m so sorry to hear that your pilot won’t be made into an HGTV show. I am so tired of all those House Hunters shows. It seems they could for-go a few of those slots to put some fresh new show in it’s place. I suppose it is cheaper to produce a buy/sell show as apposed to a decorating show. What a bummer!
xo
jeanne
super bummer!!!! Maybe we can all “send nuts” to HGTV to get them to change their minds:
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/FunMoney/story?id=3214156&page=1#.Tz7uUrRnA2Y
Well, that’s a bummer!!! What’s funny is I have been saying for months that I wish they would put more decorating shows on hgtv instead of all the house hunters!
I am soooo disappointed!! I hardly watch HGTV anymore becaue I really am tired of the buy/sell shows since that is NOT what I can do. I love watching the make overs so I can get ideas for myself.
I was really looking forward to seeing it – love your attitude though!
their buy/sell shows drive me crazy. i think the direction you guys were headed is much more appealing but alas, i am no TV exec.
blessings!
Awww bummer! I really had my fingers crossed for you two. I think I wanted to see you guys on camera as much as you wanted to be on there. 🙂 I’m sure there are still good things ahead for you though.
I was so looking forward to your show! I think HGTV missed the mark on this, as I prefer watching a “remake” instead of a dump the old and buy something new! In fact, all my favorite HGTV shows are thinking outside the box of decorating and changing up what you already have, with a few “new” things here and there. I guess that’s why I don’t watch it as much as I did before! Still, I will continue to visit your site and others like yours to see how you and Kevin mix things up. Remember “up” and things will work out fine!
So sorry to hear this news! I was so looking forward to having a reason to engage with HGTV again. Put me in the pot with the folks who have lost interest in the network. I used to voraciously follow the HGTV Dream Home and that doesn’t even appeal to me anymore because the houses are all beginning to look the same– same designs, same floor plans, same sense of being out of reach due to the tax burden and HOA fees, even when the house itself is paid for. And I can only watch so many people buy extravagant homes abroad while I’m struggling to keep up with the mortgage on my fixer-upper in the states.
Thanks for keeping it real and sharing your passion with us!
I am so bummed your show did not get made. I would have loved it. I remember when HGTV had decorating shows and craft shows. Its a shame all they do is buying/selling. I’d like to see some decorating! I hope another station picks it up. I’ll tune in!
It will come, take your time, enjoy what you do so well, and it will come
Sorry to hear this as I know it isn’t easy to hear the news we didn’t want to hear. I sure want you to be encouraged as I believe this is because God has a much bigger plan for the two of you. He has given you a beautiful gift of designing and all that it encompasses including photography and He will continue to use you and bless you and bring Him glory. It was such a gift when I found your blog and I felt like I found a new friend.
love and blessings,
Maggie
I found your website (along with a new world of decorating blogs) a few months ago and just love it. I didn’t realize until reading others comments, that I, too, have stopped watching HGTV and mainly get my design “fix” through wonderful blogs like yours! HGTV is not anything like it used to be. Count me as another former HGTV fan that tired of all the buy/sell shows. I know God has a plan for you..and right now, you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Trust in His timing!
I am overwhelmed by all of the support you receiving in these comments! Almost brings me to tears. I was also looking forward to your show. The anticipation! Based on the number of responses to this blog, you obviously have a fan base. Can someone make sure the folks at HGTV read this???
You are wonderful, keep doing what you do.
Best,
Megan
Not the news I wanted to read. Sadly,HGTV is out of touch with what real people would like to see. Will keep following your blog. You guys keep doing the stuff you do best. The good stuff will follow.
: (
Sorry to hear about that decision… Am I the only one that doesn’t want more of the buying/selling shows on hgtv? I hardly watch hgtv anymore because that’s all they do. I wish theyd do more decorating how to’s
Bummer
You should try to pitch to HGTV Canada it is a seperate network from HGTV USA. HGTV USA actually uses alot of Canadas original programming.
OH NO! I was really looking forward toyour show! HGTV is great but they do the same old – same old stuff over and over. Was really looking forward to a fresh new concept and ideas for average DIY people like me. Love your blog though so keep it coming. Your’s is the first I check out when I log on.
Layla,
I. for one, am exteremely dissapointed in their decision. I am confident that, had they given you and Kevin more feedback regarding their concerns, you could have considered a revision of the proposal and injected some product placement, or promotion, to appease their upper management. As a former sales and marketing executive, I am particulary dissapointed that they let the charisma and chemistry the two of you have – as well as the amazingly loyal following, take second seat to their need to incorporate a defined, revenue producing stream through product use/endorsement. Honestly, this impacts my opinion of HGTV, and will also impact the frequency of my viewing of their shows. I do not mean to verstep, but I suggest you and Kevin track the feedback from this post. More than a few programming decisions have been overturned/reconsidered based on consumer input. This may not, and frankly should not, be over!
Its too bad they have NO idea what they are missing out on. They will “see” when you become even more famous than you are now. Its baby steps…it will come. The experience had to have been wonderful. Something bigger and better will come your way:) I have to say I LOVE that your going to keep going and “doing” what you do…go Layla and Kev:)
They’re crazy to have passed on you.
BOOOOO!! Was so looking forward to seeing you guys in action. I think you two are crazy good at what you do and will continue to be a fan! Ever onward, every upward!!
OH man ! 🙁 So sorry it didn’t happen this time around but keep plugging away and opportunites will come your way 🙂 This one just wasn’t meant to be but I bet it will lead to something better! I LOVE how the room turned out. So drastically different. Crisp and fresh. Love it. Looking forward to the photography series and following you along. Happy weekend!
Soooo disappointed! I too am really tired of the same old recycled program ideas/rehashes on HGTV. I’m not interested in multi-million dollar condos in NYC! Let’s show the average North American what can be done with reasonable budgets and non-professionals achieving amazing decorating and dyi ideas!!!! Come on HGTV you need a dose of reality.
I’m shocked and disappointed…I watch HGTV and they need a show like this!! wow….so bummed! I hope someone else picks you up instead.
Can I ask what you did to their fireplace? I’ve that rounded hearth and I like how you squared theirs off… The difference between theirs and mine is my brick is floor to ceiling. It’s a fab double fireplace available to family room and living room but… we don’t use it so it seems to be the dark hole. I’d love to brighten it up.
I’m sorry the this wasn’t the time, but NOTHING is going to stop you two. I know you feel it, too. The momentum is growing and great things are ahead of you. You are already living the dream of doing what you love and enjoying growing recognition and respect. Hang in there! I have been so proud to watch your progress. I would love to watch your show and I love that you included bloggers!
I am SO DISAPPOINTED!!!…I have been following your blog for some time now and it was a HAPPY DAY the moment I stumbled upon it! I have no doubt TV is in your future! Good luck with the projects that are ‘in the works”!!!!
I’ve already have my name on a wait list for the chalk paint at a Long Island dealer as it has yet to come our . Just a few more weeks I’m told and my family room transformation will begin!
You and Kevin inspire me on a daily basis…and for that..I THANK YOU!
God bless you!
Donna
I’m a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason”. We may never know why, but there is reason.
I feel there are bigger and better things for you two! 🙂
gail
quite disappointed that HGTV didn’t pick up your show but not suprised since the quality of programming there has steadily declined. Do not give up on this pilot…you two are so talented! Look at this as a turn in the road and not the end of the road. I truly believe that one day all the blog followers will say, “we knew them when…!”
I can’t believe HGTV didn’t pick up your show. You guys are so talented and personable – the perfect combination for success. The after on the room you re-did is amazing! I had to keep going back and forth between the before and after photos – I just couldn’t believe it was even the same room!
What is HGTV thinking???? You’ve got such a great fresh style. They need some NEW talent. House Hunters and Property Virgins need to go….how exciting is it to look at empty houses and closets??? YUCK. Where do we write to express our opinions to the pin heads that make these decisions?
Oh, Kevin and Layla – I’m so disappointed! But at least I’ll always be able to find your projects on your blog!
Love you and your blog. I have followed you since you helped Pioneer Woman’s friend decorate her home. You truly have inspired me. I along with others thought the HGTV show would be a sure thing since they could use more good every day design. I certainly loved the pilot room redo. Look forward to seeing more about it. I know great things are instore for you.
Well, they should have asked your readers! I just want to thank you for all of the effort you put into your blog, your work and your desire to spread inspiration and encouragement to all of us out here in blogland. You two are jewels and I look forward to checking in on you any chance I get. Wishing you all the best in your next big adventure!
Darn! I was really looking forward to seeing your show. Well, I’m sure God has better timing or a better opportunity in mind! Keep up the blogging! I love it!
OH, my friends! Since I got the news firsthand, I am just now getting caught up over here. You know how I feel about both of you, adore you to death. I just know this is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new journey. there are bigger and better things in store for you both! I am in a waiting game myself, looking for a house and I know that God is ultimately in control, as you know too. We can rest in that comfort. Love you both and hope to see you really, really soon! xoxo
This was a ridiculous decision on the part of HGTV. Good Golly……..don’t they know real, sincere talent when they see it?
OK…….I am over that.
You kids keep following your dreams. If this failed – it’s for a dang good reason! That’s all there is to it. There is something MUCH BETTER out there, just waiting for you to “fall into the situation”. That’s why HGTV didn’t sign you!!!!!
Remember Jeremiah 29 11-13. God has a plan!!!!!! You kids will land the GOLDEN GOOSE………it’ll happen on HIS time, not yours!
You know how much we all believe in you and how much we all love your “family”……………KEEP ON, keeping on!!!!!!!!!
ROCK ON KIDS! We know you are the best thing out there…………..
(and no folks, I am NOT related) LOL!
I”m sorry this happened. Maybe it will be picked up elsewhere? I like your fresh style and I think you would do very well on t.v.
Was so sad to read this. I was hoping you guys would get a huge series and could come up here to MA to help me with my kitchen. I’m hoping that another network will pick it up. I find your work and blog so inspiring. When one door closes another will open. x
I’m so sorry, Layla and Kevin! I don’t know what hgtv is thinking! I’ve stopped watching them altogether because their shows are all soooo boring. I cannot stand the real estate shows. If they are on, I just click off. The reality is that hardly no one is in the financial situation to buy. We just need to fix up what we have. That’s why I watch the DIY network and read fabulous DIY blogs like yours! I was looking forward to your show and actually having a reason to watch HGTV again.
They need to get with the times. Blogs are future of home design ideas and advertising. Blogs are only becoming more and more popular and it’s not gonna stop. Hgtv just really missed out!
Oh well, you and Kevin are destined for the stars and you dont need hgtv to take your there! Can’t wait to see all the great things you do In your future!
Love you both!!!
Actually I am shocked. I so wanted a good program on HGTV. They lost me as a viewer and I was hoping for you guys to get me back to them again. I just don’t learn anything from them now, but used to. Good luck to you guys!! You all are absolutely the best.