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!
On a mission for The Lettered Cottage. Let’s get together and see what we can do. Contact HGTV, friends.
http://www.itsrobinwithani.com/2012/02/on-mission-for-lettered-cottage.html
~ robin
Like others who have commented … I’m so over and done with home buying and selling shows. Never go into them anyway. Everyday living inspiration is what makes my heart sing and you guys are the music! Keep on keeping on, you are my favorites on SO many levels!
Hi Layla, I rarely leave comments, but I am compelled to tell you what an amazing inspiration you are and that HGTV has made a HUGE mistake!! You have such a wonderful spirit and are extremely creative. I read many blog posts, but a few of them are true favorites and yours is absolutely one of them for many reasons. First, your impectible taste and second, your kind heart. That is a winnig combination and I would have loved to see you on TV. Keep at it girl, you amaze me!
So sorry about the show! I would have loved to watch you and the tube. You would have been way better than some of the shows they have on right now. I hope the show finds another better home very soon!
Whoops! …ON the tube…
Someone PLEASE tell the people at HGTV that there is STILL a recession going on so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop teasing us with all these homebuying shows! MOST of us cannot afford to buy right (GOD I’d love to tho!), all we can afford is to spruce up what we have now! Bring back the essence of DECOR, (except for Design on a Dime – man that show and its OUTDATED decor – eeeek!) I NEED IT IN MY LIFE AGAIN!!
Enough of my ranting, I could go on and on if you wanna hear but I won’t! However I will say I LOOOVE the makeover! Who needs HGTV when you have such a huge following anyway!!! They said NO but keep asking and you will get a YES somewhere!! God Bless!
Booo…what were they thinking? You guys would have been fabulous, but perhaps fate has something better in store for the two of you. That living room turned out beautiful, I love the color and textures…and that amazing fireplace!
Your blog is the best. HGTV, what’s going on over there? I was addicted for years and now it’s boring. Inspiration is what it’s all about and THE LETTERED COTTAGE has it to the max. Please keep inspring us.
awww…. i am really disappointed also. i love the work that you guys do. i am sad for hgtv to have lost you.
Oh, I’m so disappointed! HGTV doesn’t know what they are missing. Your combined talent and humor and personalities would make a great show. Hopefully the future!
On a different note, there are NO words to describe this transformation. Beautiful! I can take so many ideas from this redo. Beautiful.
I am so sorry that it didn’t work out. God has many plans for us and although it may be hard to understand at the time, He does have our best interest at heart. Hopefully this will lead to bigger and better things that you can not see yet. Good luck, I would love to watch you guys on a show!
I’ve been following your blog for months, but today I wanted to comment. Your wonderful talents and warm personality just jump through the screen with each post. Thank you for all you do!
I am really disappointed the show isn’t picked up, but I only hope this means another great opportunity is around the corner. You are SO talented and we love you!
Karen, thank you so much for your kind comment. My heart is just absolutely over-flowing reading through all of these messages, and we can’t thank you enough for taking the time to visit us today! XO
You’re so welcome! 🙂
Layla and Kevin, I am so sorry the pilot did not go through! Although, I know you will be doing other big things in your future. It’s funny I really had no idea it was for HGTV when I decided to help. I just wanted to have a blogging adventure. I sure did and I got to met the two of you. You guys were awesome. I really enjoyed my time with all of you. You were so sweet and fun!! I can’t wait to see what is in store for the two of you in the future. Keep designing and loving what you do! So glad to call you friends!
Love
Deneen
Shut the front door!!!! What an absolute shame. This is what people want to see!!! Real people making beautiful rooms in an affordable way. HGTV may have missed the boat, but we are the lucky ones who get to see what you do! Thank you for always creating and always sharing!
Aw, well I have to say I’m bummed for you both and for myself (a bit self serving here).. I was so looking forward to your wonderful show.. I think they missed a wonderful opportunity, your show would have been amazing.. So different and yet real.. Well they still have, House Hunters :/ (which I enjoy, but they need something else to be honest).
Thinking more about this.. and seeing other comments, namely the over used programing of, House Hunters.. We should all write HGTV, After people have hunted for their home they need to decorate it.. come now.
Oh, I’m so sorry this didn’t work out for you. But it sounds like you’ve got a good attitude about it.
This may sound hokey, but I remember someone saying on the tv show “The Voice” recently (to a vocalist who wasn’t chosen) that all four of the judges have had people turn them down at some point in their career. Everyone has that. But it doesn’t mean give up. And I know YOU KNOW this, but in case you forgot, I’m reminding you. 🙂 Keep working towards your dreams. Look how far you’ve come already.
as the french say: “C’est La Vie” & vie some more!
I’m shocked they wouldn’t pick up your show. That room was gorgeous!!! I’m sorry that you two were disappointed but I bet some even better opportunities are on the horizon for you both.
I hate this, I was so looking forward to your show. Love your blog and will continue to read it. I know you will get your own show one day
I’m bummed to hear this too! HGTV is so full of people fake-real estate shopping (I know someone who was invited to do house hunters int’l AFTER she’d already bought her place), and I’d really rather see more design shows. GOOD ones. Candace Olsen’s the only one I care for now, but she doesn’t actually cater to people on a budget. 🙂 Keep up the good work!
If HGTV puts one more buy/sell show on their line up I’ll just spit! I miss the good old days when decorating was why you tuned in…and your show would have been a winner, for sure. But as they say, when one door closes…..
Don’t know if you’ll catch this response among all the others, but I just wanted to tell you what a privilege it was to work with you and your fine crew. Everyone was SO nice! I’m pretty proud of those pillows…the fabric choices are awesome! And those drapery panels…LOVELY! Thanks for letting me be a small part of your “crew” that day! HUGS!
Thank you so much, Denise! We couldn’t have pulled it off without you!!! 😀
What a bummer. It sounded like your show would have been just what I’ve been wanting. I’m tired of all these Selling house shows to the rich. 🙁 They really really stink. I do even watch HGTV hardly anymore because they took off all the shows that I actually liked and got ideas from. Now they just stink stink stink even more for not going with your show. Well I guess you have something better coming along!!! They are not good enough to have y’all. Good luck to y’all.
🙁 Well, rats! Guess there is something better around the corner! 🙂 That’s fun to think about….
I love your design style, your blog, and your fun personalities that shine through both!
Well, dang – here I was going to actually watch HGTV again if ya’ll were on it.. LOL!! It’s become so BORING and I can’t tell you the last time I turned it on (my husband is thrilled, of course!) Seriously, ya’ll would’ve been a breath of fresh air to that channel and that room is GORGEOUS! Maybe HGTV will read THESE posts and realize some of us are sick and tired of House Hunters and all the other stupid Buy-Sell shows – bring back DESIGN… I loved Decorating Cents “back in the day” because at least it seemed REAL!
Oh well – I will just continue my blog reading for good design tips – and am sending hugs your way!!! 🙂
That is a HUGE bummer! It seem like the
, real and useful stuff is overlooked for a “Hollywood” grade production!
Makes me mad!
You know what…just think of this as practice. Something bigger and better is right around the corner for you guys. *smile*
Practice! I like that idea! Thank you, Sherri! 😀
Kevin and Layla – I really hate it that you all didn’t get picked up – I was so rooting for you guys. Truthfully, I use to be a really big HGTV viewer but I personally don’t enjoy seeing house hunters or house hunters international EVERY single time I turn it on. I would have loved to have seen what you would have brought to that channel – you are fun, beautiful, inspiring and REAL people with real dreams. And I so hope someone rewards you for all your hard work. Many blessings to you all in everything you do. God must have something bigger in store for you!
Darn! I would have loved to have seen your show! I agree about HGTV too.
Can I ask you where you found that sectional? I”m in the market for something like it but don’t want to break the bank. Any advice?
God bless you!
Jenni
Obviously bigger and better things are ahead 🙂
I am such a huge fan! My husband and I just bought our first home on the OBX and your blog had been such an inspiration. We WILL get there, one room at a time. THANK YOU!
Just wondering what color the paint was? I would love to create this room in my house!
Can you give us an answer on the type of flooring this was. Gosh, it looks beautiful.
Thanks.
Sure thing, Ter’e! I’m going to put together a post with more photos and resources soon! 😉
Beautiful people,
As I am sad for you both, having followed you two darlings for a while now, I am more energized for you to see what God will do – He will do what is BEST for you both, even tho it is so hard to see that – I love your attitude about all this, and God will honor your response to this dissapointment. You two are so unique out here in bloggiland, and I am confident His ‘good and perfect and pleasing will’ WILL happen for you both as you keep your eyes on Him and keep on throwing hammers at nails and putting paint to walls and furniture!!!
ps – I hope some scout from HGTV is reading this comment thread – would be smart for them. <3
Blessings abound to you two! You truly are soooo gifted.
Hi Lisa!
Thank you so much for visiting us today. We appreciate your kind words so much, and we’ll definitely keep our eyes on Him as we move into the phase of our adventure!
I’m so disappointed to hear this–both for you and for those of us who were looking forward to watching the show! I think HGTV missed the boat on this one big-time. I can’t imagine what they were thinking.
You are so talented and have such a large and loyal following that I have to believe that something even better is ahead for you. We’ll all say we “knew you when.” 🙂
P.S. That living room makeover is a-MA-zing. Love it!
Thank you, Julia! 😀
And we look forward to blogging more about their living room soon, too!
I went and commented on HGTV’s facebook page that your readers are very disappointed! Hope more people comment and they quit with the push for buy/sell shows! Love your blog! And hope to see your show someday!
Don’t give up on your dreams! Y’all are living them now..it will only get better!!
((Big Hugs))
Just remember that God’s plans are always greater than our own & that faith in him includes trusting in his timing. When he closes a door, he always opens a window. Just keep on shining your little lights for all to see. You are both bright spots in this big old world!
BTW, as a former (no longer) viewer of HGTV programming, your show would have totally won me back over. The same has occurred with me regarding Food Network.. I only tune in these days to catch Ree’s “Pioneer Woman.” I seriously wonder how they determine what is supposedly “in” at the moment. In regards to myself, they are way off base.
Hi Layla and Kevin,
I was saddened to learn you weren’t picked up for a show on HGTV! I of course, feel your are of Star Quality and talent, even if HGTV doesn’t feel they have a place for you at this time!! I enjoy each and every post and picture you send our way. Keep up the good work.
Take good care,
Cyndee (from Tulsa, OK)
OH MY WORD! HGTV deleted my comment within minutes!
Hi Layla and Kevin-
I like everyone who loves and reads your blog is very sad that the HGTV show didn’t work out for you. It would have been what viewers truly want to see on HGTV – not like “the formula cheap to produce” stuff they seem to be gravitating to. Since the first time I read your blog I have always thought – these two have it – style, character, uniqueness, charisma, TALENT! This may seem like a set back for you, but I TRULY feel you are on the verge of something bigger and even better to show your talents.- so try not to look at it as a set back, but just a small bump in the road to reaching your goals and dreams – perhaps staring your own network!!!
I am so happy to know that Kevin will be teaching a session on photography at Haven. I just bought a Canon 60D and have so much to learn. Your photos are beautiful and I can’t wait to learn more from you. xo
Their loss my dear! Look at all your comments and followers! I see I am not the only one that loves you guys! Keep plugging along, it WILL happen! Melaine
p.s. I emailed you, not sure if you got it, but I am ready to move forward on the convo we had! 🙂
I am so bummed out…I adore your style and was looking forward to seeing it on tv on a regular basis!
I read your blog all the time, but this is my first time posting because I just HAD to ask…what color is that blue you guys used in the living room for the pilot? I am having such a hard time choosing the perfect blue for my living room and I LOVE how that one looks! Thanks!
Here’s hoping someone else picks up the show, in the meantime I’ll continue to enjoy your website 🙂
Thanks, Mary! 🙂
We’re looking forward to publishing a post full of all the details about the Morrison’s room in March!
You’ve got to be kidding me!!!! They couldn’t drop one of the MANY hours of House Hunters to give us what we want…a great show with great hosts!!!! They are the losers in this case! You’re going to get there….just remember it’s all in God’s time and His hands!!! You two are much loved, and I’m sure I’m not the only disappointed fan of yours. Much love being sent your way!!!!
<3
i’m super bummed to hear they’re not going forward with y’all’s idea. if i have to watch another house hunters/my first place/bang for your buck, etc., i’m gonna poke my eyes out. it seems if it tested well in a focus group, they’d change the ‘focus’ of their programming to go with what’s wanted. but, that’s prolly why i don’t run a TV station!
good luck – i’m sure something else will come along – you all are super duper talented!!
Layla and Kevin, I am bummed that this was not picked up by HGTV.I love reading your blog and I was looking forward to watching your show. I have all but stopped watching this channel (HGTV) with the exception of 2 hours on Saturday, I live on the west coast so they can start showing a new design show at 4pm my time. UGHH!!!!
HGTV are you reading these comments? Your focus group was incorrect. Your faithful viewers have left your channel in droves. We do not want more home buying shows. Enough already.
In my area DIY channel is an add on to our cable package and with the economy being tight we do not receive it. Please do not expect your viewers to switch over and watch that channel while you continue to be an all real estate buy/sell format.
So sorry to hear that they didn’t pick you up. And the end result of that room is sweeter than a lot I’ve seen on HGTV! Hopefully, this will blossom into something else for you both. Who knows? I know I’ll keep watching! Thanks for the blog. I really enjoy it!
Well I think it’s stupid they didnt pick that up…I was really looking forward to watching yall! Love the living room yall did for them btw…total perfection, as usual!
Nooooo, I was so looking forward to your show 🙁 What were they thinking? I honestly think HGTV made a huge mistake ’cause you guys are awesome.
Well, poop! I was so looking forward to being able to DVR your show and watch it curled up on my couch with my cup of hot tea and blanket. The good news in all of this is that, one day, I will. God takes care of his children and through you guys being a light for him, there is no doubt in my mind I’ll see you two on my tellie one day. In the meantime, continue doing what you do best…being you. Teaching all of the rest of us how to reflect, redesign and relish in all that this crazy life has to toss our way!
Blessings to you both today and always!
~Aleigh