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!
Lou Cinda
I actually said over the weekend “HGTV NEEDS NEW SHOWS”!! How many House Hunters, House Hunters International, My First Place can one watch? Someone may need to tell them that the housing market is in a slump and more people are looking for ways to rejuvenate their existing homes! I rarely watch it at all anymore….BUT I now that wonderful things are on the horizon for the two of you and where ever that is….I will for sure tune in!!
Lou Cinda 🙂
Rie
Oh Layla! I was so sad when I read this. 🙁 I was really rooting for you! You guys would have made the best show, I just know it. There is a time and season for everything, and the Lord has it all in His perfect control. He loves you, and has your good in mind in everything!
If it makes you feel even a teensy bit better, our family was turned down to appear on House Hunters. We were very, very close, but at the last stage of the decision making, they decided no. Guess we weren’t what they were looking for?? Not interesting enough for House Hunters??? Ouch. 😉 Who knows? But God does, and that’s comforting.
I’ll be praying for you as you move forward with life and am excited to follow along and see all the wonderful things God has in store!
Much love,
Rie
Reagan
We still love you Layla and Kev!
Layla
Thank you, Reagan! We love YOU, too! 😀
Tina Tierson
Wow! I can’t believe your show didn’t get picked up! What are they thinking? Now when I watch HGTV I only watch the decorating shows, most of which are old cuz the buy/sell thing is totally not relevant for me. Don’t give up! Your blog makes my day!!! xoxo
Coastal Decorating Blog
I absolutely love the room you made over. It looks so coastal now! Sorry the show didn’t go through, but your attitude is refreshing and I’m confident GREAT things will come your way. Good things happen to good people.
Smiles,
Lesli @ BeautifullyCoastal.com 🙂
RoxanneK
Sorry to hear that, I was really looking forward to your show. I think it would’ve been just the refresher HGTV needs.
Natalie @ TheShadyAcre
It would have been a great show! It’s a shame that they get a rut with programming and do too much of one thing until everyone is burned out. Many of us would love a show like yours. They should have listened to the focus group…
Denee
It is their loss and I’m sure something better is on the horizon. Thanks for continually inspiring me with you blog.
laura
Layla & Kevin,
You both have been such an inspiration to me from your home improvement projects to your upbeat personalities. I look forward to reading your posts ,and feeling empowered to tackle my own home improvement projects after seeing the things you both accomplish. Do not be defeated by this news…I truly believe that this was meant to free up your time for something even better in your future and I am excited about the possibilities for you both!
Jeni
Anyone that watched Uncover Boss this week learned that focus groups don’t always get it right and I know thats what happened here. I love HGTV but am turned off in the direction they are going with too many House Hunter shows. We all at some point want to update our home and those of us that can’t afford contractors and designers count on shows like HGTV and Nate’s show for inspiration and direction. I believe that is why blogs are so popular as well as you all are so kind to share so many good ideas with us. Of course God never closes a door without opening another so can’t wait to see what it is he has in store for you both….enjoy the journey.
Scentsy Candle
What a bummer! I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you did with the room and I can tell that Alex and Emily loved it too! I wouldn’t worry too much about HGTV not picking it up there are so many other channels that will be interested plus most people (including myself) agree that HGTV is not a very hip up-to-date channel. Keep your head up!
Barb
Dang. I was really hoping your pilot would take off on HGTV. I love the network, but am really ready for some fresh new shows. Hour after hour of house hunters and house hunters international is getting old. Well, I’m a firm believer in “things happen (or don’t) for a reason.” It just means that there are bigger and better things for you two on the horizon and it will all be revealed in time. Keep on keeping on 🙂
Heather
First of all, AMAZING job on the room redo! I love it!
I am truly shocked that they wouldn’t want to pick up your show, but I’m also completely confident that it must be because it is not God’s plan, and He’s got something better for you! Never stop trusting that He is directing your steps!
Hugs to you both, and thank you for sharing your talents with the world!
PS. Super cute picture of you kissing Kev’s cheek! 🙂
Roxanna
Sad news for your faithly followers and definitely their loss.
Just 2 weeks ago I made a comment on the HGTV site that my friends and I now refer to their channel as the “Real Estate Channel”, I asked them to please bring back what HGTV use to represent and that was real people with real homes and real projects on a budget.
Still think your the cutest darn couple!!!!!
Melanie
Well forget HGTV then! Your lil videos posted on here are a “show” to me… I totally enjoy being entertained by TLC!! Do don’t be dismayed. He has promised to open your future door and you two are being prepared for the receiving of it…while living, learning, growing and doing what makes you smile and THAT makes me SMILE!! Also, YAYY for Kevin’s new photog. courses!
Rachel
The ONLY design shows I watch are Sarah’s and David’s…..once in a while Candice’s….otherwise….
I was so hoping that you would get picked up. I think you would be perfect as a host of a junking turned decor show (sort of like Carrie Cucksey sp?)
Deborah
So sad to hear about the no-show… I think you guys are great. I love reading your blog. Your sunny attitudes and endless ideas make me happy. So, keep on keepin-on. Have a happy day.
:~)
Jeanie
Good things are in store for you. Someone other network will recognize your talent and put you in their line-up. As for HGTV, I have all but quit watching and years ago I was a regular watcher. All I can figure, is that it must be cheap to produce those House Hunter type shows. We can protest HGTV by refusing to watch the garbage they try to pass off as design.
Rita Wright
That’s so upsetting! I would have loved to see this show on HGTV! Hopefully it’ll work out with another network! You guys are great!
Rachel
Can you tell me where you got the white sectional for the room you did? I’m in love!!
Mike Grant
I was so looking forward to watching your show, I’m sorry you guys didn’t make it. I agree with all the other comments about HGTV getting old. I’m sick of all the reruns. I learn more from blogs like yours. Good luck with your future projects.
jess
I am sorry that you are disappointed, it is hard when you are counting on something and it doesn’t come through. Your blog is worth more than the HGTV shows to me. I am glad to hear that others feel your worth as well. There must be something else in store for you both.
Best wishes and good luck.
Ally
Layla! You guys did an awesome job! I love the blog! Its awesome! I am in love with this room!
Sue Davies
Layla,
I was SO disappointed to hear HGTV decided not to go with your show. I really hope another channel will pick it up. I really think it’s what is needed now. How many buy/sell shows can we stomach? Keep up the good work as I know it will pay off for you both eventually. At least it’s nice to know we can still keep in touch through your blog. I really appreciate all you and Kevin do to make the world a more beautiful place, beginning right at home.
Sue in Fl.
tenn hens
I think you’re brave just to go through the process so good for you! I’m sorry it didn’t work, but you bring lots of inspiration elsewhere and ya never know about the future. And who needs ’em… kidding, but seriously I love your blog and wish yall much luck on other things.
cailan
This news does not make me happy! But your attitude is fabulous – surely something else will come around or HGTV will come to their senses. In the meantime, love seeing what you do here on TLC!
Sharon
Dear Layla & Kevin – Had noticed the trend toward “house selling/buying” shows; away from the very ones the HGTV logo stands for – HOME & GARDEN DECOR. In recent months I’d completely stopped watching the channel, frustrated that there was absolutely nothing pertaining to decorating the home & garden I want to keep, thank you very much! Can only hope another channel gets smart, deciding to bring us your wonderful decorating style & darling personalities in a featured show. Please keep trying! Hugs, Sharon
Brandi
I just found your blog and I am sooo amazed! I have spent all my free time the past 3 days looking all over your blog, I just love it! I’m sorry to hear HGTV decided not to go with your show, I think it would be a great help for them! I don’t even watch it anymore, but I would definitely watch you guys! It could end up being a blessing, better things to come! And I love what you guys did to the newlywed’s living room, I just so happen to live in Suwanee too! I love this town, I hope you got to experience all of our wonderful charm!
Lisa Rafferty
So, so bummed!!! I was so looking forward to seeing y’all in action on tv! HGTV missed the boat!
lee ashley
it’s ok – *hug*- besides, i have a feeling something even better will be coming your way… by the way, you guys did an awesome job on that living room! that couple is so lucky!!!
Amy
I am so sorry to hear about your show not getting picked up, but I absolutely love the paint color that you used in their living room. My husband and I are having a baby boy in May and I think that color would be perfect for his nursery. I’m sorry if you already mentioned this and I didn’t see it, but what brand and color of paint did you use in the room? I really enjoy reading your blog everyday and wish nothing but great things for you and Kevin in the future! 🙂
diane
So sorry to hear about your pilot. I was looking forward to a good design show vs. the repetitive buy and sell shows they are featuring now. But with your talents I know we will be seeing you on TV at some point so keep th e faith!
Layla
Thank you, Diane! We’ll keep on keepin’ on and see what happens! 😀
Stephanie Duffy
Booooo – I was really looking forward to your show! It must be disappointing, but both of you have tons of talent and personality, so there will be lots of opportunity ahead!
Grace @ sense and simplicity
What a pity HGTV didn’t pick your show up. You would have been great – so personable and such amazing taste. I love what you did with their living room.
stephanie
Sorry to hear that Layla. HGTV isn’t what it used to be. It was the first thing I would turn on after getting home from work, and I would have it on almost all weekend. Sadly, after seeing nothing but Holmes on Homes or a home buying show for a good two years now, I don’t even watch the channel anymore. House Hunters isn’t even as enjoyable without Suzanne Wong hosting. (It really is the little things!!) Best of luck to you both. I know you’ll be successful in one way or another!
Sheila
You have such a wonderful personality and great taste. I hope that there is something even better waiting around the corner for you. Best of luck!
Sharon
Layla and Kevin,
I didn’t see the pilot. The only thing I have viewed of yours is the Spring Mantle video post.
After viewing it, I got the great impression that you and Kevin are destined for TV. You have the “It Factor.” It’s going to happen!
So don’t let discouragement creep in.
You time is coming!
You and Kevin have something so special that comes across the camera. It is so evident that you are in love with each other by the way you interact. You are such a beautiful model for other young couples to relate to.
It really is about who you two are together and the awesome beauty which radiates from that. It can’t help but flow out to your surroundings!
The world needs more of what you have to offer.
Much love to you both!!!!
SammaMichelle
I’m just going to agree with those who say…there must be something so big in store for you guys around the corner!!! We’ll all be here waiting with you and celebrating when it comes. In the meantime, please please keep sharing your projects and your talents and part of me is secretly glad that TV won’t be hogging all your time because some of us think that you need to keep sharing that Musical talent of Kev’s–c’mom Layla you know it’s not fair that you be the only one who gets to hear him sing??!!! You guys are awesome and I’m excited to see what the future brings to you!!!
Kim
I love the L-Shaped sofa. Can you tell me where that came from?
So sad about the show, I’m sure another network will pick you guys up.
Erin @ His & Hers
Aww that’s a bummer. You guys have a great attitude, though! The living room is absolutely gorgeous–you did, as always, an amazing job. 🙂
Cheri
Well, for what it’s worth… the folks at HGTV are idiots. I don’t like them at all!
All the shows we used to watch were truly geared to the majority of Americans. People that have to live within a budget. Perhaps not the ideal demographic for selling advertising to sponsors. Or at least the sponsors that have the advertising money these days. sigh
Like so many commenting here have said,I rarely watch HGTV anymore.
tasha
hgtv NEEDED your show! i love decorating and i love watching something that is my style WHEN and IF it EVER SELDOMLY appears on hgtv….I was SOOOOOO looking forward to your show. i thought…..Oh, good, hgtv FINALLY is getting a clue on what’s really in style. oh well….I guess they are not ready for true AWESOME decorating and we’ll have to suffer until they get it. WHY isn’t there a show that does vintage, shabby, beachy, country, stylish, flea market decorating????? WHY!!???? Please keep trying to get a show! 😉 I love your style!
Liz
Man, I love HGTV but they missed out!!!! I love it! I enjoy the other designers on the channel but this living room is for everyday people who have smaller budgets and great style:) New to your site but now a follower. PS Truth be told I like most blogger designs better…
Elizabeth
I am truly sad they didn’t pick up your show, I was looking forward to watching it! Not sure what HGTV is thinking, I am SICK of their “real estate transaction” shows. (Took me two years to sell our tiny 1940s townhome in Michigan, so those type of shows just make me feel ughhh.) I really hope that you do pursue other networks, I would really love to see your show! Good luck! 🙂
The Curious Cow
I used to look forward to watching the HGTV How-To-Shows, but now I never watch HGTV and haven’t since they started the real estate business. Hopefully, DIY or TLC will pick up your show. You two are so interesting and fun. Their loss.
Gwen
I check your blog daily and always enjoy what your work. I get very few ideas from HGTV or any other TV show anymore. Most of my inspiration comes from blogland. Thank you!
Bonnie
You guys would have done great! Love your blog and design ideas.
Would you mind sharing the paint color name in your makeover living room?
Roberta
Those HGTV guys are dumb. The whole network has just turned into another shopping channel, anyway. I hope someone from their development department reads these comments and realizes that they are WAY off target for what the design loving public wants. Enough House Hunters and loud-mouthed repairmen, already. If I’m not watching the channel, I can’t buy any of the products advertised now, can I? Good luck with other options.
Geri
Hi Layla and Kevin.
I just got back from vacation and had not been able to do any of my favorite on line things, like follow your everyday adventures, talents and lives.
The comments are testimony to who you are as people, bloggers,friends, sons, and daughters to. You would be a true breath of fresh air to HGTV and any other show that highlights creativity and a passion for a beautiful home with WITHOUT spending a fortune like the designs shows that now dominate the DYI networks. New kitchen, new bash, antiques from NYC shops are just not what most of us get excited about. It is about identifying with you on how to do more and be more with the resource you have. Every make over or redesign or redo you create for yourselves or for others have inspired and taught us the “we can do ” attitude. What more could any pilot bring to HGTV that would be more interesting and cuter than you both. I am personally taking on the mission of making sure HGTV understands that the people that have left all these comments are views and our following. Wish me luck and I am hoping others will let the station know how disappointment in their statistics. They obviously did not ask any of us all. Everything you say and do is done with such style, grace, and dignity. You are Ho my role mocked and I am 58. We need them at any age. Many hugs. Geri.
Geri
Oh guys.
I am so so sorry for the spelling errors.
I pushed send before I could spell check.
I Am so FIRED up.
Along with many spelling boo boos, I meant role models.
You know I love you both and only say kind words, even if they appear not to look like it. hehe