Monday, July 20, 2009

Design Star - Season 4, Episode 1


Did you watch it?
You can bet your bottom dollar I did!
I have to admit that there were times throughout the show that I was definitely happier to be sitting on my friend Sarah's couch (stuffing my face with HUGE bacon-wrapped scallops), than standing in front of the judges in L.A.

As many of you know, I made it to the second round of auditions this past Spring. And although, in the end, I wasn't cast- I couldn't help but think about some things I might do to some of the rooms if I had been invited to be a part of this years group.

Take the Dining Room for example. Talk about a blank canvas!

Dan and Nathans work was very high-impact, and turned out to be quite a visually appealing design.
I was very impressed with their abilities and creativity. Not only did they come up with a great design, but they also did a heck of a paint job on both the walls and the floor. Not to mention the building, shopping and accessorizing they did in the short time frame. Exhausts me just thinking about it!
After watching the first episode, I feel very fortunate to be able to design in the comfort of my own home. I have nothing but the utmost respect for all the designers that are a part of this years show.

Just for fun, I thought it would be neat to quickly create a design plan for one of the rooms each week, after I'm done watching the show.

This week, I was drawn to the Dining Room.

When I got back home last night, I put together a photo drawing of some things I might have done.
I chose a putty-colored wall paint for most of the room, and to combat its cool & contemporary vibe, I used a textural, ivory-painted board & batten wall treatment on the far wall.

I sprinkled a happy mix of both contemporary and traditional furnishings & accessories throughout the space.
I gave the room a pulse by incorporating earthy art & photography, and large chalkboard wall plaques- which would display a friendly, motivational message for all those in the house to see.
(After the judges harsh critiques, they might need one every once in a while!)
A collection of symmetrically-hung plates on either side of the chalkboard plaques would help to fill up that wall, and a would inject some traditional charm, in a contemporary way.
I painted the floor in a way that would simulate stained concrete. It would be a paint/glaze process that I think would really do a nice job of grounding the space.
A large, jute area rug atop the smooth floor would anchor the dining table and chairs.
The dining table is espresso-colored, and the chairs would be an ivory-colored leather- a nice contrast to the jute texture below.
On top of the table, a silver loving cup, filled with pheasant feathers would be my centerpiece.

Against the focal wall, I too, created a seating area.
An enormous dark-framed floor mirror is flanked by a pair of vintage, green wingbacks.
A small table in front of the mirror would be the perfect place to set a cup of tea at the end of an exhausting 12-hour day.
Close up, framed, black and white photographs of flowers above each chair would bring the outdoors in, in a sleek and modern way.
On the wall on the left, a large oil painting of white birch trees against a muted blue & green backdrop would breathe even more life into the once sterile space. I love the idea of creating a pretty and colorful view for those dining on the opposite side of the table.

Hover your cursor back and forth over the photo below to see it transform!



I had a ball putting together this plan in my PJ's, and I can't wait to watch next weeks show!
:-)

92 comments:

Hudson Goods said...

I still think you would be Great on that show!

Anonymous said...

Oh, goody! I am so glad you are going to do this and I really wish you were on the show. You soooo deserve to be there! This will be fun to see your designs with those that are on the show each week!

starbuckszombie

MeganDVD said...

You are an inspiration to me every time I need a breath of fresh air after a harsh day. I love the way you incorporate depth and personality into a box..better than that..you open the box to expose vunerable areas that are now quaint niches.

I hope your corner of the world is doing fabulous...it is quite busy in mine.

Cheers~
e

Twice as Nice said...

What the guys did was out of the box and very creative! But your take on the room is so much more me. You have what it takes to be on Design Star and I so hope you make it next time.

Two Socks said...

Sure, we all have an appreciation for the design from the show, but I can actually see myself living in (and with) yours!

christy said...

The guys take on this room was very creative and eye catching but YOUR take on the room really speaks to me!! The simplistic way you designed this room is very refreshing. This is a room you can actually see yourself spending time in.

Anonymous said...

Your's was so much better. I really felt sorry for the girl who was booted off but,,,I'm sorry I could have done that with one hand tied behind my back. Puleese....taped drapes!

Unknown said...

Wow. That is fabulous. You know, I kept thinking while watching the show that "Layla would NEVER have cut apart comforters!" :)
I just don't know what they were thinking, not picking you...

simply fabulous said...

I love your design also! Gorgeous! Thanks for your inspiration daily!!!

Anonymous said...

Layla,
You are our design star for sure.
I love what they do on the show. But I have to say your designs are something we could all live in. I think you should design a Pottery Barn catalog!
Wendy

Christine Trebendis said...

I love your plan and the outcome is gorgeous. You've got my vote.

Jill said...

What the guys did was great but I'm so much more drawn to your style!

Bethany said...

ooh do the other rooms, please do the other rooms! :)

Lisa said...

There's always next year!:)

~Amy Rose said...

I have been waiting weeks for Design Star to start! I loved the Dining Room too...not my style but well done and thought out an detailed. They did a great job! I LOVE your design...You must keep trying to get on! AMAZING!!

Missy in Texas said...

The whole time I was watching the show last night, I was thinking about you. They always lean towards contestants that are WAY MODERN. (pink geese... come on!) I really wish you had made the show. You design for real people. I will keep my fingers crossed and hopefully you will make it next year.
By the way... I like your design much better than design the two guys came up with. It made me think of a skate park. Yes, the graphics looked cool, but who really lives like that?

Pony Girl said...

I watched it last night! I loved their version of the room, but I love yours better! It's more my style. ;) I wish you'd made it to the show, I can SO see you on there. Maybe next year? I hope you do the rest of the rooms, too (you must use a pretty cool computer program to do that??)

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

the guy's design leaves me feeling like I'm in a sterile public space, yours makes me feel I'm in a home where real people LIVE.
And your kitchen makeover has totally inspired me. I now know the direction I want to go in my kitchen. I just didn't know how to acheive the medieval feel I wanted with modern looking cabinets, your paint treatment and use of corbels has shown me the way. Thank you very much.

Chris said...

Ooh, I had a ball too! I'm so glad you did this. As I was reading it, I thought, "I hope she does this every week!" Lucky us! Of course, you DO know that you should be on that show, right?

Kate Riley said...

Your style is so fabulous girl ! How clever to do your own version. Love it ! I'd pull those fab green chairs right up to the ends of that table. Bon appetit!

Debra said...

Your room turned out great! I liked what the guys did (I espcially loved the table they made) but yours was more 'livable'. Can't wait to see what next week brings!

Christine Peterson said...

holy crap that was an awesome transformation. sucks to be them, if they didn't chose you to be on the show. cause you rock!

Rachel Berry said...

I loved yesterday's episode!! I'm always stoked when DS come on HGTV!
Love your interpretation of the dining room, the table is just Fab.

:)r.

Romantic Ranch said...

It should have been you, girl! I was hoping you were keeping a secret from us this whole time, but alas, no Layla. Bummer.

Rebecca Corvese said...

I love Design Star! There seemed to be an overage of blond designers on the show this year...lol... (I'm a blond designer too!). However, I was impressed with the results of the 11th girl voted on, more so than the other designers. I know the producers are probably looking for "different", but I agree with some of the others, the graphics were a bit sterile (skateboard park like) for most people. While I do get bored with typical everyday designs, theirs was way off the richter scale. What a fun thing you've done. What software did you use?

PS~Erin said...

Awesome... I love your version! How cool that you made it so far in the audition process! Congrats on that. Thanks for your version.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

They missed the boat when they didn't cast you! Love the room design. LOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVE!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

I'm from the U.K. so obviously not watching.....but we do have similar shows so I sort of know what you're talking about !!
You're a very clever girl , aren't you ? ...and you obviously live. eat, breathe interior design so I don't know what those stupid producers were thinking about , not having you on the show . Ridiculous...you would have been brilliant. XXXX

Unknown said...

What a great room! Yours is very livable. And what a great idea. I totally missed the show. It's on too late in my time zone for me to stay up; planned to record it then forgot, AARGH! How wonderful it would have been to have watched you on the show. ~Paula - Mise en scène

Cindy said...

Layla: Your interpretation of the dining room is very relatable and comfortable. I would take your design in a heartbeat! You never disappoint! *****

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Enjoy living your own Design Star moment through us....we will gladly Oh and Ah at your designs and you'll never have to worry that we don't like it. :)

Meredith said...

I thought about you as I was watching the show. I told my hubby that you would have been so good on the show. I would take your designs over many of the ones that were showcased. I love what you did to your room!

Shari Sunday said...

I haven't watched Design Star, more into Food Network Star, but I liked your room much better and I really enjoy your photo makeovers. You are an inspiration to me especially when I realized you have only been doing your blog for a year. I enjoy your blog very much and look forward to seeing you on design star, maybe next year.

Courtney Baker said...

I was pretty impressed by the guys dining room. Maybe it was because they seemed to get SO much work done, when some people couldn't get anything done.

And I agree with everyone else I loved what they did to the dining room, but it isn't something I would live in. I love what you did to the room! I can't wait to see this each week.

lauren gray | the haunted hollow tree said...

Wait, I am confused. When you hover over the picture you see this gray pixelated mess of a room. I originally thought that that was part of your digital process, like if you were halfway into "painting" a wall. That room is frightening. Maybe I needed to see it on tv, but oh my, that's awful. Your room beats that 9 million times over, and like everyone else already said, your room is the room I would want to LIVE in. I am sure your time will come for that show and I am sure it will be worth the wait. Good Luck!

Nancy said...

Love watching the show and love
that you are doing this along
with the show. Your design was
SOOOO much more beautiful and
relaxing. I'll look forward to
seeing what you come up with
as much as on the show.

Casey Martinez said...

I LOVE your design for that dining room. I love the earthy feel to it and just the coziness of it all. It is so warm and soothing and yah, I just love it!! You are one talented gal!!

Julie @ Sweet Chaos said...

Layla, you were born to do this, that room is gorgeous!!! I wish I could have you interpret my style & make me feel that stylish! Love it!

Katherine said...

Yep, I watched Design Star. And I did think about how cool it would be if you had been on.

I love how you are thinking about what you would do. Keep doing it!

Regina said...

I love the show! I think you would be great on it! I love what you are doing, and although I was super impressed with their design, I do linke yours better. I have to say the losing team's design idea was nice, but yikes! Tape? Cut duvets? No ma'am!

anita said...

wow, you totally inspired my dining room dilemmas..TOTALLY,
love the natural, modern vibe.

p.s. your kitchen rocks!

Jen @ Sunshine4Teachers said...

Layla,
I love seeing your "real" design... It's something anyone would be thrilled to come home and find their empty room made into! The other one from the show...ummmm, not so much. I hope next year they pick you!

Kari Sweeten said...

Your room looks AMAZING!!

Dawn said...

I'm so disappointed that you weren't selected. Shocked too. You definately have what it takes and more!

Like someone else said, you decorate for real people and real life. That's why we love you!

Wendy said...

I thought of you when I was watching the show Sunday night. I think you would have been fabulous. Although I think the guys' version of the dining room was very creative (certainly not something I might have come up with) I love how warm and cozy your version is, while still maintaining the contemporary vibe they seem to desire on the show. Sure hope you try again next year!

My House, My Garden said...

Layla ... I was thinking of you when I saw Torie from my hometown of Houston. You would be PERFECT for the show. You would wow them with your talent and your sweet disposition. You should definitely try out again next year. Did you see the guy that also tried out one year and did not make it but was on this year? I am ADDICTED to this show ... uh, and your blog. Will be sending you my info for my virtual design soon. Cannot wait to get your help!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I would be much more comfortable in your version. I missed the show, but I will try to catch it next week. Sometimes the judges are just too brutal, and then sometimes you wonder what in the world were the designers thinking. Hugs, Marty

A Southern Sanctuary said...

Layla, I love this show, too! I also love your design. I hated the dining room that the boys designed the minute I saw it. I would absolutely hate to eat in that room! I hate to sit on a hard bench without a back to it and then look at that centerpiece of those leaves that were practically laying on the table. That room does not give a good feeling when you are eating. It doesn't speak to me. I absolutely love your room. The judges, however, seem to be looking for something different and out of the box. I think that's what it will take to please them. I did love the concept of the bedroom where the girl got kicked off. I felt sorry for her because I really did like her room! Keep up the good work. I feel sure you will make it on the next design star!

mary said...

what a great dining room. i have the show on dvr to be watched today or tomorrow . . . i'm really looking forward to it now.

thanks for sharing your creative take!!

Sarah said...

Awesome post, Layla!!! Wow, its amazing how many totally different directions that room could have taken. Your version is beautiful! I definitely thought of you on Sunday while watching the show, wish you could have made it. You had me cracking up when I was watching your beer garden bench video:) Can't wait to see your takes on the rooms each week.

Carol H. said...

I like your way of doing that room much better. I'd be likely to eat and run in that other room.

Erin Southwell said...

How fun! I definitely watched, and I didn't really care for their dining room at all-way too modern for me. I guess that is why I am not a designer. It also threw me for a loop to see Candace Olsen being kinda tough and mean :) I LOVE your version of the dining room, much more my style, :)

Anonymous said...

Your room is beautiful but not "cutting edge"! Why do they always seem to go for something so wierd? I much prefer this!!!

Anonymous said...

Layla,

You are THE Design Star! Do you realize, sweet lady, that YOUR daily audience far out numbers their viewers. I would gladly pay for your daily inspiration, ideas and motivation.

Do NOT underestimate your add value to the life of so many out here reading you everyday!

Jennifer @ A Fine Romance said...

One of my very favorite things about you is that you design for real life. In my opinion, your take on the dining room is way more appropriate for real life that the one who was on the show. I don't like his wall-floor design at all - yuck! Your take is rich, earthy, elegant, but also very homey...comfortable chic...like you would actually feel comfortable sitting and enjoying a meal at the table...I kinda feel like I'd need a space suit and seaweed on the menu to enjoy a meal in that other guys space...no thanks! You go Layla! What a great idea that you have about designing these rooms on your own...and great practice for your day in the sun. Thanks for sharing! :)

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I guess I am not the only one who said... "I wonder what Layla would have done?"
I love that you are doing this. It can be our after the show special!

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I thought they were a talented group, but I love your design the most! :) No surprise there.

I am going to LOVE this season because I just can't believe they got Candice Olsen to join as a judge. WHAT A COUP! I mean, I know she's an HGTV star herself, but she's in Canada! To bring her to LA weekly for the show is wonderful. She and David Bromstad are, hands down, my two favorite designers on TV, ever. Although they don't always reflect my personal style, I think they always do remarkable work.

Are you going to audition for the show again?

Natalie Meester said...

You would have won the contest the other night hands down. You should be on there!

susan said...

You rock! I can't help but think of you when I was watching the show. You would be so great!

Anonymous said...

thought of you while watching as well.. i know you definitely would have made sure the little details were finished! :D

curious why the guys, nor your design, addressed those horrible commercial lights?

Farmgirl Paints said...

I forgot...oops. I guess I need to DVR it. My favorite winner so far, is definitely David Bromstad. He totally rocks it on Color Splash.

RuthieB said...

I have been following your blog for a long time but have never commented. I just want you to know, You are already a Design Star!!!!!!!!!

Home as Hobby said...

OHHH so glad they are back! I wasn't a huge fan of the room in general. I agree that the bold pattern was in balance with the wood on the walls, but did you see the wood? I can't believe they didn't mention that it was totally uneven at the bottom (that is my OCD for you). I like yours MUCH better. Definitely try next year! I look forward to seeing what else you would have come up with!

Frugal Jen said...

I love your design! Maybe next year we will see you on the show. Can we start an online petition?

Cherri Engle said...

Great job. I like your room so much better. Of course, it's more my taste than theirs. I would love to be watching the show and see someone I 'virtually' know. How cool would that be. However, I am sure the stress level for those contestants is incredible. Thanks for sharing your thougts and ideas. What an inspiration.

Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog said...

I watched it too. The judges were really harsh! I say try for it again, you could be like that young guy who didn't make it on last year.

Rosalynn said...

The guys' dining room was very creative and totally out of the box, but I would NEVER want a room that looked like that! It looked kind of like a camo print all over the wall and floor.
I really LOVE your take on the room!!!

Yansy said...

Love what you did with the dining room. All of the bedrooms on the last espisode were such a let down.

Laurel said...

How fun! You are really proving your worthy to be on that show. Great idea, great design, Layla your just plain great.

schwadette said...

wanna come do my dining room?? I liked what the guys did - amazing in the amount of time they were given - but it wasn't my taste at all. YOUR'S on the other hand.... WOW!! LOVE IT! :) I hope you try again next season... you totally deserve to be there!

Mabry's gamma said...

I had no idea that you tried out for this show and I can't understand "why" you didn't make it... seriously. Please try again, that one guy did. I LOVE your plan for the dining room and even though theirs was creative, it was too busy at least for me.

I hope these designers do better than what they did for their first project but at least now they know a little of what to except. I LOVE this show and can't wait to see what you come up with next week.

Gwen said...

I was excited by what the guys did. I would love that idea in my house! Still, I don't live alone, so your idea would make everyone happy and be a lot more livable:)

decorator to the stars said...

COOL, I WAS GOING TO BE ON IT TOO :)

Unknown said...

Your design is much much better than the "original." But then, I'm not into really "designed" rooms, more livable and that's what your's is.

Daryl at Vermont Cottage said...

Quite frankly, your version is FAB!!

D.

Unknown said...

I'm probably the only person who didn't know you auditioned for the show. I just think it would be too cool for one you ladies I "stalk" to be on that show. I just love watching every year and so look forward to it. There are several of you talented women who would be perfect on Design Star...so keep auditioning!

Nancy

Kacey said...

This is so cool and I am SO GLAD you are goign to be doing this each week. Your version is fabulous and makes me want to belly up to the dnner table! LOL I think you would have been an awesome asset to the show!!

Anonymous said...

See, thats why you should be on the show! I did watch it and thought about you! I do love that show! Look forward to your ideas each week! Julie

PS. The judges were harsher than before!

Avian | nestparty.com said...

I wasn't crazy about the guys design for the dining room. I LOVE the graphic print on the wall (soo very miami... REPRESENT!), but I thought the wooden walls looked like a sauna. Your design is much more marketable I think. I would like a nice combination with your style and the graphic nature of the design from Design Star. Can't wait for Sunday nights now!

Ashlee @ Prairie Cottage said...

I was so so so excited for Design Star to start! I will be looking forward to Sundays from now on. I love your design for the dining room and can't wait to see what you come up with next. Thanks for the constant inspiration!

Anonymous said...

I love your style! So bummed that your design services are on hold b/c I was just gearing up to send you an email... I'll be watching for your return =)

~Nicole

Mandy Ford Art & Illustration said...

I finally got around to watching the first episode last night and overall was pretty disappointed with the final designs. Your interpretation of the dining room is SO much better, although the team who did that room definitely went for the wow factor and achieved it. I just can't imagine living in the space. I couldn't believe that the one team used tape to hang the bed canopies...and with a 10K budget? Crazy!

Anonymous said...

Hope you make it on next time!
(and win! I'd love to watch a show with you and your style on hgtv!)

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Looks like a winner to me!

Alecia Watson Bahna said...

You win the challenge! I like your design SOOOOOOO much better!

Anonymous said...

Layla, I can't believe they passed on you and that is what they wound up with.What they did to that beautiful home was horrible. Just goes to show that good tv has nothing to do with good design ability. Clearly they didn't want great designers, speaking of course as one to another...lol... They didn't pick me either.

ZoeB said...

Its a bit like high catwalk fashion that is usually unlikely to be worn in everyday life but is visually outrageous. What was designed for the programme was intersting but not as pleasing to live with as yours would have been.
If you get my drift !

Annette said...

I love your design ALOT better!!! There room was just to cold for me and I love that everything I have seen you design has a warm and comfortable feel to it.

Little Lovables said...

I love what you came up with! SO much more livable and classy

Tricia said...

Why are you not there?! Please tell me you're going to do this for every episode.
You know, because you have nothing else to do. ;)
*Tricia

Jenn said...

I didn't watch the show but I love what you did with the dining room. Was that other pic an actual design that someone else did on the show. Interesting... I can't imagine sitting my family down to that every evening!

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful idea for you to show us what you would have done! Thank you, I am so excited. I love your work and your design of this room is refreshing and liveable. Great job!