Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Lettered Cottage in The Nest Magazine



Last October, the fine folks from The Nest magazine sent us an email asking if we'd be interested in having our home shot for their Winter issue. Of course we were ecstatic, but since we're soooooo far from being done fixing up the place we were also a bit hesitant to say yes. I explained to the editor how much work we still had left to do- kitchen appliances to buy, wood floors to refinish, rooms to paint and decorate, furniture to purchase (a bed in our master bedroom would be nice sometime this decade), but she said none of that mattered, and just a few short weeks later we were visited by a creative crew who spent a couple of days snapping shots of our half-done home.

We finally received our issue in the mail the day before yesterday. I knew it had arrived when I looked out the window and saw Kevin standing next to the mailbox, smiling at something magazine-shaped. :-)

(You can enlarge any of the images below by clicking on them)










Our prop stylists sprinkled the house with a neat variety of colorful linens and accessories. And although they used a lot of things we wouldn't have necessarily chosen ourselves, it was so fun to have the place styled a little differently especially for the shoot.
Who knew our little cottage could look so eclectic! :-)

We were also intrigued by all the "electronic accessories" scattered about the house too...







There was even one in the kitchen sink!



It was fun to watch and learn from these guys...









Here they are shooting our Guest Bedroom, at 9 o'clock at night...



...you'd never know it was pitch black outside in the photo they used in the magazine! Pretty crazy huh?

All in all, it was an exhausting yet fun-filled day and we'll certainly never forget it!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In other news, Kevin is shooting more guest bathroom reno footage today- so we'll be back soon with another update! Happy Wednesday y'all!

Layla :-)

117 comments:

geri said...

Layla and Kevin.
As some of my friends would say, You must be "Kvelling" hehe
So much fun, so much talent and so much work.
You guys are great at all of this and so much more.
Loved seeing the pics and reading everything. You and your home looked amazing.
I can't wait to read it all again after walking my Henry.(pooch)
Have a grand day.geri.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It really turned out great. Thanks for sharing it. Your house looks awesome as always!

Shades of pale said...

Layla you and that hubby and home have a certin, je ne sais quoi.
That makes me smile from ear to ear.
Warmly jenny

The Brick Cottage said...

What a great article! I love the creative touches (the screen door, the school house desk turned coffee table) and what a transformation on such a small budget! A couple of questions popped into my head after reading the article: 1. do you know when your house was built (the wood planks you found behind your wall is really interesting)? and 2. I can't believe how often you've moved in six years! Did your previous houses get these kind of makeovers?

I really love your style and can't wait to see your bathroom reveal!

Anna O'Reilly said...

Awesome! I'm so happy for you guys.

Unknown said...

That room with the ticking coverlet has ALWAYS been my favorite!!!! I never get tired of seeing it. Congrats on the great mention.

Unknown said...

Wow! What a great article. It seemed to capture you two so well, hopefully you felt the same way. It was fun seeing all the budget breakdowns and tricks you had in order to have a very cost friendly reno. You two are so inspiring!

April J Harris said...

Thanks so much for sharing your article in The Nest. As I live in England it would have been nigh on impossible for me to get a copy of the magazine and I was really interested to see it. Your cottage looks wonderful - and they got some great shots of you guys too! You must be really pleased!!

All the best,
April

Mel said...

How rewarding. Nicely done... I cant wait to see the issue.

AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage said...

Looks great Layla! I'm so happy for you guys. Now I want to see a larger picture of your master bedroom plan...just 'cuz I'm nosy like that :).

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

How totally exciting! I love it. I so wish I got that magazine but was able to blow up all of the photos to read your article. Congrats you guys!

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

How EXCITING!!! I am really proud of you & kevin! I now have to go find me a copy of the Nest magazine! Way To Go! God sure is Blessing your efforts!

Megan said...

This is so cool. It must be AWESOME to see yourself on the cover of a magazine...I guess unless it is US Weekly or something, that is probably not as exciting :) I just adore your blog and all of the things you have done to your house. I am in the process of begging my husband to try our hand at some tile work in our laundry room....I will let you know how it goes :)

Tracy Wills said...

Layla and Kevin, you guys looked great and your house is so darn cute! Congrats!!!

Leslie said...

awwesome! I don't think I'll ever tire of looking at photos of your home!

Aura said...

You know I must say, as much as I would see this issue and love every bit of your house, I like all your own styling and accessories better ;) I think you're giving their designers a run for their money.

Low Tide High Style said...

So glad I stopped by today to see this post! Congratulations on having a beautiful home and a wonderful magazine spread! Everything is just lovely, and you've shared so many great ideas for making a house a "home"!

Kat :)

Love the Decor! said...

Wow we in blogging land are friends of celebrities!!
I am honored to know you :)
Thanks for sharing with us it looks like you had an amazing time and the magazine turned out fabulous!!

Anonymous said...

What a great article! You have done such an awesome job with your home. Every day I check back to see what's new. It's becoming a habit! :-)
Lorri

Sami Jo said...

Looks amazing you two! Congrats!

Mrs. Plank said...

I am just like WOW. You have so much creativity, its so great!!!! Congrats on the feature, you definitely deserve it! WOW!

MrsKBJ said...

Congrats! Very exciting!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the magazine. Your house is awesome!

Reese said...

Congrats! I think it turned out wonderful! It was very well deserved as well.

Cindy @The Flipping Couple said...

Yay!!!! I kept checking this morning, waiting for this post to show up. HOW FUN! I'm sure it was terrifying to have a whole crew in a half-finished house but that just gives the rest of us hope that it doesn't have to be done to be beautiful.

Thanks for sharing!!!

rmf said...

Layla and Kevin,

SO EXCITING! You've don e an AMAZING job! Cheers!

Riley

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Great layout. Congrats!

~Grace Happens~ said...

CONGRATS LAYLA AND KEVIN! YOU ALL LOOKED STUNNING AND THE LETTERED COTTAGE WAS JUST GLEAMING! SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS.

Kelly said...

Wow, what an amazing write-up! Your place looks fantastic. We are just beginning a house renovation and this gives me much-needed inspiration!

My Cottage Charm said...

How excited were you guys to see your faces on a magazine!!? :-) I LOVE everything you all have done to your house, but I must say I think your kitchen cabinet re-do is the best! It went from a so so kitchen, to an AMAZING kitchen with designer flair! :) So happy for both of you. I will have to send you before and afters of my kitchen as well.... wow was that some work, but I did every single thing myself and it makes me proud! :) (well my honey helped some too lol)
Have a wonderful Wednesday!! :)

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Congrats to you,Kevin and your beautiful little cottage!
Hugs~Kelly

kat said...

Absolutely fabulous! Some of the eclectic pieces they used added interest and pops of color for the spread; though, I like the accessories you selected better. I would like to see a larger version of your bedroom plans -- can't what to see what you have in store!

Cottage Dreamers said...

How exciting! Everything looks so great! I can't imagine how much work went into that day!

Anonymous said...

Hoping my issue arrives sometime soon! Congrats to both of you.

Southern Fried Charm said...

This is so exciting! You are on a magazine cover! Do you have any pictures of projects from your previous homes? Good luck on your future projects. Can't wait to see the bathroom update. Erin

Unknown said...

Amazing!
I hope you frame every page for the reading room!

Anonymous said...

Layla and Kevin -

Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! Congrats my friends! You hit the big time now. All smiles here. So happy for you. Hope you are cracking open a bottle of champaign to celebrate.

I have two questions: 1) I never noticed the piano in your home. Where have you been hiding it?
2) After the shoot Layla mentioned they came up with a unique way to use her spice wall baskets. They look the same to me. How did they use them?

Also, I didn't realize you had three other homes. Any chance you will do a post of Homes Past?

Enjoy YOUR moment!
- Deborah

Katy said...

I bet that was the most fun ever! I'd love to have my home in a magazine someday...what a blast!!

Beth said...

Great job! What fun!

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Your kitchen is proof that one does not need stainless steel appliances! I don't like stainless steel, but was considering it (for our new kitchen) just because of resale value. I'm glad I stuck to white -and am loving it.

Congrats again!

Missy in Texas said...

Layla, that is so cool. I think the "reading room" is so much cuter the way you have it though. What were they thinking?

Anonymous said...

Hi K and L,
Congradulations! My copy came yesterday and I was so excited. I loved looking at "my friends" and their beautiful economy fixer uppers. Everything looked so great. I loved the other decorating ideas and all the great food ideas.
Now..I was a little shocked. I don't think this is a forum for a tutorial on BJ's. I was shocked and must admitt a little disappointed. I am a grandma after all. :)

Unknown said...

I'm excited for you- I feel like I know you personally and want to buy it to show all my friends- that my friends Kevin and Layla are in a magazine! HA!

Kacey said...

SO EXCITING! I need to go find a copy! WOOHOO!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! I love seeing Alistair looking at the computer. I worked with his partner James Dunlinson who is the Design Director at Martha Stewart Living. You had the BEST of the BEST helping!
Eddie

Farmer's Wife said...

It feels like you are a celebrity now. very cool.

Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating said...

Beautiful pics! How exciting for y'all! I like most of the little touches they added, but I actually like your reading room they way you have it much better.

Can't wait till y'all get started on your bedroom. The plans look perfect!

Wendy said...

Simply fabulous article, you two! Your house looks amazing...but then I knew it would! I'd love to see a larger version of the plan you have for your master bedroom. Did you blog that already and I somehow missed it?

Amy said...

I agree with the other comments, your accessaries are much better suited - I don't know why they would have changed the "reading room". I check your blog throughout the day hoping for updates on your bathroom. I'm so excited to know there are more rooms to come!!!! Congrats!!!

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

The picture are so pretty, that had to of been one of the best days!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on making the front cover!

You are an inspiration to so many of us out there. Renovating a home is so much work, but so worth it - an opportunity to learn new skills and build self-confidence. Yes, you can do it!

Can't wait to see your finished guest bathroom and what's next on your list. Is it your master bedroom?

Keep hammering, drilling, painting, whatever it is you enjoy doing.

Again, congratulations on your 'cover story.'

Nathifa said...

Im so going to get this magazine today!

Sarah said...

Yay! I've been waiting for this...first learned about you guys from the nest! You guys looks so great, as does the cottage!!!! Funny to look closely and see what accessories the nest peeps added:)

AngelaWalkerJewelry said...

Congratulations Layla and Kevin! Love seeing all the pictures and reading about all of your designs on a budget. I must admit though, I liked your decorating in the reading room better than what they had chosen for the photo shoot. You are a design queen : )
Health and happiness,
Angela

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Congratulations & thanks for sharing the amazing magazine spread with us! How much fun!! Everything looked amazing :)!
Blessings,
Stacey

Twice Remembered said...

Congratulations, Layla and Kevin - all your hard work paid off...everything looks GREAT! And Nest did a fine job capturing your lovely cottage!

Aja said...

YAY!!! What a great feature!! So excited for you guys- you deserve it!!

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Congrats! How exciting it must be to see yourself on the cover!

Heather said...

The article turned out great! You have an amazing house. I'm glad to hear that you're tackling the master bedroom soon. I figured it must be on your "to do" list based on the lack of pictures on the blog.

Anonymous said...

Look at you guys go!!!! I see the sign...hehe. Does this make ms half famous? ;)

Ness Lockyer said...

Congratulations layla and Kevin...you must be wrapped. What a buzz to see it in print. It looks great and you have both done such an amazing job. I have just done a super budget makeover (like $26.00!!) on our kitchen which was on my blog the other day and it is reading blogs like your that makes people think that they can work with what they have and I love that!
Well done guys.
Ness xx

Kathy :) said...

How awesome....congrats you guys !!!

Kathy :)

Sarah said...

This spread is fabulous! Congrats!! TLC looks great

Magic Brush said...

My daughter's bedroom and bath were photographed for a magazine (Kansas City Home and Gardens)... you can see it here:http://themagicbrushinc.blogspot.com/2009/09/lets-look-at-avas-room-again.html

What shocked me is that they were here for over 5 hours for 4 pictures!!!!! The equipment and cords and "stuff" they had to bring in was crazy!!!!! I was naive enough to think it was just one guy with one camera coming for a 1/2 hour! HA! Your home gets taken over!

Congrats on a wonderful honor!!!

Juliana said...

I got my copy of the issue in the mail today! I was like OH! I read their blog, to my husband. He just kind of gave me that " I love you hunny" smile and walked off. :)

Abbie said...

I got mine in the mail on Monday! It looks awesome!!

Anna said...

Congrats on making The Nest, Layla and Kevin! Yeaaa! The house looked great!! I honestly like your decor and accessories much better then all the ones (and colors) they added. Just sayin'.;)

and the CAT is outta the BAG!!
We all want to see the picture of your bedroom plans!

Cathy said...

Awesome...That is just so exciting~ I was excited today when I clicked on HGTV Kitchen on a Budget and guess whos kitchen I saw? Woohoo~~
{{Big Hugs}}

Cathy

Hopeful Housewife said...

Congratulations you two!!! You rock!

Staci said...

So glad you shared the magazine pages! Love it! You guys are so talented! I stopped by your writing contest post & looks like you have the lead:) good luck, you deserve it!

ps. love ALL THE PICS. BUT...I love your reading room with YOUR stuff better:)

Staci

sevenalstons said...

How exciting ~ congratulations on the beautiful magazine layout! Your home is simply gorgeous!!!

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

This is so exciting! What an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing it w/ us!

MollyO said...

They shot the guest bedroom at 9 PM? No suh!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Congratulations!! The article looks wonderful. I know you all are so proud of your hard work. It looks so good. Thanks for sharing with us all. Love & blessings from NC!

Crystal said...

Layla and Kevin,
How great for you both, to have your hard work published. I loved seeing all of the pics from your shoot. You have done alot of great things on the "cheap".
Congrats to you both!

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

That's fantastic. I saw some new photos of your house in there. I'll have to go back and look in more detail. Very impressive change for under $6,000.

Bethany said...

that is soooo exciting! i love that magazine! the pics are so great :) congratulations!

My Casa Bella said...

congratulations!!
love your kitchen.

Imagery by Kimberly said...

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS DEAR KEVIN & LAYLA!!!

I AM SO HAPPY AND PROUD OF YOU! SO SO SO SO HAPPY!

I need to get a copy.. I guess I better subscribe!

Savor every second of this - you are SO DESERVING!



Love,
Kim

laurmela said...

Love it! I will have to look for it on the news stand! Love everything you have done.

Congrads!

angela | the painted house said...

Gorgeous, you two, the house, and Max!

Jackie said...

The magazine shots are gorgeous! What a great memory! But I have to admit: I can't stop thinking about how much more I like the reading room the way YOU style it, versus how the magazine styled it. It looks so much more cozy and relaxing your way! So I guess my point is... you're awesome?

Kendall@ Finesse Your Nest said...

Beautiful! Congratulations, you are famous!! Love reading your blog!

Patti @ From the Desert to the Sea said...

I love your style..congratulations! I can't wait to see your new bathroom...I bought the same lamps at IKEA and was second guessing myself...I was thrilled when you had them on your video!!
Keep up the good work!
Patti
From the Desert to the Sea

LesleySW said...

Congratulations. This is so cool and I'm really thrilled for you both.

The story looks great and I loved seeing the photos of the equipment. It's really fascinating.

Great job!

Tiffany Larson said...

Congratulations, it must feel amazing to see yourselves on the cover of a magazine! Two things - can you post your master bedroom plan larger? It was too small to see in the photo. Secondly, I like the bedding in your reading room MUCH better than what they changed it to for the photo shoot!

Melissa said...

Wow, you have to be on cloud nine right now. Amazing work and the spread in the magazine is HUGE!!!!!

Steph. :) said...

Oh how wonderful! CONGRATS!!!!

Pony Girl said...

Thanks for the behind the scenes scoop! I love it! It is amazing to see the "set up" and camera work they do. Makes you realize that behind everything we see on TV, movies, or even in magazines, there are a lot of players making it all come together. Of course, your amazing cottage spoke for itself, all the work and charm you and Kevin poured into it was obvious! Congrats!

jjuliejones said...

Fabulous spread!! How exciting... and fun to read about all those wonderful and creative touches you've added to your home. So happy for you! Congrats.... can't wait to see what's to come for Layla + Kevin and TLC!!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Oh Layla, that is awesome!! Congrats! It looks fantastic.

Kristen said...

That is SO exciting! Congratulations! I'm thrilled for you!

Unknown said...

Oh Layla and Kevin, I am so happy for you both! It must be so rewarding to see your hardwork and labor of love being adored by new fans. I am sure it has all been said by now, but I really couldn't think of two more loving, hardworking people to show us all that we can make any home our dream home without breaking the bank~

Thanks for all the inspiration!
Holly

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

It's amazing, congrat's to the both of you! The home looks amazing, the two of you are so talented!
:)
Kristin
http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.blogspot.com/

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Is there a website where you can get this magazine? It's awesome! You should be soooooooooo proud! Too bad it can't be as interactive as the photos on your website. That would blow people's minds!

Icing on the cake is the cute couple featured in the photos. I wonder where the magazine had them stashed until the shoot!

Cindy Logan said...

Kevin and Layla,
Thank you for sharing the magazine article. Your blog is my favorite! Truthfully, I know you were excited about what they did to your house for the photo shoot, but I think you could teach them a thing or too. I love the way your decorate and I think your photos on your blog with your decor ideas are much better. Keep up the good work, you inspire me with every post!

Becca Bertotti said...

Congratulations !! What a wonderful way to start the new year !! Everything looks beautiful ... thanks for allowing us all to join you for the ride. Take care, Becca

Jamie, the Very Worst Missionary said...

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing the article like this!! I can't get magazines (at least not in English) where I live, so it was such a treat to get a peak at your feature in The Nest. So so so COOL!!! You're a talented couple, deserving of the recognition! Congrats!!

Elle Jay Bee said...

Layla: Congratulations and kudos to you and your husband on such a great home make-over and feature in The Nest! You deserve the nod and it was fun to see all of the behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot. You must be still shaking your head that you are smiling out from the pages of a real magazine!! So very exciting!!

Enjoy the sun!!
Linda

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

Congratulations. Love it. It was interesting to see how versatile your background choices have made your home. You can easily change the look of a room with a simple accessory like a blanket. You have done an awesome job of creating a timeless look. Can't wait to see work begin on the master bedroom

Ashlee said...

Congratulations Layla and Kevin! The article is awesome and the cottage looks beautiful. I'm so excited for you guys and I am sure there are even more wonderful things to come! Best!

carolyn@sweet tea and linen said...

I am so excited for you both! The house looks amazing as always! I like your Reading Room linens much better than the ones they used but it still looks amazing! Congrats!

tiffany said...

Just wanted to say to y'all thanks for making Prattville look so dang good! I smile everytime I drive by y'all's house taking my little boy to FBC kindergarten. Good job and may all of your BIG dreams come true. I'm rootin' for you!

The Buchanan Family said...

What color flooring did you use in the kitchen? Bathroom?

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

I am so happy for you both. That is so exciting to have your home featured in a magazine. You deserve it with all that hard work and talent. I think it is so interesting how they changed the look in your reading room. It looks great both ways. It is such a fun little area in your home. Have a great day!

Unknown said...

You Did It!! So, so fun!! The spread looks great!
Aubrie :)

Moore Minutes said...

This must be one of your most exciting things to post! How rewarding this is. You two have such catching and fun personalities too! That is something that stuck out to me as I read the article. As you know, I am a big fan of your decorating style as you have inspired me in SO many ways this past year. I'm excited to read this issue in person and I soaked up every word of it already here. <3
Well done. This is what life is about...reaching for dreams and catching them together!

cheapdiva said...

This could not have happened to two better people! You prove that it doesn't take wads of cash - just creativity. Fantastic job!!

Jill said...

This is so exciting and I am so happy for you two. The magazine photos look incredible. (Although I have to say...I like some things better the way you had it before they styled it.) :-) Great job and best wishes for the future! Jill

Lindsay said...

how exciting! Congratulations! I like the changes they did, but I like you coastal focus better! ;)

Anonymous said...

I adore that picture ledge in your dining room so much that my husband and I built one a few months ago! I will have to send you pics. It turned out great!
Congrats on the magazine; your home looks beautiful!

Maggie Pelton said...

So exiting! Congratulations! It looks great. But, I must say, your chairs are in the wrong order??? I You Love???

carolyn said...

So great!

Thanks for sharing- the end product and the behind the scenes (so impressive).

And as usual- you and Kevin look MARVELOUS!

Jen said...

I love your home! It's gorgeous! Although I must say I love your reading room the way you have it, way prettier than what they did.

Unknown said...

That is just so way cool that God has blessed you with first of all amazing talents and 2nd of all... I'm sure your blog started exploding after that article (and we all love that)! Congrats!! You deserve it!

Design A-Peele said...

Wow!! What an amazing honor! Can't wait to pick up my copy too. My husband and I are in the magazine as well...but only in the Real Couple section. Not THE Front cover!! Very cool :) Congrats!

Unknown said...

congratulations!!!! Your blog is my fave. I absolutely love how your house looks in the magazine. xo