As the TV pilot turns, more from behind the camera

I enjoyed another day on the TV set yesterday. I love that this "set" is a house that is under renovation (click here to read about my TV pilot gig) because I get to participate in a transformation and be on film. Very cool.

Yesterday I was filmed working on a top-secret project for the show (don't worry, when the show is wrapped I'll share details). The project was an idea I presented during my final audition. As with many ideas, until you execute it, you never quite know how good it will be! Luckily this one worked out just as I envisioned, which is good because it unfolded on film. I look forward to sharing it with you.

The most challenging part of the day was being filmed talking to the camera (with 5 people watching!) and giving the "audience" a design tip. Lots of smiling, talking slow and a little powder on my face to cut the "shine" and we got the shots! I didn't have a script, so it was a collaborative, wing-it process. Everyone really goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and do your best.

Finally, I did a voice over (reading from a script without the camera) for them to run over my craft project footage. That was done in the sound booth, also known as the mini van! We needed a quite spot and that was it. Reading like you aren't reading takes some skill, but I pulled it off.

My other job on the show is behind the scenes selection of materials for the bathroom and kitchen renovations. I can't give those details away, but a lot of decisions, including paint colors, were made and this house and show are on their way to a great look!

There are so many people involved in putting this pilot together. The producers, team (contractor, Realtor and host), sound, lighting and camera people are all very professional, funny, kind and interesting. It's been so much fun spending time with them on this project.

Thanks for sharing the experience with me. I'll keep you posted; we're scheduled to wrap-up in mid-August. Happy decorating!

My first tv moment!

Where has the month gone? As July comes to an end, I have exciting news to share with you. Last week I began working on a home renovation TV pilot!

I'm used to my design work being on the other side of the camera, but not me. One cool thing about running your own business is you experience a lot of "firsts." First client, first big job, first referral, first moment in print...but I never really thought about having my first audition to be on television.

I found out about the project through a client, who referred me to the producers. After a meeting at the house, a written proposal and an audition in front of the camera, I found out I was selected to be the designer for the pilot. Pretty cool, huh?

Here's the skinny. The "untitled home renovation show" is filming in Towson, MD in a house that's being renovated for the project. I am one of a cast of 4, including a contractor, Realtor and a host. I don't know the name of the show, but if I did I probably couldn't tell you anyway!

I filmed two scenes last week, one was shot in a small bathroom with 4 other people (three of them, the camera and lighting crew, were in the shower and to be ignored) and the other was shot around a table where the cast discussed the project. This show, like all home reality shows, has a twist, but I cannot tell you those details!

The entire cast and crew are very nice and I enjoyed spending the day watching them work and chatting about life. It's fun to be part of a big project and I love learning about other people's jobs and talents.

I'm also doing the design work for the show -- helping select the materials and finishing details for the rooms we're renovating. I had a great day shopping with the producers last week to find selections for the rooms.

There's more to come and I'll keep you posted! Send happy camera vibes my way.

Design challenge #1 - completed!

Did you know that there are people out there who don't hang photos or art on their walls because they are afraid to do it wrong, or they just don't know where to begin? You know someone like that, right? Maybe you are one of those people and if so, you'll love this post!

I recently completed the first design challenge with Mary Gardella, photographer with Love Life Images. What is the design challenge? It's a project Mary came up with to help her clients create great photo displays after their photo session with her. It helps people get un-stuck!

Mary brought me in to meet the client, see her home and work with them to select the photos and design a wall display for those great pictures. Then, we brought in Kathy Nevin, owner of Handy Ma'ams (great company name, right?) to do the photo installation in the client's home. The results? Wonderful! I put together this little video to show you how it all came together!

If you want to go back and see how the design challenge all began, check out the contest that kicked it all off.

{Design challenge, after}


{Design challenge, setting up for installation}


{Measure twice, nail once}


{Client admiring the wall!}

If you live in the Baltimore Metro area and want a photo shoot with Mary and design challenge in your home, contact me or Mary!

this is not your mother's wallpaper

You may or may not know this, but wallpaper is back.

I'll pause while you sigh and moan and say "why?," "it's hard to remove" and "it's messy."

I know. I know! I hadn't considered using wallpaper for that same reason, but we're WRONG. 

Wallpaper has a great new, modern look (and is still widely available in the classics) and according to an article in Window Fashions magazine, is "easy up, easy down." 

Here's the skinny, according to Graham & Brown, "the new nonwoven papers are a great invention that have really gained momentum in the last two or three years. They are made from just one piece of paper. There isn't a backing paper that can peel away from the front design, which is what made the old wallpapers sometimes difficult to remove."

With these bold patters I'm hooked...now I just need to find a wall!