After many months and lots of hard work by tons of fabulous people, last week filming started for “We Decorate Columbus”, a weekly decorating show soon to air on NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio.

The premise of the show is to feature how people really decorate in Columbus, Ohio.  This is not about unattainable products or stuffy designers – this is about improving the lives of our clients with budget friendly decor — and having  a lot of fun in the process. 

Four local interior decorators (of which I’m thrilled to be one) will transform six rooms for six clients using a lot of local resources, popular retail stores and local skilled labor to illustrate that everyone can get a designer look in their home – even when working to stay within a reasonable budget.   We are then branching out and decorating four outdoor spaces in conjunction with Blendon Gardens – these spaces will be part of a garden tour in New Albany, Ohio in August that will benefit The Wellness Center.

The show’s website is still under construction but I will post the link as soon as it’s up.  The show does have a Facebook page – so just type “We Decorate Columbus” in the search field to follow along.

Last week we filmed the transformation of Laura’s bedroom.  Laura is a professional woman who loves her dog, her family and helping others – she is so enthusiastic and beautiful that the camera just loved her!  

Carman & Darlene took the lead on Laura’s project while all four of us worked together to bring the room to life.  The end result was truly stunning – and matches Laura’s personality so much better than the before room.  She said she loved waking up in her newly decorated room. 

I’ve never been involved in the production of a TV show and am so impressed by how all the parts come together as a whole in the end.  This show would not be possible without the tenacity and drive of Susan Fortner, Casey Bauer, Kent Justice and DeNiel Phipss – among so many others.  We are blessed to have so many awesome sponsors that have provided the funds necessary to bring this baby to the small screen.  (Front Room Furnishings, Columbus Builders Supply, Oreck, Capital Lighting, Byers Chevrolet, Contracting Solutions and Grossman’s just to name a few.)

I can really get used to having someone do my hair and make-up everyday – courtesy of Charles Penzone’s!  My friend Allison Bunch of Tan Envy provides us with spray tans so we don’t look pasty on TV!   What’s even more fun, is that today I got to meet with Mark from Macy’s to select my clothes for this week’s filming – how fun is that!  

I will admit that I was nervous in front of the camera the first day and hope it doesn’t come across that way in the end.  But, I’m sure it will feel more natural as the weeks go on. 

Tomorrow we start filming my previous client and friend Venetia’s room.  She and her family live here in New Albany and we are going to turn their unused basement family room into a state of the art media room.  Liz and I will be the project leads and Josh McKinley will be doing the construction work while the guys from Buckeye Audio will be installing the new media equipment.  By Friday night my client will be eating popcorn and viewing movies in their very own home theater. 

We expect the first show to air May 21 on NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio at 12:30 p.m.  Then tune in – or DVR us – every Friday to catch the latest installment.