Meet Layla Palmer:: The Lettered Cottage

by Kimba on March 23, 2009

If you don’t already know her name, you will. Layla Palmer from The Lettered Cottage is a seriously talented designer. She’s going to be famous and I’ll say that “I knew her when.” And now, so can you.

I’m so excited to have her as an advertising partner on ASPTL. Her pretty button is over on the right.

Maybe you’ve already seen her blog, The Lettered Cottage, where she shares her design brilliance and the process of renovating her Alabama cottage. If you don’t already stop there regularly, I’m sure you will now.

Have you seen her online design consultations? You’re about to and they are fantastic! I’m going to show you a few pictures of my family room as it is right now. And then I’m going to show you what Layla and her computer full of magic did with my room.

I have struggled with this room since we built this house almost a year ago. When we designed it, we intended to purchase a new sectional sofa shortly after moving in. We want to fit lots of rears on the couch to watch basketball games.

With the economic uncertainty, there’s no swanky new sofa coming to our house anytime soon. So I’ve been trying to make this room work using what we already have. But I got stuck. I couldn’t get the old image out of my head and see something new.

That’s where Layla comes in. She did a virtual consultation on my family room and showed me how to look at what I already have in a totally new way. She turned my blah family room into a room I adore. Wanna see?

I think I hear angels singing! Why on earth didn’t I think to turn that green sofa the other way? Just goes to show you that anyone can get brain block.

She took the exact dimensions of my room and the furniture that I already have and figured out how to make it all work together. I’ve never really liked those leather chairs but now they work perfectly where she put them.

The only completely new thing in the room is the big coffee table that’s going to be made out of an old door. I have a lot of floor space and that table is going to pull it all together. Everything else is a reuse or an update of something I already have.

Did you see the wall treatment that she recommended? It’s called board and batten and we’re going to use it on two walls to combat the “ocean of drywall” effect that you get on long walls with few windows. Layla showed me this post to explain how we’ll do it for minimal cost. Hubby get the nail gun! Over the next few months, I’ll post updates as we implement Layla’s design.

Layla is an absolute joy to work with. She’s full of wonderful ideas and she knows how to work a budget. I told her mine was basically $0 and she worked with that beautifully. Her consultations are worth every single penny. You can see the options by clicking here. She has packages from a simple question about paint color or what to do with a flea market find to a full-blown virtual consultation like you see here.

Do you want to see more of Layla’s design work? Here are some of my favorites:

Stairwell redesign
TV corner redesign
Hallway redesign
Ceiling consultation
Ford kitchen redesign

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{ 282 comments }

← Previous Comments

1 Audra Lynn March 23, 2009 at 7:13 pm: Wow. I’m eager to see it once you start fixing everything up. I DEFINITELY need her help.
2 kari March 23, 2009 at 7:25 pm: I love your living room, especially the fireplace! I am dying to redo ours in the faux stone…one day one day! I love how sometimes a new pair of eyes can give a whole new look and give you the wow your looking for. Love love your blogs!
3 Kristen March 23, 2009 at 7:42 pm: I love Layla’s blog – she is one talented girl! Crossing my fingers for her to make it on Design Star!
4 The Scooper March 23, 2009 at 7:43 pm: I love Layla and her Lettered Cottage. She is just my style. Her kitchen rocks!

This virtual consultation is AMAZING! I thought they could only do that on HGTV.

Thanks for the info and giveaway!
5 dreamingofdecorating March 23, 2009 at 7:56 pm: I love how pulled together it all looks! She has such an amazing sense of style. I have plenty of “BEFORE” rooms that could use her magic touch!
6 BECKY March 23, 2009 at 8:13 pm: Count me in, Kimba!! I’ll take all the help I can get!!
Blessings,
Becky
7 Laurel March 23, 2009 at 8:18 pm: Just wanted to let you know that I just wrote a blog post with a link to your blog.

Blessings,

Laurel
mama of 13
8 Kim March 23, 2009 at 8:47 pm: I worked with Layla a few months ago on our master bedroom. I’ve been in the throes of implementing her design ever since and I’m loving it! Like you, I just had a mental block on what to do with that room and Layla showed me a different way to see it.

I love what she did with your room! Can’t wait to see it when you get it done.
9 TRACEY.R March 23, 2009 at 8:52 pm: ITS ALWAYS AMAZING HOW ANOTHER CAN SEE WHAT WE CANT BECAUSE OUR OWN EYES CANT SEE PASSED WHAT WE WANTED ………WOULD LOVE A LITTLE HELP WITH DESIGN….cocoalee74@hotmail.com
10 Kathy's Red Door Welcome March 23, 2009 at 8:53 pm: This post was so much fun to see. I worked in the furniture and design business for six years and have watched how computer graphics is changing what is possible for the average person on a budget. Count me in on this giveaway. Even though I have design experience it is always great to have someone else’s perspective.
11 Heather Lynn March 23, 2009 at 8:54 pm: Howe fun, pick me!!! Please! I SO need her!
12 Sara March 23, 2009 at 9:12 pm: Ooooh, that is be a wonderful prize! I’ve been stuck trying to figure out what to do with our living room because we bought a house with a “tv garage/built-in area” but we own a huge entertainment center that we payed way to much for…I’m totally at a loss for how to set it up better.
13 Angie March 23, 2009 at 9:18 pm: Wow! What a gift she has. I have two rooms that I’m stumped with right now: my family room and bedroom. I need help!
14 Sheena March 23, 2009 at 9:23 pm: Love her! We are moving next month and are already planning on having her help with out Master bedroom. Hope I win.
15 Amber March 23, 2009 at 9:43 pm: I love Layla, I didn’t need you to tell me that. I’d love to win one of her consultations. I don’t know where I’d use it? But it’d be fun!

Can’t wait to see the room after it’s Layla-ized.
16 Victoria@WhimsybyVictoria March 23, 2009 at 10:15 pm: Kimba, this was a great post on Layla! I love her blog as well! I just finished doing a post for the Spray paint party and I mentioned you in it. Here is my post if you would like to stop by..http://whimsybyvictoria.blogspot.com/2009/03/spray-paint-magic.html
I really love your blog and think you are a great inspiration!

Thanks!
~Victoria~
17 cindyb March 23, 2009 at 10:24 pm: We recently bought a house and need living room help. I would love to win this!

tbarfield123 @ msn.com
18 Ivy March 23, 2009 at 10:38 pm: Love Layla’s work. She did a wonderful job working with what you already have to create a great look.
19 A Touch of Country March 23, 2009 at 11:03 pm: i love what she designed for you! Fabulous!

We are trying to buy my husband’s childhood home in the country.

If we do get it, I’d need a ton of design inspiration as it is a 1950′s ranch home with lots of blonde woodwork!
20 Anonymous March 24, 2009 at 2:43 am: Oh, yEAAAA, please enter me in your giveaway!!!!
So many thanks.
Karen kbrig@ptd.net
21 Meghan March 24, 2009 at 4:07 am: I have read Layla's blog for some time now…she is FABU!
Her redo of your fam room is terrific.
I would love her to redo my living/dining area.
Sigh.
I rent & have a budget like yourself & toys everywhere.
Help, Layla, help!
:>)
22 Remodeling Guy March 24, 2009 at 5:30 am: I think YOU are going to be famous..and we can say that we knew Kimba! Wait, better yet would be…we KNOW Kimba…so I’ll keep in touch!

I’m still trying to come to terms with the unplugged Friday thing!
23 Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality March 24, 2009 at 5:50 am: The room looks fantastic, Kimba! I know you are thrilled with it. and that Layla is just remarkable, love her. In fact, she and I got to go shopping together on Monday & had an absolute blast! You don't need to put me in the giveaway.
24 Heather March 24, 2009 at 6:29 am: I love the door coffee table idea…and I would LOVE to win this!
25 Heather March 24, 2009 at 6:46 am: Amazing! that’s exactly what I need – a fresh perspective! I keep doing things the same old way and getting the same result – having some else take a look and see things from a new angle makes all the difference!
26 Anonymous March 24, 2009 at 7:16 am: I love that room!! I could use some advice.

Jill
aj455@comcast.net
27 Amy @ Living Locurto March 24, 2009 at 8:08 am: Fun fun fun!! I need some help in my family room big time.
28 Meredith March 24, 2009 at 8:24 am: She is super talented!!! I hope I can win!!
29 Kati March 24, 2009 at 8:31 am: What a great job she did! And what a great giveaway! (kati
30 Anonymous March 24, 2009 at 8:35 am: kwscomet@aol.com I wold love to win this. I have my house for sale so I need help with no money!
31 Rebecca Shaw March 24, 2009 at 8:37 am: Wow! I don’t think I have ever heard of Layla before, but she knows her stuff. Amazing transformation. I really could use her help.
32 Tanis March 24, 2009 at 9:15 am: she is so talented!! i could for sure use her ideas to make my little duplex ‘livable’!!!
33 The Rae Family March 24, 2009 at 9:16 am: Oh my goodness, I am in LOVE with Layla’s work! Thank you so much for featuring her! Now I just need to save up so she can help me with every room in my house!
34 JakesMom31 March 24, 2009 at 9:57 am: Love the new layout! I can’t wait to see the finished product.
35 Alecia Watson Bahna March 24, 2009 at 10:33 am: I stalked Layla’s site last week after the Nester featured her. She does have some great ideas, doesn’t she? I hope I win… I’m in Alabama too!
36 Frugal Jen March 24, 2009 at 10:48 am: Wow!! I love reading her blog! I would have her do a living room layout for me.

Can’t wait to see the changes you make.
37 Rebecca March 24, 2009 at 11:19 am: Kimba,

Thanks for sharing! Like you, my budget is basically $0. We have just moved to Southern California, purchased a foreclosure, where are living with our three children while we renovate every single part of this home. I’m inspired and think I’d like to try the batten board treatment. Blessings to you!
38 Mandy Mae March 24, 2009 at 11:29 am: Awesome! I love it! I have a really odd room, and this would work great for me!!!
39 Tasha March 24, 2009 at 12:06 pm: I would love to win this….I really could use her advice.
40 Kathy March 24, 2009 at 12:55 pm: I just love Layla! She is awesome. I could really use her input. Pick me! Please!
41 Julie G. March 24, 2009 at 1:51 pm: I love Layla’s style..and if I don’t win…I’ll be purchasing a consultation anyway!
42 JanMary March 24, 2009 at 3:14 pm: I would love some advice on color for my family room – pick me
43 Josh 'n Katie March 24, 2009 at 3:19 pm: Layla does great work
I’ve been following her blog for awhile and would love to win a consultation!
44 wendy concepcion March 24, 2009 at 3:29 pm: Love how her room makeover for you turned out – can’t wait to see what you do with it!!!
45 It's a Mom Thing March 24, 2009 at 3:47 pm: What a great give-away. I just found Layla’s blog and spent all of Sunday afternoon looking through her archives. I love her style! I know just what I would ask her.

I love what she did for your room. It looks great. And I totally know what you mean about getting a mental road block when it comes to your own space.
46 Jaimee March 24, 2009 at 4:21 pm: The digital transformation is awesome! Love it!
lbertle @ yahoo . com
47 Beth at Aunties March 24, 2009 at 4:33 pm: This looks lovely! She really does have a great eye and I could could sure use her advice:-)
48 Kirsten March 24, 2009 at 4:38 pm: Okay I love this idea – I need so much help!
49 Sarah Mae March 24, 2009 at 5:26 pm: Wow Kimba, I didn’t even know people did that online! That is awesome and I love what she has done with your room – beautiful!!! I never would have thought that “the” Kimba would need a designer, you are such a great visionary when it comes to making things pretty!
50 Forward Family March 24, 2009 at 5:47 pm: I love the plan!! Ohhh… I hope I get picked I could sure use some help!
51 Christian March 24, 2009 at 7:39 pm: I love “The Lettered Cottage!” Count me in!
52 Sunday March 24, 2009 at 7:55 pm: Layla’s services are a God send to someone like me, who is 75 miles or further from a professional decorator. I not only live in a small town, but also in the country–no one wants to come to my aid! I so hope I win this “give away”, so I can have help with my family room–it makes my stomach hurt each time I pass by it. By the way–I also love your blog and love reading it each day.
53 Rina March 24, 2009 at 8:14 pm: Wow, that’s amazing! I found your site through “We are THAT Family” and I’m glad I did! I’m bookmarking this for future reference, or not-so-future reference if I happen to win…
54 Karla March 24, 2009 at 8:54 pm: Hi Kimba! Just wanted to say that I totally agree with your choice to replace the Apartment Therapy link with the “How To: Board and Batten” post from my blog! AT would only let me upload a few pictures, so I had to leave out a lot that help show the process. Glad that you liked the post on my blog better! I do too!

Thanks again!
~Karla @ It’s The Little Things That Make a House a Home…
55 Eileen March 24, 2009 at 9:08 pm: Wow – I can’t believe what a great job she does without even seeing the room in person!
56 Anonymous March 24, 2009 at 9:30 pm: We all will want to see the results.
I think it’s going to look Fab!

Please enter my name as well.

Dee
drobbins1@sbcglobal.net
57 Jamie @ Purposeful Pursuit March 24, 2009 at 10:14 pm: Wonderful! I’m looking forward to seeing the updates as you implement her ideas. I could really use her services; I am the world’s most indecisive decorator.
58 Jennifer Partin March 25, 2009 at 6:20 am: Me too! Me too!
59 SoBella Creations March 25, 2009 at 6:34 am: I can’t wait to see your room transformation. I love Layla’s blog.
60 mimi March 25, 2009 at 7:14 am: As an addicted furniture rearranger–this post made me smile! I love the virtual re-do. Fabulous!!
61 Hillary @ The Other Mama March 25, 2009 at 7:45 am: This is amazing! I love her thoughtfulness and designs. what a cool idea1
62 pocket full of pink March 25, 2009 at 7:55 am: Oh my goodness, I would LOVE to be entered!! We just moved into a new house and our family room has practically cathedral height ceilings. I have no idea how to work with the room! Thanks for the opportunity!
63 dixie@wildwood.baker.org March 25, 2009 at 8:59 am: Man oh man, I hope I win this one!!! Your room is going to be super fab when it’s done!!!
64 MONICA March 25, 2009 at 9:47 am: I love her style! Thanks!
65 Ladipierce March 25, 2009 at 9:49 am: Amazing transformation. I am new to this blog but look forward to a long relationship.
66 candiceschenk March 25, 2009 at 9:56 am: It looks so great!
67 The Bramble Patch March 25, 2009 at 10:07 am: Wow, not only do I want this I need this! Thanks for the giveaway.
68 Colette March 25, 2009 at 12:11 pm: Oh yes. I need help. Hope I’m the one!
69 Debbie March 25, 2009 at 12:34 pm: This is an amazing new niche in the virtual decorating world, so glad you shared Layla with us!
70 kerry*lynne March 25, 2009 at 1:09 pm: i love you.

and…

i love layla.

please pick me so i know that you both love me back.

thanks so much…kerry

<3
71 HeathahLee March 25, 2009 at 2:26 pm: Oh my goodness, enter me!!!!

I am at a loss to know what do do with my weird shaped living room and dining room! Should I swap them? Should I carpet part of the space? I would LOVE to hear her ideas!

And I can’t wait to see what you do with her recommendations!
72 Shilo March 25, 2009 at 2:41 pm: Isn’t Layla the sweetest? She always takes time to answer questions. I’d love to be entered in the giveaway!
73 Shelly March 25, 2009 at 3:05 pm: That is very nice the way that it turned out!!
I read Layla’s blog, and I love what she can do.
Oh… I hope, I hope, I hope I win. My kitched needs a LOT of advice.
Thank you!
Shelly
(shell_anna@msn.com)
74 JBH or Mom March 25, 2009 at 5:49 pm: I love what I see. Layla does great work. I loved her suggestions that she gave you and can’t wait to see you put them in place.

I would love to have Layla help me too!

Jules
75 new every morning March 26, 2009 at 7:37 am: Mmmm!!!!
A new perspective is always refreshing! I need some refreshment!
Thanks for the giveaway!
76 Kim March 26, 2009 at 3:48 pm: That is wonderful. I definitely need her help!
77 K March 26, 2009 at 7:53 pm: Yay that looks so great! Can’t wait to see how you implement her ideas!
78 Seafarer Gift Shop March 27, 2009 at 5:18 pm: Can’t wait to see the finished after photos once you’ve implemented Layla’s makeover design! I’m a big fan of her work after seeing what she did with her kitchen on a shoestring budget-I am very inspired – I highly recommend readers to visit her Lettered Cottage blog.
79 twin2trip March 30, 2009 at 9:21 pm: Oh I would absolutely love to be in on this one. I love that she tries to work with what you have.

Christina
80 Bethany March 31, 2009 at 1:56 pm: I’m a big fan of her work. Can’t wait to see what your new room looks like all finished!
81 Sunny May 12, 2009 at 2:35 pm: Yes, Layla is wonderful! I stalk her blog daily. Yours is one of my regulars, too. We WILL be saying we knew her when…
82 Missy July 29, 2009 at 6:26 am: Kimba – I have a sofa and loveseat combo that are the exact same color as your sage green sofa. I have been greatly struggling on how to design around them. Would you be so willing as to tell me what color Layla suggested for the walls? I would be eternally grateful for you.
I love your blog and admire your faith. Blessings to you and your family!