[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ enable_mobile=”no” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Life is ridiculous really.
When I began writing this blog back in 2009, under a pile of wrapping paper and babies in my lap, I couldn’t really imagine the places it would take us. When people other than my sister in law (thanks Lara!) & mom started reading, it became a passion for me. I was hooked. There I was just spewing out random thoughts and talking about our very messy life, and you all were reading.
You became part of my world, in a very real way.
You know the rest. This blog became a mission, a business, and a huge part of what makes my world tick. We opened a booth at an antique store & an online store for Chalk Paint, a brick & mortar store in Troy, Alabama, where we live, then revamped and added to our online store, wrote a book, went on The Nate Berkus Show, and got featured in magazines & websites that I highly respect. We just opened another store, Factory South, in Opelika, Alabama, and are sooo excited to fill you in on where our brands are heading.
But before I tell you those plans, it’s time for me to spill the beans on a secret I’ve been sitting on for a looonggg time. Which for me is equivalent to letting someone shove bamboo toothpicks under my fingernails. Ahem.
So out with it. We filmed a pilot, titled Sweet House Alabama, with HGTV and it airs this Sunday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. eastern standard time. I told you. CRAZY business.
A while back we got a call from the casting director (hey Danielle!) at Leftfield Pictures in New York. She had found our blog and bless her, watched our videos on YouTube. She asked if we’d be interested in working with them on filming a home improvement show. At the time, our lives were a little less full, but we still had plenty going on.
After talking about it and praying about it and weighing our options, Matt and I decided to go for it. We knew it was totally a long shot, and decided we’d just treat it as a fun experience. If it worked out, great. If not, then we would go on about our business and keep doing our thing.
After some Skype/phone interviews, we signed a contract with Leftfield, and the development process began. It was long and slow. Some months we’d be busy and others it would slow down & we’d hear very little.
These two had to sign contracts eventually, too, as they were my design assistants (and oh my lord i couldn’t have survived without them).
Finally, the time came last summer for us to sign with HGTV & we shot the pilot in late fall/early in the year. By the way, remember that crazy long hiatus I took from regularly posting here on the blog?? Now you know why we all went a little MIA for a few months. We didn’t just fall off the face of the earth after all. 😉
P.S. this is our amazingly talented, funny, & supportive Exec. Producer, Randy Jones…hey friend!!!
Y’all. It was work.
I don’t want to spill any details of the show (because I want to save the surprises for you!), but here’s the blurb from HGTV…
“Young couples seeking that old Southern family home need help. That dreamy restoration project is feeling out of reach — the houses’ historic charm is hidden by linoleum, wood paneling and seeing the inner beauty has proven difficult. That’s where the Alabama restoration dream team of Matt and Shaunna West come in. In every episode, they’ll help a couple house hunt for that diamond in the rough property, peel away it’s historic grandeur and restore to its stunning, original beauty, all within budget.”
Oh, and pssstt….the awesome folks at HGTV are letting me leak the show opening just for you guys here…
I’m so proud of this work and so grateful for the opportunity, and honestly we can’t wait for you to see the show, meet the Herndon family, and see the transformation that happens to this classic Southern home.
And I suppose it wouldn’t be fair to announce our pilot without thanking each and every one of you again. This work at Perfectly Imperfect has its challenges sometimes, but you all make every bit of the work worth it. We sure wouldn’t be here without you, and are curious to see where this all leads. And thank you for your patience during some of the quieter times lately.
Here’s some links for you to follow along…
HGTV’s Sweet House Alabama home page
Use the hashtag #SweetHouseAL on all your social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram while you’re watching the show…we’ll be watching out for you!
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook for updates in between blog posts.
And see y’all at 2 p.m. EST Sunday (May 3) on HGTV! [/fusion_text][/fullwidth][blog number_posts=”” offset=”” cat_slug=”” exclude_cats=”” title=”yes” title_link=”yes” thumbnail=”yes” excerpt=”yes” excerpt_length=”35″ meta_all=”yes” meta_author=”yes” meta_categories=”yes” meta_comments=”yes” meta_date=”yes” meta_link=”yes” meta_tags=”yes” paging=”yes” scrolling=”pagination” strip_html=”yes” blog_grid_columns=”3″ blog_grid_column_spacing=”40″ layout=”large” class=”” id=””][/blog]
So cool that I’m speechless. I will definitely be tuning in. Sincere congratulations!!!
Thank you Sayrah! Hope you enjoyed it!
Shaunna,
How very exciting for you all! Can’t wait to watch it and cheer you on. Got the dvr set now.
I met you at the first Chapel Market and have wanted to come to Troy to see your shop ever since. One day….. Atlanta isn’t that far, so no more excuses!
Keep dreaming, so great to see people dream big and be blessed like you by God’s promise.
Betsy
Thank you Betsy! I totally remember meeting you…thank you so much for your support then and now!
🙂
O M G !!!!! Congrats!!! So happy for you, enjoy! xox
Thank you, Anne!
WhoooooHoooooo!!!! Good luck sweetheart!!! We’ll be watching!!!
Thank you mama. 😉
Congratulations guys! Super excited for you 🙂
Thanks, Jess!! Hope you’re doing well!!
🙂
Wow!! Congrats sweet friend!! You continue to amaze me!!! Miss you!
Hey sweet friend. Thank you so much…love and miss you!
This is awesome! I’m super happy for you guys! Can’t wait to watch it on Sunday!
Thanks, honey! I loved seeing the pic of Lisa and your mom watching the show in Maryland! Hope y’all are doing so well!!
🙂
Now that is exciting news! Huge congratulations!!! Can’t wait to watch. I know Sweet Home Alabama will be a huge hit!
Thank you Sharon! What a sweet thing to say!
Way to “grow” PI!! So very happy for you. You are such an inspiration!
Thank you, Janet. You know we all love you at PI…thank you for all of your support locally and here!
🙂
So excited for you guys! I know it will do very well. Way to go! ;}
Thank you, sweet friend. Love and miss you terribly. 🙂
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. These southern homes cry for restoration. My town, deFuniak Springs, is fortunate to have many Victorian homes that are restored. But so many are left to crumble. I hope all of your hard work is rewarded richly. Keep up the good work. The “dusty castles” thank you.
Oh, well goodness you’re welcome! We sure love the process, so we’ll keep trying. 🙂
You both (aka ya’ll) are just too cute! Congratulations!!!! Looking forward to seeing episodes to come!
ha, well thank you dear!
Oh my gosh – so excited for you both! This is just perfect for you and I know will be a huge success! Can’t wait to watch on Sunday!!!
Thank you Doreen!!!
Shaunna, I am so happy for you guys! I remember meeting you when you were at the antique mall ( outside painting a piece of furniture), you were so sweet! Already set the show to tape! The best of luck to you!
Thank you Marsha…I remember that too! Thank you for watching!
Couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple. Shaunna and Matt, you deserve this! I know your southern talent will shine in “Sweet House Alabama”. I love your blog and your store. I know your HGTV show will have the same sweet southern charm as well. I am so happy for you and can’t wait to watch the show this Sunday!
Thank you Mrs. Nancy!! You’re way too kind…we love you right back!
So excited about this!! Your blog and videos gave me the courage to start painting furniture and converting many others to the awesomeness of the transformation. Can’t wait to watch!
Barbara…just made my day. That’s one of the best things to hear. That’s the whole mission behind PI; just to encourage normal people like us to do normal things like paint furniture and love the home we’re in. Thank you for the kind comment!
Oh. My. Goodness! I had NO idea, guys! Shaunna, I am Matt’s former youth minister (back during the Fayetteville days in the late 90s). I am so thrilled to see this! Blessings to you!
Wow, very cool! Fun to hear from old friends, too. Blessings to you too!
This is AMAZING! Good for y’all!!! Also good for me that you opened a store in Opelika bc that is on my route from Atl—Louisiana…! Hooray!
Thank you Shauna! Come see us in Opelika..I’m there most Thursday’s & would love to meet you!
Wow, Congratulations! I’ll be tuned in for sure! Can’t wait!
Thank you Michellse!!
So exciting!!! Love to see what fellow stockists and designers are doing! And we love some HGTV! Congratulations!
Thanks Ashley!! Fun stuff for sure!
Fabulous! I used to do a local cable home improvement show back in the early days. So fun. Sooooo much work. Great memories. Have a blast!!!
Yes it sure is, Debbie! It is fun though, too! Thank you!
Oh wow! How exciting!! I so wish we could see this in Australia. Xx
Thank you Sharon! I’ll keep y’all posted if it’s published online!
Wow! All I can say is congratulations to you all! I be watching!
Thank you, Hope!
How very exciting! I’m so proud of you guys! I don’t have television but I’ll definitely head to a friend’s house to watch on Sunday!
Thank you, Leen! We don’t either lol. Watched in a hotel room! 😉
Waaaa! So exciting! You guys are perfect for that. I can’t wait to see you on TV!!!! So cool.
The Other Marian
Thanks, Marian!! Hope I get to see you again soon!
🙂
Congratulations! I love old houses. So happy for your family.
Thank you so much, Molly!
Shut.the.front.door!! I was so worried about you. I had every intention the next time I was in Troy visiting my daughter Ashley, that I was going in to check on you. In fact, I did go to the store about a month or two into your hiatus. I didn’t ask the girls in the store because at that point my concern level hadn’t reached the “act like a crazy stalker mama and hunt you down”. But this…How wonderfully exciting!! So proud of your determination and achievement. Congratulations! BTW, you have just changed my Sunday nap time. 🙂
Thank you, Jan! I did laugh out loud at the concern part. 😉 We knew you guys would wonder why we were posting less frequently, but we just couldn’t reveal much yet. Sooo happy to be able to finally share with you guys what all has been happening behind the scenes. 🙂
Congratulations! I remember emailing you years ago with about painting. You said your husband was making fun of you because you were so excited that someone had emailed you with a question. You had less than 1k followers then..so happy for you!
Thank you so much for sharing that fun memory, Susan! I totally remember that! Thank you for your continued support!
My, how the Lord does bless good folks! I am so excited for you in this well deserved adventure. Thanks for taking us along! From one Alabama girl to another, congratulations!
Well thank you Faerie! Thank you for being along for the ride…we’re very grateful to get to share it all here!
I don’t tweet, not on instagram or facebook but I am a loyal reader and I just couldn’t be happier. I have already written it down so I will remember to watch. I am so glad HGTV is showing how to remodel and decorate homes again. I will wish you luck but with your talent, I don’t thing you need it. Can’t wait to watch – Congratulations!
Well thank you Patty! Very sweet. 😉
Woo Hoooo marked my calendar for Sunday afternoon and so looking forward to visiting with you all!
Thanks Gloria!
I don’t usually comment but wanted to say congrats and I just put this in my calendar with an alert! It looks great! So excited for you and to see the show!
Thanks Angela! and thank you for taking the time to comment…it means the world!
Wow, what a journey! From blogger, to business, to HGTV! Congratulations!
Ha, yes it’s been fun/busy for sure!! thank you Roxanne!
How exciting! I just set it up on my DVR and am really looking forward to watching your first show!
Thank you Carrie!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to watch!
Thanks Danielle!
Wow! How exciting!! Congrats y’all and can’t wait to see you in action!
Thank you Ann!!!
So exciting! Congratulations and looking forward to watching!
Thanks Rose!!
I’ll be watching. Congratulations!
Thank you Eileen! Hope you enjoyed it!
Howdy from Annie Sloan in Australia – great to see !
Thank you Kathee!!
so excited for you. Can’t wait to see more xx
Thanks Fiona!
How cool is that?!! How unbelievably exciting! I already have it set on my DVR and I can’t wait to watch. I am sure it will be amazing. Your videos on YouTube were some of the very first that I watched when chalk painting first started taking over my life 🙂 Here’s to a long run on HGTV!!
Thank you Michelle…bless you for watching those videos lol! 😉 And thank you for the well wishes!
Perfectly Imperfect is one of my favorite stores! I am thrilled you get to share your talents with the nation. Best of luck to you!
Well thank you so much…what a compliment!
Woot! Woot! Congratulations Shaunna!
Thank you Amber!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! SOOOOOO Exciting!! Congratulations and YAY! I hope there is a way for me to see it sometime in Canada 🙂 SO pumped!
Thank you so much Ashlea!!!!
Well, this is amazing! Happy for you both–and I predict a huge success 🙂
Aw, thank you sweet girl. So happy for all of your successes as well! And p.s. i love your profile pic..adorable!
You’re so darn charming Shaunna, I’ll be tuning in just to see you. I’m sure you’ve hit it out of the park and will enjoy a long run. Congratulations.
Well thank you Debra!!! I appreciate it so, so much!
SHAUNNA!!! Woohoo! I’ve only met you one time, at Chapel Market, but feel like a dear friend just got a show on HGTV! I’ve loved following your blog all these years and I’m so happy for your new show. I know it will be a success. I love that you share your faith and your family on your blog. Many, many blessings to you, Matt and the kids! Angie from Pensacola.
Thank you Angie. I honestly appreciate comments like these more than you know. Such an encouragement to hear from you guys…and I’m thankful that occasionally we can share things that are worthwhile. Many blessings to y’all as well!
I am so proud for you. Although our meetings have been few (if at all), I am Matt’s cousin – I am Bubba’s half-1st first cousin. Figure that out – nevertheless I am so happy for you and have scheduled the VCR so I can be sure to see the show. I have told all the other distant kin down here (Meridianville) so they can brag about you. Needless to say we are excited and so happy and proud for you. God bless you.
Well thank you Doris!!!! We sure appreciate all the love and the sharing! God bless you too!
WWHHHAAAATTTT! Whoohoo! So excited for you and I can’t wait to watch! ENjoy the ride sweet girl!
Thank you Sue! So much!!
Oh my goodness! Pretty puh-lease tell me how to apply to be on your show?!? We live in Eufaula, AL, and if you take a quick little drive down gorgeous N Randolph, N Eufaula Ave, and/or Broad Street, you’d know how desperately this sweet home Alabama town needs y’all right now. If there’s any way my family can apply, please let me know!
Hey Catherine! We sure will keep y’all posted on any future details!
Oh, Shaunna! This is terribly exciting! Can’t wait to tune in and see it. So happy for you and Matt!
Thank you so much, Katherine!!! I remember standing in that long ole line with you to see Ree…hope y’all are doing so well! xo
So thrilled for y’all and can’t wait to see it!!
Thank you Kim!!
If you are looking for projects for next years show, I have a 115 year old house in Historic Irondale Al that could use some love.
It is the house Fanny Flag’s aunt owned and inspiration in her book “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe”
Very very cool, Ron! Thank you for letting us know!!
Set my DVR! Congratulations b
Thank you Erin!
WOW! How exciting!! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see the show and follow your adventures!
Thank you Julie!!!
Well, you are real and talented. Congrats! Looking forward to watching Sunday. The best of luck.
Well thank you Tina…that’s such a kind thing to say. 🙂
Congrats to you! Can’t wait to watch – love your adorable voice!
Thanks Lynda!!! hehe, hate my voice but thank you anyway. 🙂
That is so cool!!! Way to go!! Congrats on all the hard work.
Annie
Thanks Annie!!
Someone on the Fixer Upper followers Facebook page posted a link to your blog. I had never visited your blog before (I will be checking it out for sure ) but your show looks like something I will LOVE. Old homes and renovations are close to my heart ❤️. I’ve set my dvr and I cannot wait to see it! I’ll be sharing on my Facebook page as well. Good luck!!!
Thanks for coming over Kiah!!! And thank you for sharing the show!!
Wow, wow, wow!!! How incredibly exciting 🙂 Loved the opening. . .looking forward to see where this goes. . .;)
Thank you Jennibell!!!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow exciting news! I can’t wait to watch. I live in Auburn so I’ll have to check out Factory South soon! congrats!
Awesome Vanessa! We’d love to see you at FS!
WOW. I’m SO excited for you guys!
Not surprised at all….so the real deal and so talented!
Congratulations!!!
Thank you Tara!! I so so appreciate you saying that!
Just found your blog, now I am excited to see your new show!
Yay, Trudy…glad you found us!! Hope you enjoyed it!
omg!! So excited for you guys! Can’t wait to watch, setting my DVR! Congrats!
Thank you Cristiana!!! 🙂
I’m watching your show right now! How exciting! Congratulations!
EEEk!!! Thank you for watching it Janelle!!!
🙂
Hi, Congrats on the show! Loved it! I have it taped and watched it twice already….looking foward to more! I love your decorating style….
Thank you So much, Kim! We’re so glad you did! 🙂
That is so wonderful for you and your family! God is good! You are definitely being blessed from above:) Enjoy!
Thank you, Heather, we have been truly blessed, and just interested to see what God has next 🙂
Shaunna and Matt, Just finished watching your show!! Woohoo! It was so awesome, I have been following your blog for quite some time now, actually your was one of the first blogs I ever followed. So happy for you guys, it was great to see you in action, I felt like I was watching an old friend! Best of luck, may God bless this new platform he has given you! :*
Thank you sooo much for watching Cristiana!!!! We’re certainly excited to see where it leads!!
Shaunna and Matt, I watched your show and loved seeing you in action. You did a great job on the house and on the show. Congratulations!
Thank you Eileen!!!!! So happy you watched!!!
I watched the show and loved it. I hope there will be plenty more to follow. It was so great to she places I recognize. Congratulations!!
Thanks for watching Twyla!!!
CONGRATS!!! Also, I just moved to Montgomery and I’m looking forward to visiting your store in Troy!
Thank you Paulina!! Yes, come on down and visit us! Looking forward to meeting you! 🙂
I wish you could have helped me and my family, you do some amazing work! Im still on the hunt for a house that we like! So glad to see someone doing it closer to us here in Montgomery! If you ever come this way I’d love to work with both of you, y’all are VERY talented and I could never make a home look like that!
Loved the show last night. I immediately recognized your logo so I decided to visit your website. When I got to the site and discovered you were from Troy, you got your newest fan. My family is from Luverne. Crenshaw County, Baby!! 🙂
Aww thank you Stephanie! You are just right up the road from us 🙂 Come visit us here in Troy anytime!!
Loved the show! When will we get new episodes?
Hi there Rebecca!
Thanks so much for your comment. We are unsure if we will get more episodes. The best way you can help us is by using #SweetHouseAL on social media.:)
I live in Alabama and would love for you to renovate my grandmother’s over 100 year old farmhouse on our family farm. It needs massive renovation but it is such a beautiful, large home and so many good memories.