Debbie Travis' Facelift - Tales From The Set

Letter From Debbie

Hello everybody;

This show was great fun for me because I got to work with a bunch of fellow countrymen. Nick is a Brit and his soccer buddies are from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England.

These true friends and their wives were all summoned to join in this nostalgic four-day marathon, and they all worked very hard indeed, while an unsuspecting Nick was off playing golf.

This always makes the surprise even more special, when the one we are treating to a Facelift realizes how much hard work his family and friends put into the project.

Nick's beautiful wife Sandy had orchestrated the Facelift with a plea for help. They were expecting their first baby very soon and the nursery was still Nick's home office. Men ought to realize that having a room of their own after they are married just isn't on. My husband is still waiting!

But to make room for the crib, we remodeled the downstairs den with lots of bookshelves and a computer desk so that Nick could continue to work in peace (fat chance with a baby), and then we really threw our hearts into transforming the living and dining rooms. I wanted them to have the feel of a traditional English manor house, with plenty of moulding detail and a tall, stately fireplace.

It worked beyond even my expectations. Planning around a theme is often helpful; ideas abound and there are so many ways to imitate a grand atmosphere with paint and a little carpentry. Mistakes such as Jim's falling plaster bits are glossed over and simply add to the aged ambiance.

Love Debbie

Letter From Nick

Dear Debbie and the Facelift crew;

I am very happy to be typing this letter from the comfort of our beautiful new office. It still hasn't really sunk in for me what went on over those four days, and Sandy and I talk about it often. Perhaps when I see the show it will become even more real.

I guess my situation differs from other Facelift 'victims' because the Sivart van had broken down! We were driving up the street in the taxi getting closer and closer, when I saw the van. At first I thought it was in someone else's driveway, and I was thinking to myself, wow, Debbie Travis is on our street! Then I realized it was my house, and oh no, I'm early and they weren't expecting me. Next thing, everyone jumped from the van. 1000 thoughts went through my head -- which room has been done -- kitchen, nursery, basement, extension? I walked in, turned the corner and saw Debbie. I was totally overwhelmed and somewhat speechless °V and very excited about standing so close to Debbie.

I noticed the Union Jack and laughed, and then the beautiful fireplace followed by the pale walls and paneling. It's strange because we'd done quite a bit to the living room and I really liked it, however it looked even better now. I was just amazed that it was so gorgeous, particularly the console table and the painted chandelier. Debbie also showed me the plaster mouldings, which were phenomenal.

We then walked through to the office and I was really happy to see my wife. I didn't take much else in because I was just so happy to be home with her again. The framed picture of the Queen was classic, that was actually a postcard sent to me by my mum and dad, so I always think of them when I look at it. The office is absolutely perfect. The cupboards and shelves in each corner were exactly what Sandy and I wanted.

It took me ages to take everything in. It was only when I walked back out into the living room that I really noticed the great dining room table and the fabulous tiles by the fireplace °V I really hated the old ones!

The best thing about the following few weeks was looking at everything that had been done and just smiling a huge smile to myself. I'll never realize how much work was involved in everything, but I do know that we really truly appreciate all of your hard work, and want to thank you all very much for our beautiful living room, dining room and office. I'll also never properly understand what my (very pregnant) wife went through but I do know that I love her more every day in every way.

God Save the Queen of Design!

Love
Nick
xxxx