gta: Rules - Call Me Crazy But...They Often Times NEED to be Broken! - 02/18/09 10:04 AM
There are many rules in design and it's off shoots (decorating, staging, re-design). But the best designs (those stop you from flipping the page or stop you in your tracks) are always when someone has challenged the rules.
If may not be obvious to you that some design rule has been tossed out. Nor would it have been carelessly tossed out. Great thought goes in to stunning design. Those who challenge design rules are recognized by the industry for their ability to create engaging environments. Those who follow all the rules...create rooms that while may be beautiful technically, they lack the ability to truly draw in … (10 comments)
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gta: As a Buyer...I'm Obsessed With MLS & FSBO Websites...Do I Really Need a Realtor? - 05/19/08 02:22 PM
I know you all feel strongly about the value of using a Buyers Agent but I've gotten some insight since I started looking for a new house (yippee!).
Buyers who use the internet to search MLS will also look at the FSBO website listings. As we all know the vast majority of buyers are using the internet to search for properties so the arguement that if you are FSBO you will not be found by buyers has been greatly diminished. A BA is invaluable when you want to know what is being listed that day. Relying solely on the MLS for finding … (6 comments)
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gta: Sold For Over Asking! Downtown Toronto Real Estate Decorator/Home Stager - 02/01/08 09:43 AM
I am always relieved when a property I've staged sells. You never know what is going to happen when a property is listed. Everything can be perfect...but nothing. So I was thrilled to get an email this morning saying the Downtown Toronto property had sold.
Of course...there were no other details in the email...talk about a tease!
Well, it is sold:
no conditions (other than the certificate from the condo corporation) - Yippee!for over asking!and blasted through the ceiling of sold pricesfor 1 bdrms! It has sold for only $15,000 less than the 2 bedroom/2 bath...2 doors down the hall, which sold 2 weeks ago (oh, … (10 comments)
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gta: 10 Reasons To Recommend a Professional RE Stylist/Home Stager For ALL Your Downtown Toronto Listings - 01/18/08 06:52 AM
Proof positive to sellers you are a proactive agent who gets properties SOLD not REDUCED!MLS Photos will attract more potential buyers to view your listingsSimply decluttering, cleaning, fresh paint and adding a ficus tree doesn't cut it. Buyers want on trend colours and move in condition. Don't leave the paint colour selections to the seller or home depot!Professional RE Stylists broach the delicate subjects for you. No more talks about the 'dolls', wallpaper, taxidermy, odours, porn mags beside the toilet etc. OR no more ignoring these issues for fear of loosing the listing but having the confidence they will be dealt with and resolved making the … (24 comments)
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gta: 2 Hounds' Life Lesson of the Week #3 - 01/03/08 03:45 PM
With the new year just 3 days in I thought a timely quote would be in order. After all, are we not now reflecting on our past year with our 2008 business plan in mind?
"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today." - Will Rogers
While it is good to review don't get stuck thinking about regrets or missed opportunities.
Cheers to all and a Happy New Year!
2 Hounds Design + Real Estate Merchandising
… (7 comments)
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gta: REALTORS: Why You Need A Decorator Stager For Your Sellers...No You Don't Already Do What I Do. - 01/01/08 12:48 PM
REALTORS:
a very good example of why a PROFESSIONAL stager/decorator/color consultant is necessary to help your sellers select paint colors. No, you don't already do what we do...lets work together for a win/win/win (your commission/your clients best price/my reputation) situation in 2008! to weed out the chaff from the wheat this is a good litmus test; a professional KNOWS color theory as well as DESIGN Theory. 3 Day training to be a 'stager' does not teach theory only a minuscule percentage of practical.
Practical:
does not make a professional is what most Realtors already know themselves A Professional Stager/Decorator is your best weapon in … (8 comments)
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gta: Color (Colour) Theory 101, some basics on TAUPES...a much needed review - 01/01/08 12:33 PM
OK. Seems some of us need a paint color 101 lesson. I just read Kelly Townsend's blog asking for some help with colour suggestions for dated tiles in a bathroom. After reading some comments I see there is a lack of knowledge of color theory.
So for those of us who struggle with color...read on. BTW, I do still struggle with color just not with color theory!
First the primary colors...I'm about to blow your mind here...well some of you!
Yellow, Magenta and Cyan: a more accurate reflection of the artists color wheel than the 'red, yellow, blue' we where taught in … (17 comments)
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gta: No Portfolio? Building your professional portfolio one room at a time. - 09/02/07 02:33 PM
Judy Kincaid recently wrote a great post on her blog: No more Ms. Nice Gal...the kid gloves are coming off!
Tina Parkerhad a great suggestion in her comment on Judy's blog. Tina suggested blogs on how to get started as a stager when you have nothing. So I thought I'd get the ball rolling with this blog.
As a new stager you have to understand the service you are selling is purely subjective. You are selling your talent. Always keep this in mind and when you are making decisions on how to promote yourself ask the question; 'is this a true representation … (31 comments)
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gta: The funniest agent's listings... - 06/21/07 09:51 AM
In a recent Blog I wrote, Hire a 'Naked Stager': Satisfaction Guaranteed!, Paul Viau wrote how we sould all use the word "Naked" more in our advertising.
Well, there is an agent in the U.K., Ralph Bending who does just that! You have to read his listings, they are hysterical. His tagline is 'the most fun you can have with an estate agent'.
Here are some of his current listings:
"Ground floor flat synonymous with the type of person who eats red kidney beans and exhudes certain aromatic gases. Bedroom at the front with en-suite shower room, small sitting room at the rear, brand new kitchen, … (27 comments)
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gta: Hardware - A Little Bling Never Hurt! - 06/20/07 03:48 PM
If you want your house to stand out among the hundreds for sale, or just want to upscale the image of your house, look at the hardware you currently have.
Hardware includes:
door knobs cabinet/drawer pulls and knobs door bumpers levers faucets hinges push/kick plates hooks switch plates Determine the finish (e.g. bronze, chrome, brass, iron, stainless...) that best complements the house/condo. Ideally you want the finish to be consistent throughout, although some different finishes can complement each other if not overdone.
Old pieces can be restored or purchased at architectural salvage shops, or new hardware can be purchased, the point … (17 comments)
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gta: Customer Service, Is It A Thing Of The Past? - 06/18/07 07:20 PM
This is the first year we decided to have our lawn treated by a company, rather than by ourselves. We have a hectic life and little time to spend caring for our lawn.
When the company came out the first time, they did a spring 'feed'. This was in May. We were told they would return in a week to aerate and 'weed' the lawn. Well, it is June 18th, and they have not returned. For the past 3 weeks we have called to ask where they were and were told the techs were 'in the area' and would be out within the … (6 comments)
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gta: This blog is for homeowners - 06/07/07 11:38 AM
There are so many service options that can be offered to clients, by home stagers and re-designers, but I would like to know, as a homeowner who may be considering selling your house/condo, or actually are selling it,what services you would like to receive.
I get many calls from homeowners who are thinking about staging or re-designing their home, but don't know what services are offered and how they are offered.
In terms of home staging in the city of Toronto, my services are pretty much utilized in actual staging rather than consultations for the owners to complete on their own. However, in … (2 comments)
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gta: Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend - July 13-15, 2007 - Mosport International Speedway - 05/31/07 09:34 PM
Canadian Superbike Doubleheader WeekendParts Canada Superbike ChampionshipCanadian ThunderHindle Pro 600 Sport BikeInternational Motorcycle SUPERSHOW AM 600Suzuki SV650 CupWoman's Cup
Can-Am 125 & 250 GP
Come out and listen to these bikes! Make sure to ride your bike, I will be.
Yep, I'll be there to cheer on the Woman's Cup. I haven't the time to join, but I would love to...these ladies know how to ride! Ontario has some of the best International Women riders...didn't know that did you? Well, now you do.
Don't forget, if you see me there, say hi!
Dane Caldwell is the Lead Design Consultant of Toronto and GTA's 2 Hounds Design and … (0 comments)
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gta: Archibald's Sparkling Decade - June 24, 2007 - 05/31/07 09:26 PM
What can I say? If there is a wine tasting...I'm in! Archibald's makes some fabulous fruit wines, it is definately worth going. If you see me, bring another sampler, and say hi!
www.2-hounds.com
… (0 comments)
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gta: Fabulous B&B's of Clarington Open House - June 10, 2007 - 05/31/07 09:21 PM
I'll be out looking at the architecture and design details, so say Hi if you see me!
www.2-hounds.com
… (0 comments)
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gta: When and How To Hire A Stager - TheTruth They Don't Want You To Know - 05/27/07 09:41 AM
Like service providers in every other profession, not all stagers are created equal.
If your Realtor does suggest a stager, insist on seeing their portfolio. Talk to the stager to ensure they did the work in their portfolio alone.
Many people are jumping in to the staging industry after taking a 3 day training course and 'share'the staging of a house as part of their staging. The work is then provided to them for their portfolio and website, however if they were lucky, they got to place a towel or facecloth.
These classes are filled with up to 30 students. The students did not source any … (21 comments)
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gta: Neutrals Come In All Different Colours (Farrow & Ball suggestions) - 05/25/07 04:00 PM
You are always hearing stagers saying to use neutrals to paint your rooms if you are painting to sell. Unfortunately, many hear neutral and think beige, tan, taupe....
You'll be happy to hear, that neutrals come in every warm and cool colour you can imagine. The point is for the paint to not be to 'vocal'. Select a more vocal colour to complement the 'neutral' for an accent wall, a piece of furniture, throw pillows or other accessory.
Some of my favorite neutrals are:
Farrow & Ball Paint
Mouse's BackHardwick White (like a sage green)Light BlueSkylightLamp Room GrayElephant's Breath (one of their newest colors - I'm so … (5 comments)
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gta: Curb Appeal Is Well Worth The Hard Work - 05/15/07 08:50 PM
If your house is listed or going to be listed soon a wonderfully scented perennial to plant along the walk to the entrance is Lavender. Even before the blooms begin to open your nose can't miss it. Don't forget to consider what you can put into pots or urns to add more appeal and warmth as well.
Don't leave the garden exposed for weeds to run wild. Using cedar mulch or bark chips will control the weed growth and also improve the appearance of your home from the street.
On either side of the garage I like to see the largest hanging baskets you can find … (1 comments)
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