[Photo from HGTV's website]
I would have to say that this was the best episode to date in my opinion. Matthew and Tracey are the dynamic duo that brings this project to its successful completion along with Rukiya, their staging assistant. Rukiya, as in other episodes, comes to their aid and makes the project gel together with her cool, "keep everybody calm" manner. We could all use a Rukiya in our lives. She commented early on in the episode that Matthew and Tracey are like oil and water and that they come from opposite design spectrums. That may be the case, but I thought that they worked together fabulously. They have a real on-camera, professional chemistry.
Here's the low-down on this episode:
The team had 4 days to stage a 3-storey heritage home listed at $1,198,000. The property currently presented itself as a bachelor pad. The task was to take it from a "friends getting wasted" look (another trademark Matthew one-liner - keep them coming Matthew) to a family home; a daunting task in the time provided.
Day 1 found the team disagreeing on the intended purpose for each room. Currently, the study was being used as a dining room. Also, there was a large sectional chaise lounge located in what should have been the dining room. Matthew felt that it impeded on the space, but Tracey wanted to make the piece work. Enter the start of their artistic differences. They finally agreed to keep the chaise and work with it. The next bone of contention was the loft. Matthew wanted to turn it into an office, whereas Tracey thought it should be made into a kids' retreat. Matthew conceded that Tracey knew that market more than he did and went along with her vision. I was glad to see that it was handled very professionally and didn't turn into a big power struggle.
Day 2 starts off with Matthew at the warehouse tagging the furniture he wants to use. From there, pan to the property: Tracey arrives and nothing has been moved out yet. The movers finally arrive and decisions are made as to what goes and what stays. After some discussion, they all agree that the chaise lounge has to go. This, of course, changes everything.
Day 3 things become very stressful for the team. The removal of the chaise lounge has sent them back to the drawing board. They return to the warehouse and re-select furniture for the project. The team feels that they are back at Day 1 and now only have 1 more day to finish the job. I think the funniest part of the show was when Rukiya got stressed and announced that her eye was twitching and that it was all Matthew's fault. One of those moments that isn't as funny when explained in a recap, but was hillarious to watch!
Day 4 is staging day. It went by in a flash.
Fast forward to Day 5: The Reveal: As usual, a beautifully turned-out home: staged to perfection. The homeowners were thrilled and felt that the team had outdone themselves. The homeowner's parting words: "Have you seen my socks and underwear?". Gotta love it!
End Result: Listing Price: $1,198,000 / Staging Costs: $4,956 / Selling Price: $1,256,000:
$58,000 over asking price!
The only negative comment about this episode is one that I have mentioned all along in my reviews of previous episodes as well. There is too much information being packed into a half hour time slot. The show really needs to be extended to 1 hour. That became even more apparent to me with this particular episode. For example, I felt that Day 4 was gone in a flash. I couldn't even really summarize what happened that day. It ran along at a feverish pitch in order to get to reveal day in the allotted time.
As far as I can tell, this is the only pairing of Matthew and Tracey on a project this season. Paperny Films, I implore you, if this show gets renewed for Season 2, you HAVE to put these two together again for a few of the filmed projects. They work so well as a team and seem to have a mutual respect for each other's opinions. No dysfunctional banterings here, just professional collaboration presented in an entertaining fashion that doesn't make the viewer wince.
Matthew and Tracey prove that yes, in some cases, oil and water can mix!
Dezigner Digz is a home staging and interior decorating company located in Burlington, Ontario and servicing Ancaster, Hamilton, Aldershot, Burlington, Waterdown, Stoney Creek, Bronte, Oakville, Milton and surrounding areas. The owner, Charlene Storozuk, is a member of the Real Estate Staging Association and is the founder and current President of the Halton & Hamilton-Wentworth Real Estate Staging Association. For more information about us, visit our website at www.dezignerdigz.com.
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