Hi all,

I promised to post when the show will air for the set 2 Hounds Design did.

It will air tonight (Monday 13th) and again Thursday night the 16th.

Both airings will be at 10 P.M Eastern on BET.

I'd love your feedback!

UPDATE:

I now have a copy of the show. I have no clue how to upload it or where I should upload it to. I'm thinking YouTube?

If anyone has experience I'd appreaciate some help. The show is at least 30 minutes long!

Hey all in Ontario! I'm clearing out some of my contemporary inventory. I've got beautiful Italian Leather pieces for sale.

I am selling these at WHOLESALE PRICING.

Versitile Sofa with Ottoman or Chaise...depending on your mood! (Soft Grey as shown)

Product Description:
Sofas with cubic geometry are likely to achieve minimalism visually. However, only few can claim Paria's comfort. Paria comes as a sofa and ottoman. The ottoman base can be placed in front of the left or right side. By easily replacing the 2 piece cushion and the ottoman cushion it transforms into a sectional sofa.

Technical Information:
Internal Structure: Solid pine wood frame
Internal Upholstery: Polyurethane foam, polyester fiber
Support Structure: Aluminum laminated MDF
Ferrules: Thermoplastic material
Cover: Slip cover with Velcro enclosures in fabric

Dimensions:
Paria Sectional: H32" W91" D33" SH16" AH25.5"
Paria Ottoman: H16" W27" D27"

$1500 - Pick up only.

4 Italian White Leather Dining Chairs (extremely comfortable)

Product Description:
The understated SoHo Chair displays minimal design qualities through the use of rectilinear forms. SoHo is the ideal blend of style and comfort. The upholstered armrests that extend for about three quarters of the seat depth promote seating for extended periods of time and improve durability. This elegant and comfortable design is also suitable for commercial applications.

Technical Information:
Internal Structure: Steel tubes and sections
Internal Upholstery: Injection-molded polyurethane foam
Support Structure: Chrome plated steel sections
Cover: Slip cover with Velcro enclosures

Dimensions:
Soho Chrome Chair: H31" W22" D21.5" SH18" AH24"

$1200 for the set of 4. Pick up only. (I can get more if you want 6 or 8)

2 Eifel chairs in Italian White Leather...very comfortable!

Product Description:
Eifel chair and stools stand out at any interior with their continuous soft lines that represent a futuristic approach. The seat and the back are designed and manufactured as a whole, creating a sculptural body which seems to be carved out of an egg shape. A slender steel wire support structure dramatizes this futuristic approach and allows the users to observe and appreciate the geometry without interference. Eifel's steel structure and high quality detailing makes it suitable for commercial use as well as residential.

Technical Information:
Internal Structure: Steel tubes and sections
Internal Upholstery: Injection-molded polyurethane foam
Support Structure: Chrome plated steel wires (my chairs are like the ones on the right but in White Italian Leather)
Ferrules: Thermoplastic material
Cover: Slip cover with Velcro enclosures

Dimensions:
Eifel Chair: H31" W18" D23.5" SH18"

$400 for the pair. Pick up only. (I can get more as well if you want more than $200).

There is a new formula to stain concrete. This is a 0-VOC, LEEDs credited approved product which contains an acid. The acid reacts with the minerals in the concrete.

The finished product can look like just about any stone finish for much less of a financial investment.

Be sure to check out KEMIKO Stone Tone Stain.

Architectural Specs are available on the website.

Kemiko Stone Tone Stain is available as a DIY product or they will direct you to a professional applicator.

UPDATE:

I've heard back from a sales rep and yes, Kemiko stone tone stain is safe to use over radiant concrete flooring!

Autumn Picks To Elevate Your Home As Selected By Toronto's 2 Hounds Design & Home Staging

There are so many inventive products coming on to the market and design plays just as important a role as function...perhaps more important than function!

This will be the first in an on-going series from Toronto's 2 Hounds Design + Home Staging.

As a decorator, stager and shopaholic it is imperative I stay on top of trends in home fashions so I see on a daily basis and I'm regularily introduced by manufacturers the latest and greatest.

Here are a few of my picks I've come across this Autumn in no specific order:

Bodum

Bodum's double walled Borosilicate glass will not sweat on the table, won't burn your hand holding it and they will help keep drinks cold or hot longer. Now expanded, the line includes coctail glasses...ice cold 'tinis and cosmo's should then theoretically stay cold longer...unless you drink them like I do...in which case, it wouldn't matter.

These beauties have won numerous awards since they were released in 2007.

Green Rooms

Speaking of Autumn; for those of you who, last winter, were doing what we in the Great White North do every winter to stay warm...you may now find yourself in the market for a crib.

I wanted to bring to your attention one of the most sophisticated and stylish cribs I've yet to see (at least since Madonna bought her first crib). This bamboo crib also has non-toxic glue and a natural oil finish. It is available through Green Rooms. Sorry, I don't know who the manufacturer or designer is.

Daniel Michalik

Daniel's Sway Stool is made from 100% recycled cork (from all my wine corks!). I absolutely want this whole set!

The centre is solid cork which is flexible and great for the spine and as you can see the rest of the stools are perforated which allows the stools to flex and sway under you. Remind you of anything? The Pilate's ball. These stools will look much hipper at a desk or in your living room then a big ol'ball yet it still provides the the core training and keeps your posture straight.

Did I mention I want the whole set?!

BTW, cork is water proof, resists mold and rot...I'd like a 2nd set for beside the inground pool I want too. *smile*

Botot Eau Du Bouche

I have yet to try this mouthwash but the ingredient list sure makes it sound yummy. Regardless of how it tastes and how well it works, Botot's Mouthwash will look Fabulous displayed on your bathroom counter.

This is the world's first mouthwash...I have a hard time believing that. Halitosis has been around since the dinosaurs. Not doubt they were the first to realize there was money to be made in mouthwash. Capitalists to the rescue to fight nasty gingivitis!

Speaking of Gin...when drinking in public I'd recommend G & T's. No offensive breathe to put off those you socialize with.

Or you can cart around some of Botot's for between shots. Botot Mouthwash was created by Dr. Julien Botot for King Louis XV of France in 1755. Even Royalty was dealt the hand of bad breath!

You can pick up a bottle through Bigelow Chemists.

Ingredients:Natural extracts of - Anise, Benzion, Ethanol. Natural essences of - Cinnamon, Ginger (brings blood to the gum line) Gillyflower (clove family).

Even more to love about Botot:

- Concentrated so you just add a few drops to warm water.

- Recognized as a Superior Natural Product by The Royal Society of Medicine.

- No artificial colour or flavour.

- Cruelty free!

- Is still made to the original French recipe formula (though made in Italy now)

There are so many great finds I will of course post as I find the time.

Dane Caldwell is the Lead Consultant with Toronto's 2 Hounds Design + Home Staging.

www.2-hounds.com 416-418-5919

Durham Region, Municipality of Clarington, Courtice, Ontario Canada. Small town bedroom community real estate meets The Big City Toronto Home Stager.

When we put our house up for sale mid-July this summer we were confident it would sell and fast for our area. While a house like ours down the street was listed a month and a half before we listed ours...so they would have listed...end of May beginning of June; they just sold over these past 2 weeks so some time in September they finally sold. That is about 4 months! They have yet to move. No doubt they had hoped to sell and move before school started up again.

The house like ours under went a number of price reductions yet we were sold firm in less than 2 weeks. We sold for almost $50,000 more than them.

What was the difference? We did a couple of minor updates: a new powder room and new carpet. But that would never sell a property faster and for almost $50,000 more. It was the 2 updates along with the on-trend paint through out, the upgraded lighting I selected prior to lising and the staging. I replaced my actual living/dining furniture with some of my inventory and put in a new stainless fridge and stove.

Really the stager is what sold it. Knowing what to change, what to change to, and knowing what the potential market was. I made my place look sophisticated and rich...so any professionals downsizing would feel right at home as well, anyone with kids would see they could have a 'lifestyle' in the house. It was perfect for intimate entertaining for both. And for a young couple just starting out or a young single...it was PERFECT because it was not stuffy or old and tired.

Every person who walked in fell in love. There was one couple who wanted it even though it was too small for them! Another was upset and disappointed because his house was sold on condition of his buyers selling theirs and he new he would miss the opportunity to buy ours.

The point of this particular blog post?

We did not do the staging to sell for more money; we did it to sell fast. I think it was a wise investment. Don't you?

Frank Llosawrote a great post on his blog, 'It's the Staging Stupid'. Excellent read and from a Broker Of Record who will not accept a listing unless it is staged!

The couple who finally sold...they were younger than myself but their house looked like it belonged to the saddest people with no life. Who feels good and puts an offer on that?!

What are you waiting for? Take the leap and call a Professional Home Stager.