He was no hottie, but Michael with Designing for the Sexes- talk about talkent. He, Candance and Vern. Head and shoulders above the others.

I think both shows are good.

Can't stand the fake drama on LILI. So there's no contest. The real question is, Drew OR Jonathon?

I love " Sell This House" . They take an unsalable house and make it look great on a budget.

I liked Design to Sell too . . . . a lot to be learned there, and really interesting, informative people. And I HATE LOVE IT OR LIST IT! Especially on Mondays when it's on ALL DAY. I wish our cable provider (Charter) would add DIY Network to its lineup -- instead of all those sports channels. Please God.

I have read most of the comments and agree that the question is not which of these two shows but when will design return to HGTV. On one show I watched the designer remove beautiful wood arches so that a cookie cutter open concept design with no personality could be realized. I am tired of hearing about open concept just like I am hearing about Grey paint on HOUZZ.

Designing for the sexes was very realistic with real timelines as well as real budgets. The design process was intelligent and did not make me feel like a dummy. I am sure it did not last because the host did not have biceps the size of tree trunks. I understand sex sells but so does good programming, PBS for one.

To answer the question, I prefer LIOLI because Hilary is a better designer than the boys. All they do is open up sight lines like they just invented the concept. David I think is very funny while the brothers are just slapstick. What I don't understand are:the people who opt for a partially renovated house over a completely renovated house David finds which fits their requirements and how you include all the new furniture in the renovation budget which was blown.
If I must chose based on sex appeal, the brothers have it over David but Hilary looks best in her walking away jeans and I love her accent. Let's give Hilary a design show and bring back the theory behind design and decorating.

Pro brothers of course! Will someone tell me why you need a huge master suite,what on earth are these people doing in there?

Old post, but

Meant to say, I think the Property Brothers have very asymmetrical faces. Something about their long, slack jaws is very unappealing to me. And another question, why do grown brothers, want to live together? Is it a twin thing?

Their show is a good example of young couples who want it all. They expect a starter home to come with all the bells and whistles. A great example of the privileged,instant gratification generation.

As seen on Houzz, young people buying a starter home and going out and buying all new furniture before they've even moved in. Then they post on Houzz, bought this ......, help me make it work.
There's no design plan or waiting for a quality piece of furniture. They want it all at once, and often make the wrong choice, because they buy the first thing they see online or on sale just to fill up their space.

Why are so many HGTV shows filmed in Canada? Is it less expensive to film there. It cracks me up, when the homeowners start talking with their thick Canadian accents. The hosts, besides Sarah Richardson, have worked on losing their accents, to be more mainstream I suppose. Years ago, Candice, Property Brothers had much thicker accents. Abooooout, Hoooouse, etc.

Christopher Lowell was on the Dicovery/ Learning channel, TLC before HGTV, along with Lynette Jenning's show, I believe.

To Sandy . . .

As an excanuck, it's not the filming cost that caught my attention (though I do believe it's less expensive there to shoot film than here in SoCal) . . . it's the prices of the homes!!! Years ago, the neighbors who lived behind us relocated to one of the South Eastern states for the husband's job, but after a preliminary trip there to scout housing, they returned home to pack up — bursting with excitement about the bargains in the housing market that enabled them to buy what they described as a "mansion" for the price they got for their home.

In other words, I guess it's all relative. Depending on where a even a middle income homeowner lives in the U.S., they probably could afford a lot of upgrades on a bargain-priced home in Canada. (Of course it's just the opposite out here in SoCal.

As for the Property Brothers, it looks like they've been showing re-runs while trying out new formats for their show — including adding their younger brother to the cast for the current show that has them living in Nevada, competing with each other for the redesign of a new residence . . .and another one a few months earlier in which they purchased a property for use as a family compound, with a modern home they were redesigning for their own (shared) use and separate home for their parents on the same site. Personally, the sibling rivalry between two adults almost made me gag.

More interesting, I thought, were the occasional shows in which they had the same hairstyles and facial hair and intentionally dressed like twins.

I can never remember their names, but generally find the differences in their personality the most interesting thing about them. The salesman ("Drew"?) seems organized and efficient when it comes to selling — and dresses to look the part; while "Jonathan" (the contractor) has the creativity and imagination, but like many artists, shares his frustration with his clients.

What really annoys me is the tagline at the end of some (but not all) shows, in which drew tells viewers to contact him at Mr. Drew Silver. I don't remember seeing that surname anywhere else in the shows (e.g., I think the name on their signs is completely different.)

As for the new "open concept" . . . it makes me laugh because that's almost exactly what we had in the second house my parents bought in the 1950s. The house itself probably was small compared to standards today, but it felt like a castle compared to the vintage home we previously had lived in across the back alley). But both had a decent-sized, combined living room/dining room ; and how we all wished we had a formal dining room instead!!

To excanuck, I am also!
Live in Northern California in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Median price for a home is just under a million.
I know what you mean, it's all relative.
When my mom retired she used to be an extra in films, mostly made for TV on Lifetime and such. They were filmed in Canada because it was way less expensive and also because they could film at night when buildings were empty. Street scenes could be shot easily at night as there was nobodyon the road. Pretty hard to do here in California any time of day!

Sandy, other than the costs in the Bay Area (lived in San Jose for 6 years), the cost for the movies are due to the unions there..We had a discussion with some people and they were saying what it costs to make a movie with and without the unions..the difference is huge,,millions of dollars difference

Clarifications: They don't live together-Jonathan (Jonathan Silver Scott hence the tagline) and older brother, JD, live in Las Vegas. The three brothers are business partners in the production company that produces their shows. They are VERY popular so they get lots of shows-Property Brothers, Buying and Selling, Brother V Brother, and the special four or five part series they did on the house they bought in Las Vegas which I believe Jonathan and his dogs inhabit and the rest of the family when they visit.

Thanks for the clarification, Rouxb. I didn't realize that. Maybe because of the prices of the homes they bought and sold in their shows, I just assumed they lived in Canada . . . that is, until they started to talk about their new home.

Then again, until a few years ago, home prices in Las Vegas were pretty low. So low, in fact that , I had two friends who each moved there (from So Cal) for that reason. (One couple even took their boat with them, which made their decision to relocate seem even more unusual, since they enjoyed their proximity to the ocean so much. Our next-door neighbors moved there around the same time, as well, mainly, I think, because giving up their house here (along with its mortgage) enabled them to buy their new home for cash. The housing boom in Las Vegas took hold soon after, though I heard that prices fell again in recent years.

As for the Property Brothers — during the tour of the house, they must have said something that made me think they were living in it together, because I remember thinking how unusual such living arrangements were for two adult brothers.

But I think what caught my eye most was the "Mr.", which struck me as an affectation more than anything else.

It may be intentionally tongue-in-cheek, but how often do you see guys demanding such formality?

I am pretty sure the Mr. is meant to be tongue-in-cheek.

Thick Canadian accents? Really? There are regionalisms (eh?) or quirks of speech as in any country, but unless the Canadians are French Canadian or from Newfoundland (or immigrants), most do not have accents of any sort - Sarah Richardson, the Property Brothers (or even any of the famous Canadian actors currently working in the US) didn't have to work hard to remove accents, since they didn't have one to begin with.

Hey! I finally got TV and I have to vote for Joanna and Chip on "Fixer Upper." They do a complete job, not just a room or two, and the design is super. She is not afraid to step out of her farmhouse comfort zone and has tackled modern, MCM and more client-directed styles! Ready to get rid of the TV though - I'll just follow my favs on the web - TV is a real invasion of my space!

I don't like seeing cabinets smashed, when they could be sold or donated.

Everything you need to know about the Brothers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Property_Brothers

Sorry, I watch the show, but have never felt the secks appeal people mention.

I can't comment on the Newfoundlanders, because I don't recall ever hearing anyone from that part of the country speaking, but I agree that the accents of the French Canadians stand out from the rest. . . . as they should, since they are part of the country's history. Still those who speak it are mostly limited to Quebec and concentrated populations of French-speaking citizens like the residents of St. Boniface (across the river in Winnipeg) where French is the "official language" for all communication, whether person-to-person or written in everything from newspapers to signage on the street and in store windows. . . . At least that was the case was when I growing up there.

The only other time I was keenly aware of the French-Canadian accent was when TV finally came to Canada (around the early 1950s). Initially, most of the programming came from signals across the US border and was only available during certain hours of the day; but to limit it's influence on Canadian viewers, the government demanded that a certain percentage of the content be produced in Canada. A prominent example was The Plouff Family" (on Friday evenings) which definitely had that accent SandyC referred to.

But I also have to agree with her that as a group, Canadians do have a detectable accent., as well . . though as a Canuck myself, I really wasn't aware of it until I started to meet "neighbors" in the US and eventually moved here. I've lost count of how many people called attention to my pronunciation of simple words like "quarter", "garage" and others, as well as the substitution of common words like "washroom" for "bathroom" and other terminology that has slipped my "aging"mind after living here all these years.

In part, I think it may have been stemmed from the days when Canada was a colony of "the Queen." But the influx of immigrants during and after World War II overlaid the British accents and vocabulary. Two or three generations later, there's hardly any difference in the accents, especially among Canadians who live close to the US border.

Nevertheless, I still hear the differences occasionally when I watch TV, listen to the radio or watch a movie, and especially when I speak with relatives who still live in Canada . . . or even my elderly aunt who has lived in Michigan for the last 70 years.

As for those HGTV shows produced in Canada , with so many re-runs, I don't watch them as often as I did at first . . . but when I do, I find that many more are set in US cities (including one featuring "Tarik" ands wife, who flip homes in my own county). When I catch it, I also enjoy the show with "Egypt" who patiently helps young homebuyers find homes that match their goals and budgets without pushing them into decisions they aren't ready to make.

I love Sarah Richardson's TV show, she has a very distinct Canadian accent, especially pronouncing house, out, etc. Yes actors are taught to lose their thick accents and of course Peter Jennings had no trace of a Canadian accent. TV personalities all speak with a very undetectable accent.
Ex Canuck, how about serviette, chesterfield, cupboards, holidays and toque?
I used to be teased about my Canadian accent, but after 35 years it's almost gone, until I 'm around my relatives, eh?

I don't watch at all anymore. It's a waste of time. Out of those two I like property brothers but am not a fan of either. I miss interior design shows. Dear Gennieve, Candice, David, Emily and others. I'd rather watch someone choosing furniture pieces and explaining design tips than throwing a hammer into a wall any day.

Speaking of Canadian accents, Jonny Harris who plays Constable George Crabtree on Murdoch Mysteries (The Artful Detective in the US) is from Newfoundland as is his character from the show. His accent is very distinctive. Yannick Bisson who plays Detective Murdoch is originally from Montreal and his accent is softer, but still noticeable to my ears.

A "thick" accent?? You are mistaken. In fact according to this * article you'd be hard pressed to tell a Californian from someone who was born in Toronto - which is where Sarah is from. Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, Sarah McAdam, Shatner, Nathan Fillian and other Cdn actors working in the US, sound just like every other English speaking Canadian. Most main stream, born and raised Canadians sound like the news anchors on CNN. I will concede that there are regionalisms and socio-economic differences and some British influenced words, that can appear in speech patterns, but for the most part there is very little difference between Canadian English and middle American English. And I've never ever heard any say "aboot" for about, but it may be more common in Newfoundland where it was settled heavily by Scots. And they do have a lovely but remarkably different accent.

*http://theweek.com/articles/453616/why-difficult-tell-canadian-accent-from-californian

Clearly, we're on the same page, Sandy C. . . .although I've been here about 10 years longer than you. Also spent almost a year up at your end of the state (in Belmont) immediately after our honeymoon. But my husband (who was born on the East Coast but grew up on the beaches of San Diego), quickly realized how much he hated the cold, dreary weather of the Peninsula, and was already making plans to head south again within the first 3 months.

Thanks for reminding me of all those forgotten words.

But who ever would have thought there were so many of us ex pats who had decided to escape those frosty northern temps.

BTW, Monty Hall (Let's Make a Deal was among others from my home town, though before he became famous I remember, as a kid, listening to his radio show ("The Happy Gang") during when we came home from school for lunch. The list of others from Winnipeg who made it to "stardom" in the US is far too long to remember, but I have to smile every time I hear one of their names.

I am from a town west of Toronto, moved to Winnipeg where all my relatives were born and raised. Still have a sibling there.Couldn't stand the winters. Do 't remember know her name, the actress from My Big Fat Greek Wedding is also from Winnipeg.

Well, almost a coincidence.

I left Winnipeg for a job in California.

But my brother left to attend McGill and then settled in Toronto before buying a farm on the outskirts of the Toronto in a town called Elmvale.

Hate to admit it, but despite repeated invitations, I've never visited him there, but believe it's fairly close to Barrie, where he has (or had) a practice until retiring last year.

BTW, I just looked up the name of the star in MBFGW . . .. You must be thinking of Nia Vardalos. I didn't recognize the name — probably because the link I found said she was born in Winnipeg on September 24, 1962. I'm pretty sure I left Canada the same year, but nine days earlier, on September 15.

I would go back to Montreal any time if it weren't for the taxes:) I only lived there for a year and also went to McGill for a year and then moved to Silicon Valley for my husband's job. Now we are on the East Coast..Bay Area wasn't for me,,I wouldn't live there if they paid me:)

SWAP

bookmark this thread

https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/swap-dsvw-vd~3216452

Wouldn't live anywhere else. Close to the beach, the mountains,wine country, SF.
and of course our beautiful weather!

Sorry to all you designers who do not like double sink vanities but I will never ever go back to having only one sink in our master bath again. I have been married for almost 40 years and it never fails that when I am at my sink, my hubby needs a sink. We have had to get ready to go somewhere at the same time on many, many, many occasions. He can brush his teeth or shave while I put on makeup and do my hair. He has his space and I have mine. There is room between both sinks for me to set out all the things I'll need to get ready and put things away as I use them. Over the years, we have rented a lot of houses and have owned five (not at one time). In the our last two homes we have had double sink vanities in our master baths and we won't have it any other way. I just wish hotels had double sinks in every room.

Designers, you design for the home owners and if they want double sink vanities don't cringe, just give it to them while smiling. They shouldn't have to explain to you why they want it or be insulted by the strange look on your face. Some couples just do not want to argue over who gets to use the sink area first.

Watching Property Brothers and Love or List It is maybe not the best idea right before you tackle a much needed renovation of your home. They can scare you to death with the problems they find!

Getting on Property Brothers must be like winning the lottery. They go so far above and beyond what their clients' renovation budgets could ever accomplish. In Love It Or List It, Hillary invariably runs short of meaningful construction solutions, and offers staging and new furniture as a consolation prize. I'd be furious if she told me she couldn't redo a major wish list item (additional bath, revamped kitchen, etc.) but then squandered $10,000 on new sofas, built-ins, and window treatments. But then, I have no idea how the financing/compensation really works on such shows. I just wish they'd stop insulting viewers' intelligence by insisting home renovations and a little staging provide a rate of return between 110% to 150%.

Absolutely agree with BB Galore! I'd much rather have that much-needed bathroom or upgraded kitchen cabinets, and skip Hillary's expensive choices of designer furnishings -- and all that hissy-fit drama! Every time! I cannot stand to watch one minute of Love It or List It.

I like Hilary and David. I am sure that the home owners are advised ahead of the project of what happens to the budget when everything is wrong once the lathe and plaster is torn apart. I suspect there is a lot of form signing that happens before Hilary and David ever look at the property. Also, PB and IP are great fun.

All of those shows are so far fetched. They can totally demo and remodel a house top to bottom with problem after problem, from electrical and structure issues to a total plumbing overhaul for under $50,000 including furnishing the entire house and doing a little landscaping and come in on time and on budget!?!?

Ha! They are all so staged and 'fake'. You can't watch those shows and really believe all that drama?!

Please, please someone explain to me the Property Brothers? What am I missing? First of all, without being too critical, I don't find them appealing in any way..but it seems I'm in the overwhelming minority? Or is it like the Emperor's Clothes? Does everyone see it, and wonder the same thing? Honestly, they are truly the most irritating and unattractive pair I have ever seen. This would not be an issue at all if they were not on HGTV every five minutes. I would simply avoid them, but it's almost impossible.
This morning I had the misfortune of turning on the television before my coffee and there they were. I was not able to change the channel before I actually heard what went something like this:
Homeowner: " I love having the laundry in a separate area where the dogs go. They can be here and I don't have to smell like a dog!"
Drew or Johnathan (take your pick): "Actually, your dogs said they don't want to smell like you!"

I kid you not.

Candice Olsen lost all credibility with me when the homeowners said "no bathtub, they didn't take baths" and she put one in anyway. The show made the homeowners grit their teeth and say they liked it. They looked so uncomfortable. Any designer who doesn't listen to their clients, even on a TV show, is more ego than talent. I would have made them do it over!

Property brothers for sure!

If the likes of Candice and Sarah have become too expensive for the networks, why not bring on some new talent, young designers with fresh ideas? Most of us have homes that do not need walls taken down, not everyone is a fan of open concept. We would all enjoy and benefit from good design shows.

Good heavens I would be happy with re-runs of the old shows!! That couldn't possibly be expensive to air! Honestly, I would watch them all. Good design is timeless.
These new shows are awful, and I will say it again, I am completely lost as to just what the appeal is of the Property Brothers. I must be missing something.

Ugh, Hilary and David, the nastiness gets so old. And some of the clients! Watched one recently with a thoroughly unlikeable woman who needed a yoga studio and an art studio. Maybe take a break from that and clean up your house??? What a mess.

I like Property Brothers better - but have to admit Hillary Farr's designs are awesome but I don't like the speaking ill of each other (not necessary) to make the show a success. However, I do understand the nastiness of the clients sometimes when it comes to Hillary - after all it is their house. And yes I remember Christopher Lowell - I really enjoyed his show.

To be honest, I can't get past the snarky personalities of David and Hillary -- the homes themselves and any design aspects are just overshadowed by the drama and bs. Property Brothers at least show more realistic home choices and renovations. The goofing off is secondary -- and it's not nasty1!! Property Brothers any day.

By like really far I would say the PropertyBrothers!!

Definitely Property Brothers!!