Former Block twins, and interior designers, Alisa and Lysandra Fraser are back with the second season of their online series The Design Duo. The six-part series is based on a multi-million-dollar newly built home in Queensland’s Paradise Point. It’s just kicked off and it’s a great pervy insight into the sisters’ design process as they curate the bespoke waterfront residence. Today we’re bringing you a few pics of the home’s incredible master bedroom, ensuite and dressing area.
Bedroom
Dressing area
“This is our biggest ever project to date and we couldn’t be happier with the finished product. We have worked on this build for two and a half years and have put our blood, sweat and tears into this project, but seeing the homeowner’s reaction to the finished result made it all worth it – this is what reminds us why we do what we do,” says Lysandra. I think it’s safe to say that we would be pretty thrilled if this was our home too!
BathroomBathroom
A local couple engaged the twins to create a timelessly designed, four-bedroom beachfront home for them and they appear to have nailed the brief. The online series documents the entire build process and gives viewers the opportunity to tune in and discover some of the twins’ best tricks of the trade along the way.
Inside the master bedroom’s dreamy walk-in-robe
Walk-in-robe
Showcasing the duo’s refined eye for detail, the high-end custom build features bespoke details and luxe fixtures and key suppliers include Reece Bathrooms, Beaumont Tiles, CDK Stone, Godfrey Hirst, Neolith, Taubmans Paint, Zip Tap, PGH, Bradford & Bosch and Luxaflex window coverings.
Alisa and Lysandra Fraser
New episodes will run weekly, and the series is set to wrap up on March 6, 2023. Tune into The Design Duo.
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With Omar and Oz crowned winners and walking away with more than $1.5m profit between them, the good news really ended there. It was certainly a shocking set of auction results on tonight’s Block.
I need a lie down!
The Block Tree Change auctions
Two of the five houses had still not sold as of 9pm tonight (Sunday) after being passed in, while the three that did go were all bought by regular bidder Danny Wallis.
Taking the show to dizzying new heights, freshly minted millionaires Oz and Omar were crowned winners of The Block: Tree Change 2022, taking home a record-breaking $1,686,666.66 in prize money after selling their four-bedroom, 10-acre property for $5,666,666.66, which was $1,586,666.66 above their reserve price.
The pair made the largest sum any Blockheads have ever made over a reserve price in 18 series of The Block, netting them an additional $100,000 in prizemoney as the 2022 winners.
Omar and Oz react to their surprise sale price, taking out the win
From Oz and Omar’s incredible result, there was also heartache, with two couples, Ankur and Sharon, and Dylan and Jenny, failing to sell their homes at auction. Both properties were passed in when they failed to attract a bidder over their $4.08 million reserve price, also both attracting a highest bid of $4,075,000.
Ankur and Sharon
Both couples continued to negotiate with their highest bidders after filming, but as of 9pm tonight, November 6, Ankur and Sharon, and Dylan and Jenny, are still open to other offers to buy their homes.
Jenny and Dylan
It’s the first time that a Block property has failed to sell at auction since Series 4 in 2011, when the houses created by Josh and Jenna, and Rod and Tania, in Cameron Street, Richmond (Vic) were passed in.
Sarah-Jane and Tom take home a mere $20k
Fan favourites Tom and Sarah-Jane chose to go second in the auction order, but their home only sold for only $4,100,000.99, which was just $20,000.99 above their $4.08 million reserve price.
It’s the lowest profit a Block house has made since Series 9 Glasshouse in 2014.
Faring a bit better, Block latecomers Rachel and Ryan’s home went for $4,249,999.85 in a post-auction negotiation, getting them $169,000.85 over their $4.08 million reserve price.
Dylan and Jenny
Speaking about their stunning victory, Oz said: “We’re absolutely stoked that we took out the win this year – we had a plan and stuck to it. It is a competition, but seeing each team come in after us and not getting the results that they wanted really hurt.”
Omar said: “It took a while to sink in, but it felt amazing to get a win after the hard work we put in. But it’s very hard seeing others obviously not doing so well.”
Host Scott Cam said: “It was a bittersweet day. We had one incredible high and some crushing lows for our Blockheads, who all worked the hardest I’ve ever seen to deliver these houses.
“As we’ve seen many times before, we’ll continue to negotiate with interested buyers to sell these homes, which are still on the market. I’m gunning for a positive result.”
Speaking about the shock results, The Block co-creator and executive producer, Julian Cress, said: “We’re in a very volatile real estate market and we’ve seen large and unexpected interest rate increases, including one just this week.
“While we had many registered bidders, clearly something has spooked the market. But we believe the properties are of incredible value and we think they will find new owners very soon, to deliver a well-deserved reward for our contestants’ hard work.”
It was Melbourne philanthropist Danny Wallis who saved the day by purchasing all three houses that sold on auction day.
Danny Wallis bought the three houses that sold
Danny said: “I probably spent too much at the first auction, but was surprised to pick up two more homes at what I feel was a bargain price, so I guess it all evened out in the end for me at least.”
This season of The Block was the biggest ever undertaken, with the couples each spending 12 weeks building 500-square metre homesteads complete with tennis courts, pools and wineries on 10 acres of land in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges.
Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s richest reality program has awarded a total of $30,547,139.15 in prize money.
PREVIOUS BLOCK WINNERS
2003 – BONDI – Adam & Fiona, $256,000 2004 – MANLY – Jamie & Andrew, $178,000 2010 – VAUCLUSE – John & Neisha, $305,000 2011 – RICHMOND – Polly & Waz, $115,000 2012 – SOUTH MELBOURNE – Brad & Lara, $606,000 2013 – ALL STARS (BONDI) – Phil & Amity, $395,000 2013 – SKY HIGH (SOUTH MELBOURNE) – Alisa & Lysandra, $395,000 2014 – FANS v FAVES (ALBERT PARK) – Steve & Chantelle, $736,000 2014 – GLASSHOUSE (PRAHRAN) – Shannon & Simon, $435,000 2015 – TRIPLE THREAT (SOUTH YARRA) – Darren & Deanne, $935,000 2015 – THE BLOCKTAGON (SOUTH YARRA) – Dean & Shay, $755,000 2016 – PORT MELBOURNE – Will & Karlie, $815,000 2017 – ELSTERNWICK – Josh & Elyse, $547,000 2018 – GATWICK (ST KILDA) – Hayden & Sara, $645,000 2019 – OSLO (ST KILDA) – Tess & Luke, $730,000 2020 – BRIGHTON – Jimmy & Tam, $1,066,000 2021 – FANS v FAVES (HAMPTON) – Mitch & Mark , $744,444
The Block Tree Change 2022: all important kitchen week!
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Last night’s Block reveal recap comes from our friends at The Block Shop. The biggest challenge ever faced on any…
Last night’s Block reveal recap comes from our friends at The Block Shop.
The biggest challenge ever faced on any Block and the one week Scotty had been warning his Treechange teams about from the start, landscape week was every bit as tough as they’d feared… but the results were amazing! From multi-function sports centres, to tiny home retreats, vineyards, zip-lines, kitchen gardens and pools galore, the imaginations ran wild as the contestants went all out to make the best use of their huge ten-acre properties.
Tom and Sarah-Jane (first place) 30 points (29 + 1 gnome)
From the tear-drop entrance drive with just a few of Tom and Sarah-Jane’s Plantrunner mature trees, past the Colourbond and James Hardie weatherboard exteriors to the water feature marking the transition from old house to new build and beyond, this was an exterior that wowed the judges. Especially when they made it to the back where the living room’s huge windows faced out to a pool, kids playground, artfully-placed old farm equipment, firepit, and more. How much more? What about a par three driving range into the property’s back corner? A basketball court? BBQ area? Chicken run? Pony pen? A dam-side tiny house? “Mind blowing,” summed up Darren, “completely bananas!”
With one of the most elaborate landscaping plans of the season, House 5 boasted topiary and plants and a Pentablock retaining wall in front, a huge grassed flat area to the east, screened water tanks and an outdoor kitchen with rammed earth walls behind and a babbling brook leading to huge rock-edged lagoon all looking out onto the mountain views. “High end and luxe!” Scotty said, but the showstopper for all the judges was the multi-function sports space featuring a sauna, built-in trampoline, pool, putting green – with separate driving range – and combined basketball, tennis court, all under lights. “It all feels just right,” Neale said, and nobody was arguing!
From the colour choices for exterior walls to the complementing Colourbond and stonework to reflect the lodge interior there was a lot for the judges to love as they arrived at House 2. And a lot more as they walked past the courtyard-style arrival area to see the landscape proper. “Talk about a game changer!” Neale said when he spotted House two’s vineyard, not just a beautiful addition, but a passive income for years to come. That sat at the end of a beautiful outdoor entertainment area with Outdure deck with a pool at the end, an arbour leading pathways to the nearby creek, a zipline, swings, quiet zones and more.
From the white on white front face to the dark grey James Hardie cladding to the largest deck ever seen on The Block on the home’s downhill side to take in views of the Macedon Ranges, this is a home, the judges agree, that is perfectly placed to make the most of the outdoors. And what an outdoor area there is to take in. Terraced gardens with bricks steps, a woodfired spa, ice plunge bath, pizza oven, beehives, a private tiny house halfway to the road and more, this is a home, Darren said, that will look good on the brochure.
Sitting proud on its hill with a view over all their neighbours, House 3’s cantilevered deck hovered above a pool perfectly located to take in the Macedon Ranges, next toa sweeping driveway that showcases the home and leads to the game-changer kitchen garden. Not quite as finished as its neighbours, House 3 still told a story of luxury and space and a promise of what was to come. As unfinished as it is, Scotty said, the extra build cost will need to be reflected in House three’s reserve, but with the bones already there and a plan in place, this will be, Neale says, where “the lifestyle dream comes alive”.
During every season of The Block, Kitchen Week is always one of the most exciting parts of the show. A lot rides on creating a great kitchen space. Along with the living room, the kitchen is really the centre of the home – a hub where we spend time entertaining, with family and cooking.
To help Aussies with their next kitchen reno, no matter what their style is, design expert and group design manager at Winnings Appliances Kate McGlone, speaks about the overall design of each house’s kitchen, plus her top three tips to get the look.
Ryan and Rachael Kitchen
House 1: Tom and Sarah Jane (modern industrial farmhouse)
“Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen showcases a traditional farmhouse look with an industrial influence. They have achieved a timeless look with the shaker style doors, an admired design feature in farmhouse kitchens. Their introduction ofindustrial copper pendant lights and a modern benchtop profile complement the shaker doors, combining traditional and contemporary design elements,” explains Kate.
“They have added interest through layered styling which is a low cost, low commitment and high impact way to add personality to a kitchen. They’ve worked to create a liveable kitchen that can change from a family friendly kitchen to an entertainer’s haven really effortlessly.”
Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen
Tom and Sarah Jane’s kitchen
Get the look
Copper accents add an industrial, yet glamorous aesthetic that subtly elevate the farmhouse trend: consider tieing in accents like Tom and Sarah Jane have with pendant lights and larger appliances like their Fhiaba copper fridge and knobs on their deep grey Ilve Majestic double oven
A farmhouse style sink adds a nod to the country that will fit in many homes and has the added benefits of space for cooking and cleaning. Abey’s ceramic single bowl sink lends itself perfectly to the farmhouse trend but will also fit in with a number of styles.
Create a liveable kitchen that is perfect for a big family or hosting multiple guests by opting for ultra-functional pieces, such as a Zip tap, providing boiled, chilled and sparkling water on demand
House 2: Ryan and Rachel (contemporary)
“Rachel and Ryan’s kitchen features a contemporary, refined, yet timeless look, which has been achieved through a clean material pallete. The introduction of shadow lines throughout the cabinetry adds interest. The brushed stainless accent door hardware is the hero of this kitchen, contrasting elegantly against their matte joinery, adding a subtle yet impactful stainless accent to this clean kitchen design.”
Ryan and Rachel’s kitchen
Get the look
For a contemporary space with Scandinavian nods, use blonde or warm wood accents in benches, shelving and beams; keep cabinetry light and bright; and pair with timeless yet impactful black and graphite appliances like in a statement Ilve oven and Vintec wine fridge
“Although there aren’t too many nods to country, Sharon and Ankur’s modern kitchen has a considered look as they share subtle ties between their door hardware and their appliances. Their kitchen consists of Smeg’s Dolce Stil Novo range, which features minimalist styling in black eclipse glass and refined copper, creating a timeless, elegant aesthetic. Copper was then brought into the door hardware and the pendants creating one cohesive look. Their hero island bench stands out in the middle making it a perfect entertainer’s kitchen.”
Sharon and Ankur’s kitchen
Get the look
Tie in copper and black for a modern aesthetic with a slightly industrial edge. Copper joinery on cabinets are harmonious with a sink ‘moment’ like Oliveri’s single bowl sink in copper. Offset shine with dark, modern and minimalist black tapware like from Zip and a Dolce Stil Novo cooktop in black
If you fancy yourself as somewhat of a sommelier like Sharon and Ankur’s imagined buyers, consider a forward-thinking sommelier drawer to house all your wine goods
Create functionality and added timelessness by opting for classic black appliances and ensure consistency in your appliances throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry. Like Sharon and Ankur, think of harmonious appliances from one range like they have with black Dolce Stil Novo appliances
House 4: Dylan and Jenny (modern farmhouse)
“Dylan and Jenny’s kitchen showcases a true farmhouse aesthetic with a neutral colour palette with elements of popular sage green. They have used fluted glass on their overhead cabinets with a brass mesh interface on the island bench, creating beautiful texture through their materiality. Their attention to detail and careful material selection has elevated the overall finish, creating an opulent modern farmhouse aesthetic that would appeal to many buyers”.
Dylan and Jenny’s kitchen
Get the look
Sage green is an ongoing trend of people’s hearts. If you love Dylan and Jenny’s sage green kitchen, consider warming up grey-ish, muted sage with warm brushed gold accents in your cabinetry and sink and tapware, like Dylan and Jenny have done with the Zip Hydrotap.
For a home cook or a lover of entertaining, consider doubling the size of your oven cooking space with a dual oven like Dylan and Jenny’s classic black Smeg Portofino dual fuel oven and stove. Christmas lunches and dinner parties will become a breeze.
For easy entertaining, opt for a wine cabinet like this Vintec for a sleek way to store your favourite wines – an impressive way to showcase and serve wine at any party
House 5: Oz and Omar (integrated, industrial chic)
“Oz and Omar’s kitchen is an entertainer’s dream with a minimalist yet bold and timeless look. They have taken inspiration from metropolitan Melbourne and have created an industrial yet sophisticated space. Their integrated appliances allow for a seamless finish and were fundamental to achieving this sleek showpiece kitchen, fitting in perfectly with modern Australian lives. While moody and dark, their kitchen has clear nods to European design trends, which are bold, black, industrial and highly integrated.”
Oz and Omar’s kitchen
Get the look
Add clean lines for an industrial aesthetic by utilising integrated appliances that feel hidden, yet are very easily accessible. Oz and Omar did this with the likes of a V-ZUG integrated dishwasher, touch displays on ovens and matching V-ZUG appliances
For the perfect entertainer’s dream, The Galley’s Ideal Workstation sink adds a commercial-level feel with space and functionality that makes prep work and cleaning a joy
If you’re a fan of Oz and Omar’s moody, industrial kitchen, ensure you have ample natural light to offset the dark aesthetic and soften with textured stools and wooden features
This week’s reveals took us inside the couples’ sheds with most couples turning these into either a second living or work from home space. Or both! Guest judges this week, standing in for Shaynna and Neale, were former Block contestants and winners, fan favourites Alisa and Lysandra.
If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that homes need a space to get away from the living areas to concentrate on work if needed or just escape for quiet reflection. And this week’s working from home spaces, – plus one with a twist – showed that lesson has been well learned. From functional offices to separate work precincts and a wine lounge with a view to die for, the Blockheads made the most of the ample space they had to deliver just what their high-end homes needed, with the judges stunned by the variety of solutions they saw.
Tom and Sarah Jane (first place) 26 points
Built around a walk-in Vintec wine cellar, house one’s television room built into the Stratco garage space is the perfect getaway, the judges agreed, ideal for teenagers or anyone wanting a break from the rest of the home. The twins weren’t sure they liked the black wine fridge sticking out like sort of a sore thumb, and Darren didn’t feel it was defined as a wine-drinking area. But they had a lot of good things to say about the finishes.
Past the powder room and upstairs however was where their addition really shone. The only home with a second level thanks to early engineering planning, this is a complete office that could easily be converted to a guest apartment, with eight eye-level Velux skylights, two separate work stations and kitchenette. A potential office? Definitely, the judges agreed, a nanny (or granny) flat? Why not! Either way, all agreed it’s a definite value add to the home. I have to agree it was pretty damn gorgeous!
Alisa said it was like they’d created a whole new apartment in a shed in a week and hats off to them for thinking outside the square. Darren said the view from the skylights was insane. And Alisa went one further saying the space was enough for them to win The Block. Darren agreed it could tip them over the edge.
If a home has a winery, Rachel and Ryan thought, why not add a wine room to enjoy the end results? Down the landing steps into a cosy space featuring a full-wall Grafico mural and spectacular view over the vines to Mount Macedon beyond, this is a separate entertaining space perfect for showcasing the micro-winery the house boasts. With a benchtop area for preparing the drinks, huge couch in front of a wide television and a woodfired stove to give country ambiance, this space is less about work and more for play, the judges agreed… but is that enough? A work space would have added value, the judges agreed and adding a desk in here may not work.
Lysandra said it had wow factor and was very welcoming. Darren noted it looked nice but it didn’t have a sink in the bench top. Lysandra didn’t love the “harsh” fire hearth either. And while she would normally hate the pendant she loved it in the context of the room. Darren really liked the timber. “design wise and styling wise and selling a dream it does everything it’s intended to do,” Darren said.
Alisa thought the room was good at selling the dream of a country lifestyle as a place to drink with friends. They all agreed it was well designed and well executed.
A textbook example of a room that was just too much for this mammoth Block challenge, Omar and Oz’s huge home office space was nowhere near ready, the victim of build problems way out of the boys’ hands. What was theirs however, still left the judges underwhelmed, with artwork choices too big for the space, a desk way too big for just one person but too small for two and a nautical feel that’s out of place in a country setting. Once it’s finished, the judges hoped, the room could be a showcase for living and working out of the city, with more than enough scope to do both.
Darren made sure to tell the twins it wasn’t the boys’ fault. Though the twins pointed out the questionable artwork was not The Block’s fault!
In a year when home cinemas had been downplayed, Dylan and Jenny’s 98-inch monster television took the judges’ breath away and helped give the new space a double use – as an office or screening room. The lack of fireplace lost points from Alisa and Lysandra, as did the “dead space” in the room’s centre, something that could be remedied with the addition of a dining table perhaps, or a larger version of the bar area. Once again the Caesarstone desktop felt cold to the judges, but a few styling touches – and a repair to a cracked ceiling – could have pushed them higher up the scores.
Alisa liked that they combined the living area and home office together but it wasn’t really making her feel anything and was nice but a little undercooked. Darren said the bar area didn’t really make sense and they could have made more of it. Darren said the TV wasn’t enough to sell it. The twins agreed a lot of finishes were great despite the ceiling crack!
Darren said it was good but probably wouldn’t be shown on the marketing brochure. Alisa said it was a big effort for one week.
After watching the judging, even Jenny agreed the room was undercooked!
As a work from home space, Darren said when he took in House 3’s shed addition, “this is a killer”. But the layout left him wondering. With a television in a corner as opposed to on one of the two available walls, a huge Caesarstone desk (which they first thought was a kitchen!) dominating and a cocktails area to one side, the orientation seemed confused, they felt, and didn’t make the best use of the fireplace at the other end.
Alisa said the concrete Caesarstone was too cold a surface and very unusual for a desktop. Darren wasn’t a fan either. And there were no powerpoints to be seen near the mammoth desk either! “An epic fail.”
Lysandra thought the fireplace was stunning but in the wrong spot. It made the room really inflexible too and it should have been in the other corner.
A chance to fix the room they like least, plus the final guest bedroom to complete their house interior? Welcome to The Block’s redo week! For the contestants, this was a chance to finally wrap up their home and make sure everything flows, correcting the rushed decisions they made earlier. And for the judges it was time to see how much the contestants have been listening to their advice… if at all! And from complete makeovers to subtle tweaks, every combination is here for them to see.
Here’s what the judges thought and scored.
Tom and Sarah-Jane (equal first) 28 points
With a rattan bedhead and complementing Grafico wallpaper to reflect the style of house one’s original guest bedroom, a king-size bed and perfectly placed cabinetry this final guest room immediately caught the judges’ hearts, with Darren declaring once again that Sarah-Jane should be styling rooms for a living.
Neale said he loved their ability to put so many patterns, colours and textures together. “I just think it’s got a freshness and vibrancy about it that’s unique.” He even went so far as to compare Sarah-Jane’s style to the legendary Kit Kemp’s!
Into the redo room, the lounge area, and suddenly things seemed much cosier, Shaynna said. New rug, chairs turned toward the fire, an extra couch and an updated entertainment unit (which thankfully tidies up the cables) all worked with the huge space and finally shows, Neale says, even with the house’s massive size, it can still seem cosy.
Neale said: “It feels now that the room is playing to the strengths of its size. It feels like a home.” The judges said they’d kept all the things that worked and fixed all the things that didn’t. “Authentic is a really good word for everything that Tom and Sarah-Jane have done,” Shaynna said.
Rachel and Ryan (equal first) 28 points
“As a guest bedroom, this works really really well,” said Darren.
With a metallic-green tinge to the cabinetry, Grafico striped wallpaper, cornices, skirts and lamps all combine for contemporary country chic that’s a world away from their first guest room, the judges agreed.
Then they revisited that first room, now Ryan and Rachel’s redo room, to find a new warmer colour on the feature wall, a new rug, a new bed and a new feel. Shaynna said it married well into the home’s overall theme and the countryside in which it sits.
“They’ve really hit their stride!” Shaynna said, pointing out the colours of the land outside were now reflected inside as well, adding up to a cohesive feel throughout.
Neale wasn’t mad for it, saying the new green wall colour clashed with the wardrobe colour. Shaynna however said it was all changed for the better.
Dylan and Jenny (third) 27.5 points
Fluted wall panels and waffle bed throws combine for “texture on texture” Shaynna said, working well with the cabinetry (especially the handles), artwork, bedside table and lamp to showcase the palette and feel of the new room. Simple, Neale, said, but consistent with the rest of the house.
Darren said how amazing to see a rattan woven bedside against everything else and it worked. Neale said it was absolutely beautiful; a contemporary yet subtle colour palette. The artwork however, clashed with the palette but everything else worked.
Into the re-do living and dining room and that sense of cohesion continued with a completely changed space that now sits well with the home. New sconces, the chandelier replaced by a fan, a fresh coat of paint over the Venetian plaster and styling changes have given the space a contemporary feel without sacrificing the country nods. “Next level,” Neale summed up, and now right for their home.
The judges agreed it was completely changed and for the better. Darren loved the palette. He said the redo had had a transformative effect because it was all wrong and now it was all right.
Omar and Oz (third place) 25 points
With the aesthetic of a Japanese ski lodge, Neale felt right at home in Omar and Oz’s final guest room, with Darren pointing out the discrete pelmet lighting and LED strips all combine to bring modern touches without sacrificing the country feel.
Scroll to the end for a chance to win this artwork
Neale said it was very fresh and contemporary; a really nice combination of finishes, textures and colours. “When these boys are good they’re really good.”
Shaynna felt it was too cluttered with furniture. Darren said it was well designed, it just had a few too many things in it.
As for the re-do room, their master bedroom, all judges agreed the change was spectacular, with the new king size bed a natural fit now the cluttered reading nook had gone and pendant and bedside lamps combining for a warmer, cosier feel. There were issues with the fretwork blocking access to a wardrobe, but overall a huge improvement on what had been there before.
Darren said the changes were so subtle but so massive. The change to the king bed was also great. Neale said the two rooms had the same aesthetic and palette. Shaynna said she loved the extra storage.
Ankur and Sharon (fourth place) 23.5 points
A “nice” room suitable for a 10-year-old, Darren said as he took in Sharon and Ankur’s pink-themed guest room… but then why add cocktail glasses, Neale asked? He did, however, love the wardrobes, the cornice and ceiling rose, the pelmet and curtain, all working well to give the room great bones, it was just the styling that left him confused.
Neale and Darren agreed it was nice but not very exciting. Shaynna said it was an example of how not to put pattern together. Neale said it was way off the mark and didn’t feel luxe.
Into the redo room, the living and dining area, and all confusion left, with the added mirror, moved table, dark sheers and refinished paintwork leaving the judges happy that the space had definitely been saved. There were still some touches that could be tweaked, they said, but overall, it’s a massive improvement.
Darren even sad he now liked the chandeliers. While Neale said they needed to get their damn mojo back with two weeks to go!
So much cute on the The Block last night with the majority of the guest rooms presented as kids’ rooms! Let’s see what the judges thought…
Jenny and Dylan (first):29 points
“Wow!” said Shaynna as she walked into Jenny and Dylan’s bedroom, taking in the whimsical festoon lighting over the bunk, a hanging chair, a zoo of stuffed toys and artwork to complement it all.
It’s authentic and genuine, Neale said… and hard to fault. Aside from a scratch in the ceiling Darren spotted, this was a near-perfect finish, the judges added, with a natural palette and pops of colour all adding up to a space Darren just loved. Functionally, the Kinsman wardrobe choice work well, with the styling touches leaving the judges wishing they could all pick a piece to take home. A hard room to beat, they said.
Huge, beautifully styled and in keeping with the rest of house 2’s contemporary country vibe, this was a children’s oasis, not just a bedroom, the judges announced.
From the whimsical Grafico wallpaper (Shaynna’s favourite of the series so far) to the blue wardrobes and play area – complete with kid-friendly furniture – this was a space designed to be enjoyed as much more than just sleeping in mind, the judges felt and one that showed a parent had designed it with a family in mind. Chic, cute and tugging at the heart, the room, the judges declared, that will help Rachel and Ryan sell their home.
Neale said it had clearly been created with their kids in mind and you could feel the love.
“Nothing says family home like a nursery,” Shaynna announced as she walked into Tom and Sarah-Jane’s guest bedroom, stopping to take in the statement wallpaper ceiling, cot, pink marble side table, perfect curtains and pelmet combination (Darren said) and comfy chair.
Filled with architectural touches that tie into the rest of the home but softened by styling that confirms it was built for a child, Shaynna pointed out the room can easily be repurposed (maybe after a colour change on the walls) or left as it was to win over a buyer’s heart, a smart choice when appealing to a wide market.
Shaynna said the spearmint colour on the wainscoting jarred with the colour of the wallpaper and curtains though. Darren said the execution was good and the choices of skirts and cornices were very good. Neale said putting the wallpaper on the ceiling was a nice twist.
Cosy, less eclectic, and filled with architectural styling details such as wainscoting in a regency profile, ceiling rose and cornicing, this was a room that left Shaynna “feeling the love”.
The wardrobe colour was “perfect” Neal added, for the pallet of the room, and the styling on point – right down to the menagerie of stuffed toys filling every space to tell a story any kid would love to hear. Even better, Neale argued, was the fact this room, easily one of the best resolved Ankur and Sharon had presented, could easily be repurposed as an older targeted bedroom. A great addition when it comes to sale time.
While the other teams opted for kids’ bedrooms, Omar and Oz stamped their home as a luxury oasis for grown-ups, with their space devoted to a fireplace, television and comfy couch, a quiet escape for someone just wanting some time to themselves.
But with a sofa facing a wall-mounted TV, this viewing room can’t easily be repurposed as a bedroom, and lacked a sense of self that shows what the space was intended for. Cabinetry that served its purpose, but was perhaps too busy said Shaynna… and bunnies everywhere in a space that clearly wasn’t for kids confused Neale. A future re-do room? Yes please, they all agreed.
Aside from Kitchen Week, laundry, mudroom and hallway (aka hell) week is one of the biggest on The Block. With a jaw-dropping 25 spaces to present to the judges, the contestants overcame a series of obstacles to deliver stunning spaces that are sure to appeal to buyers come auction day. Brimming with mudroom and laundry room ideas, step inside each house to discover each room in more detail.
House 1: Tom and Sarah-Jane Score: 26.5 Place: 2nd
Throughout The Block 2022, the judges have applauded Tom and Sarah-Jane for their design choices and finishes and this week was no exception. Walking into their mudroom Neale Whitaker praised the choice of the bold navy Sierra Oxford Matt paired with Patina Brass Mesh Inserts. “It’s such a luxurious layering of finishes. It’s homely and it’s luxe but it’s also highly functional, he said. My god I’d love this in my home.”
Awash with natural light, Tom and Sarah-Jane’s laundry is a chic and calming space. Echoing their kitchen, the couple selected Sierra Oyster Matt doors, pairing them with Brushed Antique Bronze Knob handles for a classic and timeless look. The galley-style layout provides plenty of storage as well as folding space on Caesarstone Arabetto benchtops.
Tall broom cupboards feature alongside under-bench laundry cabinets, while touch-catch wall laundry joinery sits above the sink and tap. Laundry day is a breeze thanks to a washing machine, clothes dryer, and drying cabinet, all from Asko. The internal storage accessories are the unsung heroes of this space, with Tom and Sarah-Jane including four Wire Laundry Baskets, plus Inner Drawers to double the storage within. The addition of LED Strip lighting ensures that washing can be done night or day, as well as highlighting the beauty of the joinery and tiled splashback.
Perfect for country living, their mudroom showcases a dramatic yet warm palette. Darker cabinetry has been selected with navy Shaker-style Sierra Oxford doors with Patina Brass Mesh Inserts creating a modern country aesthetic. The continued use of Caesarstone Arabetto benches and Brushed Antique Bronze Knob handles connect this room with the rest of the house, in particular the kitchen and laundry. The judges loved how Tom and Sarah-Jane had selected to use “complementary but contrasting” coloured cabinetry in a Shaker-style profile to distinguish the two zones since they are part of the same space.
While effortlessly stylish, this mudroom ticks all the boxes design-wise. A wealth of storage is on offer with generous cupboards providing space to store items including shoes and bags. The seating area is another must-have, and the addition of the Arched Pet Bed is a stroke of genius with a series of drawers nearby providing space for pet bowls, food, and other essential items for the four-legged members of the family.
Laundry Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
Laundry Cabinetry: Sierra Oyster Grey Matt
Laundry Benchtops: Caesarstone Arabetto
Laundry Handles: NEW Brushed Antique Bronze Knobs in Matt Finish 22-M-39, Touch Catch Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Inner Drawers, Federation Capping
Laundry Appliances: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
Laundry Sink: By Asko. Supplied by Appliances Online
Tap: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
Lighting: Warm LED strip lighting
By contestants: Tiled splashback, hanging rail
Mudroom Hardware and Surfaces Details
Cabinetry: Sierra Oxford Matt with Patina Brass Mesh Insert, Oiled Legno Chalk
Benchtops: Caesarstone Arabetto
Handles: NEW Brushed Antique Bronze Knobs in Matt Finish 22-M-39, Touch Catch
Splashbacks: Tiles by contestants
Accessories: Arched Pet Bed, Laundry Wire Basket
Lighting: Warm LED Strip lighting
House 2: Rachel and RyanScore: 25 Place: 3rd
Coming off their win from Living & Dining Week, Rachel and Ryan were excited to continue to bring their fresh, modern style into their home. Drawing inspiration from some of the finishes in their kitchens such as the slim-Shaker Cora Amaro Matt cabinetry with Solid Brass Knob and pull handles in Dull Brushed Nickel, the pair also mixed things up a little. This was seen through the bold Caesarstone Primordia benchtops and brick-look floor tile- both of which the judges loved. “It does make me wish we’d seen this in the kitchen, said Darren Palmer. They could have won!”
Rachel and Ryan delivered a laundry design layout that balances style with substance. The washing machine and clothes dryer, both from Euromaid, have been placed side by side, producing a generous Caesarstone Primordia benchtop above. Slim Shaker-style Cora cabinetry in Amaro has been used throughout, with Solid Brass Knob and 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull handles providing the perfect level of contrast and glamour.
Laundry design ideas abound in this space. Here, storage is king, with tall linen cupboards framing a large window which brings in plenty of natural light. A bank of cupboards sits below the window, some containing internal drawers, allowing easy organisation of various laundry and cleaning essentials. Open shelving breaks up the banks of joinery while providing the perfect space for displaying styling décor.
Mirroring the neutral colour palette of the laundry, the mudroom is as practical as it is stylish. Rachel and Ryan selected Cora Amaro cabinetry with Solid Brass Knob and 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull handles, both in a Dull Brushed Nickel finish, creating a seamless look between their laundry and kitchen.
The galley-style design has been divided into two zones. A seating zone, with open storage under a bench seat, provides easy storage of boots and shoes. On either side sit broom and linen cupboards, providing ample storage. Opposite, the inclusion of the Samsung Air Dresser as well as more tall storage, including a tandem pantry, ensure that this mudroom is an important addition to the home.
Together, these elements all came together in a space that the judges loved from the finishes, colours, and appliances, Shaynna Blaze declaring that the room is “Heaven”. “Buyers are going to love this stuff, added Scott Cam. Despite your issues finishing this week, the judges think that your home is really unfolding as a contender for one of the best houses on The Block!”
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
Cabinetry: Cora Amaro Matt
Benchtops: Caesarstone Primordia 40mm
Handles: NEW 35mm Solid Brass Knob in Dull Brushed Nickel 34-M-42, NEW 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull in Dull Brushed Nickel 45-M-54, Touch Catch
Appliances: Euromaid and Samsung, Supplied by Appliances Online
Laundry Sink: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
Tap: By Gessi. Supplied by Appliances Online
Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting
House 3: Ankur and Sharon Score: 23 Place: 4th
“Drama” and “House 3” seem to be two phrases that go hand in hand at the moment and while the judges were conflicted about how they felt about Sharon and Ankur’s hallway they were in perfect agreement about the success of their laundry and mudroom zone. Shaynna’s face lit up upon entering the room, describing it as a “dog’s paradise” in reference to the built-in dog bath.
Indeed, it’s not often a laundry includes a tiled pet bath, yet this is the case in Sharon and Ankur’s impressive laundry room! Spanning a generous 7.5 metres, the large laundry room layout ensures style, storage, and functionality are all achieved in spades. An organic and earthy scheme has been evoked with a mixture of Shaker-style cabinetry in Sierra IV Dry Sage and Sierra Alabaster, with open shelving in Nordic Oak. The inclusion of Caesarstone® Empira Black countertops and Black Timber Bar with Copper Leg handles tie the space to their main kitchen while adding a modern touch.
The pair opted for a series of base cabinets and placed Samsung laundry appliances side by side, creating an expansive bench perfect for sorting and folding clothing. Hidden behind joinery, two laundry hampers sit next to the sink, while a broom and linen cupboard have also been included. The Samsung AirDresser completes the luxe space.
Sitting across from the laundry, a simple yet effective mudroom is the perfect addition to the home. Providing a wealth of storage due to Nordic Oak open shelving above the seating area, the design also includes space for hanging clothes behind Sierra Alabaster doors plus under-bench storage for footwear. Being placed within the same area as the laundry ensures that the homeowners will be able to keep the rest of the house clean.
The judges clearly loved the laundry and mudroom space, their score reflecting their thoughts about the hallway. As Darren said of what Ankur and Sharon had created “This is the balance of everything, where they made that sweet spot of being courageous and of interest, but also saleable.”
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
Cabinetry: NEW Sierra IV Dry Sage Matt, Sierra Alabaster Matt, NEW Nordic Oak Woodgrain
Benchtops: Caesarstone Empira Black 40mm
Handles: Black Timber Bar with Copper Legs 15-K-98, Touch Catch
Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Black Hanging Rail, Federation Capping
Appliances: By Samsung. Supplied by Appliances Online
Sink: By Oliveri. Supplied by Appliances Online
Tap: By Oliveri. Supplied by Appliances Online
Lighting: Warm LED strip lighting
By contestants: Splashback, Wall Panelling, Pet Area
House 4: Dylan and JennyScore: 27 Place: WINNERS
It’s hard to believe that tradie couple Dylan and Jenny haven’t had a win this season, but the look of sheer delight on their faces when they realised that they have clinched the win this week was priceless! All three judges loved what the pair had created in their hallway and there was even more to love in their laundry and mudroom. Shaynna loved the inclusion of two sinks, Neale loved the Dry Sage Sierra IV cabinetry and Darren loved how the spaces connected to the butler’s pantry. “It feels really coherent, really complete,” he stated.
An exciting addition to House 4 and worthy of being on any home tour, Dylan and Jenny have designed a winning laundry that ticks all the boxes. Echoing the colour palette of their kitchen, the room showcases Freedom Kitchens’ new Sierra IV cabinetry which features a 40mm rail door profile for a contemporary take on the classic Shaker look. The Dry Sage colour of the doors marry perfectly with Oak Woodgrain exposed shelving, Caesarstone Riverlet benchtops and matte brass handles. Warm LED Strip lighting illuminates the tiled splashback and joinery.
Spanning a generous 4 metres, the cleaning portion of the large laundry room layout consists of a sink and tap, wall cabinets, Samsung appliances and a span of countertop, perfect for folding and sorting clothes. Within the floor cupboards 3 Laundry Wire Baskets and Inner Drawers provide plenty of laundry room storage and easy organisation. Opposite, banks of tall cabinetry make space for storing items such as brooms, mops, and ironing boards, as well as shelving for linen, and room for a Samsung AirDresser.
Flowing on from the laundry, Dylan and Jenny’s mudroom has been designed to be the perfect place to enter and exit the home. With plenty of space to store shoes, bags, coats, and the like, the design also includes another sink and tap, ideal for washing off muddy boots after being out in the countryside! Sierra IV Dry Sage and Oak Wood joinery, a Caesarstone Riverlet bench and Hampton Wide Cup Pull and Round Knob in Matt Brass handles evoke the ease and charm of the Farmhouse style.
A wealth of storage has been achieved with the inclusion of wall and floor cabinets on both sides of the galley-style layout. The seating nook is a stylish and practical touch, with open cubby holes beneath the bench which can be left open or filled with pull-out baskets. There’s even concealed hanging space for coats, plus a cupboard for TV data items.
All the judges agreed that these spaces will greatly appeal to buyers and that they add a lot of value to what is already a stunning home.
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
Cabinetry: NEW Sierra IV Dry Sage Matt, NEW Oak Woodgrain Benchtops: Caesarstone Riverlet 40mm
Handles: NEW Hampton Wide Cup Pull in Matt Brass 96mm 12-M-34, NEW Hampton Round Knob in Matt Brass 32mm 12-M-36
Appliances: By Samsung. Supplied by Appliances Online
Sinks: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
Taps: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting
House 5: Omar and OzScore: 20.5 Place: 5th
The boys in House 5 had endless hurdles to overcome this week, failing to get across the finish line due to a series of unfortunate events. Dubbing it ‘Shut Down Week Omar and Oz kept working until the end but last nights episode could only give the judges a hint of what they were trying to achieve with their laundry and mudroom combo. However, we can now share the finished rooms which are another wonderful addition to this modern and glamourous home.
Light and bright, Omar and Oz’s laundry ensures washing day is a breeze! A large window above the sink and tap offers plenty of natural light and a pop of greenery against the Shaker-style Sierra joinery in Matt White. The boys opted for Touch Catch doors for a sleek handleless look, while the choice of Caesarstone Riverlet benches add to the overall neutral colour palette. Warm LED Strip lighting brings warmth to the space, highlighting the beauty of each finish the pair have selected.
The U-shaped design of the room allows for a plethora of storage options, ranging from cabinets, soft-close drawers, and linen and broom cupboards. The boys have considered every inclusion that a laundry might need which is reflected in two Laundry Canvas Hampers and even smaller details such as the drawers placed beneath the appliances to allow for easy sorting of clothing. The V-ZUG washer, dryer and Refresh Butler complete the design.
The mudroom connects directly to the laundry, a logical choice that allows muddy clothes and shoes to be placed straight into the sink or washing machine upon entering the home. The showpiece of the all-white colour scheme is Freedom Kitchens’ new Matt White Perforated Metal Inserts within the Shaker-style Sierra joinery in White Matt. The design consists of seating area with storage below for footwear, two tall cabinets for storing coats as well as space for bags.
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details.
Cabinetry: Sierra White Matt, NEW Matt White Perforated Metal Inserts
With its view from front to back and old to new, Scott’s hallway sums up his eclectic home, with roots in the past but every modern option.
Past the custom-made “Tools down” welcome mat and restored Playola player in a sunlit alcove down then the stunning Anna Blatman wallpapered powder room, the porta-timber-accented hall with Heraz mushroom runner, is a veritable art gallery, featuring memorabilia rescued from the original build alongside new works from artists including Lizzy Stageman, Angue Summa, Michael Wolfe and more.
Crossing the unique LED floor, wall and ceiling strip separating the existing house from the new addition, the hall is a reminder Scotty has embraced the past with a build that has led his house into the future.
Sadly, creating the dream kitchen for many can simply be too expensive. But can you put a price on the perfect dinner creation station? Luckily you might not have to thanks to The Block’s Jason Charles, who has shared five of his top tips for an affordable kitchen reno.
Jason Charles, a hipages ambassador and the lead builder for Mitch & Mark | Photo by Eugene Hyland
1. Buy ahead, buy it yourself, buy it on sale
You can purchase good selections of materials and appliances with 15-year warranties without going to the top shop. Look for quality at a discounted price, with less mainstream suppliers who might be having a sale, and purchase from there. But, be sure to let your builder know!
For example, a tile shop might have a small amount of tiles on sale, which could be enough for your kitchen! Keeping an eye out for these sale purchases before your renovations begin, means the power is in your hands and you won’t have builders adding builder’s margin to your price.
2. Opt for cheaper but durable appliances
The rose gold sink and tap may be the most attractive option, but they can be on the pricier side and often stain or scratch over time. Opting for stainless steel will not only save you money, but will last a lot longer, meaning you won’t have to undergo another renovation any time soon.
Otherwise, if you have your heart set on something specific, but can’t afford it right away, there are some appliances you can insert temporarily. Door handles are a common one. Buy a budget handle and upgrade it in 12 months when you’ve saved up the extra cash. Do your research to see what other appliances you can purchase that are within your budget, suit your needs, are known to be long lasting, or can be temporary and upgraded later down the line.
3. Book a licensed tradie
Don’t try to man this one on your own, or pay the price. 23% of Aussies will try to do a job such as a kitchen renovation themselves, and 48% underestimate the complexity of it. Save yourself the effort and money by getting it right the first go and booking a licensed tradie. A tradie who has a portfolio of previous kitchen renovation experience will make a huge difference to the journey and output of the job. Don’t forget to source at least three quotes to see what else is out there and to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
4. Discuss your options with your tradie
Work with your tradie to mitigate the material cost by opting for cheaper (but still suitable) material alternatives. This will help you stay within budget, and your tradie can provide a better quote for you. Have a conversation with them before the building begins, ask questions, and they’ll be able to give their expert advice on what’s going to work best for your home and your budget.
5. Make sure your budget has wiggle room
Of course having a budget is important, but keep in mind that not all plans go to plan. Allocate an extra 10-to-20% in case of an emergency, such as your desired appliance being out of stock or needing to call in for an extra helping hand.
Last night saw Scotty’s own living/dining space revealed after Sunday night saw the contestants have mixed success at filling the huge open plan spaces. So, do we think Scotty did better than The Block contestants?
There was certainly instant warmth and an unmistakable cosy country vibe! I absolutely loved the herringbone floor choice and the use of rugs to zone areas and large furniture to work with the scale of the space.
From the huge open fireplace – complete with fittings for cooking! – in a brick feature wall to the 10-seater custom dining table from Christian Cole facing a timber dresser, Scott’s living dining area was filled with luxe comforts to redefine country chic.
While it was perhaps a little too eclectic for my own personal tastes, I definitely think Scotty and the team did a great job! What did you think?
Huge spaces, vast ceilings, mega fireplaces, cheating allegations, fallouts with tradies and more, there was a lot going on in last night’s Block room reveals!
Rachel & Ryan (first place) 29.5 points
There was definitely no lack of confidence from these two (especially Rachel) this week and as it turns out, it was well placed! Not quite three 10s but close enough as this pair finally won a room with 29.5 out of 30 and some very impressed judges.
It’s been a long time coming, but from the moment the judges walked into Rachel and Ryan’s country lodge living and dining space, they finally saw the couple’s vision. “I’ve got goosebumps!” Darren says. “They’ve done it!” Shaynna yelled as she admired the floor to ceiling stone fireplace with a massive lounge wrapped in front, dining table expertly positioned to take in the views, exposed wooden beams highlighting an innovative Blackbutt ceiling that all combined to create what Neale summed up as a “minimalistic lodge” aesthetic.
“Rachel and Ryan, welcome to The Block!” said Neale, who added their sofa was the best sofa ever on the show. “They have done a beautiful job.” Shaynna said she loved it and they’d done the best job. Darren said it was lively, homely and fun.
Aimed straight at their magnificent view, with a central fireplace to bring heat and cosiness and timber-clad beams to accentuate the sheer size of it all, Tom and Sarah Jane’s living dining area is, Neale sums up: “Magnificent!”. He said it was magazine cover worthy. There was high praise too for the paintwork.
It was, however, a room that needed more, they said. More furniture, more rugs and possibly more thought into the styling. A bench seat at the dining table left them confused as well, but the lighting plan, Darren added, made up for a lot.
Shaynna didn’t like the dining setting and said the couch could have been much bigger. Darren didn’t like the mess of cables under the TV. Shaynna said it didn’t have the same feeling or heart and soul of their other rooms. Neale said there was scope to add so much more but he liked what they had included.
(they were on 28.5 but 3 points were deducted for not paying the correct price for the piano and they were disqualified from winning the room)
“Is that a baby grand piano?” the judges asked as they entered house 5 and from that statement piece, the tone was set for the space. “This is impressive,” Darren said as he realised how it took the room to another level, “extremely impressive!”. Darren added it was “chic AF” and Shaynna said she was feeling it!
From the rattan-backed chairs to an ornate mirror and huge sofas creating a grand feel, that feeling went on, with the judges agreeing buyers would love this room… and if they’d played by the rules instead of paying less than 50% of retail price for their piano, it would have pushed them into second place and Tom and Sarah-Jane down into third.
And of course, Neale said it needed some lamps too!
A classic and traditional space greeted the judges in house four, in a room that borrowed heavily from the past. A bit too much perhaps, they decided as they continued on and noticed styling touches and furnishing choices that would have looked more at home in a country cottage than a luxe home. Scale up the furniture, they advised, revisit the lighting plan (that reminded them of a 7/11 and featured a chandelier that could have been much bigger) and the room would get there, they said.
Shaynna said the mixture of contemporary and traditional furniture didn’t work. Neale said it didn’t feel aspirational or luxe. Neale said it needed more oomph and wow factor. “Dylan and Jenny are not going to thank me for saying this but they’ve presented something that’s very cookie cutter and approached it like they’re furnishing a country cottage.”
Despite the impressive support of Keith and Dan, who weren’t impressed with their tradies’ attitudes and insisted they complete their fireplace, poor Ankur and Sharon (who cried a lot this week) still came last.
With big timber beams, antler lights and a stone feature fireplace wall, there was a lot to like in Sharon and Ankur’s living dining space as the judges walked in… but it didn’t take long for them to find more they didn’t like at all. “Like the lobby of a hotel,” Neale said as he spotted a collection of chairs around a coffee table to one side. “Like a Flintstones fireplace,” Darren noted after spotting the lack of grout. “Paint the walls!” Shaynna joined in. For all, it was a space with enormous potential, but one that looked rushed and hit by a tight budget.
Shaynna said it lacked ambience. Neale said it was lacking the things that make a house a home, like bookcases and art. “It doesn’t gel. It doesn’t feel like a home to me. These spaces are now too big. It’s almost defeated them.” Darren said it was “so bad”. Shaynna said it needed to be their re-do room.
Got your eye on the Love Full Bloom artwork by Jen Shewring seen in Ankur and Sharon’s living dining room? You could win it thanks to The Block Shop and Artist Lane. Enter here.
The Block Tree Change 2022: all important kitchen week!
It’s the traditional heart of the home, the space where families gather and where technology meets tradition. Welcome to the…
The Block 2022 tree change: main bathroom reveals
Today, our friend and interior designer Kathryn Bamford, recaps last night’s room reveals. Whoa what a first week on The…
Last night, the kitchen by Block host Scott Cam and his team was unveiled and it was really quite lovely! Did you like what you saw? We’ve rounded up our favourite items to buy if you’re inspired to shop the look!
Drawing inspiration from country location, Scotty produced a standout kitchen which celebrates a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Freedom Kitchens’ shaker-style kitchen cabinets in matte black, perforated metal door inserts and plate racks, and marble-look Caesarstone benchtops combined beautifully.
Matte black zinc handles and a stunning feature timber island bench by Block favourite Christian Cole added a contemporary twist. The cooking zone includes an impressive array of AEG appliances including two 60cm natural gas cooktops, a steam oven and compact from Winning Appliances, complemented by an Electrolux Fridge and Vintec wine storage.
Many of the stars of this kitchen are hidden behind closed doors. Internal storage solutions have been included to maximise functionality and ease of use. Simple yet effective inner drawers and cutlery trays ensure drawers are easy to arrange and keep tidy, while Hettich AvanTech YOU drawers light up the contents within. An integrated Häfele Dispensa pull out pantry and tandem pantry store non consumables, while shelf pull-outs and classic shelf and towel rail by the sink ensure organisation is a breeze.
Flowing on from the kitchen, the butler’s pantry blends form with function. It offers a plethora of extra storage and appliances, allowing cooking and cleaning to be done out of sight. Additional bench space and shelving provide styling opportunities, as well as space to store small appliances such as kettles and toasters, keeping the main kitchen space uncluttered.
Freedom Kitchens details
Cabinetry: Freedom Kitchens Sierra Black Matt, Perforated Metal Door Inserts
Benchtops: Caesarstone Aterra Blanca 40mm
Handles: Hampton Wide Cup Pull 96mm Matt Black 12-M-33, Matt Black Diecast Zinc Bar Handles with Backing Plate 38-K-163, Touch Catch
Accessories: Plate Rack, Häfele Dispensa Pull Out Pantry, Häfele Tandem Pantry, Hettich AvanTech YOU drawers system, Ninka Bins, Hugo Bin, Federation Capping, Inner Drawers, Drawer Non-slip Liners, Cutlery Trays, Classic-style Shelf Pull-out, Classic Shelf & Towel Rail Pull-out
Appliances: By AEG, Vintec and Electrolux, supplied by Winning Appliances
Small appliances: By Sunbeam, supplied by Winning Appliances
Sink and tap: By Turner Hastings, supplied by Winning Appliances
Shop Scotty’s kitchen accessories at The Block Shop
It’s the traditional heart of the home, the space where families gather and where technology meets tradition. Welcome to the always exciting kitchen week! With a perfect score of 30 for the winners and even 24 out of 30 for last place, you can imagine it was a night of impressive rooms!
Let’s see what the judges said and who scored what…
(Read to the end for your chance to win art from Jenny and Dylan’s sage green kitchen)
Tom & Sarah-Jane (first place) 30 points
“I am awestruck!” Darren said as he walked in and took in everything from the beautiful herringbone flooring, massive Ilve oven and statement copper fridge (complete with charcuterie and cheese cabinet!) and more. It’s “the ultimate contemporary country kitchen,” Neale declared and for once, Shaynna didn’t disagree.
Darren said making the mixed metals work took genuine insight. And the messaging to the market was pure luxury. Shaynna said the house had a pulsating heart and the kitchen was just beautiful.
With touches including an over-stove pot-filler tap, a butler’s pantry that could serve as a second kitchen and ample space for every gadget possible without feeling crowded, this was a kitchen that immediately caught all three judges and set the standard for every other team to beat… if they could.
They agreed the pantry was beautifully styled and like a kitchen on its own. Everything spoke to Neale of modern luxury with a contemporary twist. Darren said it was legit a luxury home with luxury inclusions.
With brass mesh inserts in sage green cabinetry and fluted glass panelling behind the rangehood, Shaynna was instantly captivated by the colours of house 4’s kitchen, while Neale gushed over the mix of contemporary and country that tugged at the heartstrings. Darren really loved the brass mesh!
By matching the stove, fridge and rangehood, the whole area ties together, Shaynna said, with Darren pointing the lighting that for once this week, he utterly loved. From modern touches like an Insinkerator garbage disposal unit to a traditional butler’s pantry with more benchspace than they could want, the judges found the space a perfect addition to Jenny and Dylan’s home.
They pointed out the stools were too high (easy to change) but otherwise there was a lot to love. Darren loved the styling and the feel. Darren also loved how the lights anchored the kitchen area. Shaynna said the lighting plan worked. Neale said it had a little layer of personality, spirit and soul and felt right.
They loved the pantry too. Darren said it was all so beautifully done. Shaynna said it was stunning and Neale said the styling would have massive buyer appeal. It was the best room they’d delivered so far.
“Oh my God,” said Darren. It’s pretty spectacular,” said Neale. “This is nuts,” added Darren of the extra-long island bench and huge sink. Shaynna said the kitchen oozed with drama.
Featuring $250,000 worth of top-end Winning appliances – anything and everything a modern home owner could want – Omar and Oz’s kitchen was always going to be hard to beat. And nestled in a dark-accented space that screamed modern while somehow nodding to the country setting, it’s near perfect, Darren said, a kitchen that truly embraces contemporary.
But was it too much? In a country home, did the huge stainless island bench sink fit? Was the concrete aggregate flooring in style? Who cares, they decided, it all worked, from the Portatimber ceiling past the state-of-the-art Gallery and V-Zug appliances to the ground and everything in between, this kitchen, Darren summed up: “Will sell the house!”.
Shaynna said the lighting was beautiful. Neale thought the stools should have been timber to complement the ceiling.
They loved the butler’s pantry too, and the styling. Neale said it was a 100% contemporary kitchen and not the kitchen he would put in a country house, but could tell the boys were committed to and confident in their style. Shaynna was nervous for their future budget with what they’d spent on timber and Venetian plaster for example. But above all, it was great feedback.
From the six-seat island in front to the discrete butler’s pantry behind (with its hidden challenge-winning mirror), a separate Smeg wine fridge and even cornices combined with square-set ceilings, it’s a kitchen that lacked the styling impact of others, but still did justice to the home Ankur and Sharon are building.
Cleverly set at the end of the new build and aimed straight at their house’s main asset – the view – this was a kitchen that immediately won the judges praise. The Black Empira Caesarstone complementing rose gold accents in the Smeg stove and a quirky pink-panelled fridge all worked to make what Neale called a classic kitchen.
Shaynna wasn’t loving the styling though. There was too much “just thrown there” and Neale agreed, saying there was no cohesion and he wasn’t getting the magic spark.
They were impressed by the wine-lovers’ butler’s pantry. Neale loved the galley feel and the wallpaper. Darren noticed the painting was very good. Shyanna wondered there was enough bench space.
It didn’t go too well here! Shaynna said it was a kitchen without a soul and Neale said it felt like a work in progress. None of the judges liked the lights. Functionally and aesthetically Darren could see a lot of positives. The open shelves were too high for most people to reach though.
Shaynna said the concept of the timber wraparound was fantastic but it was a bit narrow (perhaps not wide enough for a dinner plate for example) but she just wasn’t feeling an emotional connection.
Beautifully executed and with attention to zoning and layout, the kitchen worked well, they agreed, but lacked the drama of other houses. The exposed beams overhead hinted at a country feel that could be coming, but while it’s a “bloody good kitchen” Neale said, there just wasn’t the emotional connection for him either.
In the butlers, Shaynna sad the all white palette was too clinical. Neale said it was frustrating as it needed life adding to it.
Block host Scotty Cam revealed the latest rooms in his own Tree Change house last night and they were probably a lot less masculine than we expected!
Once again he’s gone all out for a heritage feel but with the best modern comforts. The plan was to present two bathrooms and a bedroom for the resident Block boss, but after loaning his tiling team to Omar and Oz when their tiler came down with covid, he only managed one of each – but what rooms they were!
The pink theme was continued into the bathroom and we spotted plenty of items we love in both rooms, so of course we thought we’d link you up if you’re interested in buying too!
We loved the combination of brass, blush pink and rattan across these two rooms.
Two rooms in one week! Far out, that wasn’t easy! But they were some big scores last night, including a 30 for the winners (if you include a gnome point).
It was enough to give the Blockheads a bad case of nerves (Sharon and Ankur almost walked out on the show!), but once they got started, what they produced in the new section of their builds (and in their original home for house 3) was super impressive in seven days.
So what did the judges have to say and who scored what?
With its statement tartan wallpaper highlighting an eclectic mix of artworks, sheer drapes behind a discrete pelmet and well-planned wardrobes, Tom and Sarah-Jane’s bedroom, Neale said, showed the couple were “really having fun and creating their dream home”. Shaynna went as far as to say this should be their career after the show!
Not everything was perfect, the judges noted, with Darren pointing out the low bed and prominent power points, but combined with a bathroom that finally featured face-level storage alongside the stunning tile choices, it was enough for Shaynna to sum up: “This is beautiful!”
In the bathroom, Neale said it gave the impression they knew what they were doing.
A low-slung bed under a high ceiling transported Neale to Japan in Omar and Oz’s bedroom. An awesome return to form, added Darren. Superb bedside pendants, Shaynna added, concrete plaster that works, and a neutral palette all added up to a “very zen” room, the ideal addition to an ensuite that shows why the boys keep winning the wet areas.
With white, timber and brass accents, a stunning shower screen and tiles playing off their other bathrooms but keeping its unique look, this shows, Neale said, that they can keep their title of “bathroom kings”.
The level of execution was stupendous, they said, especially the tiling.
After weeks of pushing the contemporary aesthetic into their country home, the judges were braced for more modern styling, but one look at Rachel and Ryan’s combination of a rug, artwork and bed-top blanket showed them they were still embracing country as well. Slightly timid, Neale said, but still a great asset to the growing house and the perfect partner to a bathroom all agreed had impact… “plenty of impact!”
“There’s not a single safe choice here… and I love it,” Darren said as he took in the lava stone basin, timber bench seat, black tapware accents and more. “Magazine worthy,” Shaynna said.
Neale said the bathroom was a luxury room that ticked a lot of boxes and felt like authentic Rachel and Ryan.
Scroll to the end for your chance to win this pair of artworks
Laminex panelling complementing the sconces, harmonious curtaining and a gorgeous colour palette combined to bring out the best in a room much smaller, but at least better finished than some others, the judges said of Jenny and Dylan’s bedroom.
That sentiment carried over to the bathroom, where Darren pointed out the tiles, vanity, basin, mirror and especially the bath all combined for a perfect balance of luxury and country style. The cabinets, however, were a touch too high, Shaynna said and Neale pointed out a shower puff suction-cupped to the tiles that brought down the luxe feel! Those faults aside however, it was a room, they agreed, that just works.
Shaynna was not a fan of the lilac sinks in the context of the room and thought the bath should have been centred. Neale wasn’t a fan of the styling at all. He wanted them to remember they were selling a multimillion dollar home.
“Look at the scale!” gushed Darren walking into what is essentially a second master suite, “you could swing a tiger in here!” And with its grand bay window, “almost antique” colour palette, gold velvet touches and bold furniture choices, the others agreed.
There were finishing errors and what Darren said was “a masterclass in how not to paint”, but with an ensuite boasting an “almost perfect” layout, finished with tiles, mirror, tapware and shutters that were heavenly, it all came together. If only, they agreed, the contestants had more time.
Neale said he was seeing signs of trauma and Darren said they’d clearly had a bad week. In the bathroom there was mess everywhere but the judges loved most of their choices. Neale said however they needed to get their energy back and it was too early to fall at the fence.
For your chance to win the beautiful set of 2 Macedon Sunrise prints by Amanda Skye-Mulder for Artist Lane, as seen in Dylan and Jenny’s room on Sunday, enter here.
Win Macedon Sunrise 1 and 2 in this week’s art giveaway
Thanks to The Block Shop and Artist Lane.
Master ensuite reveals: The Block tree change 2022
A quarter of the way through the build and last night saw one of the most important rooms of the…
The Block 2022 tree change: main bathroom reveals
Today, our friend and interior designer Kathryn Bamford, recaps last night’s room reveals. Whoa what a first week on The…
As the judges soon discovered, the Block Tree Change contestants took week four very seriously, turning out high-end luxe master suites that stunned them all. From spacious dressing areas to reading nooks, fireplaces and more, every combination was tried to win this important sanctuary zone.
As the judging began, Scotty said he thought they’d all done brilliantly. I really agreed with this week’s winner and thought they were all pretty impressive. Let’s see what the judges had to say…
Tom & Sarah-Jane (First – 28.5)
With three French doors opening to the wraparound balcony and a wood-fired heater, this is a room the judges felt embraced the country it sits in, but was its own cosy sanctuary.
Your chance to win this artwork in the competition at the end of this article!
“This is a room that hugs you!” said Shaynna as she took in the high ceilings and king size bed, “They’ve really thought it through!”.
Neale was speechless for a while, before declaring he loved it, there was “zero” he didn’t like and that they’d nailed the new rural look. “I love the way they’ve mixed so many mediums. They’ve curated this room beautifully.”
For Darren it was the scale that won him over – a big bed, big drapes and big mirror TV was all very grand, he thought, with the bone inlay side tables a perfect match for the rattan of the bedhead. “The fireplace is a really charming choice.”
Darren said they’d styled the walk-in well. Shaynna thought without any doors, they’d have to keep things tidy in there as it’s on view from the bedroom!
Only half a point in it for second place! So close!
From the beautifully restored original door to antique furniture, a Marie Antoinette portrait and grand bedhead, this was a room that had the judges from the moment they walked in. “This room says period drama to me!” Neale said, with Shaynna agreeing, pointing out the corbels, archways and the beautifully framed mirror TV.
Neale summed up that it was a crazy mix of eccentricity that worked well. Neale said congratulations for giving them something they’ve never seen before: antique furniture.
Shaynna added: “It’s phenomenal. It’s elegance personified.” She said the lighting though, was too Deco and not grand enough to match everything else. She also worried that they were going to run out of money and said they didn’t need to spend quite as much every week.
Shaynna said the walk-in was glamorous and would rock the world of any would-be buyer. “It’s so beautifully done,” added Darren, who said their painting, although not perfect, was getting better, and he admired the risks they were taking.
“Ooh la la!” said Darren as he rushed in to embrace the stacked stone fireplace, then admired the neutral palette and subtle styling choices he felt combined to create a perfect balance of contemporary and country.
They all loved the fireplace and Neale said they’d redeemed themselves from last week. “It’s a room that works despite itself. There are some things that don’t work but it’s got a lovely vibe.” Darren said every element in there got two thumbs up apart from some very minor paint issues.
And a perfect walk-in, Neale said when he rolled back the barn door to find what he called “prime real estate for buyers”, a dressing zone divided into separate zones. With oak finishes and woodgrain surfaces on the wardrobes, Darren called it palatial and Shaynna said it was elegant and had a country contemporary essence.
Darren said it had him by the heartstrings and it’s exactly what he’d want if he moved to the country.
Walking straight into the spacious wardrobe – complete with the first dressing table of the day – the judges found themselves admiring the wallpaper, the view, the storage galore and the way this space was unusual, but still made sense.
They headed into the bedroom, and were impressed by the window seat but not its execution or the curtains and wondered if the artwork could have been scaled down. It’s a room with style they agreed, but does it live up to their earlier successes? Perhaps not. Neale said once they fixed that, it would make a big difference.
Walk-in robe? More like a drive-in robe, the judges said! Shaynna said styling made a big difference to the robe; the cherry on top. Darren didn’t expect to walk through the walk-in to get to the master but he really liked it. He said it oozed quality.
With a mini library reading area at one end and a smaller bed to compensate, the judges found Omar and Oz’s master a confusing space that showed promise, but didn’t quite live up to its potential.
Neale said it was very visually confusing and giving so much space to a study and reading area made no sense. Shaynna said she loved the fretwork but it had then been over cluttered. Darren said the bookshelves were cheap and best not looked too closely at!
The lack of storage was a real issue for all three, with Shaynna advising: “Lose the shelves, lose the desk” and Neale adding “there’s too much going on, guys!”. Even Darren, impressed by the carpets, drapery, uplights and doors to the wardrobe that cut off the space to the bathroom, had to admit that this was a room where less would have been more.
Neale said the boys raised expectations with their bathroom last week and this was not the bedroom that ensuite deserved. Darren said there were elements in the room that really paid off but the study space didn’t add value.
The ottoman in the walk-in made it hard to walk through, they said and there wasn’t enough storage for a couple.
A quarter of the way through the build and last night saw one of the most important rooms of the Block build – the master ensuite. I do love a good wet room reveal!
A space that completes the owner’s new sanctuary, the ensuite will help form that emotional connection that will bring in buyers on auction day.
For some, it was a room that proved way more complex than they thought, with the huge spaces nearly too much, but with a lot of effort and a mix of styles, another week of beautiful spaces showed the judges this year’s Blockheads are here to win.
Read to the end for your chance to win the artwork from Tom and Sarah-Jane’s master ensuite.
Omar & Oz (first place)
All hail the bathroom kings, with another wet area to blow the judges away. “Boom!” said Darren as all three admired the best layout they saw on the day, taking in the bench seat under dual showers, a corner bath looking out on spectacular views, kitkat tiles playing off HardieGroove panels, and a natural colour palette.
Despite their tilers’ massive fail, they came back from the brink to achieve such a beautiful space. Bless Keith and Dan for helping out there as it really wasn’t their fault!
Missing only a few face-level lights and a bathrobe hook for the door, there was a lot to love, the judges agreed, with Darren declaring this was a room that would “photograph like a dream” and help buyers fall in love with their home.
“I would never design this bathroom in a million years!” said Darren, taking in the statement wall tiles and basins, the spa bath with a view, black tapware and Grafico mural of the Macedon ranges, “but it works!”
Shaynna and Neale were worried it all might be a bit too much, but agreed it’s a statement space, particularly loving the addition of a fireplace… right up to the point where Shaynna noticed the fire’s double-sided glass would give a view of the toilet to anyone in the master bedroom! Be careful of those choices, she warned, and be mindful, Darren added, of the line between eccentricity and saleability.
The French doors looking out from the bath do it for me! I too feel like it’s too much but it does kind of work!?
With what Shaynna called “a timeless colour palette” and a mix of gloss tiles on the walls and matte on the floor plus a very country mix of timber and brass, this was a room that grabbed the judges from the moment they walked in. “Yum!” said Darren from the door. “I love this!” Neale said he felt the couple’s confidence in how they wanted their home to feel.
But not everything got their approval, with Neale noting that once again the pair had decided against face-level storage in vanity cabinets, the sconces were just too high for her and the pelmet, Darren said, was “pretty chunky”. It’s a room that set a high bar for the others to follow, but the functional flaws kept them from the win.
“Feels palatial,” the judges said as they walked into the vast space of Rachel and Ryan’s ensuite, taking in the heritage details of cornices and architraves, the timber vanity, and feature tile.
But while Darren was impressed by the contemporary luxury, with the shower heads in what he said was just the right spot, the inclusion of an IXL heater lamp and pendants over the bath, both Shaynna and Neale weren’t convinced. For Shaynna is was a case of things being half right – she loved the vanity area, but nowhere else. And Neale said he found the sea of grey “a bit bland”. It’s in keeping with the house, they said, but just not quite there.
Darren said he liked seven eighths (so precise!) of the room while Neale said he only liked three eighths, and that it had no charm or personality! He said it needed another layer and some more pizazz. Shaynna was more 50/50 and in the middle!
With a luxury benchseat shower area, double shower heads and plenty of space, this has “day spa potential”, the judges agreed. Mixing the same tile Ryan and Rachel had chosen, but not going full height, then blending in a mushroom tile in the vanity area, with oak and brass touches and the couple’s signature arches, the combination is understated elegance, Neale said.
Not everything won their approval however, with the bath too close to the wall and toilet – hard to understand with so much space, Shaynna said – and both caulking and grout incomplete. But with styling on point, right down to a real chrysanthemum, it was, Neale summed up: “A contemporary room with just enough heritage touches.”
Win the art from Tom and Sarah-Jane’s master ensuite!
This week’s art giveaway in association with Artist Lane and The Block Shop is Linen Breeze by Lydia Ben-Natan. For your chance of winning, enter here.
The Block Tree Change 2022: week 2 guest bedroom reveals
I feel like this week’s Block rooms looked much better on the TV (and hopefully in real life!) than they…
The Block 2022 tree change: main bathroom reveals
Today, our friend and interior designer Kathryn Bamford, recaps last night’s room reveals. Whoa what a first week on The…
