From the original artwork of Anna Blatman’s Hanging Rock to horizontal panelling and a soft colour palette that reflects the heritage past of his home, Scotty’s guest bedroom ticked all the boxes of a traditional country home, but with contemporary touches.
It was revealed last night and we have links to all the best items you may have your eye on to buy!
The working fireplace – a signature of his rooms so far – and a classic chaise lounge, are offset by Robert Gordon ceramic sconces, a cheeky garden gnome ornament and a custom “Tools Down!” embroidery to create a room that would be at home anywhere in the area, but can only belong to Scotty Cam!
Another local artist, Jessie Rigby lives in the Macedon Ranges where The Block is being filmed, and her piece Domum Montem Aurum is also beautiful. Shop it 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…
Win the art from Ankur and Sharon’s winning guest bedroom
I feel like this week’s Block rooms looked much better on the TV (and hopefully in real life!) than they do in the photos! And let’s address the elephant in the room straight up. The winning room shouldn’t have won, but they played their gnome point and that’s the way the game works, so…
Ankur & Sharon (1st after playing their gnome)
“Ankur and Sharon are back in the game!” said Neale as he walked into a room he found warm and welcoming, with a traditional colour palette, heritage details including skirts, architraves, cornice and the original fireplace.
Not everything worked, the judges said, with the ceiling rose too close to the skylights and a pendant Shaynna felt could have been lower, but a stunning bedhead — the same as Scotty’s — lamps instead of sconces and mismatched items that gave everything a real feel added up to a room Neale said “feels like home” with character and charm that was sophisticated and (most importantly) saleable.
With their trademark perfect execution, the tradies from the Gold Coast delivered a room all the judges agreed ticked all the boxes. “I’m in heaven!” said Darren as he took in the oversized check pattern in the blanket, the complementary wallpaper, the wainscoting, skylight, cornicing and another archway. “It’s all so luxe!” He did point out an issue with the sheers not working with the shutters, and Shaynna said the bedsides and sconces could have been bigger, but for Neale it was a room very hard to fault and one that left him asking for: “More please!”
We all know this one really should have won, right?! I’m not surprised they were disappointed but a game’s a game!
Rachel & Ryan (3rd place)
With bespoke panelling, a smart use of space and a striking feature wall, loads of space and attention to detail, the judges declared this a “contemporary take on country,” marrying a modern style with traditional cornices and architraves.
But there were, they pointed out, down sides. For Darren it was the too-bold colour and a “Scandi” style chair, Shaynna wanted higher curtains and a lower fan, while Neale felt the slim styling choices let an otherwise impressive room down. Darren said the painting was so poorly done it distressed him!
They could all see the contemporary direction the pair was taking, but Shaynna summed it up by saying the rooms still should “hug her” a little more.
Omar & Oz (equal 4th)
Expect the unexpected, Omar and Oz keep telling the judges, and this week that’s exactly what they got. From the herringbone floors to VJ panelling and desk, this was a room that was certainly unexpected… but does it all work?
Shaynna loved the shelf behind the bed, but found the multiple horizontal lines confusing, Neale loved the bed dressing, but found the artwork generic and while Darren was happy with the way the view had been made a feature, he wasn’t quite sure it was enough to fill the styling gaps.
Unexpected? Definitely. But enough to win? Not quite.
Tom & Sarah Jane (equal 4th)
“Very autumn!” declared the the judges as they walked into Tom and Sarah-Jane’s guest bedroom, loving the warm colour palette and the soaring ceiling and textures on the bed that brought the outside world into the home.
From the bedside tables to the wainscotting, cornices and lighting, this was a room that showed, Neale said: “A real sophistication and consistency!”.
The wardrobes however, brought up a problem the judges couldn’t see past. With the window not centred to the room, the wardrobe door won’t open once shutters are installed. And that, said Shaynna, is an error that might need major work to fix. If it can be fixed at all.
Every week, we’re giving you the chance to win an artwork from the room reveals, in association with The Block Shop and Artist Lane. This week it’s Ankur and Sharon’s Garden Walk 2 by Angela Hawkey (76 x 102cm). Enter here for your chance! Good luck!
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…
The Block 2022 tree change: first room reveals & house decider
Woohoo! The first Block reveals of the season! Let’s face it, they’re usually not spectacular as the contestants have barely…
Today, our friend and interior designer Kathryn Bamford, recaps last night’s room reveals.
Whoa what a first week on The Block! Main bathrooms as the first room to complete and a room that could win the contestants $10,000 in cash, a fully mature tree for their landscaping and (wait for it) a $250,000 Winning Appliances kitchen upgrade.
With such a whopping big prize up for grabs the pressure was on for the contestants to deliver. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous for the contestants especially being their first week. Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes and if you won this week you were setting yourself up to most likely to win kitchen week with that prize.
House 1: Tom and Sarah-Jane (equal second place)
With traditional cornicing and ceiling rose, a restored original light fitting and ample use of panelling, this was a bathroom, Darren said, that’s simply “very impressive!”. And cost effective too, he added, with the panelling not only beautiful, but a budget saver by limiting the space that needed tiles. We wholeheartedly agree with Neale who said “I love art in bathroom”.
There were however some issues – the open grill over the door, some mis-matched metals, a lack of storage and a shower screen that was too short, but overall it was a room, the judges agreed, that showed a high level of sophistication and one that got them excited to see more!
House 2: Rachel & Ryan (third place)
From the second the judges entered this bathroom, one thing stood out for them all – the space! “This is massive!” Shaynna said as she took in the high ceilings incorporating wide skylights, double shower, floor-to-ceiling tiles and storage galore. But was it too much? And most importantly, was it country?
The square-set features, timber vanity, basin, “artful” lighting plan and curved glass all screamed modern luxury, the judges agreed, possibly too modern for a country home. A few heritage features might have softened the effect, Shaynna said before all asked the question: Is it appropriate in a country setting? Darren seemed to be the only judge who believed so. Neale and Shaynna were after more heritage elements.
House 3: Ankur & Sharon(last place)
“It’s shiny and brassy and something about it is not feeling authentic,” Neale announced. Neither Neale or Shaynna felt good in the space. Darren disagreed. “I like it!” he said, saying the sultry and moody feeling the team had created worked for him, however he was not keen on the nib wall.
But it was a controversial space, with Shaynna worrying the historic feel of House 3 (The Grand Dame of The Block as she called it) might get lost if the team didn’t pay attention to the existing features and work to incorporate them into their build. Shaynna recommended they do some homework on the history of the house and the era. Ouch!
House 4: Jenny & Dylan (equal second place)
Down a small hallway, and through an incredible arch and into what Neale described as a “fresh, welcoming and kind of timeless bathroom”. It was light and airy, made even better, Shaynna added, by the breathtaking view outside.
Darren really liked the sense of balance, with curved mirrors playing off the archway entrance, a blind at the exact height of the picture rail and skylights breaking up the ceiling. Shaynna felt the couple really had an idea of where they were now going with the look and feel of the home.
House 5: Omar & Oz (first place)
“Wow!” said Neale when he walked into Omar and Oz’s bathroom, and the compliments kept coming. “It’s sophisticated!” Shaynna said as she took in the 90-degree herringbone wall tiles, panelling and patterned floor tiles. “It’s stunning! I love it, I absolutely love it!” Neale added. “It all works, the palette is beautiful,” Darren summed up. “This feels like a bathroom that belongs in this house and belongs on this Block.”
It wasn’t just good looks, with features like a heated floor and heating above, face-level storage, power points in all the right places and luxurious shower/bath area making this a room to set the standard for this year. The only thing the judges could fault the boys on was some stickers left on the toilet!
Woohoo! The first Block reveals of the season! Let’s face it, they’re usually not spectacular as the contestants have barely found their feet yet, and they only have 48 hours, whilst getting their heads around how everything works. Could I do it? Not a hope in hell! And would I go on the show? No. Way. It would end in divorce and I’d cry every night for my kids!
(Read to the end for your weekly chance to win a piece of art from the reveals!)
Add in the first ever walkout by Elle and Joel (I knew it!) after a mere two days, and last night’s was quite the episode! Five off the grid houses in the stunning Macedon Ranges (six if you include the one Scotty’s doing) is quite the project! Let’s get into the first (bed)room reveals and what the judges had to say!
Tom and Sarah-Jane came first and chose to stay in house 1 (not the coveted house 4!). Dylan and Jenny got that one. Ankur and Sharon took house 3. Joel and Elle took 20 seconds and picked to stay with house 2 (until they quit!), leaving Omar and Oz with house 5.
Elle and Joel left without even saying goodbye, saying that The Block wasn’t “on brand” for them.Sarah-Jane, who’d made her thoughts about influencers and famous people very clear already, claimed she had seen it coming because “they looked miserable the whole time”. The others weren’t impressed either. But hey, we get a new couple (Rachel and Ryan) now! I wasn’t entirely sure I was going to enjoy watching Elle and Joel…
Next week calls for a bathroom so that will be a very interesting test!
House 1: Tom and Sarah-Jane (1st place)
The judges were impressed! Darren liked the traditional/contemporary balance. Shaynna loved the original ceiling rose. Neale thought the room spoke of contestants who knew what they were doing. And he even said he would have liked a lot of the elements in his own home! Not so much the artwork though (“the only bum note”) but Shaynna and Darren were fans.
House 2: Dylan and Jenny (second place)
Neale loved the sage green paint and the VJ panelling. Shaynna LOVED that both contestants were tradies and said the execution was excellent. Darren loved the flatpack made to look like a custom built-in.
Neale though the country vibe felt like a bit of an afterthought and that they’d thrown everything at it in the hope that something would stick. Darren said they’d tried really hard but their individual good choices weren’t working well together. And Neale said olive trees shouldn’t be inside either!
House 3: Elle and Joel (4th place)
“Where are we?” asked Shaynna. Darren said it was a bit like home (Bondi, coastal and boho) and not very Macedon Ranges. Shaynna said they hadn’t acknowledged the history of the home or the area. “They have smashed the life out of this home and that breaks my heart.”
Neale said if they stick with this look it’s going to get very stale and very samey and they needed to respect the original bones of the house.
House 4: Sharon and Ankur (third place)
Darren was not a fan of the “extremely rustic approach” Sharon famously proceeded with against Scotty’s advice! Shaynna said there was a lot of effort and skill on show and a very good eye. Neale said he wasn’t expecting to see it but it was very well executed. And they advised they shouldn’t run with this concept throughout the rest of the house!
I had feared these two would get more criticism!
House 5: Omar and Oz (last place)
Darren immediately said it was a shame the door walked you straight into the bed. Shaynna loved the original boards. Neale was happy they’d worked with the heritage. But aesthetically they’d gone Scandi which was a bit generic.
They said it was a room that belonged equally in a city or by the beach. And then they spotted the modern window and were horrified that such money had been spent on it.
The fake plant did not get past them either! Neale said it felt like property styling. “We want to see something with more personality here.” They said it wasn’t luxe enough but for 48 hours it was still quite the achievement.
What did you think of the results? Do you have a favourite couple yet?
Each week, thanks to The Block Shop and Artist Lane, we’ll be giving away a piece of art from the room reveals. For your chance to win this peacock, hit the link below. Good luck!
The sixty acre piece of land where the new series is set
Back for its 18th season, the latest season of The Block is returning to Channel 9 this week with one major change. Reflecting the regional housing trend that has swept the Aussie property market, The Block: Tree Change sees five city slicker couples each building a 500 square metre house in Victoria’s beautiful Macedon Ranges. Ten acres of rural land will be transformed into a small town complete with tennis courts, wineries and lake.
The large piece of land where the new series of The Block is set
“When I arrived on site for the first time, I thought to myself we had done a lot of big Blocks in the past but nothing like this – it’s massive. We are building our own little town, and at times that’s daunting. But we have a terrific bunch of contestants who give it a red hot crack,” says long-time host Scott Cam.
Back for his 16th season, this year will see Scott build his own house for the first time, designed to inspire the contestants, and create a space for them all to come together. Co-host Shelley Craft returns also – she will act as a mentor and bring her experience as a qualified real estate agent to the show. “With these rolling paddocks and so much space out in the country, this season of The Block is certainly something that Aussies will fall in love with,” says Shelley.
Scott Cam with his kelpie Frankie
Judges Shaynna Blaze, Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer are back in 2022 and the formidable foreman duo Keith Schleiger and Dan Reilly are on-site again to keep contestants on their toes throughout the build. At stake is $100,000 for the winner of The Block, plus whatever profit the couples’ homes make on auction day.
Scott Cam’s house in the series
The tree-change concept arose when The Block executive producer and co-creator Julian Cress moved his family from Melbourne to Gisborne South during COVID lockdowns. “It is such a beautiful part of the world, and I think the Macedon Ranges is one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets. Plus, as we are coming off a hard couple of years, heading to the country is almost celebrating our lifestyle and what is so great about Australia,” says Julian who hopes to inspire viewers to think regional when it comes to their next move.
The Block: Tree Change will premiere this Sunday 7 August at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
You absolutely loved former Blockheads Carlene and Michael Duffy’s last vintage caravan renovation so when we heard that they have put another one on the market, we had to take a tour. Experts at vintage caravan renovations, this one, named Dolly, is a retro baby blue dream. At 22 feet long, the 1970s caravan is the largest the interior design duo has renovated, making it ideal for a family.
Carlene and Michael Duffy with their children and Dolly
“We sourced and renovated her in 2017, not to a specific brief. It might have taken six months in total. Walking inside Dolly feels like a holiday. There is something simple and calming about small space living and yet by van scale, Dolly is a whopper!” says Carlene of the van that features beds at both ends (including a gorgeous brass-trimmed bunk), as well as a fully functioning kitchen area, dining nook and plenty of storage space.
Dining and kitchen
Carlene on Dolly’s queen bed
The renovation includes the Cedar & Suede designers’ signature brass accents combined with pastel tones and quirky prints. “We love Dolly’s fresh, retro, coastal vibe,” says Carlene who maintained as much of the original van as possible throughout the restoration.
Dining area
Painted in Taubmans’ Crashing Waves and Big White, the caravan features timber-look vinyl planks on the floor and a combination of renovated and new elements within. The dining area features a resurfaced collapsible table (in Laminex Carrara), freshly sprayed gold table legs as well as newly upholstered bench seating. “We love combining gold with pastels, which are a real nod to that retro, coastal vintage feel. For us, the idea is to retain the character where we can. So, if it’s salvageable, we refresh it and highlight that,” says Carlene.
Kitchen nook
The kitchen nook has a matching Laminex benchtop, white subway tiles, brass tapware and the couple replaced the original, amber-coloured glass from the front of the kitchen cupboards with brass netting. The kitchen also features a gas stove top burner and Dometic 12 volt/24 volt RV refrigerator.
Dining and bunk area
As for the sleeping arrangement, there’s a queen-sized bed up one end a bunk bed at the other. The queen bed features handy under-bed storage with gas struts.
The gorgeous bunk bed features original brass details
Dolly is registered, weighs just over 2 tonne, has electric brakes and a 12 volt deep cycle battery. The van is available for pick up from the Gold Coast and, based on vintage van market research, all offers over $30k will be considered.
It’s pretty safe to say that ex-Blockheads Carlene and Michael Duffy, of Cedar & Suede, are bona fide vintage caravan reno experts. From the gorgeous ‘Bumblebee’ to their latest project…
Since winning The Block in 2018, Hayden and Sarah Vale have been busy renovating a former beach shack on the NSW South Coast (Stanwell Park to be exact), turning it into their forever home. With enviable ocean and parkland views, the five-storey abode ‘SouthHouse’ has four large bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms and three separate living spaces.
“We were after the perfect balance of a retreat for our family as well as a hub for entertaining. We knew we’d have guests staying so wanted to give them their own space,” says Sara of the home that features a lower guest floor.
Sara and Hayden’s new kitchen is the home’s hub
The bedrooms are all on another floor because Sara, who shares the home with Hayden and her two children Harlow and Lawson, wanted everyone nearby. For convenience and accessibility, the bathrooms and laundry are on this floor too. The top floor is the designated kitchen and entertaining space, and it’s the gorgeous kitchen that we are touring today.
Here, Hayden and Sara shared the things to keep in mind when designing and constructing a kitchen with wow.
Take inspiration from your surroundings For our home design, we simply looked outside for inspiration. We realised we lived in such a stunning part of the world that we wanted to bring influences of that inside, as well as join elements of it on the outside. For that reason, SouthHouse features a modern urban aesthetic with a neutral palette that provides the perfect backdrop for accents of colour, texture and coastal influences. Think high quality, hand-picked materials and finishes to deliver a timeless style, like concrete and timber, while presenting a balanced, yet luxurious feel.
The kitchen features the Electrolux 90cm Multifunction Pyrolytic oven
Plan, plan and plan No matter what scale the renovation, superior time management and organisation skills are a must. With any renovation, big or small, you need to be on top of everything – from your ideas to planning, trades to styling, have your end goal clear in your head, so you can see every detail. One of the areas of the home that requires the most detailed level of planning is the kitchen. In the kitchen you’re after the golden triangle between fridge, cooktop and sink with the right amount of bench space in between to make preparation convenient.
Consider feeling over trends Rather than being beholden to changing trends, focus on creating that homely feeling you’ve always dreamed of. Because we both come from large extended families, an entertainer’s kitchen was key, and we wanted it to be the showstopper. We knew we had to make a statement here, making sure we had a kitchen that could do a dinner for two, take on a party of 50 and anything in between.
Know what you want your kitchen for While on planning, purpose plays a big role when it comes to your kitchen design. Ask yourself will it be for entertaining, quiet nights in, a family or singles or everything? Use your response to that question to help decide what appliances you will need. If the space allows for it, we always go for a big cooktop and oven because we like to entertain.
The kitchen trends from The Block 2021 and how to steal them
The Block 2021 has sadly ended for another season! Beyond the drama, the show remains an ongoing source of inspiration for our homes and we saw trends that will no…
For those just after the important stuff from last night’s 2021 Block auctions, here we go:
1st: Mitch and Mark
2nd: Josh and Luke
3rd: Tanya and Vito
4th: Kirsty and Jesse
5th: Ronnie and Georgia
Image via 9now
So yes, probably not what many expected and just goes to show, as ever, that it doesn’t really matter who the favourites are or how they behaved on the show, anything can happen on auction night and it did! Not to take away from Mitch and Mark though, who my money was on to win (them or Kirsty and Jesse anyway!). They deserved it.
Last night’s (always!) much-anticipated auction episode kicked off with Josh and Luke dropping Tanya right in it over the cheating scandal (all as guilty as each other really but it was her who took that photo of the production schedule and then pretended she’d been sent it by a tradie). Off to a gripping start!
Then came the reserves ($3.5m for everyone except Kirsty and Jesse who got $4.2m!). Everyone felt deflated and Ronnie and Georgia (in tears) changed their strategy, which would have put Kirsty and Jesse first and themselves second. After more consideration and discussion with their agent, in light of the high reserves, Ronnie and Georgia decided to pitch themselves first. Sadly, it ended up putting them at a disadvantage and they came last.
Pic via Ronnie & Georgia’s Instagram
The contestants got together and discussed walking away over the too-high reserves as a point of principal. Meanwhile Scotty spoke to the powers that be and he and Shelley revealed the reserves were going to be reduced by $100k each. Ronnie and Georgia stuck with their second plan to put their house first at auction, followed by houses 2, 3, 4 and 5 in that order.
Here’s what went down…
House 1: Ronnie and Georgia: $3.4m reserve
Bids opened at $3m and ended at $3,696,000; a profit of $296k for the couple. This gave them a very surprising last place.
House 2: Mitch and Mark: $3.4m reserve
It was bought by Block regular Danny Wallis, an IT entrepreneur (and his extremely annoying bidding, I might add!) for $4,044,444 giving them a profit of $644,444 and first place (plus a bonus $100k for winning). I loved watching their emotion and utter shock as the bids went up and up and how they felt bad to have beaten their friends Ronnie and Georgia. BLESS! Well done boys!
Image via 9now
House 3: Tanya and Vito: $3.4m reserve
With their $3.4m reserve, they sold (also to Danny Wallis) for $3.8m. A profit of 400k and beating Ronnie and Georgia who were, until then, in second place. I’ve got to say, I was surprised! This put them third overall.
House 4: Josh and Luke: $3.4m reserve
Bidding started at $3.2m and kept going! It went for $3,930,000 to Frank Valentic’s client, giving them a $530k profit, second place overall and many tears, Again, BLESS! Got to give it to them, for all their bad attitude towards the judges at times, they pulled off a serious result for rookies! Nobody saw that coming!
House 5: Kirsty and Jesse: $4.1 reserve
Bidding started at $3m (Danny Wallis) and was at $3.7m in less than a minute! And Danny got it in the end for $4,401,523, a profit of $301k for the couple. It was a hard watch and the bids were slow. But they were grateful and happy nonetheless!
Scotty declared Ronnie and Georgia the unsung heroes of the night for going first and giving everyone else the best chance to make money. There’s no doubt they would have made a lot more had they not gone first and it seem a little unfair, but that’s the nature of the game and they took it with good grace!
It was an emotional night on The Block as the contestants said goodbye to their trades and it sunk in that they were almost done! The scores were a lot closer than last week, with everyone getting praise from the judges. But Mitch and Mark finally took out the top spot for their heritage facade and garden. And Josh and Luke continued to throw tantrums and declare the judges didn’t know anything!
Ronnie and Georgia: 3rd (27/30)
A “modern masterpiece” consistent from front to back, said Darren Palmer. Neale said it was architectural, contemporary and impressive.
Shaynna was surprised how exposed it was, with no protection from the elements at the front door, and anyone walking past could see straight into the kitchen. She thought privacy would have been a bigger consideration. “From a security point of view it doesn’t feel practical,” added Neale.
Shaynna said the garden was more decorative than it was inviting and it didn’t feel like it would be used. But they all loved the beehive!
Neale loved the standing seam Colorbond cladding. “It has a real modern elegance to it. Ronnie and Georgia have this ability to make a strong statement but in a very subtle way. They’ve kept that signature that is instinctively theirs. They know what they’re doing.”
Does this facade have street appeal? Yes it does, heaps, the judges said. And it would appeal to buyers.
A “perfect” white (aluminium) picket fence, paved pathways that look like they’ve been there for years, a tree wrapped with seating for watching the world go by and grass – complete with cubby house and trampoline for children to enjoy – Mitch and Mark’s front yard was just what the judges wanted to see.
Shaynna called it an absolute knockout. She loved the cubby house and trampoline and the recycled brick paving. The tree was a gift from the Gods but creating seating around it was brilliant, Darren said.
“Storytelling at its best!” Neale summed up. “The family lifestyle dream. You could not have done a better job of wrapping up this house. They have created an incredibly welcoming facade and front garden. The house feels like it’s been here forever. It’s going to appeal to the widest possible demographic.”
“I’m so pleased they weren’t tempted to do a Palm Springs garden with the cactus. It would have been a bit much,” said Neale.
“I’m surprised they chose the same plants we said don’t go with the period of the house,” Shaynna said. She loved the cricket pitch but would have liked more plants like grasses that fitted with the age of the home.
Darren liked the diagonal lines and the addition of the brick as a design feature that tired in with the fireplace. He said it was visually interesting and a lot of thought had gone into it.
Neale would have liked to have seen something bigger and more dramatic but that they’d probably done the best they could on a budget.
“I think that what they’ve done really does help sell the dream of this house,” said Darren. It was an architectural dream for a Mid Century enthusiast.
“Simple, structural elegance!” said Shaynna as they walked up Josh and Luke’s driveway and the praise didn’t stop there. From the mature olive tree standing against the grey rendered wall to the inviting front doorway and offset front yard, with a secluded workout space to one side, this was the ideal way to represent the best of what the twins had delivered inside, Darren said.
“Seeing the house in the state we saw it last week I thought we’d be lucky to see anything. But this is just so cool,” Darren said. Neale said: “It has become a different building.” The established (uplit) olive tree was a hit with them all.
“Josh and Luke needed a comeback and boy, have they delivered one,” said Neale.
The front wall, however, was a jarring rustic note in an otherwise minimalist modern space. “There’s not one rustic note throughout the rest of the house.” (As usual, the boys didn’t take the negative parts of the feedback well at all and said the judges had no idea what they were talking about!).
Overall the façade, with its soaring skyline and modern outlook, left the judges smiling. Darren said it was close to being great.
Kirsty and Jesse: 2nd (28.5/30)
“Look at this, it’s the grand entrance,” Shaynna said. The judges loved the arbor, the lighting, the star jasmine. “Honey, I’m home!” Neale declared (for the second time!).
Shaynna said it was beautiful, Neale said it was amazing, real family life, selling the dream. “It has a sense to me of suburban grandeur.” Neale said his head was spinning at the sheer size of the block, offering almost country style living.
Darren said they had the same privacy issue as Ronnie and Georgia and they should frost the front door. But everything else was superb: colourcheme, Colorbond, weatherboard. “I love everything,” Darren said. While the house could have been a poison chalice because of its size, they had made the absolute best of it. “They’ve done every inch of this justice.”
Neale said he thought it was the best house The Block had ever delivered. “In all my years of judging The Block, I can’t think of a better property than this.”
Garages with full-wall murals and fancy doors, storage, home offices and wine storage! There was so much revealed last night on The Block, it’s no wonder even the most diligent contestants couldn’t finish it all perfectly! There were some amazing reveals and some very harsh words from the judges for those who just didn’t get it together (I’m looking at you, Josh and Luke!)! “There’s two words for this and one of them is cluster,” may just go down in history as my favourite judge’s comment ever (thanks Darren!).
Onto the judging….
Ronnie & Georgia
Score: 27/30: first
Another week of praise for Ronnie and Georgia, who came first, and deservedly so.
Accessed by the Colourbond tilt door and past the Grafico mural of the Le Mans where Ford beat Ferrari, to a well-stocked and stacked storage area, Ronnie and Georgia’s garage combined style and functionality.
From there, the judges went through the stylish and perfectly placed mudroom with storage for shoes, coats and schoolbags, to a powder room (to be judged next week) and a study/guest room/home office overlooking the pool. “Trust Ronnie and Georgia to bring supreme elegance to a mudroom,” said Neale.
Inside however it was the sculptural curved staircase that caused the biggest wow, leading down to a beautifully fitted out wine room complete with seating around a butcher’s block table and another powder room. “Simply perfect!” Shaynna said. “Damn! Look at that!” said Darren. “That’s such a tight space and it’s so architecturally beautiful,” said Shaynna. “It feels exactly like the perfect staircase for this house. I love it!” Darren added.
The judges said the bedroom-slash-office was absolutely wonderful and what a beautiful place to sit and work. Darren said a fourth bedroom was huge for the real estate brochure as it was essentially a bonus room.
Down the spiral staircase, Darren was pleased to see the acoustic issues in the cinema room had been fixed. Shaynna loved the herringbone brick floor. “I’m in Provence!” Darren was wowed by the appliances and Shaynna loved the extra power room.
The judges said it wasn’t perfect but time was against them and they were sure any issues would be rectified later. Neale said: “They set the bar very high every week. The other contestants must hate them!”
Mark & Mitch
Score: 23/30: third
With its custom pink mural and yellow car, Mitch and Mark’s garage was colourful but, as Neale said, take those two things away and there’s not much left.
But it leads to one of The Block’s biggest surprises, a hidden study/office fitted into “stolen space” above, the perfect work-from-home space with ample space for two, plus storage, a big selling point in post-Covid times.
Darren said it set their house apart from Ronnie and Georgia’s. Neale said it had proper storage and was a proper work from home space. Although there were finishing issues, Darren said he understood why.
Into the basement the judges were surprised again, this time to see the space next to the existing day spa steam-room had been transformed into a combined TV room and wine cellar with its own kitchenette.
Neale said he felt like he was in a very cramped bedsit. Shaynna said the wine storage felt like it was shoved into corner. Darren said the best thing was the kitchen joinery. Shaynna felt the layout was odd. Neale said it was a panic room where they’d try to cram everything into the last space. “Mitch and Mark are going to be bitterley disappointed with our comments but we have to be honest,” Neale added.
Tanya & Vito
Score: 19.5/30: fourth
From the teal green horizontal garage door with portholes matching the heritage façade to the polished concrete floor and huge storage area, this is a room where functionality is clearly king. Coming at the cost of a fourth bedroom, the judges did wonder if the storage might be a mistake. Darren said they had damaged the value of their real estate.
Downstairs they found the games room outside the home cinema, complete with a wine fridge, classic arcade amusements and a statue welcoming visitors in. “It’s fun, it’s quirky and it’s in keeping with the house,” Darren said.
He really like the wine bar joinery and the integrated wine storage. “It shines a light on how much better this solution is to what Mitch and Mark showed us.”
Shaynna noticed the stairs and the rooms were very loud and echoey and a rug would help soften it. Neale said it could easily be remodelled by the buyer into a sophisticated adult space. He wasn’t sure if it added to the value as a games room and the way it was presented was very polarising.
Josh & Luke
Score: 8/30: last
The polished floor, mural featuring race tracks of the world and a door-within-a-door all combined to welcome the judges into Josh and Luke’s garage, a single car space with a storage space, complete with a plumbing stack from the master bedroom that was moved!
Inside, there was less to see, with the build still underway and the only visible change a plaster render the judges were all horrified by! The rooms were a complete tip and the judges were not impressed one bit.
“This is saying to me we don’t give a flying **** for what you guys have to say,” said an angry Neale. “This is inexcusable, it’s a pigsty,” added Darren.
The study/bedroom didn’t thrill them either, and they said it felt cramped, and the basement despite its great wine storage and kitchenette, was unfinished again and full of problems.
“What is this space, what is it for?” Darren asked. “A doctor’s waiting room?” asked Shaynna. The terribly planned en suite was an absolute disaster. “There’s two words for this and one of them is cluster,” said Darren. “That bathroom needs to go. It’s a waste of real estate. It’s a planning disaster.”
Shaynna asked why you’d have carpet in a wine area. And why there wasn’t a fridge? “Nothing functions, it’s kind of useless,” said Neale. Darren said it felt like defeat. “I sort of feel like we’re in this festering pit of negativity in here,” ended Shaynna.
Kirsty & Jesse
Score: 26.5/30: second
Thank goodness things were looking up at Kirsty and Jesse’s, starting with that gorgeous Hamptons style garage door! The large uncluttered garage with a storage area and fridge impressed the judges.
They found a lot to like in Kirsty and Jesse’s final spaces, especially when they moved upstairs to the study. A functional home office with well-planned lighting and great cabinetry. Darren said it suited the house.
It was the basement, however that won them over, from the bank of Gaggenau wine fridges to the recessed guitar display niches and kitchenette with seating outside the home cinema. “It’s a knockout!” Darren summed up. “A balance between opulence and value.” He said they’d spent only where they needed to.
Neale said there was no sign of them throwing in the towel. Shyanna said they had four bedrooms and an actual study. “It ticks a really important box from a real estate point of view.” Neale said he loved the basement vibe and it felt like a recoding studio.
I’ll level with you. I didn’t watch last night’s Block reveals and write your commentary as I was out for a belated and much anticipated wedding anniversary (and let’s call it 40th birthday too) dinner. At an actual restaurant. We got a babysitter and everything! But seems I missed a close night of judging with Kirsty and Jesse taking out another first place, with the next three couples tying (and only half a point less than the winners), before Tanya and Vito came last.
Here’s all the images, scores and things you might want to buy. Enjoy!
Hallways, powder rooms and laundries. Hell week on The Block was a LOT. Ronnie & Georgia: second Score: 29/30 If anything was going to make a statement, it was Ronnie…
The Block 2021: Living and dining reveals
It was a close one last night with Tanya and Vito’s quirky sunken lounge and Ronnie and Georgia’s broad appeal grey, white and gold room tying first place. But only…
Hallways, powder rooms and laundries. Hell week on The Block was a LOT.
Ronnie & Georgia: second
Score: 29/30
If anything was going to make a statement, it was Ronnie and Georgia’s gallery entrance hall, full of beautiful art including a Jai Vasicek original. “It just sings, doesn’t it!” Darren said as the judges walked down the sun-soaked (thanks to a string of Velux Skylights) corridor and into the living room. Next to impress was the steel-frame door separating the living area from the bedroom hall – again dripping with art – with a fully lined attic storage area above, followed by a laundry that ticked all the boxes.
Mark & Mitch: third
Score: 26.5/30
A glass floor in the hall to bring light downstairs, beautiful artwork above, and a hallway that smoothly and effectively separates the living and sleeping areas of the house, this was a well-planned and well-executed space that was definitely something for the judges to love – especially when they realised it led to a full-size pantry, something they’d searched for but failed to find back in kitchen week! Next surprise was the versatile, fully equipped laundry with garage access offering an impromptu mudroom and more storage, to complete the home. It all added up, Neale said, to a “pretty damn good” way to tie things together.
Tanya & Vito: 4th
Score: 25/30
With a huge aluminium and glass door to separate the living room from the hallway while still bringing light to a small, but functional office and an art-lined corridor with its own powder room this was the ideal way, the judges said, to separate the home’s spaces. A switchboard cover on display brought them down, as did a polarising mirror that might be a bit too much for some, but into the laundry and Shaynna at least was smiling again at the ample storage.
Josh & Luke: last
Score: 18.5/30
“This is a mess, it’s a bloody mess!” said Neale.
“This is the embodiment of hell week, ” Darren said.
The powder room was so claustrophobic, Shaynna just wanted to get out.
But the laundry was finished! “This is like a breath of fresh air,” Shaynna said. “This whole laundry makes sense,” said Darren. In fact they said it was one of the best planned spaces they’d delivered.
Good on the boys, they took the judges’ constructive criticism very well.
Kirsty & Jesse: first
Score: 29.5/30
Poor Kirsty finding out her Nan died this week was so heartbreaking and it was lovely that other contestants chipped in to help them finish.
“This couple astounds me,” Neale says.
“They’ve made it perfectly contemporary Hamptons. It feels homely from the second you walk in the door,” Darren adds.
They were gobsmacked by the huge powder room (make that bathroom) with its shower and double vanity. Neale said but was phenomenal and Darren said it was glorious. “There is no trace of panic or chaos,” said Neale.
They loved the beautiful laundry which Neale called yummy! Shaynna kept asking how on earth they achieved it?! “It’s 100% focus on functionality but without any sacrifice.”
“Holy moly this is a mother of a house,” Darren said.
It was a close one last night with Tanya and Vito’s quirky sunken lounge and Ronnie and Georgia’s broad appeal grey, white and gold room tying first place. But only…
The Block 2021: Kirsty and Jesse’s insanely good navy kitchen!
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely…
It was a close one last night with Tanya and Vito’s quirky sunken lounge and Ronnie and Georgia’s broad appeal grey, white and gold room tying first place. But only after Ronnie and Georgia played their gnome point to prevent their sworn enemies from winning!
It often feels like these living/dining spaces should be quite straightforward and all about furniture choices, but in reality the open plan and often vast spaces can be hard work to get right from a layout perspective. And it was certainly a mixed bag last night.
Read on for what the judges had to say, the scores and how to shop the look.
Ronnie & Georgia: joint first (after playing their gnome)
Score: 28.5/30 Spent: $47,001
“Now everything makes sense!” said Darren. The judges loved all the textures. Neale said it was classic, contemporary and luxury. Darren said it delivered, delivered and delivered! He was completely in love with the dining chairs and the way they played with the artwork. The styling was perfect and the steel framed door gave a nice acoustic barrier. Darren said they’d made it broad appeal without being generic.
Flipping the usual flow, with lounge and dining rooms before the kitchen somehow just worked for the judges, creating a dining and living area where each room supports the other and all pull towards the central space. A perfectly placed television and fireplace, bar area adjacent to the dining area with lowered ceiling for intimacy and all taking advantage of the soaring roofline of the living area combined for an area that felt spacious but still an intimate enough to be used every day.
With striking rows of skylights flooding the huge living and dining area with natural light, this is the wow factor the judges were looking for. “What an incredible ceiling!” said Shaynna.
“It’s one of those spaces that you walk in and look up and see the light and the tree, and then when you start analysing the way the space has been used, you sort of think ‘why would you do that?’” Neale said, quickly bringing down the mood! Darren loved the table and vase in the entrance foyer but felt there was a lot of dead space around it. “There are so many things to love about it but a lot of it is wrong.”
The beautifully styled dining table got top marks: “It looks like a party about to begin!” Neale said. But he said it all felt unfinished. It was like a series of vignettes but wasn’t meshing together as a home. Darren said the TV was too high because it was above the fireplace. “I feel like I’m sitting in a waiting room. I don’t feel comfortable,” said Neale.
Shaynna said she knew Mitch and Mark gave it their all but that the space felt like two separate houses. “I’m glad I’m not in the room when Scotty gives our feedback. But they need to hear it because buyers will feel it.”
Perfectly matched to the overall 1950s feel of this home was Tanya and Vito’s sunken lounge – and the judges fell in love – and into the couches – immediately. “Fun, playful, cool and retro!” gushed Darren, jumping in to see how the living area fit perfectly between the original front feature window with full length sheers and newly installed double-sided fireplace. “There’s nothing more conducive to people being together,” Neale added. “It’s just been so well thought through.”
Next over was the generous dining area, just perfect for a family dinner. And over it all, the “work of art” of five round Velux skylights. “You guys have nailed it!” Shaynna said. “I absolutely would not change a thing. I am pretty much in heaven.
“It’s so bright, light and white and happy. Quirky and saleable are usually mutually exclusive but you guys have pulled it off.”
If it’s space the judges were after, they’d come to the right place, with Josh and Luke’s huge dining and living area.
“They’ve chosen an a amazing table and an amazing artwork,” said Darren, who also said he had imagined they’d lay the space out completely differently. Shaynna said the table was so beautiful but they hadn’t made the best of it and it made her sad for Christian Cole, who was an artisan. “Even the chairs don’t complement it,” she added. And the living room rug was way too small.
“They have a huge task in front of them and it sometimes overwhelms them,” said Darren. Shaynna agreed.
The judges then ran through exactly what they needed to do to save the space, including flipping the living and dining areas. “Get this space right and it certainly will reward you on auction day.”
“Honey I’m home,” said Neale. “It’s just so warm and welcoming.” Darren said it wasn’t a huge lounge room but the gigantic sofa made it feel generous. Shaynna said it felt like the perfect cosy, homely, family space. “I love the way it all works together,” said Neale. “It’s like a little symphony in white.”
Darren loved the dining area and its own private area with a view to the outside. “This is a really proper dining space.”
Neale said Kirsty and Jesse had got better and better with each passing week.
Shaynna loved the blue striped wallpaper nook, even though their trades had said it looked “too Greek”!.
The Block 2021: Kirsty and Jesse’s insanely good navy kitchen!
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely…
The Block 2021 room reveals: guest bedroom and re-do’s
A nice bit of variety on The Block last night with guest bedrooms, kids bedrooms and the re-do rooms. Here are the scores, the judges’ comments and where to buy…
As longtime fans of The Block, Australian furniture manufacturer Toni Briggs Brown and husband Simon Brown dreamed of getting their product on the show and set out to make it happen this year. Here’s how their kitchen stools made it into Mitch and Mark’s kitchen on Sunday night and their first order came through before the episode even finished!
Image via David Cook Photography/The Block Shop
TH Brown is a family-owned furniture manufacturing brand that was launched 110 years ago by Simon’s grandfather Thomas Howard Brown. The couple relaunched the brand in 2017 with the objective of reissuing the iconic designs that Simon’s family created from the 1950s through to the 70s. The Danish Barstool is their most recognisable piece. It was designed in Adelaide and is still manufactured and hand finished there to this day.
After years of seeing the contestants refer to The Block Shop for inspiration and to purchase items to style their homes, they set about trying to get stocked. “I thought they were part of Channel 9 and it would be more difficult, but the team at The Block Shop from customer service to marketing, guided us through the process to make it really easy,” says Toni.
Once filming started, Toni asked if they could get their pieces put forward to contestants by the Block Shop. The morning after the Sunday night when kitchen week was announced, the couple got a text message from customer service at the Block Shop saying that there was a contestant interested in featuring the Danish Barstool for their kitchen. On the episode you can see Mitch scrolling online, then finding the stool saying, “these are magnificent!”.
Then the call came from Mark and Mitch directly, wanting to know if they could supply and deliver the product by Friday. As each stool is handcrafted, the team worked overtime to create them within two days. Not wanting to risk them not arriving, Simon packed up the car and drove from Adelaide to Melbourne to deliver them in person!
Simon Brown delivers the TH Brown stools himself!
“Seeing the style of the home and the beauty of the House 2 kitchen that Mitch and Mark had designed, it was a great fit for the Danish Barstool to create that extra layer of luxury and design form. It sat perfectly in the space, which is testament to the duo’s design skills and that the classic look of the stools transcends trends and is simply a timeless design,” he says.
And it didn’t take long for “The Block effect”, which so many other small businesses have benefited from over the years, to take hold! “Our first order hit the The Block Shop while the show was still airing, and orders and multiple enquiries have continued to come through,” said Toni yesterday. “The coverage we received both on the show and online has been fantastic for our brand and a celebration of Peter’s timeless and iconic design.”
Mitch, Simon and his brother Justin Brown and Mark at The Block site
TH Brown pieces become family heirlooms. Each one is certified, quality controlled, has a 10-year warranty and comes with a serial number as they are collectibles. “We’ve heard that families have original pieces from the 1950s they’ve inherited and have ordered new stools from us recently to add to their kitchen, creating a set,” explains Simon.
“Seeing our stools on The Block is a pinch me moment, to be honest,” Toni says. “We talk about our brand being 110 years old and three generations, but we only relaunched the TH Brown brand four years ago. For a small Australian furniture brand to find themselves on The Block and have Mitch and Mark love the design and include it in their kitchen is an amazing opportunity.”
The full range of TH Brown kitchen stools and coffee tables are available through the Block Shop, and stockists Australia wide.
The Block 2021: Kirsty and Jesse’s insanely good navy kitchen!
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely…
My new navy and gold laundry revealed: before and after
Our kitchen was the very first room we renovated in this house, almost four years ago. It was a case of “I’m not buying the house unless we can afford…
TH Brown relaunch coveted Australian Mid Century stools
Sponsored by TH Brown We often look to Europe for furniture classics and with good reason. But some of the most recognisable and popular Mid Century designs were actually made…
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely deserved the win. Navy, brass and gingham wallpaper? You’re talking my language!
Tanya and Vito’s mid century kitchen was so unique and quirky but it worked! Aesthetically anyway! Mitch and Mark lost major points for having no pantry (other than food drawers) and took it so badly, swearing and declaring their lack of respect for the “out of date” judges. But the judges were absolutely right this time if you ask me. And Josh and Luke’s was very masculine but it ticked all the right boxes.
SECOND: Ronnie & Georgia
Score: 27/30 Spent: $39,396
With a generous layout epitomising simplicity of use, Neale was blown away by Ronnie and Georgia’s kitchen, calling it “impeccable” in style and “the new classic”. Darren agreed, saying the pair had created a control centre for the house that delivers from the ceiling to the floor.
With a huge butler’s pantry featuring high end appliances (but sadly no bin!) and Georgia’s personal “Georgianised” storage solutions to the huge Gaggenau refrigerator (perfectly styled of course), Caesarstone benchtops and more, this is, Darren sums up, a kitchen to fall in love with.
Shaynna personally didn’t like the big sink taking up too much space in the island bench where people like to sit and chat. They all thought the pantry doors should have opened into the pantry. Neale said the pantry didn’t have the same wow effect as the kitchen itself; a bit like the walk-in of their master bedroom. He added they had to be careful to tick all the practical boxes as well as creating rooms people fall in love with.
From the brass “M” incorporated into the Calacatta Maximus Caesarstone (not sure about that one!) to the long island bench with enough overhang for seating and a superb colour palette bringing appliances, cupboards, surfaces and more together, Mitch and Mark presented a kitchen that was uniquely their own. “Just breathtaking”, Darren declared.
Great layout, visually stunning and with an adjacent breakfast nook, it ticked a lot of boxes… except one. Where’s the pantry? And that’s where it all came undone for the judges. Darren said it was dumb, Neale said really dumb, and Shaynna said it was crazy. All the food was to be stored in drawers rather than a pantry. “This isn’t a kitchen you can work in,” Shaynna said. “I hate to say it again but style over substance,” added Neale. “I bet this did not go the way Mitch and Mark thought it would go,” Darren said. Too right! The boys really didn’t agree or take this feedback well, arguing that modern kitchens had pantry drawers and that they had no respect for the judges!
Bold, bright and fun, the kitchen is packed with personality and shows just what Tanya and Vito have been hinting at through the rest of the house. “This is a kitchen that says love me or hate me, but don’t ignore me! It’s a bold design statement” says Neale.
With the terrazzo the couple have been hinting at throughout the house as the hero on a huge custom benchtop (imported from New York no less), pink cabinetry, round skylights, a curved window, ample storage in the hidden butler’s pantry, and a feature pendant, there’s so much to catch the eye.
“Round skylights, a triangular window, an oval shaped rounded corner window. Architecturally they are really taking some risks and it’s really paying off and really beautiful,” Darren said. Shaynna said it was off the charts incredible.
“What it does is matches the house,” Darren says. “It’s full of risks and ideas. It really feels like a modern interpretation of some of the best parts of mid century design.”
But Shaynna also pointed out it had major functionality issues which the others agreed with. The fridge in the wrong place, not enough prep space on the bench and not enough space to seat people or space for a bin. “It makes me want to vomit because they imported this terrazzo specially and it’s stunning.”
Thank goodness the pantry cheered them up! The curved window blew them away, it was fun and joyful. “Tanya and Vito have really gained confidence in their aesthetic,” Neale said.
Dominated by a huge window to the tree-filled yard, Josh and Luke’s kitchen shows the twins have bounced back after recent losses and learned from their mistakes.
Black and white cabinetry softened by a Christian Cole timber benchtop feature, glass doors with a walk-in pantry for storage, state-of-the-art appliances and an island bench with more than enough space for prep and entertaining, it all added up to a welcome return to form. “It’s sexy and refreshing!” Neale said.
“I’m absolutely loving their high contrast of sharp black and white and softening it with this beautiful timber,” Shaynna said. “It gives you this lovely soft natural break,” Darren added. Shaynna worried the pendants weren’t good task lighting. And there were other functionality issues too.
They felt the butler’s pantry was more of a walk-in pantry than a butler’s.
Darren thought they’d taken some notes and improved their styling. “I love that it’s a very blank canvas for you to stamp your own personality on,” Neale said.
This was so my vibe. I mean navy, brass and gingham?! I’m so in agreement with it winning!
“I am home!” said Neale. “I am dead. This is insane,” said Darren. “Wow! It’s absolutely stunning,” added Shaynna.
Stunning in navy blue with brass cabinet inserts, a brass accent cut into the edge of the Caesarstone (hot!) and brass handles, Kirsty and Jesse’s country meets Hamptons kitchen took the judges’ breath away.
“The island bench is so expansive and so functional,” Shaynna said. “Dishwasher, great sink, heaps of bench space – and an enormous bin!” She was in love. So too was Darren, with the gingham wallpaper, a perfectly placed fridge with pantries either side, and his much-loved five zones exactly where he wanted them. “Here we are standing in a room that has every single thing we’ve been looking for,” he said.
That gingham wallpaper in the pantry!
“It’s so beautifully resolved,” said Darren. Shaynna loved the alcohol display which could easily be used as a study nook. Neale added: “For Kirsty and Jesse, all roads have led to here. It’s beautiful.” Darren was worried his head would explode because he loved everything so much! “My hair is standing on end, that’s how perfectly they have done the five zone kitchen in this space!”
The Block 2021 room reveals: guest bedroom and re-do’s
A nice bit of variety on The Block last night with guest bedrooms, kids bedrooms and the re-do rooms. Here are the scores, the judges’ comments and where to buy…
My new navy and gold laundry revealed: before and after
Our kitchen was the very first room we renovated in this house, almost four years ago. It was a case of “I’m not buying the house unless we can afford…
A nice bit of variety on The Block last night with guest bedrooms, kids bedrooms and the re-do rooms. Here are the scores, the judges’ comments and where to buy what you saw.
Ronnie & Georgia: 1st place
Score: 29/30 Spent: $24,680
From the traditional yet contemporary wallpaper to contrasting yet matching bedhead and cushions, Ronnie and Georgia threw a curveball at the judges with their bedroom this week, but it was one they loved. Declaring this her favourite colour palette of The Block so far, Shaynna thought this was a room with its own style, but still a complement to the rest of the house. Even the challenge artwork seemed to fit, said Neale!
Neale and Darren thought the bedsides were perhaps too low or the bedside lamps too small, but Shaynna disagreed.
Moving to the re-do room – a larger walk-in wardrobe – they were blown away by the transformation. More spacious, better fittings, this was a room that completes the master wing.
Whimsical, playful, cute and fun, the judges said and that’s just what Mitch and Mark wanted to hear for their children’s bedroom. With bunkbeds, pistachio-green wardrobes and beautifully styled to lure in a young buyer. Neale noted this is a kids room right now, but one that could be easily converted to an older child’s room or even an office easily. And that’s smart planning.
Shaynna said the roofline was too much with all the skylights as well as the large window. Darren liked it though. They loved the wardrobe and thought the styling was magic.
So too was the re-do bedroom, now a smart addition to the home with its own feel and colour scheme. Neale said it has a bit more pizazz back.
A built-in bunk, generous wardrobe and ample storage space, a desk and funky styling make this an ideal kids bedroom, perfect to show Tanya and Vito’s house could easily become their home. Neale’s big concern was how easily the room could be converted for an older child or another purpose – the built-in fixtures might make things tricky – but all agreed it’s a great value add for the home.
Shaynna said she found it a bit cold and the edges needed softening.
Re-do bathroom sans brown tiles
So too was the re-do room, now without its polarising brown tiles. Thank God! said all three judges. It’s still a room with personality, but one that won’t divide the market. Darren said it now definitely adds value to the house.
From the highs of the master wing to the lows of this bedroom, Josh and Luke’s rollercoaster Block ride continues with the judges declaring this space a mismatch of style with a colour palette that’s too cold. Some fresh styling was needed, the judges agreed, to bring it into line with the rest of the home.
Let’s face it, nothing went with anything!
Then to the re-do bathroom. Once again the styling and colour palette weren’t what the judges were hoping for, with the floor to ceiling toilet screen the only obvious change… and not one they loved. Shaynna said it looked worse and Neale couldn’t really see what was different.
A Hamptons style kids’ room, styled for a little girl right down to the Dolly Parton storybooks on the shelves, Kirsty and Jesse’s room had a definite style and a definite theme in mind. Not even an upside-down lampshade could dampen the judges’ enthusiasm with Shaynna loving the valance, Neale the Grafico wallpaper and all agreeing it’s a space that shows what a home this can be – while still able to be converted to other uses.
Also converted, was their opinion of the guest bedroom, with Kirsty and Jesse’s re-do bringing a new shade of blue, new bedding, new bedsides and more, winning them over.
This week on The Block, they revealed the master en suites. Read on for the scoring and to see the rooms. FIRST: Ronnie & Georgia Score: 29/30 (after using their…
The Block 2021 room reveals: 4 cinemas & a steam room
I’m going to leave this week’s drama and cheating scandal at the door because if you watched The Block this week, I’m sure you’ve already had enough! Onto the media…
This week on The Block, they revealed the master en suites. Read on for the scoring and to see the rooms.
FIRST: Ronnie & Georgia
Score: 29/30 (after using their gnome point) Spent: $22,000
Welcome back to what Shaynna calls Ronnie and Georgia’s trademark sophistication – a calming and beautiful colour palette in a room that takes advantage of the sweeping ceilings and Velux skylights to create a large, but comfortable master ensuite that’s perfectly matched to the room it serves. From the Zuster cabinetry with cleverly separated basins to the perfectly placed plain white wall breaking up the tiled areas – and saving costs – it is a room Neale believes has massive buyer appeal.
LAST: Mark & Mitch
Score: 22/30 Spent: $26,790
In a rare mis-step from the planning kings, Mitch and Mark’s bathroom left the judges a little confused this week, with Darren pointing out the space between the basins and the shower screen was too tight, the screen itself too large. It was, he said: “a planning disaster!”. But not all was lost, with Shaynna loving the colour palette, the tile choice and styling that makes it “a jewellery box of a room”. And Neale agreed, saying there was much to love… if only the layout could be fixed.
FOURTH: Tanya & Vito
Score: 22.5/30 Spent: $17,458
From brown tiles to a black toilet, sensible planning and functionality throughout, Tanya and Vito’s bathroom grabbed Darren from the second he entered. And on the styling front, Shaynna agreed, with the bold colour choices stamping a unique style on the room that shows just how different the team’s aesthetic will be. But will that be too polarising come auction day, Neale wondered. Is it deco? 70s? Or something blending multiple influences? Will there be enough people who share the couple’s love of colour, retro chic and multiple hero pieces? Time will tell!
SECOND: Josh & Luke
Score: 28.5/30 Spent: $41,980
Walking through the wardrobe to a hidden oasis, the judges were immediately impressed by Josh and Luke’s styling choices in a room that marries their master bedroom to a secluded garden creating something the judges were definitely not expecting – a master wing. “We’ve been transported from a wardrobe to something much better than Narnia!” Darren said as he took in the room Shaynna described as real estate gold! And at the centre of it all was the huge outdoor bathtub, a choice all agreed was controversial (especially with Melbourne winters) but managed to work so well.
THIRD: Kirsty & Jesse
Score: 26/30 Spent: $28,045
From the fresh indigo blue and gold colour choices to the refined tile choices, concrete basins set in a veined marble-look benchtop and Kirsty and Jesse’s Hamptons style blended with a touch of Colonial, this is a room, Shaynna says, that shows the team has definitely grown up. Some fixture placements gave the judges concern – the bath was always going to get wet, Shaynna warned – but overall this is, Neale says: “a damn good bathroom that feels fresh, glamorous – and is really fulfilling the brief!”
The Block 2021 room reveals: 4 cinemas & a steam room
I’m going to leave this week’s drama and cheating scandal at the door because if you watched The Block this week, I’m sure you’ve already had enough! Onto the media…
The Block 2021: master bedroom & walk-in robe reveals
This week didn’t see the faves as the obvious frontrunners. Ronnie and Georgia came fourth while Mitch and Mark came second. And Josh and Luke managed to pull first place…
The Block Archives – The Interiors Addict
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I’m going to leave this week’s drama and cheating scandal at the door because if you watched The Block this week, I’m sure you’ve already had enough! Onto the media rooms!
First up, I have to admit I hate the idea of a whole room dedicated just to movies and/or TV. It seems such a waste! Add to that their reputation for dodgy recliners with cupholders and a lack of windows and they are just not my bag! But we’re not talking about my house (which will never have a media room). Mitch and Mark’s spa-like steam room was a little more up my street, but give me a luxury bathroom with a great tub any day.
So yeah, I didn’t love this week but it’s a competition so let’s dig into the rooms and the scores!
Ronnie & Georgia: joint second
Score: 28.5/30 Spent: $23,410
Ronnie and Georgia’s luxurious cinema room set a sky-high standard with its star-covered acoustic panel ceiling, comfortable lounge seating, velvet floor-to-ceiling curtains and hidden lolly cupboard for movie snacks. And behind the style the build impressed too, with a huge screen, state-of-the-art sound system, dimmable lighting married to strip LEDS and sound insulation throughout. It’s a space that even made Neale rethink his views on home cinemas.
Darren was happy to see regular, comfy lounges (I’m guessing he meant not ugly recliners), Shaynna loved the colour palette and Neale thought it was very luxurious. “It’s so desirable.” Darren did spot though that the sound insulation out didn’t exist and it sounded very noisy from outside the room!
While the other contestants went for the cinematic experience in their basements, Mitch and Mark thought outside the box once again, offering up an underground space with a day-spa style steam room. Fully tiled and plumbed, with underfloor heating and what Neale called “perfect” lighting, the downstairs wet-room featured a full steam facility (complete with steam-proof speakers!); the perfect addition to a home with everything. Once again it was a room that had Neale envious.
Neale said he felt like he was up in the clouds. Darren said the feeling of light, bright and airy was clever considering they were underground with no windows!
It’s off to the movies for Tanya and Vito from the recessed cavity slider door to the banked seating – with luxurious electric recliners complete with side tables, perfect for taking in the huge-screen, ceiling to floor boucle curtains to block out distractions and even a snoozing couch at the back! Not as versatile a space as some others, Shaynna pointed out, but hard to fault as a cinema, which is exactly what they’d set out to achieve. Complete with blue LED strip lighting, the result is a space Darren pointed out is rare in this market and once again perfect in a post-COVID world.
Neale said it was taking luxury to a new level. Although the judges couldn’t ignore the terrible matte black ceiling paint job.
Forget the cinema, the boys went all out this week to create a multimedia space where movies might be one option, but certainly not the only one! Flanked by a snack and drinks station and that huge Iron Man sculpture (they spent thousands on that and, like Darren, I wouldn’t want that in my house!), the big screen faces a bank of recliners (my favourites!). With an emphasis here on fun, it’s the perfect place for gaming, watching sport with friends or just relaxing. Architecturally, it was the stepped ceiling that impressed the judges most.
I’d personally call it everything I hate about media rooms and more! Shaynna said the choices were dismal and lazy and didn’t work. Neale said it totally lacked finesse and was too like a bachelor pad. Darren hated the recliners and Neale said it showed their lack of experience and it was downmarket. Shaynna went one further and said cheap and nasty and even “it’s crap”! Tell it like it is, Shaynna!
Kirsty & Jesse: first
Score: 29 /30 Spent: $34,117
Recliners with cup holders, stepped seating, huge screen… even Darren had to admit this wasn’t just a home cinema, it was a cinema in a home! Filled with the latest technology and a few retro touches – the judges loved the classic movie posters and projector – the feel here was classic Hollywood, but with the potential to be a performance space as well, something they were sure singer Kirsty had thought of. And even better, when they checked the foreman’s report, there was only one line: “Nothing to report!”
Darren said the recliners with cupholders were allowed in this one because of the finesse and how well it had all been done. “Everything that I always thought I didn’t like, I really do.” Shaynna said the panelling was beautiful and she loved the old school movie poster styling. Darren said they needed to add some acoustic product though to stop the echoing.
Neale loved the vibe of it. “I feel like I’m in an old-fashioned picture house.”
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