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Bathrooms The Block

The Block 2020: master en suite reveals

Well, I have to say, I was IMPRESSED by The Block contestants this week. Seriously impressed! There were high scores across the board and deservedly so! My personal favourite had to be Luke and Jasmin’s with its curved wall and reeded glass, joint first place with Jimmy and Tam (after the latter used their golden gnome bonus point to tie). But they were all pretty fab, weren’t they? And I love how different they were.

Joint second: Harry and Tash | 28.5/30

The tile choices were praised by the judges. They said the room was so much better and the opposite of their last bathroom, which was slammed.

Neale said it felt like a contemporary bathroom with definite references of the era. He said he wanted the basins for his own house! And Shaynna absolutely loved the bath, which couldn’t be more appropriate for the era!

None of them liked the wall sconce right above the tiles. And of course Darren noticed the shower glass being too short again!

They said the styling was superb; pared back and simple.

Darren was so happy he did a little tap dance!

Our picks to buy: Triple mirror shaving cabinet | Leif handwash

Joint second: Sarah and George | 28.5/30 

It was a tough week for the couple after Sarah’s grandmother passed away. But with the help of their trades, they rallied together to deliver a beautiful and spacious bathroom. 

Neale said: “Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, wow!”

Darren said it was just as bloody good as nextdoor. “These tiles are so beautiful. It’s really impactful and also really calming.”

Shaynna said there were technically too many types of tiles but somehow it all blended beautifully. “When you’re confident, know the rules and break them.” She was worried the splash out from the shower could be too much though.

The judges struggled to find anything to fault. Neale said, after learning about their family tragedy on top of the pandemic, that it was incredible they had delivered what they had.

“I’d be proud if I owned this home; I’d be proud if I created this bathroom,” said Darren. “This is exceptional.”

Our picks to buy: Matte black bath | Arch mirror cabinet

Last place: Daniel and Jade | 28/30

Fish scale tiles on not one but three walls! It was a brave move.

Darren loved the entrance through the wardrobe into the en suite. Neale said the fish scale tiles were beautiful. “I never thought I’d see as much of it and love it!” Darren said they made perfect sense.

Shaynna loved the layout and the drainage. And she loved the subtle curves, such as the bath, contrasting the hard lines.

Darren thought the vanity could have been a lot bigger.

But the tiling was exceptional, and the paintwork was excellent, there was no sense of hurry and it was another fantastic bathroom.

Our pick to buy: Bath caddy

Joint first: Luke and Jasmin | 29/30 

That curved wall! Oh my! This was my favourite, even though it was hard to pick this week.

Shaynna and Darren both said “What?!” as they walked in. In a good way! Neale followed it up with “Wow!”

“It’s so elegant, I’m just blown away how beautiful it is,” said Darren.

“I would not have expected a black bath but I love it,” said Shaynna. Darren said it was the one contrast point that was needed.

Neale said it was exceptional. “They have give us a very, very modern bathroom but remained faithful to those period cues.” He rightly pointed out that one of the vanities was much too close to the shower screen though. And the toilet roll holder was not well placed either.

Minor faults in an otherwise perfect bathroom.

Darren said the execution and craftsmanship was amazing. “They’ve taken a big risk but it has paid off.”

Our picks to buy: Matte black stone bath | Robert Gordon basin

Joint first: Jimmy and Tam  | 28 +1 with gnome = 29/30

Darren noticed it didn’t have a bath tub because it was smaller. But Shaynna said she preferred a bigger walk-in robe. They’d need to ensure they had a bath in their next bathroom though.

Shaynna said the colour palette was divine. Darren said it was a clever move to match the vanity to the bed and bedside tables. “They’re interesting tiles but they’re not expensive. It’s clever.”

Neale said the sconces were a little disappointing. And Shaynna said the lighting wasn’t functional at all. But that aside, the bathroom was great.

“Jimmy and Tam know exactly how to build a space that makes your heart sing; makes you happy,” Shaynna said.

Neale said the woman in the Slim Aarons print would be very happy in this bathroom.

Our picks to buy: Pink concrete basins

Overall, the judges said they felt privileged to have been at The Block that day. “I can’t remember seeing five such consistent bathrooms this early on in the compeitition,” Neale said. They agreed it was remarkable, especially considering the world was going into lockdown around them and they were away from their families.

Next week: a bedroom and a bathroom!

The Block 2020 master bedroom reveals

Let’s recap who scored what, the judges’ comments and our picks to buy. Winner: Harry & Tash | 25.5/30 The father and daughter duo really needed their first win, especially…

The Block 2020 guest en suite reveals

Jimmy and Tam won for the second week in a row last night. Impressive stuff! And I have to agree their 1950s bathroom (below) was the best. Let’s recap what…

The Block 2020 first room reveals

Not only is The Block all about houses this season, they’re also period houses! And we’re onto the first room reveals already! That’s what we’re all here for, right?! It…
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Bathrooms Bedrooms Design House Tours Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT The Block

From laundry to studio: A former Blockhead’s impressive small space reno

“We got really inspired by small space living trends and how people all over the world have downsized and created sustainable spaces where you have what you need, but not in excess,” says Ash Vos, wife of former Blockhead Simon, when discussing the couple’s latest project, a studio created out of a laundry and existing small bathroom at their Coffs Harbour home.

The new studio

“We lived in the attached house for two years as we designed and planned the renovation and lived in the renovated laundry-to-studio while we did the demo and structural renovations upstairs in the main house,” says Ash.

Lounge room

With increasing house prices, it seems everyone is looking to get the most out of their square meterage without investing too much, and this project is a great example of that. “Most people want to add extra value to a home, or increase its liveable footprint, without making too many structural changes,” says Ash who worked within the laundry’s existing shell to create a highly functional, useful addition to her home.

Kitchen
Kitchen

As for the studio’s initial design vision, it was conceived when the couple first bought the home. Very large in size for a laundry, and with an existing bathroom plumbed in, it was an obvious space to add value. From additional income to a fabulous guest area for family, the small but gorgeous space shows just what can be achieved if you maximise a home’s existing features effectively through renovation.

Our building designer Dan Bowland came up with the idea to build the bed off the frame and that was a little ‘aha’ moment in the design process,” says Ash.
“Our building designer Dan Bowland came up with the idea to build the bed (at rear) off the frame and that was a little ‘aha’ moment in the design process,” says Ash. 

As for the aesthetic, Ash describes it as an Australian take on Palm Springs. “Sort of mid-century modern with lots of colours,” she adds. Intrinsic to the overall feel is the gorgeous solid timber joinery that features throughout; a nod to the hardwood timber floors that came with the original home.

Vanity
The ensuite’s custom timber vanity is beautifully offset by those gorgeous sage green tiles.

“For us, timber is both beautiful and timeless. It’s a natural finish that adds character and stands the test of time,” says Ash who engaged Loughlin Furniture to create the studio’s custom vanity which, with more than adequate storage, makes the most out of the small bathroom space.

Ensuite

Constructed out of spotted gum, the timber finish underpins the natural palette and modern Australian feel the couple were going for. “The spotted gum had the right colours to complement the green tiles, and we were able to customise the size to fit the small studio area.”

Shower

Photography: Ben Adams at Blank Ave Studio

Small space design ideas: a beautiful apartment reno

Size, as they say, isn’t everything, and Anju Designs made the most of every inch in this stunning Brisbane apartment makeover. We take a closer look at all their clever…
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Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2020 master bedrooms: What Would Jono Do?

In our new regular feature, stylist and interior designer Jono Fleming shares his research on decor across the decades and what he would have done with those Block master bedrooms. And we are LOVING his mood boards. A lot! Over to you, Jono…

Jono’s take on a 1920s-inspired master bedroom

With one bedroom down, on Sunday night we moved onto the big one: the master bedroom reveal!

There’s a lot to unpack with the eras but this week I’m going to be focusing on the 1920s and 30s. These two eras are often confused and for good reason: trends carry across decades (we saw pedestal basins for almost 50 years last week!). So I’m here to clarify a few key differences and focus on some particular styles within this era.

Let’s start with the elephant in the room. I’m going to be very clear here: I don’t hate velvet bedheads. I think in the right context, in the right room, they can be amazing. But velvet bedheads don’t automatically transport you to the roaring 20s and make the room instantly luxe.

That’s a good jumping off point for a bit of context. People associate the 1920s with the Art Deco style. Think Baz Lurhman’s Great Gatsby, black posters with ornate gold trim adorning movie theatres, shimmery tinsel! It was all very glam. But when it comes to a 20s home, there are many different styles to go off.

What winners Harry and Tash did in their 1920s-inspired bedroom

The 1920s was the end of a period called the Arts and Crafts movement where there was a focus on the handmade, carved timber and ornate art. Beds in the 20s, especially the first half of the decade, reflected this and were often carved timber, with beautiful detailing. But since this is the master bedroom week, let’s step away from the homier style of the Arts and Craft movement and go all in on the grand deco references.

If you look at the bed in the master bedroom in The Great Gatsby movie, it’s actually a sleek, lacquered timber base with chrome detailing. It looks more like a sports car than a bed, it’s got sexy curves and it’s incredibly simple in design by comparison.

The glamour and detail from this period came from overly patterned rugs, wallpapers and elegant timber side tables. Fabric wise, it was all about silks and jacquards with patterns, Yes, velvet was around but it wasn’t quite as prolific as we see in modern interpretations.

Which brings us to the 1930s, specifically the ‘Hollywood Glam’ style room that Shaynna Blaze wanted to see. The 30s of course had their versions of the bungalow home with the more working class houses still having beautiful crafted timber bed bases, but we’re wanting glam! Material wise, there’s still lots of lacquered timber everywhere in the home, especially the bedroom. Beautiful deco arches are translated into bedheads (in timber), sideboards with inlayed timber into geometric patterns and when it comes to fabrics, there’s silk, and lots of it.

Jono’s take on a 1930s-inspired bedroom
What Daniel and Jade did in their 1930s-inspired bedroom

One of my favourite things about the Hollywood Regency period is the shapes that come with it. Curtains, chairs, lighting; there was scalloped detail everywhere. In a weird turn of events, shell shapes have become extremely trendy again nowadays and these shell-like shapes were all over the Hollywood 1930s bedroom.

When it came to the walls, they were adorned in padded features, Chinoiserie wallpaper, mirrors; if it was shiny and lavish, chuck it in the room! Really fun details like tassels were hanging off everything: tying up a curtain, the base of a chair, the end of the bedhead, everywhere! This was definitely the appropriate time to use a velvet bedhead! Velvet was very in vogue at the time and is completely appropriate to the era.

There’s so much to unpack with each of these eras, and when you’re designing your home, whether or not it’s a heritage building, it is completely up to you what you put in it. If you love velvet, no one is stopping you! I know I made it seem like there are rules but there really aren’t. However, since this series is all about respecting the era the homes are designed in, attention to detail can help create a layered and interesting room. And that’s the key, isn’t it? If we’re designing, styling or creating, we want the final product to be a treat to look at and live in.

For more on Jono | Follow him on Instagram

The Block 2020 master bedroom reveals

Let’s recap who scored what, the judges’ comments and our picks to buy. Winner: Harry & Tash | 25.5/30 The father and daughter duo really needed their first win, especially…

The Block guest bedrooms & ensuites 2020: What would Jono Do?

This season, The Block contestants have been tasked with staying true to the heritage of their homes while making them appropriate for a modern day buyer; certainly no easy task!…
Categories
Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2020 master bedroom reveals

Let’s recap who scored what, the judges’ comments and our picks to buy.

Winner: Harry & Tash | 25.5/30

The father and daughter duo really needed their first win, especially after Harry sprained his ankle this week!

They also pulled the hipages lever because of the sheer size of their master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe. The judges really loved what they did.

“The vaulted ceiling gives you this opportunity for this grandeur,” Darren said, saying it was a phenomenal effort.

Shaynna loved the framed TV mirror and the wallpaper. “They’ve got that nod to the period right.” She said she was proud of them for not putting art on the wall because it didn’t need it. They had some criticism with their carpet choice in week one, but Shaynna loved the darker look for the master bedroom.

“There are enough period references here and it still feels contemporary and appropriate,” Neale said.

They raved about the walk-in too but said the layout wasn’t actually that practical.

My thoughts? I didn’t love it. I felt like the wallpaper and bedhead clashed a little and the wall opposite the bed was a bit too empty, but I loved the high ceilings and the walk-in.

Picks to buy: Tall arch mirror | TV mirror


Sarah and George | Fourth | 23/30

The stunning restored ceiling rose was a huge hit with the judges. Shaynna loved the bedhead that Sarah chose, but thought the wallpaper mural overpowered it.  

Shaynna said “I love the explosion of colour of the bedhead and the fireplace. But when you have amazing architecture like this you need to let the room breathe.”

Neale said: “I feel I have seen that mural many many time before. It’s cancelling everything else out.”

Darren loved the fireplace but thinks it could have been set a bit lower.

While the walk-in wardrobe was functional, it lacked a certain amount of glamour that they were looking for in a high end Brighton house. Neale found it “really ugly,” but Darren said it was very functional if less glamorous than Harry and Tash’s.

Pick to buy: Corbelle pendant light


Daniel and Jade | Joint second | 25/30

The judges loved the wallpaper which was both Hollywood and very glamorous. “This is back on track,” said Neale.

“The beautiful cornicing, the ceiling rose the light,” said Shaynna. “And as daggy as those bedside lights are I absolutely love them! It feels like an elegant room.”

Darren said all the heritage detailing looked intentional but brand new. But it should have had a king, not a queen bed.

They also loved the cabinet and Jade’s floral arrangement. They would have liked to have seen a king size bed. The walk-in wardrobe had great storage and that all-important aspect: glamour. 

My thoughts? Loved the wallpaper. Didn’t dislike anything about it (except the bedside lamps, which I HATED!) but it didn’t excite me either.

Pick to buy: Gold fantail wallpaper | Viola buffet


Luke and Jasmin | Joint second | 25/30 

“I love nothing more than a window seat,” said Shaynna, loving what they did with the bay window.

“I feel like Luke and Jasmin are now on an incredible trajectory,” said Neale. It’s such a beautiful mix of vintage and contemporary.”

Neale said it felt authentic to the house and the suburb and would appeal to the market. Again, the bed should have been a king though. And Darren thought the wardrobe didn’t have enough hanging space for a master bedroom. “It’s doubly frustrating because it’s so well presented and the bedroom is so special.”

The judges loved what they did with the bay windows and the window seat; a very beachy, coastal Federation style. The four-poster bed was a hit, however once again they were questioned why they didn’t have a king size.  The styling by Jasmin was praised. However their walk-in wardrobe let them down. There simply wasn’t enough storage.

My thoughts? This was my favourite. The elegant feel, the contrasting black, that bed, the wainscoting: loved it!

Picks to buy: Lincoln four-poster bed | Brass wall lights

Last: Jimmy and Tam  | 21.5/30 

So it was all going really well to start with. “I never thought I’d say I love that cream brick but I do,” said Darren. They all loved the fireplace. And the Slim Aarons photograph.

But then they realised they’d chosen to put the wardrobe on the other side of the en suite. Uh oh. And also felt it was much too small for two people. “This is a disaster,” said Shaynna. Their decision to do this really ruined it for the couple, who won the last two weeks.

“That bedroom is one of the most impressive bedrooms I’ve seen on The Block thus far and this wardrobe is one of the most disappointing,” said Darren. He said they needed to rip it out and start again.

On the plus side, the judges loved the 1950s inspired bedroom that Jimmy and Tam delivered. Highlights included the floor to ceiling fireplace and chimney, the high ceilings, and the very Palm Springs bed.

My thoughts? The fifties references were great and the fireplace impressive, if not my personal style. I agree the layout decision with the en suite was a bad one, but don’t think they deserved to come last.

Picks to buy: Slim Aarons print | Bedside tables | Yves Saint Laurent coffee table book

The Block 2020 guest en suite reveals

Jimmy and Tam won for the second week in a row last night. Impressive stuff! And I have to agree their 1950s bathroom (below) was the best. Let’s recap what…

The Block 2020 first room reveals

Not only is The Block all about houses this season, they’re also period houses! And we’re onto the first room reveals already! That’s what we’re all here for, right?! It…

The Block guest bedrooms & ensuites 2020: What would Jono Do?

This season, The Block contestants have been tasked with staying true to the heritage of their homes while making them appropriate for a modern day buyer; certainly no easy task!…
Categories
Bathrooms Bedrooms Styling The Block

The Block guest bedrooms & ensuites 2020: What would Jono Do?

This season, The Block contestants have been tasked with staying true to the heritage of their homes while making them appropriate for a modern day buyer; certainly no easy task! In a new regular feature, interior designer and stylist Jono Fleming tells us what he’d have done on The Block each week and shares some interesting research into the design trends of the 1910s through to the fifties.

Jono Fleming

Over to you, Jono…

I’m going to admit it, I’m a huge fan of The Block. As a budding interior designer many years ago, I loved tuning in and, over the last decade, as I’ve grown as a designer and stylist, I still remain glued to the TV on Sunday nights for those room reveals.

So many incredible designers have emerged from the series –Kyal and Kara, Simon and Shannon, Michael and Carlene to name a few– and I’m constantly in awe of how these contestants can turn around these rooms in a week; it’s not easy but they get it done.

That being said, tuning into the show as a fan is one way I enjoy it, but as an industry professional, I look at it with very different eyes. I lament over choices I would have made given the same opportunity, I think about different wallpapers, artworks and side tables I would have chosen. Having worked as style editor for Inside Out for a few years, I was able to acquire a knowledge of product and materials that were on the market so it’s inevitable I’d have lots of opinions on what I would have done. 

This all leads to the purpose of this post. I love design! I particularly love teaching people about design and with a season so heavily based on the brief of capturing different eras in a modern home, I felt compelled to do my own research. I’ve studied up a bit on these different design moments in history and decided to share my own takes and lessons I’ve learnt along the way.

Week one was the guest bedroom week, starting in the front of the houses. I did a poll on my Instagram stories a few weeks ago to see which era people would be interested in seeing my take on, and the 1910 house won out.

A reminder of what Luke and Jasmin did for their 1910s guest bedroom, which Shaynna Blaze in particular said did not fit the heritage brief at all.

The 1900s are a really interesting time in design. We’re out of the Industrial Revolution and well into the Victorian era. However, the beautiful over the top ornate detail we’re used to seeing in imagery from this time is not necessarily exactly what was happening here down under. Whilst England and America were still living in the luxury of the approaching Edwardian era (think Titanic, upper decks not the Irish jigging in the cabins), Australia was entering the Federation period, and with that a national visual identity was being formed. This filtered down into our homes creating a wholly Australiana look. 

In the 1910s, Australian Federation homes were beautiful red brick bungalows, dotting the streets of the new suburbs with beautiful timber trims and stained glass front windows. Inside the home there were high ceilings, picture rails, and handcrafted timber detailing. Rooms were often wallpapered and in the bedroom, wrought iron was the bed of choice. Decorative pendant lights hung from the ceiling and florals and pattern were inspired by the popular Art Nouveau trends coming out of Europe and America.

What would Jono do?

To take this look into our modern setting, there are a few key pieces I picked from The Block Shop. 

Jono’s take, after some thorough research, on a 1910s guest bedroom

The furniture I chose (see my moodboard above) has nods to the timber craftsmanship that was so pervasive in the period. Hints of pattern were added through a traditional rug and floral cushions. Striped wallpaper in a light, neutral tone was selected as to be not too polarising to a potential buyer, but still true to the style of the home. Australiana is referenced through art choices, landscapes and an array of cricket bats. The wrought iron that was used in bed frames is now translated through lighting and a final touch is adding greenery such as ferns into the room to complete the look. 

The goal was to create a room that was sympathetic to the era, neutral with mass appeal but still layered and filled with personality. 

Moving onto the guest en suites which were revealed on Sunday night just gone, there were some really interesting points I gathered from my research. From the 1900s all the way to the 50s, pedestal basins were wildly popular. They changed shape, style and colour along the way but they really stood the test of time. Whilst maybe not the most practical for those craving storage (including the judges) these are an elegant addition to a smaller guest ensuite that may not require long haul unpacking room.

What Daniel and Jade did for their 1930s bathroom, which earned them a disappointing fourth place

The biggest takeaway from my research, that spans five decades of bathrooms, is that colour crept into the space and only got bolder and brighter as each decade passed. Whilst the 1910s were quite muted, the 20s onwards saw the injection of not only colour but the matching set. The matching set was a the sink, bath and toilet, all in a identical coloured porcelain. Often being pastel greens and pinks, these colours stayed right up to the 50s, sometimes a little more saturated or deeper but always matching.

In the 20s and 30s, archways were built into bathrooms to divide shower zones, something that we’re seeing interpreted today in curved and arched shower screens. And whilst trends in bathrooms have come and gone, what this look back into history has shown is that for over five decades, colour, bold colour at that, stood the test of time.

Jono’s modern take on a 1930s bathroom

People often look at colour in the home, especially the bathroom, as trendy, or something that will date, but if you do the research and make sure you’re referencing the right source images, you’ll be surprised how timeless colour can truly be.

Jimmy and Tam’s use of colour in their fifties bathroom won them top marks from The Block judges

There’s so much to learn by researching the past. Not every home needs to be an identical replica of the era it was built, however, to create a rich, layered restoration of a home for the modern audience, it really helps to reference these past design cues. It can not only make your choices when designing your home easier, giving you jumping off points to explore, but it will make your home more unique, individual and interesting.

For more info on the individual eras, check out the story highlights on Jono’s Instagram

For more on Jono Fleming

Tune in for Jono’s posts every Tuesday morning, following our regular room reveal recaps on Monday mornings.

The Block 2020 guest en suite reveals

Jimmy and Tam won for the second week in a row last night. Impressive stuff! And I have to agree their 1950s bathroom (below) was the best. Let’s recap what…

The Block 2020 first room reveals

Not only is The Block all about houses this season, they’re also period houses! And we’re onto the first room reveals already! That’s what we’re all here for, right?! It…
Categories
Bathrooms The Block

The Block 2020 guest en suite reveals

Jimmy and Tam won for the second week in a row last night. Impressive stuff! And I have to agree their 1950s bathroom (below) was the best.

Let’s recap what everyone did and what the judges said, plus where to buy our favourite pieces.

Harry and Tash | 1920s house | 21.5/30 | Last place

The Victorian father and daughter had a great first week with the judges but not so much in week two. They had the smallest bathroom on The Block but there were lots of issues for the judges. While all the tiles were nice on their own, they did not work together! Shaynna in particular thought the floor tiles did not fit the 1920s brief. Why wouldn’t they use terrazzo?!

The Block 2020 first room reveals

Not only is The Block all about houses this season, they’re also period houses! And we’re onto the first room reveals already! That’s what we’re all here for, right?! It…

Neale did like the basin and the curved edges of the bathroom cabinet. However overall, he didn’t think they nailed the brief. “I’m clutching at straws to find things which are 1920s. They’re going down that generic heritage path.”

Shaynna said the shower glass wasn’t quite high enough and the vanity should have been a pedestal basin. Darren said it needed underfloor heating considering it is a luxury house in Brighton. But that it was a great layout for a small space.

“If they don’t get this brief right again I might get a little but nasty,” said Shaynna! Neale added: “Please pay attention to the brief!”

Our picks: Kado Neue vanity with Caesarstone top and arched mirror shaving cabinet.

Sarah and George | 1940s house | 27/30 | Second place

After some negative feedback in week one, a relieved Sarah and George had some great feedback from all three judges this week. Their bathroom was a perfect mix of the 1940s era mixed with contemporary. “The 1940s never looked so glamorous,” said Neale. “This luxury is off the charts,” added Shaynna. “The detailing in here is really on point,” said Darren.

The judges loved the Plush Pink tiles from Beaumont Tiles. The whole colour palette was stunning. They also thought it was a very well thought out bathroom planning wise, in particular the wall that Sarah and George installed to keep the toilet separate from the shower, and the under floor heating. 

“It is part bathroom, part cathedral,” said Neale, referring to the skylights. But Darren pointed out the shower diverter was too high to reach without wearing heels!

Our pick: The stunning Issy Blossom vanity.

Daniel and Jade | 1930s house | 23/30 | Fourth place

It was a really tough week for Daniel and Jade after the death of Daniel’s grandfather in South Australia. They had to leave The Block for the funeral but returned to finish off their room, saying it would have made him proud.

Where were the thirties though, the judges asked? “If you could pick one of the worst laminates to put in this bathroom, that is definitely it,” said Shaynna. “And that laminate and that tile together is 10 years old; dated already.”

“There’s nothing in here that either relates to the period of the house or the room they delivered last week,” Neale added. “It’s a complete copout. Yes it’s beautiful but it’s meant to be meeting a brief.”

Darren said the market would love the bathroom but it was a very 2020 bathroom. He agreed the vanity needed replacing for something more statement.

Our picks: The gorgeous Issy Blossom triple mirror shaving cabinet | Brass wall light | Olie hand and body wash

Luke and Jasmin | 1910s house | 25.5/30 | Third place

“Now that is a bit more like it,” said Neale. Darren, who visited Luke and Jasmin in the week to give them some tips on what the 1910s era is, said it got the brief with a contemporary feel.

“The combination of the VJ panelling with the beautiful decorative glass and the fluted glass gives it a period feel. It feels appropriate.”

Shaynna said it was elegant, refined and delicate. “The tiles have the aged look.”

The judges loved the reeded shower screen but said the ribbed side should have been on the outside of the shower to make it easier to clean. The lack of face-level storage and towel rail was also an issue.

The basin, the wall sconces and the tapware were a hit. 

Our pick: Aksel brass wall light

Jimmy and Tam | 1950s house | 28.5/30 | First place 

The Brisbane couple were a bit worried when Darren compared their bathroom to a public pool, but it was all in a good, sentimental way. Jimmy and Tam nailed everything again this week. The terrazzo tiles and stool were perfect, and the colour palette matched their winning bathroom in week one. The green vanity was also a wonderful choice. They nailed the heritage brief the best out of anyone this week on The Block. 

Neale said “This bathroom has to me a more generally fifties vibe. The reference to a swimming pool is unmistakable. It sends you back to a different era. I can’t remember the last time I walked into a bathroom and got such a big smile on my face.”

Shaynna could not stop smiling either. Neale noticed there was no handle on the door. But there wasn’t much else they could criticise!

Our picks: Nood Co. (by former Blockheads Matt and Kim) Box concrete coloured sink | Terrazzo tooth stump stool from Fenton & Fenton.

What did YOU think?

Next week: master bedrooms

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Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2020 first room reveals

Jimmy and Tam's winning room in the 1940s house

Not only is The Block all about houses this season, they’re also period houses! And we’re onto the first room reveals already! That’s what we’re all here for, right?! It was pretty good feedback from the judges last night for this early on in the competition. Although it remains to be seen how crucial sticking to the homes’ eras will be and I think this could get interesting!

Jimmy and Tam’s winning room in the 1950s house

Jimmy and Tam, with their high ceilings, skylights and palm tree wallpaper won, and Luke and Jasmin, who were slammed for not taking the heritage cues of their house at all and doing their own (contemporary) thing, came last.

Read on for more of what the couples did, what the judges thought and where you can buy our favourite picks.

THIRD: HARRY & TASH (1920s house) 24/30

The feedback was so good for the show’s first father-daughter team, it left Tash in happy tears of relief!

The judges loved (of course) the skylights and the sense of space. Shaynna loved the Venetian blinds saying they worked with the period, and the colour scheme.

Neale couldn’t believe it was the team who came last in last week’s challenge. He said it was a contemporary home with a nod to the twenties. “It feels like a very confident room. Those little touches give you a sense of period but feel very in keeping with today. To come through with something as accomplished as this is amazing.”

Darren said: “This colour palette his spot on trend, very 2020.” And all the hardware in the wardrobes said luxury. He said the painting was mostly very good and he loved the grey and white.

Shaynna didn’t like the carpet, saying it was more office than luxury, but that was about as far as the negatives went.

We loved the Woodrow pink marble-topped bedside from Fenton & Fenton, $550.

FOURTH: SARAH AND GEORGE (1940s house) 21/30

These two were brave in deciding to split their massive guest bedroom into a bedroom plus study which they hoped would give them an edge. But they were left deflated by the judges’ feedback.

Shaynna loved the colour palette but was disappointed at how they hadn’t worked with the beautiful period features, rather recreating their own idea. The execution though was “pretty good”. She wished they’d done a walk-in robe rather than use the space for a study. Neale found the study dull and bland.

Darren loved the ceiling rose, the door handles and the cabinetry, but hated walking straight into a corner. Moving the door would have made a big difference. He said the painting finish was very good and the finishes in the study were excellent. “As a luxury addition, I’m confident this adds value to the house.”

Neale acknowledged the 40s was a challenging period to represent. He said they’d done just enough. He didn’t like the lights but loved the wardrobes.

We loved the Art Deco door handles from Schots.

SECOND: DANIEL AND JADE (1930s house) 25/30

Darren was immediately wowed by the ceiling rose, the skirting and pendant light. Neale said it had a beautiful vintage feel but felt modern too. Shaynna was not happy with the shutters though as they weren’t Deco style at all.

The judges loved the use of green. Neale said the greys and greens in the bed linen were perfect. Darren noted there were no bedside tables, but loved the “delicious” wardrobe handles!

Execution wise, the paintwork was perfect. “How is this week one?” said Darren, with Neale adding that they’d set the bar very high.

We loved the grey velvet custom bedhead by Martini Furniture, $699.

LAST: LUKE AND JASMIN (1910s house) 20.5/30

This couple weren’t quiet about the fact they weren’t keeping to the period and that they preferred contemporary. Whoops! Because the judges immediately picked up on this and weren’t impressed!

They said it was a contemporary room with some generic heritage touches which was a shame. Shaynna said it was the least relevant room to its era they had seen. “This is the first house that shutters are truly relevant. What it doesn’t work with is Venetian plastering!”

Darren however said it was a fair interpretation. Shaynna argued it was a crying shame! And Neale said it was a very accomplished, glamorous, contemporary room.

Shaynna wouldn’t let up though, eventually talking Neale and Darren around to her way of thinking!

“The shutters, the wardrobe and the doors: tick, amazing, gorgeous!” Shaynna said. “The rest of it? Goodbye!”

Period-appropriate or not, we love that artwork, The Exception by Prudence De Marchi. Buy it from $290.

FIRST: JIMMY AND TAM (1950s house) 25.5/30

Of course the high ceilings and four skylights made a great first impression. “I’ve walked into this room with an evident, powerful, emotional attachment, Darren said.

Shaynna even did a little dance! “This one has got me by the heart strings. It feels so beautiful.” Darren said it was light, bright, cool and edgy.

They loved the secret door to the (future) en suite and said the execution was excellent.

“This is not what I thought this house was going to be but now I’m in here I absolutely bloody love it,” Neale said. But he also said he didn’t see much that was fifties.

And there ensued a debate about how fifties it was, or not! Wth Shaynna, unusually, sitting on the fence!

That sage green palm tree wallpaper (which is designed to suit your space) is available via The Block shop.

NEXT WEEK: The couples are facing their first bathrooms!

What did you think? Which was your favourite? Do you think the couples are sticking to the periods of their homes?

The Block starts on Sunday (finally!) with 5 houses from 5 decades.

After some Covid filming setbacks, The Block returns this Sunday for the 16th time. This season will take us on a new journey, from the beginning of the 20th century…
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RENO ADDICT The Block

The Block starts on Sunday (finally!) with 5 houses from 5 decades.

After some Covid filming setbacks, The Block returns this Sunday for the 16th time. This season will take us on a new journey, from the beginning of the 20th century up to the dawning of the rock ’n roll era. Five period homes from the 1910s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, all in a dire state, have been uprooted and transported to a 2761-square metre block of land in the heart of sunny and affluent Brighton in Melbourne. There they wait to be brought back to life by five eager new couples.

I’m excited!

This year’s Block is within walking distance of the beach and minutes from the world- famous Brighton Beach Boxes. “We always change our show up and make it fresh and I think this is a great way of doing that, by having houses themed according to different decades,” says host Scott Cam.

“I love that we are getting back to renovating family homes as well. People can watch The Block and see what the contestants are doing and get inspired to do it themselves.”

After overcoming all sorts of complex challenges in previous seasons, this year The Block encountered something that could never be planned for: a global pandemic. This will be the season that goes down in history as it captures the first ever shutdown of The Block, and the way the program was able to resume production in a world grappling with the upheaval of COVID-19.

“It was an incredibly tough decision, but I firmly believe it was the right thing to do,” says executive producer, Julian Cress. “At the time it was kind of heartbreaking, but we were able to get our contestants back to their kids and loved ones, which was the most important thing.”

Architect Julian Brenchley has designed the renovations, which maintain the five period houses and add new two-storey extensions at the rear. Each house now has at least four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a huge kitchen, dining and living area, plus a double garage with a studio and a pool!

“This time around we looked at preserving some of the period aspects of each house,” Julian says. “It’s been really interesting to explore five different renovations of five houses, because in the past they were all roughly the same design.”

Joining Scott again this season will be co-host Shelley Craft, site foremen Keith and Dan, and judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer.

The location – Brighton at a glance

  • Brighton is 12 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.
  • Famous residents include Eric Bana, Shane Warne, Chris and Rebecca Judd and Brendan Fevola.
  • The median price for a four-bedroom house is $2.9 million.
  • The median price for a five-bedroom house is $3.68 million.
  • The last reported sale of a rare Brighton Beach Box was a remarkable $340,000 in 2019.
  • In affluent Brighton, 74% of residents own their own home while 26% rent.
  • The suburb is known for incredible churches and beautiful schools.
  • Bay Street is the centre of Brighton, with many cafés and the famous Palace Brighton cinema.

This year’s contestants

Harry and Tash (VIC)

The Block’s first ever father and daughter duo.

Harry (57, an IT manager) has renovation experience but he wouldn’t call himself an expert. He has renovated a bungalow as well as the family home. As for Tash, she loves a project and a good spreadsheet, but those things alone don’t build a house.

Family man Harry was born in Cyprus and moved to Australia when he was four. He lives with his wife Andrea (Tash’s mum) in the suburb next to Brighton. Harry hopes to have a home turf advantage as he knows the area and what the locals like.

Tash (32, works in social media and production management) is Harry’s eldest child. She lives with her partner Brad in the inner Melbourne suburb of Richmond works at a PR agency. Although she hasn’t had any experience on the tools, she won’t be letting that get in her way. “I am used to working with tight deadlines and ensuring the job gets done,” she says.

They are a very close pair. With strong Greek roots, they plan to show us how to laugh, argue and get the job done their way. One thing’s for sure, nothing will be boring. “We are here to have fun as well,” Harry says.

Sarah and George, NSW

These self-proclaimed “mad dogs” from western Sydney are unlike anyone we’ve seen on The Block before. Together for eight years and married for three, they have a relationship built on old-school values and new-school quirk. By just being themselves, these “westies” are ready to light up the competition.

George, 33, is an electrician, and they have renovated two homes together. Sarah, 27, a teacher, hopes the experience on The Block could lead her to a different career direction. “Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I am not the same person when I’m teaching. It’s just not the dream,” she says.

Sarah says the reason she is always positive, laughing and smiling is because of her one- of-a-kind husband, George. He has worked as an electrician in Sydney for 13 years. Sarah describes George as a very funny character, a bit of a nerd, and unlike anyone she has ever met. He plans to make his fellow Sydney westies proud by keeping his bling and his hair fade looking “fully sick” throughout his time on The Block.

They’ve had their struggles. An investment property they owned was trashed by tenants when they were newly married, leaving them devastated and forced to completely rebuild the inside of the house. But they feel it has perfectly prepared them for the hard work The Block is notorious for.

Daniel and Jade, SA

These hard-working farmers from 250 kilometres north of Adelaide have made four attempts to get on The Block. Now that they’ve finally made it, they are ready to grab The Block by the horns in the hope of changing the future for their family of three young kids.

Daniel completed his carpentry trade in his late teens and put the skills to good use on the family farm. Jade is a highly visual person, so when it comes to design she plans on making the executive decisions.

Being a farmer is everything to Daniel, 35, a true-blue Aussie man on the land who feels more at home on a tractor or working with animals than choosing cushions. He doesn’t understand why past contestants have ever complained about things, and he is ready to enter the build with a whole lot of confidence.

Jade, 34, works part-time as a hairdresser when she isn’t looking after the kids. Being on the farm is something that has taken her some getting used to, but with Daniel and the children by her side she has made herself feel right at home.

“Our life is going to work and supporting the kids. Being away from them is going to be a big test,” Jade says. The main reason the pair applied for The Block is daughter Isla. She is one of only eight children in the world identified with a rare chromosome disorder that affects her speech and physical ability. They say anything they can win and put towards helping her is worth going to be worth the hard work.

This couple, who own two farms in rural SA, have endured great hardship over the years. Their farms have been affected by drought since 2016, and just when they thought things couldn’t get any harder, last Christmas one farm was destroyed by a bushfire. They’re now close to million dollars in debt.

So Daniel and Jade hope The Block will turn their lives around, get them back on their feet, and maybe free up some of their time back in South Australia.

Luke and Jasmin, WA

This dynamic Perth duo, married with two young kids, are ready to school the other contestants on how to build the best house on The Block. Luke, 35 is a chippy and Jasmin, 36, is a teacher. They think they might have the perfect mix of skills to be the first West Australian couple to win The Block.

Luke owns a carpentry business that he started nine years ago but his CV also includes his other successful career – male modelling! “I used to do a lot of fashion stuff when I was younger,” says Luke, who was signed to the premium agency Chadwick Models. “But now it’s mainly commercial.” If he isn’t on the tools or looking after the kids, this Perth local can be caught catching waves.

Jasmin is a part-time kindergarten teacher who loves being able to educate and entertain children. Luke describes Jasmine as a hard-working, beautiful person and mother, saying he and the family would be lost without her.

This couple met 17 years ago in a local pub on a student night and have never looked back. They are currently renovating their own home as they raise their two kids, Lola, 4, and one-year-old Sonny. “It’s pretty much been baby, renovations, baby, toddler, and renovations,” Jasmine says.

Jimmy and Tam, QLD

These married battlers from Brisbane are ready to give The Block everything they’ve got. They’re ready to bowl over the competition to create a better life for their young daughter.

Jimmy, 33, is no stranger to a worksite and has been around plenty of renovations with his plumbing work. Whereas Tam doesn’t know what a spanner is. But one thing this couple have in spades is grit and determination.

Jimmy is a very experienced plumber. After working his way up in the trade, he now manages large plumbing jobs, but he hasn’t forgotten how to roll his sleeves up and get his hands dirty. He was previously a gym coach and that is where Tam came into his story.

The bar manager at her local bowlo, Tam, 31, says the club has been a major part of her life for as long as she can remember. She grew up there as her mum was a star player, and it was her first place of employment. She even got married to Jimmy at the bowlo!

A self-proclaimed op-shopaholic, Tam with her bright red hair is quite the fashionista and she’s not afraid to show it. She has always had her own unique sense of style and she will be bringing that to the suburb of Brighton as well as the renovation project.

They rent in Brisbane with their four-year-old daughter, Frankie. “We are doing this for Frankie. We want to try and win to set our family up,” Jimmy says. If they do win big on The Block this ambitious young couple plan to use the money to enter the property market, buy a place and turn their lives around.

The Block Archives – The Interiors Addict

Our readers love The Block and so do we! Read all the latest from the Channel 9 renovating reality show. Come back each week to read about the latest room reveals and how you can shop the looks!

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House Tours RENO ADDICT The Block

Kyal & Kara’s new home is all curves, palm trees and sea breeze

Expert renovators and hugely popular former Blockheads Kyal and Kara Demmrich have wrapped up their latest project – a three-bedroom family home and studio just metres from Blue Lagoon beach on the NSW Central Coast. Drawing inspiration from a frangipani tree in the front yard of a small fibro cottage, the couple were able to realise their vision for the home – the ultimate beach house for their growing family where Australian coastal meets Mediterranean villa.

Purchasing the house a few years back, the ‘fibro shack’ was demolished and their first ever new build started. With a goal to design a family home that was built to last, the importance of high quality and carefully selected materials was imperative.

Their hard work has resulted in the jaw-dropping transformation from a beach shack to a dream surf house with touches of Mediterranean style in both the architecture and interiors, where a focus on soft round curves offers a sense of relaxed drama and personality.

“In keeping with our Australian coastal meets Mediterranean villa vision, we’ve incorporated subtle curves throughout this build, beginning with the garage at the very front of the property, which is rendered to a rough Mediterranean-look render,” says Kara. “The curved features continue inside with arched doorways, rounded walls and a showstopper curved staircase taking centre stage of the living room.”

The front façade offers a stunning first impression with blackbutt timber decking, blending beautifully with hand-laid sandstone walls. The interior boasts soaring 3.6-metre raked ceilings, a neutral colour palette and an abundance of natural light.

An open plan kitchen, living and dining area is the true heart of the home, perfect for a family that enjoys entertaining.

To ensure the home not only looks great, but feels comfortable and can stand up to the knocks of everyday living, Kyal and Kara needed a solution that was impact resistant and sound insulating. “We’ve used Gyprock Superchek in the high traffic areas as we wanted to ensure it will withstand the impact of life with our energetic, boisterous kids who are at times literally bouncing off the walls! As its three times tougher, Superchek has enhanced resistance to dents, scuffs and scrapes, as well as improved noise resistance – perfect for our crazy two and their friends,” says Kara.

The rumpus room has curved helical stairs made smooth with Gyprock plaster compounds, that can be seen from the kitchen into the hallway and rumpus beyond, providing a link to the other curves in the home.

One of the couple’s favourite rooms is the master bedroom and a few key features make it special. “Throughout the home, we’ve used curves as a design element,” says Kyal, “and we wanted to do the same and add that architectural feature in the master bedroom.” The curved wall that leads from the entrance of the bedroom around to the walk-in robe is a stand out feature and really softens the look of the space, and feels luxurious.

“Gyprock Flexible was the perfect plasterboard to see our vision come to life. Versatile and easy to install, the thinner-than-usual boards can be layered on top of one another to create unique shapes whilst maintaining strength,” adds Kyal. “We also selected key doorways around the home to create arch entryway features,” said Kara. Having the two arched doorways into the bathroom gives a sense of design continuity throughout the bedroom and ensuite and really frames the beautiful finishes.

The ensuite is a great example of using varying textures with similar colour tones to create a room that’s interesting and packs a punch, with round mirrors and tactile accessories.

The guest studio offers accommodation for visitors and a retreat to escape to. It also acts as a way to create a ‘villa’ style yard for the main house, creating plenty of privacy from the front. With bespoke features, custom fitout and dreamy styling, the studio is one to inspire.

“We wanted to create a sleeping zone without completely closing off the bedroom with a wall. The arch doorway was something we created on the fly using Gyprock Flexitone, and is now one of my favourite features in the studio as it frames the bedroom perfectly. We obviously needed to be able to block the light to this room for those who like to sleep in, so we factored in floor-to-ceiling curtains which provide drama and a sense of luxury,” say Kara.

The house has an abundance of natural light with large and highlight windows throughout, and mostly raked ceilings offering a stylish yet unobtrusive, well thought out design element. “All this natural light is going to show up any flaws so we’ve used Gyprock Superceil. This product sets the standard for plasterboard on ceilings as it’s made with fibreglass to increase strength, prevent sag and reduce glaring light issues, creating a flatter ceiling. We’ve used it throughout the house,” says Kyal.

The crowning glory of the home is the outdoor entertaining space, featuring a gorgeous mosaic tiled pool, lush greenery and a stunning stone wall. With the beach just a stone’s throw away, Kyal and Kara have created an idyllic seaside escape in their own backyard.

For more information on Gyprock

Real reno: Blockheads Kyal & Kara’s beachside sanctuary

Located on the NSW central coast, it’s hard to believe that this four-bedroom, three-bathroom coastal dream of a home was once a simple fibro cottage.  “Our goal was to create…

The Block’s Kyal and Kara on how to renovate with your partner and keep the peace!

I’ve always thought competing with your partner on The Block was asking for divorce (such the cynic!), however the Super Ks Kyal and Kara Demmrich are proof that renovating with…
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Expert Tips Interviews Smart Home The Block

Home energy efficiency: Blockheads Josh & Jenna’s tips

Josh & Jenna with their daughter
Josh & Jenna with their daughter

There’s no doubt that home energy efficiency is top of mind for many Aussies; rising energy prices, increasing demand for non-renewable energy and environmental concerns are all contributing factors. We caught up with home reno experts, and HPM ambassadors, Josh and Jenna Densten who shared their top five energy efficiency tips to help reduce your household expenses.

Josh & Jenna with their daughter
Josh & Jenna with their daughter

“Aside from the obvious installation of solar panels and water tanks, many everyday Aussies are lost when it comes to making smarter energy savings choices. We believe having a more mindful and energy efficient home is increasingly important, not only because it will help increase the home’s value but investing in the right products upfront will help you save money in the long-term,” says Josh Densten.

Whether you’re a new homeowner required to have a six-star energy efficiency rating or a current homeowner or renter, there are several features that can be applied around the house and garden to minimise your carbon footprint.

Switch to LED lights
On average, lighting in Australian homes consumes 8-15 per cent of the average household electricity budget, or about 6 per cent of its energy use. LED lights are a more energy efficient and eco-friendly option for lighting, and cheaper to run than halogen lights by 80 per cent. LED lights are very long-lasting compared to other lighting, with an average 30,000 hours life expectancy.

HPM downlightHPM use quality components to make their lights even more durable, meaning they are expected to last up to 20 years based on 3-4 hours usage per day. They even have a product (‘MR16 Retrofit Downlight’) that is compatible with many existing halogen transformers and can be easily retrofitted by you at home.

Smart switches
The ability to monitor and reduce our energy consumption is becoming increasingly available, with smart home switches and sockets. With HPM’s ‘Arteor with Netatmo,’ white good appliances and devices like the fridge, aircon, washing machine, dryer, lighting, pool pump, can be monitored through an app. This includes instantaneous power consumption, remote surveillance and control over various functions when the user is out and about.

While you can monitor the connected home in real-time with push notifications like “Home: Living Room light has been left on since 7.15am”, the app also allows for a more long-term analysis of the house or individual appliances.

HPM's 'Arteor with Netatmo' switch
HPM’s ‘Arteor with Netatmo’ switch in action

Cost-effective ceiling fans
In the summer, ceiling fans are a cost-effective alternative to cooling when compared to air-conditioning. In fact, ceiling fans can save you up to 30% on your cooling costs in the summer. On those sweltering summer days, ceiling fans can be used in conjunction with your aircon to help circulate the cool air faster, so there is no need to run it for as long.

During the cooler months, HPM ceiling fans have a ‘winter mode’ that will rotate the blade counter-clockwise at a lower speed. This gentle updraft will essentially help to push the warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, down along the walls to the floor to keep everyone in the family snug and comfortable.

Use timers
Remembering to turn off devices can be difficult when you have many other household chores to do. Timers are ideal for magically turning on and off devices like Christmas and garden lights, pool pumps, heaters, fans, heated towel rails and dryers. During those cooler months, timers are great for setting the heater to automatically switch off one hour after going to bed, and to switch on before you wake up!

Commando Generale

Save with sensors
Ideal for bathrooms, pantries, hallways, walk-in wardrobes, garages and around the sides of the house, sensors are a great energy saving light management solution.

The HPM ‘360° PIR Movement Sensor’ system automatically activates light when a doorway is opened or movement is detected, resulting in numerous hours of saved electricity when the area is not in use. By eliminating the possibility of lights being left on when not required, the system has an 80% energy saving rating overall when compared to conventional lighting. Furthermore, the sensors are easy to install, meaning you can do it yourself, saving time, money and the planet!

For more on the HPM range | Stylish lighting tips from The Block’s Josh & Jenna

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Interviews RENO ADDICT The Block

Does The Block create unrealistic reno expectations?

Tess and Luke's dining and kitchen
Tess and Luke's dining and kitchen

There’s no doubt that a large part of the appeal of The Block is the swift pace in which viewers get to see pretty spectacular transformations take place. But it’s easy to forget that it’s a TV show, and not real life. According to many trades, it has created unrealistic expectations of the renovation process; especially when it comes to timelines and budgets.

Matt Menichelli is the hipages tradie that worked with Tess and Luke on their winning home on The Block this year and he was also the builder behind Josh and Elyse’s winning home in 2017. We caught up with him to get his take on yet another ‘Block-effect.’

Matt Minichelli
hipages tradie Matt Menichelli

“I think viewers definitely get caught up in the glamourous side of renovating and forget about the amount of time and hard work that goes into a project of that kind of scale,” says Matt who nonetheless thinks it’s up to the viewer to be mindful of the editing process and to remember that ultimately the show is a piece of entertainment.

“The onus is on the viewer to understand that it is TV and the production team aren’t going to show all the ins and outs of the renovation process. Their priority is keeping people interested and maintaining an enjoyable and engaging storyline,” says Matt.

The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess celebrating their win
Matt worked on Luke and Tess’ 2019 winning property

The Block vs real-life
According to Matt, the main difference between renovating in real life, as compared to renovating on The Block, is that trades are willing to work around the clock to get the job done, and suppliers provide materials on-time and within short timeframes.

“On your average project, this isn’t always the case. In reality, trades are often juggling multiple jobs and suppliers, but the majority will try to manage your expectations and work with you on a realistic timeline,” says Matt.

Tess and Luke's dining and kitchen
Tess and Luke’s dining and kitchen

Budget vs expectation
Another key area in which Matt has noticed a rather massive disconnect between The Block and real-life is when it comes to budgets.

“We see a $250k cash budget on The Block, and think that covers the entire build! In reality, that’s solely for trade labour, and a few bells and whistles. Time and time again the ‘budget versus expectation’ conversation is the first one that needs to be had when new clients reach out to me,” says Matt.

Tess and Luke bathroom
Tess and Luke’s main bathroom

Matt’s top tips for renovating with reasonable expectations

  • Have a budget set and from there create a look book of inspiration and styles you’ve taken a liking too.
  • Prior to pouring money into the design process, it’s important to find a registered builder that can help in the preliminary stages of the renovation, rather than engaging a draftsman or architect who might design a project that isn’t within your budget.
  • Be aware that the design and preliminary stages are arduous – from working and structural drawings, to satisfying council requirements. Plan for this in your timeline.
  • Don’t be naive about the multiple hoops you’ll need to jump through to get the project off the ground.
  • Learn what the planning process is in your area, so you can be mentally prepared and not be disheartened when six months passes, and your project is yet to start.

For more on hipages | Block buyer’s advocate: Renovating for your demographic

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT The Block

How long does a bathroom take? The Block vs. reality!

Reece Bathrooms’ Daniela Santilli weighs in how long a bathroom really takes…

There’s no doubt about it, The Block contestants completed a phenomenal amount of work each week. Of course, that is because they’re dedicating 100% of their time and effort to the task; not letting a day job or even sleep get in their way. If The Block has inspired you to tackle a bathroom makeover, you’ve probably wondered how long your own renovation will take. Here, I outline the key stages involved in building a bathroom, whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating.

Mitch and Mark’s Block bathroom, via Reece

Stage #1: Defining your vision
The start of your bathroom renovation will be marked by the creation of your vision for your project. Gathering inspiration on and offline, creating a mood board and collecting samples of fixtures, fittings, hardware and finishes will help you define your style, and what you want your bathroom to look like. This is something you’ll continue to revisit and refine throughout the design process.

“Having a clear vision of your bathroom renovation will definitely set up the process to run as smoothly as possible. Spend the time looking at your budget and working through the costings. Always add in a buffer for unforeseen issues, as they always arise,” says Alisa, one half of former The Block winners and interior design duo, Alisa and Lysandra. “We also find it vital to order all the different samples and place in a mood board, to give the overall feel of the project.”

Stage #2: Pre-Build
Once you have the design locked in, it’s time to order your bathroom products, confirm relevant permits and find and book the right tradespeople – obviously something that can prove to be contentious on The Block! It typically takes around 10 weeks to decide on products and materials, get your paperwork in order, and meet and book in your tradies.

“Bathroom renovations are often the busiest as they can require a variety of tradies that need to work at all different stages. When booking your tradies, make sure to do your research and finds ones that come recommended and shop around with quotes. Make sure to communicate clearly on all the details and timelines,” says Lysandra.

Stage #3: Meeting your team
While there’s an element of ‘making it up as you go’ on The Block, to avoid that kind of pressure it’s important to communicate the finer details before the work begins. Hold a meeting with your project manager and/or tradespeople to discuss your design – everything from grout colour, tap and vanity height to power point locations. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and your vision is expertly realised.

Elise and Matt’s Block bathroom via Reece

Stage #4: Preparing the build
The Block is a 24-hour worksite, your home isn’t. Your tradespeople will need 2-to-4 days to set up the site, sequester the area they need to work in and, most importantly, check that all your products have arrived and are correct.

Stage #5: Building your new space
The next stage is when everything starts to take shape, with waterproofing then tiling, and fixtures and fittings being installed. This usually takes between 8-to-10 days on site. Earlier this season, we saw what happened when Jesse and Mel went full steam ahead with their guest ensuite; their desire to race to the finish line meant that things were missed and, ultimately, led to an unfinished bathroom. While Jesse and Mel may have been bound by a tighter deadline than a renovation off The Block, this lesson in process and procedure is one to remember in any bathroom project.

Stage #6: The finishing touches
Work should slow down at this point, but this means that the details are being perfected. It’s these little details that really matter, because they’re what makes the space uniquely yours. By taking the time to install them correctly, things like robe hooks, toilet roll holders and towel rails will be perfectly placed for your needs. Expect this to take 4-to-5 days.

Stage #7: Sign off and handover
Instead of a mad dash to the finish line, you’ll have a couple of days to inspect all the amazing work your team have done and sign off the job with your builder. Check if there are any snags in the tiles that have been laid, or that the tap pressure and flow is adequate, for example. It’s not something we see on The Block regularly, but it’s an important element of creating a bathroom that’s better than you imagined.

Creating a bathroom is a really rewarding experience if you follow the right steps. Remember, it’s not a race or a competition. Unlike The Block, it’s best to take your time, prepare yourself for every stage and avoid the drama.

From creating your moodboard to managing your bathroom build,  The Bathroom Kit has everything you need to create a bathroom better than you imagined.

What do you think of the above advice? Does it fit your own experience or expectations?

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Expert Tips Interviews The Block

The Block 2019 auction results: A surprise win?

The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess celebrating their win
The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess celebrating their win

If you’ve been following The Block, I think you’d agree that last weekend’s auction results threw out a few curve balls; none more surprising than the series’ underdogs Tess and Luke taking out top honours. Their property went for an eye-watering $3.62 million ($630,000 over reserve), with the couple pocketing an amazing $730,000 for their efforts.

“The auctions played out within my expectations in terms of price, with the price ranges I predicted being between $3.2-3.5 million. I expected that one house would go over this range as well, and it did with Tess and Luke’s being sold for $3.62 million,” says buyer’s advocate on The Block, Greville Pabst, who was nonetheless surprised at the winning result.

It seems that The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess were as surprised as everyone else!
It seems that The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess were as surprised as everyone else!

“To my surprise, both book-end houses sold for the lowest price and I was surprised at the price paid for Tess and Luke’s property. From a real estate perspective, I thought the two end properties were the best on The Block,” says Greville.

“I thought Mitch and Mark’s house would sell for more. In hindsight, maybe going first in the auction order wasn’t the best move as bidders held back to gauge how things were going to play out before putting their hand up,” says Greville, who was bidding for several potential buyers on the day.

The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess celebrating their win
The Block 2019 winners Luke and Tess celebrating their win

And while Greville was surprised by the winning result he did concede that Tess and Luke’s property had lots of appealing features. “I think people were drawn to the formal dining room at the front, the large rectangular kitchen dining table and separate parents’ retreat area. Plus, the entertainment room upstairs, with the feature glass floor, was liked by many buyers who inspected the property.”

Ultimately, he believes that the auction order had a significant impact on the end result. “For instance, for Jesse and Mel who went last, the buyer pool had started to thin out meaning there was less money left in the room.” He nevertheless purchased their house on behalf of a buyer who is thrilled.

All of The Block 2019 teams on auction day
All of The Block 2019 teams on auction day

As for any key differences, compared to past auctions, Greville noted there were many more independent buyers this year. He also thought that the houses attracted owner-occupier buyers, rather than investors, which made it more difficult for some of the buyer’s advocates.

Greville Pabst
Greville Pabst

And in a sign of the times, Greville used a digital platform called Gavl to bid on the day. “It allows buyers the opportunity to watch and bid in real time on auctions via the Gavl app. This means my clients can be engaged in The Block auctions, if they can’t physically attend auction day, which was the case for my potential buyer in the UK.”

For more on Gavl | Greville Pabst on selling your home in the New Year

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Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block 2019: veranda reveals

This week’s Block room reveal recap comes from our friends at The Block Shop.

This week, the couples were tasked with making over two veranda spaces each with mixed results!

MITCH AND MARK
SCORE: 30/30
First place and a perfect 30 out of 30!

Mitch and Mark delivered two exceptionally well thought out verandahs this week, securing themselves yet another well-deserved win – and a perfect score! On Level Two, they opted for a relaxed, comfortable chill-out space, placing an overstuffed cane couch with two cane occasional chairs, a large grey rug, coffee table, potted plants and a gorgeous rattan buffet full of blankets – perfect for snuggling up with.

Upstairs Mitch and Mark continued to impress, presenting a sumptuous outdoor dining area, complete with plants, that gorgeous wooden table from Schotts, ceiling-mounted speakers, and a selection of fire-framed chairs – 12 in total. “We wanted it to be in keeping with that indoor space,” Mitch explained.

TESS AND LUKE
SCORE: 23.5/30

Second place

Fresh off a win last week, Tess and Luke produced another two great spaces, their Level Two and Three Verandahs working seamlessly with the interior of their houses to produce a stylish, contemporary feel.

On Level Two, the couple opted for a relaxed, outdoor family area, including two occasional chairs, a bench seat, coffee table and large oversized floor rug. They dressed the space using charcoals, greys and creams, which worked perfectly against the gun-metal grey exterior paint used on the verandah woodwork and the colourbond dividing wall. Oversized plants in pots of grey and cream further accentuated the modern, luxe look.

On Level Three, the couple chose to continue the feel of their deluxe bedroom out to the verandah, dressing the space with a beautiful lounge, concrete coffee table, more oversized plants, and a practical, yet stylish, outdoor breakfast bar – perfect for Saturday morning paper reading sessions.

DEB AND ANDY
SCORE: 20.5/30

Joint third place

Andy and Deb veered away from their ‘coastal’ vibe this week, opting for a more industrial look for their Verandahs. Styling in muted greys and blacks, Deb says she wanted their furnishings, which included a couch, cane table, cane chairs, a circular rattan rug and a selection of large potted ferns to compliment the more toned down hues she’d used inside, to compliment the exterior.

Upstairs off the main bedroom, the space had a softer feel than below, with Deb opting to incorporate a large, overstuffed white couch, huge rattan rug, large black cane occasional chairs, a timber bench, and more of their mature palms. A drinks trolley rounded out the look.

EL’ISE AND MATT
SCORE: 20.5/30

Joint third place

El’ise and Matt delivered two very different spaces with their Verandahs this week, opting to present a beautiful ‘parents retreat’ on Level Three, and a more ‘family-friendly’ vibe on Level  Two. They also wanted the outdoor spaces to flow well with their already-delivered indoor rooms – and they achieved everything they set out to do.

Down on Level Two, the use of simple furnishings in the form of black cane chairs, a large bench seat, and oversized rug, showcased the space available for families to use as yet another place to relax. The oversized Jenga game, placed in the corner with two small poufs, hinted perfectly of the family-fun that could be had – and the judges liked it.

Upstairs, the couple chose to extend the look and feel of their master suite into the outdoor area, adding a timber bench, large grey rug, cane chairs, a drinks cabinet, and some statement plants. They had intended to also include a bar fridge and coffee maker, but budget got the better of them.

JESSE AND MEL
SCORE: 16.5/30

Last place

Simplicity was the order of the day for Jesse and Mel, who opted to furnish their two verandahs sparsely, yet stylishly, in an attempt to save money for their terrace area next week.

On Level Two, they dressed the outdoor area with two white-rimmed outdoor sofas, a simple wooden coffee table to match, and a few pots placed strategically in the corners. Soft greys, muted greens and creams punctuated the space through soft furnishings – but again, they kept those to a minimum.

Upstairs all three judges were equally disappointed with Jesse and Mel’s decision to furnish the space with a simple outdoor couch, a small coffee table – and not much else.

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The Block

The Block 2019: Studio reveals

This week’s Block room reveal wrap-up is brought to you by our friends at The Block Shop.

MITCH AND MARK: 28.5/30 JOINT SECOND


Mitch and Mark changed up the architect’s plans again this week, presenting an ensuite and walk-in-robe designed to compliment the plans they made way back in week one. All three judges were blown away upon seeing how their enormous master suite space had taken shape.


In the bathroom, the couple used a dark navy tiled feature wall set behind the white vanity, placing an enormous free-standing bath beneath the window to capitalise on natural light and including a high-end marble tile. The look and feel of the room worked perfectly with the glamorous walk-in-robe they also presented as part of their reveal.

Shop Mitch & Mark’s look

TESS AND LUKE: 29/30 FIRST

Tess and Luke needed to pull something very special out for their Reveal this week. With literally NOTHING left in their budget, a win was going to mean the difference between finishing their renovation and staying in the game. But – hooray! They managed to deliver a superb, near-perfect self-contained unit, complete with bedroom, ensuite and kitchenette – the only one of it’s kind on this year’s show. And they took out the win – thanks to that Bonus Point.

Tess and Luke went for a monochromatic look in their space, opting for black and white Freedom wardrobes, a bed dressed in browns, taupes and burgundy, black tapware for their kitchen and bathroom, and hints of timber throughout. It all worked together to create a sensational, stylish space which Neale thought was “perfect.”

Shop Tess & Luke’s look

ANDY AND DEB: 28/30 THIRD


Andy and Deb created another beautiful, calming space this week. And despite the fact they opted not to include any additional add-ons – like an ensuite or kitchenette – their light, bright bedroom was a big hit with the judges. Especially Shaynna – she cried tears of joy upon stepping inside! “This is stunning!” she said. “It’s just so gentle.”

he couple chose a white/natural colour palette, opting to furnish with a cream bedhead, woven pendant lights, a brown leather ottoman, a rattan mirror, oversized white fan and oversized white rug. They finished the space with a square cube table, white occasional chair, white bespoke cabinetry, woven timber baskets for the plants and two beautiful timber bedsides.


It all added up to create a room with the couple’s signature elegant ‘coastal luxe’ feel, accentuated by that VJ panelled feature wall.

Shop Andy & Deb’s look

EL’ISE AND MATT: 27.5/30 FOURTH


El’ise and Matt decided to reveal their fourth potential master bedroom this week, a moody, sophisticated space that featured an amazing Graffico feature wall, his and hers walk-in robes and ensuite, and stunning original artwork throughout.

“Look at the colour in here,” Shaynna said, upon entering the striking space. “They know how to do artwork, this couple,” she added.

Their choice of original pieces – both backlit and framed – worked well with the black chest of drawers and the soft romantic palette on the bed, which featured whites, the couple’s trademark burnt orange, and a bedhead of soft, velvet green.

Shop El’ise & Matt’s look

JESSE AND MEL: 28.5/30 JOINT SECOND

Jesse and Mel were aiming high this week, hoping to take out their third win in a row for their master bedroom with his-and-hers walk-in robe. They delivered an exceptional space, and while it might not have been quite enough to give them the win, all three judges thought the couple presented an excellent room.

They particularly liked the placement of a desk within the multi-purpose wardrobe space. “There’s lots of room in there and you can easily move around,” Darren said upon stepping inside their room. Shaynna also thought the area was well laid out and she loved the use of the enormous floor-to-ceiling mirror, placed at the end of the wardrobe to maximise light.

Around the corner, the main bedroom area was also well thought-out and included a large statement rug, ultra-modern occasional chair, marble side table, the use of large-scale abstract art and a sitting area with couch and table orientated towards a TV.

Shop Jesse & Mel’s look

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Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block 2019: courtyard reveals

Today’s wrap up of last night’s courtyard reveals comes to you from our friends at The Block Shop!

MITCH AND MARK: 2nd PLACE
SCORE: 29/30

Mitch and Mark once again brought the ‘wow factor’ to their latest space, producing a drop dead gorgeous Palm Springs-inspired outdoor courtyard that was light, bright, fresh, and — most importantly — fun. The hero was undoubtedly that amazing floor-to-ceiling outdoor wallpaper, which featured the enormous palm trees and breeze blocks synonymous with America’s desert design hotspot.


Shop their look

TESS AND LUKE: LAST PLACE
SCORE: 24.5/30

Tess and Luke continued their dramatic, almost monochromatic, look in their courtyard space, producing a gorgeous, contemporary area that featured patterned flooring, a black feature wall with gold Rio sculptural feature, gold pots, a large domed hanging heater and black table with timber bench seats. But undoubtedly the main focal point was that absolutely stunning spiral staircase, which all three judges agreed was a stroke of genius.

ANDY AND DEB: JOINT 3rd PLACE
SCORE: 26/30

Andy and Deb managed to create a beautiful, calm “inner city oasis” in their courtyard, which the judges all agreed was a lovely, warm, inviting area.


“This is a chilled space. I feel like I’m right at home here,” said Darren upon stepping into the walled-off courtyard, which featured timber feature walls, vertical garden details, a timber bench seat, circular coffee table and a large patch of artificial turf – perfect for buyers who might have a woofy little friend in tow.

Shop their look

EL’ISE AND MATT: JOINT 3rd PLACE
SCORE: 26/30

El’ise and Matt managed to create a beautiful, tranquil space in their courtyard, which the judges agreed provided a lovely respite from the busy streets of St Kilda outside. They managed to do this by incorporating a stunning stone feature wall – designed to match their gorgeous feature fireplace inside – a timber bench seat, large statement pots, hanging pendant lights and a black wire table and chair set. But it was the bamboo garden feature that won over the judges the most.

Shop their look

JESSE AND MEL: 1st PLACE
SCORE: 29.5/30

It wasn’t just Jesse and Mel’s eight-metre high tiled feature wall that scored them a win for Courtyard Week. In terms of form and function, the couple absolutely knocked it out of the park. “This is spectacular,” Neale said, upon stepping foot inside the striking space, which also featured statement sconce lighting, a timber BBQ and bar fridge, large timber seating area – complete with bespoke upholstery – and a huge timber table and black chairs.

Shop their look

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The Block

The Block 2019: living & dining reveals

This week’s room reveal roundup comes to you from our friends at The Block Shop!

MITCH AND MARK: 
SCORE: 22/30: JOINT LAST


Mitch and Mark continued their mid-century ‘Palm Springs Luxe’ theme in their living/dining area, producing a gorgeous on-trend, bright and luxurious room. The first thing the judges noticed when they stepped inside was the fact the couple had chosen to replace their ‘Cottage Garden’ light-box windows from last week with beautiful, framed surf photography.

Their decision to pare back this large feature wall went down well. “That was a good call,” said Shaynna, who thought Mitch and Mark had styled their room, which included a stunning white brick feature fireplace, blue velvet dining chairs, a white terrazzo table and brown leather couch from Freedom, immaculately.

TESS AND LUKE
SCORE: 22/30: JOINT LAST


Tess and Luke had various setbacks this week, but overcame every conceivable obstacle to produce a stunning, contemporary living/dining space. The hero in their room was that beautiful custom-made timber table, which they built to butt up against their huge island bench, making it the focal point of the room.

Elsewhere, they used a mellow palette of whites and creams, including an oversized cream couch, earth-toned circular coffee table, light-coloured rug and grey occasional chairs to work as a contrast to their black brick feature wall and fireplace. That wall, in turn, played beautifully with the light from their oversized void, which Shaynna said would prove a huge selling-point for their home.

ANDY AND DEB
SCORE: 28/30: SECOND


Andy and Deb produced another exceptional space this week, ther gorgeous pared-back living area seeing them take out second place. The judges fell in love with the room, which continued with the couple’s trademark ‘coastal luxe’ vibe.

They particularly liked how everything flowed from the kitchen, as well as the placement of their large timber table and contemporary chairs, configured to run adjacent to their island bench. Neale loved their light, bright colour palette, cane coffee table, cane occasional chair, white in-built cabinetry and the white sofa and jute rug. But the thing that piqued his interest the most – and had all three judges rejoicing – was the placement of their stunning piece of commissioned Indigenous art.

EL’ISE AND MATT
SCORE: 24.5/30: THIRD


El’ise and Matt had a rough time in the judging last week, with Shaynna, Neale and Darren questioning a lot of their decisions with regards to their kitchen. This week they were back on track, revealing a stunning, contemporary and homely living/dining space, complete with burnt orange sofa, petrified wood nest of tables, a brick feature fireplace and a selection of stunning artworks.

“They’re back!” Neale said, upon stepping into their luxe oasis, which also sported a dark charcoal sofa, grey rug and olive hued cushions to match their green kitchen seats.

JESSE AND MEL: FIRST
SCORE: 29/30


Jesse and Mel are back! This week we took out a win for their near-perfect living/dining room. Like Deb and Andy, Jesse and Mel decided to orientate their dining table adjacent to their kitchen bench, a decision that won them favour with the judges, who loved the open, contemporary feel. They particularly loved that the couple held back 500mm from their kitchen to allow extra room in their living area, making theirs the most functional and usable living space of anywhere on this year’s Block.

They particularly loved the fireplace, which the couple made to be the architectural focal point of the room by incorporating custom black marble benchtops and cabinetry. Unlike so many of the other couples, theirs was a fire that could be enjoyed while sitting on the oversized couch, or the two stunning blue occasional chairs, while still watching the television.

The judges were instantly smitten.

Shop your favourites from these rooms at The Block Shop

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Kitchens The Block

The Block 2019 kitchen week: pictures, scores & details

Kitchen week is always popular on The Block and last night’s reveals didn’t disappoint, with some seriously impressive spaces. Take a closer look below…

MITCH & MARK | 26/30 FOURTH

Kinsman Kitchens cabinetry details

TESS & LUKE | 27.5/30 THIRD

Kinsman Kitchens cabinetry details

DEB & ANDY | 29.5/30 FIRST

Kinsman Kitchens cabinetry details

EL’ISE & MATT | 23.5/30 LAST PLACE

Kinsman Kitchens cabinetry details

JESSE & MEL | 28.5/30 SECOND

Kinsman Kitchens cabinetry details

Seen something you like? Shop more of what you saw in these kitchens at The Block Shop

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