Category: The Block

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RENO ADDICT The Block

Block buyer’s advocate: renovating for your demographic

Did you watch the the buyer’s advocates tour The Block earlier this week? Here one of them, Greville Pabst, shares his top tips for renovating for your demographic. 

When renovating, one of the most challenging things is to ensure you appeal to your most important audience – the future buyer.

This Block season, we’ve seen some of the couples struggle to renovate with the potential buyer in mind in a style that’s suitable for the St Kilda market. As a part of The Block’s Buyer’s Jury, I advise contestants to ensure they early on establish the demographic of the area to make sure they are considering attributes that will add value to their apartments. Many renovators make the mistake of overcapitalising and spend too much money in areas that necessarily won’t add much value to the home.

Here are some of my top tips when renovating for your target market:

Know your market

Many people rush into renovations before really knowing too much about the area they’re in. Research the demographic and surroundings, who lives here and who will most likely be attracted to the area, for example is it downsizers, families or young professionals? Would the potential buyer be an investor or owner-occupier? For example, if you’re in a family area, the renovation should be approached with children in mind and focus on areas such as the kitchen, living rooms and backyard.

Your local area

Each area has its own personality where certain attributes are expected. In a Brighton house many people expect a pool and are willing to pay for that, but further out in the suburbs were people don’t anticipate it, it might not add any value to the home. If you’re in an area with many young professionals, a proper study may add value to the property instead of a third bedroom or an extra living area, as many professionals today tends to work a lot from home.

Consider your floorplan 


One thing that impacts many peoples’ decision whether to rent or buy a property is the floorplan. Many people look for a good flow between each area with an abundance of natural light throughout. Areas such as kitchen and living room should be facing north for maximum natural light. Avoid having the kitchen tucked away in a separate room, or having a bathroom that comes off the kitchen, not the hallway.

Spend money in the right areas


When you know your area and have the future buyer in mind, it’s time to start renovating. The research will help you avoid overcapatilising and spend money on features that may not add any value to your home for resale. Try to retain original features of the home, like cornices and original stained-glass windows. Updated heritage features in combination with modern touches are appreciated by many buyers.

I always say that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. These areas could cost a lot to renovate but remember that many updates can be made without blowing your budget, you might be surprised what a fresh coat of white paint or new tapware can do to the room. Other cost friendly updates include polishing timber floors, updating light fittings, replacing door and drawer handles, and when it comes to the exterior, landscaping and painting the outside of your home can add value. It’s important to have the front of the home well presented as we all know that first impressions do matter.

Even if you’re not planning on selling your home straight away, it pays to plan for the future to ensure you get the most return on your investment for the day when you do decide to put your home on the market.

–Greville Pabst is a leading expert in the Australian property market with over 30 years’ industry experience. He is the CEO of WBP Group, one of Australia’s largest buyer’s advocacy, property advisory and valuation firms. PropertyDuo gives home buyers and sellers the advice they need to make informed decisions. Don’t risk a guess, chat to one of their trusted associates to the get the information you need before starting your property journey.

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Design Designers The Block

Learn design with Darren Palmer’s new online course

Darren Palmer
Darren Palmer

Whether you’re keen to pursue a career in interior design or just looking for tips to use in your own home, Darren Palmer’s new MASTERSERIES course could be just the ticket. Run in partnership with The Interior Design Institute, it consists of 12 online modules, a Q&A series and plenty of downloadable resources too.

Darren Palmer
Darren Palmer

“In everything I do, I strive to educate and inspire so that anyone can create their version of their best home,” says the Block judge and interior designer. “For quite some time, I have thought the best way to do that would be through an education platform, specifically one that was housed online, in partnership with a reputable educator with a broad, worldwide customer base. I could not be more proud to be partnered with The Interior Design Institute to present my experience and insights so that anyone can apply that knowledge themselves, in their own way, in their own homes.”

Darren at home in his kitchen
Darren at home in his kitchen

“Whether you are wanting to have more interiors courage in your own home, you work in a business within the home and renovation category or you desire to become an interior designer or stylist yourself, anyone that wants to have a thorough understanding of interior design is the perfect student for the course.”

Darren shares his personal experiences and insights from his time in the industry, from starting out through to where he finds himself today, with lessons for people no matter which step of the journey they are on. “The information is complete, from processes to design theory and even running a business, so there is something in there for anyone wanting to brush up on their skills, learn new approaches or get a full view of how to operate within the industry. Because you can study at your own pace, in your own space, in whatever time you can manage, this course is a perfect solution for busy people too.”

*Note: The Interior Design Institute’s Interior Design Course must be completed before you can enrol in Darren’s MASTERSERIES course. You can complete both simultaneously.

Enrol online | Check out Darren’s recent kitchen renovation

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The Block

The Block room reveals 2018: kitchen week!

1st KERRIE AND SPENCE 30/30

Kerrie and Spence wowed the judges with their perfect score kitchen, tricked up to the nines with with top-of-the-range Gaggenau appliances, a hidden rangehood, Sub Zero fridges, and a very impressive butler’s pantry.

I thought it was a great space but would it have scored so highly without those appliances they won? And looks wise, it didn’t get me excited. It wasn’t a 30 out of 30 kitchen for me. The judges were way more enthused though! Darren said if it was his home he’d be pretty damn happy and Shaynna said: “this is out of town!” Darren loved the monolith island bench, which Shaynna said was “just hot!”

Neale said it ticked every single appliance box and he liked the integrated seating at end of the bench. The styling was called perfect and Shaynna said it was hard to fault anything.

Neale said it was paradise for anyone who loved cooking.

I just didn’t love it at all. Equally, I couldn’t find anything too wrong with it. Just meh. To be totally fair though, I don’t think these photos do it justice and it looked much better on TV. I’m just not a fan of too much dark cabinetry and I found that, combined with all those in-your-face appliances, too heavy.

Kitchen build details

Our pick: Marble Basics brass measuring spoons

2nd SARA AND HAYDEN 28.5/30

The judges loved Sara and Hayden’s black and white kitchen, which featured a large stone feature wall, black cabinetry, black wire stools, a bench seat — and  a fabulous hidden butler’s pantry (I think I liked that more than the actual kitchen; anyone else?!)

They were the only couple to flip their island bench so it faced the windows and the judges loved that. Darren said the rangehood was a design element, rather than an eyesore, which they often are. Neale said with the kitchen in place, the rest of the open plan area made more sense.

Shaynna thought the benchseat was quaint and gorgeous and called it a very elegant kitchen.

Darren thought the lighting schedule was terrific, loved the mirrored kickboards (me too!) and the four-seat dine-in island bench. Neale said it had a sense of generosity and meant business from an entertaining perspective. When cooking, you’d feel connected to your guests.

While they loved the butler’s pantry (seriously, it was better than the kitchen, wasn’t it?!) they thought the ‘hidden’ doors to it should have opened inwards. but overall the styling let them down.

Kitchen build details

Our pick: Brass pendant lights

Joint 3rd BIANCA AND CARLA 26.5/30

Bianca and Carla impressed with their kitchen, which included floor to ceiling cabinets in dark and light grey, a timber study nook, statement lights, matte-finish bench top and an enormous butler’s pantry.

Darren of course loved the Caesarstone Cloudburst Concrete which he has in his house! Neale called the room sexy and sophsiticated and Shaynna said they’d nailed their market. With all this positive feedback I’m surprised they didn’t come second.

Neale liked the dedicated study nook but Darren said it was very low, as proven when he sat down at it! The lack of bin and dishwasher in the kitchen were big no-nos too.

They were praised for being consistent yet again and Shaynna said she straight away knows who the buyer is.

Kitchen build details

Our pick: west elm Monogolian lamb stool as seen I study nook

Joint 3rd NORM AND JESS 26.5/30

Norm and Jess impressed with their kitchen, producing what the judges called “one of the most beautiful kitchens ever produced on The Block.” But still only coming joint third. This was my favourite without a doubt. So feminine, soft and pretty, and much more classic than the others. You know I love a shaker-style cabinet too!

I loved the mix of textures like the tiled splash back, timber shelves and marble-look bench. And who could forget that state-of-the-art voice activated plumbing? Although I think I’d personally find it annoying! How hard is it to turn a tap on?!

It was a wow from gadget-loving Darren. Neale said it was beautiful and luxurious. Darren liked the layout and the fact you could get into the butler’s from either side. But he thought it could have been better with more space beside the sink.

Shaynna loved the appliances but said the sink shouldn’t have been directly opposite the oven.The out-of-season imported peonies also impressed her but didn’t stop her noticing the poor cutting in! And another missing bin!

Neale loved everything aesthetically, saying it was one of the most beautiful kitchens they’d ever seen on the show. But Darren said the functionality issues pulled a great kitchen undone.

They all agreed though that a lot of people would fall in love with it and Shaynna said it felt beautiful.

Kitchen build details

Our pick: Chevron concrete tiles and leather bar stools

Last COURTNEY AND HANS 24/30

Courtney and Hans took a risk positioning their kitchen across the hall. They also decided to include a hidden butler’s pantry, effectively cutting their room in half. But despite this the couple still produced a great space, which featured stone benchtops and splashbacks and champagne-coloured metallic cabinetry, and matte black floor-to-ceiling cupboards.

The judges didn’t love the layout and only two stools at the island. But Darren said it was the finishes that struck him as he walked in and he loved the stone and the metallic cabinets. The lighting was also very well designed.

Neale didn’t believe the layout would suit everyone and Shaynna asked did they need a butler’s pantry? It begs the question if this is essential these days or a passing phase? Personally, I think I’d rather have a bigger, more entertaining-friendly kitchen. I also think the metallic cabinets, although lovely, will date. And I really disliked the heavy black handles.

Neale said everything was nice stylistically. And Shaynna said you can’t fault its functionality. But Darren said it was an odd decision to lose natural light by putting windows behind the wall in the butler’s pantry.

Overall they thought the styling was gorgeous and it would photograph well. But it was up against four other kitchens that integrated better with their apartments and the comparisons would work against them.

Kitchen build details

Our pick: Marble produce bowl

So, what did you think of kitchen week? I was a little underwhelmed I must admit. Maybe they were all just a bit too St Kilda for my more classic taste!

Flashback to last year’s Block kitchens

All our Block coverage

Last week’s living room reveals

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The Block

The Block 2018: Living room reveals

Last night’s room reveals were a fairly disappointing bunch (a bit of a theme this season it would seem!) with some moments of genius scattered throughout. I was surprised by how underwhelming most of them were to be honest but I also appreciate that filling such large spaces wouldn’t have been easy. These rooms are some of the largest ever on The Block and the judges found plenty to love so here goes!

Courtney and Hans: First place, 27.5/30

“Oh my God this room just goes on forever!” said Shaynna of Courtney and Hans’ living room that is the largest living and dining space in The Block history.

The bespoke dining table impressed the judges – particularly the walnut parquetry paired with emerald velvet covered chairs. “It could be old, stuffy and too heritage but you pair this beautiful parquetry top with green velvet chairs and the whole thing gets elevated to something cool, contemporary and kind of edgy,” said Darren who found the table was his favourite thing about the reveal.

Table
The bespoke dining table got the judges’ tick of approval

For Shaynna it was all about the Jessie Breakwell artwork – the highlight of the space for me too. “The artwork is all personality,” said Shaynna.

Art
This Jessie Breakwell piece is one of the heroes of the space

Neale felt the room had a sense of grandeur and personality and all of the judges were taken with the fully stocked, James Bond-inspired pop-up bar. Shaynna complimented the lounge, said the coffee tables were a good size and thought the lounge area felt intimate despite the large space.

The pop-up bar
The James Bond inspired pop-up bar (on the right) was a hit

“Courtney and Hans have gone from zero to hero this week. I thought this would break them but it didn’t!” said Neale.

Our pick to buy: Christian Cole Arched Edge Tall Boy, GlobeWest Freya emerald arm chair and Jessie Breakwell framed canvas print

 

Bianca and Carla: Second place, 27/30

Featuring a gorgeous pendant light, parquetry floors, black sheer curtains and a huge piece of statement art, Bianca and Carla’s living room was my pick last night. Neale praised the girls for their “sense of drama” and he said that they “know how to create impact” and overall thought the space had a feeling of “easy luxury.”


Neale loved the pendant light above the dining room table in particular but thought that the whole dining area was very beautiful. “I love the artwork and the cabinetry. There’s a real sense of luxury,” said Neale and Shaynna agreed.

I love this gorgeous Ingrain Designs buffet
I love this gorgeous Ingrain Designs sideboard

Darren praised the pair for their thoughtful design. “The whole space is consistent because there are references back to different things across the whole apartment,” said Darren. The dining room chair legs echo the sideboard legs for instance.

Michael Bond artwork
That Michael Bond artwork is perfect in the space.

Our pick to buy: Michael Bond ‘Blue Diamond’ limited edition unframed print and our beloved Ingrain Designs’ Gatwick sideboard

 

Kerrie and Spence: Third place, 25/30

Sharing the joint third place spot with Jess and Norm, Kerrie and Spence pulled off a statement coffered ceiling. Shaynna liked the ceiling but questioned the couple’s choice of lighting. “The coffered ceiling gives an elegance to the room but why spend so much time creating a master craftsman ceiling if you’re just going to clutter it with feature lighting and a feature fan? The ceiling needs to sing on its own and I’m not getting the breathing space that I need to appreciate its beauty,” said Shaynna.

Kerrie and Spence's living room
Shaynna felt that the beautiful coffered ceiling was compromised by the choice of pendant lighting above the dining room table

Shaynna wasn’t a fan of the room’s styling either. “It feels a bit nineties – it’s a little bit uptight and needs to loosen up. I feel like I’m in a nineties boardroom. For this room to be perfect it needs an extra emotional layer,” added Shaynna.

Kerrie & Spence lounge room

The gorgeous floor lamp was a highlight of the space
This gorgeous floor lamp was a highlight of the space

Our pick to buy: CLU. Living Hoyts floor lamp

 

Jess and Norm: Joint third place, 25/30

This room really divided the judges with Neale and Darren dishing out the compliments while Shaynna picked holes in the space.

Jess and Norm living room

“The elephant in the room is the tonsil in the centre that’s not centred!” said Shaynna referring to the statement fireplace. “That is a ridiculously expensive fireplace and its placement is possibly the worst I have ever seen,” said Shaynna. Darren defended the fireplace however and said that he liked the (legally required) marble underneath it while Shaynna most certainly did not.

Indigenous coffee table
The judges were big fans of the handmade indigenous coffee table

“I’m gobsmacked that you two think this room is amazing. It’s polarising and could cost the couple at auction,” said Shaynna.

Neale thought this pendant light was very dated. "It's a visual cliche that is very out of step with the rest of the space," he said.
Neale thought this pendant light was very dated. “It’s a visual cliche that is very out of step with the rest of the space,” he said.
The room made good use of sumptuous cushions
The room made good use of sumptuous cushions

 

Sara and Hayden: Fourth place, 23/30

Easily the most reviled room by the judges, Sarah and Hayden’s living space featured another contentious fireplace. “The thing that perplexes me about the fireplace is the design. It’s a compromise for a fireplace that doesn’t have the integrity of a real one with no natural element or smell,” said Darren and Neale stuck the boot in even more: “I feel that the fireplace is a metaphor for the whole room. It doesn’t feel real. I’m struggling to find elegance and excitement in there and it feels like everything is arranged around the TV.”

The fireplace on the left was much discussed by the judges
The contentious fireplace (left) had the judges talking

“I’m looking for a styling surprise, something that says ‘bespoke luxury’ and the room is all about the TV but I think it needs more than that. The styling looks like a collection of objects thrown together just to fill the space,” said Neale.

Dining room
Dining room

“Both our books are there,” noted Darren as the judges left the space and he spotted his book and one of Shaynna’s. “Well they obviously didn’t open them!” said Shaynna in what was possibly the most cutting (but true!) moment of the episode.

Our pick to buy: Aura Neptune rug and Joni Dennis fine art print

We’d love to know who YOU think should have won?

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Bedrooms The Block

Block room reveals 2018: disappointing master bedrooms

So, did you watch last night’s Block master bedroom reveals? Or, as I like to call it, a really good ad for Kinsman wardrobes! I spent a lot of it with a sort of grimace on my face like Wallace from Wallace and Gromit. You know the one?! There’s an emoticon for it… I do try to be kind and not harp on like some mean know it all because let’s face it I’m a) not an expert and b) it’s bloody hard being on that show. But last night’s bedrooms were so underwhelming on the whole I felt annoyed. And then Hayden and Sara, who threatened to walk last week on account of always coming last, came first. What a surprise! Coincidence? Perhaps, but still!

None of those rooms were particularly different or inspiring. And the fact that words like ‘cute’ and ‘nice’ were used to describe the winning room, said it all really! That and the fact the judges liked all the walk-ins better than the actual rooms.

The worst for me though was Courtney and Hans’ room, by a long way. It was so huge (yet empty) and full of expensive pieces but ultimately looked cheap and wasn’t in the slightest cohesive. All I could see was bloody carpet, carpet, carpet! Speaking of which, what does everyone have against rugs this season?! Where are they?! And, while I’m ranting, enough with the velvet bedheads! I love velvet bedheads. I have one in my own master, but they’re not the only bedhead out there and they certainly aren’t the only way to give a luxury look. Ok, I’ve got that off my chest now! Let’s see something a little different, could we?

There were a few redeeming features for me, namely Jess and Norm’s killer gold LED wall lamps, Bianca and Carla’s timber besides, the wardrobes in general, the herringbone floors and the girls’ Samsung Frame TV (they’re very cool, I want!) that doubles as artwork. I’ve linked to my favourites from each room below.

So, here you go if you missed it: the judges’ comments, what the couples did and how they scored…

2nd (24/30) KERRIE AND SPENCE

Just a bit blah

Kerrie and Spence used luxurious velvets and a soft, romantic colour palette in their main bedroom, which featured dark drapes, a custom-built bedhead with seafoam fabric inlay, and huge, dark ‘his-and-hers’ walk-in robes.

But it failed to get the judges excited. Neale said: “We’re in the master bedroom of a luxury apartment. I’m sorry, I want a bit of va-va-voom. It’s a white room.” Shaynna thought the problem was scale. The bed was perfect but the bedhead too short, the artwork and pendants were in the wrong spot. Diplomatic Darren said the light fittings are not as impactful as they could have been. Shaynna said they were ridculous! “It feels a bit hospital.”

Had to agree with Shaynna on those lights and the bedhead behind the bedhead reminded me of a bad hotel one (sorry Spence!)

Neale said they were playing it too safe. “It feels like they had a great idea and then they pressed pause because they got scared.” Shaynna said it was very forgettable.

But they all loved the huge walk-in robe. Shaynna said it was amazing. Darren thought it was what buyers would remember. And Shaynna said they could easily restyle the entire thing to make it a penthouse master.

Our pick to buy: Gold tray set by Ziporah Lifestyle 

4th (22/30) COURTNEY AND HANS

Courtney and Hans’ main bedroom featured a pink bedhead, a large statement fan, a round mirror, two dark pink velvet chairs and a gold coffee table as a seating area, and THAT controversial artwork. Their deluxe walk-in robes featured a last minute marble stone bench.

This room is killing me. I don’t even know where to start.

The judges were blown away by the sheer size and couldn’t believe it had its own hallway! Darren said: “These spaces are massive!” Darren and Shaynna loved the bed, its styling and the colour palette. They said the lighting was well planned.

But that was where the good news ended.

Neale said he must have been in a slightly different room. “There is nothing in here that’s going to make me want to buy this apartment. It feels like an exercise in wasted space. The hallway serves no purpose. And that’s the worst piece of art I’ve ever seen.” Eek!

Yes Neale, you were right about the art! And what’s going on with that fan in the context of this room?!

He continued: “I know I’m sounding over the top but the choice of art dictates the emotion you feel when you walk into the room. There are elements that are nice but they don’t come together.” He thinks they should have made a bigger deal of the sheer size with a rug, couch, ottoman or floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

They all noticed the finishes weren’t up to standard either. But, once again, the robe was nicer than room itself! Neale said it was one of the most impressive walk-ins he’d ever seen on The Block. Shaynna agreed it was beautiful.

Our pick to buy: GlobeWest carved gold coffee table (I had this in my last home and it is amazing!)

1st (26.5/30) SARA AND HAYDEN

Sara and Hayden finally broke their three-week losing streak, presenting a Deco-inspired main bedroom. They achieved their look by painting a blue-grey charcoal feature wall, including an Art Deco-inspired upholstered bedhead with gold stud details, a pink fur throw and a contemporary artwork in shades of blue and pink.

Nice perhaps, but not setting the world on fire

The judges all felt something grand greeted them. Darren loved the coffered ceiling and the way it covered the curtains. Neale said it was cute. Shaynna felt a sense of relief. “The restraint they’ve shown is great.”

All the judges thought it had really worked. Darren liked the bedhead and the blue wall behind it. Shaynna said it was the right balance of Deco and contemporary but the artwork wasn’t hitting the sweet spot. “It feels everyday.” Neale said it was a little generic.

This is pleasant

They all agreed the air con vent was very well considered and planned. And they also all noticed the unfinished painting!

It was another popular walk-in. Shaynna said there was so much storage it wasn’t funny and raved about the sensor lights. Neale and Darren said the mirror wall was very clever. Darren said it had a look of finesse with all the LED strip lighting.

Shame about that cheap looking laundry hamper

Shaynna finished though by very rightly saying that last week’s en suite definitely didn’t match the room and the walk-in.

Our pick to buy: west elm balloon glass table lamps 

Joint 3rd (22.5/30) JESS AND NORM

They might have only had a small space to work with, but Jess and Norm dialed up the luxe with their extra cash from challenges, presenting a room that featured marble, parquetry, bespoke neon lights and a walk-in robe space that had all three judges singing its praises.

The bed styling and light situation is nice. Just don’t look at the TV wall!

It certainly made a good first impression. Darren said he loved everything, especially the layering of the bed, the colours and the lights.

Neale and Shyanna however, were a little less enthusiastic! Neale asked if it was a bedroom or a gold class cinema seat? “It’s all about the TV.” There was way too much going on. “If ever a room cried out for a little bit of less is more, it’s this one. Wow, what an overload. This room is giving me indigestion!”

Loving this

Shaynna was overwhelmed. “I feel so claustrophobic. Scale has got the better of them. This room needed to feel very elegant and simple but they went and filled it with too many distractions. The year 2000 wants its niches back!” Oh, how I laughed!

Those niches were the worst!

Neale said a lot of people would call it their idea of heaven but it wasn’t the master suite the apartment needed.

They all loved the walk-in (again!), calling it excellent and beautiful.

Loving this situation

Our pick to buy: Those gold LED wall lamps (fabulous!)

Joint 3rd (22.5/30) BIANCA AND CARLA

Bianca and Carla continued to impress with their subtle, moody monochrome master, but it didn’t get the great feedback of last week. The girls used a dark timber feature wall, dark drapes, custom wooden side tables, parquetry floor, charcoal-coloured linen on the bed, and a timber cabinet under their state-of-the-art (pardon the pun) Frame TV by Samsung.

50 shades of grey and I’m not loving them. Don’t go off track please, girls!
That lamp. Oh dear oh dear.

Neale said the girls certainly knew how to surprise them each week. Darren thought they’d delivered a different kind of luxury. “That charcoal tonal, monochromatic look is very tactile. For a neutral palette to be so visually interesting is tricky.” Neale agreed.

Shaynna loved the signature bedsides. They all loved the Samsung Frame TV, cleverly disguised as an artwork. Neale didn’t love the ball light and found it a little bit cold. He thought the bedsides were too small. He wanted to love the wall but was struggling. “I don’t think these girls are thinking how we actually live. It’s style over substance.”

Ingrain Designs save the day with these timber bedsides

Foreman Dan Reilly had raised the issue about them presenting their reveal without including the air con vents. The judges thought it was a bit arrogant to leave them out while everyone else was wrestling to make theirs work.

They all had issues with the execution of the feature wall which was badly painted and didn’t all match up.

Shaynna said it was so heavily masculine that there was very little that would instantly appeal to a female buyer. Neale said he really like the girls’ ideas but I do want them to spend more time thinking about functionality.

They loved the walk-in but agreed it felt half the size of the others.

Our pick to buy: Timber bedside tables by Ingrain Designs 

So, what did you think this week? Were you as underwhelmed and irritated as me or is it my pregnancy hormones?!

Categories
Expert Tips RENO ADDICT The Block

Jess & Norm’s guest bedroom powerpoint fail: top tips

Bec Sparky, Clipsal by Schneider Electric’s brand ambassador, talks about the slip up that undid Jess and Norm’s otherwise great guest bedroom on The Block last week, and her top tips for electrical planning when renovating.

Last week’s guest bedroom reveal on The Block was revelatory by all accounts, with the winning bedroom compared to a luxurious hotel – while the losing team were told: “You have created a soulless room similar to a basic display home.” The horror!

The judges have never held back when it comes to constructive criticism, and this year is no exception. But in the midst of all the drama, you might have missed the common but little-known challenge faced by home renovators all over Australia that was unveiled in the guest bedroom reveal. The problem Functionality, or more specifically, electrical functionality.

You would have seen that while Jess and Norm’s room was rated highly for styling and its luxe factor, the lack of practical consideration let them down – particularly with their electrical planning. While it’s not the most sexy part of the renovation process, inconveniently placed power points and light switches were a big problem for the room and as the judges pointed out, this will have an impact on both the liveability and comfort of the room.

As an electrician, I’m faced with this problem most days when called in to install electrical facilities like switches, powerpoints and dials in my clients’ homes. And – to Jess and Norm’s defence – it’s tricky to get exactly right without expert input.

You don’t have to compromise on aesthetics to make your home functional, but you do need to plan accordingly. So, here are my three top tips for stylish, electrical practicality:

Connect your home to protect your renovation investment

Make sure you approach your electrical planning with thought and consideration. Each space in your home has different requirements. You don’t want to get stuck in the living room without enough plugs for your television, Foxtel box and Playstation 4. And wait – do you have an extra plug for the vacuum cleaner?!

Each room in your home has various needs for different tasks and nothing is more frustrating than being limited by the number of power points you have access to. It’s important to consider where you plan on plugging in simple everyday appliances like your toaster and kettle so they can be easily accessed and used.

Have a lighting plan

Lighting choices have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a room. Not enough light, and the space will feel dark and depressing; too much, and it can come across as stark and sterile. It’s all about getting the right balance and using a careful combination of task, accent and ambient lighting to help accentuate your room.

You can even integrate your lighting choices with a voice activation software like Amazon Alexa to accentuate your choices, and create bespoke lighting settings for different areas. Imagine walking into your dimmed home theatre and switching your lights off when you’re ready to watch a flick, by just using your voice. This, ladies and gentleman, is the home of the future!

Create a plan that is functional and ergonomic

It’s the finer details that set the best homes apart and unfortunately many people don’t give a second thought to their electrical installation. Choose outlets and switch plate covers to coordinate with your material selections and you’ll turn your plugs from an unsightly fixture into a coordinated design element.

If you want to keep it discreet and tidy, why not invest in a pop-up outlet which is a great way to tie in functionality and keep your electrical facilities out of sight? For example, if you do most of your food preparation on your kitchen island, you could install a pop-up power point to plug in appliances and charge your devices.

For your next renovation, keep these suggestions in mind as you plan your rooms. As smart devices and connected homes become commonplace in Australia, investing in electrical functionality now will save you time and resources in the future. If only Jess and Norm took a moment to step back and plan, the outcome may have been very different!

–Bec Sparky is an electrician and brand ambassador for Clipsal by Schneider Electric.

Categories
The Block

Block room reveals 2018: master ensuites

Gosh, it was a good episode wasn’t it?! Plenty of things which had to be redone because they weren’t to code (including two shower screens so large and dubiously fixed they could probably kill a person!), the most expensive bathroom in Block history, THAT gleaming brass bath, a walkout by Sara in tears after her and Hayden came last for the third week in a row (after producing aforementioned $75,000 bathroom!), and a close win by Kerrie and Spence due to using their bonus point gnome. Reality TV at its finest!

THAT bath: Hayden and Sara’s expensive mistake? Incidentally, I kind of love the bath, but not the rest of the room.

I can’t not mention the Sara walkout. Will she really walk out on the show? I highly doubt it but time will tell. That’s been left on a cliffhanger for obvious reasons! But I have to say, her attitude irks me. Yes, I realise people are passionate and criticism is hard to take (and boy that was some hardcore criticism last night) but they went into the judging way too confident they’d won and looking arrogant. And then the way she swore and carried on made it really hard to feel sorry for her, although I totally did (you’d have to be pretty cold not to feel bad when you see someone that upset) but I also wanted to her to stop embarrassing herself on national television! Gah!

Just goes to show, spending all of the money doesn’t guarantee you a win. Or even a second or third…

I was impressed with the way other couples seemed to genuinely feel bad for them rather than revel in their continually coming last (it is a competition after all) and Bianca and Carla and Norm and Jess are fast emerging as my favourites in both the design stakes and in terms of seeming like genuinely good sorts!

This week, real estate veteran John McGrath stood in for Darren Palmer as a guest judge. Here’s what they had to say about the master ensuite bathrooms.

KERRIE AND SPENCE: 1st
There was a lot riding on this for Kerrie and Spence, who used their bonus point to take out a win for their sophisticated bathroom, which featured a feature marble vanity top, herringbone tiles and matte-black finishes. Their simple, understated room was a big hit with all three judges.

Shaynna Blaze used words like ‘glamour’ and ‘beautiful’. Neale Whitaker said they’d taken it to another level and improved on the last bathroom.

He loved the subtle details like the herringbone tiling. They all loved the face height cabinets, as did I! Divine! The curved edge! Shaynna said they’d nailed the styling.

Shaynna did knock the too-obvious floor wastes though and would have preferred a tile version. John McGrath said he couldn’t see anyone walking in and not being impressed from a buyer’s perspective.

Our pick to buy: Missoni towels

HANS AND COURTNEY: 3rd
Topping their deluxe main bathroom was always going to be a challenge for Courtney and Hans, but they managed to deliver a striking ensuite, which featured more terrazzo tiles, simple white walls, a free-standing bath dressed with a wooden stool and a gorgeous double vanity.

John thought the dark terrazzo might be polarising but Shaynna thought the St Kilda market would love it. Neale said the spaciousness was very luxurious. Shaynna thought the dead space was wasted and they should have had a bigger vanity. She also disliked the bulkhead for the glass and thought it looked clunky.

Neale and Shaynna agreed they should have amped up the luxury on the last bathroom and they’d relied too heavily on the scale and size of this room without doing that.

I personally much preferred this darker terrazzo and the contrast it provided. The bathroom was clean and spacious. but perhaps not quite luxurious enough.

Our pick to buy: Wooden stool

SARA AND HAYDEN: Last
Sara and Hayden might not have won over the judges but there was still a lot to love about the couple’s ensuite, which included marbled herringbone tiles on the floor, black fittings and fixtures, a black vanity and that stunning (and indeed love/hate) brass bath.

Shaynna’s first words were “oh my God!” Neale said he’d never seen a bath like that before and “wow”. Shaynna thought it was a feature and a different kind of luxury. Neale liked its placement on its own at the end of the room, allowing it to be the hero. John thought it was extremely memorable and something apartment three needed.

Shaynna loved the herringbone tiled floor. But then it all started to go downhill. Neale said the bath was a risk-taker but didn’t think it belonged in that bathroom. The rest of it didn’t feel like it worked and it wasn’t coming together for him. He found the tiles very drab. John said three dark walls was hard to come back from and it was too much black overall. Shaynna agreed and would suggest that they overlay two of the walls with white tiles.

Neale said he felt like he had to like the bathroom because of the bath. But he still didn’t! Shaynna offered to spend some time with the couple one on one to discuss their future apartment and the other couples (clearly feeling bad for them) generously agreed to let them.

Our pick to buy: THAT bath (if it floats your boat) and Triumph and Disaster toiletries

NORM AND JESS: 4th
It might be the smallest ensuite on The Block, but Norm and Jess made sure their space had impact, choosing a stunning four-metre piece of marble for a feature wall. They matched this with a marble vanity top and beautiful simple tile choice, producing what Neale thought was “a small bathroom punching above its weight.”

I really liked what they did in this small space and loved many of their choices. John said it didn’t have the sense of luxury because it was small but it made a great first impression. All the judges loved the marble. Shaynna however felt the scale was wrong and it didn’t need two basins. The lack of shower door also made  it impractical.

Shaynna couldn’t understand why they would have a black trim on the shower glass when nothing else was black. And the brushed chrome next to polished chrome looked cheap.

John said overall they’d started with a good palette and had a good feel. He and Neale thought they had done nothing which would cost them buyers.

Our pick to buy: Omvivo timber vanity from Reece.

BIANCA AND CARLA: 2nd
If Kerrie and Spence hadn’t used their bonus point this week, the girls up in apartment five would have walked away with another win for their stunningly executed ensuite, which featured another, albeit smaller, marble feature wall, a custom-made vanity, double sinks and a gorgeous stone bench top.

Shaynna and Neale were immediately in love with the stone bench top and the timber joinery. They also loved the long shelf on the marble in the shower.

John said the palette was very complementary. Neale said the styling was less is more and the girls really understood luxury.

Then Shaynna noticed the strip drain and said it looked seamless but getting hair out of it would be a nightmare. John said the room was pretty close to flawless.

Our pick to buy: Custom timber vanity by our favourites, Ingrain Designs

What did you think? Are you annoyed Kerrie and Spence won due to using their bonus point? Was the girls’ bathroom your favourite? What about that brass bath? I’d love to read your comments below!

All our Block coverage

Last week’s guest bedrooms

This season’s main bathrooms

Categories
Art Interviews The Block

2017 Blockheads Hannah & Clint debut art print range

Clint and Hannah with their favourite piece from the collection, 'Make me blush'
Clint and Hannah with their favourite piece from the collection, 'Make me blush' by X

Drawing inspiration from the latest fashion and home décor trends, former Blockheads Hannah and Clint Amos have debuted their first art print range in collaboration with Melbourne based artwork retailer Artist Lane. The ‘Hannah & Clint collection’ is comprised of 30 pieces that were curated by the couple and features the work of emerging artists Fern Siebler, Maggi McDonald and Renee Tohl.

Clint and Hannah with their favourite piece from the collection, 'Make me blush'
Clint and Hannah with their favourite piece from the collection, ‘Make me blush’ by Fern Siebler

“We were fortunate enough to use some Artist Lane pieces in a few challenges and room reveals on The Block. When they reached out to see if we might be interested in collaborating, I just couldn’t say no. We were able to take full creative control over the artists and the photographic prints that we selected,” says Hannah who starred in last year’s season of the reality show.

Hannah with pieces from the range
Hannah with pieces from the range

“We sat down with Artist Lane and discussed artists and trends that we would like to see in the collection. The collection features an array of categories including art from three amazing artists, Fern Siebler, Maggi McDonald, and Renne Tohl, and beautiful on-trend photography. We knew the only way this would work is if we personally selected each piece. It was important to us that the collection tells a story. From there it was really just a process of elimination.”

Hannah Amos
Hannah with another of her favourites from the collection

“Comprised of photography and artwork, the collection has an underlying theme of soft blush tones with a handful of bold statement pieces to round it out. We love all 30 pieces! And they all serve different purposes depending on where and how you style them in your home or office. They all provoke your emotions in different ways but if we had to pick one hero piece it would be ‘Make Me Blush’ by Fern Siebler. Her signature use of watercolour with metallics add depth and movement to every piece she commits to.”

Hannah & Clint
Clint and Hannah styling a piece from the range

Photography: Joe Vittorio

Shop online | Why you should splurge on professional framing

Latest Block room reveals

Categories
Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2018: guest bedroom room reveals

It was a mixed bag last night! I started off feeling a bit “meh” about all these guest bedrooms. Let’s face it; they’re not always the most exciting rooms or best showcases of what a couple can do. They felt a bit formulaic: fancy upholstered bedhead, feature armchair, lots of cushions. You know what I’m saying! But there were a couple I really loved which turned it around for me, and they were Bianca and Carla’s and Norm and Jess’s. Here’s what the judges had to say, what I thought, and what I’d buy…

I was so glad Bianca and Carla won, not just because I thought their room was the best, but because I (and at least half the country!) thought their bathroom should have won last week too! And I love how surprised and humble they were!

Bianca and Carla: 1st place, 26/30

Darren loved that they’d used timber panelling again. “That’s awesome.” Shaynna also said she loved the roof. Neale had one word: hallelujah! “Somebody has given us a room, finally, that feels modern, luxurious, glamorous and absolutely on brief,” he added.

Shyanna said the bedsides were her new favourites ever. Darren noticed they were both floating and underlit. How cool was that?!

Neale agreed it was “next level”.

Shaynna was first to notice the bad paint job though. Whoops!

They all said the walk-in was beautiful. Shaynna was in storage heaven and Neale said it felt luxurious and and bespoke. Darren said the materiality was “just so good“.

Our pick to buy: Bedside tables by our friends at Ingrain Designs (they can do no wrong!), Lincoln bedhead by another fave, Heatherly Design Bedheads (we have the same design in our new master which we’ll get round to finishing and revealing one of these days!), and Lamp de Marseille wall lights.

Courtney and Hans: 2nd place, 25/30

Neale loved the “absolutely beautiful and sophisticated palette.” Shaynna loved how they made the bed and thought they picked an amazing chair. The lack of styling on the side table didn’t go unnoticed though!

The judges loved the choice of laminate wardrobe colour and texture. Darren said the room diden’t feel at all claustrophobic. Neale’s only criticism was for the lights. He would have preferred lamps or sconces, not too-heavy pendants. Darren liked how they tied in with the other black in the room however.

On the downside, the paintwork on the ceiling was woeful. Neale said it was well on its way to being lovely but was undercooked. Darren suggested they should sheer curtain the whole window wall. Agreed!

Our pick to buy: Halo wingback chair by Space to Create, Vintage rose linen by west elm and brass crab by Mr Pinchy (I have this at home in all three sizes!). 

Norm and Jess: 3rd place, 24.5/30

This would have been my second place.

Darren said: “Lush! Oh my God! This is hot! Somebody paid attention!”

Neale said “suddenly the luxe factor has shot up”.

Darren said there was lots of colour, lots of texture, but it wasn’t overwhelming. “Can you tell I love it?!”

Shaynna said she always loves bedheads that go past the edges of the bed and behind the bedsides (thanks Shyanna, we have one of those!). “It’s absolutely gorgeous and works really well.” She loved the sconces but  thought the room would probably be a bit dark. And the powerpoint was in the wrong place. Darren was NOT impressed they’d tried to cover that mistake up!

They all thought the wardrobe was amazing, Darren loved the the panelled profile and the handles. The drapery was very well executed and while the study area joinery was well designed, the styling was a letdown.

Big picture? “The room is very good and they deserve to be in the penthouse but they must pay more attention to functionality.”

Our pick to buy: Brass wall lights from Beacon Lighting, THAT bedhead (of course) from Heatherly Design and Landry bench seat from west elm.

Kerrie and Spence: 3rd place, 23/30

The judges loved the library (so did I!), with Darren saying he was a “giant big fan” but Neale said the actual bedroom part felt a little claustrophobic. And it did!

Darren was annoyed they didn’t listen to their advice not to use a bedhead in an already cramped space. To make it worse, the bedhead overlapped the switches either side.

Shaynna loved the colour palette though and Darren said the styling was far more sophisticated than they’d shown before. Neale said it was nice. He didn’t dislike it but nothing was wowing him. They needed a little little bit more warmth, spirit and soul.

The storage however, was excellent.

Our pick to buy: Audrey bedside from west elm (I have the navy version in my master and they’re divine. Also have the dresser and cot from this range in our new baby room).

Hayden and Sara: Last place (second week in a row), 22.5/30

Shaynna said the recessed ceiling was the hero and they’d done a beautiful job with that. Darren praised the skirting, architraves, ceiling and cornicing, saying they were all beautiful. Shaynna added the execution was incredible.

It was all going so well…

Seems the furniture and styling really let the room down. Neale said it felt flat. “It feels like a room in a boutique hotel ready to be renovated. It’s boring and predictable. In paring back, they’ve thrown the baby out with the bathwater. What’s left is pretty soulless.”

It got worse. He compared the feature wall to the eighties rag-rolling paint technique. Shaynna said the shimmery velvet bedhead was fighting with it and that it felt like a display home. And not a high end one! Ouch!

I have to agree, although I’d perhaps be a little kinder. It just didn’t work! I particularly hated that feature wall and ‘matching’ bedhead combo. What were they thinking? Where was the contrast?

Shaynna said the bedsides didn’t match the size of the lights. “It’s top heavy.” Darren said they should have put the feet on the bed. Neale said it felt as if the bed had collapsed.

I had to agree that nothing in the study area made an impact. It was all just floating there, with the chair far too heavy for the desk.

Sara was NOT happy with that feedback! I foresee a lot of complaining and upset ahead.

The judges all seemed to agree that the walk in robe was probably the best bit. But Shaynna and Neale said they needed to style it at least a a bit to tell a story to potential buyers.

Our pick to buy: Brass gallery frames from west elm.

All this year’s wardrobes are by Kinsman, who also supplied the kitchens for House Rules recently.

Love to know who YOU think should have won?

Last week’s bathroom reveals

All our Block coverage

Categories
Bathrooms Expert Tips The Block

Tradies weigh in on Sunday’s Block tiling stuff up

Bostik Boys, tradies Mark Menagatti (AKA Spaghetti) on the left and Adrian Franchina

By Mark Menegatti

The Block can make a tradie’s job look easy by smashing out big jobs in just a week. As a builder with 14 years’ experience, I can vouch that a real tradie’s life means starting before dawn and coming home after dark without any TV cameras around.

Bostik Boys, tradies Mark Menegatti (AKA Spaghetti) on the right and Adrian Franchina

On Sunday, we saw Spence from apartment 1, who is a full-time building contractor, struggle with tiling the main bathroom, which landed his wife Kerrie and himself in fourth place. On behalf of tradies everywhere, our poor bloke Spence and Kerrie deserve some slack.

Tradies and DIYers can both learn from Spence’s mistake. Working on The Block is not an easy task, especially with the short the timeframes. With the help of Bostik, I wanted to set the record straight on why tiling issues like these can happen and how to best avoid them.

Planning out your job in advance

Spence and Kerrie’s finished bathroom is modern, light and airy, while being deemed functional with judge Shaynna claiming it was done by perfectionists. Righto!

From a tradie’s point of view, I would agree with the judges. Spence did a great job with the tiling, with the exception of the grout lines not lining up between the walls and flooring.

The real error was that Spence and Kerrie simply took on too much and were overwhelmed by the scope of work.

Tradies’ solution:

  • Prepare the base sub floor and wall using a laser which would have given an accurate guide for tile placement.
  • Have a professionally waterproofed area
  • Determine tile layout on walls and floor prior to applying adhesive.
  • Chalk out tiles on floor to match wall tiles.
  • Place all full tiles and then cut in where required.
  • Finish off with grout and caulking.

Spence could have alleviated pressure by listening to builder Norm’s solution to use “rapid glue for tiling” and applying Bostik ASA Superglue tile adhesive. This would have seen the tile adhesive cure quickly, while speeding up down time for other works to be completed.

Stick to jobs you are good at

Even the most skilled tradies will call a mate or professional to do certain jobs they are not comfortable or don’t have time to do.

Given the large load and short timeframe, Spence’s time would be better spent doing tasks more familiar to him like framing and cabinetry installation, applying mirrors and shelving, and styling to complement professionally finished tiling.

Tradies’ solution:

For tiling a bathroom, when it comes to sand and cement screeds on the floor, this should always be done by a professional. If the screed mix isn’t the correct ratio, it does not bond to the subfloor and becomes drummy.

This means it will crumble and not provide a solid base to lay the tiling. Waterproofing should also always be done by a professional.

If completed incorrectly this can make the area susceptible to leaks, leading to longterm structural damage and rotting of structures.

Credit where credit is due

I give Spence credit for trying to do his own tiling for the main bathroom. On a show like The Block, his clients are the viewers. Therefore, he is trying to leave a good first impression to the client by displaying his workmanship and quality control.

With such a small amount of time, even the most skilled tradies can stuff up.

As a tradie, I would recommend anyone who is looking to renovate to stick to what you know and do it well, use the right products and focus on staying within budget. If you listen to these tips, you are more likely to achieve the results you want within the desired timeframe.

–Bostik Boy Mark Menegatti is owner of MRM construction. Bostik is a key supplier of The Block this season, to give contestants with the right products to finish their apartments.

Categories
Bathrooms The Block

The Block room reveals: season 14 main bathrooms

How good was it to be watching the first proper room reveal last night? Loved it! Loads of renovating to watch, just enough drama and rookie errors, and some pretty impressive rooms (although there were things about most of them I’d personally change). But for so early on in the competition? Well done, I say!

BIANCA AND CARLA: Second place

My favourite! That timber ceiling! Loved it! That feature wall! OK, it fell down a little on storage but they should have won, right?! They only lost by half a point mind you.

The judges loved the feature wall. “This is heaven,” said Darren. “Holy cow, that’s two big slabs of natural stone. That’s a massive decision.” He said he was seeing big risks that had paid off in spades.

The frosted window offended Neale. “Peel that decal off ASAP because it’s really spoiling this beautiful bathroom!” Agreed!

Shaynna said they were going for a corporate St Kilda market and they were onto a winner. The timber vanity was beautiful. And Darren spotted the speakers inside it.

They all agreed there wasn’t enough storage and no face level storage (why hasn’t everyone learned this from previous seasons?!).

Darren said he couldn’t wait to see the rest of the apartment if it continued in this direction.

My pick to buy: The Northcliffe vanity by my friends at Ingrain Design who did the vanities for my old apartment bathroom. I’m still mourning them… And their Jersey timber stool.

COURTNEY AND HANS: First place

OK, OK, it was a nice faux terrazzo floor and there wasn’t much to fault but did it really deserve first place?! Even my husband was saying “come on, where’s the contrast?!” The judges however, obviously thought differently!

Darren said “Well, that’s more like it!” All three loved the terrazzo-style floor tiles. Darren liked that it was faux terrazzo which made it much more practical. Neale said the floor choice was exactly the thing to elevate the room. “They’re doing a contemporary take on the original heritage of the building.”

Shaynna said it was incredibly functional and the bath and vanity were inexpensive but didn’t feel cheap. Darren liked the double vanity. He said the perimiter-lit dropped ceiling was a real success. And I have to agree, that was fab.

Shaynna liked the touch of personality from the quirky pot (jury’s out there for me!) and the hanging plant which stopped it being a big, white, clinical box.

Neale said whatever happened to them last week they hadn’t let get to them and they had delivered to a high level this week.

My pick to buy: Terrazzo soap by Fazeek and Rokha stool. We’re still waiting on the tile details…

HAYDEN AND SARA: Last place

That green wall! I hated it! Eeesh. But I loved a lot about it. I’d have to remove that green wall though. And I wasn’t alone in that view!

Neale walked in and said: “I’m not liking anything I’m seeing in here. I feel like this bathroom is not big enough. This thing (the green wall) behind me feels like two other people. It feels so over the top. It’s just an ugly choice.”

Shaynna said it was very weird styling. Neale said it was not high end and he found it quite dated. Shaynna said there were too many heroes (brass, tiles, green wall).

Darren said  he was feeling concerned looking at the very heritage feel of the lights and cornicing. Did they choose this apartment because the top floor was too modern for their plans?

Neale said you’ve got to know what your style is and who your buyer is. “I was expecting great things today and I’m disappointed.”

My pick to buy: Scala tumbled brass tapware

KERRIE AND SPENCE: Fourth place

Spence took on the lion’s share of the building work this week, almost having a nervous breakdown in the process! They pulled off a great room (tiling aside) but maybe get a little help next week, eh?!

I loved the open and airy layout and feel of the apartment but the tiles and fittings weren’t my favourite. It was all a bit too… basic? Well executed, very functional and practical; inoffensive but just a bit meh. The judges were on the same page.

Shaynna thought the quality of the room was amazing with “absolute knockout execution”. It didn’t feel hurried and was clearly done by perfectionists. Oh, the irony!

Neale said it was light, bright, spacious and functional, but very polite. He said he’d like to see them take a little bit of risk every now and again.

Shaynna and Darren loved the ample storage. Shaynna was also first to notice the floor and wall tile lines being out, saying it would drive her insane. Neale said he wished she hadn’t pointed it out because now he couldn’t stop seeing it!

(Tradies weigh in on the tiling stuff up)

Darren said it wasn’t memorable enough and he would like to see them up the luxe factor.

My pick to buy: Erroll curve rectangle mirror 

NORM AND JESS: Third place

Darren loved it, asking how could you not choose this apartment?! “Norm and Jess came second last last week but they’ve got the best apartment here!”

Neale said the bathroom had the luxury of extreme height. Darren said the Japanese maple was his favourite tree ever and Neale thought it looked stunning.

Shaynna loved the backlit marble in the niches and the simple styling; just the right amount. Neale said the level of sophistication was just next level.

Take that, any of you doubting the Queenslanders!

Darren realised the bath was plastic (which they hadn’t! Seriously, how?!) but said: “It looks a million dollars.” Shaynna said you’d never know. “It was a very clever and smart solution.”

Oh, you’ve got to laugh!

She said they’d got the visual impact 100% but there were some functionality issues. The towel rail was too close to the vanity and there wasn’t enough storage.

Overall, the judges said they’d thought about their buyer and that buyer would definitely want their bathroom.

My pick to buy: Concrete mirror by Nood Co.

Get the look with this grey terrazzo stone (this one’s the real deal!) bath.

What did you think? Did the right couple win? Are you enjoying this season so far?

Read all our Block coverage.

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Categories
Kids Rooms The Block

The Block’s first, apartment-deciding room reveals

It’s been an action-packed first couple of nights on the new season of The Block with the 48-hour challenge kids’ rooms revealed last night (more on that later and our top picks to buy). Not surprisingly, they weren’t perfect, and it’s what we’ve come to expect from week one. Let’s face it, it’s a hell of a lot for anyone to get their head around and to call the state they found the Gatwick Hotel a fleapit would perhaps be too kind! I actually don’t know how they can cope sleeping there without getting pest control and industrial cleaners in. Bleugh!

But the new teams cracked on, and we’ve got to know them quite well already. The stronger characters are already emerging and I’m starting to place bets on who’ll be first to have a big fallout. I personally get so tired of people saying the show should be more about renovating and less about drama. It’s reality TV, people, get over it! And if you don’t like it, watch something else! Ratings and Logie wins prove they’re doing something right so why mess with a winning formula?! There’s also plenty of renovating to be seen.

While these weren’t the most exciting or impressive rooms, there was a lot riding on them, with first place getting to choose their apartment first, and so on. Surprisingly, the slick rooftop penthouse additions were not the first two to be picked and only time will tell if the contestants made the right call there.

We now also know that next week’s reveal is going to be the main bathroom. No messing around there! I can’t wait to see how they go!

So onto the kids’ rooms and the judging…

BIANCA AND CARLA

The former pro netballing friends from Melbourne came third and picked apartment five, one of the penthouses.

Shaynna said their room was “wonderland” and Neale called it clever. The judges liked how it was a playroom as well as a sleeping room.

Darren loved the stone-effect paint but called out the blanket box dangerously close to the opening window. Shaynna also criticised the one very blank wall.

Our picks: Nofred mouse table and chairs and Silver lining cloud rug.

***

COURTNEY AND HANS

The flight attendant and the pilot from Perth came last, landing apartment two, the biggest, which they weren’t unhappy with.

Darren said it was a really beautiful show of effort; cute and whimsical. That cloud wallpaper ended up making the impact they’d hoped but it went a bit downhill from the ceiling!

When the judges looked around they found too many gaps and examples of poor workmanship.

And another dangerous benchseat under the window (are you seeing a theme here?!) also lost them points.

Our picks: Vintage hot air balloon, felt ball rug and Head in the Clouds wallpaper

***

JESS AND NORM

The Queenslanders came fourth yet still bagged one of those penthouses, apartment four.

Neale said they’d really put a lot of thought and energy into it and Shaynna loved the idea of it. Darren thought the vignette of artworks and the shelving were cute.

But Shaynna added it was the first room she’d walked into and felt their panic with many unfinished elements.

And once Darren pointed out the bed built in under the window was not only dangerous but illegal, it all went a bit wrong!

Our picks:  Rainbow hugs artwork and lion print

***

KERRIE AND SPENCE, the eldest couple, a nurse and owner builder from the Barossa Valley in SA, came second and took the gamble on apartment one which contained the mysterious safe. It paid off as it was full of $150k worth of vouchers!

The judges called their room simple, elegant, and appropriate for a teenage girl but it didn’t really nail the kids’ room brief. Yes it was a nice room, but it wasn’t a kids’ room!

They were impressed by the coffered ceiling (I loved it too). Neale said the colour palette harked back to the era of the building but was contemporary too. And Shaynna said they’d done nanna chenille in a really current way. It was clear they were a team to be reckoned with.

BUT (there’s always a but!) Shaynna said she’d be so bored lying in bed with nothing to look at but an empty wall and Neale rightly questioned if it worked as a kids’ room? Shaynna said not at all.

But they agreed the couple had created an amazing perception of luxury in just 48 hours. Let’s not forget what they started with!

Our picks: Framed horse photograph, pendant light and blush vase.

***

HAYDEN AND SARA came first, the newlyweds with a baby from Sydney. She’s (another) flight attendant and he’s a master builder (helpful!). With the pick of the apartments, they ignored the penthouses and went for apartment 3. 

Using multiple tradies paid off for this pair. Shaynna said the room said kids straight away. She loved the bedside niche to put books in and thought the tent was fun.

Neale said it had a really lovely feel about it and Darren loved that you could pop your head in to check on your child without them seeing you or waking up because of the bed placement. It had a big open play space which was exactly what a kid’s room should be about.

Shaynna was impressed they’d matched the wardrobe to the entry door which showed great attention to detail and could really only fault the execution of the skirting which was a bit rough.

Our picks: Genevieve bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads and Numero 74 padded star garland

More Block coverage

Judge Darren Palmer spills the beans on this season

Categories
RENO ADDICT The Block

The Block 2018: judge Darren Palmer spills the beans

Leading Australian interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer will be back on our screens on Sunday as the new season of the show kicks off on Nine. Season 14 will see five teams transform one derelict boarding house into luxury apartments – and Darren thinks it will be the best one yet!

Our three favourite judges, Neale, Shaynna and Darren are back for The Block 2018.

The Block 2018 has been filming at the old Gatwick Hotel – a 1950s building in St Kilda, Melbourne which has had a bit of a shady past. The derelict 66-room boarding house has been dubbed a ‘flea pit’ and has even been avoided by some homeless people. In the past, the Gatwick has gotten the name ‘The Ghetto’, ‘Hotel Hell’ and ‘Hotel of Horrors’.

“This is the single biggest building project The Block has ever carried out,” says Darren. “To put it in context, the very first Block’s building footprint would fit inside one of this season’s apartments.”

Image: Eddie Jim

The Block’s producers were approached by The Gatwick’s owners to buy the dilapidated building way back in 2016. Given its prime beach-front location and the love The Block crew have for a challenge, it was a no-brainer for the team, who jumped at the chance. Channel Nine bought the decrepit property in 2017 for $10 million.

“It was a grand dame of Art Deco architecture,” explains Darren. “It used to have a ballroom and was quite a luxurious hotel when it was built. As time wore it down, its clientele changed, and it became a halfway house of sorts for people struggling or trying to get back on their feet.”

An artist’s impression submitted with plans to redevelop the site. Image: Brenchley Architects

This year will mark Darren’s ninth season as a permanent judge on The Block and he confesses that one of the things he loves most about the show is how it reinvigorates and gives new life to forgotten buildings. His least favourite part of judging? The misconceptions and rumours about the judging process…

“I recently had someone tell me on social media that they were frustrated because the producers rigged an outcome in last season. That’s just not true,” he explains. “We go into detail on every decision and share lots of information, but the show has constraints on what they’re able to show due to the time they have to tell the story.

“I can guarantee you that the producers never give us information on what happened in the week. They never tell us what to say, think or feel.”

While the self-proclaimed “Mr Nice Guy” judge aims to be as compassionate as possible while judging the contestants’ work, he admits that there’s no way to sugar coat a bad room.

“The best thing for my judging is when I’m doing or have just done my own home renos as it makes me that bit more understanding,” says Darren. “Thankfully for these contestants, I’d done a little work around my house late last year so that memory was fresh!”

The new Blockheads include pro netballer besties Bianca and Carla and reno rookies Courtney and Hans. Then there are the couples with some building experience: Queenslanders Norm and Jess, Kerri and Spence from the Barossa (who had their build on Grand Designs Australia) and outspoken Sara and her partner Hayden, a former Bisley catalogue model.

Image: Nine Network

More than 45,000 couples applied to be on The Block this season (that’s over 90,000 people) all for the chance to walk away with $100,000 prize money and any profit made when their apartments go under the hammer at a live public auction later this year.

“The Block is a once in a lifetime opportunity for people to use their skills to change their circumstances for life. That’s why we see so many people with little kids entering,” says Darren. “The toll it would take being away from your small kids is huge, so they are obviously gambling on there being a big financial payoff at the end, but as we’ve all seen, that’s not a guarantee.”

Indeed, given that the market is now cooling off, who knows how sale day will finish up this season or what bombshells the producers will drop on the contestants.

“There are two apartments that literally don’t exist when the show starts. We have proper penthouses this season and we’ve never had that before, and of course, there are always surprises, challenges and curve balls being thrown left, right and centre.”

The Block premieres on Nine this Sunday, 5 August, at 7pm

You can look forward to our usual room reveal posts on Mondays!

Categories
Bathrooms Homewares The Block

Nood Co’s “feminised” concrete is more than just a fad

Former Perth Blockhead Matt di Costa’s concrete brand Nood Co, has just released a new range of furniture, basins and tiles, proving that the nation’s love of the material is going nowhere fast! Nood’s subtly coloured, curved concrete items, particularly sinks, have proven extremely popular since launching 18 months ago.

Nood Co basins in The Norsu Home with Perini Tiles, Sussex Taps and Ingrain Designs vanity

Matt, who is the lead designer with a team of nine creatives, says he’s excited to provide Australia with its first range of concrete furniture with real world use. And it’s all designed and manufactured right here too. Revolutionising what we knew of the ‘boring’ building product, he’s added colour, curve, design, lightness, transportability, and real world use with a warranted sealing process.

New Nood Co Pill and Cube basins

“All of the concrete is designed and manufactured in Australia, something we are really proud of. That helps us retain the quality, and shorten lead times for our clients,” he says.

“The idea of Nood was to feminise concrete. We spent three years developing a concrete manufacture process that allowed for thinner, more contemporary design, and to give Australian and international designers a new way to present concrete, in all environments. A new consciousness in concrete is here.”

There are now more than 70 concrete infused products in the range, from dining tables, coffee and side tables, stools, basins, wall and floor tiles, to mirrors, sofas, sideboards, homewares and more.

Matt and wife Kim appeared on The Block: Sky High in 2013, selling their apartment for $1.455 million, pocketing a tidy profit of $250,000.

In timing with the new range, Nood have launched their first East Coast pop up shop (79-81 Fitzroy Street St Kilda, VIC).

Shop online or download the latest catalogue for more information.

To celebrate the St Kilda Showroom launch, Nood Co are offering a 20% off basin sale on Saturday 25 August between 10.30am and 5pm.

Categories
RENO ADDICT The Block

Renos that add value: by Blockheads Alisa & Lysandra

When renovating, it’s important to choose updates that will not only stand the test of time, but will also increase the value of your home if you sell or re-finance.

Interior designers and renovators Alisa and Lysandra Fraser say if money’s tight, fortunately, you can make a number of relatively easy budget-friendly renovations which have maximum appeal to future buyers, or score you a good valuation if you want to re-finance.

The identical twins, who won The Block: Sky High in 2013 and defended their title on The Block: Fans vs Faves in 2014, now run their own business Alisa and Lysandra Interiors. The pair are currently redeveloping a $2.2million Victorian terrace site in the highly sought-after area of Albert Park in Melbourne and are filming the project for their new online TV URL channel.

“It’s been a lot of work, but we’ve been thrilled with the results so far,” says Alisa. “We can’t wait to share the results with everyone as we’ve really enjoyed putting our stamp on every aspect of a huge project. We’re honouring the classic style of the existing home whilst adding on a contemporary extension with high quality, hand-picked materials and finishes.”

Here, Alisa shares her top tips for money-making renos:

The Kitchen – improve storage and functionality

Streamline: When you renovate a kitchen, the goal is often to create more space and increase functionality. Look at your design and assess whether or not your kitchen allows for remodelling with the current cabinetry. In most cases we recommend you start from scratch so invest in new cabinetry, improved layout, and new finishes which won’t age.

Think social: Embrace designs and layouts with ample storage, which will help minimise clutter, and cleaning.

Choose integrated storage and workstations: This creates flow and cohesion and ensures appliances don’t dominate the aesthetic. Built-in sink colanders and chopping boards, are considered a must. Not only are they functional, but they add visual appeal and textural variation.

The bathroom – add the right vanity and decrease clutter

Consider the space: The most important question here is “how will you use it?” Other than accounting for hygiene needs, it’s important to establish the vision behind this space before you pick tiles, tap-ware and other structural elements.

Choose the right vanity: It’s important to remember deep drawers aren’t always the most functional. Rather than three deep drawers, opt for a vanity with five shallow drawers which will keep your personal items visible and within quick reach.

Add aesthetic storage: Rather than using plain mirrors for the vanity, we love the addition of shallow storage mirror cabinets, which can be custom designed or ready to buy. This is the best way to keep vanity countertops seamless and clutter-free from cosmetics.

Painting the interior – think white or neutral

Know your whites: Choosing to paint you walls crisp white is always the safest option with the widest appeal. But with over 180 shades of white paint available, choosing the right shade can be confusing. Cool whites have a blue or black base added and are ideal for neutralising bright modern rooms. Warm whites have a yellow undertone that can make a room feel cosier, and work well with classic interiors.
Neutrals are not boring: Neutral walls also have general appeal. You can go three shades darker or more, which will add to your homes’ visual appeal. Neutrals never stop trending and offer you maximum flexibility with redecorating or freshening up your interiors later down the track.

Feature walls: The days of random feature walls are long gone however if you’re still keen for a splash of bolder colour, highlight a wall that features intricate architecture, a fireplace, or a hideaway nook.

Landscaping the front and backyard – curb appeal and decks are winners

Invest in a deck: Outdoor entertaining decks are now wildly popular, but rather than tiling or patching up old paving, choose a wooden deck for instant warmth and the illusion of space.

Embrace green foliage: Plants with large green foliage have massive architectural appeal and can balance out your space nicely, especially when it comes to dressing up empty corners. When choosing plants for your garden, don’t be afraid to embrace repetition. A row of screening bamboo, or a wall of birds of paradise can add that streamlined look which can be calming and look amazing.

Add some curb appeal: First impressions count, so make sure your front yard works in harmony with the entry to your home. Coordinate pathways, plants, and colours so they all work together with great balance, making your facade a true show-stopper!

Flooring – hardwearing and natural choices

Keep it simple: Natural floors add incredible warmth in a home. Keep your flooring simple and single-minded. Our home designs embrace timber floorboards throughout, which we then dress with beautiful artisan rugs creating interesting visual layers that add to the overall decor.

Make it durable: Hardwood and concrete floors truly stand the test of time and in most cases they age wonderfully as opposed to carpet which can get damaged easily and may fade or change colour due to wear.

Painting the exterior of your home

Check the structural integrity before you paint: Never paint an exterior that’s clearly deteriorating; you may achieve a pleasant result but that will only be temporary as the exterior will most certainly continue to deteriorate!

Restore the exterior of a period home: You can add colour touches to the exterior of a period home, but you should never paint over intricate stone work. If the exterior masonry is looking dull, or dirty, clean it carefully but don’t paint over it.

Monochromatic and contrasting combinations are winners: Embrace hues that have a visual punch. Intensely dark grey or anthracite hues, marry well with bright white trims and the contrast is delightful to the eye. But unless there’s a significant element of your architecture that needs to be the show-stopper, avoid matchy-matchy hues, which can come across as too safe and uninspiring!

For more information

A look back at the twins’ winning Block kitchen.

Categories
Bathrooms RENO ADDICT The Block

Bathroom styles 2018: which is for me, how do I get it?

Photo credit:

When it comes to bathroom renovations, many shy away from their dream and instead opt for safer, more subdued options due to being overwhelmed by choice.

But is playing it safe really the right renovating attitude? According to renovating duo and winners of The Block 2014, Simon and Shannon Vos, a conservative approach rarely pays off and can lead to “renovation remorse”.

“Bathrooms provide an opportunity to inject a fun dash of architecture into the home that is hard to achieve on the same level elsewhere,” says Simon. 

The first (and undoubtedly the hardest) step is to figure out your style. To help you navigate the Pinterest minefield of trends and tiles, Simon and Shannon shared with us their top four bathroom trends for winter 2018!

1. Traditional

“Dark to light colour palettes always work well within this style,” says Shannon.

The Beaumont Tiles ambassadors suggest picking a deep-toned timber look tile for the floor, paired with a clean, light-toned Carrara marble mosaic walls to draw the eye upwards while adding a touch of theatre to the overall project. Incorporating hints of brushed metallics through tapware and other fixtures is a fantastic way to add complexity to the space. For those who are daring, add a chandelier or oversized pendant light for a serious bathroom statement!

2. Coastal

“Opt for a light grain timber-look tile then couple with a monsoon shower for some wow factor that looks and sounds like rain,” says Simon. He suggests clean tapware in either silver or matt black, and don’t forget to include indoor plants and seascape artworks to bring the outdoors in. “To complete your coastal bathroom, add textural layers with raw cotton bathmats, fluffy cotton towels and natural fibre baskets,” adds Simon.

3. Modern

Clean monochromatic lines with hints of colour, is the best way to nail the modern-look bathroom. A large format tile with either a lot of movement or bold vein features is always a strong starting point. To create playful balance, Simon suggests installing a 3D tiled feature wall to draw the eyes upwards and out.

4. Scandinavian

“Keep styling modest by selecting a central feature in your area such as a freestanding bath tub, then add colour and layers to frame its focal point,” says Shannon. “Geometric tiles in either white, black or marble look-a-like are always a spot-on choice for Scandi bathrooms. Though for those who are daring, contrast the geometric tile with a fun coloured grout like blue, or forest green. Or opt for a strong metallic mosaic.”

Discover your perfect style by heading over to Beaumont Tiles and taking the “What’s my style” questionnaire

Photo credits: Reece

Categories
Design House Tours Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT The Block

Real reno: Blockheads Kyal & Kara’s beachside sanctuary

The front of the home
The front of the home

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 a light-filled sanctuary that felt comfortable and inviting. It’s a real sanctuary but with plenty of space for entertaining,” says expert renovator and former Blockhead Kara Demmrich who tackled this project with her husband Kyal after purchasing the original home for $710,000 in early 2017.

Kyal & Kara kitchen dining room
Kitchen and dining

Originally intending to carry out a single-level extension, the house was completely gutted and little of the original house remains. Aside from the four bedrooms, three bathrooms and large open plan living spaces, the home also has an outdoor kitchen and plunge pool – all of which resulted in the home being purchased at auction for $1.59 million upon completion. That’s quite some increase in value!

Lounge
Lounge

Drawing on a mix of inspiration, the original Canary Date palm tree at the front of the house and the Desert Modernism movement that came out of Mid-Century Palm Springs homes, were two key references.

The front of the home
The front of the home

“Although the palm tree inspired our design theme, we wanted to create a classic coastal look for the facade using some of our favourite materials – white weatherboards, timber and limestone. We’re so happy with how it’s all come together and we believe we’ve created the perfect facade,” says Kyal of the front of the home that features blackbutt timber decking, hand-laid limestone walls and white weatherboard cladding.

Master bedroom
Master bedroom

“The original home was a small weatherboard cottage with lots of tack-ons, such as a carport, shed, back verandah and outdoor laundry. Initially, you had to walk down the driveway and the front door was located on the side of the house – this is one of the first things we knew we had to update. First impressions count, and having an open, welcoming path to the front door is important to us,” says Kyal.

Ensuite
Ensuite
Ensuite shower
Ensuite shower

Mostly though, the high ceilings and large expanses of glass are what really catch the eye upon entering the house. “The first thing that strikes you about the renovation is the scale of the ceilings. At 3.6 metres high, they make a real statement,” says Kyal.

Guest bedroom
Guest bedroom

To ensure the project not only looked great, but felt comfortable too, Kyal and Kara selected Gyprock Superchek plasterboard for its impact and sound resistant benefits. “Gyprock Superchek makes this house like a little Fort Knox. It’s great for families because it delivers better sound absorption and less noise transfer. This results in a noticeably quieter interior environment and creates a level of serenity,” says Kara.

Barn door
A barn door conceals the entertainment room

Kyal and Kara also chose to install some of the internal doors as sliding ones using barn door fittings – a time-saving choice as much as an aesthetic one. “The installation process was easy and saved us time and effort, and Corinthian Moda doors are factory primed on all sides and edges, and as a result they deliver a superior finish with any paint sheen. They are a great design feature that emphasises the shaker profile of the doors and create a statement in themselves,” says Kara.

Child's room
Child’s bedroom

The outdoor space is perhaps one of the most enviable aspects of the home – I love the Moroccan-inspired tiles lining the plunge pool combined with lush greenery and breeze block wall. Alfresco lovers, Kyal and Kara completed the space with a fully integrated kitchen and barbecue, covered deck area (with large skylights) and poolside outdoor shower.

Plunge pool
Plunge pool

“We’re big believers in every detail being carefully considered – it’s the details that count and create a unique and beautiful renovation,” says Kara.

For more | Five steps to a stylish seaside abode

 

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT Smart Home The Block

Julia & Sasha share kitchen, mudroom and laundry

Photography by Marcel Aucar

Last time we caught up, our kitchen and laundry had just been installed but the finishing touches were a mere pipedream. Fast forward to 2018 and we’re done and dusted. If we’d ever questioned the notion of love at first sight, we don’t anymore. These spaces have far exceeded our expectations and we’re walking around with all the heart eye emojis. If you’re not yet familiar with our design and installation process, you can read about it here. Go on… I’ll wait.

Kitchen

Now we’re on the same page, it’s time for the fun stuff. We’ve always loved the process of fixing stone bench tops as it pulls the entire look together and adds an element of luxe. We opted for Caesarstone in Calacatta Nuvo for its marble-like appearance and ability to blend classic meets contemporary. It’s also extremely low maintenance and more cost-effective than natural stone. At this point in the renovation, any saving is a good saving and we’re thrilled to bits with the end result. We opted for a frontal waterfall on the island as it defines the sink from the prep area and looks bangin’ to boot.

There’s still more than enough room for three stools and ample space to hang about. Our island measures 3000mm x 1200mm, the maximum when using only one slab of stone. We’re not big fans of longer benches as they require multiple slabs, resulting in an extra join on the surface.

We stuck with the same stone for the splashback in the kitchen but changed it up in the butler’s pantry. The zone opened up ten-fold by using a smoked mirror and we love how it defines the spaces. There’s still a seamlessness as the cabinetry and bench tops are consistent but the use of mirror adds depth and interest. It’s also really easy to keep clean which should always be the MO in any prep area (or so I tell a very messy Sasha).

Among our favourite things are the soaring Sierra cabinets in Matt White from Freedom Kitchens. The Sierra range is a beautiful Shaker-style profile which looks modern yet classic at the same time. We love a generously proportioned space and one of the best ways to achieve this is by taking joinery sky high. The upper cabinets are readily available and measure 1250mm. There’s more storage than you can poke a stick at and they make the room feel infinite. It’s a great trick to implement if you have limited floor space but want to increase the grandeur of your kitchen. You can thank us later, alligators.

Drawers were always big on our list of must-haves and we crammed in as many as we could. They’re so much easier than cupboards when storing everyday items like crockery, containers, and pots and pans. I once did my back while searching for a mixing bowl which was very inconvenient as I had a party to attend and wound up sitting at the dessert table with my friend’s grandma all night. There’s no chance of that happening at Little Willow as we have drawers for days! Freedom Kitchens are clever folk and added some nifty storage solutions like cutlery dividers, a walnut knife holder, and our amazing spice rack. We could buy all the spices from the supermarket and still have room left over. Clever, indeed.

Of course, cupboards are still handy for those things used less often and they’re in abundance in the butler’s pantry. I’m crazy for the corner carousel shelves they installed in the corner cupboard, previously known as the place ‘where things go to die’. It makes such perfect sense and is also really fun to play with. The added depth of our island made way for extra storage in the seating area. Big props to our designer Jack for working so hard to maximise functionality by utilising every inch of available space.

Another big hit are the white sinks. When we settled on the gold tap, we knew we had to skip the standard stainless steel as it can be hard to mix metals. White was a natural alternative and the effect it has is seamless. The sinks are made of composite granite so they’re durable and virtually scratch-resistant. We’re more than happy to share the love so if you need one in your life, head to Reece and ask for the Franke Impact Granite Undermount in White.

On The Block, we were lucky enough to work with Gaggenau and we loved them hard. We didn’t think it possible to develop an affinity with any other appliance brand until NEFF came along. Golly gumdrops, they’re amazing! Our oven stack is so impressive – the doors actually tuck themselves away when you open them. If you haven’t seen them in action, hit up our Insta for a Boomerang demonstration. Our stack includes an in-built Coffee Machine, Compact Oven with Microwave, Slide&Hide Combi-Steam Oven, and Slide&Hide Vario-Steam Oven. That’s a lot of ovens for one house so the new owners best enjoy cooking. The piece de resistance is of course the FlexInduction Cooktop with Integrated Downdraft. Rather than going up into a regular rangehood, steam is sucked down into the vent. How’s that for forward thinking?!

The kitchen is complete with two NEFF dishwashers and our double fridge/freezer from Bosch. Where are they, you ask? Hidden behind four integrated panels right near the island bench. It’s such a great way to dress large appliances and something we’ll be doing in every property moving forward.

We utilised the working triangle when designing this kitchen and it really does make a difference. The general rule of thumb is there should only be a few steps between your sink, cooktop, and fridge. Ours are positioned just so and the space sings because of it.

Of course, we’re all about lightness and brightness so we decided to splash out on three VELUX skylights. They let in a phenomenal amount of natural light and we can’t recommend them enough. Even if you’re not doing a full renovation, it’s worth considering adding a few throughout your home as they truly offer bang for buck. They’re such a focal point and amplify everything in the space, including our White Smoked boards from Royal Oak Floors. Together, they bounce the light around and are a match made in Heaven.

Laundry and Mud Room

If there’s beauty in simplicity then this is it. We carried through the Sierra profile to maintain consistency and added functional shelving to break up the look. Our penny round tiles from Beaumont work so well with the Intense White bench top from Caesarstone. The gooseneck tap from Sussex pops against all the white and marble and collectively elicits the most serene vibe. There’s a high chance I’ll be rolling around in dirt just so I can use this space. (OK, maybe not rolling around but I won’t crack it if I spill coffee on my white dress, that’s for sure).

It’s hard for me to admit but Sasha’s mud room came up trumps. Originally I wanted a whole bank of cupboards but she insisted on creating an Insta-worthy space so I relented and let her at it. It’s such a usable zone with outdoor access so there’s no reason for muddy footprints to be dragged through the house. After endless harping, I managed to get my way with tropical wallpaper and I love how it pops against all the white.

I’m calling it – of the four kitchens and laundries we’ve created, these are my absolute favourites. They’re so striking and functional. Some people think all-white spaces are boring but I truly believe there is nothing better. They have an elegance all their own and give off a feeling of light. As Bill Murray said, ‘There has to be a lightness; you have to be as light as you can be and not get weighed down and stuck in your emotion, stuck in your body, stuck in your head. You just want to always be trying to elevate somehow.’ Sure he was talking about something deeper than kitchens and laundries but his advice rings true. We have all the lightness there is and I hope you love our spaces as much as we do.

Our sincere gratitude to all our suppliers for working tirelessly with us. Their knowledge and commitment has made all the difference and we’re forever indebted for the time, energy, and care they’ve shown. There’s something extra special about companies that not only supply product but eagerly anticipate the end result. That kind of enthusiasm is hard to come by but they have it in spades.

Until next time,

Julia xx

More kitchens and bathrooms | Jen’s kitchen reno