Tag: ayden and jess

The Reno Rumble grand final!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 23, 2015
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Just months after taking home $665,000 on The Block, fan favourites and self-confessed ‘dark horses’, Ayden and Jess, have walked away as the winners of Reno Rumble. Wining $50,000 for themselves, $50,000 for their chosen charity, Two Little Boys to Avene, and a car; the couple took out the win after going head to head against House Rules winners, Carly and Leighton.

In just six weeks, the Reno Rumble teams transformed a staggering 12 houses! And the last two houses saw the teams presented with their biggest challenge yet, renovating two homes from front door to back — plus four gardens — in just one week. It was a challenge worthy of a grand final and the race to the finish line was extremely tight, with Ayden and Jess taking out the win by just half a point! So what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Redbacks – Ayden and Jess

Front Yard and Entrance – 17.5/20

Walking up to the house, Darren immediately commented on his love of the picket fence, the beautiful colour palette and the plantation shutters. Romy also loved the flower choices, but both judges agreed the tiles were a bit too ‘2005 bathroom’, than the brief: classic contemporary with a twist of plantation. Into the entrance and hallway and both judges were fans of the sand blasted timber door frames and skirting. They both liked the artwork, but thought a coat hook would have been a welcome addition.

Girl’s Room – 16.5/20

Romy loved the beds come cubby houses and thought the bold pastel pink of the frames worked wonderfully with the rolled felted wool rug. The attic storage got a huge tick, however both judges weren’t fans of the bed choice or lack of bedside storage.

Living Room – 19/20

“Wow,” said Romy. “This is a massive improvement, it’s amazing.” Both judges thought the space was very grand and had a great connection with the outdoors. The only criticism was the bulkhead around the TV, which they thought was odd and unnecessary.

Our pick to buy: Norman Floor Lamp Antique Brass

Bathroom – 20/20

Romy thought it was a lovely, big and generous room that had an amazing amount of light. Darren was impressed with the mirrored cabinet and face level storage solution, as well as the beautiful wood panelling above the tiles. Both judges agreed it was spot on brief and provided heaps of space for the homeowners’ kids. The laundry also got a big tick for its practicality, storage and bench space.

Our pick to buy: Lapuan Kankurit Kivi Hand Towel – Natural

Kitchen and Dining – 18/20

Both judges loved the light and bright space and applauded the use of skylights. They thought the island bench was a beautiful addition, as were the integrated appliances and porcelain butler’s sink. They also liked the shelving but thought the range hood was too industrial and that an enclosed option would have allowed for more storage. Into the dining area and the judges loved the pendants and table.

Our pick to buy: Injiri Napkin – Set of six

Back Garden – 18.5/20

“This is heaven,” said Darren. The indoor/outdoor terrace had even more skylights, which the judges thought was excessive but amazing. Darren thought it was a wonderful entertainment space and was waterproof, insect proof and windproof: “literally an outdoor room!”

Blue Tongues – Carly and Leighton

Front Yard and Entrance – 18.5/20

When Darren walked up to the home he immediately commented on what a good move it was keeping the vines. Both judges loved the beautiful travertine tiles and only criticised the sad-looking geraniums at the front door. Inside, the judges loved the fresh, bright and modern space with square set ceiling and cute art, bang on brief for contemporary Australian.

Study – 15.5/20

The first thing the judges noticed was how the room had been made smaller. Both judges thought it was a great decision, opening up the living room but leaving enough space for a study. Romy liked the lamp and artwork but thought there was need for a lot more storage and more accessible power points.

Living room – 18/20

Right on brief, the judges loved the artwork, couch and rug. Romy liked the colour palette of all the furnishings and thought they had a lovely warmth to them. Both judges, however, didn’t like the Gyprock finish over the fireplace and thought the fireplace and TV didn’t integrate well together.

Our pick to buy: Box Day Bed

Laundry and Bathroom 17/20

The judges liked the laundry (positioned in the hallway), especially the detailing of the black vanity and handles. Into the bathroom, Darren thought the bold layout change was very successful and loved the positioning of the vanity in the nook where the fireplace used to be. The basin, tapware and hardwood also got big ticks, as did the tile choice, heated towel rail and underground heating. However, both judges thought not including a bath was shortsighted, as were having the light switches in the hard to reach spot behind the door.

Our pick to buy: Uashmama | White Paper Bag

Kitchen and Dining – 19.5/20

There were hits everywhere, with the judges loving the pendants, appliances, black sink and tapware and great amount of storage. It was a bold idea not to put a dining table inside, however the judges believed the dining table outdoors could be used year round and was therefore the right design choice.

Our pick to buy: Kurvi Pendant

Back Garden – 19.5/20

An indoor/outdoor room, the space was an entertainer’s dream. Romy loved the lazar cut treatment on the wall, the built-in seating and fire pit. Darren liked the ceiling, paneling, flooring, dining solution, TV and BBQ. With the only miss being the lack of taller plants to break up the space.

Our pick to buy: Fab Outdoor Fabrics

So now that it’s all over, do you think the right team won? And what did you think of Reno Rumble in general, will you be tuning in next season?

Reno Rumble’s sudden death semi-final

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 9, 2015
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After five long weeks of renovating, it’s finally down to two! With Sunday’s semi-final reveal seeing the Redbacks (Kyal and Kara and Josh and Jenna) sent packing. It was a tight race, with the Blue Tongues (Ayden and Jess and Carly and Leighton) winning by just half a point!

So what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Blue Tongues

Carly and Leighton

With a brief that was contemporary shaker, Carly and Leighton’s bathroom was full of hits. Very spacious, the judges loved the new layout, having placed the bathroom where a bedroom once was. Perfect for a family, they loved the semi-freestanding bath, the large shower, the speakers and the mirror. They did however think the floor tiles needed to be bigger, the grout was too light and the tapware just a little too bling for the brief.

Our pick to buy: Outdoor Angle Leg Stool

Ayden and Jess

While they had used the same tiles as in the bathroom, the judges thought for the laundry they worked perfectly. Loving the putty coloured cabinetry, the oak laminate bench top, the magnitude of storage and tapware, the room had zero misses!

Into Ayden and Jess’ second space of the kitchen and the judges loved the pitched skylights. Both architecturally beautiful and right on brief, the judges applauded how light and bright they made the space feel. Darren loved the island bench and the use of the laminate for the bench top. Romy liked the tapware and the sophisticated colour palette. No misses, once again!

Our pick to buy: Scanda Marble & Leather Vase in Black

Team Area

The judges thought the living and dining area had great furniture and styling. However, they did think the pendant over the dining table was too close to the living space and that the banquette seating was too high. Overall they believed the space was incredibly stylish and aesthetically pleasing, but not 100% functional.

Our pick to buy: Benetta Loveseat Leather Sofa in Tan

Redbacks

Josh and Jenna

More mansion than little suburban home, the judges thought the bathroom hit the nail on the head for the brief of understated elegance. Darren loved the large format travertine style tiles and how they were used to the ceiling. Romy thought the tapware was elegant and the basin a great choice. However, both judges did agree that the bathroom would have been better placed where the third bedroom was and that the bath was too dwarfed in the space.

Team Area

The judges loved the living and dining area, especially its large size. The skylights got a big tick, as did the furniture and fireplace. The miss of the space was the pendants over the dining table, which Romy described as: “cheap and nasty!”

Our pick to buy: Carol Batchelor Limited Edition Print ‘Reverie 06’

Kyal and Kara

A gorgeous kitchen, the judges thought it was homely, beautifully styled and perfect for cooking and entertaining. Darren thought nothing needed to be added to the space. Into the butler’s pantry/laundry and Romy thought it was both beautiful and functional. Both judges agreed it was a space with zero misses.

Ayden and Jess and Carly and Leighton will now go head to head for the $100,000 cash prize. Who do you want to win? My fingers are crossed for crowd favourites Ayden & Jess!

How to get the Reno Rumble kitchen look

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date May 14, 2015
No Comments on How to get the Reno Rumble kitchen look

The Block’s record-breaking auction!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 30, 2015
No Comments on The Block’s record-breaking auction!

How I feel about The Block auction is how I imagine sport fanatics feel about grand final night. Emotional, excited and exhilarated! And I can happily say last night’s did not disappoint!

11173339_421195878061626_9084041119302418305_n — Photo credit: Scotty Cam

Having had to choose the auction order from a hat, Tim and Anastasia picked out a big, scary ‘1’, meaning they were first up. First seemed to be the position no one wanted, so I must admit I let out a sigh of relief that it was them over my favourites Dea and Daz.

With their reserve standing at $1,420,000, the auctioneer started and in what felt like seconds, it became a bidding war between buyers’ advocate judges Frank Valentic and Nicole Jacobs. Tim and Anastasia’s profit shot past $500,000, then the bids shot past $2 million and suddenly they were making a brand new Block record. Holy moley! A minute later it was over, the property sold for $2,175,000, $755,000 over reserve. Which saw their winnings stand at $100,000 higher than we’d ever seen on The Block! And to think they were going to walk away from it all! My goodness. No words.

11174849_421188021395745_6332979662019467137_n — Tim and Anastasia. Photo credit: Scotty Cam

Next up were Ayden and Jess, Jen’s favourites. Down to earth Jess said she would love $250,000 for a house and would be happy with $50,000 for a deposit. Turns out she didn’t have much to worry about! With the reserve at $1,335,000, once again the bidding started off quickly. It didn’t take long to get up to $1.7 million, with a profit of $365,000. “You’ve just got yourself a house and a pool!” said Scotty. It kept rising and ended up bang on $2 million, with a total winnings of $665,000. They didn’t beat Tim and Anastasia, but not a bad effort at all!

Screen Shot 2015-04-30 at 9.27.14 am — Ayden and Jess. Photo credit: Scotty Cam

[contextly_sidebar id=”Yjxg4U9DI2iOoEUqIS0DcHi76RsDzLN4″]Ad break after ad break and then the couple I had been waiting for: Dea and Daz. My fingers were crossed there wouldn’t be a repeat of last year, where they took home a measly $10,000 for their efforts. The reserve was at $1,455,000 and they had to reach $2,210,000 to beat Tim and Anastasia. Could they do it? Yes, yes, yes! In the quickest bidding we’d seen, the bids flew over the $2 million mark in a flash. I was a bit too busy jumping up and down to keep up with writing down the figures (apologies for that!) but they shot past Tim and Anastasia, taking home $835,000 and selling their property for $2,290,000. This is just crazy money! As Dea said: “I’m speechless for the first time ever.”

Finally it was Josh and Charlotte’s turn. To win, they had to sell theirs for $2,225,000. The reserve was at $1,390,000 and the first bid? $1,800,000! As usual, bids were coming thick and fast. In the end, they sold their property for $2,200,000; just $25,000 shy of Dea and Daz. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be and they took home a profit of $810,000. Hardly a fail though!

Josh and Charlotte. Photo credit: Scotty Cam

What a success for all! Though I must admit the cynic in me thinks Channel 9 made the reserves unrealistically low because of last year’s disaster! Buyers’ advocate Nicole even said a few weeks back that she thought Ayden and Jess’ was worth in the $2 millions, yet their reserve was $1.3 million! But hey, it made for better TV and the contestants got to take home an amazing amount of money for their hard work, so no complaints.

This series, The Block gave away a record-breaking $3 million and my favourites, Dea and Daz won, going home with $935,000 (including the extra $100,000 they got for winning). So all in all I’d say it was worth the ten weeks of hard work!

Until next time, Blockheads.

Tags ayden and jess, dea and darren, dea and daz, design, interiors, josh and charlotte, scotty cam, the block, the block auction, tim and anastasia

Interviews Kitchens RENO ADDICT The Block

Our kitchen week video interview with The Block’s Ayden & Jess

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 7, 2015
No Comments on Our kitchen week video interview with The Block’s Ayden & Jess

Are you getting Block room reveal withdrawals like we are?! There isn’t one until Sunday! That’s almost another week! To keep you going, check out the latest episode of Interiors Addict TV with our newest contributor Lauren Ellis.

Lauren interviews my personal favourite couple Ayden and Jess (I just love these two, even though their rooms aren’t always the best) about their kitchen, tips and trends. And not surprisingly, cabinet maker Ayden thinks getting your local cabinet maker’s help is a fantastic idea!

And PS. how well does Jess scrub up?! Glam!

Enjoy!

Watch all our other episodes of Interiors Addict TV.

Tags ayden and jess, design, interiors, interiors addict tv, kitchen, kitchen trends, kitchen week, kitchens, room reveal, the block, triple threat, video

House Tours The Block

Josh & Charlotte win last night’s Block living/dining reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 16, 2015
8 Comments on Josh & Charlotte win last night’s Block living/dining reveals

I’ve got to say, they were all pretty impressive room reveals last night, don’t you think? There was a fair amount of controversy though with changes to architect’s plans, and Dee and Darren not presenting finished rooms. I was really happy for Charlotte and Josh to win though as they definitely needed a cash injection! I much preferred this week’s reveals to last week’s. I just couldn’t get excited about those utilitarian rooms! Give me soft furnishings any day!

Onto the judging…

Charlotte & Josh: WINNERS for the first time!

It was a great first impression in the dining room with the smell of the real timber floor and the leather. Darren said the floor gave an extra level of rarity. Neale said it had a beautiful sense of simplicity. Shaynna said the dining room isn’t dead and this could be used for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They all loved the dining chairs and when Neale took a seat he said it passed his dinner party test (i.e. was comfortable!). Eagle eye Darren was first to spot the dodgy paintwork but none of the judges could let it slide. Overall, they thought the dining room was great though; understated but luxurious.

In the living room, they loved the easy-to-use automation from the iPad and the movie mode and surround sound in particular. Neale said the room lacked a bit of personality though. While he liked the furniture he felt it needed another layer. Darren said it was missing a wow factor but Shaynna disagreed. She loved the simplicity and harmony. She loved the zen, sanctuary feel. Neale was still just slightly underwhelmed though. Ultimately, all three loved it but wanted a little bit more to push it to the next level.

Our pick to buy: Dining table.

Tim & Anastasia: third place.

That bulkhead for the air con did NOT go down well in the dining room. Neale said the room felt small and wrong. Shaynna wanted to walk out straight away, Neale didn’t want to be there. Darren said it needed a big mirror. Neale loved the brass pendants and said he’d take them with him. But without them, he said the rest felt a little generic. Shaynna didn’t like the fabric chairs or the styling. Neale said they were working with a style that wasn’t their own. Ouch!

Onto the living room and Neale said it also looked like a showroom and lacked soul. He said the matching art was a mistake. Shaynna said it made Megan Weston’s work, which she loves, look pedestrian. She also spotted that there was nowhere for the DVD player etc and there’d be wires everywhere. She sad she couldn’t picture how you’d actually live in and use the room. Darren didn’t like the pink in the art, cushions and curtains and said it needed another colour to break it all up. Shaynna said it was too matchy-matchy with everything in pairs (like Noah’s ark, said Neale!).

Our pick to buy: Prism credenza.

Ayden & Jess: second place.

Neale liked the dining room and thought it worked beautifully. Darren said the chairs perfectly complemented the table. Shaynna said it had a lot of character in a simple way and Neale loved the pendants. Shaynna loved the LED ceiling treatment. Neale said it felt very well finessed and gelled together well. Shaynna and Neale said time would tell if moving the plans around had been a good call. Darren said he was crossing his fingers!

Onto the living room, Neale and Shaynna loved the light. Shaynna thought there was far too much going on and it made the room feel smaller. Neale agreed it needed to lose a few elements. Darren was relieved there was no couch facing the TV and said it was a more friendly, conversational layout than the one Jess originally planned. He would have preferred a lounge room flowing onto the terrace though. Neale agreed, you change the architect’s plans at your peril. Much as he liked what they’d done, he thinks it would have been better with a different room layout.

Our pick to buy: Mark Tuckey zinc dining table.

Dee & Daz: Last place.

Shaynna was first to criticise their decision to change the plans around. They all agreed the kitchen should have stayed where it was. Darren said it was a very avoidable issue and the architect knew best. The more they saw, the more unimpressed they were. Shaynna said nobody needed a kitchen that big and Neale called it a total tragedy, because what had been delivered was beautiful. Shaynna said the couple thought they knew better and Neale agreed, saying they were now falling on their own sword. On the plus side, Shaynna said the artwork, furniture and styling were perfect.

In the lounge room, Darren loved the floorboards and the fireplace. Neale said it was exactly what he expected to see and he loved it, that the minimalism was clever. Shaynna said the styling was great but would have liked a window treatment. Neale said it appealed to a certain type of buyer that liked simple sophistication. He wasn’t convinced they’d made the right choices and thought Dee had been hotheaded and thought she knew better than the architect. Shaynna concluded she wasn’t wowed and the apartment didn’t currently comply with building codes. The judges hoped it was all part of a master plan that would work in the future.

Our pick to buy: Photographic prints by Trevor Mein and Susan Knight from Otomys.

So, did you agree with the judges?

Next week: en suites!

Tags ayden and jess, dee and darren, dee and daz, dining, double ds, interiors, josh and charlotte, judges, judging, living, room reveals, the block, triple threat

Bedrooms The Block

The Block Triple Threat controversial second bedroom judging!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 2, 2015
3 Comments on The Block Triple Threat controversial second bedroom judging!

Hoorah for all three judges ‘proper’ this week: Neale, Shaynna and Darren! And definitely the most entertaining judging of the series so far. Loved it! Didn’t those Jimmy Possum challenge beds (I wasn’t a fan!) cause trouble?! There was also much talk about just how much inspiration Tim and Anastasia had taken from Darren’s mentoring session (perhaps too much?) and then there was the Neale and Shaynna fallout over Dea and Darren’s room. And to top it all off, Darren pointed out that many of the things in Dea and Darren’s room were exactly the same as those he had used in Jennifer Hawkins’ home, which is featured in his book, prompting Shaynna to ask who was the copycat now?

But ultimately, Tim & Anastasia came first, beating their besties Dea and Darren by half a point despite them having taken a point off them due to winning the bed challenge. Here’s a recap of the judging…

Charlotte & Josh: 3rd place

Shaynna’s first impressions were “very crisp” and Neale said it had a beautiful colonial feel. Darren agreed it was a lot better than their first bedroom.

That bed was dividing though. Shaynna found it too messy. Darren loved the unmade look. But then Shaynna talked him round! And Neale said in South Yarra people make their beds! But he loved the colour palette and called it absolutely beautiful.

Controversially, they didn’t use their Jimmy Possum bed from the challenge because it didn’t work with everything else. Not that the judges knew anything about the challenge. The show left us thinking this is something they’re going to regret later! Big time. Eek!

Neale found the styling a little twee but Darren dug it! Shaynna said the lighting plan was perfect. It was all going so well until Shaynna pointed out the bad finish on the windows (whoops, Charlotte!).

Shaynna said they had their confidence back but Neale said it still lacked some of the energy and oomph he saw in the elimination rounds.

Our pick to buy: Hessian blue velvet cushion

Tim & Anastasia: WINNERS by half a point!

“They have come on quite a journey since the cat,” noted Neale! Darren couldn’t get the smile off his face and was amused by the use of seagrass wallpaper… again! But was it a happy smile? Hmmm… He wasn’t sure how he felt about the replication of ‘his’ mentor room. He also thought the cushions were a little expensive for a guest room!

They loved the built-in dressing table and the carpet. Darren said the linen was better and not cheap and nasty like the first bedroom. Neale said they’d taken much more than the grasscloth from Darren’s mentoring sessions. But they all loved the black windows and the window treatments, including electric blinds.

Sadly, the switch hidden behind the bed (due to using the challenge bed rather than the one they had already bought) wasn’t missed! Neale said the style was suited to an older buyer but they needed to run with it now for the rest of the apartment.

Our pick to buy: Elliot pendant light

Ayden & Jess: last place

Despite a mentoring and shopping session with Neale this week, it wasn’t a great week for these two. The judges found the lights were hung too high and there was no focal point. When they removed the cushions hiding the Jimmy Possum bedhead, they actually liked it! Eek! Darren thought the wardrobe was too small even though the room was designed for guests, as you might want to change its use later on.

Neale said the custom bedsides were oversized to compensate for the wardrobe. And he found everything styled on them way too small, saying he could see no evidence of the things he and Jess had discussed on their shopping trip in Sydney. It left him saying the room was lacking personality despite having a good finish and not being a bad room. And it didn’t say South Yarra.

Our pick to buy: Berber zig zag rug

Dea & Darren : 2nd place

“Welcome to The Block Grasscloth,” quipped Neale. “What have I done?” asked Darren. Shaynna didn’t see all the fuss, declaring that Dea didn’t invent grasscloth wallpaper! Darren said it was executed beautifully but didn’t like the powerpoint below the art.

Neale found the whole room very appealing and if he had to check into a boutique hotel room in South Yarra this was what he’d expect. Darren loved the colour palette and the execution.

[contextly_sidebar id=”g83yqkS54nVYEXKAf4CVNTGafLoe0gmO”]But then Shaynna made a face and called the bedhead (the challenge-winning one) HORRENDOUS and so over the top it was ridiculous! She also thought the wall sconce lights didn’t work and were too industrial.

Neale however, said he bloody loved it, including the leopard print, and found it sexy. And then began an argument between Shaynna and Neale that did make me chuckle! Darren was left somewhat awkward and amused in the middle! I loved how they both stood by their opinions. Neale called it genius and Shaynna called it gaudy.

Darren then went on to list everything he had used in Jennifer Hawkins’ bedroom, seen in his book, which had also been used in the room. Say no more.

Our pick to buy: Hale Mercantile Co. Crush linen throw

Most entertaining judging of the series so far if you ask me! What did you think? I’m pretty much in agreement with the judges this week. There wasn’t much between the top two rooms, Josh and Charlotte’s was definitely next best and my favourites, Ayden and Jess, just didn’t come up with the goods this week, I’m sad to say.

All our Block posts in one place.

Tags ayden and jess, bedroom, darren and dea, darren palmer. shaynna blaze, grasscloth, josh and charlotte, judges, melbourne, neale whitaker, seagrass, south yarra, the block, tim and anastasia, triple threat, wallpaper

Bathrooms The Block

Last night’s Block bathroom reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 23, 2015
5 Comments on Last night’s Block bathroom reveals

The TVCs all week left us with no doubt that Ayden and Jess – my current favourites – made an expensive mistake with their gorgeous (if overdone) hexagonal marble tiles so it was little surprise they came last in last night’s bathroom reveals. And as much as Dee got my goat last week with the whole accusing Darren Palmer of copying thing, I have to admit the double Ds’ bathroom was far and away the best. Then again, they have had the practice. But credit where credit’s due, it was a slick effort, even making me change my mind on their black mosaic tile choice which I initially thought to be on the tacky side of bling. It worked and the contrast was great.

I do love a good bathroom reveal. Today’s bathrooms are not the flat, sterile, functional spaces they used to be. There are so many options these days to add interest, warmth, texture and a real sanctuary feel. As a huge bath fan, I spend a lot of time in my bathroom, and in particular, the tub. I just hope pregnancy doesn’t render me too big to get out one day…

Back to the judging!

Josh & Charlotte – came 3rd

Shaynna Blaze loved its simplicity and Neale Whitaker was happy to see them back to the sophisticated aesthetic they showed at the start. Shaynna loved the tapware and lighting but John McGrath (standing in for Darren Palmer this week) thought the colours might date. Shaynna pointed out there wasn’t enough lighting and the task lighting was in the wrong places, like over the toilet! The lack of benchtop space also bothered her. Overall, Neale said it was a case of good taste but bad planning.

Our pick to buy: round mirror in the style of Josh & Charlotte’s.

Tim & Anastasia – came 2nd

Coming last last week definitely shook this pair’s confidence, not to mention Dee’s copying accusations, leaving Anastasia crying in the bathroom showroom earlier in the week. Their bathroom week seemed pretty disastrous, losing a builder and a toilet cistern, but they definitely pulled themselves back from the brink and I loved their finished room. John and Neale agreed they’d responded well to last week’s criticism and Darren’s advice and lifted their game. Neale said they had their mojo back and it was a 100 percent improvement from their bedroom reveal. John said it was a 200 percent improvement! Touches like ample storage and heated flooring impressed them all but Shaynna didn’t like the inconsistency of three different styles of powerpoints.

Our pick to buy: Tom Dixon candle.

Ayden & Jess — came last

[contextly_sidebar id=”zzOqMn0njD6AOYa7B3B25yCdUwORfMde”]Ah, those tiles! Neale’s first impression was “busy” and Shaynna’s “overwhelming”. She went one further to say they were amazing, beautiful tiles, but the look has been cheapened by using them wall to wall. Neale said their impact had been lost and that the vanity/sink combo was completely impractical with nowhere to shave. It didn’t get much better with Shaynna saying the blonde timber was all wrong. The lighting, Neale’s favourite element, was brilliant, he said, and John loved the timber floor in the shower. Another thing none of them liked was the creation of a separate toilet, which they said was old fashioned and unnecessary. Shaynna said if you’re going to take space away from the bedroom, you need to at least put a bath in and make it a real luxury. And she also spotted there was no way of opening the shutter on the window. Whoops. Neale said the room was frustrating because they were talented; there was lot to like but they needed to calm down and choose their hero, not make everything the hero!

To make matters worse, it seems they don’t yet realise quite how much they spent on those tiles. Eek!

Our pick to buy: Saba pendants.

Darren & Dee – came first by half a point (after Ayden & Jess took one off them, part of last week’s prize)

Dee was, as ever, super confident from the start. Darren of course, was sick and admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

The judges had very little other than positives to say about this room. “Glamour, glamour, glamour,” began Neale. Shyanna said it was instantly different from all the other rooms. Neale said it had oomph. Practical Shaynna wasn’t sure the double shower with short shower screen was practical. John loved it for its aesthetics. Shaynna said there was nowhere to put a hairdryer etc on the vanity, which made it dangerous. But nobody could knock the storage!

Our pick to buy: Scent of Home candle.

[contextly_sidebar id=”9hShRp8IAwJm9w1mRq0U9KgIgIvtT3XQ”]

Tags anastasia and tim, ayden and jess, bathroom, beaumont tiles, darren and dee, darren palmer, hexagonal tiles, hsyanna blaze, john mcgrath, judges, judging, neale whitaker, room reveal, the block, tiles

Bedrooms House Tours The Block

The results of the first REAL Block Triple Threat room reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 16, 2015
14 Comments on The results of the first REAL Block Triple Threat room reveals

What excellent viewing last night was! A return to my favourite Sunday night Block room reveals and not three but SIX with three by the newbies and three by the returning all-star couples. Plenty of emotion (mainly from a tearful Bec, bless her) and some honest judging that spanned from downright harsh through to glowing. This is what reality TV’s all about!

Darren and Dee won the all stars' contest — Controversial Darren and Dee won the all stars’ contest

Judges Darren Palmer (we love his new specs!) and Neale Whitaker were joined by real estate guru John McGrath for the big task this week. The winners of the newbie round were my current faves Ayden & Jess and Bec & George and Matt & Kim went home, despite producing great rooms, while Darren & Dee got to stay and become the fourth couple.

Ayden and Jess were judged best out of the newcomers

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

First, to the newbies. The judges didn’t think any of their rooms were really good enough. The judging was pretty harsh but, in my opinion, warranted. It’s early days though!

Charlotte & Josh (second place)

Charlotte spent up big at Coco Republic but expensive furniture was not enough. Darren said there was a lot of stuff in the room and loved the wall finish, the simple linen and smart choice of flooring. The bedside is one of his favourite pieces out there at the moment but he felt it too big for the room. Neale had an issue with the art, even though it referenced the neighbourhood (too young and poppy to go with the furniture). The art jarred with the neutral look and feel. John agreed the decor didn’t quite work. Darren and John hated the built-in doors and handles (a bit dated). No more Mr Nice Guy with Darren tonight who said the window dressing was a bit asylum-y. Eek! Neale said their elimination challenge rooms were better and he was disappointed. John said it seemed they hadn’t realised the competition had started. Ouch all round!

Our pick to buy: The go-with-everything Azure bedhead from Forty Winks.

Tim & Anastasia (third place)

The automatic blind impressed Darren and John who said it was what buyers in this market were looking for. Not surprisingly, the judges spotted the hideous toy cat on the windowsill (why?!) and they were NOT impressed. Neale said he felt he’d seen everything in the room many times over and called it generic. John said it felt decorated out of a seaside gift store. Cringe! Neale was again disappointed. John found the crosses theme “annoying” and said the room was not all things to all people and rather nothing to no one. At this point, Darren declared himself definitely cranky Daz! Distinctly awkward!

Our pick to buy: Karpenter bedside table by Curious Grace.

Ayden & Jess (first place — by half a point)

Ayden and Jess’ dynamic continued to make me giggle this week. They’re definitely my favourites to watch. Darren said the room was off to a good start. Neale said it had soul to it and personality. They all liked the wing-backed bedhead and even Darren said there were too many cushions on the bed (nine!) and he didn’t love the pendants. Darren said the flooring was a little plasticky. Neale concluded it wasn’t perfect but had a sense of creativity and flair. Darren said they had shown a fighting spirit and tried to up the ante.

Our pick to buy: Shibori hand dyed throw.

THE FORMER CONTESTANTS

Then onto the all-stars… The judges were not told who did each room or even which all-stars they were judging. It seemed so mean that two of the three had to go home when they all did so so well and in a class above the newbies (and let’s face it, they’ve had a lot more experience). I picked the winners straight off though: Dee and Darren. But wow, they were all good! Painful!

Bec & George

Darren immediately said “we’ve stepped into a whole different level of the game. There is no comparison to the rooms we’ve just been in”. John said it proved a great idea was all about execution not budget. Neale said the room said experience and it was in a different league. The flooring was amazing. Neale said the artwork was stunning. Darren loved the warmth of the timber and the lights. Neale said it said modern luxury. John said it spoke to the market. All the judges like the custom gold leaf plant holder. Bec was so wowed by the positive comments that she cried, saying even if they didn’t stay they’d achieved everything they wanted to. Which was just as well as sadly, they did end up going home.

Our pick to buy: Chunky knitt cushion from The Home Journal and Creativity is Limitless cushion from Created By Boys.

Matt & Kim

This pair really seemed to take the opportunity seriously too, making brave choices. I loved their paneling and elegant choices. The judges were wowed by the different aesthetic and approach. Neale thought it felt very romantic and elegant. He said the detailing was very special. Darren liked the timber floor on a diagonal. They said it was a room that would appeal to anyone with design savvy. Darren said it felt like a jewellery box to him and that when the newbies walked through these all-star apartments they would freak out! Darren said whoever went home, it was a big shame.

Our pick to buy: Limited edition photographs by Sarah Stockman.

Dee & Darren (winners by one point!)

Darren said the apartment was beautiful and he loved the grasscloth wallpaper. Neale said it was seamless, calm and relaxing and this was the room he felt like unpacking his bag in. Darren said it was the first bedhead he’d seen that he really wanted to sleep in. John said it was neither harsh contemporary nor classical and steered a nice road down the middle. Darren loved the dropped ceiling and the shadow line (Daz’s choice, which wasn’t popular with Dee!) and said they looked expensive. Less is more definitely won!

Our pick to buy: Boyd Blue grass weave wallpaper, Dome pendant lights by Mud Australia and photographic print by Chris Warnes from Otomys.

MY THOUGHTS

I have to say I agreed with pretty much all of the judges’ comments this week. All three all-star couples did brilliantly. I was most surprised and impressed by Matt and Kim in a way, taking into account their attention to detail, effort and the huge difference to anything of theirs we have seen before. The paneling was fab and the lighting was perfect. Winners Dee and Darren had my favourite room but Bec and George’s was also great (that floor worked much better then I predicted).

[contextly_sidebar id=”LLyvoP3LOeooSBEuodjPlUTbe7JzgC62″]It seems pretty unfair that the newbies’ work had to be compared to the more experienced former contestants’ this week as they were never ever going to match up! I really didn’t vibe Tim and Anastasia’s room at all and the soft toy dog they left on the windowsill killed me (I don’t care if it was your neighbours’ kid’s! What were you thinking?!). A tacky toy on the windowsill of what is supposed to be a high-end apartment is never going to go unnoticed or go down well. I found the colour scheme a bit jarring and the styling uninspired. As the judges said, Josh and Charlotte’s room was a bit too much about the art, which I didn’t love, and I hated the opaque glass built-in doors. I still have high hopes for this pair though. And Ayden and Jess, my favourites at this point, did the best in my view. Their room looked less embarrassing compared to the all-star couples’ slick efforts. The floor was a bit wrong though.

And before I go, can I just say, once again, how disappointing and ridiculous I find the huge amounts of bitching on The Block Facebook page and elsewhere (Darren and Dee’s page too) about the result and the show supposedly being rigged. And people being massively over the top about winners being announced on social media before all states have had a chance to see the outcome? Calm down, people, it’s just a TV show! I personally couldn’t watch the show last night because I was having dinner with my in laws. So I recorded it and then deliberately stayed off Twitter and Facebook until after I’d watched it a few hours later (in order to write this post and for my own enjoyment). Had I accidentally found out before I watched, well do you know what? It’s really not that big of a deal. Sigh. I just wish people would put as much effort and passion into fighting some of life’s real injustices rather than spouting venom about a reality TV show and its contestants.

So, what did you think? I’m sure the all stars’ winner decision will be controversial being that Dee and Daz are a bit love ’em or hate ’em! And simply because all three couples made top efforts. Poor judges, that was hard! But that’s reality TV for you! Roll on this week!

The Block

Episode one of The Block Triple Threat last night

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 28, 2015
No Comments on Episode one of The Block Triple Threat last night

The Block Triple Threat’s first episode certainly got off to an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, shouting-at-the-TV start last night! Or was that just me shouting and sighing?! Love it!

It was our first chance to get to know the six new couples who will become three before we know it. I don’t feel like I want to get too attached but I’m already starting to form opinions and decide who I might grow to like and who might become annoying! Cousins Brooke and Aimee for example; they’re so clueless yet optimistic, it’s hugely entertaining. I’m still chuckling at the comment that their knowledge of tools was limited to having dated a lot of them! They’re fun but seem worryingly laid back and I’ll be surprised if they make ti though, but I’m prepared to be proven wrong!

WA brother and sister duo (The Block’s first) Luke and Ebony, a carpenter and an interior designer, are also really likeable as are down to earth Queensland couple Ayden and Jess (although it’s clear Jess is the one who will keep things on track!).

I’m not getting strong vibes about the other couples yet which makes me wonder if the editing is showing us more of those who will get through, but it’s such early days, who knows?

They’re not in the Block proper yet, but a rather grotty apartment block with teeny tiny rooms to makeover as their first challenges. Tonight, in episode two, we will see the six room reveals after each couple completes (we hope) their first in 24 hours and with a budget of $10,000. With the lack of progress seen in some of them last night, I don’t hold out much hope! And one couple will be eliminated before the night is out.

[contextly_sidebar id=”gQJOO8bx0FYEiIGnybh9pu5mmV3oAcsy”]New crew member Dan Reilly, previously of Dan and Dani, was introduced as Keith’s righthand man helper ‘foreboy’. Read our interview with Dan.

Once six become five tonight, the next challenge will be a living/dining area each in just 48 hours. Then five will become four and they’ll have 72 hours to complete a bathroom each (let’s hope they’re working a bit faster by this point, eh?). Clearly, the new couples don’t yet know anything about being joined by three previous couples Matt and Kim, Darren and Dee and Bec and George. The producers wouldn’t be smart if they didn’t drag that surprise (for them) out a little longer.

If you missed last night’s episode, you can watch/record the encore on Channel 9 at 1.30pm today.

Tags ayden and jess, bec and george, brooke and aimee, brother and sister, contestants, cousins, dan reilly, dee and darren, ebony and luke, first episode, foreboy, matt and kim, room reveal, the block

The Block

What to expect from The Block 2015: Triple Threat?

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date December 29, 2014
6 Comments on What to expect from The Block 2015: Triple Threat?

We can’t wait for it to be back and, judging by how many of you read our Block roundups and how many new readers we acquire when it’s on, you do too! Love it or hate it, you tune in, right?! The Block is great for Interiors Addict and we can’t help getting hooked, even when we get a little over the challenges and the drama at times. You can’t beat those room reveals. Bring back Sunday nights and judging controversy, I say!

So, what do we know about the next series, coming early next year, so far? It’s in Melbourne again (boo!) and it’s called Triple Threat. That’s because the new couples will be up against three pairs of former contestants: Bec and George, Matt and Kim and Dee and Darren (can I get a pantomine-style boooooooooooo?!). The public’s reaction to the choice of former contestants making a comeback has been mixed to say the least, especially with Dee and her less then friendly comments (remember when she called Shaynna a bogan?!) fresh in viewers’ minds! But this is reality TV, let’s not forget that. If everyone got on swimmingly that would probably be very dull, despite everyone’s comments to the contrary. I’d put money on many of those I’ve seen commenting on The Block Facebook Page that they will be boycotting the show because of the Double Ds’ return will secretly be tuning in and getting their knickers in a twist!

We haven’t heard much from Matt and Kim recently, although they did appear on their own Domestic Blitz show, Matt and Kim to the Rescue recently and Matt tells me they have lots of exciting things in the pipeline this year. We’ll be sharing one of their most recent design projects on the blog later this week, in fact, so stay tuned! Bec of Bec and George launched her own blog at the end of 2013 and the popular pair have been busy with their own renovations. Bec also recently announced a style consultant role for Nostra Homes. Of course, both these couples went head to head on The Block Sky High. As for Dee and Darren, they’ve barely had a chance to recharge their batteries since losing Glass House to lovable Shannon and Simon in October.

They’ve started introducing the new couples too. Ayden and Jess are parents of two and he’s a big Scotty fan.

Photo: jumpin.com.au — Photo: 9jumpin.com.au

Ebony and Luke are the first ever brother and sister sibling duo on The Block. About time really!

We’ll bring you more as and when we hear it! In other Block news, former contestants Dale and Sophie have had a baby boy called Van and judge Shaynna Blaze totally rocked it with a singing performance at Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight, looking amazing.

Find all The Block latest here.

Tags 2015, ayden and jess, baby, bec and george, carols, dale and sophie, dee and darren, ebony and luke, glass house, matt and kim, scott cam, shannon and simon, shaynna blaze, sky high, south yarra, the block, triple threat, van byron