Tag: bec and george

9 former Block couples now working in design

Post author By ClickWP
Post date December 18, 2015
3 Comments on 9 former Block couples now working in design

You love them on The Block and then suddenly auction day comes and goes and they’re out of your life. However, while some contestants go back to their pre-Block life, others harness their new love of design and decide to give a job as a stylist, designer, builder or TV star a red-hot go! Below are the contestants doing just that.

Dan and Dani: Dorcas Street, South Melbourne (2012) and All Stars (2013)

Following on from their successes on The Block, Dani Wales said goodbye to her career in finance and founded interiors blog and e-commerce site Basic Habitat. She also returned to TV as the co-host on home and lifestyle series, Healthy Homes TV Australia. Meanwhile, Dan ‘Foredan’ Reilly upscaled his carpentry qualifications and is now a qualified Master Builder. For the past two seasons of The Block, he has worked alongside Keith as an assistant foreman. Dan and Dani have also recently launched design and construction company Red Door Project and have almost completed a two–year long renovation project in Melbourne’s Inner West.

Josh and Jenna: Cameron Street, Richmond (2011) and All Stars (2013)

Since being on The Block, plumber Josh Densten and wife and hairdresser Jenna, have found a true passion for renovation, in particular interior styling and decorating. Jenna has completed a Diploma of Interior Design & Decoration at RMIT and in partnership with Josh, has renovated and built a handful of properties. They have also started their own style and design business Bicker Design Co., the name stemming from their trademark of bickering whilst on the The Block! They are currently ambassadors for Beacon Lighting where they launched the Josh and Jenna Range of lights and earlier this year featured on new renovation show, Reno Rumble.

Alisa and Lysandra: Sky High (2013) and Fans Vs Faves (2014)

After a successful career in the police force, Alisa and Lysandra Fraser hung up their handcuffs for the pursuit of their dream, which kick-started with their appearance and winning success on the The Block. They now have a successful interior design business, are resident experts on our sister site Reno Addict and have collaborated with Grafico on a wallpaper range, United Artworks on an artwork range and Forty Winks on a bedroom range.

Shay and Dean: Blocktagon (2015)

After their recent win on The Block, Shay and Dean Paine have launched the fresh and innovative design brand The Wild Creatives. Featuring an online shop and a range of interior design consultancy options, we’re confident this is only the beginning for the duo.

Bec and George: Sky High (2013)

Since filming wrapped up Bec and George Douros certainly haven’t put down the hammer and nails. Bec completed studying at the International Institute of Home Staging and launched both Empire of Style, an interior design and consulting business, and blog Bec Marks The Spot, where she draws on her former life working in the beauty industry as well as her current life as a mini real estate mogul with husband George, who has been busy building and developing properties. The couple have also recently been appointed the first ever ambassadors for Melbourne based construction company Nostra Homes and style ambassadors for Australia’s leading homewares brand Adairs.

Kyal and Kara: Fans vs Faves (2014)

Now running their own construction, renovation and styling business, Diverse Design and Construct, qualified carpenter Kyal Demmrich and his wife, physiotherapist and style-guru Kara help transform clients’ visions into a beautiful and practical reality. They are also brand ambassadors for leading tile manufacturer Beaumont Tiles and clothing brand Bisley Workwear and starred in this year’s debut season of Reno Rumble.

Matt and Kim: Sky High (2013)

After appearing on The Block, plasterer turned architecture student Matt Di Costa and teacher Kim Owen got straight into designing and project managing a Perth build. Since then they’ve gone on to design many other projects, landed their own TV show Matt and Kim to the Rescue (exclusively shown in Perth) and Matt also launched polished plastering business, Sky High Renders, for archirectural wall finishes and polished concrete custom furniture. They also gave The Block another crack, however got eliminated in the first round of The Block Triple Threat.

Simon and Shannon: Glasshouse (2014)

With the The Block win under their belt Simon and Shannon Vos have remained busy. Builder, plumber and site foreman Simon opened his business VOSA, where he offers a complete start to finish service, from interiors to building and everything in between. Meanwhile Shannon has been studying interior design and now runs Vos Creative, where he provides interior design services, consulting and even writing. However, for those hoping to see them together again never fear, there are talks for a TV show!

Michael and Carlene: Glasshouse (2014)

After achieving the most number of room wins Michael and Carlene Duffy were destined to keep renovating. They founded Cedar & Suede, a design and construction service and candid renovation and design blog with video focus and also appeared in the inaugural season of Reno Rumble. They now have partnered with DecoRug, Homeworld Helensvale, Dri.Glo, Domain, and Open Colleges in a range of capacities.

Bedrooms Homewares The Block

Block favourite Bec Douros shares her styling tips with Adairs

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 10, 2015
No Comments on Block favourite Bec Douros shares her styling tips with Adairs

Block favourite Bec Douros has teamed up with Adairs as brand ambassador, helping launch their Autumn/Winter collection and proving that redecorating your home really is that easy!

“Adairs is a great Australian company that I shop at frequently,” says Bec. “I am working closely with them to help launch their new ranges and show everyone just how versatile they are. Together with Adairs we want to make the experience of redecorating your home a fun, easy and affordable one.”

Bec’s first role for Adairs has been shooting a series of videos for their Autumn/Winter collection. And with her warm and infectious personality, she is right at home using Adairs’ large product range to showcase easy-to-follow styling tips. “You can really get everything you need in the one place! I also think Adairs are extremely well price-pointed and that gives you the option of changing up your home season to season. The new range is full of high-quality products that you can mix and match. There are some great prints and bold colours.”

Bec’s experience as a contestant on The Block, and since then as an interior stylist and blogger, stand her in good stead as the new Adairs ambassador. Having used the range in her personal life, she shares tips and advice on how to best style the range and create a space you’re proud to call home.

Adairs’ Autumn/Winter 15 range is available exclusively at Adairs, Adairs Kids and Urban Home Republic stores nationwide and online.

Tags adairs, bec and george, Bec Douros, bed linen, bedding, bedroom, homewares, interiors, the block

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!

Interviews Kitchens RENO ADDICT The Block

As they prepare to go back on The Block, Bec & George show us their new kitchen

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 5, 2015
10 Comments on As they prepare to go back on The Block, Bec & George show us their new kitchen

Bec and George will be back on our screens soon in The Block Triple Threat. It’s fair to say they’ve been busy living a whirlwind life since starring in The Block Sky High in 2013 and being crowned the public’s favourites. Since filming wrapped up, they certainly haven’t put down the hammer and nails. The couple, who’ve been together for 11 years, recently finished construction on their latest home in Melbourne. They called on Freedom Kitchens to help design their kitchen. Here, Bec shares a few of her design tips.

Tell us about your latest renovation project.

This is one of two townhouses we’ve built in the Inner West suburb of Spotswood, five minutes from the CBD and five minutes from Williamstown beach. We’ve always loved this area and bought into it years ago before the boom! The project has taken us two years to plan and 18 months to build; a long process of ever-changing decisions and long days of work.

The kitchen renovation in particular is very elegant. What was your design brief?

I love to cook and entertain, so the main brief for the design was that I could oversee the dining, living, alfresco and backyard areas, as well as have a large space to prepare food. Clean lines, crisp white and plenty of storage were also key elements! Every detail was thought through.

What were your key objectives when working with your Freedom Kitchens designer to create this kitchen space?

Our main objectives throughout the design consultations, were to make sure we ticked all the boxes: functionality, ample preparation space, plenty of storage and something that won’t date quickly.

What materials have you selected and why?

We went for Freedom Kitchens’ Alaskan White Gloss cabinetry so that it would absorb all the natural light and really make the space feel light and airy. We added features like white shadow lines to be consistent with the all-white cabinetry. The integrated appliances just enhanced the symmetry and made the space look more complete.

You’ve essentially created an all-white kitchen but given it some serious wow factor. What are your tips for taking a white kitchen to the next level?

The great thing about having such a neutral base is you can really dress the area up with accessories and styling. The beauty of white is anything you add to it will just pop — like timber, metals and greenery.

You have a great eye for fashion and design. Of the current trends out there at the moment, what have you included and why?

The integrated appliances add such a modern touch to the kitchen. I also wanted to complement the white cabinetry with marble benchtops — this adds another texture to the space. My favourite element that is very on-trend at the moment is the copper pendants. I think they complement the space perfectly. We decided to add a butler’s pantry because I absolutely hate clutter on my bench! I like everything to be away. So this was the perfect solution.

How can people incorporate the latest trends without creating a kitchen that will date too quickly?

I think the best thing about adding accessories to dress the kitchen is that they are interchangeable. If copper goes out of fashion in a few years’ time, I can change over the pendants. Sticking with neutral colours and finishes will give you more time before having to do a revamp. You don’t have to necessarily go with all-white, but maybe an oyster grey. Steer away from bright colours like reds and don’t make the kitchen too heavy with something like all black.

–Book a Freedom Kitchen design appointment online. They’re having a one-day sale on 14 February. More details on their website.

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Tags all white, bec and george, copper, freedom kitchens, kitchen, kitchen design, kitchen trends, marble benchtop, melbourne, sky high, the block, triple threat

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

The Block

Darren and Dee are back in The Block Triple Threat!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 24, 2014
2 Comments on Darren and Dee are back in The Block Triple Threat!

So, did you see the big news? We’re privy to a bit of Block gossip around these parts and I’ve been hearing things about returning contestants for months, but none of it quite added up. Then tonight it was revealed that controversial Darren and Dee from the last series are back, alongside Matt and Kim from Sky High and Bec and George from the 2013 main series. Interesting choices… I’m not at all surprised at the choice to bring back ‘the Double Ds’ for a bit of drama as let’s face it, it’s reality TV and everyone loves to hate (I’m not sure I’ve forgiven bad loser Dee for calling Shaynna a bogan, but still). Bec and George were very popular contestants and Matt and Kim, well, who could forget that Jackson Pollock-inspired “crime scene” room?!

Only one of the three couples will get to play against the new couples, who have yet to be announced, though. I wonder how they’ll pick? I smell a challenge…

The hate talk about Darren and Dee has already started on the official Block Facebook Page (gosh, it’s a nasty, nasty place and if I were a judge or contestant I would never look at what the general public have to say!) with many saying they’ll refuse to watch. I don’t buy it though. Like I said, people love to hate…

I’ll be watching, of course — I always do — and bringing you the latest each and every week. Good job my sidekick (and serious Block fan) Olivia Shead will be back from her travels soon to help me!

The next series, currently filming in Melbourne, is expected to start airing early in the New Year, Let’s hope it’s not too far away.

Tags bec and george, channel nine, dee and darren, deeanne and darren, glasshouse, matt and kim, melbourne, nine, reality tv, renovating, shaynna blaze, sky high, the block, the double dees, triple threat

The Block

The Block’s Bec starts new fashion blog and online store

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 21, 2013
2 Comments on The Block’s Bec starts new fashion blog and online store

She won many hearts as one half of the likeable Bec and George on The Block Sky High and her latest venture is an online one.

Like Dani Wales, who started The Home Journal after being on the show, Bec Duros has started a blog, Bec Marks The Spot, offering fans an insight into her latest fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips and trends.

Tags bec and george, bec duros, bec geirge the block, bec marks the spot, blog, blogger, dani wales, fashion, lifestyle, the block, the block sky high, the home journal

Interiors Addict

The twins get the perfect score in the last Block room reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 26, 2013
3 Comments on The twins get the perfect score in the last Block room reveals

So, twins Alisa and Lysandra managed to get perfect 10s from all 3 judges last night. Did you think they deserved it? I must admit I agree theirs was the best room revealed this week.

The excitement is definitely building now for Sunday’s auction which seems to have been a really long time coming! The show has had great viewing figures throughout and it has been my favourite series so far. Have you been hooked too?

Tags alisa and lysandra, auction, bec and george, featured, madi and jarrod, room reveal, sean dix, sky high, the block, the twins, trixie and johnno, trixie johnno

Homewares The Block

Where to buy your favourites from last night’s The Block room reveal, including the tiles!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 22, 2013
4 Comments on Where to buy your favourites from last night’s The Block room reveal, including the tiles!

There were some great things to lust after in last night’s ground floor apartment reveal. Here’s some of my favourites.

I really loved the textures and colours going on in Matt and Kim’s bedroom. Not exactly my taste but I still appreciated the look and some of the great finishes.

Tags alisa and lysandra, bec and george, feature tiles, featured, ground floor apartment, kim and matt, maddi and jarrod, mud australia, muuto dots, national tiles, retrojan, room reveal, the block, the block shop, the twins, tiles, trixie and johnno, urban edge

The Block

The Block second chance re-do rooms

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 8, 2013
1 Comment on The Block second chance re-do rooms

Alisa and Lysandra’s bedroom looked so much better second time around, impressing the judges. It was my favourite of the re-do rooms. Darren Palmer called it “a gazillion times better than before'” and Shaynna said their apartment was one of the most saleable homes she’d seen in a long time.

Love their look? Pick up the Emma Cleine Lumiere Art + Co print, bedside lamp, pendant light and more online from The Block Shop. I’m a big fan of that pendant ($335)!

Tags alisa and lysandra, bec and george, blockheads, featured, matt and kim, maurice golotta, neale whitaker, nine, re-do rooms, reality tv, second chance rooms, shaynna blaze, the block, the block sky high, the blockshop, trixie and johnno

Art The Block

Want to buy art you’ve seen on The Block?

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 1, 2013
3 Comments on Want to buy art you’ve seen on The Block?

The artworks used by this series’ contestants have been some of the most asked-about products this year. Here are some of the pieces that may have caught your eye, now available to buy online.

Alisa & Lysandra’s Protea by Emma Cleine http://www.theblockshop.com.au/store/single/protea-print-series

Continue reading “Want to buy art you’ve seen on The Block?”

Tags affordable art, alisa and lysandra, art, artist, artwork, bec and george, emma cleine, featured, sarah carter jenkins, the block

The Block

Where to get the twins’ concrete wallpaper from last night’s The Block room reveal & more

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 3, 2013
10 Comments on Where to get the twins’ concrete wallpaper from last night’s The Block room reveal & more

Did you love Alisa and Lysandra’s winning master bedroom and walk-in last night? I did, especially the tub in the walk-in, but then I have a very soft spot for a good bath! I thought the concrete wallpaper in their bedroom was pretty cool. It’s by Piet Boon from Safari Living. Buy it here. $330 a roll.

If you loved the glitzy chandelier from the twins’ bathroom reveal last week, you can buy that here for $469.

Tags bec and george, chandelier, concrete wallpaper, room reveal, the block, twins

Bathrooms The Block

The Block’s steam room tension, coloured toilet paper and cool pillowcases

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 27, 2013
1 Comment on The Block’s steam room tension, coloured toilet paper and cool pillowcases

So, what did we all think of last night’s room reveal? I thought it was seriously impressive! Not one but two bathrooms completed by all the couples in one week. It would have been a tough call for the judges but I called it on Twitter when I guessed it’d be either Bec and George or twins Alisa and Lysandra, and blow me down, they tied!

There wasn’t much I didn’t like about any of the bathrooms and the judges were also very generous with their praise. But the steam room drama was the talk of the week and I’m glad Trixie and Johnno went ahead and revealed theirs despite promising the twins they wouldn’t. They didn’t knowingly copy and after being accused of lying again in the “fluffy roller” scandal, I think I would have done the same! Thanks goodness the girls were winners this week though, or there surely would have been steam coming out of their ears (pun intended)!

Did you watch the bedhead challenge earlier in the week?

Tags alisa and lysandra, bathroom, bec and george, black toilet paper, coloured toilet paper, pillow poets, room reveal, shelley craft, steam room, the block, the block shop, trixie and johnno

The Block

Last night’s room reveal and where to buy what you saw on The Block

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 20, 2013
6 Comments on Last night’s room reveal and where to buy what you saw on The Block

Darren Palmer and Neale Whitaker loving the timber tiles in Johnno and Trixie's bedroom

Sunday night room reveals are the best bit about the The Block. No challenges, just renovating, room reveals, judging and results. Hoorah! The long and drawn out scoring process aside, what’s not to like?

Last night’s was a great episode, with Matt and Kim’s Pollock-inspired bedroom described as both “a crime scene” and the most controversial room in the show’s history. Kudos to them for getting such a reaction! I thought their design was wholly inappropriate but admired their bravery and they definitely executed their ideas really well and with enthusiasm. Easy for me to say as an armchair critic…

I think Bec and George were probably the right couple to win, although I loved parts of Trixie and Johnno’s room too, in particular their Bonnie and Neil wall tiles. I can’t believe none of the judges had seen them before; I’ve been loving them for months and wishing I wasn’t renting so I could use them somewhere! I like the twins but I wasn’t a fan of last night’s bedroom. Next week will be interesting with two bathrooms each to complete. I do love a good bathroom reno so looking forward to those!

Tags bec and george, bonnie and neil, darren palmer, diy, renovation, room reveal, scott cam, shaynna blaze, the block, the block shop, timber wall tiles, trixie and johnno