Ah, what satisfying watching that was last night! Five fabulous bedrooms (some with en suites, some without, interestingly!). The judges said the quality of all the rooms was more like what they’d expect at end of the competition. And it was close with only 1.5 points between first and last place. And can we talk about the bedheads? So many utterly stunning choices (and not surprisingly, four out of five were from Heatherly Design Bedheads, who recently made me one). So, onto the photos, judges’ comments, scores and our favourite picks and where to buy…
Jason and Sarah (joint third with 27/30)
The couple cleverly created a Jack and Jill en suite to serve not one but two guest bedrooms. I like it! And they went brave with a dark colour scheme of black and charcoal which worked so well!
Shaynna said it immediately felt beautiful. Neale called it beautiful and dramatic. And Darren said it reminded him of a boutique hotel. Darren said the wallpaper hit the right note and loved the metallic, saying it was the perfect example of how important contrast is in a room.
After last week’s cluttered styling, this week, the judges noticed a subtlety in their choices, with Neale saying they hit a nice balance of vintage and contemporary.
Shaynna criticised the painting a bit, but overall said it was a winning room, that aside.
The en suite went down well too, unfinished painting aside, and Neale said it felt luxurious.
OUR PICKS: Bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads, brass wardrobe handles from Lo & Co Interiors, Larkin brass table lamp from Pottery Barn.
Hannah and Clint (joint third with 27/30)
It was a tough week for these two. Their bathroom didn’t meet code and had to come down, so they decided to stick to just the bedroom, no wet room. Then Clint’s grandfather died.
Luckily, there was plenty of praise for their room. Darren said, unlike their last bedroom, this wasn’t bland and it had the right level of contrast in it. Shaynna said the styling on the bedside tables was superb and loved the wall sconces. Neale and Darren loved the grey wardrobes with brass handles and Shaynna loved the desk nook.
Neale hated the art however, and found the room quite visually cluttered. While the room showed a real confidence, Neale said there was a danger of them going too far the other way.
All the judges said it was above and beyond the best work they’d done to date. The wardrobes were definitely my favourite feature.
OUR PICKS: Bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads, Stiletto marble and black sides tables from Freedom, velvet cushion from Eadie Lifestyle.
Ronnie and Georgia (first place with 28/30)
Anyone else finding Georgia annoyingly arrogant? I know it’s probably TV and editing, but gah! Case in point knocking off the night before reveal and going to the movies. Can’t knock it though; they produced the winning room and it was gorgeous!
The judges were clearly wowed, starting with the dark timber floorboards. Shaynna said the room was so glamorous, Darren called it “just a really beautiful room,” and Neale said it was timeless in its sophistication. Shaynna loved the cornice and the ceiling rose.
About the only criticism was for the black, “off the shelf” curtain rail. Darren said there was lots of interest but nothing was jarring with anything else. And Shaynna said the couple had impeccable style. Forget the attitude, I’ve got to agree there!
And how cool were the switches and USB chargers incorporated into the side of the bed base. Man, would I love something like that?!
A well deserved win, even without an en suite!
OUR PICKS: Bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads, Wild Roses art print from Co.Co, blush fur cushion from Co.Co, Lexi armchair from Freedom, grey floor rug from Freedom, Orion brass pendant light from Beacon Lighting.
Sticks and Wombat (last place with 26.5)
The boys suffered a wonky wall, a wonky floor, and their plumber hitting a pipe but still managed to pull off a bedroom (with fireplae), walk-in robe and en suite. What?! amazing.
Neale said it was absolutely stunning, Darren cooed over the “absolutely beautiful” real Blackbutt floors and Neale said there were times when only a ‘wow’ will do. He added it was sensational and felt right.
Thank GOD Shaynna mentioned the eyesore that was the bed and its styling though. Someone teach them not to put cushions on a point ASAP, please! My eyes! As the others showed, the choice of bedhead and bed styling is so important. But good on them, everything else in that room was well done. Although the rustic bedsides worried Neale too!
While I agree with Shaynna that the ultra modern en suite wasn’t in keeping with the bedroom, it was, as she said “mind blowing” that they’d done one, and such a big one!
The judges said the architectural choices the boys are making are outstanding but warned them to think about continuity and how the whole house will come together at the end.
OUR PICKS: Hardwood flooring from Carpet Court, cast iron fireplace from Schots.
Elyse and Josh (second place with 27.5/30)
Their room being smaller was definitely not a disadvantage with Neale saying good things come in small packages! I seriously loved the paneling and the bedhead in this room. I now need to panel a room in my home immediately!
Darren said the velvet bedhead looked (and felt!) amazing. Neale said they were demonstrating a real sense of balance.
They were in love with the en suite too (and me!), Shaynna praised the handmade subway tiles. Neale said their level of taste was really something; exquisite!
Although Shaynna thought the shower shelf was too high, she said the execution throughout both rooms was utterly perfect.
A shame this pair didn’t win if you ask me.
OUR PICKS: Bedhead by Heatherly Design Bedheads, black rattan plant stands from Fenton & Fenton, tan leather cushion from Barnaby Lane, wall sconces from Schots.
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