Tag: darren

The Block series 13, week 5 living/dining reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 4, 2017
3 Comments on The Block series 13, week 5 living/dining reveals

I’m just going to gloss over this week’s drama (and there was a lot!) because, well, I don’t really care! Let’s stick to the rooms and the judging!

Sarah and Jason: second with 26.5

The fire! I agree with Shaynna, the fact it was it centred made it even better. It’s safe to say all the judges loved it. Neale thought the room was stunning, especially the navy blue and gold colour palette (me too!). “Everything has been chosen with such care and style,” he said. “They have pared back beautifully.” Darren noted the great sofa choice, but Shaynna didn’t think there were enough seats for a five-bedroom house. The judges also loved the extendable dining table but the light being positioned wrong (off centre, which was a mistake) let it down. Easily fixed later though! They loved the artwork by the couple’s daughter Greta and loved the fact it said family.

Our picks to buy: LEDlux Circa dimmable pendant light, west elm Terrace Console, west elm Distressed Foliage Rug.

Hannah and Clint: third with 23.5

This couple changed the floorplan again with their nib wall dividing the living and dining. I loved the idea but I don’t think it executed well in reality, making both rooms seem a little pokey. The concrete render looked great though. Neale said it made him feel cut off from the living room. Darren said it made it feel smaller Shaynna said the dining table was too small as it only seated six. The styling though, was beautiful, they said. Neale said the level of sophistication was correct for the market. Overall though, the wall was a bad choice. Neale said the main living room was now not big enough for the house. Jason and Sarah took the feedback on board but said they’d be keeping it!

Our picks to buy: Mia Oatley artwork, west elm Avery coffee table, west elm Bello Shag Wool rug.

Ronnie and Georgia: joint first with 29.5

The judges were all impressed from the start. Darren loved the timber table and spacious dining area, Shaynna loved the big couch and Neale was wowed by the neutral palette. He said the level of sophistication was incredible and the level of skill was one he had rarely seen on The Block. Shaynna said the artwork was one of the nicest she’d seen on the show. I liked this room too, although I personally prefer a bit more colour, but the lights over the dining table drove me nuts and I just thought they looked messy! Just me?!

Our picks to buy: GlobeWest Finsbury herringbone dining table, Rug Addiction rug.

Sticks and Wombat: last with 20

“Somebody loves timber! A lot,” said Darren. the judges were clearly overwhelmed by the use of timber. Neale said it was a bit like a Japanese/Scandi/industrial mishmash. Darren said ‘Japandi’ was a spot on trend, but the black cabinetry around the TV didn’t fit at all. Neale said the room was disappointing because nothing worked together. Darren thought the adjustable dining table made no sense (agreed) and Shaynna pointed out the couch was too small for a five-bedroom house and as it was their only lounge room, it was even more important for them to get it right. The home automation went down well but Neale said the room lacked warmth and soul. Shaynna said they needed to stop and rethink who they are and think more about appealing to the buyer and the market. The poor lads were visibly upset. Personally, I loved the timber in this room. I agreed on the dining table and I didn’t love the lighting or the cabinetry around the TV. But I thought the judges were a little harsh overall.

Our picks to buy: Hampton wool and jute rug, Freedom fabric ottoman, west elm Mongolian lamb cushion.

Josh and Elyse: joint first (after using their bonus point) with 29.5

The judges quickly worked out the fire hadn’t been finished but loved the look of it anyway. The amazing long concrete shelf wowed them (I loved it too) and Neale said it was the hero. Darren said the room was like the greatest hits of all the other houses and had a raw, kinfolk aesthetic. Shaynna said the dining table styling was drop dead stunning. I’m not a big fan of a fully set table myself; it’s generally a big no-no. Too much! Neale said the room was contemporary and had soul. I felt this room was one of the most cohesive overall.

Our picks to buy: Fireplace, west elm Slope leather dining chairs, west elm low bone coffee table.

So go on, tell me, what did YOU think of the rooms AND the drama?!

The Block season 13, room 2 (guest bedroom) reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 14, 2017
1 Comment on The Block season 13, room 2 (guest bedroom) reveals

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.

***

All our Block coverage.

Tags bthroom, darren, elsternwick, en suite, guest bedroom, hannah and clint, jack and jill bathroom, jason and sarah, josh and elyse, judges, neale, room reveal, scores, season 13, shaynna, sticks and wombat, the block

The Block

Get the look: Last night’s Block bedroom and study reveals

Post author By Kathryn Bamford
Post date August 18, 2014

What a week on the Block! Double room reveals always seem to send the Blockheads a little bonkers! However, they pulled through and there were some seriously gorgeous reveals last night.

Get Michael and Carlene’s bedroom look: Armchair, side table, artwork (we featured artist Belynda Henry on the blog recently).

Michael and Carlene delivered two great rooms. The judges loved the exposed brick and strip lighting in the bedroom, as did I. Despite looking amazing, it’s on trend and being local to the area, I think they really hit the nail on the head with what buyers will be wanting. Neale loved the pendants and finishes and being a gold girl myself, I also gave them extra points for this.

Get Michael and Carlene’s study look: Light, paperweights, artwork, desk chair.

Shaynna loved the light and I think it truly is the perfect light for the space they have created. The judges enjoyed the brass finishes and said the styling was spot on. However it didn’t pass the all-important working test. Neale looked like a little kid trying to sit with the adults when he sat in the chosen desk chair. Mind you, still a very strong effort this week if the only questionable thing was the practicality of the desk chair.

Get Chris & Jenna’s bedroom look: Pendants, armchair, ottoman, bedside tables, artwork, stone vase.

What happened?! I’m sorry, I’m still trying to get my head around how someone goes from delivering an unbelievably amazing bathroom last week which scored perfectly to this this week (lucky for them, bathrooms sell houses)! Neale said he immediately felt squeezed in the room and he couldn’t believe it was from the same couple who delivered that magnificent bathroom last week. The judges thought the shelving wall was ugly and were confused if they were in a bedroom or a garden centre. Shaynna couldn’t believe how many plants were in there and thought they made expensive timber look cheap (in reference to that bedhead). On a more positive note, the judges liked the linen cupboard, and I for one am glad they are continuing those amazing black steel beams throughout the rooms.

I am a fan of storage and think the attic will be a good value add for buyers. Let’s be honest, it’s not the prettiest room on The Block but hey, who actually spends too much time in an attic?! Darren thought Albert (the hideous deer head) was the ugliest thing he had ever seen in his life. But points to Chris and Jenna for hiding it in the attic, seeing as they had to use it in one of their rooms this week. The judges were concerned they were missing a study though.

Get Max and Karstan’s bedroom look: Bedhead, wall lights, artwork.

Shaynna said the art was gorgeous, which the other judges agreed with. Neale said it was the first instance of personality he had seen in the apartment; however the rest of the room left him cold. Neale is worried they are trying to leave a blank canvas to appeal to the buyer but they are leaving it too blank and I couldn’t have said it better myself! I love the whole minimal look but this takes minimal to a whole new level. I do however like their choices of finishes and cabinetry. Shaynna felt it needed an amazing light and I have to agree it would definitely make it look less bare.

Get Max and Karstan’s study look: floor lamp, arm chair.

Darren thought the study looked sleek and cool, however I don’t think the others were as convinced. Neale thought it was very functional but felt dated. All the judges were fans of the floor though, and thought it was a great choice, and storage queen Shaynna was a fan of all the storage in the hallway.

Get Simon and Shannon’s bedroom look: arm chair, pendants, paradise artwork, XO prints, bed, floor lamp.

The boys are back in town! I was impressed with the boys’ effort this week on both rooms. Neale said they are going to be the ‘bedroom kings’. Darren thought the tangerine bedspread and leopard towels really worked. All three judges loved the recess for the curtains and the storage in the wardrobe. I loved the off centre bedhead and those prints (told you I was a gold girl)!

Get Simon and Shannon’s study look: desk chair, love club wall flag.

There was a trademark cactus from the boys in their study this week and Darren liked how they played with the ceiling heights, believing it will create interest with the buyers. All the judges thought the study was really well done, cosy but not claustrophobic.

Get Darren and Deanne’s bedroom look: Side table, artwork, grey throw, indigo cushion.

I was a little concerned all week with the whole canopy idea and what not, but didn’t they pull off it off? Shaynna said this is their signature style and everyone needs to take notice of what they are doing. This couple certainly know textures and how to layer and I’m with Shaynna: they are ones to watch!

Get Darren and Deanne’s study look: tree photograph.

All the judges thought it was a very sophisticated and contemporary space. Darren said he loved the herringbone floor. Shaynna liked the study and said they did a small space very well but she wanted to see a cavity slider hidden in the bulkhead for the storage. I for one think buyers are going to be too busy going gaga over the floor to be pay attention to cavity sliders! Neale said this couple was exciting him as they are showing him things he hasn’t seen before on The Block and I have to agree, I am loving their style! Considering Dee was complaining about their apartment being smaller in size, they certainly know how to plan as it felt bigger than the others’ spaces. I would have to say this was definitely my favourite space this week!

It was a close call but Darren and Deanne came out on top with Michael and Carlene and Simon and Shannon following closely behind. Do you agree with who won this week? I know I sure do!

Kathryn is our girl on the ground in Melbourne and Block correspondent while Jen and Olivia are overseas (the globetrotters!). You can follow her design adventures on Instagram @thedesignrookie.

Tags bedroom, belynda henry, darren, glasshouse, neale, room reveals, shaynna, study, the block