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!