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Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2020 first room reveals

Jimmy and Tam's winning room in the 1940s house

Not only is The Block all about houses this season, they’re also period houses! And we’re onto the first room reveals already! That’s what we’re all here for, right?! It was pretty good feedback from the judges last night for this early on in the competition. Although it remains to be seen how crucial sticking to the homes’ eras will be and I think this could get interesting!

Jimmy and Tam’s winning room in the 1950s house

Jimmy and Tam, with their high ceilings, skylights and palm tree wallpaper won, and Luke and Jasmin, who were slammed for not taking the heritage cues of their house at all and doing their own (contemporary) thing, came last.

Read on for more of what the couples did, what the judges thought and where you can buy our favourite picks.

THIRD: HARRY & TASH (1920s house) 24/30

The feedback was so good for the show’s first father-daughter team, it left Tash in happy tears of relief!

The judges loved (of course) the skylights and the sense of space. Shaynna loved the Venetian blinds saying they worked with the period, and the colour scheme.

Neale couldn’t believe it was the team who came last in last week’s challenge. He said it was a contemporary home with a nod to the twenties. “It feels like a very confident room. Those little touches give you a sense of period but feel very in keeping with today. To come through with something as accomplished as this is amazing.”

Darren said: “This colour palette his spot on trend, very 2020.” And all the hardware in the wardrobes said luxury. He said the painting was mostly very good and he loved the grey and white.

Shaynna didn’t like the carpet, saying it was more office than luxury, but that was about as far as the negatives went.

We loved the Woodrow pink marble-topped bedside from Fenton & Fenton, $550.

FOURTH: SARAH AND GEORGE (1940s house) 21/30

These two were brave in deciding to split their massive guest bedroom into a bedroom plus study which they hoped would give them an edge. But they were left deflated by the judges’ feedback.

Shaynna loved the colour palette but was disappointed at how they hadn’t worked with the beautiful period features, rather recreating their own idea. The execution though was “pretty good”. She wished they’d done a walk-in robe rather than use the space for a study. Neale found the study dull and bland.

Darren loved the ceiling rose, the door handles and the cabinetry, but hated walking straight into a corner. Moving the door would have made a big difference. He said the painting finish was very good and the finishes in the study were excellent. “As a luxury addition, I’m confident this adds value to the house.”

Neale acknowledged the 40s was a challenging period to represent. He said they’d done just enough. He didn’t like the lights but loved the wardrobes.

We loved the Art Deco door handles from Schots.

SECOND: DANIEL AND JADE (1930s house) 25/30

Darren was immediately wowed by the ceiling rose, the skirting and pendant light. Neale said it had a beautiful vintage feel but felt modern too. Shaynna was not happy with the shutters though as they weren’t Deco style at all.

The judges loved the use of green. Neale said the greys and greens in the bed linen were perfect. Darren noted there were no bedside tables, but loved the “delicious” wardrobe handles!

Execution wise, the paintwork was perfect. “How is this week one?” said Darren, with Neale adding that they’d set the bar very high.

We loved the grey velvet custom bedhead by Martini Furniture, $699.

LAST: LUKE AND JASMIN (1910s house) 20.5/30

This couple weren’t quiet about the fact they weren’t keeping to the period and that they preferred contemporary. Whoops! Because the judges immediately picked up on this and weren’t impressed!

They said it was a contemporary room with some generic heritage touches which was a shame. Shaynna said it was the least relevant room to its era they had seen. “This is the first house that shutters are truly relevant. What it doesn’t work with is Venetian plastering!”

Darren however said it was a fair interpretation. Shaynna argued it was a crying shame! And Neale said it was a very accomplished, glamorous, contemporary room.

Shaynna wouldn’t let up though, eventually talking Neale and Darren around to her way of thinking!

“The shutters, the wardrobe and the doors: tick, amazing, gorgeous!” Shaynna said. “The rest of it? Goodbye!”

Period-appropriate or not, we love that artwork, The Exception by Prudence De Marchi. Buy it from $290.

FIRST: JIMMY AND TAM (1950s house) 25.5/30

Of course the high ceilings and four skylights made a great first impression. “I’ve walked into this room with an evident, powerful, emotional attachment, Darren said.

Shaynna even did a little dance! “This one has got me by the heart strings. It feels so beautiful.” Darren said it was light, bright, cool and edgy.

They loved the secret door to the (future) en suite and said the execution was excellent.

“This is not what I thought this house was going to be but now I’m in here I absolutely bloody love it,” Neale said. But he also said he didn’t see much that was fifties.

And there ensued a debate about how fifties it was, or not! Wth Shaynna, unusually, sitting on the fence!

That sage green palm tree wallpaper (which is designed to suit your space) is available via The Block shop.

NEXT WEEK: The couples are facing their first bathrooms!

What did you think? Which was your favourite? Do you think the couples are sticking to the periods of their homes?

The Block starts on Sunday (finally!) with 5 houses from 5 decades.

After some Covid filming setbacks, The Block returns this Sunday for the 16th time. This season will take us on a new journey, from the beginning of the 20th century…
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Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2019: Master bedroom reveals

I gotta say, I wasn’t mad about any of the rooms this week. None were bad at all, I was just underwhelmed in general. And there were a lot of items in them that I out and out hated!

Thank goodness Mitch and Mark at least shook things up by being brave with the floorplan change. I suspect the other contestants will get a bit snippy about all that once they’ve had a chance to digest what it might mean for their own homes. An entertaining living room sandwiched between two master bedrooms doesn’t seem a recipe for a good night’s sleep!

Once again, I think the photos of these spaces seriously let them down and I’d suggest you watch the reveals on catchup if you missed them to get a better idea!

For now, here’s a recap of the scores and the judging…

House 1 Mitch & Mark 27/30 first place

The talk of the night was the guys deleting the master bedroom from the third floor altogether, effectively making their four-bedroom home a three-bedder. Controversial! Instead, they created an entertaining living space with a cathedral ceiling with skylights. And boy, did that ceiling look good!

The judges were stunned. Shaynna said she was confused but she loved it. Darren was speechless. “Holy cow,” he said. Shaynna thought it was probably the most exciting twist she’d ever seen on judging The Block. While Neale said Mitch and Mark were designing the house for themselves and he was confused at how to judge it.

Shaynna said it was all elegance and class. Neale added: “It’s Palm Springs, it’s the epitome of glamour. I think we’re meant to be sitting around the pool here (personally I’m not sure there’s any other excuse for that rug!). It’s a make believe pool house.”

They then started to discuss the reality of the floorplan change and the fact this entertaining room with veranda would be next to and on the same floor as the other homes’ master bedrooms. “There are deep ramifications,” noted Neale.

Was it a strategic masterstroke to devalue the others’ homes (I think not)?

Our picks to buy: Bamboo Lattice wallpaper by Grafico | Panama modular sofa by Freedom

 

House 2 Tess & Luke 24.5/30 joint third

First impressions were largely good for this one. Darren lay on the bed to look out of the skylight and he loved its position. He said the colours were spot on. “It’s edgy and cool and art driven, there’s interest, pattern and texture. I’m proud of their evolution from last week to this week.”

Shaynna adored the artwork which had set the colour palette for the whole room, while Darren said he didn’t see anything he didn’t like.

Neale said the mirror was wrong and in general, it was just too cluttered. He loved the shaker profile of the wardrobe doors and said it was his favourite walk-in so far. Darren said he thought they’d made the perfect (his and hers) walk-in robe.

Our picks to buy: Jess Marney Design art prints | Cubarita Wise framed art print

 

House 3 Andy & Deb 24.5/30 joint third

Neale said: “What a lovely calm room. They took on board that message that they needed to be grown up and they have run with it.” Darren was so happy to see more interest and more texture. “It feels fresh, contemporary and very liveable.”

Shaynna said the paint colour was divine, but she wasn’t a big fan of the bed and bedsides, saying they were a bit Nanna!

While they loved the aesthetics of the walk-in, practically speaking, the amount of storage was a bit of a letdown.

Our picks to buy: AURA Home linen

 

House 4 El’ise & Matt 26/30 second place

They all loved the gorgeous period ceiling, “I’m in love with that,” said Darren. “I feel like Tom Cruise jumping on the couch right now. The wallpaper is painterly. To sit this beautiful tone of green against all the blues and purples is a really really elegant colour palette. It’s gorgeous.”

Neale said it felt very wlemcing and real. “I think El’ise and Matt really understand the meaning of home and the emotion of what that means.”

Shaynna thought the paintwork was very well done and thought the art was breathtaking. Neale said if there was a negative it was that it was quite small.

Into the robe, Darren said he loved champagne metallic joinery but “it’s a bitch to clean!” Shaynna said it is was definitely glamorous and beautiful. “It has got my heart.”

Although they had sacrificed some bedroom to make the robe bigger, they hadn’t added extra storage, which Neale said was disappointing.

Our picks to buy: Undertow wallpaper by Grafico | Corbelle black pendant light by Beacon Lighting | Folded by Maria Radun art print by Art Lovers Australia

 

House 5 Jesse & Mel 22/30 last place

Shaynna said it was a great decision to have the bed face the veranda and Darren said there was a lot to love; the cornicing, lighting layout and the pelmet.

But it went downhill from there.

The judges were starting to see a pattern. Shaynna said: “They’re taking a real estate cookie cutter approach.” Neale added: “This room feels like it’s ticking boxes. I’ve seen it before.”

Darren said it was perhaps cowardly to repeat the upholstered wall behind the bed idea from last week’s bedroom and it felt like deja vu.

Shaynna didn’t like the desk or the big mirror opposite the bed, although she did love the “sexy” TV hidden within it.

Neale thought it felt ordinary. “I’m sorry, I’m completely underhwlemed. They really impressed me that first week but I’m not feeling that this week. Jesse and Mel are becoming the team who are constantly disappointing.” Ouch!

And Jesse’s rough, unfinished floor was of course criticised in the walk-in.

Our picks: Vertical leaner TV mirror | Buddy vases by Marble Basics

The more I look at these rooms, the more I personally dislike a lot about them but I’m not sure I’m ready to be that person that criticises when I wouldn’t have a hope in hell of pulling off what the couples do in such short timeframes. What do you think? Do you want to hear my opinion even if it’s not positive? I’m not a big fan of being a big meanie so I often think if it’s not something nice, don’t say anything at all!

Love to hear which room YOU loved?

See all our Block coverage.

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The Block

The Block 2019: formal living room reveals

It was an important space on last night’s Block room reveals: the formal living. Up front, I have to say I don’t think the following images do the rooms justice as they certainly looked a lot better on TV than they do in the photographs. These things can be so hard to capture sometimes! But overall, it was another strong week so early in the competition and I agreed with the judges’ first place for El’ise and Matt.

House 1: Mitch and Mark

28.5 out of 30, second place

“Honey I’m home” were the first words out of Darren’s mouth. “Me too,” said Neale.

“I am loving these guys’ sense of colour,” said Shaynna. “These guys are Hollywood. It’s lush, it’s over the top and I love it.”

They loved the herringbone floor and the inset carpet with the brass detail. “It looks really finessed,” said Darren.

Neale said it felt like it had been there forever, which was a big compliment.

The only issue Shaynna had was that everything was directed around the fireplace and it shouldn’t have been flush to the floor. Darren didn’t like the marble-look shelving because it didn’t feel as authentic as everything else in the room.

But it was otherwise good news with the judges saying this was the standard they’d expect towards the end of the competition, not this early on. “They’ve made a masterpiece of it,” said Darren. “It’s amazing.”

They all hoped they had the stamina and budget to continue in the same vein.

Our picks to buy: The Danielle canvas print by Colour Clash Studio | Esther pendant in solid brass by Beacon Lighting | Cooper green velvet armchair from Freedom

House 2: Tess and Luke

22 out of 30, last place

First up, it was the first time this couple had finished a room!

“It’s another wow room,” said Neale, on first impression. Darren loved the flooring, the colourscheme and the lighting plan.

Neale said the art was hung much too high. Shaynna said structurally and in the major details , it was great. But they weren’t getting the sense of scale or style right. While the pendant light was incredible it was hung much too high. “Whoever is doing the styling is panicking. They don’t really know what they’re doing.”

Neale’s first instinct was that it was a very elegant but blank canvas. “As blank canvases go it’s a very good one. I want to come in here, roll my sleeves up and finish the room for them!”

Shaynna said the dark shelves were a mistake and felt too heavy. Darren said it was 80% there. “They need to add more.”

Neale said: “Give me some things that make it feel like a home. This certainly isn’t the room to pull back on.”

Our picks to buy: Empire chandelier in black by Beacon Lighting | Make Me Blush artwork by Hannah and Clint X Artist Lane

House 3: Andy and Deb

25.5 out of 30, third place

It was off to a great start again. The green wall was immediately popular with all three judges and the artwork choices were “genius”.

Darren said: “Everything in here feels like the right scale for the space. They’ve found a really nice balance to make these grand spaces feel personal.”

Neale said there was a sense of Colonial. “I love the fact they’ve introduced one small lamp. You could actually have some ambience at night.”

Shaynna however said it didn’t feel cosy enough. It was too white and bright and they should have used that green on all the walls. “They probably weren’t brave enough but maybe they should have been,” Neale added.

He thought the shelving was beautiful though, and the styling. They all agreed the LED lighting on the shelving wasn’t the right choice. They also questioned why they created a niche for the curtains when it wasn’t actually hiding what it should have!

Darren said: “I love that Andy and Deb have done everything that we said in the first two judgings.” Neale said they had hung on to their style but it had grown up.

Our picks to buy: Dreamer art print by Adele Naidoo | Sun Goes Down art print by Jonathan Gemmell

House 4: El’ise and Matt

29 out of 30, first place

Shaynna was gobsmacked. She loved that it was the first house to do all the detailing like cornicing and the ceiling rose. Neale said: “This is pretty spectacular. This is giving Mitch and Mark a serious run for their money.”

Darren loved the colour palette. “It feels like a modern take on what this building requires which is a kind of gentle understanding of heritage detailing,” he said, and added: “I’m fizzing out!”

Then they all lost it over the Venetian plaster on the walls. Shaynna loved that the fireplace was elevated to the right height and had a mantel.

“It seems like a real home,” said Neale. “Because they’re the sort of layers you build up over time.”

“This couple’s sense of romance and heritage excites me,” says Shaynna.

There weren’t many negatives. Neale said the hallway side of the room was a little under styled. But that was it!

Our pick to buy: Vittoria Curve sofa by GlobeWest

House 5: Jesse and Mel

23 out of 30, fourth place

The pair changed the floor plan, adding a hallway. And spending a lot of money on doors (and other things!) in the process.

“They’re incredible doors,” said Neale. “That’s a serious amount of work,” said Darren. “To put that amount of money and effort into a door is huge on week two. This looks super contemporary to me, right out of a luxury designer showroom.”

Neale said it didn’t feel as homely as some of the other rooms. Shaynna loved the ceiling rose and the light combo but hated the marble tile border around the edge of the floor. Darren agreed and said it jarred with the rest of the room.

While there were many beautiful things in the room, Shaynna said the mirror and fireplace didn’t work together. Neale said it felt a little forced: “I feel like I’m in some kind of corporate waiting room. It’s not feeling warm and fuzzy.”

Darren said Jesse had taken a very real estate approach to decorating. “It does present well but it doesn’t have the homeliness and the lived in story we’ve appreciated in some of the other houses.”

Shaynna said the accessories were bargain basement and didn’t elevate everything else in the room.

“To me this feels the least connected to St Kilda and the least connected to the heritage of the house,” said Neale. “This could be anywhere.”

On a positive note they agreed their project management skills were outstanding to have achieved that level of detail and on time.

Our picks to buy: Deeply Connected by Belinda Nadwie limited edition canvas print from Art Lovers Australia | Frost chandelier by Beacon Lighting

So, what did YOU think? We’d love to hear which room was your favourite!

All our Block coverage

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Bathrooms The Block

The Block 2019: week 2 ensuite bathroom reveals

As someone who has just made all the final selections for my own (main) bathroom reno, starting soon, I watched these Block reveals extra closely and let’s just say I felt pretty good about my decisions after the judging!

I don’t want to be mean but boy, that real estate agent (and trained tiler) Jesse was cockier than ever this week, wasn’t he? And then he and Mel came… last! Just saying…

Overall though, I thought it was a really impressive week and I liked three out of five bathrooms a lot (a combo of Mitch and Mark’s and Andy Deb’s might even be my perfect bathroom!). I also agreed with the judges on most of their comments and scores. So, let’s recap!

Missed last week’s guest bedrooms? Play catch up.

House 1: Mitch and Mark, 27.5 out of 30, SECOND PLACE.

Mitch described it as: “The week from hell, the best week of my life and the week of achieving the unachievable.” And didn’t they do well?! I really loved their understated glamour bathroom; a vision in white and gold! And, just like last week, it scored them second place.

Shaynna said it was very impressive and she loved the styling. All the tiles were absolutely stunning

Darren said it was a really stunning palette and he liked the remote control toilet. Shaynna however said it was unnecessary in a guest en suite and they needed to measure where they spend their money.

Neale said he felt like he’d stepped into a 1940s film set with Hollywood glamour. “It totally demonstrates the power of the old cliche, less is more.”

The paintwork left a little to be desired. In fact, maybe two coats! But that was Darren’s only negative about the room.

Our picks to buy: The fanciest toilet flush ever | Grohe Euphoria massage rail shower | Kado Lux wall hung vanity

House 2: Tess and Luke, 20 out of 30, FOURTH PLACE.

It was this couple’s second week of not finishing and they were clearly disappointed. But the judges had some pretty good feedback regardless. And I thought they did a nice job, even if, like Neale, I feel it’s nothing I haven’t seen many times before.

Darren said he loved it though. “I think it’s really appropriate to the colour scheme next door. I really like the feature tile against something otherwise so fresh and white and clean.”

While Neale loved the height of the ceiling and the timber paneling, his first thought was that it was nothing new. Shaynna agreed and said the styling was undercooked. “They’d be better off spending less on the finishes in these rooms that aren’t important and more on the accessories to amp it up.” She wondered if the overall size of the room and things like the double vanity were a waste of money.

Darren added: “To do this size and spend this much money you’re running the risk of burning through your budget before you’re even halfway.”

There was no grout on the floor and the tiles were unfinished. Darren said they were literally hours away from being done. “Manage your project and get it finished!”

Neale said nonetheless it was a strong base to build on.

Our picks to buy: Woodrow Hourglass stump stool | LED dimmable wall bracket in black and teak by Beacon Lighting

House 3: Andy and Deb, 28 out of 30, FIRST PLACE.

Having tied equal last last week, Andy and Deb were over the moon to take out first place with their en suite, which the judges loved. Neale even said he wanted to pick it up and put it in his own home. High praise indeed!

Darren loved the feeling of the tiles and the simplicity of it.

Neale said it was a happy, feel good bathroom and showed a different reading of luxury. “It’s beautiful.”

Shaynna felt it showed they were making better choices than the others on where to spend and where to save. “They can do budget on a beautiful level which excites me.”

From the last judging to this one, they now have three judges completely confident in them both as a team in the competition.

Our picks to buy: Ivy Muse plant hanger | Neo slimline wall hung vanity by Reece

House 4: El’ise and Matt, 22 out of 30, THIRD PLACE.

While I loved the quirky vanity and sage green tiles, I hated the light and the floor tiles so this one didn’t quite cut it for me.

Darren also loved the “really cool vanity” and the green tiles.

Neale, while not a big fan of pendants in bathrooms, thought they’d done well with their choice. Shaynna was not convinced it was practical enough to do your makeup by. She also hated the floor tile, saying it looked like lino. I have to agree!

The longer the judges spent in there, the worse the comments got. “There are some things that are so lovely but they’re being cancelled out by things that bug me,” Shaynna added.

Neale felt they’d slightly lost the plot.

Darren didn’t agree. “This is successful in that they’ve space planned it really well, I love the black tapware and the vanity. 95% of the room I love.”

Our picks to buy: Alape Scopio washstand | ISSY Z1 oval mirror with shaving cabinet

House 5: Jesse and Mel, 14 out of 30, LAST PLACE.

Ever confident, before the judging, Jesse said: “Yes we didn’t finish but we have delivered an amazing room given the time restraints and we’re very proud of that.”

Sadly, the judges didn’t agree. Shaynna said it was really disappointing. Neale couldn’t believe it. He said even if it had been finished, he would feel as if he was standing in a bit of a grey tomb. Ouch! “There is no relief from grey. And how long have we been seeing marble for?”

Darren said it was an amazing vanity and a beautiful basin, but suggested they painted the rest of the walls white to lighten it up.

Neale continued: “I can’t find anything in here to get excited about. I felt so excited when I walked into their bedroom. I felt like I was seeing something new. I feel like this is truly old. It feels old hat. Where is that spark? Is it the same couple who delivered that amazing bedroom?!”

Shaynna agreed she didn’t see the glamour that she’d seen in the other bathrooms. “It’s a yawn.”

Our picks to buy: Roca Inspira round basin | ISSY Halo vanity unit

So, which was YOUR fave?

Next week: lounge rooms!

Last week’s guest bedrooms | All our Block coverage.

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Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2019: week 1 guest bedroom reveals

I’m so excited for another season of The Block and to bring you our regular room reveal posts again! As usual, week one was a bit of a mess, with a lot of unfinished rooms, but those poor couples certainly got thrown in at the deep end! Read on to see what they managed in just a few days, what the judges thought, and our picks to buy from the products they used.

House 1: Mark and Mitch (24 out of 30 and second place)

The guys were proud of their first room with a Mid Century luxe edge, and said they could see Frank Sinatra in there! They were right to be happy as the judges were too and it was a great first room for them to start the competition with.

Shaynna was delighted to see some colour and loved the details. Neale said it was impressive and Darren couldn’t get over the scale of it.

Neale added to produce a room like this in week one, they must know what they’re doing! “The room really hits you between the eyes on so many levels.”

Darren said they obviously knew what was on trend. Shaynna said the pendant light was just beautiful, sexy and really hot! She added the colour of carpet was really bold.

Neale said it had an incredible sense of luxury and the only issue was that there were just too many heroes. Shaynna said while she loved that it was eclectic and fun, they would have to reel it in or risk running out of money very quickly.

The judges all loved the wardrobes with gold handles.

Our picks to buy: Glass chandelier by Beacon Lighting | Kristoffer Paulsen St Kilda prints 

***

House 2: Tess and Luke (17.5 out of 30 and joint fourth place)

Not surprisingly, the couple were disappointed not to have finished (by any stretch) and Tess was the first to say she hated their room! It was also no surprise when they came joint last.

Some of the judges were pretty forgiving if you ask me, with Darren  saying he could see where they were going with it, the carpet was spot on, the walnut on trend and he liked the colour palette and the layout.

Shaynna on the other hand felt underwhelmed and like she’d seen this styling before, for the past three years! “We want to see personality. Take some risks!” She also said they’d used lots of incorrect styles for the heritage of the building.

Luke’s workmanship got top marks however!

Neale thinks if it was finished it would be elegant and successful. “I’m seeing a respect for the heritage of the building.”

Our picks to buy: Black circular round mirror | Bodie walnut side table by Modern Furniture

***

House 3: Andy and Deb (17.5 out of 30, joint fourth place)

Darren said ignoring the unpainted walls, it was very fresh, he loved the palette and was in love with the bed.

Neale agreed but wasn’t as taken the with styling, saying it felt a little predictable.

Shaynna, looking for more oomph as ever, said the look they’re going for will work if they amp it up a bit!

Our picks to buy: Sophia four poster bed by House of Orange | Terrazzo side table by HK Living

***

House 4: El’ise and Matt (21 out of 30 and third place)

The judges all agreed it was a stunning pendant light, and they were so right! Darren said there was a lot of luxury in there, despite it not being overly accessorised.

Shaynna was very impressed with all the details they added like the picture rails. Neale enjoyed the unusual little touches. “They’ve got personality, it works.”

Darren felt it gave a nod to heritage but in a very contemporary way which was successful. And they all loved the wardrobe.

Our picks to buy: Large beaded mirror by Schots | Chandelier by Beacon Lighting 

***

House 5: Jesse and Mel (25.5 out of 30 and first place)

It really was a case of saving the best until last with this pair! “It’s finished!” exclaimed Shaynna!

Neale said it was beautiful and he had never seen a room delivered to this level in week one. “I just love it!”

Darren said it felt like a brand new build but with all the appropriate heritage details. “They’ve hit the nail on the head.”

Neale said there was little to fault but he hated the exposed lightbulbs of the bedside lamps which were searing his eyeballs!

You really couldn’t disagree with the judges’ choice of winner this week. Real estate agent Jesse and obviously stylish Mel are looking like the ones to watch!

Our picks to buy: Fabric wall panels by Nouveau Bisgrove | Navy linen duvet set by Eadie Lifestyle | All About You limited edition canvas by Liam Murphy 

***

Who was YOUR favourite?

All our Block coverage

Love renovating? Come along to my Real Renovation Tour with Naomi Findlay next month in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane! More info.

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Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block 2018 room reveals: terrace week

I actually really enjoyed last night’s Block terrace reveals. They were a really mixed bag and the spaces themselves were very different too. No doubt there’ll be a lot of chatter about how they couldn’t be judged fairly because of this. Personally, Sara and Hayden’s was my favourite but the judges put them third, so what do I know?! Love to know who you rated! Here’s a recap from first to last place (and I definitely did agree on last place!)!

1st: NORM AND JESS
Score: 30/30

A room win at last! Full marks at that! Norm and Jess continually referred to themselves as the underdogs this week. But boy did they prove everyone wrong, scoring themselves their first win of the season! AND the cover of Domain!

The space came complete with architectural steel sculptural feature, concrete planters, a marble-topped BBQ, outdoor lounge, custom table, water feature – and even a faux grass area suitable for animals.

Clearly the judges were fans! “Wow, wow, wow, wow,” said Neale. Shaynna loved the dining table/hanging plant/pergola combo and said the details said luxury. Neale said everything said luxury! Shaynna said everywhere you turned there was another beautiful thing to look at. “If it feels this good on a cold wet day, can you imagine how good it’s going to feel on a good day?!” said Neale.

Shaynna’s only question was the placement of the sculpture and the seat. Neale thought they were deliberately trying to hide the seat! Darren loved the free space which he said could be the dancing zone! “When you’re out here you realise what a prime piece of Melbourne real estate this is,” said Neale. Darren was pretty much reaching for his chequebook!

I really didn’t like that bird screen and the pond was a bit of a child safety hazard, but overall, it was a great terrace, and I was happy to see them have a win. Not my fave though! And I wouldn’t have given it a perfect score myself.

My picks to buy: Raw Earth plant stand by Angus & Celeste and custom round dining table.

 

2nd: BIANCA AND CARLA
Score: 29/30

Bianca and Carla called on the services of Dave Franklin, Block garden designer extraordinaire, who delivered a stunning, sophisticated space, featuring a custom-made five-metre long table made from recycled timber, BBQ at the end, those 50 year-old Zycads – and a fireplace, which utilised the original chimney from the old Gatwick. But, arguably the hero was that skyline.

Darren said the view was spectacular and they all loved the fireplace and the huge table. Neale said it was classic, modern traditional and sexy all at once. The couch was badly placed though, out in the elements.

My picks to buy: Thermastrip outdoor heater and charcoal bar stools.

 

3rd: HAYDEN AND SARA
Score: 28.5/30

All three judges were unanimous in their praise, particularly Neale, who said he thought The Gatwick had never looked more elegant in its 80-year history. Keeping it super chic with a wraparound bar, they featured a sitting and dining area with custom outdoor kitchen, complete with concrete bench, green marble splashback, teppanyaki BBQ and twin tubular exhaust fans.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” said Darren. Neale said it was “hashtag enough” and Shaynna said it had wow factor. I’m so surprised they didn’t come first or second! This was my personal favourite.

“This is what I call selling the lifestyle,” said Neale. It was the most sophisticated and resolved he’d ever seen the couple and they’d saved the best for last. “This is exactly what the terrace needs to be in terms of luxury.” Darren said they’d really showed how you could live in the outdoor space in all weathers.

Neale said buyers would remember this terrace above everything else in their apartment.

My picks to buy: Velletri indoor outdoor dining table and Lepaar Harden hose.

 

4th: KERRIE AND SPENCE
Score: 25/30

Kerrie and Spence kept it cosy and comforting on their terrace, which featured an L-shaped white and timber lounge, light grey tiles, a dark grey table with eight stools (designed to match their piece inside), dark grey circular rug, a hanging chair and lots of greenery.

Neale said he thought it was really lovely and felt like a proper room. Shaynna said it was a casual version of the lounge room inside. Neale was surprised about the lack of barbecue (the quintessential Aussie accessory for a terrace or deck?). Darren thought it could have been easily incorporated. Shaynna loved the tiered planting and hanging sculpture they created in their challenge. Darren wondered if they’d done enough though. “You have so much expense in the kitchen. I love everything about it but the styling in it is really …” Shaynna thought the bar had been set so high inside, that outside let it down a bit. Darren liked the tile and fan choices. He said the space was full of life. “Kerrie and Spence should be really proud of the job they’ve done.”

My picks to buy: Alfresco bar table and nest of tables.

 

5th: HANS AND COURTNEY
Score: 23.5/30

As well as furnishing the area with plenty of green – think giant fiddle figs, Monsteras and palms – Hans and Courtney chose to dress their terrace with simple white and grey furniture with timber accents, a hanging chair and a large jute rug. They finished the space with a hero piece, a copper pot aged to showcase an oxidised light green. And let’s not forget the outdoor movie projector!

The judging didn’t go their way though, despite Darren being a fan. He thought it was fresh, light and bright and tropical. Shaynna however said it was boring as “bat”! She added she was sick of white walls. (Aren’t we all this season, Shaynna?!) She went one further to call it a white clinical box.

Neale didn’t agree with Darren either. He said it was Courtney and Hans at their worst, not understanding how to use the space, which wasn’t really an outdoor room. Darren defended them though, saying it was considered and the copper pot was a great statement piece. He thought it just needed a dining setting. Neale said it needed to be furnished differently because it was a good old fashioned sunroom, not a deck. Shaynna just got more and more annoyed, saying it was a missed opportunity.

I agree with the judges that this was the weakest room. Sara could learn a thing or two about gracious losing from Courtney though, eh?!

My picks to buy: Noosa hammock swing and Haiku black fan.

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Bedrooms The Block

The Block room reveals 2018: second guest bedroom

These were probably never going to be that exciting! They’re not big rooms so we’re effectively judging bed styling, art and wardrobe choices. But I suppose by the same token, there’s no excuse for doing a bad job at this stage of the game! The scoring, equally, wasn’t particularly controversial. What did you think?

First: BIANCA AND CARLA

28.5/30

Darren said it was balanced and beautiful. Neale said the girls were so good at showing luxury through texture and tone. Shaynna loved the artwork and the wardrobes (with brass trim and timber insides). Darren said you’d be happy with that much storage in a master bedroom. Neale said guest rooms now needed to be more like hotel rooms because we all live through our laptops, so the study nook went down well. The bedside lamps seemed mean though, in comparison to their other great lighting elsewhere.

I personally liked the dark drapes and the tan leather bedhead and the simple and sophisticated colour palette. I think the judges picked the right winner.

Our pick to buy: Custom leather bedhead

Second: JESS AND NORM
27.5

Neale said the colour palette, height of ceiling and the styling felt so welcoming. Shaynna said she wanted them to replicate it in the master bedroom and she couldn’t get the smile off her face. Darren said it felt more sophisticated. Neale said it was a textbook example of taking many shades of grey and yet still keeping it warm and welcoming.

Shaynna said the Woollies flowers were daggy and Neale was cross that there were no bedside lights. But otherwise it was all good!

I loved those putty coloured Shaker style wardrobes, mirroring their kitchen cabinets, and the overall soft and relaxing look and feel.

Our picks to buy: Mirror and artwork

Joint third: HAYDEN AND SARA
26/30


Neale said they’d made the best of a small room. Darren and Shaynna loved the bed styling apart from that navy faux fur throw (yuck!). Shaynna loved the amount of storage but Neale thought the end cupboard was a little too tight.

Shaynna felt the room was trying too hard to be luxury and that they were caught between two target markets. She said the room was old fashioned and for more of an older clientele. Neale however liked it and found it glamorous and the right style for the rest of the apartment.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the dark wardrobes but found everything else perfectly pleasant if not all that memorable! The ceiling was great though!

Our pick to buy: Artwork

Joint third: KERRIE AND SPENCE
26/30

Neale said it was another small room but it felt bigger than Courtney and Hans’ because of the orientation of the bed. Darren loved the bedhead and couldn’t stop touching it! He thought the space was planned really well with a nice big wardrobe. Shaynna loved the storage too. Darren was very excited about the air con vent integrated into the joinery. Shaynna thought there were too many woodland creatures! Neale found it hard to fault and liked the soft palette but thought it wasn’t particularly exciting or memorable. Shaynna agreed. Darren said at the end of the day, a simplified room with a simple palette was difficult.

I personally was not a fan of the cute animal prints (better for a kid’s room) and thought they were hung a bit too high.

Then they saw the bonus study space down the hall and were very impressed. Neale said it could only be an advantage to them.

Our pick to buy: Artwork

Fourth: COURTNEY AND HANS
25/30


Darren said the room was very vibrant. Neale said it was one of the nicest rooms they’d delivered. But he also felt claustrophobic. Shaynna agreed and thought the bed should have been placed differently. It could also feel softer and grander if they’d done sheers across the wall like they did in the master. Darren loved the concrete look wardrobe doors with the colour palette. They all liked the whimsical art choices but ultimately Neale felt that at opens, buyers might think the bedrooms were disappointing compared to the living areas.

Our picks to buy: Velvet cushion

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The master bedrooms

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Bedrooms The Block

Block room reveals 2018: disappointing master bedrooms

So, did you watch last night’s Block master bedroom reveals? Or, as I like to call it, a really good ad for Kinsman wardrobes! I spent a lot of it with a sort of grimace on my face like Wallace from Wallace and Gromit. You know the one?! There’s an emoticon for it… I do try to be kind and not harp on like some mean know it all because let’s face it I’m a) not an expert and b) it’s bloody hard being on that show. But last night’s bedrooms were so underwhelming on the whole I felt annoyed. And then Hayden and Sara, who threatened to walk last week on account of always coming last, came first. What a surprise! Coincidence? Perhaps, but still!

None of those rooms were particularly different or inspiring. And the fact that words like ‘cute’ and ‘nice’ were used to describe the winning room, said it all really! That and the fact the judges liked all the walk-ins better than the actual rooms.

The worst for me though was Courtney and Hans’ room, by a long way. It was so huge (yet empty) and full of expensive pieces but ultimately looked cheap and wasn’t in the slightest cohesive. All I could see was bloody carpet, carpet, carpet! Speaking of which, what does everyone have against rugs this season?! Where are they?! And, while I’m ranting, enough with the velvet bedheads! I love velvet bedheads. I have one in my own master, but they’re not the only bedhead out there and they certainly aren’t the only way to give a luxury look. Ok, I’ve got that off my chest now! Let’s see something a little different, could we?

There were a few redeeming features for me, namely Jess and Norm’s killer gold LED wall lamps, Bianca and Carla’s timber besides, the wardrobes in general, the herringbone floors and the girls’ Samsung Frame TV (they’re very cool, I want!) that doubles as artwork. I’ve linked to my favourites from each room below.

So, here you go if you missed it: the judges’ comments, what the couples did and how they scored…

2nd (24/30) KERRIE AND SPENCE

Just a bit blah

Kerrie and Spence used luxurious velvets and a soft, romantic colour palette in their main bedroom, which featured dark drapes, a custom-built bedhead with seafoam fabric inlay, and huge, dark ‘his-and-hers’ walk-in robes.

But it failed to get the judges excited. Neale said: “We’re in the master bedroom of a luxury apartment. I’m sorry, I want a bit of va-va-voom. It’s a white room.” Shaynna thought the problem was scale. The bed was perfect but the bedhead too short, the artwork and pendants were in the wrong spot. Diplomatic Darren said the light fittings are not as impactful as they could have been. Shaynna said they were ridculous! “It feels a bit hospital.”

Had to agree with Shaynna on those lights and the bedhead behind the bedhead reminded me of a bad hotel one (sorry Spence!)

Neale said they were playing it too safe. “It feels like they had a great idea and then they pressed pause because they got scared.” Shaynna said it was very forgettable.

But they all loved the huge walk-in robe. Shaynna said it was amazing. Darren thought it was what buyers would remember. And Shaynna said they could easily restyle the entire thing to make it a penthouse master.

Our pick to buy: Gold tray set by Ziporah Lifestyle 

4th (22/30) COURTNEY AND HANS

Courtney and Hans’ main bedroom featured a pink bedhead, a large statement fan, a round mirror, two dark pink velvet chairs and a gold coffee table as a seating area, and THAT controversial artwork. Their deluxe walk-in robes featured a last minute marble stone bench.

This room is killing me. I don’t even know where to start.

The judges were blown away by the sheer size and couldn’t believe it had its own hallway! Darren said: “These spaces are massive!” Darren and Shaynna loved the bed, its styling and the colour palette. They said the lighting was well planned.

But that was where the good news ended.

Neale said he must have been in a slightly different room. “There is nothing in here that’s going to make me want to buy this apartment. It feels like an exercise in wasted space. The hallway serves no purpose. And that’s the worst piece of art I’ve ever seen.” Eek!

Yes Neale, you were right about the art! And what’s going on with that fan in the context of this room?!

He continued: “I know I’m sounding over the top but the choice of art dictates the emotion you feel when you walk into the room. There are elements that are nice but they don’t come together.” He thinks they should have made a bigger deal of the sheer size with a rug, couch, ottoman or floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

They all noticed the finishes weren’t up to standard either. But, once again, the robe was nicer than room itself! Neale said it was one of the most impressive walk-ins he’d ever seen on The Block. Shaynna agreed it was beautiful.

Our pick to buy: GlobeWest carved gold coffee table (I had this in my last home and it is amazing!)

1st (26.5/30) SARA AND HAYDEN

Sara and Hayden finally broke their three-week losing streak, presenting a Deco-inspired main bedroom. They achieved their look by painting a blue-grey charcoal feature wall, including an Art Deco-inspired upholstered bedhead with gold stud details, a pink fur throw and a contemporary artwork in shades of blue and pink.

Nice perhaps, but not setting the world on fire

The judges all felt something grand greeted them. Darren loved the coffered ceiling and the way it covered the curtains. Neale said it was cute. Shaynna felt a sense of relief. “The restraint they’ve shown is great.”

All the judges thought it had really worked. Darren liked the bedhead and the blue wall behind it. Shaynna said it was the right balance of Deco and contemporary but the artwork wasn’t hitting the sweet spot. “It feels everyday.” Neale said it was a little generic.

This is pleasant

They all agreed the air con vent was very well considered and planned. And they also all noticed the unfinished painting!

It was another popular walk-in. Shaynna said there was so much storage it wasn’t funny and raved about the sensor lights. Neale and Darren said the mirror wall was very clever. Darren said it had a look of finesse with all the LED strip lighting.

Shame about that cheap looking laundry hamper

Shaynna finished though by very rightly saying that last week’s en suite definitely didn’t match the room and the walk-in.

Our pick to buy: west elm balloon glass table lamps 

Joint 3rd (22.5/30) JESS AND NORM

They might have only had a small space to work with, but Jess and Norm dialed up the luxe with their extra cash from challenges, presenting a room that featured marble, parquetry, bespoke neon lights and a walk-in robe space that had all three judges singing its praises.

The bed styling and light situation is nice. Just don’t look at the TV wall!

It certainly made a good first impression. Darren said he loved everything, especially the layering of the bed, the colours and the lights.

Neale and Shyanna however, were a little less enthusiastic! Neale asked if it was a bedroom or a gold class cinema seat? “It’s all about the TV.” There was way too much going on. “If ever a room cried out for a little bit of less is more, it’s this one. Wow, what an overload. This room is giving me indigestion!”

Loving this

Shaynna was overwhelmed. “I feel so claustrophobic. Scale has got the better of them. This room needed to feel very elegant and simple but they went and filled it with too many distractions. The year 2000 wants its niches back!” Oh, how I laughed!

Those niches were the worst!

Neale said a lot of people would call it their idea of heaven but it wasn’t the master suite the apartment needed.

They all loved the walk-in (again!), calling it excellent and beautiful.

Loving this situation

Our pick to buy: Those gold LED wall lamps (fabulous!)

Joint 3rd (22.5/30) BIANCA AND CARLA

Bianca and Carla continued to impress with their subtle, moody monochrome master, but it didn’t get the great feedback of last week. The girls used a dark timber feature wall, dark drapes, custom wooden side tables, parquetry floor, charcoal-coloured linen on the bed, and a timber cabinet under their state-of-the-art (pardon the pun) Frame TV by Samsung.

50 shades of grey and I’m not loving them. Don’t go off track please, girls!

That lamp. Oh dear oh dear.

Neale said the girls certainly knew how to surprise them each week. Darren thought they’d delivered a different kind of luxury. “That charcoal tonal, monochromatic look is very tactile. For a neutral palette to be so visually interesting is tricky.” Neale agreed.

Shaynna loved the signature bedsides. They all loved the Samsung Frame TV, cleverly disguised as an artwork. Neale didn’t love the ball light and found it a little bit cold. He thought the bedsides were too small. He wanted to love the wall but was struggling. “I don’t think these girls are thinking how we actually live. It’s style over substance.”

Ingrain Designs save the day with these timber bedsides

Foreman Dan Reilly had raised the issue about them presenting their reveal without including the air con vents. The judges thought it was a bit arrogant to leave them out while everyone else was wrestling to make theirs work.

They all had issues with the execution of the feature wall which was badly painted and didn’t all match up.

Shaynna said it was so heavily masculine that there was very little that would instantly appeal to a female buyer. Neale said he really like the girls’ ideas but I do want them to spend more time thinking about functionality.

They loved the walk-in but agreed it felt half the size of the others.

Our pick to buy: Timber bedside tables by Ingrain Designs 

So, what did you think this week? Were you as underwhelmed and irritated as me or is it my pregnancy hormones?!

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The Block

Block room reveals 2018: master ensuites

Gosh, it was a good episode wasn’t it?! Plenty of things which had to be redone because they weren’t to code (including two shower screens so large and dubiously fixed they could probably kill a person!), the most expensive bathroom in Block history, THAT gleaming brass bath, a walkout by Sara in tears after her and Hayden came last for the third week in a row (after producing aforementioned $75,000 bathroom!), and a close win by Kerrie and Spence due to using their bonus point gnome. Reality TV at its finest!

THAT bath: Hayden and Sara’s expensive mistake? Incidentally, I kind of love the bath, but not the rest of the room.

I can’t not mention the Sara walkout. Will she really walk out on the show? I highly doubt it but time will tell. That’s been left on a cliffhanger for obvious reasons! But I have to say, her attitude irks me. Yes, I realise people are passionate and criticism is hard to take (and boy that was some hardcore criticism last night) but they went into the judging way too confident they’d won and looking arrogant. And then the way she swore and carried on made it really hard to feel sorry for her, although I totally did (you’d have to be pretty cold not to feel bad when you see someone that upset) but I also wanted to her to stop embarrassing herself on national television! Gah!

Just goes to show, spending all of the money doesn’t guarantee you a win. Or even a second or third…

I was impressed with the way other couples seemed to genuinely feel bad for them rather than revel in their continually coming last (it is a competition after all) and Bianca and Carla and Norm and Jess are fast emerging as my favourites in both the design stakes and in terms of seeming like genuinely good sorts!

This week, real estate veteran John McGrath stood in for Darren Palmer as a guest judge. Here’s what they had to say about the master ensuite bathrooms.

KERRIE AND SPENCE: 1st
There was a lot riding on this for Kerrie and Spence, who used their bonus point to take out a win for their sophisticated bathroom, which featured a feature marble vanity top, herringbone tiles and matte-black finishes. Their simple, understated room was a big hit with all three judges.

Shaynna Blaze used words like ‘glamour’ and ‘beautiful’. Neale Whitaker said they’d taken it to another level and improved on the last bathroom.

He loved the subtle details like the herringbone tiling. They all loved the face height cabinets, as did I! Divine! The curved edge! Shaynna said they’d nailed the styling.

Shaynna did knock the too-obvious floor wastes though and would have preferred a tile version. John McGrath said he couldn’t see anyone walking in and not being impressed from a buyer’s perspective.

Our pick to buy: Missoni towels

HANS AND COURTNEY: 3rd
Topping their deluxe main bathroom was always going to be a challenge for Courtney and Hans, but they managed to deliver a striking ensuite, which featured more terrazzo tiles, simple white walls, a free-standing bath dressed with a wooden stool and a gorgeous double vanity.

John thought the dark terrazzo might be polarising but Shaynna thought the St Kilda market would love it. Neale said the spaciousness was very luxurious. Shaynna thought the dead space was wasted and they should have had a bigger vanity. She also disliked the bulkhead for the glass and thought it looked clunky.

Neale and Shaynna agreed they should have amped up the luxury on the last bathroom and they’d relied too heavily on the scale and size of this room without doing that.

I personally much preferred this darker terrazzo and the contrast it provided. The bathroom was clean and spacious. but perhaps not quite luxurious enough.

Our pick to buy: Wooden stool

SARA AND HAYDEN: Last
Sara and Hayden might not have won over the judges but there was still a lot to love about the couple’s ensuite, which included marbled herringbone tiles on the floor, black fittings and fixtures, a black vanity and that stunning (and indeed love/hate) brass bath.

Shaynna’s first words were “oh my God!” Neale said he’d never seen a bath like that before and “wow”. Shaynna thought it was a feature and a different kind of luxury. Neale liked its placement on its own at the end of the room, allowing it to be the hero. John thought it was extremely memorable and something apartment three needed.

Shaynna loved the herringbone tiled floor. But then it all started to go downhill. Neale said the bath was a risk-taker but didn’t think it belonged in that bathroom. The rest of it didn’t feel like it worked and it wasn’t coming together for him. He found the tiles very drab. John said three dark walls was hard to come back from and it was too much black overall. Shaynna agreed and would suggest that they overlay two of the walls with white tiles.

Neale said he felt like he had to like the bathroom because of the bath. But he still didn’t! Shaynna offered to spend some time with the couple one on one to discuss their future apartment and the other couples (clearly feeling bad for them) generously agreed to let them.

Our pick to buy: THAT bath (if it floats your boat) and Triumph and Disaster toiletries

NORM AND JESS: 4th
It might be the smallest ensuite on The Block, but Norm and Jess made sure their space had impact, choosing a stunning four-metre piece of marble for a feature wall. They matched this with a marble vanity top and beautiful simple tile choice, producing what Neale thought was “a small bathroom punching above its weight.”

I really liked what they did in this small space and loved many of their choices. John said it didn’t have the sense of luxury because it was small but it made a great first impression. All the judges loved the marble. Shaynna however felt the scale was wrong and it didn’t need two basins. The lack of shower door also made  it impractical.

Shaynna couldn’t understand why they would have a black trim on the shower glass when nothing else was black. And the brushed chrome next to polished chrome looked cheap.

John said overall they’d started with a good palette and had a good feel. He and Neale thought they had done nothing which would cost them buyers.

Our pick to buy: Omvivo timber vanity from Reece.

BIANCA AND CARLA: 2nd
If Kerrie and Spence hadn’t used their bonus point this week, the girls up in apartment five would have walked away with another win for their stunningly executed ensuite, which featured another, albeit smaller, marble feature wall, a custom-made vanity, double sinks and a gorgeous stone bench top.

Shaynna and Neale were immediately in love with the stone bench top and the timber joinery. They also loved the long shelf on the marble in the shower.

John said the palette was very complementary. Neale said the styling was less is more and the girls really understood luxury.

Then Shaynna noticed the strip drain and said it looked seamless but getting hair out of it would be a nightmare. John said the room was pretty close to flawless.

Our pick to buy: Custom timber vanity by our favourites, Ingrain Designs

What did you think? Are you annoyed Kerrie and Spence won due to using their bonus point? Was the girls’ bathroom your favourite? What about that brass bath? I’d love to read your comments below!

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Last week’s guest bedrooms

This season’s main bathrooms

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Bedrooms The Block

The Block 2018: guest bedroom room reveals

It was a mixed bag last night! I started off feeling a bit “meh” about all these guest bedrooms. Let’s face it; they’re not always the most exciting rooms or best showcases of what a couple can do. They felt a bit formulaic: fancy upholstered bedhead, feature armchair, lots of cushions. You know what I’m saying! But there were a couple I really loved which turned it around for me, and they were Bianca and Carla’s and Norm and Jess’s. Here’s what the judges had to say, what I thought, and what I’d buy…

I was so glad Bianca and Carla won, not just because I thought their room was the best, but because I (and at least half the country!) thought their bathroom should have won last week too! And I love how surprised and humble they were!

Bianca and Carla: 1st place, 26/30

Darren loved that they’d used timber panelling again. “That’s awesome.” Shaynna also said she loved the roof. Neale had one word: hallelujah! “Somebody has given us a room, finally, that feels modern, luxurious, glamorous and absolutely on brief,” he added.

Shyanna said the bedsides were her new favourites ever. Darren noticed they were both floating and underlit. How cool was that?!

Neale agreed it was “next level”.

Shaynna was first to notice the bad paint job though. Whoops!

They all said the walk-in was beautiful. Shaynna was in storage heaven and Neale said it felt luxurious and and bespoke. Darren said the materiality was “just so good“.

Our pick to buy: Bedside tables by our friends at Ingrain Designs (they can do no wrong!), Lincoln bedhead by another fave, Heatherly Design Bedheads (we have the same design in our new master which we’ll get round to finishing and revealing one of these days!), and Lamp de Marseille wall lights.

Courtney and Hans: 2nd place, 25/30

Neale loved the “absolutely beautiful and sophisticated palette.” Shaynna loved how they made the bed and thought they picked an amazing chair. The lack of styling on the side table didn’t go unnoticed though!

The judges loved the choice of laminate wardrobe colour and texture. Darren said the room diden’t feel at all claustrophobic. Neale’s only criticism was for the lights. He would have preferred lamps or sconces, not too-heavy pendants. Darren liked how they tied in with the other black in the room however.

On the downside, the paintwork on the ceiling was woeful. Neale said it was well on its way to being lovely but was undercooked. Darren suggested they should sheer curtain the whole window wall. Agreed!

Our pick to buy: Halo wingback chair by Space to Create, Vintage rose linen by west elm and brass crab by Mr Pinchy (I have this at home in all three sizes!). 

Norm and Jess: 3rd place, 24.5/30

This would have been my second place.

Darren said: “Lush! Oh my God! This is hot! Somebody paid attention!”

Neale said “suddenly the luxe factor has shot up”.

Darren said there was lots of colour, lots of texture, but it wasn’t overwhelming. “Can you tell I love it?!”

Shaynna said she always loves bedheads that go past the edges of the bed and behind the bedsides (thanks Shyanna, we have one of those!). “It’s absolutely gorgeous and works really well.” She loved the sconces but  thought the room would probably be a bit dark. And the powerpoint was in the wrong place. Darren was NOT impressed they’d tried to cover that mistake up!

They all thought the wardrobe was amazing, Darren loved the the panelled profile and the handles. The drapery was very well executed and while the study area joinery was well designed, the styling was a letdown.

Big picture? “The room is very good and they deserve to be in the penthouse but they must pay more attention to functionality.”

Our pick to buy: Brass wall lights from Beacon Lighting, THAT bedhead (of course) from Heatherly Design and Landry bench seat from west elm.

Kerrie and Spence: 3rd place, 23/30

The judges loved the library (so did I!), with Darren saying he was a “giant big fan” but Neale said the actual bedroom part felt a little claustrophobic. And it did!

Darren was annoyed they didn’t listen to their advice not to use a bedhead in an already cramped space. To make it worse, the bedhead overlapped the switches either side.

Shaynna loved the colour palette though and Darren said the styling was far more sophisticated than they’d shown before. Neale said it was nice. He didn’t dislike it but nothing was wowing him. They needed a little little bit more warmth, spirit and soul.

The storage however, was excellent.

Our pick to buy: Audrey bedside from west elm (I have the navy version in my master and they’re divine. Also have the dresser and cot from this range in our new baby room).

Hayden and Sara: Last place (second week in a row), 22.5/30

Shaynna said the recessed ceiling was the hero and they’d done a beautiful job with that. Darren praised the skirting, architraves, ceiling and cornicing, saying they were all beautiful. Shaynna added the execution was incredible.

It was all going so well…

Seems the furniture and styling really let the room down. Neale said it felt flat. “It feels like a room in a boutique hotel ready to be renovated. It’s boring and predictable. In paring back, they’ve thrown the baby out with the bathwater. What’s left is pretty soulless.”

It got worse. He compared the feature wall to the eighties rag-rolling paint technique. Shaynna said the shimmery velvet bedhead was fighting with it and that it felt like a display home. And not a high end one! Ouch!

I have to agree, although I’d perhaps be a little kinder. It just didn’t work! I particularly hated that feature wall and ‘matching’ bedhead combo. What were they thinking? Where was the contrast?

Shaynna said the bedsides didn’t match the size of the lights. “It’s top heavy.” Darren said they should have put the feet on the bed. Neale said it felt as if the bed had collapsed.

I had to agree that nothing in the study area made an impact. It was all just floating there, with the chair far too heavy for the desk.

Sara was NOT happy with that feedback! I foresee a lot of complaining and upset ahead.

The judges all seemed to agree that the walk in robe was probably the best bit. But Shaynna and Neale said they needed to style it at least a a bit to tell a story to potential buyers.

Our pick to buy: Brass gallery frames from west elm.

All this year’s wardrobes are by Kinsman, who also supplied the kitchens for House Rules recently.

Love to know who YOU think should have won?

Last week’s bathroom reveals

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Bathrooms The Block

The Block room reveals: season 14 main bathrooms

How good was it to be watching the first proper room reveal last night? Loved it! Loads of renovating to watch, just enough drama and rookie errors, and some pretty impressive rooms (although there were things about most of them I’d personally change). But for so early on in the competition? Well done, I say!

BIANCA AND CARLA: Second place

My favourite! That timber ceiling! Loved it! That feature wall! OK, it fell down a little on storage but they should have won, right?! They only lost by half a point mind you.

The judges loved the feature wall. “This is heaven,” said Darren. “Holy cow, that’s two big slabs of natural stone. That’s a massive decision.” He said he was seeing big risks that had paid off in spades.

The frosted window offended Neale. “Peel that decal off ASAP because it’s really spoiling this beautiful bathroom!” Agreed!

Shaynna said they were going for a corporate St Kilda market and they were onto a winner. The timber vanity was beautiful. And Darren spotted the speakers inside it.

They all agreed there wasn’t enough storage and no face level storage (why hasn’t everyone learned this from previous seasons?!).

Darren said he couldn’t wait to see the rest of the apartment if it continued in this direction.

My pick to buy: The Northcliffe vanity by my friends at Ingrain Design who did the vanities for my old apartment bathroom. I’m still mourning them… And their Jersey timber stool.

COURTNEY AND HANS: First place

OK, OK, it was a nice faux terrazzo floor and there wasn’t much to fault but did it really deserve first place?! Even my husband was saying “come on, where’s the contrast?!” The judges however, obviously thought differently!

Darren said “Well, that’s more like it!” All three loved the terrazzo-style floor tiles. Darren liked that it was faux terrazzo which made it much more practical. Neale said the floor choice was exactly the thing to elevate the room. “They’re doing a contemporary take on the original heritage of the building.”

Shaynna said it was incredibly functional and the bath and vanity were inexpensive but didn’t feel cheap. Darren liked the double vanity. He said the perimiter-lit dropped ceiling was a real success. And I have to agree, that was fab.

Shaynna liked the touch of personality from the quirky pot (jury’s out there for me!) and the hanging plant which stopped it being a big, white, clinical box.

Neale said whatever happened to them last week they hadn’t let get to them and they had delivered to a high level this week.

My pick to buy: Terrazzo soap by Fazeek and Rokha stool. We’re still waiting on the tile details…

HAYDEN AND SARA: Last place

That green wall! I hated it! Eeesh. But I loved a lot about it. I’d have to remove that green wall though. And I wasn’t alone in that view!

Neale walked in and said: “I’m not liking anything I’m seeing in here. I feel like this bathroom is not big enough. This thing (the green wall) behind me feels like two other people. It feels so over the top. It’s just an ugly choice.”

Shaynna said it was very weird styling. Neale said it was not high end and he found it quite dated. Shaynna said there were too many heroes (brass, tiles, green wall).

Darren said  he was feeling concerned looking at the very heritage feel of the lights and cornicing. Did they choose this apartment because the top floor was too modern for their plans?

Neale said you’ve got to know what your style is and who your buyer is. “I was expecting great things today and I’m disappointed.”

My pick to buy: Scala tumbled brass tapware

KERRIE AND SPENCE: Fourth place

Spence took on the lion’s share of the building work this week, almost having a nervous breakdown in the process! They pulled off a great room (tiling aside) but maybe get a little help next week, eh?!

I loved the open and airy layout and feel of the apartment but the tiles and fittings weren’t my favourite. It was all a bit too… basic? Well executed, very functional and practical; inoffensive but just a bit meh. The judges were on the same page.

Shaynna thought the quality of the room was amazing with “absolute knockout execution”. It didn’t feel hurried and was clearly done by perfectionists. Oh, the irony!

Neale said it was light, bright, spacious and functional, but very polite. He said he’d like to see them take a little bit of risk every now and again.

Shaynna and Darren loved the ample storage. Shaynna was also first to notice the floor and wall tile lines being out, saying it would drive her insane. Neale said he wished she hadn’t pointed it out because now he couldn’t stop seeing it!

(Tradies weigh in on the tiling stuff up)

Darren said it wasn’t memorable enough and he would like to see them up the luxe factor.

My pick to buy: Erroll curve rectangle mirror 

NORM AND JESS: Third place

Darren loved it, asking how could you not choose this apartment?! “Norm and Jess came second last last week but they’ve got the best apartment here!”

Neale said the bathroom had the luxury of extreme height. Darren said the Japanese maple was his favourite tree ever and Neale thought it looked stunning.

Shaynna loved the backlit marble in the niches and the simple styling; just the right amount. Neale said the level of sophistication was just next level.

Take that, any of you doubting the Queenslanders!

Darren realised the bath was plastic (which they hadn’t! Seriously, how?!) but said: “It looks a million dollars.” Shaynna said you’d never know. “It was a very clever and smart solution.”

Oh, you’ve got to laugh!

She said they’d got the visual impact 100% but there were some functionality issues. The towel rail was too close to the vanity and there wasn’t enough storage.

Overall, the judges said they’d thought about their buyer and that buyer would definitely want their bathroom.

My pick to buy: Concrete mirror by Nood Co.

Get the look with this grey terrazzo stone (this one’s the real deal!) bath.

What did you think? Did the right couple win? Are you enjoying this season so far?

Read all our Block coverage.

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Kids Rooms The Block

The Block’s first, apartment-deciding room reveals

It’s been an action-packed first couple of nights on the new season of The Block with the 48-hour challenge kids’ rooms revealed last night (more on that later and our top picks to buy). Not surprisingly, they weren’t perfect, and it’s what we’ve come to expect from week one. Let’s face it, it’s a hell of a lot for anyone to get their head around and to call the state they found the Gatwick Hotel a fleapit would perhaps be too kind! I actually don’t know how they can cope sleeping there without getting pest control and industrial cleaners in. Bleugh!

But the new teams cracked on, and we’ve got to know them quite well already. The stronger characters are already emerging and I’m starting to place bets on who’ll be first to have a big fallout. I personally get so tired of people saying the show should be more about renovating and less about drama. It’s reality TV, people, get over it! And if you don’t like it, watch something else! Ratings and Logie wins prove they’re doing something right so why mess with a winning formula?! There’s also plenty of renovating to be seen.

While these weren’t the most exciting or impressive rooms, there was a lot riding on them, with first place getting to choose their apartment first, and so on. Surprisingly, the slick rooftop penthouse additions were not the first two to be picked and only time will tell if the contestants made the right call there.

We now also know that next week’s reveal is going to be the main bathroom. No messing around there! I can’t wait to see how they go!

So onto the kids’ rooms and the judging…

BIANCA AND CARLA

The former pro netballing friends from Melbourne came third and picked apartment five, one of the penthouses.

Shaynna said their room was “wonderland” and Neale called it clever. The judges liked how it was a playroom as well as a sleeping room.

Darren loved the stone-effect paint but called out the blanket box dangerously close to the opening window. Shaynna also criticised the one very blank wall.

Our picks: Nofred mouse table and chairs and Silver lining cloud rug.

***

COURTNEY AND HANS

The flight attendant and the pilot from Perth came last, landing apartment two, the biggest, which they weren’t unhappy with.

Darren said it was a really beautiful show of effort; cute and whimsical. That cloud wallpaper ended up making the impact they’d hoped but it went a bit downhill from the ceiling!

When the judges looked around they found too many gaps and examples of poor workmanship.

And another dangerous benchseat under the window (are you seeing a theme here?!) also lost them points.

Our picks: Vintage hot air balloon, felt ball rug and Head in the Clouds wallpaper

***

JESS AND NORM

The Queenslanders came fourth yet still bagged one of those penthouses, apartment four.

Neale said they’d really put a lot of thought and energy into it and Shaynna loved the idea of it. Darren thought the vignette of artworks and the shelving were cute.

But Shaynna added it was the first room she’d walked into and felt their panic with many unfinished elements.

And once Darren pointed out the bed built in under the window was not only dangerous but illegal, it all went a bit wrong!

Our picks:  Rainbow hugs artwork and lion print

***

KERRIE AND SPENCE, the eldest couple, a nurse and owner builder from the Barossa Valley in SA, came second and took the gamble on apartment one which contained the mysterious safe. It paid off as it was full of $150k worth of vouchers!

The judges called their room simple, elegant, and appropriate for a teenage girl but it didn’t really nail the kids’ room brief. Yes it was a nice room, but it wasn’t a kids’ room!

They were impressed by the coffered ceiling (I loved it too). Neale said the colour palette harked back to the era of the building but was contemporary too. And Shaynna said they’d done nanna chenille in a really current way. It was clear they were a team to be reckoned with.

BUT (there’s always a but!) Shaynna said she’d be so bored lying in bed with nothing to look at but an empty wall and Neale rightly questioned if it worked as a kids’ room? Shaynna said not at all.

But they agreed the couple had created an amazing perception of luxury in just 48 hours. Let’s not forget what they started with!

Our picks: Framed horse photograph, pendant light and blush vase.

***

HAYDEN AND SARA came first, the newlyweds with a baby from Sydney. She’s (another) flight attendant and he’s a master builder (helpful!). With the pick of the apartments, they ignored the penthouses and went for apartment 3. 

Using multiple tradies paid off for this pair. Shaynna said the room said kids straight away. She loved the bedside niche to put books in and thought the tent was fun.

Neale said it had a really lovely feel about it and Darren loved that you could pop your head in to check on your child without them seeing you or waking up because of the bed placement. It had a big open play space which was exactly what a kid’s room should be about.

Shaynna was impressed they’d matched the wardrobe to the entry door which showed great attention to detail and could really only fault the execution of the skirting which was a bit rough.

Our picks: Genevieve bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads and Numero 74 padded star garland

More Block coverage

Judge Darren Palmer spills the beans on this season

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Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block series 13 front facade and garden reveals

I never used to take much interest in exteriors because I lived in apartments and well, that’s all out of your control. But now we own our first house (and she’s not the most beautiful red brick number, bless her) transforming her inside and out has become the goal. I hope to share plans for our house exterior with you in the not too distant future but for now, let’s concentrate on The Block’s exterior reveals. These houses had character and good bones in spades to start off with (unlike mine), but boy, did the contestants make them all even better with their overhauls!

Jason and Sarah: 2nd place with 28

The judging started well! “Isn’t it just the sweetest little dream house you’ve ever seen?” asked Darren! He thought it was a master stroke to make the effort to restore the original front doors and paint them in a contrasting black. Agreed!

Shaynna loved the combination of the bluestone, timber and beautiful original door and windows as well as the choice of plants.

Neale said it had an amazing sense of harmony. “Just beautiful. This is exactly what I was hoping it would be.”  He said they’d shown such respect for the age and heritage of the building with just enough of a contemporary twist. “It feels like it’s been here forever.”

Our pick: Black wall light

Hannah and Clint: last place with 23.5

Hannah’s longed for pink door was a winner with Shaynna: “The door! How beautiful! Oh, it’s so sweet!” She also loved the carriage light and thought it went very well with the door and the handle.

Darren liked that it was a different grey to next door and with the soft pink and dark timber, it made for a nice palette.

Neale said it was lovely but didn’t have the same level of finish as Jason and Sarah’s.

Darren said for a couple who had never renovated to deliver this whole house as their first project was quite remarkable. The judges said they should be commended for taking on a challenge and finishing a house that looks this good.

Our pick: Black wire chairs

Ronnie and Georgia: 4th place with 24.5

Well, they said they knew it would be polarising. I for one loved it. Although I’m not sure about the tiles. I love that they used tiles but they didn’t feel heritage enough to me.

Darren was a big fan: “Va va voom!”

Neale however, although accepting it was a statement and that he loved the exterior colour, was not keen on the tile. “It’s too much. It’s fighting with everything else.” Shaynna said they would soon look dirty and messy. Neale was surprised at the look they’d gone for considering their interior was largely very subtle. “I expected something more classic.”

Darren really liked the tiles and thought the pops of white relieved the darkness of the house.

Shaynna loved how the dark colour made the leadlight windows pop. Agreeing with Neale, she said while the interior was very feminine this was very masculine and didn’t necessarily suit. Neale added: “They’ve gone for wow factor and I understand it but I’m just not sure that it’s working.”

Darren said it would be polarising and if you didn’t love it, this house is not for you.

Our pick: Black occasional chairs

Sticks and Wombat: first place with 28.5

If there was one exterior that was true to its interior, it was Sticks and Wombat’s. I wasn’t sure about those timber posts at first but they grew on me.

Neale said if someone had asked me what their exterior was going to look like it, it would have been this. “They’ve used that beautiful Scandinavian brushstroke and this is perfect. This is all it needed to be.”

The blue-grey paint colour choice was one of Darren’s favourites, a “perfect heritage colour”.

Shaynna liked the maintenance-free front garden and Neale said while they’d not used a house name or a welcome mat, they didn’t need one: “It’s all like one big welcome mat!”

Our pick: Fence mount letterbox

Josh and Elyse: 3rd place with 26

Well, this one surprised me (and the judges!) this week. I must admit while I didn’t really like it, especially those concrete posts and the warm colour scheme, I admire them for trying to be authentic and different and I could see it would appeal to many.

Shaynna said it felt like nan’s home. “I absolutely adore the entry, the flowering and the hedging. But I don’t think it matches the house. They have a mix of old and new in there and out here is very old fashioned, but not in the boho way they’ve done. I’m honestly surprised because it doesn’t connect with the backyard or the entry.”

Neale agreed. “It’s definitely not the front garden I was expecting to find. I hate the pillars. So ugly. I know they’re authentic but sometimes history gives you permission to rewrite it.”

Darren on the other hand, loved the red brick and crazy pavers. “It’s really cosy, friendly and authentic.”

Our pick: Cement planters

Auction this week! Eek! Who do you think will win? Love to hear in the comments below!

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House Tours The Block

The Block series 13 studio reveals

Judge Neale Whitaker may have used every cliche in the book last night, but this year’s back yard studios really are the icing on the cake, the cream in the coffee and the ultimate gift with purchase, are they not?!

It was close, once again, with Ronnie and Georgia winning by half a point. Again! Sticks and Wombat and Josh and Elyse tied for second place with 29 points, Hannah and Clint were third with 27 and Jason and Sarah, who didn’t quite finish, came last with 26.

So, what did the judges have to say?

Jason and Sarah

Shaynna and Darren liked the way they’d shown you could have three distinct areas within the main space.

Shaynna thought the pitched ceiling was absolutely divine. “It feels so spacious.”

Neale loved the blue colour palette and said it showed how sophisticated Jason and Sarah’s style had now become. He and Darren both loved the walk-in robe and its finishes.

Shaynna said the en suite was beautiful and Neale absolutely loved the tiles.

But the missing grout and floor drain didn’t go unnoticed. “They must be kicking themselves because they’ve done such a beautiful job of layout and selection of finishes,” Shaynna said. “This is the pinnacle for them.” Neale commented while they’d clearly run out of time, they certainly had not run out of steam.

What to buy? Kimmy Hogan print (I have this one at home myself) and mid grey round Flynn mirror from Life Interiors.

Hannah and Clint

The couple were going for a Mid Century feel and the judges really liked it. Darren said it was a nice big open space and Neale said it had a great feel. Shaynna loved the styling and Darren said it was probably the best room they’d done all season. Neale agreed.

But while Shaynna found it hard to fault and called it beautiful, she just wasn’t feeling it and didn’t think it showed the possibilities of the space as much as Jason and Sarah’s before them.

They all loved the simple and practical walk-in. Neale loved the en suite tiles and said it was simplicity at its best. Darren loved the black accents and said it was all really nicely considered.

What to buy? MJG denim ottoman from Life Interiors, Skandi rug from Life Interiors (I am so in love with this!), Issy vanity from Reece.

Ronnie and Georgia

Shaynna loved the way they presented the room and said it felt like it had a real purpose. Darren agreed, saying you could have 6 to 8 staff and run your empire from there!

Neale said the pair always pushed the envelope that little bit further and was mad about their colour scheme and art choices.  Darren said it was an interesting choice to lower the ceiling and it had paid off, giving the room a more human scale.

They were all impressed with the walk-in and Shaynna said it was smart to have cabinets that could be taken away so the space could be used for something else entirely.

The en suite also went down well with all the judges, especially the ceramic tiles, which looked like real stone.

What to buy? Confetti Rain print by Tania Blanchard (or definitely an original if the budget stretches!), Larsson display cabinet in oak from Freedom (from the walk-in), Den leather armchair from Freedom.

Sticks and Wombat

Well, didn’t those four skylights make an impression?! Neale said it was like a barn and absolutely beautiful! Darren went as far as to say it was the most successful treatment of the vast high ceilings and Neale said he didn’t think he had ever seen skylights used so beautifully. Darren said the decision to panel the ceiling was sensational.

The judges liked the walk-in (with doors and everything!) and while they agreed the en suite didn’t have wow factor, they liked the tile choice and loved the underfloor heating.

Darren said overall the boys had learnt a great deal and grown a huge amount.

What to buy? Viridian framed print from Freedom, sofa bed with chaise from Modern Furniture, Orissa rug from Freedom (I’ve had two of these and they’re great rugs!).

Josh and Elyse

With its rendered wall and distinct living, sleeping and working areas, Shaynna said it didn’t have the flexibility of quite a few of the others but Darren disagreed and thought he could still imagine running a business out of there.

Neale said it was absolutely stunning. Darren loved the drapery and said they knew how to balance out all their elements.

Shaynna loved the bedhead, Darren raved about the colour palette and Neale said it was that beautiful mismatch which Josh and Elyse did so well.

That black walk-in robe was a great contrast and while the bathroom was nice, Shaynna thought the shower screen was much too narrow and Darren said it would cause a lot of water on the floor.

What to buy? Cutout wood bedhead (of course!) and fringed cushion from Cult Traders, The Pond artwork by Alieska, that black steel door.

Which was YOUR favourite?

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Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block series 13, back yard reveals

So many Blockheads got my back up with their antics this week! I won’t even go there! So let’s just concentrate on what the judges, who were oblivious to the drama, had to say!

Jason and Sarah: Third place with 27/30

First impressions were good. It looked big. Shaynna loved outdoor kitchen saying the BBQ felt like an extension of the kitchen.

Neale said it was luxury in terms of both the fixtures and the space.

Darren said the outdoor heater was the most beautiful he’d ever seen and that it felt like it had everything an Australian backyard needs.

Shaynna liked the built in bench but not the colour of the wall panels. And they all liked the firepit.

Shaynna said they’d created really simplistic and successful zones and a low maintenance space. It had been successfully planned and executed.

The only thing missing was the cubby house, which the couple said they left out because they thought it was ugly. They lost a point here for breaking the rules. Not that it would have made them place higher as it turned out.

Our picks to buy: Big Green Egg barbecue, Heatsail Dome electric outdoor heater.

Hannah and Clint: last place with 22/30

Again, the judges thought it felt huge with the large deck and outdoor kitchen.

Neale felt something was wrong with the proportions and the dining table was squashed in. He also hated “the sad corner,” saying nobody would want to sit there.

Shaynna hated the spa, saying it was 20 years ago and not worth the money.  Darren agreed it was tacky with its disco lights and speakers and belonged in a bachelor pad or the back of a hummer!

Neale and Darren agreed the firepit worked really well and was beautiful. But Shaynna said the yard needed taller greenery for screening and softness rather than the short plants in pots. Their zones didn’t work as well as Jason and Sarah’s.

Neale said the couple’s lack of experience showed but commended them for having a good crack at it.

Our picks to buy: Sahara fire pit, Thermastrip outdoor heater.

Ronnie and Georgia: fourth place with 25.5/30

After all that drama with getting the pool in, I’m sure the confident and experienced couple expected to do better than fourth place.

The judges did think it was an amazing addition to the home and a remarkable effort to get it in there (if only they knew!). Darren said it was like a beautiful rockpool. Neale said he wanted to plunge in there, even on a cold Melbourne day! He said plenty of buyers would want it too.

Although the space was beautifully and meticulously planned, Neale couldn’t get over the lack of dining table and said a house at this price point demanded one. All the judges agreed it wasn’t family friendly enough.

They didn’t like the fireplace wall at all, saying it was all about looks and not functionality. Neale said it was visually beautiful but wouldn’t appeal to a broader family buyer.  This was a shame because the pool was amazing.

Our picks to buy: Plunge pool, black rattan chair.

Sticks and Wombat: second place with 29/30

I loved this one and so did the judges.

Shaynna said it felt bigger than others because there were no barriers. It felt family friendly with the cubby house and veggie patch.

Neale said it had everything you’d want: a beautiful lawn, ample room for a dining table and a swimming pool. That shipping container pool was so them and so cool, don’t you think?

Darren loved it, saying it was amazing they’d thought that through and that it worked really well with the Colorbond paneling.

Neale was very enthusiastic saying the yard was beautifully thought out and done with love. It was the perfect example of how far the boys had come. It had a real sense of harmony and was very human.

Our picks to buy: Custom hand cut spherical firepit, wire dining chairs.

Josh and Elyse: first place with 29.5/30

It looked like Sticks and Wombat might win, and they nearly did, but the best was yet to come! The youngest couple did it again (by half a point) with their outdoor space.

The in-ground pool was of course a showstopper.

Shaynna said it was the perfect family garden. Neale said it was visually sophisticated. Darren loved the contrast between the timber, concrete and brick.

Shaynna loved that it was the only space where you could actually sit at the poolside. Darren just couldn’t get over the pool! He said the yard felt luxurious and high end and the whole thing was genius. “It’s incredibly sophisticated yet so simple too. I’m blown away that they could achieve something this good in a week.”

Neale said there was an amazing continuity about the house.

Our picks to buy: Outdoor steel table, copper outdoor lights.

At the end of the scoring, Scotty revealed each couple would get an extra $25,000 this week as it had become clear many of them couldn’t possibly finish on their existing budgets. It looks like next week’s going to be another week of stress, drama and arguments! Watch this space…

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The Block

The Block series 13 kitchen week room reveals!

It’s always a popular week on The Block! We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home and we are continually told that kitchens sell houses. On top of that, there’s a lot of work involved and that usually means tight timeframes and a fair amount of, you guessed it, drama! I got to tour the kitchens last week so it was extra interesting to watch the judging this week, having seen them for myself. And I would agree with the top two scorers, for sure!

It was an extra exciting episode, with the countdown on to see if Jason and Sarah would finish (start even!) their master suite as well as their kitchen (or face being sent home) and they did. And well!  The judges were blown away. Onto the judging…

Jason and Sarah (second place with 28.5 out of 30)

First, the judges saw last week’s master suite, which they weren’t being scored on. Darren and Neale agreed they could have been in with a chance of winning last week if they’d produced this then. Shaynna said: “You are kidding me? I want to shake them. If they can do this in a week and the kitchen, they gave up last week. This is amazing.” Neale said it was the best Block comeback ever.

Onto the kitchen, the judges were equally impressed. “Beyond back in the game, this is incredible,” said Shaynna. They liked the metallic surfaces on the cabinetry. Darren said everything about the functionality, the materials and handles was perfect. And Neale said the built in shelf behind the cooktop was simply genius. I loved that too!

The judges also loved the mix of materials in the benchtop, using two different Caesarstones. Neale said he thought the kitchen would feel as fresh a decade down the track as it did now.

Darren summed it up as super successful and while Shaynna said the paintwork needed attention, she added buyers would fall in love with the kitchen because it works so well with the rest of the house. Having seen it, I agree.

Our picks to buy: Taburet bar stools from Life Interiors and LEDlux Strix LED pendant from Beacon Lighting.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances

Hannah and Clint (last place with 26 out of 30)

Shaynna loved the mix of finishes saying it had a beautiful, layered feel.

Darren noted they had a bigger dining table and more chairs and the size of the island bench was fantastic. Shaynna loved the placement of the sink, bins and dishwasher. They were let down by size of the fridge however. Ultimately this lost them valuable points and saw them come last.

Neale thought a study nook would have been a much better better use of space than a bar in a family home. And Shaynna said while there were some big ticks, the too-small fridge and the cocktail area were overshadowing how she felt about it.

Despite this, the judges said the room was contemporary and sophisticated and will impress the buyers.

Our picks to buy: Encore stools from Freedom and Organic Choice cleaning products.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Ronnie and Georgia (third place with 28 out of 30)

Shaynna said it felt really sexy and loved the new Caesarstone concrete island. Darren called it absolutely beautiful.

He also loved the size of the kitchen sink, the double integrated fridge and the fancy benchtop exhaust. He noted the use of black and how it tied together with the rest of the house, cutting through the grey.

There weren’t enough powerpoints though and this may have led to them coming third instead of second. But the judges loved the study nook, especially the pocket doors.

Shaynna said it felt like the right kitchen for the rendered walls of the living area. But she said it felt a little bit cold and they needed to add some accent colours in. “It needs a little bit of a lift.”

Darren said it was what a modern luxury palette should be and the kitchen was just knockout.

Neale said there was a lot for a buyer to get very, very excited about.

Our picks to buy: Franke Impact undermount sink in onyx from Reece, Sussex Scala curved sink mixer from Reece, Therapy kitchen candle and marble cookbook holder from Williams Sonoma.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Stick and Wombat (fourth place with 26.5 out of 30)

Luckily, Sticks returned this week after the birth of his baby!

Darren said “this is beautiful,” loving the solid chunk of Caesarstone intersecting with the timber laminate.

Neale thought the Ceasarstone on the splashback was “bloody beautiful”. Shaynna loved it too and the concrete-look cabinetry. She didn’t like them together though, because they were both features and in her opinion, cancelled each other out. I totally agree on this point and although I love the Caesarstone, I don’t like its use over the rangehood. I think it looks clunky. I do love the mix of finishes, the timber accents and the warm feeling and personality this space has though.

The judges loved the secret door, the whiskey bar and the workmanship of the timber by Sticks.

Shaynna said it had lots of personality and Neale said they’d delivered on their style, and very well too. “They’ve got their signature love of timber but they seem to know how to bring it into a contemporary context. They do raw luxury so well.”

Our picks to buy: Rachel Bainbridge resin homewares and Bailey bar stools from Life Interiors.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Josh and Elyse (first place with 30 out of 30)

It was 10s all round for the youngest contestants whose kitchen stood out for many reasons. Changing the profile of their stairway earlier gave them an amazing, large hidden butler’s pantry. And facing the island bench out towards the garden was another point of difference.

Darren said it was beautiful. “It looks a million dollars.”  Neale said it felt very, very special and sociable. Shaynna said the layout, and the continuation of the timber floor and the styling, meant it engaged with the dining and the lounge, as well as connecting to the garden. Neale said it had a beautiful warmth and sense of community that people will find really appealing.

All the appliances got ticks. Shaynna’s face when she found the butler’s pantry said it all!  The judges couldn’t find anything to fault in the execution; the paintwork was spot on and the styling “perfection”. Darren said everything was just so!

And here’s the biggy! Shaynna said up until this point she had Ronnie and Georgia pegged as the frontrunners for winning, but after today, she thought these two! Controversial! (And I’m inclined to agree).

Our picks to buy: Lacey light shades from The Family Love Tree, paddle cutting board from west elm and Sorrento cuddle mugs from Freedom.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

We’ll have many more details of the kitchens throughout this week from the main suppliers at Freedom Kitchens, Caesarstone, Bosch and Neff.

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The Block week 6 master suite reveals

Oh my goodness! Last week I said I’d disregard the drama in my room reveal write-up but that wasn’t really possible this week, being that Jason and Sarah didn’t finish their room and got zeros across the board. And when I say didn’t finish, I mean barely got started. The judges and Scotty were not impressed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mr Nice Guy Scotty so serious! And don’t get me wrong, I absolutely sympathise with how stressed, skint and hopeless the couple must have been feeling, but to just totally down tools and give up? I just can’t get behind that.

It was a very awkward judging session, with Scotty telling the couple: “You are here on this series because you said ‘we have an attitude of never give up,’ and that’s exactly what you did this week.”

When the judges saw the room (if you can call it that) they were horrified and disappointed. “Something’s gone terribly wrong,” said Neale. Darren summed it up with a great big “WTF?”. Shaynna asked what on earth have they done for a week? “They could have at least put some furniture in to show us what it was going to look like.” Darren said it was a bit of a slap in the face. Neale said: “They’ve been given a life-changing opportunity. To curl it up in a ball and throw it over your shoulder is an insult. People try so hard to get on this show and they have blown it.”

Scotty said he wholeheartedly agreed with everything the judges said and told them that they must finish the master suite and next week’s room in the next week or they’ll be sent home. Non-negotiable. No pressure!

Hannah and Clint: 25 points and third place

Hooray! They finished! This was a nice room which I don’t feel looks as good in these photos as it did on TV. Shaynna said it was very pretty. Darren loved the elongated bedhead and said the colours were on trend. Shyanna and Neale loved the floral wallpaper, with Neale saying it created a sense of romance. Shaynna was disappointed they’d left the top half of the windows uncovered (no good for sleep ins!) and Darren said the chandelier was absolutely spectacular but didn’t tie in with the rest of the room. The poor paintwork on the ceiling did not go unnoticed either.

Darren loved the walkin robe, saying he dreamed of having a central island full of drawers for accessories. “I love love love love love it!” Neale thought it was just okay, not being a fan of exposed wardrobes.

There were mixed reactions to the en suite. Darren said the vanity and mirrors were absolutely amazing. Neale hated that they’d gone with chrome tapware over brass or black.

Our picks to buy: Holly Graham Peonies Wallpaper from Grafico, Bailey velvet bedhead by Heatherly Design Bedheads, Moselle chandelier from Beacon Lighting.

Ronnie and Georgia: 28 points and second place

The judges loved the hallway with its art and Neale said it was like being in a hotel. Shaynna said it was absolutely beautiful. Darren added: “It’s hot, I love it.” The TV which pulled out of the wall went down very well (I want one!) but the lack of powerpoints by the bed lost them points and, ultimately, the win.

Shaynna said the built in rocked her world and the en suite impressed them all with its bath, double shower and double vanity. “It’s beyond luxurious,” said Shaynna. “It’s exactly the bathroom that goes with that bedroom.”

Our picks to buy: Velvet quilt cover and pillowcases from west elm, Grace bench leather ottoman from Freedom,

Sticks and Wombat: 24 points and last place

Poor old Wombat was left to crack on alone as Sticks headed home to wait for the imminent arrival of his second child, who still hadn’t arrived when judging came around. Typical! Then their blinds were measured wrong so couldn’t go up. Lucky Jason and Sarah had plenty of time on their hands to help out…

Neale said the styling was ordinary and Shaynna said it felt a bit casual, like a guest bedroom. Darren noted that the execution was better than some of the other houses though and it was the best paintwork they’d seen so far.

Things got better in the built-in. The judges said it was elegant, glamorous, and the door handles were magic. “The boys are frustrating because they do little bits of rooms really well,” said Neale.

They loved the en suite too, especially the beam across the double shower and the long towel rail. Neale said it was a generous and well thought through room. Shaynna said they just needed to re-style the bedroom and they’d be onto a winner. Sadly, as it was, they came last!

Our picks to buy: Dylan mirror in black from Freedom, Big Ass Fan, braided jute rug from west elm.

Josh and Elyse: 28.5 and first place

Now, I get to see the photos of the rooms before the show airs and I would have bet a lot of money that these two would win, and they sure did, if only by half a point!

Darren said it was amazing, Shaynna, gorgeous. But they noted the room felt grand and massive because there was no privacy and no door, and strongly recommended they try to fix that before auction day. Shaynna loved the render, the double curtains, the colour palette and the look. Darren loved the bedhead.

Shaynna didn’t like that the lounges and seating area were all about the TV but Darren and Neale weren’t bothered!

The art  (although nice) was all wrong though, eh?!

They said the wardrobe was excellent, a great size and very functional.

When it came to the en suite they were pretty much speechless and I can see why. “It’s va va voom,” said Darren. The judges praised the tile choices and Neale said if he had to choose one bathroom to have a bath in, it would be that one. I have to agree, it’s my favourite bathroom of the series so far. It just works!

Our picks to buy: Kensington bedhead by Heatherly Design Bedheads (who else?!), black wooden beaded chandelier from Fenton and Fenton, New Hampton daybeds from Freedom, sconces from west elm.

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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?!

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