Let’s face it, we saw a LOT of concrete in homewares last year. So much in fact that it perhaps started to lose its initial appeal as something new and unique. And we also reported that not all concrete is created equal, with some products not standing the test of time.
I never knew I wanted a blush pink sink. Until now.
But Matt and Kim DiCosta’s new Nood Co has impressed us. Their team have spent the past 18 months designing, testing and refining real concrete. Their huge range encompasses everything from indoor/outdoor dining tables to sinks and vanity sets, and coffee and side tables to mirrors, stools homewares. And will you look at that colour palette? Divine. There are seven stunning colours: Ivory, Pastel Peach, Blush Pink, Mint, Copan Blue, Mid Tone Grey and Charcoal.
While concrete is traditionally thought of as tough, masculine and industrial, Nood Co have added colour and curves. They’ve also worked hard to solve many of the past problems of concrete. The designs are feminine and contemporary, the concrete is thinner and stronger and they’ve set a new standard in water tolerance and abrasion resistance.
Product designer Matt says: “When we sat down to structure Nood Co, we wrote an honest list of why concrete hadn’t effectively joined the world of furniture yet. It was bulky, heavy, untransportable, it wasn’t sealed effectively enough to match consumer expectations. A lot if it was fake (faux) to look like concrete but had no real quality of finish/integrity. No one had made it beautiful, affordable, functional, transportable. We changed all of that.”
Kim and Matt
Along with improved product standards, Nood Co has made the shopping experience much easier. They offer free delivery to all capital cities in Australia, on any product. “Our concrete pieces are lighter and much, much stronger than anything else on the market, so we are able to transport these pieces anywhere in the world. With that luxury, we decided to offer free delivery to create ease for our customers. The Nood team are avid designers and furniture shoppers themselves and understand how important a smooth shopping experience is.”
Matt says that for concrete to be accepted as a legitimate furniture item, it has to be usable in all styles of interiors, in all rooms in a house and to suit all moods. “Curves are the uniting design feature of Nood Co’s collection. All square corners have been removed. Everything is thin, silky and sleek. The products are sealed to deal with kids, spills and house parties. They are real world products, with a showroom finish.”
Shop online at www.noodco.com.au They’re offering 10% off everything for our readers until the end of February. Enter the code NOODADDICT at checkout.
The Block contestants Matt and Kim Di Costa emerged with another renovation recently as part of their show Matt and Kim to the Rescue 5. The four-day renovation, valued at around $300,000, saw a suburban Perth family home completely transformed for a struggling family of six – two of whom are suffering from cancer.
Before
“The Hoy Poy family are an athletic, upbeat family but the mother, Sally, was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at just 34 and is not only fighting for her life, but also trying to keep her family positive and happy,” says Matt.
After
And as if that isn’t difficult enough, the family recently discovered that one of its younger members has cancer too. “This fight was thrown the ultimate blow when they recently discovered their 14-year-old daughter Zoe has stage four bowel cancer. It threw the family into turmoil and the bills began to mount. Constant hospital visits were proving costly and that is where Kim and myself stepped in,” says Matt, who alongside 300 tradespeople, transformed the family’s 1970’s suburban home into a contemporary entertainers’ residence.
Main bathroom
“As always, we were keen to make a few dreams come true and create more individual spaces for the family members. Ultimately though, we wanted to make the house an entertainers’ space so they could enjoy the home together as it’s where they spend most of their time,” says Matt who completely rebuilt the front façade of the home – a first for the show.
Lounge room
Other design additions included the installation of an internal garden with skylights, a plunge pool and pool cabana and new kitchen. “We also doubled the ensuite size, installed a freestanding bath tub and gave Zoe a larger bedroom in blush pink tones,” says Matt.
Zoe’s roomThe new kitchen with skylight
Matt and Kim to the Rescue will return to Channel Nine next year with two more episodes.
Get your tissues ready tomorrow night when former Blockheads Matt and Kim renovate the home of a man with terminal cancer and his family. Part 3 of Matt and Kim to the Rescue airs nationally at 7.30pm on Channel 9. We have a sneak peek of the stunning makeover.
Kim with Tracy at the reveal
In mid-2015, Matt and Kim got word of the Nyugen Le family’s desperate situation. Father Hung, aged 48 and having battled cancer for 10 years, now has terminal kidney cancer and just months to live. “Wife Tracy and their three beautiful kids have a mortgage they can no longer afford to pay, school fees, bills, a dilapidated home worsening by the day, and worse than that… no plan for the future,” Matt says.
Matt and Kim are rocked by this story and take the opportunity to create the most dramatic transformation in Domestic Blitz history. In just four days, they embark on a $370,000 renovation that involves the demolition of three quarters of the home and a complete structural rebuild. In true Matt and Kim style, the design duo present us with yet another daring and luxurious transformation.
A sneak peek of the luxurious transformation
But if that wasn’t enough, Matt and Kim used their creative minds to manifest one more surprise at the end of the show that will no doubt leave the audience breathless. We had the chance to chat with Matt and Kim about it before the show airs tomorrow night.
Tell us about the surprise?
Matt: Haha, I can’t tell you that! There are numerous Australian TV firsts in this show, but the one at the end is best experienced with a box of tissues close by.
Sounds amazing. So it’s not just renovations for Matt and Kim to the Rescue?
Matt: It’s renovations with a plus-1. It’s important that we address the family’s problems at hand first. That is the starting point of each design. It’s a metaphor for life. It explores the lows of bad times, and shines in the glory of a society coming together to create something truly magical and meaningful.
Tell us about the interior you created?
Kim: Matt is a touch obsessed with Haussmann style interiors at the moment, and because the house was a complete rebuild, we had the freedom to experiment. So we went with a colour-poppy, classic style that reflects the Parisian Haussmann period. Splashes of gold, marble and soft timber flooring were consistent throughout. The stunning lighting was all from Lucretia in Melbourne. The furniture was all in a classic style. Our favourite would have to be the master bedroom. We both feel it very important to continuously change up our style and take risks, for the viewer and for ourselves. I feel this house was a nice step in a new direction for us. The difficult part of our show is that everything is donated, so our task is to create the most beautiful home with what is available. The show has grown into a monster and our sponsors and interiors are beginning to reflect that. It’s something we are very proud of.
How involved in the show are Kim and yourself?
Matt: I’m co-executive producer alongside Ed Hobbs and our great team in Perth. Kim is still teaching full-time so she hosts and helps project manage. Kim and I originally wrote and pitched a 12-episode show to Channel 9 Perth and one of those episodes was indeed this show. From its infancy, we’ve built this thing. One of the amazing things that people may not know about Matt and Kim to the Rescue is that it is all donated. And thus far we have donated around $1.1 million dollars worth of renovation. Pretty cool.”
What does 2016 and beyond look like for Matt and Kim?
Matt: We will complete another 2 or 3 episodes with Channel 9 Perth. We will finish our own home renovation, which will look a lot like the house we would have created on The Block Triple Threat. I’ll still design on the side. I’m up to my 11th full scale residential/commercial project and still very much enjoy it. But our plans, ultimately, are to push further into the kind of design we believe in: risky, bold, inspiring and purposeful. My intentions are to continue to write, make TV, study, create and deliver projects that inspire and excite Australians.
–Matt and Kim to the Rescue – The Nyugen Le Family. Channel 9 nationally, Thursday 21 January, 7.30pm.
You love them on The Block and then suddenly auction day comes and goes and they’re out of your life. However, while some contestants go back to their pre-Block life, others harness their new love of design and decide to give a job as a stylist, designer, builder or TV star a red-hot go! Below are the contestants doing just that.
Dan and Dani: Dorcas Street, South Melbourne (2012) and All Stars (2013)
Following on from their successes on The Block, Dani Wales said goodbye to her career in finance and founded interiors blog and e-commerce site Basic Habitat. She also returned to TV as the co-host on home and lifestyle series, Healthy Homes TV Australia. Meanwhile, Dan ‘Foredan’ Reilly upscaled his carpentry qualifications and is now a qualified Master Builder. For the past two seasons of The Block, he has worked alongside Keith as an assistant foreman. Dan and Dani have also recently launched design and construction company Red Door Project and have almost completed a two–year long renovation project in Melbourne’s Inner West.
Josh and Jenna: Cameron Street, Richmond (2011) and All Stars (2013)
Since being on The Block, plumber Josh Densten and wife and hairdresser Jenna, have found a true passion for renovation, in particular interior styling and decorating. Jenna has completed a Diploma of Interior Design & Decoration at RMIT and in partnership with Josh, has renovated and built a handful of properties. They have also started their own style and design business Bicker Design Co., the name stemming from their trademark of bickering whilst on the The Block! They are currently ambassadors for Beacon Lighting where they launched the Josh and Jenna Range of lights and earlier this year featured on new renovation show, Reno Rumble.
Alisa and Lysandra: Sky High (2013) and Fans Vs Faves (2014)
After a successful career in the police force, Alisa and Lysandra Fraser hung up their handcuffs for the pursuit of their dream, which kick-started with their appearance and winning success on the The Block. They now have a successful interior design business, are resident experts on our sister site Reno Addict and have collaborated with Grafico on a wallpaper range, United Artworks on an artwork range and Forty Winks on a bedroom range.
Shay and Dean: Blocktagon (2015)
After their recent win on The Block, Shay and Dean Paine have launched the fresh and innovative design brand The Wild Creatives. Featuring an online shop and a range of interior design consultancy options, we’re confident this is only the beginning for the duo.
Bec and George: Sky High (2013)
Since filming wrapped up Bec and George Douros certainly haven’t put down the hammer and nails. Bec completed studying at the International Institute of Home Staging and launched both Empire of Style, an interior design and consulting business, and blog Bec Marks The Spot, where she draws on her former life working in the beauty industry as well as her current life as a mini real estate mogul with husband George, who has been busy building and developing properties. The couple have also recently been appointed the first ever ambassadors for Melbourne based construction company Nostra Homes and style ambassadors for Australia’s leading homewares brand Adairs.
Kyal and Kara: Fans vs Faves (2014)
Now running their own construction, renovation and styling business, Diverse Design and Construct, qualified carpenter Kyal Demmrich and his wife, physiotherapist and style-guru Kara help transform clients’ visions into a beautiful and practical reality. They are also brand ambassadors for leading tile manufacturer Beaumont Tiles and clothing brand Bisley Workwear and starred in this year’s debut season of Reno Rumble.
Matt and Kim: Sky High (2013)
After appearing on The Block, plasterer turned architecture student Matt Di Costa and teacher Kim Owen got straight into designing and project managing a Perth build. Since then they’ve gone on to design many other projects, landed their own TV show Matt and Kim to the Rescue (exclusively shown in Perth) and Matt also launched polished plastering business, Sky High Renders, for archirectural wall finishes and polished concrete custom furniture. They also gave The Block another crack, however got eliminated in the first round of The Block Triple Threat.
Simon and Shannon: Glasshouse (2014)
With the The Block win under their belt Simon and Shannon Vos have remained busy. Builder, plumber and site foreman Simon opened his business VOSA, where he offers a complete start to finish service, from interiors to building and everything in between. Meanwhile Shannon has been studying interior design and now runs Vos Creative, where he provides interior design services, consulting and even writing. However, for those hoping to see them together again never fear, there are talks for a TV show!
Michael and Carlene: Glasshouse (2014)
After achieving the most number of room wins Michael and Carlene Duffy were destined to keep renovating. They founded Cedar & Suede, a design and construction service and candid renovation and design blog with video focus and also appeared in the inaugural season of Reno Rumble. They now have partnered with DecoRug, Homeworld Helensvale, Dri.Glo, Domain, and Open Colleges in a range of capacities.
While Matt and Kim Di Costa may not have made it through last night’s The Block Triple Threat elimination (read all about it here), it’s certainly not dampened Matt’s spirits for the future. With several projects on the horizon and a dream to be one of Australia’s best interior designers, last night’s episode signaled a change in direction, as the newlyweds moved to a more luxe and classy look.
“In our room we weren’t repeating a look we had done before, we were creating something we were aspiring to,” explains Matt. “I feel in the last couple seasons of The Block, we’ve been seeing a lot of the same stuff. It’s not because the contestants aren’t pushing the boundaries, I think it’s sponsor driven, time issues and a lot of them having fallen into the groove of following what’s really close to on trend. There haven’t been many couples trying to step past that and I think what we did is coming; that kind of luxe injection into contemporary rooms. We hadn’t really seen luxe on The Block before, and we really wanted to show people what is possible on $10,000.”
Matt and Kim’s The Block Triple Threat bedroom
While they didn’t get the result they were hoping for, they both had a great time, feeling a lot more confident and brave than their first time on 2013’s The Block Sky High. “It was really fun,” says Matt. “We had such a good time. I suppose the first one you’re not as emotionally prepared, but this time we were just excited to come back and try and make history with another room. It was very emotional but we had a ton of fun, which is what The Block should be.”
While Matt says they had big plans for The Block — had they got through — they have many upcoming projects that will show off their new and more mature side. “We just bought a house in Perth that we’re going to put an extension on and completely redo the interiors. You’ll see a lot of the ideas we would have done on this season of The Block in this house, so we’re really excited about that.”
They also have their own business, Sky High Renders, they’re filming six episodes of Matt & Kim To The Rescue (where they will transform houses in just three days!) and they have a couple of interiors projects on the go, including a cafe. “I want to be one of the best interior designers in Australia,” explains Matt. “It’s a long road, but I think it’s just about picking the right projects. It comes down to study and having the guts to do it. So this year I just hope I have the right projects come to me.”
What excellent viewing last night was! A return to my favourite Sunday night Block room reveals and not three but SIX with three by the newbies and three by the returning all-star couples. Plenty of emotion (mainly from a tearful Bec, bless her) and some honest judging that spanned from downright harsh through to glowing. This is what reality TV’s all about!
Controversial Darren and Dee won the all stars’ contest
Judges Darren Palmer (we love his new specs!) and Neale Whitaker were joined by real estate guru John McGrath for the big task this week. The winners of the newbie round were my current faves Ayden & Jess and Bec & George and Matt & Kim went home, despite producing great rooms, while Darren & Dee got to stay and become the fourth couple.
Ayden and Jess were judged best out of the newcomers
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
First, to the newbies. The judges didn’t think any of their rooms were really good enough. The judging was pretty harsh but, in my opinion, warranted. It’s early days though!
Charlotte & Josh (second place)
Charlotte spent up big at Coco Republic but expensive furniture was not enough. Darren said there was a lot of stuff in the room and loved the wall finish, the simple linen and smart choice of flooring. The bedside is one of his favourite pieces out there at the moment but he felt it too big for the room. Neale had an issue with the art, even though it referenced the neighbourhood (too young and poppy to go with the furniture). The art jarred with the neutral look and feel. John agreed the decor didn’t quite work. Darren and John hated the built-in doors and handles (a bit dated). No more Mr Nice Guy with Darren tonight who said the window dressing was a bit asylum-y. Eek! Neale said their elimination challenge rooms were better and he was disappointed. John said it seemed they hadn’t realised the competition had started. Ouch all round!
The automatic blind impressed Darren and John who said it was what buyers in this market were looking for. Not surprisingly, the judges spotted the hideous toy cat on the windowsill (why?!) and they were NOT impressed. Neale said he felt he’d seen everything in the room many times over and called it generic. John said it felt decorated out of a seaside gift store. Cringe! Neale was again disappointed. John found the crosses theme “annoying” and said the room was not all things to all people and rather nothing to no one. At this point, Darren declared himself definitely cranky Daz! Distinctly awkward!
Ayden and Jess’ dynamic continued to make me giggle this week. They’re definitely my favourites to watch. Darren said the room was off to a good start. Neale said it had soul to it and personality. They all liked the wing-backed bedhead and even Darren said there were too many cushions on the bed (nine!) and he didn’t love the pendants. Darren said the flooring was a little plasticky. Neale concluded it wasn’t perfect but had a sense of creativity and flair. Darren said they had shown a fighting spirit and tried to up the ante.
Then onto the all-stars… The judges were not told who did each room or even which all-stars they were judging. It seemed so mean that two of the three had to go home when they all did so so well and in a class above the newbies (and let’s face it, they’ve had a lot more experience). I picked the winners straight off though: Dee and Darren. But wow, they were all good! Painful!
Bec & George
Darren immediately said “we’ve stepped into a whole different level of the game. There is no comparison to the rooms we’ve just been in”. John said it proved a great idea was all about execution not budget. Neale said the room said experience and it was in a different league. The flooring was amazing. Neale said the artwork was stunning. Darren loved the warmth of the timber and the lights. Neale said it said modern luxury. John said it spoke to the market. All the judges like the custom gold leaf plant holder. Bec was so wowed by the positive comments that she cried, saying even if they didn’t stay they’d achieved everything they wanted to. Which was just as well as sadly, they did end up going home.
This pair really seemed to take the opportunity seriously too, making brave choices. I loved their paneling and elegant choices. The judges were wowed by the different aesthetic and approach. Neale thought it felt very romantic and elegant. He said the detailing was very special. Darren liked the timber floor on a diagonal. They said it was a room that would appeal to anyone with design savvy. Darren said it felt like a jewellery box to him and that when the newbies walked through these all-star apartments they would freak out! Darren said whoever went home, it was a big shame.
Darren said the apartment was beautiful and he loved the grasscloth wallpaper. Neale said it was seamless, calm and relaxing and this was the room he felt like unpacking his bag in. Darren said it was the first bedhead he’d seen that he really wanted to sleep in. John said it was neither harsh contemporary nor classical and steered a nice road down the middle. Darren loved the dropped ceiling and the shadow line (Daz’s choice, which wasn’t popular with Dee!) and said they looked expensive. Less is more definitely won!
I have to say I agreed with pretty much all of the judges’ comments this week. All three all-star couples did brilliantly. I was most surprised and impressed by Matt and Kim in a way, taking into account their attention to detail, effort and the huge difference to anything of theirs we have seen before. The paneling was fab and the lighting was perfect. Winners Dee and Darren had my favourite room but Bec and George’s was also great (that floor worked much better then I predicted).
[contextly_sidebar id=”LLyvoP3LOeooSBEuodjPlUTbe7JzgC62″]It seems pretty unfair that the newbies’ work had to be compared to the more experienced former contestants’ this week as they were never ever going to match up! I really didn’t vibe Tim and Anastasia’s room at all and the soft toy dog they left on the windowsill killed me (I don’t care if it was your neighbours’ kid’s! What were you thinking?!). A tacky toy on the windowsill of what is supposed to be a high-end apartment is never going to go unnoticed or go down well. I found the colour scheme a bit jarring and the styling uninspired. As the judges said, Josh and Charlotte’s room was a bit too much about the art, which I didn’t love, and I hated the opaque glass built-in doors. I still have high hopes for this pair though. And Ayden and Jess, my favourites at this point, did the best in my view. Their room looked less embarrassing compared to the all-star couples’ slick efforts. The floor was a bit wrong though.
And before I go, can I just say, once again, how disappointing and ridiculous I find the huge amounts of bitching on The Block Facebook page and elsewhere (Darren and Dee’s page too) about the result and the show supposedly being rigged. And people being massively over the top about winners being announced on social media before all states have had a chance to see the outcome? Calm down, people, it’s just a TV show! I personally couldn’t watch the show last night because I was having dinner with my in laws. So I recorded it and then deliberately stayed off Twitter and Facebook until after I’d watched it a few hours later (in order to write this post and for my own enjoyment). Had I accidentally found out before I watched, well do you know what? It’s really not that big of a deal. Sigh. I just wish people would put as much effort and passion into fighting some of life’s real injustices rather than spouting venom about a reality TV show and its contestants.
So, what did you think? I’m sure the all stars’ winner decision will be controversial being that Dee and Daz are a bit love ’em or hate ’em! And simply because all three couples made top efforts. Poor judges, that was hard! But that’s reality TV for you! Roll on this week!
The Block Triple Threat’s first episode certainly got off to an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, shouting-at-the-TV start last night! Or was that just me shouting and sighing?! Love it!
It was our first chance to get to know the six new couples who will become three before we know it. I don’t feel like I want to get too attached but I’m already starting to form opinions and decide who I might grow to like and who might become annoying! Cousins Brooke and Aimee for example; they’re so clueless yet optimistic, it’s hugely entertaining. I’m still chuckling at the comment that their knowledge of tools was limited to having dated a lot of them! They’re fun but seem worryingly laid back and I’ll be surprised if they make ti though, but I’m prepared to be proven wrong!
WA brother and sister duo (The Block’s first) Luke and Ebony, a carpenter and an interior designer, are also really likeable as are down to earth Queensland couple Ayden and Jess (although it’s clear Jess is the one who will keep things on track!).
Ebony & Luke
I’m not getting strong vibes about the other couples yet which makes me wonder if the editing is showing us more of those who will get through, but it’s such early days, who knows?
Ayden & Jess
They’re not in the Block proper yet, but a rather grotty apartment block with teeny tiny rooms to makeover as their first challenges. Tonight, in episode two, we will see the six room reveals after each couple completes (we hope) their first in 24 hours and with a budget of $10,000. With the lack of progress seen in some of them last night, I don’t hold out much hope! And one couple will be eliminated before the night is out.
[contextly_sidebar id=”gQJOO8bx0FYEiIGnybh9pu5mmV3oAcsy”]New crew member Dan Reilly, previously of Dan and Dani, was introduced as Keith’s righthand man helper ‘foreboy’. Read our interview with Dan.
Once six become five tonight, the next challenge will be a living/dining area each in just 48 hours. Then five will become four and they’ll have 72 hours to complete a bathroom each (let’s hope they’re working a bit faster by this point, eh?). Clearly, the new couples don’t yet know anything about being joined by three previous couples Matt and Kim, Darren and Dee and Bec and George. The producers wouldn’t be smart if they didn’t drag that surprise (for them) out a little longer.
If you missed last night’s episode, you can watch/record the encore on Channel 9 at 1.30pm today.
Former Block contestants Matt and Kim Di Costa will be back on our screens soon in The Block: Triple Threat. Since appearing on The Block: Sky High, they’ve been busy bees, redefining their style. Today, they’re sharing the first room they’ve decorated in their new home. It took just five days and cost less than $2,000.
“This interior explores balance, colour and point of view,” Matt says. “The sea of greens and blues create a moody, tranquil backdrop. The black and white rug, colourful lamps, cushions, trinkets and patterned occasional chair provide solid blocks of playful colour to lift the room.”
Many other personal items are things Matt and Kim have picked up on traveling over the years.
“There are many ways to skin a cat,” says Matt. “In the past year, I’ve noticed a lot of designers focussing on following trends instead of creating mood. That has a flow on effect to the home renovators looking for relatable inspiration. A real showpiece is a home that follows the principles of design first, but then explodes with personality. It is here I raise two thoughts:
“First, a bedroom doesn’t have to be tranquil and moody because a magazine or designer says so. That is the decision of the homeowner. Only the design rules must be loosely followed to make sense of your vision.
“Second, if you are trying to create a tranquil space, as we were, that doesn’t mean it cannot be bold. In the case of our room, it was percentages. 70 percent of our room is deep turquoise and emerald green. The rest is like a circus carnival gone rogue, but the balance is there. Part of the tranquil feel was created with the bold yellow lamps. They deliberately sit very low in the room to frame the bed and create an initial point of view when you walk in.”
The room was completed in five days and cost $1,700.
“This combo of mood and playfulness combines to create a fun, relatable experience that every Australian can afford to do. Because aren’t we all supposed to have a home we love? It’ s time to take the plunge into your creative mind.”
We can’t wait for it to be back and, judging by how many of you read our Block roundups and how many new readers we acquire when it’s on, you do too! Love it or hate it, you tune in, right?! The Block is great for Interiors Addict and we can’t help getting hooked, even when we get a little over the challenges and the drama at times. You can’t beat those room reveals. Bring back Sunday nights and judging controversy, I say!
So, what do we know about the next series, coming early next year, so far? It’s in Melbourne again (boo!) and it’s called Triple Threat. That’s because the new couples will be up against three pairs of former contestants: Bec and George, Matt and Kim and Dee and Darren (can I get a pantomine-style boooooooooooo?!). The public’s reaction to the choice of former contestants making a comeback has been mixed to say the least, especially with Dee and her less then friendly comments (remember when she called Shaynna a bogan?!) fresh in viewers’ minds! But this is reality TV, let’s not forget that. If everyone got on swimmingly that would probably be very dull, despite everyone’s comments to the contrary. I’d put money on many of those I’ve seen commenting on The Block Facebook Page that they will be boycotting the show because of the Double Ds’ return will secretly be tuning in and getting their knickers in a twist!
We haven’t heard much from Matt and Kim recently, although they did appear on their own Domestic Blitz show, Matt and Kim to the Rescue recently and Matt tells me they have lots of exciting things in the pipeline this year. We’ll be sharing one of their most recent design projects on the blog later this week, in fact, so stay tuned! Bec of Bec and George launched her own blog at the end of 2013 and the popular pair have been busy with their own renovations. Bec also recently announced a style consultant role for Nostra Homes. Of course, both these couples went head to head on The Block Sky High. As for Dee and Darren, they’ve barely had a chance to recharge their batteries since losing Glass House to lovable Shannon and Simon in October.
They’ve started introducing the new couples too. Ayden and Jess are parents of two and he’s a big Scotty fan.
Photo: 9jumpin.com.au
Ebony and Luke are the first ever brother and sister sibling duo on The Block. About time really!
We’ll bring you more as and when we hear it! In other Block news, former contestants Dale and Sophie have had a baby boy called Van and judge Shaynna Blaze totally rocked it with a singing performance at Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight, looking amazing.
Remember Matt and Kim from The Block Sky High? If you were fans, you can check them out tomorrow night on Nine in Domestic Blitz – Matt and Kim to the Rescue.
The Napolis were just like any other hardworking Australian family. Rocco Snr is a self-employed tiler; his wife Ricki, a dedicated wife and mother. Along with their two children Rocco Jnr (10) and Melina (8) they’d built a modest and happy life in the Perth suburb of Belmont. Rocco was a sports mad West Coast Eagles and Perth Glory fan, with a zest for life and a big personality.
However a year ago, their lives changed dramatically.
Young Rocco was suddenly struck down by fatigue, headaches and irritability. When the family had Rocco examined by a specialist their worst fears were realised. Rocco had a rare type of brain tumour called craniopharyngioma: a benign tumour that develops on the pituitary gland. Surgeons were able to remove the primary tumour however, in the process, they also had to remove his pituitary gland. This would have shocking consequences for Rocco and his family. Due to the absence of Rocco’s pituitary gland and the malfunction of his hypothalamus, Rocco has been struck down by debilitating fatigue, irritability and excessive, uncontrollable weight gain.
Their already rundown residence in Belmont, Perth, became more dilapidated as the family struggled to make ends meet and endured endless trips to hospitals for treatment. With Rocco being so quick to fatigue, the family spend the great majority of their time at home, so their living environment is crucial to their state of mind. This family desperately needed a ray of sunshine to change their fortunes and provide much-needed hope and relief.
Matt and Kim and an army of tradespeople surprise the Napoli family with a seemingly unachievable sized renovation over just three action-packed days. Emotions ran high and the results were groundbreaking.
Expect tears. Expect laughter. Expect drama. Expect a life-changing event.
Domestic Blitz – Matt and Kim to the Rescue, Sunday 14 December 2014, 7pm Australia wide, on Nine. For more information.
So, did you see the big news? We’re privy to a bit of Block gossip around these parts and I’ve been hearing things about returning contestants for months, but none of it quite added up. Then tonight it was revealed that controversial Darren and Dee from the last series are back, alongside Matt and Kim from Sky High and Bec and George from the 2013 main series. Interesting choices… I’m not at all surprised at the choice to bring back ‘the Double Ds’ for a bit of drama as let’s face it, it’s reality TV and everyone loves to hate (I’m not sure I’ve forgiven bad loser Dee for calling Shaynna a bogan, but still). Bec and George were very popular contestants and Matt and Kim, well, who could forget that Jackson Pollock-inspired “crime scene” room?!
Only one of the three couples will get to play against the new couples, who have yet to be announced, though. I wonder how they’ll pick? I smell a challenge…
The hate talk about Darren and Dee has already started on the official Block Facebook Page (gosh, it’s a nasty, nasty place and if I were a judge or contestant I would never look at what the general public have to say!) with many saying they’ll refuse to watch. I don’t buy it though. Like I said, people love to hate…
I’ll be watching, of course — I always do — and bringing you the latest each and every week. Good job my sidekick (and serious Block fan) Olivia Shead will be back from her travels soon to help me!
The next series, currently filming in Melbourne, is expected to start airing early in the New Year, Let’s hope it’s not too far away.
It was a night of glamour for the Block Sky High contestants and judges last night, but the biggest winner of the night was the show’s host, Scott Cam, who went home with the best presenter gong and the coveted Gold Logie.
The twins wearing designer Liza EmanueleAlisa and Lysandra with Shelley Craft and fellow Sky High contestant and newlywed, KimThe twins with Danni Minogue
Those following the frocks (that’d be me) would have noticed Shaynna Blaze and twins Alisa and Lysandra’s dresses, not to mention judges Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer looking very sharp. My favourite Blockhead outfit was definitely Shelley Craft’s. I thought she looked lovely.
Block judge Shaynna with her Selling Houses Australia co-hosts Andrew Winter and Charlie AlboneNeale Whitaker and Darren Palmer
In a smart move after the popularity of their polished concrete feature walls on The Block Sky High, Matt from Matt and Kim, has launched a new business.
He wants to make polished concrete finishes both contemporary and affordable. He said: “Until now, renders such as Cement Glassface and Venetian Plaster have been exclusive to the high end market only. There is no logical reason for this. A feature wall in polished render can often be cheaper than wallpaper, tiles or timber clad. The results are more spectacular, more modern, and more durable.”
Alisa and Lysandra’s bedroom looked so much better second time around, impressing the judges. It was my favourite of the re-do rooms. Darren Palmer called it “a gazillion times better than before'” and Shaynna said their apartment was one of the most saleable homes she’d seen in a long time.
Whether you call it a loggia, a covered terrace or an outdoor room, Matt & Kim had the winning one last night. It was an exciting final Sunday night reveal, with the second chance rooms also unveiled. It marked the end of the renovations at The Block Sky High and 75 rooms made over in 8 weeks. Wowee!
The judges went gaga over Matt and Kim’s terrace. Neale called it incredible, Shaynna loved the ‘Austin Powers’ fireplace and they all loved the way everything could be controlled from an ipad app. Neale even said the penthouse was now on level 2, a little awkward when relayed to the other contestants!
Every week, you ask me where you can buy things you’ve seen on The Block’s Sunday night room reveals. Well today I’m giving you the chance to win Matt and Kim’s gorgeous dining table, worth almost $4,000, from last night’s winning room!
