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.”