Just months after taking home $665,000 on The Block, fan favourites and self-confessed ‘dark horses’, Ayden and Jess, have walked away as the winners of Reno Rumble. Wining $50,000 for themselves, $50,000 for their chosen charity, Two Little Boys to Avene, and a car; the couple took out the win after going head to head against House Rules winners, Carly and Leighton.
In just six weeks, the Reno Rumble teams transformed a staggering 12 houses! And the last two houses saw the teams presented with their biggest challenge yet, renovating two homes from front door to back — plus four gardens — in just one week. It was a challenge worthy of a grand final and the race to the finish line was extremely tight, with Ayden and Jess taking out the win by just half a point! So what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?
Redbacks – Ayden and Jess
Front Yard and Entrance – 17.5/20
Walking up to the house, Darren immediately commented on his love of the picket fence, the beautiful colour palette and the plantation shutters. Romy also loved the flower choices, but both judges agreed the tiles were a bit too ‘2005 bathroom’, than the brief: classic contemporary with a twist of plantation. Into the entrance and hallway and both judges were fans of the sand blasted timber door frames and skirting. They both liked the artwork, but thought a coat hook would have been a welcome addition.
Girl’s Room – 16.5/20
Romy loved the beds come cubby houses and thought the bold pastel pink of the frames worked wonderfully with the rolled felted wool rug. The attic storage got a huge tick, however both judges weren’t fans of the bed choice or lack of bedside storage.
Living Room – 19/20
“Wow,” said Romy. “This is a massive improvement, it’s amazing.” Both judges thought the space was very grand and had a great connection with the outdoors. The only criticism was the bulkhead around the TV, which they thought was odd and unnecessary.
Our pick to buy: Norman Floor Lamp Antique Brass
Bathroom – 20/20
Romy thought it was a lovely, big and generous room that had an amazing amount of light. Darren was impressed with the mirrored cabinet and face level storage solution, as well as the beautiful wood panelling above the tiles. Both judges agreed it was spot on brief and provided heaps of space for the homeowners’ kids. The laundry also got a big tick for its practicality, storage and bench space.
Our pick to buy: Lapuan Kankurit Kivi Hand Towel – Natural
Kitchen and Dining – 18/20
Both judges loved the light and bright space and applauded the use of skylights. They thought the island bench was a beautiful addition, as were the integrated appliances and porcelain butler’s sink. They also liked the shelving but thought the range hood was too industrial and that an enclosed option would have allowed for more storage. Into the dining area and the judges loved the pendants and table.
Our pick to buy: Injiri Napkin – Set of six
Back Garden – 18.5/20
“This is heaven,” said Darren. The indoor/outdoor terrace had even more skylights, which the judges thought was excessive but amazing. Darren thought it was a wonderful entertainment space and was waterproof, insect proof and windproof: “literally an outdoor room!”
Blue Tongues – Carly and Leighton
Front Yard and Entrance – 18.5/20
When Darren walked up to the home he immediately commented on what a good move it was keeping the vines. Both judges loved the beautiful travertine tiles and only criticised the sad-looking geraniums at the front door. Inside, the judges loved the fresh, bright and modern space with square set ceiling and cute art, bang on brief for contemporary Australian.
Study – 15.5/20
The first thing the judges noticed was how the room had been made smaller. Both judges thought it was a great decision, opening up the living room but leaving enough space for a study. Romy liked the lamp and artwork but thought there was need for a lot more storage and more accessible power points.
Living room – 18/20
Right on brief, the judges loved the artwork, couch and rug. Romy liked the colour palette of all the furnishings and thought they had a lovely warmth to them. Both judges, however, didn’t like the Gyprock finish over the fireplace and thought the fireplace and TV didn’t integrate well together.
Our pick to buy: Box Day Bed
Laundry and Bathroom 17/20
The judges liked the laundry (positioned in the hallway), especially the detailing of the black vanity and handles. Into the bathroom, Darren thought the bold layout change was very successful and loved the positioning of the vanity in the nook where the fireplace used to be. The basin, tapware and hardwood also got big ticks, as did the tile choice, heated towel rail and underground heating. However, both judges thought not including a bath was shortsighted, as were having the light switches in the hard to reach spot behind the door.
Our pick to buy: Uashmama | White Paper Bag
Kitchen and Dining – 19.5/20
There were hits everywhere, with the judges loving the pendants, appliances, black sink and tapware and great amount of storage. It was a bold idea not to put a dining table inside, however the judges believed the dining table outdoors could be used year round and was therefore the right design choice.
Our pick to buy: Kurvi Pendant
Back Garden – 19.5/20
An indoor/outdoor room, the space was an entertainer’s dream. Romy loved the lazar cut treatment on the wall, the built-in seating and fire pit. Darren liked the ceiling, paneling, flooring, dining solution, TV and BBQ. With the only miss being the lack of taller plants to break up the space.
Our pick to buy: Fab Outdoor Fabrics
So now that it’s all over, do you think the right team won? And what did you think of Reno Rumble in general, will you be tuning in next season?