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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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The Block

All the details from Sunday’s Block en suite bathrooms

Sunday night saw three of the five couples present en suites as well as guest bedrooms; quite the achievement! So we thought we’d take a closer look and tell you exactly which products and tiles they chose, in case you saw something which inspired you. I liked that they were all very different. Which was your favourite?

Josh and Elyse

Oh, how I loved this one, especially the tile and tap choices. Just classic and gorgeous, but with a modern twist. I like how their patterned floor was quite subtle.

From Reece

  • MILLI Pure Shower Head 180mm in Brushed Gunmetal
  • MILLI Pure Horizontal Shower Arm 350mm in Brushed Gunmetal
  • MILLI Pure Wall Basin 200mm Outlet in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Roca Inspira Soft Vessel Basin
  • ADP Universale Mushroom Waste 32/40 in Gloss White
  • Posh Solus Back to Wall Toilet Suite
  • Posh Solus Wall Top Assembly in Chrome (was then plated to Brushed Gunmetal)
  • Sussex Scala Straight Toilet Roll Holder in Brushed Gunmetal
  • MILLI Pure Vanity Shelf in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Sussex Scala Guest Towel Ring in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Sussex Scala 900mm Double Towel Rail in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Square Grate-Suit 80mm Leak

From Beaumont Tiles:

(Walls) Devonshire White Matt 300 x 75mm.

(Floor) Cherie Black Rectangle 198 x 198mm.

 

Sticks and Wombat

This bathroom isn’t really my style, and I agreed it didn’t necessarily suit the bedroom or the rest of the house but still, it was a really spacious, light-filled, impressively finished space.

From Beaumont Tiles:

(Walls and floor) Plus Statuario GL-Porc Rectangle 600 x 600mm

(Niche) Lantern Black Satin Mosaic 76 x 80mm

From Reece:

  • Phoenix Nostalgia Gooseneck Shower Arm & Rose in Chrome
  • Caroma Forma Back to Wall Toilet Suite
  • Sonia Tecno Spare Toilet Roll Holder
  • Sonia Tecno Double 900mm Towel Bar

 

Jason and Sarah

This was probably my favourite. I’m a sucker for the gold tapware; it’s just stunning. Keeping everything else quite simple was a great move, letting the hardware do the talking! But those black basins provided some great contrast too.

From Reece:

  • Geberit Sigma 8 Wall Hung Cistern with Frame
  • Geberit Sigma 70 Buttons in Matte Black and Chrome
  • Axa Uno Wall Hung Toilet Pan
  • Sussex Scala Shower/Bath Mixer in Brushed Gold
  • Sussex Scala Rail Shower in Brushed Gold
  • MILLI Pure Shower Rose in Brushed Gold
  • MILLI Pure Vertical Shower 600mm Arm in Brushed Gold
  • MILLI Pure Robe Hooks in Brushed Gold (x2)
  • Pure Toilet Roll Holder in Brushed Gold
  • Alape Unisono 375 Counter Basin in Matte Black
  • ADP Universal Mushroom Waste 32/40 in Matte Black
  • MILLI Pure 300mm Guest Towel Rail in Brushed Gold
  • MIILI Pure Wall Basin Hostess System Right Hand 200mm Outlet in Brushed Gold

From Beaumont Tiles:

(Floor) Cretement Vintage Grey Taco

(Walls) Spatial White Satin Rectangle 198 x 600mm

 

Did you miss the guest bedroom reveals? Catch up here.

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House Tours The Block

The Block season 13, room 2 (guest bedroom) reveals

Ah, what satisfying watching that was last night! Five fabulous bedrooms (some with en suites, some without, interestingly!). The judges said the quality of all the rooms was more like what they’d expect at end of the competition. And it was close with only 1.5 points between first and last place. And can we talk about the bedheads? So many utterly stunning choices (and not surprisingly, four out of five were from Heatherly Design Bedheads, who recently made me one). So, onto the photos, judges’ comments, scores and our favourite picks and where to buy…

Jason and Sarah (joint third with 27/30)

The couple cleverly created a Jack and Jill en suite to serve not one but two guest bedrooms. I like it! And they went brave with a dark colour scheme of black and charcoal which worked so well!

Shaynna said it immediately felt beautiful. Neale called it beautiful and dramatic. And Darren said it reminded him of a boutique hotel. Darren said the wallpaper hit the right note and loved the metallic, saying it was the perfect example of how important contrast is in a room.

After last week’s cluttered styling, this week, the judges noticed a subtlety in their choices, with Neale saying they hit a nice balance of vintage and contemporary.

Shaynna criticised the painting a bit, but overall said it was a winning room, that aside.

The en suite went down well too, unfinished painting aside, and Neale said it felt luxurious.

OUR PICKS: Bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads, brass wardrobe handles from Lo & Co Interiors, Larkin brass table lamp from Pottery Barn.

 

Hannah and Clint (joint third with 27/30)

It was a tough week for these two. Their bathroom didn’t meet code and had to come down, so they decided to stick to just the bedroom, no wet room. Then Clint’s grandfather died.

Luckily, there was plenty of praise for their room. Darren said, unlike their last bedroom, this wasn’t bland and it had the right level of contrast in it. Shaynna said the styling on the bedside tables was superb and loved the wall sconces. Neale and Darren loved the grey wardrobes with brass handles and Shaynna loved the desk nook.

Neale hated the art however, and found the room quite visually cluttered. While the room showed a real confidence, Neale said there was a danger of them going too far the other way.

All  the judges said it was above and beyond the best work they’d done to date. The wardrobes were definitely my favourite feature.

OUR PICKS: Bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads, Stiletto marble and black sides tables from Freedom, velvet cushion from Eadie Lifestyle.

 

Ronnie and Georgia (first place with 28/30)

Anyone else finding Georgia annoyingly arrogant? I know it’s probably TV and editing, but gah! Case in point knocking off the night before reveal and going to the movies. Can’t knock it though; they produced the winning room and it was gorgeous!

The judges were clearly wowed, starting with the dark timber floorboards. Shaynna said the room was so glamorous, Darren called it “just a really beautiful room,” and Neale said it was timeless in its sophistication. Shaynna loved the cornice and the ceiling rose.

About the only criticism was for the black, “off the shelf” curtain rail. Darren said there was lots of interest but nothing was jarring with anything else. And Shaynna said the couple had impeccable style. Forget the attitude, I’ve got to agree there!

And how cool were the switches and USB chargers incorporated into the side of the bed base. Man, would I love something like that?!

A well deserved win, even without an en suite!

OUR PICKS: Bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads, Wild Roses art print from Co.Co, blush fur cushion from Co.Co, Lexi armchair from Freedom, grey floor rug from Freedom, Orion brass pendant light from Beacon Lighting.

 

Sticks and Wombat (last place with 26.5)

The boys suffered a wonky wall, a wonky floor, and their plumber hitting a pipe but still managed to pull off a bedroom (with fireplae), walk-in robe and en suite. What?! amazing.

Neale said it was absolutely stunning, Darren cooed over the “absolutely beautiful” real Blackbutt floors and Neale said there were times when only a ‘wow’ will do. He added it was sensational and felt right.

Thank GOD Shaynna mentioned the eyesore that was the bed and its styling though. Someone teach them not to put cushions on a point ASAP, please! My eyes! As the others showed, the choice of bedhead and bed styling is so important. But good on them, everything else in that room was well done. Although the rustic bedsides worried Neale too!

While I agree with Shaynna that the ultra modern en suite wasn’t in keeping with the bedroom, it was, as she said “mind blowing” that they’d done one, and such a big one!

The judges said the architectural choices the boys are making are outstanding but warned them to think about continuity and how the whole house will come together at the end.

OUR PICKS: Hardwood flooring from Carpet Court, cast iron fireplace from Schots.

 

Elyse and Josh (second place with 27.5/30)

Their room being smaller was definitely not a disadvantage with Neale saying good things come in small packages! I seriously loved the paneling and the bedhead in this room. I now need to panel a room in my home immediately!

Darren said the velvet bedhead looked (and felt!) amazing. Neale said they were demonstrating a real sense of balance.

They were in love with the en suite too (and me!), Shaynna praised the handmade subway tiles. Neale said their level of taste was really something; exquisite!

Although Shaynna thought the shower shelf was too high, she said the execution throughout both rooms was utterly perfect.

A shame this pair didn’t win if you ask me.

OUR PICKS: Bedhead by Heatherly Design Bedheads, black rattan plant stands from Fenton & Fenton, tan leather cushion from Barnaby Lane, wall sconces from Schots.

***

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Bathrooms House Tours The Block

The Block (season 13, week 1) bathroom reveals

Pic source: Ronnie and Georgia, The Block

Well I never, what a remarkable lot of room reveals we saw last night for week one! Impressed. Big time! You’d think there’d be at least one duff room, but I have to say, they all did really well. Although some, of course, did better than others. It was a tight race though, with only half a point between first and second place. Read on for all the details!

JASON AND SARAH (4th place with 24/30)

“How pretty,” said Shaynna, noting the beautiful tiles. Neale said it was nice to see a new, more subtle take on the Moroccan floor tile trend but thought the pendant light was overkill. Agreed!

Shaynna thought the functionality was spot on. A great start! She loved the underfloor heating, hydronic towel rail, double basin, good size vanity, cupboards and shelving. Darren would have preferred drawers, especially as there was no face-level storage (obviously this is going to be a big deal for the judges this season, but I 100% agree with them).

Neale was frustrated that they had chosen well on the big ticket items and really let themselves down with all the little details. The judges found the styling cluttered but all agreed they delivered a great room. As I was listening to the judges’ comments, I was already mentally removing all the bits and pieces from the space in my head, because underneath them, there’s a pretty stunning bathroom.

Our picks: Sussex Scala tapware and Milli Pure shower from Reece, arched leg planter, Aspar botanical handwash.

***

HANNAH AND CLINT (last place with 16/30)

Poor Hannah and Clint! Despite the lovely Sticks and Wombat helping the couple out cutting their tiles, they sadly ran out of time to get everything finished after a number of setbacks in the first few days. There were tears, but the beginners took the feedback with good attitudes.

Darren’s first world was “bummer” and Neale said it would be a nice bathroom if it was finished. He was pleased to see them try something bolder than last week though and loved the tile mix. Shaynna loved the layout, the type of bath, tapware, size of the vanity and styling efforts.

The couple had moved their bathroom to achieve a separate WC. Unfortunately Neale hated it. Really hated it! He said it was the meanest splashback he had ever seen and the pendant light looked wrong.

Can we talk about the black framed shower screen? I’m loving that look! And the black tub too.

Our picks: Hourglass stump stool, Kado Lux black bath from Reece, Ziporah Lifestyle towels.

***

GEORGIA AND RONNIE (3rd place with 25.5/30)

They started the week well by winning the challenge and $8.5k from Josh and Elyse’s budget. Then their builders made a number of mistakes which got them in trouble with Scotty and Dan. But an influx of trades helped them get back on track, delivering one of my favourite bathrooms.

Neale said it was bold and contemporary, neither too feminine or too masculine. “There’s so much to like,” he said. “If I walked in as a potential buyer, I’d be blown away.” High praise indeed.

Shaynna said it felt really good but majorly under-delivered on storage. She also criticised the placement of the powerpoints and the bath spout (agree on both counts).

Then we saw the first example of the judges disagreeing with each other this season over the gold speaker being overkill (Neale wasn’t so sure).

Our picks: Custom shower screen, Alape Circa matte black basin and Sussex Scala tapware from Reece, brass vase.

***

STICKS AND WOMBAT (2nd place with 26.5/30)

There were problems and setbacks for this pair too, mostly with tilers, but they managed to deliver a very unique and expertly finished (and really big) room!

Neale said the ceiling was beautiful and Shaynna called it an architectural success. Darren agreed, saying the symmetry was fantastic. Neale said the luxury was the amount of space. Darren said he was seeing a lot of personality in an appropriate way. And of course they loved the face level storage!

Shaynna said the level of finishing off blew her away. Quality workmanship. The handmade elements being at odds with the tapware, which was in turn at odds with the cabinetry handles (my first thoughts too and I didn’t like the mosaic feature either), worried her. But these are pretty easily changed later if they want to. Neale said top marks for giving it a go and doing something different. And Darren said they’d struck the balance of quirkiness just right. Neale added he couldn’t wait to see what they did with the rest of the house.

Our picks: Custom Rifco mirror cabinet and Kado Era bath from Reece, timber bath caddy.

***

JOSH AND ELYSE (1st place with 27/30)

WOWEE. I mean OMG. I absolutely loved this and knew they would have to come first, if only by half a point! Phew! Stunning bathroom!

The youngsters were the first to waterproof and tile and the first to use a round bath in Block history. I’m still not 100% sure on how comfortable it would be to bathe in (I’m a serious bath afficianado) but it sure looks hot!

The judges immediately loved the bath and the skylight. Neale said it was really dramatic and Darren loved all the play on circles. The only thing letting it down, said Shaynna, was the too-small vanity.

The judges said the design was at a professional level and I’d totally agree. It seems these two are not to be underestimated and written off as the token good-looking couple. They have some great ideas!

Our picks: Wild About Wood vanity, Milli and Sussex tapware and hardware from Reece, timber stool.