Tag: shaynna blaze

Shaynna Blaze’s tips for transforming your outdoor living room

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 11, 2017
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Taubmans exterior in Mojo by Kyal & Kara_preview

As summer approaches, outdoor living is back on the agenda. So who better to speak to than Block judge, Taubmans brand ambassador and all round design guru Shaynna Blaze?! The right use of paint and colour, paired with the perfect furniture and accessories can create an entirely new outdoor space, effectively adding an extra room to your house. But how to pick the right colour? Below Shaynna unpacks four different colour palettes to suit a multitude of tastes, decorating themes and architectural styles.

Shaynna Blaze

White Heat

Taubmans Snowbank and January Dawn sit perfectly together in this beautiful white palette, creating a modern classic look with soft timber and natural accents. The contrast between the trims and walls is very subtle, giving the exterior a simple, textural feel that focuses on the setting rather than the architectural features. However, this is a palette in danger of becoming clinical if not styled right, so make use of your surrounds with large trees for a canopy, potted plants and natural timbers.

Taubmans exterior in Snowbank and January Dawn

Flaming Hot

Taubmans Stormy Shadow on the decking with Akimbo on the walls, set up a base that heroes the ‘cube’ feature in Black Flame, Taubmans 2018 Colour of the Year. The palette has strong contrasts that highlight the features of the architecture. The white showcases the doors and balcony with almost a traditional touch, allowing the Black Flame to add a contemporary focal point. When you have such strong contrasts just be careful to keep your features minimal so as not to overpower the overall look. This style is right on trend — modern minimalist is the new Hamptons!

Taubmans exterior in Akimbo, deck in Stormy Shadow and ‘cube’ in Black Flame

Fade to Grey

There are layers of grey but still so much romance in this colour scheme. This house has multiple lines and angles so having a grey tonal palette softens the impact, as long as you stick to greys that are close together tonally. For instance, don’t mix a blue grey with a green grey as this will highlight features rather than soften them. A perfect palette of greys would be Taubmans Grey Castle, Cable Ash and Grey Haze, with trims in Alpine Snow.

Taubmans outdoor living room by Corella Construction

Fifty Shades Darker

Kyal and Kara have here created a dramatic, inviting space that you want to explore. This house is all about the windows and the combination of charcoal and white highlight this feature. To pull off the look, pick one hero feature and stick with it, but don’t overdo it! Their wall is in Taubmans Mojo, but also try Viking Grey or Black Fox with trims in Snow Drop.

For more information | Painting tips

Tags design, living room, outdoor living, outdoor living room, paint, painting, renovating, shaynna blaze, the block

Designers Furniture Interviews

The family business committed to locally made, 3 decades on

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 4, 2017
No Comments on The family business committed to locally made, 3 decades on

Co-founder Michael can still be found hands on in the factory

The Block series 13 kitchen week room reveals!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 18, 2017
No Comments on 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.

All our Block coverage.

Tags appliances, caesarstone, darren palmer, freedom kitchens, josh and elyse, judges, judging, kitchen week, neale whitaker, room revels, shaynna blaze, the block

House Tours Kids Rooms The Block

The Block series 13 week 3 room reveals: kids’ bedrooms

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 21, 2017
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Last night’s kids’ room reveals were more enjoyable than I expected. Much as I personally, as a mum, enjoy the fun of decorating a children’s room, they don’t always make the best TV. You can’t really showcase the luxury, glam and gadgets you can with, say, a master bedroom. But I was pleasantly surprised with all the great ideas the contestants came up with, as well as how sophisticated most of them looked. And I have to 100% agree with Ronnie and Georgia winning (second week in a row) as there was really nothing to criticise in their gorgeous space. I absolutely loved Sticks and Wombat’s though (what a shame about the wallpaper) and Jason and Sarah did a great job too. Without further a do, here are more photos, judges’ comments and our picks to buy, from first place to last.

FIRST: Ronnie and Georgia

Well, that wallpaper on the ceiling was a fantastic idea, beautifully executed and the judges loved it. Darren said everything about the room was wow and Shaynna said it was a bedroom memories are made of. Neale said they’d gone all out to reflect childhood; 100% whimsy. Shaynna thought the styling was perfect. Darren loved the storage and said the room would suit a child from two to 11 and could be easily reorientated to a teenager room with minor tweaks. Shaynna added it was one of the very best kids’ rooms she’d ever seen. “They’ve thought of everything.” Not surprisingly with comments like these, the couple scored the first perfect 10 of the season.

Our pick to buy: Incy Interiors Eden bed, Pottery Barn Kids tea sandwich set, cotton candy print.

SECOND: Jason and Sarah

Shaynna said it was good they hadn’t pigeon-holed the room to a certain age. Darren thought it was very sophisticated and loved the wallpaper. Neale said it was very child friendly but not childish; really beautiful. And Shyanna said their wallpaperer was a magician (someone introduce him to Sticks and Wombat!). Neale loved the level of restraint without sacrificing the sense of fun. Darren said the Jack and Jill en suite (shared by two bedrooms) was a master stroke of planning.

Our pick to buy: Eurowalls gold zebra wallpaper, giant rhino, Heatherly Design Bailey Bedhead.

THIRD: Sticks and Wombat

This room was all about the fun, but great craftmanship too. Darren was truly like a big kid, and said “this is mad!” and the stuff of many kids’ dreams. Neale said it was like their own private tower. Shaynna was first to notice the wallpapering disaster, although she loved the actual design. Darren said it was a real downer when everything else was “up up up”. Neale said no-one was going to forget the house with the climbing wall though. Too right!

Our pick to buy: Winston the Wombat print, Alessia wallpaper, Kylie the Kangaroo cushion, Sticks Photography wave print.

FOURTH: Josh and Elyse

These guys didn’t have a great week, with Keith and Dan shutting down their site for a time due to their unsafe demolition. Their mezzanine idea paid off though. The judges all agreed they were going for more of a teenager room and Neale said kids would be excited that it feels like a mini apartment. Shaynna and Darren loved the wardrobe too. But that’s where the positives ended. Shaynna hated that the room had been stripped bare of any heritage elements and Neale agreed it could easily be a room in a new build. The judges found the styling a bit underwhelming too. Darren said there was no great contrast and Neale would have liked to have seen a bit of romance or escapism; something to get excited about.

Our pick to buy: Leather bedhead by Heatherly Design Bedheads, west elm rug, Luca linen rectangle cushion.

LAST: Hannah and Clint

The floorplan change and having a sliding glass door to the outside in a children’s room did them no favours in the end. It wasn’t all bad though. Darren immediately loved the playfulness and Shaynna said all the styling choices were very gorgeous. Neale liked that it was very obviously a child’s room but without being sugary sweet. “It’s kind of modern and cool.” Darren said it was well finished and loved the wardrobe (even if the door knob came off in his hand! Oops!). He and Shaynna agreed the room was small and felt a bit squashed. Shaynna said you wouldn’t want a sliding door to a courtyard with kids because it was unsafe. The judges agreed their planning had brought them undone.

Our pick to buy: The Family Love tree bedhead.

The Block latest

Tags children's room, darren plmer, hannah and clint, josh and elyse, judges, judging, kids room, mezzanine, neale whitaker, ronnie and georgia, shaynna blaze, sticks and wombat, the block, wallpaper

Bathrooms Expert Tips Interviews Kitchens RENO ADDICT Styling

Shaynna Blaze’s top tips for your kitchen and bathroom update

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date August 9, 2017
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With over 20 years’ design experience behind her, Shaynna Blaze needs little introduction. We asked the award-winning interior designer and The Block judge, to share some of her best tips for updating your kitchen and bathroom.

Know your reason

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but the bathroom is now an oasis. There has been a big movement towards having beautiful bathrooms and laundries. Upgrading these rooms can also get expensive very quickly, so it is important to know the reason behind your renovation.

“It’s not just about the kitchen anymore. When you’re spending a lot of money on fixtures such as stone and cabinetry in more than one room, you need think about why you are renovating,” says Shaynna. “Are you renovating to add value, or is this your forever home? Knowing the answer will mean the difference between adding a simple stone overlay and building from the ground up.”

Picture the space in use

We all know the importance of the working triangle in the kitchen, but what else do you use your kitchen for? If you love to cook with a whole bunch of different kitchen gadgets, then you need to allocate bench space and cabinetry for them. If your kitchen doubles as a home office space you could have drawers designated for paperwork.

“Everybody has their own lifestyle, and the kitchen has evolved beyond a simple room for preparing food. Is yours a social stop for people while you are cooking? Is this where your kids do their homework? You need to think about how the layout works with these other elements.”

Use lasting trends, not fads

When picking style trends, keep in mind that kitchens and bathrooms should last between five to 10 years. Look at the big picture, and go for trends that are long term and functional.

“Stone and marble benchtops are going to be around for years to come. When picking your cabinetry colours, make sure you are happy to live with them for the next 10 years. Otherwise, use overhead lighting to spruce up the space – it’s cheaper and easier to change later down the track.”

When it comes to bathrooms, don’t be afraid to go bold. “All white tiles are beautiful but boring. Think Moroccan, Art Deco, Art Nouveau – it’s all about capturing that ‘boutique hotel experience’.”

Shaynna also suggests staying away from the current (over)use of black and rose gold, as well as the industrial vintage trend. Opt for gunmetal or aged brass tapware instead. “Rose gold is one of those things that you wouldn’t put in unless you absolutely love it. If it’s your signature style then go for it. Very strong colours like green and navy will definitely be in for a while, but make sure you love them before using them in your kitchen or bathroom refresh.”

Stick to your budget

Whatever your budget, it is possible to upgrade your kitchen and bathroom in style. Shaynna suggests upgrading the look and the feel of a space when renovating on a budget. Changing the layout of the kitchen will push costs up, so be sure to keep plumbing and wiring in the same place.

“Focus on the things people touch the most. Overlay your benchtop with stone; change the position of the sink; repaint your doors; and choose good quality handles. These things will add instant value with minimum fuss.”

If you are working from the ground up, think carefully about your appliances. “People look at brands all the time and want everything to match. This can be a surefire way to blow your budget. Take a look at what you use the most and splurge on that, while opting for something a little down the budget line for the rest.”

The same thing applies to the bathroom; like the handles in the kitchen, tapware should be your priority. “A stone benchtop with a basic laminate underneath will work wonders. Have one feature tile wall and use budget tiles for the other areas. Or you could also just tile the wet area rather than all the walls to save money.”

Shaynna’s newest role sees her as a brand ambassador for Granite Transformations. Her favourite products include their unique tiles and the new Marble Collection which has all the beauty of marble with the added benefit of being heat resistant and non-porous. “Granite Transformations enable renovators to revamp their kitchen and bathroom by working with the existing surfaces and cabinets, for a proportion of the cost of a complete demolition and rebuild.”

Love kitchen and bathroom tips like this? There’s plenty more where that came from.

Tags bathroom, expert tips, granite transformations, inspiration, interior design, interiors, interview, kitchen, makeover, shaynna blaze, trends

Bathrooms House Tours The Block

The Block (season 13, week 1) bathroom reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 7, 2017
1 Comment on 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.

Tags bath, bathroom, bathroom week, bathrooms, darren palmer, judges, neale whitaker, room reveal, round bath, scores, season 13, shaynna blaze, shower, the block, tiles, week one, win, winners

Bedrooms Designers Homewares Styling The Block

Classic bedding by Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 3, 2017
3 Comments on Classic bedding by Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe

Shaynna, Shaynna, Shaynna… what can’t that woman do! The interior designer and Block judge has added another line to her already overflowing resume with the launch of her new homewares range, Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe.

Inspired by the open and natural elements of the woodlands, the quilts, sheet sets, cushions, towels, bathroom accessories and soon be introduced tableware, all tick the two vital boxes of quality-made and affordable.

“The bedlinen is a fantastic quality and the pieces are all functional, essential items for the home,” explains Shaynna. “I wanted to build a range that was classic in essence, with a unique style that encouraged a bit of personal flair and had the ability to be mixed and matched to suit all homes.”

The tones, patterns and textures featured are all unique but complimentary, with a strong palette of blues and greys, a homage to the outside world. “One of my favourite places is with nature. The textures and unstructured elements really inspire me and designing this range allowed me to capture some of that and allow it to be brought into the home.”

Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe is available online and in 50 Harris Scarfe stores across Australia. Prices start from as little as $19.95.

Shop online | Get your Block fix

Tags bed linen, bedding, bedroom, design, harris scarfe, homewares, interiors, shaynna blaze, Shaynna Blaze for Harris Scarfe, the block

Interviews The Block

Darren Palmer chats about The Block season starting on Sunday

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 27, 2017
No Comments on Darren Palmer chats about The Block season starting on Sunday

With the hotly anticipated new season of The Block due to kick off this Sunday, we spoke to judge Darren Palmer and tried (unsuccessfully if we’re honest!) to get some secrets out of him! That said, he assures us we have a lot to look forward to watching and hinted it’s one of the best series yet. I am so excited, I can’t wait! The Block is just what cold nights in on the couch with a blanket have been calling for!

Darren, pictured with fellow judges Neale and Shaynna and host Scotty Cam, loves going to work at The Block

“I love working on The Block and returning every season to the familiar faces behind the scenes as well as my fellow judges,” Darren says. “The working environment is brilliant and it’s always exciting, making filming every season something I really look forward to. That said, some seasons have been harder or more challenging in terms of having an uneven balance of skills and good results to judge but this season is constantly surprising and uplifting and seeing what the contestants have been able to do with these dream houses has made this season a standout favourite of mine.”

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen houses, rather than apartments, on the show, so that in itself is something that will bring changes. “The houses make it easier to film, give us much more to see and give us some great opportunities to judge things that apartments might prohibit in terms of scale, detail or amenity,” Darren says. “I think people at home across the country that live in houses will see opportunities in their own homes they might not have recognised and you definitely have that luxury, aspirational side of The Block loud and clear on this season. These are true, long-term, dream houses.”

If you haven’t kept up with the spoilers, this year, The Block have upped and moved four heritage weatherboards (literally cut them in half and put them on trucks!), ripe for demolition, and plonked them in Melbourne’s Elsternwick (a site that cost a rumoured $10 million) to give them a new lease on life, 9km from the CBD. “It’s great that they’ve saved these old beauties, isn’t it? I loved walking into the first week with that visible scar running down the centre of the buildings. The houses start off as pretty ramshackle, but it only improves from there.”

Darren loves that the homes in season 13 are being restored and reinvigorated in a new location with modern amenities. “It’s a really neat take on fusing the old and the new.”

What constantly surprises viewers, or what you may not realise, is that the judges rarely get to meet the contestants until it’s all over. “I didn’t get to meet any of the contestants this season,” Darren shares. “We rarely do, save for perhaps a challenge once a season, but this season the most contact I’ve had with any of them is to wave hello to a tired contestant on a Sunday morning.” So there you go!

Darren has a reputation for swapping between Mr Nice Guy and Bad Cop from season to season. “My judging really depends on the approach of the contestants and how well they interpret the brief. If they listen, take on advice and understand what they’re delivering to the market and create high quality interiors that suit the area, I’m full of praise and good vibes.”

The chemistry between Darren and fellow judges Neale Whitaker and Shaynna Blaze shines through on screen, although they certainly don’t always agree. “I love those guys. They are two of the most hard working and talented humans. We make each other laugh. We have a great friendship that has spanned many years and we respect each other.

“They relentlessly mock me behind the scenes and that seems to bring them joy. I have a thick skin so I’m ok with it! They’re genuinely funny and warm people and I’m very blessed to be able to work with good friends.”

While you might think the interior designer lives out of a suitcase, he reveals he usually goes between home in Sydney and his Block commitments in Melbourne on the same day, traveling light. Nevertheless, he’s a busy guy, so he works hard to keep healthy and happy. “My tips are eat super clean, lots and lots of vegetables, and have a really low sugar intake (most of the time). I do whatever I can to relax and unwind when I’m not working.

“I train at the gym, more now than I have for the last few years, but I’m getting back to peak health and fitness slowly but surely. I’m very diligent at looking after myself and prioritise time with my family and to keep myself well maintained rather than saying yes to everything that comes my way. It’s important to create the balance you need to thrive and I feel I’m doing a fairly good job of that at the moment.”

He has lots more happening at the moment too, including his own homewares range for Myer, launching very soon. “I’m bursting with excitement about seeing my logo and name on swing tags on the most beautiful product I’ve been working on for a good while now. I haven’t been able to talk about it, but now that it will be in all Myer stores across the country, I could not be happier.

“I’m working on a few projects of my own and I have plenty of brilliant and interesting corporate relationships like writing for Domain, the ambassadorships with Audi, Hafele and Carpet Court as well as some interesting short term alliances. I’ll be doing another Yourtown Christmas prize home later in the year and will have a few shoots and things to keep me occupied. As always, watch this space!”

His own home needs a lot of time and money spent on it, but has amazing potential. “It’s a slow but steady process. I do what I can that doesn’t cost much or that I can DIY, working with my favourite suppliers as much as possible. My house is a sort of pre-reno fix-up. I’ve painted walls and ceilings and laid floors, tizzed up [that’s a technical term!] a few rooms here and there and styled my lovely Myer range throughout, but there’s a lot left to do and a lot I want to do with the house. It has huge potential but the real reno is going to have to be done in stages and will take a lot of time and money. I’m patient though and I can see clearly what the house will become, which is good, but it also makes me very eager to see it in reality.”

Of course, you can rely on us to bring you all The Block room reveal details, pictures and gossip as the series progresses. We can’t wait!

Block latest.

Tags contestants, darren palmer, elsternwick, gossip, interview, melbourne, neale whitaker, new season, scott cam, season 13, shaynna blaze, the block, weatherboard

Designers Expert Tips

Neutrals are far from dull, says Shaynna Blaze

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 7, 2017
No Comments on Neutrals are far from dull, says Shaynna Blaze

There’s no denying the appeal of neutral paint colours – simple, stylish and timeless, they also take some time to grow tired of. And while they do have a bit of a reputation for being dull, it needn’t be the case says interior design maven, The Block judge and Taubmans brand ambassador Shaynna Blaze. “There are plenty of ways to play with whites, greys, pastels and beiges to bring your home to life without overpowering it,” she says.

Avoid the comfort zone
As I wrote recently, the coloured neutral has been having a moment of late and for good reason. Given the tremendous adaptability of neutrals, don’t feel as though you must play it safe with your colour choice – virtually any colour can act as a neutral in its diluted form.

“There is a clever new generation of shades which seemingly have a stylish foot in both the neutral and colour camps,” says Shaynna who cites Taubmans current colour of the year, Violet Verbena as a great example. “Whether in its quarter, half, or a striking full-strength formulation, this mutable ‘chameleon’ colour can appear as the palest dove-to-charcoal grey, or with a graduating blue-purple haze to it,” says Shaynna.

Nursery walls painted in Taubmans colour of the year, Violet Verbena

The new beige rules
“The use of beige, all too often accented with deep browns, used to make many interiors look tired. However, teaming beige with soft greys and greenery really brings it to life,” says Shaynna who also recommends pairing beige with bolder hues for interest. “Try adding more bold touches of navy and black for a really dramatic take on colour schemes that used to send you to sleep. Some of Taubmans’ best beiges are Fossil Find, Taupe Stone, Tenacity and Portland Stone,” says Shaynna.

Grey remains
It’s been an interiors favourite for years now and Shaynna assures us that grey isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “Grey is a chameleon and will take on aspects of the colours around it, so work with grey as a ‘texture’ rather than a feature. Select a grey that has a warm undertone, such as Taubmans Stormy Shadow, and then add tones like Whisper White, then layer with oak timbers and softly accented accessories to bring a sense of calm to a room,” says Shaynna.

Keep it simple
A fail-safe look, a simple neutral palette will never go out of style but make sure you layer up the space to avoid the boring factor. “Sharp whites and soft greys can be the perfect platform to create a simple yet stylish look. The secret to making this work is layering with marled texture in fabrics, roped patterns and aged grains in light timber,” says Shaynna who cites Taubmans Snow Drop, Cotton Sheets, Stormy Shadow and Oyster Bar as some of her favourite neutrals.

For more

Tags colour, interior, interior design, interior designer, interiors, neutral paint, paint, shaynna blaze, taubmans

Expert Tips Styling

10 of the best styling tips I’ve stolen from the professionals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 5, 2017
4 Comments on 10 of the best styling tips I’ve stolen from the professionals

Add a circle

I know I got this one from a Megan Morton workshop some years ago, and it’s simple and obvious when you think about it (but also, it’s only easy when you know how, right?). So, this tip is basically, to try and add a round shape to a room to break up all the right angles. Think about it: sofas, beds and most tables are squares and rectangles. Sometimes a circle is all you need to get a room just right. Think round rugs, round art, a round coffee or dining table. A few years ago, the ‘in’ way to do this was with a juju feather hat. Remember when they were everywhere?! They’re still lovely but not as common now.

Hang art at eye height

Another one which seems obvious but I see people getting it wrong all the time. I’ve been told this by a multitude of stylists and interior designers and of course, it’s right. Try and ensure the middle of your artwork is at the average eye height. Simple. Of course there are always exceptions with gallery walls and the like.

VIDEO: How to hang a gallery wall

Use books

We all have these lying around and super stylist Steve Cordony says: “When styling accessories, I always love to layer with books to give height to decorative items. Balance, whether it be asymmetrical or symmetrical, is key. Always stand back and look at what it is you’re creating – you will know if it feels right using your ‘design eye’!”

Steve Cordony displays colour-coded books in his former office, shot by Jacqui Turk for Interiors Addict

Rugs: bigger is always better

I can’t attribute this to anyone in particular because EVERY interior designer and stylist worth their salt will tell you to buy the biggest rug you can afford! It’s always better to have your furniture ON the rug, not AROUND the rug!

Styling by Julia Green & photography by Cricket Saleh for Prudence Caroline

Shop without buying anything and from within your own home

Melissa Penfold says: “Keep your eye in shape by window shopping. It’s free, keeps you up to date and inspired, and you’ll pick up stacks of great ideas that you will be able to imitate at home.” Don’t have time to window shop? Hit up Pinterest and your favourite design blogs.

Our favourite international design blogs.

The bed linen formula

Of course, every stylist and designer has their own favourite way to make a bed, but Block judge Darren Palmer says: “Transform your bed simply by styling the linen with some complementary or contrasting coloured sheets, an appropriately sized bed cover, two decorative cushions and two Euro cushions added to your everyday sleeping pillows.”

Image: Darren Palmer styles for King Living

Leave the colour scheme until last

This one I learned from the master, interior designer Greg Natale, when helping him write his book, The Tailored Interior. So often we start with the idea “I’m going to do X room blue and white” or “that bedroom’s going to be neutral” but this is actually one of the last decisions Greg makes when bringing a room together. Try and think about the other elements of the room first, before the colour scheme, and you may find it works better for you.

Greg Natale on how to arrange cushions

Pull furniture away from the wall

I already knew this but had forgotten until recently when Briar Stanley from Sunday Collector was at our place styling a shoot for Pottery Barn. Try and give furniture room to breathe rather than automatically shoving it right up against the walls around the edge of a room. We have a huge living room so it was silly to have our sectional sofa right up against the back wall. Once Briar suggested moving it into the room a few feet, it looked so much better (thanks Briar!)! If you have space to do this, you could also have a sofa/console table behind yours, which is another great styling opportunity. Even if you don’t have a big living room, you may find that if you consider that the sofa doesn’t have to be against a wall, there are other surprising options for your furniture layout. Sofas in the middle of a space can also break up open plan areas really well.

Look to your wardrobe for inspiration

This one’s from Shaynna Blaze of Selling Houses Australia and The Block, who warns not to get too caught up in trends when it comes to colour. “Look at your wardrobe and your accessories for inspiration, and determine what colours you’re most drawn to. This will help you settle on a colour scheme that suits you, and this is the hardest part! The fun bit is finding ways to bring this scheme into your home, whether it’s a bold feature wall or smaller accents of your favourite colour in furniture and accessories, complemented by a wall colour in a lighter shade of that colour.” (As some who has a 75% navy wardrobe, I find this works for my home too! Jen).

When you have kids, sometimes you have to just let it go!

One of our favourite stylists, Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors, says: “I would love to tell you I live in a pristinely well styled home but I would be lying! There is crap everywhere! I just let it go these days. Life is too short and I would rather hang out with my kids in my mess than clean it all up and waste the chance to see them. They are precious, precious people. Just messy ones.”

Well, that last one sure makes me feel better. Phew!

Designers Expert Tips

Shaynna Blaze’s 7 commandments for faking space in apartments

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date February 6, 2017
No Comments on Shaynna Blaze’s 7 commandments for faking space in apartments

By Shaynna Blaze

With urbanisation and smaller living spaces on the rise, clever interior design and decoration that creates the illusion of more space has never been so important. While a smaller space may have its challenges, there are many ways to fake space with colour, which will make your apartment feel like a castle.

The size of an apartment and the abundance or lack of natural light plays a major part in your colour palette selection. Likewise, the direction your apartment faces as well as the era your apartment reflects will all influence your options.

Most people put off painting their house as they look at the whole picture and get overwhelmed before even starting. With an apartment, you can feel a sense of achievement quickly, as you only have to work with the interior, so the amount of time and money is significantly reduced. However, the same rules apply to apartments as they do houses – it is all about planning and preparation.

My seven commandments for apartment living:

1. Aesthetically speaking

The secret is to use rich colours to extend the visual width of a room. For example, a great way to get impact in a kitchen is to use a rich colour on the walls and use the same colour for the cabinets, creating a completely new personality. To achieve this, I like working with rich emeralds, aubergine and ink blues, and partnering them with metallic tones, granite or colours rich in earth tones, partnered with rustic timbers and exposed brickwork.

2. Tonal vs contrast

Smaller apartments call for simplicity but this doesn’t have to mean boring. Keep your palette for doors, trims, ceiling and cornices in the same colour family, and then select one main colour for the walls. When you get to the bedrooms you can be a bit more playful, but I recommend the same colour palette, with minimum contrast so it does not feel like a ‘jolt’ when you walk into the room.

3. Impactful over oppressive

Apartment living does not need to be about white and stark colour palettes, however too many contrasting colours and patterns can often take over a space. Make sure your colours have a white, grey or blue/green base as these colours reflect light and cool colours recede. Some of my favourite whites are Taubmans’ Crisp White, Akimbo and Cloudburst. Also, look at timbers that are either grey or lime washed or oak and pine to balance strong colours, as they add a natural warmth to the space.

4. Making small look large

The trick is to connect the largest space in the room (walls) to the second largest impact space (the floor). To make the room feel larger, I like to connect similar colour palettes and make the skirting in that area the same colour as the wall, so that the eye travels from floor to ceiling, taking everything in as one big space.

5. Decorating approach for modern vs period inspired

The key here is to know what you are working with — modern apartment living requires minimal focus on trims, skirtings and ceilings and keeping the palette quite simple, with the addition of a couple of extra colours thrown in. On the other hand, interiors inspired by period styles often have many details, so in this case it is best to work out one main type of feature to highlight in colour so the room does not become visually overloaded. Decide which feature you want to draw your eye, for example feature panelling or cornicing, and go from there.

6. Decorating disasters not to be repeated

One of my pet hates is the common perception that apartment living needs to be treated as one big white box. Just adding a hint of colour to the walls can take the apartment from feeling clinical to full of life.

7. The three do’s

Formulate a plan, tackle painting in stages and focus on rooms as single projects.

–Shaynna Blaze appears on TV’s The Block, Selling Houses Australia and Deadline Design and is a brand ambassador for Taubmans.

Tags apartment living, colour, paint, painting, shaynna blaze, small space living, taubmans

Design Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Shaynna Blaze designs modern shaker kitchen for young family

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 29, 2016
No Comments on Shaynna Blaze designs modern shaker kitchen for young family

In the latest episode of Deadline Design, an inspirational new renovation series on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel, renowned interior designer and television presenter Shaynna Blaze helps parents to three young children, Martin and Teresa, revamp their 1930s clinker brick house before winter arrives.

Martin and Theresa have a tired and (thanks to some bad renos over the years), mismatched house in Deepdene, Melbourne. Jobs have been banking up for years and they’ve put up with things missing or broken longer than many would. With no oven, Theresa can’t face winter cooking on the BBQ. Enter Freedom Kitchens – proud kitchen suppliers to the renovation show.

The Shaker style kitchen in Alabaster Matte complements the integrity of the 1930s heritage of the home.

The unique configuration of the space includes a generous butler’s pantry, oven alcove space and a large island bench in Caesarstone Nougat for preparation and seating.

Floating shelves in Black Fine Grain allow for gallery-like display and items to be stored for easy access.

The budget comes in around the $260,000 mark with the kitchen and a fantastic attic conversion hogging the biggest chunks of that.

Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze airs on The Lifestyle Channel on Wednesday nights at 9.30pm.

For more information on Freedom Kitchens, or to arrange a free in home appointment with a professional kitchen designer click here.

Tags deadline design, design, freedom kitchens, home reno, home renovation, kitchen reno, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, shaynna blaze, styling

Interiors Addict

Shaynna Blaze opens multi-purpose space in Melbourne

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 23, 2016
No Comments on Shaynna Blaze opens multi-purpose space in Melbourne

The seemingly indefatigable Shaynna Blaze expanded her empire recently with the launch of a multi-purpose space in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. Borough of Hawthorn houses Shaynna’s design studio as well as an events area, photography space and her husband’s private gym, The Hub.

“Borough of Hawthorn is four spaces within the one building. It is where I run my design studio on the top level and the middle level has a kitchen that works as a commercial kitchen and an open area lounge that leads on to an exclusive inner-city deck. This space is hired out for photo shoots, dinner parties and corporate events. Downstairs houses an event and photography space and gym,” says Shaynna.

Built in 1880, the building has plenty of period details including ornate cornicing and skirting, high ceilings and original Baltic pine floors. “We decided to build on those details and installed an ornate marble fireplace, a bathroom inspired by Versailles and a kitchen that is a traditional and modern mix,” says Shaynna.

“Downstairs is rawer with its exposed bricks and polished concrete – this was once a bakery and the real ‘workhorse’ of the building so it’s a space that is filled with movement and lots of action and is clear for anyone to utilise it how they want to.”

The industrial feel of The Hub contrasts nicely with the more refined and elegant vibe upstairs. “My husband holds one-on-one and small group personal training there for his business My Fitness Journey,” says Shaynna of the space that features bikes, rowing machines, monkey bars, weights and rope climbing.

“We wanted a building that would work for us for our business but also for other businesses to hire for events, promotions, exclusive dinners and photoshoots. It is a multi-functional building that takes on a new life each time it is used,” says Shaynna.

Check out more Borough of Hawthorn here and The Hub here.

Tags borough of hawthorn, event space, gym, interior design, interior designer, melbourne, shaynna blaze, the hub

Before & Afters Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping

New Lifestyle show Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 4, 2016
No Comments on New Lifestyle show Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze

Renowned interior designer and television presenter Shaynna Blaze has taken on her biggest and most personal project yet in Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze, an inspiring new renovation series on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel.

For the very first time, Shaynna has invited viewers into her own creative world as a working interior designer, as each one-hour episode follows the journey of real life homeowners who employ her to renovate their spaces.

“Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze is an exciting opportunity to bring Freedom Kitchens into the homes of all Australians and we’re proud to be a part of this series,” says Felicity Page of Freedom Kitchens. “We have enjoyed working with Shaynna and her team producing and delivering kitchens that meet the needs, budgets and timeframes of the homeowners.”

Wednesday night’s episode introduced us to Jennifer and Adam, whose weatherboard in Melbourne suburb Box Hill, is bursting at the seams. The couple have dreamed of a Scandinavian style kitchen that fits the needs of their family including three young children. Style, storage and functionality are key in their new space which they needed to complete before their youngest son’s first birthday party!

Boasting a classic Scandi palette of timber and grey tones, impressive pantry space, sleek design and a massive island benchtop in Raw Concrete from Caesarstone allowing for ample preparation space with a large overhang to seat the whole family; this kitchen ticks all the boxes.

Featuring:

Cabinetry: Impressions Sublime Teak Riven Finish, Alpine Premium, Newbury Moose
Benchtops: Caesarstone Raw Concrete with 20mm Aris edge (kitchen) & Polar White with 33mm edge (pantry)
Handles: 8-H-12 Stainless Steel Pull & Touch Catch
Accessories: Design Sides (drawers), Oak Knife Holders, Oak Knife Holder & Steel Cutlery Tray

Follow Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze on The Lifestyle Channel on Wednesday nights at 9.30pm.

For more information on Freedom Kitchens, or to arrange a free in home appointment with a professional kitchen designer click here or call 1800 113 733.

Tags before and after, deadline design, freedom kitchens, kitchen reno, Lifestyle channle, shaynna blaze

The Block

The Block week 9 room reveals: Room reprises & terrace

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 24, 2016
2 Comments on The Block week 9 room reveals: Room reprises & terrace

In addition to re-doing a room this week on The Block, alfresco skills were put to the test as it was time to tackle the terraces. And while the room reprises were a mixed bag, the judges were mostly thrilled with the couples’ outdoor spaces.

Karlie & Will – 27

The Block’s largest terrace, Karlie and Will didn’t disappoint with their gorgeous outdoor space that Shaynna called an “urban oasis” and “a big selling point.” Darren was impressed with the couple’s use of layering – particularly when it came to the plants. “I love how they’ve used so many plants and I’m impressed with the layers and finishes,” said Darren.

h1_r9_terrace_kw-11 — Karlie & Will’s terrace

Neale was similarly impressed and called it “beautiful and lush and what everyone wants in a modern inner-city terrace.” Darren finished up by saying it was “the jewel in the crown.”

h1_r9_redos_kw-1 — Karlie & Will’s room reprise: The lounge

The couple’s room reprise didn’t light up the judges as much as their terrace did however, with Neale calling it only “marginally improved.”

Our pick: Lounge rug

Dan & Carleen – 25.5

h2_r9_terrace_dc-12 — Dan & Carleen’s terrace

After last week’s perfect score of 30 (a result they shared with Karlie and Will), the veteran renovators had high hopes this week and while Neale absolutely loved their terrace, Shaynna wasn’t so complimentary. In particular, she wasn’t a fan of the tiles that ran up onto the ceiling and the outdoor display shelves. She did, however, love the fireplace coffee table.

h2_r9_terrace_dc-8 — Dan & Carleen’s terrace

The judges did agree on Dan and Carleen’s room re-do though. After a lambasting for their efforts in the guest bedroom and WIR, the judges were delighted with the changes. “It is so much brighter,” said Darren noting the fresh new paint and bed linen.

h2_r9_terrace_dc-124 — Dan & Carleen’s room reprise: Guest bedroom

Our Pick: Terrace pendant light

Andy & Ben – 17

Not only were the Geelong boys pretty exhausted this week but a miniscule budget meant they didn’t have much to work with. Darren said their terrace had a “prison-like feel” and Neale said it “had no soul.” Ouch!

h3_r9_terrace_redos_ab-4 — Andy & Ben’s “prison-like” terrace

The boys’ had to re-do their hallway too and the judges were very happy with the results. Darren found the artwork to be “much better than before” and I agree – I’m a big fan of Louise de Weger’s work and the print ticked all the right boxes for me.

h3_r9_terrace_redos_ab-31 — Andy & Ben’s room reprise: The hallway (I love that Louise de Weger print!)

Our pick: Hallway print

Julia & Sasha 29.5

Julia and Sasha came out on top this week (a position they shared with another couple but more on that later) with Shaynna calling their terrace “beautiful” and Darren calling it “wonderful.” The girls created a lovely outdoor space that wasn’t compromised by their lack of budget. In fact Shaynna noted that despite monetary constraints “the girls have nailed it in a great way that makes it feel expensive.”

h4_r9_terrace_redos_js-28 — Julia & Sasha’s terrace

Darren loved the connection to the view and said the skylights were “phenomenal” while Neale added that “there’s a lot to love about this apartment – it’s beautiful, everything about it.”

h4_r9_terrace_redos_js-40 — Julia & Sasha’s terrace

The girls’ had to restyle their guest bedrooms and the judges were very happy with the results. Shaynna concluded with high praise saying Julia and Sasha’s apartment was “the prettiest ever on The Block.”

h4_r9_terrace_redos_js-3 — One of Julia & Sasha’s bedroom reprises

Our pick: Outdoor cushions

Kim & Chris – 29.5

h5_r9_terrace_kc-10 — Kim & Chris’ terrace

In equal first place with Julia and Sasha, Kim and Chris’ terrace was not only lovely to look at (those green walls are beautiful!), it delivered on the technology front too. From heating to a speaker system, TV, fans and great lighting, Neale called it “perfection” and “absolutely sensational.” All of the judges loved how the couple used a mirror splash back to give the space depth too.

h5_r9_terrace_kc-8 — Kim & Chris’ terrace

Kim and Chris also had to re-do their bathroom which saw them remove the moulding and replace the gold tap ware with black alternatives – I thought it was quite amazing how much impact a few small changes could make. Neale said it was “still out of step with rest of the apartment but at least it’s in step with itself.”

h5_r9_redos_kc-2 — Kim & Chris’ overhauled bathroom

Our pick: Green wall

Tags darren palmer, interior design, interiors, melbourne, neale whitaker, shaynna blaze, styling, stylist, the block

Designers Homewares

Shaynna Blaze and The Rug Collection collaborate again

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 14, 2016
No Comments on Shaynna Blaze and The Rug Collection collaborate again

The seeming unstoppable styling doyenne Shaynna Blaze has collaborated with The Rug Collection on a gorgeous new range for spring/summer 2016 called ‘Woven Simplicity.’ As its name would suggest, it’s a rather textural affair executed in a simple, neutral colour palette – a truly versatile range

shaynnablaze_therugcollection — Shaynna Blaze with the ‘Woven Simplicity’ collection

“Woven Simplicity is all about bold textures created by the knots, plaits and weaves. I wanted to create something visually quite simple but divine underfoot. As the name suggests, Woven Simplicity is effortless,” says Shaynna of the collection that is available in a series of four subtle shades including cashmere, ink, pewter and chinchilla.

My favourite from the range, Spotlight, combines plaits and knots with a circular motif – it’s both cosy and minimal at the same time which is no mean feat. “Spotlight injects a sense of fun into an interior. The contrasting textures created by the plaits and knots of the rug’s weave establish a focus in the rug’s design that can work equally well in a dramatic environment or a recreational space,” says Shaynna.

spotlight-chinchilla — Spotlight in chinchilla

Another minimal design, Resolve, is sure to build a fan base – it’s simple without being boring. “Resolve is designed to provide a base upon which you can build an entire interior. The single colour with its contrasting white or black lines works well in formal, informal and casual spaces,” says Shaynna of the versatile design.

Of the collaboration, The Rug Collection is pretty excited to have The Block judge on board for a second time. “Shaynna’s knowledge and expertise in the styling and design industry is second to none. We were looking for a fresh and exciting element to add to our brand, and we have certainly found that in Shaynna,” says director Simon Robinson.

Click here for more.

Tags design, homewares, rugs, shaynna blaze, stylist, the rug collection

The Block

The Block week 7 room reveals: Hallway, laundry & powder room

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 10, 2016
1 Comment on The Block week 7 room reveals: Hallway, laundry & powder room

With three areas to cover, this was the biggest reveal of the series so far and it was clearly too much to handle for many of the contestants as ‘unfinished’ would be the best way to describe most of the rooms. It wasn’t surprising to see plenty of tough love from the judges.

h1_hall_laundry_kw-7 — Karlie & Will’s powder room

Karlie and Will – 27.5

Unsurprisingly, Karlie and Will’s entry took out first place this week. One of the few couples to actually complete their rooms, they really nailed the powder room in particular. From the white geometric tiles to the pendant light with wooden beads, I loved it and so did Shaynna who thought the space “felt so expensive that you’d want to hang out in there all day.”

h1_hall_laundry_kw-1 — Will and Karlie in the hallway

Neale called all three rooms “elegant” and praised their “broad appeal” and he also said they were “sophisticated and on target for potential buyers.”

h1_hall_laundry_kw-14 — Karlie and Will’s laundry

Our pick: Hallway print

Dan & Carleen – 11

h2_r7_hall_laundry_dc-1 — Carleen and Dan in their unfinished hallway

Seven weeks in and with two room wins under their belt, this week was pretty disappointing for Dan and Carleen who (for the second time) failed to deliver completed rooms. The floor height problem was blamed for most of the setbacks but the judges went to town on what was completed. Shaynna called their hallway a “generic, hotel space” while Darren thought that none of it fitted with the sophistication of the apartment’s lounge room. Dan himself called it a “monumental disaster” that saw the couple finish with a score of 11 – the lowest score this season and one of the lowest in the history of the show.

Andy and Ben – 21

h3_r7_hall_laundry_ab-6 — Andy and Ben’s hallway

With very little money left, Andy and Ben were up against it this week and ended up delivering three spaces that Neale described as “horrible, undercooked and not fit for a luxury apartment.”

h3_r7_hall_laundry_ab-10 — Andy and Ben’s laundry

Shaynna called the styling “cheap and nasty” but she and Neale both liked the green cupboard fronts in the laundry. Darren thought the vertical timber detail in the powder room was “weird” and said it made him feel like the room was closing in on him.

h3_r7_hall_laundry_ab-17 — Andy and Ben’s powder room

Our pick: Round mirror

Julia and Sasha – 16.5

h4_r7_hall_laundry_powder_sj-1 — Julia and Sasha’s hallway

Given how beautiful these spaces were shaping up to be, it’s a shame that Julia and Sasha’s rooms were incomplete. When Darren walked in and declared his disappointment, it was hard not to agree. The girls thought, erroneously, that the hallway walls weren’t parallel and thus created what Darren described as an “imaginary issue.” In contrast, Shaynna heaped praise on them as she loved the panelling, cornicing and lighting in the hallway.

Shaynna thought the girls’ powder room, a gorgeous combination of marble and brass, was “stunning” and I agreed – I loved the penny round tiles en masse.

h4_r7_hall_laundry_powder_sj-5 — Julia and Sasha’s laundry – I love that print!

Neale said that if the girls had completed their rooms they would have scored really well and had “a good chance of being right up the top of the ladder.” Darren summed it up succinctly when he said “why run a marathon and stop a metre from the finish line?”

Our pick: Laundry print

Kim and Chris – 21.5

h5_r7_hall_laundry_ck-6 — Chris and Kim’s hallway

Kim and Chris abandoned the plush bedroom style of last week and went for something more contemporary and while Shaynna thought the spaces had “good bones” she felt they needed to be completely restyled. She even went so far as to remove an accessory!

h5_r7_hall_laundry_ck-14 — Chris and Kim’s powder room

All of the judges disliked the laundry and powder room – mainly for the cold, concrete tiles that led both spaces to be described as “concrete bunkers.” Darren even went so far as to call the powder room a “jail cell’ while Neale thought it “felt like a public toilet.” Ouch!

Our pick: Hallway prints

Tags competition, darren palmer, interior, interior design, neale whitaker, renovating, renovation, shaynna blaze, styling, the block

The Block

The Block week 5 room reveals: lounge/dining room

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 26, 2016
2 Comments on The Block week 5 room reveals: lounge/dining room

Here we go with all the pictures, judges’ comments, scoring, my thoughts and where to buy from last night’s room reveals!

Will and Karlie: last with 20.5 points

First impressions seemed to be good but the judges’ comments soon turned to criticism, mainly about the use of space and having too much in it!

Neale said he felt hemmed in and he didn’t know why they would choose to make the column bigger by cladding it with timber.

Shaynna said they’d made the room feel half as big as it was.

My thoughts? Wasn’t keen on the timber cladding or the large artwork and agreed about it being too busy but it was still a nice room. Loved the West Elm rug.

Dan and Carleen: won with 26.5 points

Lucky these two chose to use their bonus point from last week as it ended up making all the difference. Until that point (literally!) they’d been tied with Julia and Sasha, who were then pushed into second place.

Shaynna said the space felt open and twice the size of Karlie and Will’s. Neale said it had a different vibe to the rest of their apartment; quite luxe and glamorous. “They’ve taken the Deco theme and turned up the dial.”

Darren loved the feature TV wall, saying it felt like it was from a high end furniture store.

Neale said a young, design savvy buyer would appreciate what had been done and that they’d upped their styling game.

Shaynna thought the dining table and chairs were beautiful but Darren questioned why they’d picked tiles for the floor and then not used underfloor heating. In often-chilly Melbourne!

Neale concluded they’d really grown in the last few weeks and that the room felt expensive.

My thoughts? A great room but I preferred the girls’ and thought it should have won. In here, I loved the Pottery Barn gold coffee table and side table.

Ben and Andy: third with 22 points

Shaynna said the artwork real was a real signature for the boys now but Neale said they were in danger of overdoing the big artworks referencing the building’s history. Enough now!

Neale liked the feel and palette but Shaynna said the dining area and couches weren’t high end enough. Darren agreed, saying it felt like a display suite. Oh, and the couches were too far from the coffee table and the TV, too high!

Shaynna concluded the boys had come a long way and if they took advice on board it would be great. Neale said the room had enough visual interest to keep them in the game.

My thoughts? Not a patch on some of their other rooms and didn’t feel cohesive at all. Needed a much bigger rug too! I agree with Neale that the they’re in danger of overdoing the wall mural art. I hope they’ll be back on top form next week because they can do so much better!

Julia and Sasha: second with 25.5 points

Shaynna and Neale LOVED the new window and the city views. If only they knew the trouble it had caused them with Chris and Kim! The judges said it was well worth whatever they’d paid.

Darren and Shaynna were wowed by the “amazing” artwork and Neale said it looked like a magazine cover! “This is the modern take on Deco. Absolutely right. So now.”

They also loved their use of the paneling they’d last seen in challenge week.

My thoughts? IN LOVE with so much in this room! The art (buy a cheaper limited edition Megan Weston print here), the dining chairs (swoon), those blush velvet West Elm chairs! Great choices! The girls were robbed! Although I really think they need some rugs to zone the space and anchor the furniture more.

Chris and Kim: fourth with 21 points

Poor Chris and Kim came in for some criticism again this week. Neale said he didn’t know where to look because it felt like they’d thrown everything but the kitchen sink into this room.

Shaynna loved some of choices and the colour palette but said she felt like her head was going to explode.

Darren loved the fireplace but again the TV was way too high for comfortable viewing. Shaynna feared it felt like a country house; a country house interior in the penthouse, Darren added.

My thoughts? I thought the judges were perhaps a little harsh but agreed the look was too country for a Port Melbourne penthouse. It was so cosy though! The exposed brick didn’t work here like it has in Karlie and Will’s rooms. I always feel bad for these guys because they try so hard and they’re so nice!

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Tags art deco, darren palmer, judges, judging, living room, lounge, melbourne, neale whitaker, port meblourne, room reveals, shaynna blaze, the block, winners