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Interiors Addict Real Renos

A blend of old and new influences transform Edwardian-era home

Pop Architecture worked alongside Beatrix Rowe Interior Design to carefully transform the extension and renovation of South Yarra House. This spectacular renovation combines the original Edwardian-era features with striking contemporary design and materials that work together to maximise natural light. Located in the same-named area in Melbourne’s south, South Yarra House showcases how embracing simplicity and natural elements can breathe new life into a home. 

The client’s brief stipulated a focus on light and flow throughout new and existing areas, respect for the original Edwardian features, and a preference for curved edges and real materials. “This brief lead to a strong passive design philosophy and further exploration of the core idea via strategically placed glazing and the effect of light on curved forms and carefully selected materials,” says Justine Brennan, director at Pop Architecture. 

A sculptural corbelled brick form anchors the addition of the red brick Edwardian home. Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, the home is heavily centred on the majestic Eucalyptus tree towering over the north-facing backyard. The impressive tree is immediately visible upon entering the Edwardian portion of the house through the introduction of a clerestory window in the main entry corridor. The tree continues to reveal itself as you move through the house. 

In addition to the Eucalyptus tree, the design took inspiration from “the distinctive ornate brick chimneys punctuating the surrounding skyline” as well as the “dramatic effect of the northern sun hitting the otherwise nondescript corrugated iron fences in the back laneway. The ivory colour, curved parapet, and textured vertical corbel of the brick element, distills these influences into a simple yet striking focal point of the house,” describes Justine. 

The single-storey addition sits at the rear of the existing, renovated home, which opens to the garden and courtyard space. A rooftop terrace sits on top of the addition, as an extension of the outdoor area. Throughout the home, subtle curves and an amalgamation of textures add modern touches and a point of difference. The original central corridor at the front of the home, opens up to a shared living, dining and kitchen space. Its vaulted ceiling and architrave detailing emphasising the Edwardian-era characteristics of the home. Curved plaster and rounded smooth stone cultivate an element of sculptural design and contrast in the home. Highlighting this contrast is the difference between the strong solid materials, like brickwork, stone and hard plaster in contradistinction with gentle elements like timber fretwork in the existing portion of the home. This contrast is embodied in the bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen.

A key standout in the home is the brick form. “We had always conceived the sculptural form as having a vertical striated effect to evoke the qualities of the light-play we loved in the existing back laneway. While we explored many materials and applications to achieve this, it was bricks laid in the corbelled method that finally allowed us to create this effect,” says Justine. Adbri Masonry’s sandhurst stone quarter height concrete block in ivory was the ideal choice to achieve this. “We wanted a solid, slim format brick but with beautiful texture and tone. The Sandhurst Stone concrete block worked perfectly and allowed us to meet our intention of laying bricks vertically in a stepped fashion,” added Justine. 

The sculptural brick form is featured in the addition of the home, creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The brick form wall stretches from the kitchen and laundry indoors, to the outdoor patio, including a woodfire pizza oven. “The construction of the feature brick form itself was one of the most satisfying parts of the project. Once the selected brick had been decided, it was a very collaborative process to resolve the final detailing which greatly enriched the design outcome. The bricklayer recalled learning the ‘corduroy’ method on one of his first ever jobs over 40 years ago, and was excited to revisit the technique in a contemporary way,” says Justine. 

“Now a fully functioning and reimagined brick home, the owner often remarks that they enjoy living with such an interactive brick element. They particularly love the way the brick form takes on the characteristics of the day, changing colour and contrast as the day unfolds,” remarks Justine. 

For more on Adbri Masonry

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RENO ADDICT The Block

Real estate agents share behind the scenes goss about Block auctions

Even for the most experienced real estate agent, selling a Block property is no walk in the park. First, you’re dealing with thousands of potential buyers traipsing through the property, rather than the usual tens or hundreds. Secondly, there’s the fact you have to market the home while the show’s still airing (sounds like a marketing nightmare to me!). And lastly, there’s the almighty challenge of having to sell a townhouse with the whole country watching! No pressure!

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Mark (left) and David

So we spoke to Josh and Charlotte’s real estate agents — listing agent Mark Konishi of hockingstuart South Yarra and auctioneer David Wood of hockingstuart Albert Park — to find out what goes on behind the scenes and how they’re going to avoid an auction disaster like last year’s.

Josh and Charlotte
Josh and Charlotte

“We weren’t involved with the Glasshouse series but feel that many buyers were perhaps thinking the apartments could have sold for more and as a result weren’t present on the day,” explains David. “It’s important that we do all we can to ensure all potential buyers are attending the auction of the apartment.”

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Alongside high buyer demand, both David and Mark think the property’s location, style and high quality fixtures, will see Josh and Charlotte come out on top this auction day. “From our experience in the South Yarra market, we know that there’s a strong appetite for townhouses in prestige locations,” says Mark. “Darling Street, in particular, is within proximity to the shops, public transport, the Yarra, the Botanic Gardens and many schools, as well as being an arm’s reach to the CBD. The quality of Charlotte and Josh’s apartment with its luxury fittings and furnishings will also put us in good stead to come out with a good result on the day.”

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As well as having many high-end fixtures, Josh and Charlotte’s townhouse also includes many other stand out features. “Being at the front of the building, the townhouse boasts fantastic street appeal and enjoys plenty of natural light,” explains Mark. “The electronic louvres on the facade allow the perfect amount of light streaming through. Plus, the spacious master bedroom has those exposed roof beams which buyers love, as well as a view of the courtyard. All in all, it’s a perfect low maintenance townhouse in a cracking location.”

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With this Block listing being David’s fourth (he won Fans vs Faves with Steve and Chantelle) and Mark’s second, they both agree that while there is a lot of fanfare, the whole selling process is quite similar to any other property. “Admittedly, it’s not every day that we sell a block of four townhouses very similar in structure in the one day,” says Mark. “We have thousands of buyers through the property, most of whom want to check out their favourite contestants’ townhouse and be a part of the movement. But with that said, 27 Darling Street follows a very similar marketing campaign to other properties on the market, from sourcing buyers and running an advertising campaign to an auction.”

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The Block goes to auction on 28 April, with the on air date yet to be released. Read up on everything Block here.

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Bedrooms The Block

The Block Triple Threat controversial second bedroom judging!

Hoorah for all three judges ‘proper’ this week: Neale, Shaynna and Darren! And definitely the most entertaining judging of the series so far. Loved it! Didn’t those Jimmy Possum challenge beds (I wasn’t a fan!) cause trouble?! There was also much talk about just how much inspiration Tim and Anastasia had taken from Darren’s mentoring session (perhaps too much?) and then there was the Neale and Shaynna fallout over Dea and Darren’s room. And to top it all off, Darren pointed out that many of the things in Dea and Darren’s room were exactly the same as those he had used in Jennifer Hawkins’ home, which is featured in his book, prompting Shaynna to ask who was the copycat now?

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But ultimately, Tim & Anastasia came first, beating their besties Dea and Darren by half a point despite them having taken a point off them due to winning the bed challenge. Here’s a recap of the judging…

Charlotte & Josh: 3rd place

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Shaynna’s first impressions were “very crisp” and Neale said it had a beautiful colonial feel. Darren agreed it was a lot better than their first bedroom.

That bed was dividing though. Shaynna found it too messy. Darren loved the unmade look. But then Shaynna talked him round! And Neale said in South Yarra people make their beds! But he loved the colour palette and called it absolutely beautiful.

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Controversially, they didn’t use their Jimmy Possum bed from the challenge because it didn’t work with everything else. Not that the judges knew anything about the challenge. The show left us thinking this is something they’re going to regret later! Big time. Eek!

Neale found the styling a little twee but Darren dug it! Shaynna said the lighting plan was perfect. It was all going so well until Shaynna pointed out the bad finish on the windows (whoops, Charlotte!).

Shaynna said they had their confidence back but Neale said it still lacked some of the energy and oomph he saw in the elimination rounds.

Our pick to buy: Hessian blue velvet cushion

Tim & Anastasia: WINNERS by half a point!

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“They have come on quite a journey since the cat,” noted Neale! Darren couldn’t get the smile off his face and was amused by the use of seagrass wallpaper… again! But was it a happy smile? Hmmm… He wasn’t sure how he felt about the replication of ‘his’ mentor room. He also thought the cushions were a little expensive for a guest room!

They loved the built-in dressing table and the carpet. Darren said the linen was better and not cheap and nasty like the first bedroom. Neale said they’d taken much more than the grasscloth from Darren’s mentoring sessions. But they all loved the black windows and the window treatments, including electric blinds.

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Sadly, the switch hidden behind the bed (due to using the challenge bed rather than the one they had already bought) wasn’t missed! Neale said the style was suited to an older buyer but they needed to run with it now for the rest of the apartment.

Our pick to buy: Elliot pendant light

Ayden & Jess: last place

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Despite a mentoring and shopping session with Neale this week, it wasn’t a great week for these two. The judges found the lights were hung too high and there was no focal point. When they removed the cushions hiding the Jimmy Possum bedhead, they actually liked it! Eek! Darren thought the wardrobe was too small even though the room was designed for guests, as you might want to change its use later on.

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Neale said the custom bedsides were oversized to compensate for the wardrobe. And he found everything styled on them way too small, saying he could see no evidence of the things he and Jess had discussed on their shopping trip in Sydney. It left him saying the room was lacking personality despite having a good finish and not being a bad room. And it didn’t say South Yarra.

Our pick to buy: Berber zig zag rug

Dea & Darren : 2nd place

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“Welcome to The Block Grasscloth,” quipped Neale. “What have I done?” asked Darren. Shaynna didn’t see all the fuss, declaring that Dea didn’t invent grasscloth wallpaper! Darren said it was executed beautifully but didn’t like the powerpoint below the art.

Neale found the whole room very appealing and if he had to check into a boutique hotel room in South Yarra this was what he’d expect. Darren loved the colour palette and the execution.

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[contextly_sidebar id=”g83yqkS54nVYEXKAf4CVNTGafLoe0gmO”]But then Shaynna made a face and called the bedhead (the challenge-winning one) HORRENDOUS and so over the top it was ridiculous! She also thought the wall sconce lights didn’t work and were too industrial.

Neale however, said he bloody loved it, including the leopard print, and found it sexy. And then began an argument between Shaynna and Neale that did make me chuckle! Darren was left somewhat awkward and amused in the middle! I loved how they both stood by their opinions. Neale called it genius and Shaynna called it gaudy.

Darren then went on to list everything he had used in Jennifer Hawkins’ bedroom, seen in his book, which had also been used in the room. Say no more.

Our pick to buy: Hale Mercantile Co. Crush linen throw

Most entertaining judging of the series so far if you ask me! What did you think? I’m pretty much in agreement with the judges this week. There wasn’t much between the top two rooms, Josh and Charlotte’s was definitely next best and my favourites, Ayden and Jess, just didn’t come up with the goods this week, I’m sad to say.

All our Block posts in one place.

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The Block

New woman on The Block: buyer’s advocate Nicole Jacobs

Meet Nicole Jacobs, the professional buyer’s advocate with over 15 years’ real estate experience who we first got to meet on last night’s episode of The Block Triple Threat.

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This season, a buyer’s jury consisting of Nicole, Greville Pabst and Frank Valentic will provide strategic recommendations from a buyer’s perspective regarding layout, finishes and market expectations.

“Our role on the show this season is vital for contestants,” says Nicole. “Throughout the 12 weeks, we are there to review each room from a commercial perspective and provide insight into market expectations in high-end South Yarra.” Nicole’s job is to look beyond the styling and décor choices deliberated over by judges Shaynna Blaze, Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer. “If you take the furniture out, what are you left with? Hopefully a well laid out apartment finished to such a high standard that you could place any furniture in it and it will look amazing,” Nicole says.

The buyers advocates’ first judging session last night was interesting, with their views very different to those of the ‘real’ judges, particularly on the subject of Ayden and Jess’s separate toilet, which they raved about!

What Nicole thought of the bathrooms last night:

  • Charlotte and Josh: Liked the tiles. Not enough lighting for female buyers to do makeup. Finish really good. On track for a South Yarra buyer.
  • Tim and Anastasia: Floor tiles look rushed and not lined up. Quality of fixtures and fittings below par.
  • Ayden and Jess: Underfloor heating.  Separate toilet a very clever move, makes it like 1.5 bathrooms and opens up their market, setting them apart from the other apartments.
  • Dee and Darren: Feels high-end and luxury. Could have separated the toilet from the main bathroom.

[contextly_sidebar id=”PdF9EbnIu4K3yuLRwX0tqpd0IfmqBSis”]Channel Nine have been strategic in selecting buyers advocates who are specialists within their niche, so each brings a broad representation of investors to the auction. Nicole captures the higher end of the market and represents clients who often have very discreet transactions. “We have had a lot of fun throughout the series, but we found out early on that we all look for different attributes and as a consequence, we don’t always agree. One thing we do all agree on though is that the completed apartments are definitely not out of place in the South Yarra market.”

Her company, Jacobs Buyers Advocates in Brighton, has already taken VIP clients through The Block at 27 Darling Street and they’ve all provided positive feedback for contestants. “Our clients are predominantly owner occupiers, however the position, along with strong depreciation schedules and rental yields, have attracted many of our local (and international) investors.”

–Last night’s episode also saw the fellow contestants and buyers advocates rate the bathrooms with Dee and Darren coming out on top with 49 points and winning $5,000. Ayden and Jess came second, Charlotte and Josh third and Tim and Anastasia last.

Categories
Bedrooms House Tours The Block

The results of the first REAL Block Triple Threat room reveals

What excellent viewing last night was! A return to my favourite Sunday night Block room reveals and not three but SIX with three by the newbies and three by the returning all-star couples. Plenty of emotion (mainly from a tearful Bec, bless her) and some honest judging that spanned from downright harsh through to glowing. This is what reality TV’s all about!

Darren and Dee won the all stars' contest
Controversial Darren and Dee won the all stars’ contest

Judges Darren Palmer (we love his new specs!) and Neale Whitaker were joined by real estate guru John McGrath for the big task this week. The winners of the newbie round were my current faves Ayden & Jess and Bec & George and Matt & Kim went home, despite producing great rooms, while Darren & Dee got to stay and become the fourth couple.

Ayden and  Jess were judged best out of the newcomers
Ayden and Jess were judged best out of the newcomers

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

First, to the newbies. The judges didn’t think any of their rooms were really good enough. The judging was pretty harsh but, in my opinion, warranted. It’s early days though!

Charlotte & Josh (second place)

Charlotte spent up big at Coco Republic but expensive furniture was not enough. Darren said there was a lot of stuff in the room and loved the wall finish, the simple linen and smart choice of flooring. The bedside is one of his favourite pieces out there at the moment but he felt it too big for the room. Neale had an issue with the art, even though it referenced the neighbourhood (too young and poppy to go with the furniture). The art jarred with the neutral look and feel. John agreed the decor didn’t quite work. Darren and John hated the built-in doors and handles (a bit dated). No more Mr Nice Guy with Darren tonight who said the window dressing was a bit asylum-y. Eek! Neale said their elimination challenge rooms were better and he was disappointed. John said it seemed they hadn’t realised the competition had started. Ouch all round!

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Our pick to buy: The go-with-everything Azure bedhead from Forty Winks.

Tim & Anastasia (third place)

The automatic blind impressed Darren and John who said it was what buyers in this market were looking for. Not surprisingly, the judges spotted the hideous toy cat on the windowsill (why?!) and they were NOT impressed. Neale said he felt he’d seen everything in the room many times over and called it generic. John said it felt decorated out of a seaside gift store. Cringe! Neale was again disappointed. John found the crosses theme “annoying” and said the room was not all things to all people and rather nothing to no one. At this point, Darren declared himself definitely cranky Daz! Distinctly awkward!

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Our pick to buy: Karpenter bedside table by Curious Grace.

Ayden & Jess (first place — by half a point)

Ayden and Jess’ dynamic continued to make me giggle this week. They’re definitely my favourites to watch. Darren said the room was off to a good start. Neale said it had soul to it and personality. They all liked the wing-backed bedhead and even Darren said there were too many cushions on the bed (nine!) and he didn’t love the pendants. Darren said the flooring was a little plasticky. Neale concluded it wasn’t perfect but had a sense of creativity and flair. Darren said they had shown a fighting spirit and tried to up the ante.

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Our pick to buy: Shibori hand dyed throw.

THE FORMER  CONTESTANTS

Then onto the all-stars… The judges were not told who did each room or even which all-stars they were judging. It seemed so mean that two of the three had to go home when they all did so so well and in a class above the newbies (and let’s face it, they’ve had a lot more experience). I picked the winners straight off though: Dee and Darren. But wow, they were all good! Painful!

Bec & George

Darren immediately said “we’ve stepped into a whole different level of the game. There is no comparison to the rooms we’ve just been in”. John said it proved a great idea was all about execution not budget. Neale said the room said experience and it was in a different league. The flooring was amazing. Neale said the artwork was stunning. Darren loved the warmth of the timber and the lights. Neale said it said modern luxury. John said it spoke to the market. All the judges like the custom gold leaf plant holder.  Bec was so wowed by the positive comments that she cried, saying even if they didn’t stay they’d achieved everything they wanted to. Which was just as well as sadly, they did end up going home.

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Our pick to buy: Chunky knitt cushion from The Home Journal and Creativity is Limitless cushion from Created By Boys.

Matt & Kim

This pair really seemed to take the opportunity seriously too, making brave choices. I loved their paneling and elegant choices. The judges were wowed by the different aesthetic and approach. Neale thought it felt very romantic and elegant. He said the detailing was very special. Darren liked the timber floor on a diagonal. They said it was a room that would appeal to anyone with design savvy. Darren said it felt like a jewellery box to him and that when the newbies walked through these all-star apartments they would freak out! Darren said whoever went home, it was a big shame.

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Our pick to buy: Limited edition photographs by Sarah Stockman.

Dee & Darren (winners by one point!)

Darren said the apartment was beautiful and he loved the grasscloth wallpaper. Neale said it was seamless, calm and relaxing and this was the room he felt like unpacking his bag in. Darren said it was the first bedhead he’d seen that he really wanted to sleep in. John said it was neither harsh contemporary nor classical and steered a nice road down the middle. Darren loved the dropped ceiling and the shadow line (Daz’s choice, which wasn’t popular with Dee!) and said they looked expensive. Less is more definitely won!

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Our pick to buy: Boyd Blue grass weave wallpaperDome pendant lights by Mud Australia and photographic print by Chris Warnes from Otomys. 

MY THOUGHTS

I have to say I agreed with pretty much all of the judges’ comments this week. All three all-star couples did brilliantly. I was most surprised and impressed by Matt and Kim in a way, taking into account their attention to detail, effort and the huge difference to anything of theirs we have seen before. The paneling was fab and the lighting was perfect. Winners Dee and Darren had my favourite room but Bec and George’s was also great (that floor worked much better then I predicted).

[contextly_sidebar id=”LLyvoP3LOeooSBEuodjPlUTbe7JzgC62″]It seems pretty unfair that the newbies’ work had to be compared to the more experienced former contestants’ this week as they were never ever going to match up! I really didn’t vibe Tim and Anastasia’s room at all and the soft toy dog they left on the windowsill killed me (I don’t care if it was your neighbours’ kid’s! What were you thinking?!). A tacky toy on the windowsill of what is supposed to be a high-end apartment is never going to go unnoticed or go down well. I found the colour scheme a bit jarring and the styling uninspired. As the judges said, Josh and Charlotte’s room was a bit too much about the art, which I didn’t love, and I hated the opaque glass built-in doors. I still have high hopes for this pair though. And Ayden and Jess, my favourites at this point, did the best in my view. Their room looked less embarrassing compared to the all-star couples’ slick efforts. The floor was a bit wrong though.

And before I go, can I just say, once again, how disappointing and ridiculous I find the huge amounts of bitching on The Block Facebook page and elsewhere (Darren and Dee’s page too) about the result and the show supposedly being rigged. And people being massively over the top about winners being announced on social media before all states have had a chance to see the outcome? Calm down, people, it’s just a TV show! I personally couldn’t watch the show last night because I was having dinner with my in laws. So I recorded it and then deliberately stayed off Twitter and Facebook until after I’d watched it a few hours later (in order to write this post and for my own enjoyment). Had I accidentally found out before I watched, well do you know what? It’s really not that big of a deal. Sigh. I just wish people would put as much effort and passion into fighting some of life’s real injustices rather than spouting venom about a reality TV show and its contestants.

So, what did you think? I’m sure the all stars’ winner decision will be controversial being that Dee and Daz are a bit love ’em or hate ’em! And simply because all three couples made top efforts. Poor judges, that was hard! But that’s reality TV for you! Roll on this week!

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The Block

What to expect from The Block 2015: Triple Threat?

We can’t wait for it to be back and, judging by how many of you read our Block roundups and how many new readers we acquire when it’s on, you do too! Love it or hate it, you tune in, right?! The Block is great for Interiors Addict and we can’t help getting hooked, even when we get a little over the challenges and the drama at times. You can’t beat those room reveals. Bring back Sunday nights and judging controversy, I say!

So, what do we know about the next series, coming early next year, so far? It’s in Melbourne again (boo!) and it’s called Triple Threat. That’s because the new couples will be up against three pairs of former contestants: Bec and George, Matt and Kim and Dee and Darren (can I get a pantomine-style boooooooooooo?!). The public’s reaction to the choice of former contestants making a comeback has been mixed to say the least, especially with Dee and her less then friendly comments (remember when she called Shaynna a bogan?!) fresh in viewers’ minds! But this is reality TV, let’s not forget that. If everyone got on swimmingly that would probably be very dull, despite everyone’s comments to the contrary. I’d put money on many of those I’ve seen commenting on The Block Facebook Page that they will be boycotting the show because of the Double Ds’ return will secretly be tuning in and getting their knickers in a twist!

We haven’t heard much from Matt and Kim recently, although they did appear on their own Domestic Blitz show, Matt and Kim to the Rescue recently and Matt tells me they have lots of exciting things in the pipeline this year. We’ll be sharing one of their most recent design projects on the blog later this week, in fact, so stay tuned! Bec of Bec and George launched her own blog  at the end of 2013 and the popular pair have been busy with their own renovations. Bec also recently announced a style consultant role for Nostra Homes. Of course, both these couples went head to head on The Block Sky High. As for Dee and Darren, they’ve barely had a chance to recharge their batteries since losing Glass House to lovable Shannon and Simon in October.

They’ve started introducing the new couples too. Ayden and Jess are parents of two and he’s a big Scotty fan.

Photo: jumpin.com.au
Photo: 9jumpin.com.au

Ebony and Luke are the first ever brother and sister sibling duo on The Block. About time really!

Pic: 9jumpin.com.au

We’ll bring you more as and when we hear it! In other Block news, former contestants Dale and Sophie have had a baby boy called Van and judge Shaynna Blaze totally rocked it with a singing performance at Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight, looking amazing.

Pic: Daily Mail
Pic: Daily Mail

Find all The Block latest here.

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Interiors Addict

20% off storewide at Jfahri for all readers!

With a successful career as a fashion designer under her belt, Jo Mclean decided to bring all her best finds from years of travelling home to Melbourne and open the doors to Jfahri.

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The owner, designer and brains behind the brand is passionate about interiors and up and coming local designers. And it shows in her store.

The stock, as you would expect from such a seasoned traveler, is an eclectic range of furniture, art, homewares and fashion that embodies several continents, including pieces from local Melbourne designers.

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The store definitely has a bohemian, artisanal feel to it and (the best part yet) the prices are very reasonable. There are gorgeous ceramics from India as well as vintage and handmade Moroccan, Mexican and Indonesian pieces. 

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Interiors Addict

RMIT students showcased in Country Road Window Project

Country Road has unveiled this year’s Window Project. The annual collaboration between the store and the RMIT Diploma of Visual Merchandising program is now in its sixth year.

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The 10-week program kicks off with a briefing session for the students at the Country Road head office and asks the students to design and implement a series of windows showcasing the homewares range, to be displayed at the brand’s flagship store in South Yarra. Over the next 10 weeks the students work to a real life brief – developing and working through concepts, taking feedback and direction from the Country Road team, liaising with suppliers and finally installing the window concepts.

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Interiors Addict

A sense of nostalgia at boutique Melbourne hotel The Hatton

Although I love a fancy pants 5-star chain hotel as much as the next person, I’m also a sucker for good quality, unique, boutique accommodation, and The Hatton, in Melbourne’s South Yarra, is just that. I had the pleasure of staying in this historic Italianate mansion when I visited for Life Instyle last week.

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First impressions were fantastic with this grand exterior, tucked away in a quiet residential street full of beautiful old houses. There’s a cosy welcome at the front desk/breakfast/lounge room, where coffee and continental breakfast is served each morning and included in the room price. It doesn’t feel like a hotel, more a grand, but not intimidating, and very charming, old home.

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Interiors Addict

Melbourne yoga studio inspired by California and a member of Men At Work. Yes, you read right…

After hearing much hype around town, I finally had the pleasure of meeting Samantha Veall, the 23 year-old owner of hip new Melbourne yoga and pilates studio YOGA 213.

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The light-filled loft-like space is home to an earthy pallete with welcome splashes of yellow and natural materials that include plywood, brick, a hint of recycled timber and a great deal of white paint. The causal interior pays homage to Venice Beach, California, the birthplace of fashionable yoga. The end result is a mixture of trend, functionality and fresh-faced design.

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Yoga 213 was inspired by the months I spent in Los Angeles after completing high school,” said Samantha. “I was still recovering from an accident in April 2011 that left me with a limp due to skin grafts on the back of my knee. I discovered Maha Yoga, owned by an amazing man, Steve Ross (gay icon and member of Men at Work).

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Interiors Addict

Vixen & Velvet pop up in South Yarra

Furniture and homewares business Vixen & Velvet has just opened a two-month pop up shop in South Yarra, VIC. Festival by Vixen & Velvet (which is also selling Christmas goodies) is at 514 Chapel Street.

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Interiors Addict

Architect designed yoga studio in South Yarra

I’m not into yoga but I wouldn’t mind visiting this new designer studio in Melbourne’s South Yarra, built for style, function and comfort.

One Hot Yoga has been created by architect Rob Mills, whose wife Lucinda runs it. Clever combo, eh? The studio has hygienic and good looking concrete floors and is kept at 37 degrees centigrade: body temperature, with hydronic heating. This is the only genuinely low energy heating system in Australia. The system has a natural reticulation of air built in, so the entire studio is heated uniformly. It is a gentle, natural heat which is much more comfortable than forced air systems.

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Interiors Addict

Visit the Country Road retro caravan in Melbourne’s South Yarra today

To celebrate the launch of its colourful Spring fashion and homewares, Country Road will have this cute retro caravan and models on customised Papillionaire bicycles outside the South Yarra store in Melbourne today (Saturday).

Those who visit the completely customised caravan, in this season’s neons and cool pastels, can pick up a new catalogue and be in with a chance of win one of 100 Country Road tote bags or 100 $25 gift vouchers. They’ll also be giving out treats like fairy floss and popcorn. I recommend a look at the new homewares range, especially the yellow chevron throw and grey cushions.