Tag: the block sky high

Nood Co’s “feminised” concrete is more than just a fad

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 10, 2018
1 Comment on Nood Co’s “feminised” concrete is more than just a fad

Former Perth Blockhead Matt di Costa’s concrete brand Nood Co, has just released a new range of furniture, basins and tiles, proving that the nation’s love of the material is going nowhere fast! Nood’s subtly coloured, curved concrete items, particularly sinks, have proven extremely popular since launching 18 months ago.

Nood Co basins in The Norsu Home with Perini Tiles, Sussex Taps and Ingrain Designs vanity

Matt, who is the lead designer with a team of nine creatives, says he’s excited to provide Australia with its first range of concrete furniture with real world use. And it’s all designed and manufactured right here too. Revolutionising what we knew of the ‘boring’ building product, he’s added colour, curve, design, lightness, transportability, and real world use with a warranted sealing process.

“All of the concrete is designed and manufactured in Australia, something we are really proud of. That helps us retain the quality, and shorten lead times for our clients,” he says.

“The idea of Nood was to feminise concrete. We spent three years developing a concrete manufacture process that allowed for thinner, more contemporary design, and to give Australian and international designers a new way to present concrete, in all environments. A new consciousness in concrete is here.”

There are now more than 70 concrete infused products in the range, from dining tables, coffee and side tables, stools, basins, wall and floor tiles, to mirrors, sofas, sideboards, homewares and more.

Matt and wife Kim appeared on The Block: Sky High in 2013, selling their apartment for $1.455 million, pocketing a tidy profit of $250,000.

In timing with the new range, Nood have launched their first East Coast pop up shop (79-81 Fitzroy Street St Kilda, VIC).

Shop online or download the latest catalogue for more information.

To celebrate the St Kilda Showroom launch, Nood Co are offering a 20% off basin sale on Saturday 25 August between 10.30am and 5pm.

Tags blockheads, blue pink sink, coloured concrete, concrete, concrete sinks, Kim di costa, matt di costa, nod co, the block, the block sky high

Designers RENO ADDICT Styling The Block

9 former Block couples now working in design

Post author By ClickWP
Post date December 18, 2015
3 Comments on 9 former Block couples now working in design

You love them on The Block and then suddenly auction day comes and goes and they’re out of your life. However, while some contestants go back to their pre-Block life, others harness their new love of design and decide to give a job as a stylist, designer, builder or TV star a red-hot go! Below are the contestants doing just that.

Dan and Dani: Dorcas Street, South Melbourne (2012) and All Stars (2013)

Following on from their successes on The Block, Dani Wales said goodbye to her career in finance and founded interiors blog and e-commerce site Basic Habitat. She also returned to TV as the co-host on home and lifestyle series, Healthy Homes TV Australia. Meanwhile, Dan ‘Foredan’ Reilly upscaled his carpentry qualifications and is now a qualified Master Builder. For the past two seasons of The Block, he has worked alongside Keith as an assistant foreman. Dan and Dani have also recently launched design and construction company Red Door Project and have almost completed a two–year long renovation project in Melbourne’s Inner West.

Josh and Jenna: Cameron Street, Richmond (2011) and All Stars (2013)

Since being on The Block, plumber Josh Densten and wife and hairdresser Jenna, have found a true passion for renovation, in particular interior styling and decorating. Jenna has completed a Diploma of Interior Design & Decoration at RMIT and in partnership with Josh, has renovated and built a handful of properties. They have also started their own style and design business Bicker Design Co., the name stemming from their trademark of bickering whilst on the The Block! They are currently ambassadors for Beacon Lighting where they launched the Josh and Jenna Range of lights and earlier this year featured on new renovation show, Reno Rumble.

Alisa and Lysandra: Sky High (2013) and Fans Vs Faves (2014)

After a successful career in the police force, Alisa and Lysandra Fraser hung up their handcuffs for the pursuit of their dream, which kick-started with their appearance and winning success on the The Block. They now have a successful interior design business, are resident experts on our sister site Reno Addict and have collaborated with Grafico on a wallpaper range, United Artworks on an artwork range and Forty Winks on a bedroom range.

Shay and Dean: Blocktagon (2015)

After their recent win on The Block, Shay and Dean Paine have launched the fresh and innovative design brand The Wild Creatives. Featuring an online shop and a range of interior design consultancy options, we’re confident this is only the beginning for the duo.

Bec and George: Sky High (2013)

Since filming wrapped up Bec and George Douros certainly haven’t put down the hammer and nails. Bec completed studying at the International Institute of Home Staging and launched both Empire of Style, an interior design and consulting business, and blog Bec Marks The Spot, where she draws on her former life working in the beauty industry as well as her current life as a mini real estate mogul with husband George, who has been busy building and developing properties. The couple have also recently been appointed the first ever ambassadors for Melbourne based construction company Nostra Homes and style ambassadors for Australia’s leading homewares brand Adairs.

Kyal and Kara: Fans vs Faves (2014)

Now running their own construction, renovation and styling business, Diverse Design and Construct, qualified carpenter Kyal Demmrich and his wife, physiotherapist and style-guru Kara help transform clients’ visions into a beautiful and practical reality. They are also brand ambassadors for leading tile manufacturer Beaumont Tiles and clothing brand Bisley Workwear and starred in this year’s debut season of Reno Rumble.

Matt and Kim: Sky High (2013)

After appearing on The Block, plasterer turned architecture student Matt Di Costa and teacher Kim Owen got straight into designing and project managing a Perth build. Since then they’ve gone on to design many other projects, landed their own TV show Matt and Kim to the Rescue (exclusively shown in Perth) and Matt also launched polished plastering business, Sky High Renders, for archirectural wall finishes and polished concrete custom furniture. They also gave The Block another crack, however got eliminated in the first round of The Block Triple Threat.

Simon and Shannon: Glasshouse (2014)

With the The Block win under their belt Simon and Shannon Vos have remained busy. Builder, plumber and site foreman Simon opened his business VOSA, where he offers a complete start to finish service, from interiors to building and everything in between. Meanwhile Shannon has been studying interior design and now runs Vos Creative, where he provides interior design services, consulting and even writing. However, for those hoping to see them together again never fear, there are talks for a TV show!

Michael and Carlene: Glasshouse (2014)

After achieving the most number of room wins Michael and Carlene Duffy were destined to keep renovating. They founded Cedar & Suede, a design and construction service and candid renovation and design blog with video focus and also appeared in the inaugural season of Reno Rumble. They now have partnered with DecoRug, Homeworld Helensvale, Dri.Glo, Domain, and Open Colleges in a range of capacities.

Art Designers Homewares The Block

Win your favourite from Alisa & Lysandra’s exclusive art range

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 7, 2015
No Comments on Win your favourite from Alisa & Lysandra’s exclusive art range

Undeterred by last night’s Block elimination, Matt wants to be one of Australia’s top interior designers

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date February 16, 2015
2 Comments on Undeterred by last night’s Block elimination, Matt wants to be one of Australia’s top interior designers

While Matt and Kim Di Costa may not have made it through last night’s The Block Triple Threat elimination (read all about it here), it’s certainly not dampened Matt’s spirits for the future. With several projects on the horizon and a dream to be one of Australia’s best interior designers, last night’s episode signaled a change in direction, as the newlyweds moved to a more luxe and classy look.

“In our room we weren’t repeating a look we had done before, we were creating something we were aspiring to,” explains Matt. “I feel in the last couple seasons of The Block, we’ve been seeing a lot of the same stuff. It’s not because the contestants aren’t pushing the boundaries, I think it’s sponsor driven, time issues and a lot of them having fallen into the groove of following what’s really close to on trend. There haven’t been many couples trying to step past that and I think what we did is coming; that kind of luxe injection into contemporary rooms. We hadn’t really seen luxe on The Block before, and we really wanted to show people what is possible on $10,000.”

M&K8797 — Matt and Kim’s The Block Triple Threat bedroom

While they didn’t get the result they were hoping for, they both had a great time, feeling a lot more confident and brave than their first time on 2013’s The Block Sky High. “It was really fun,” says Matt. “We had such a good time. I suppose the first one you’re not as emotionally prepared, but this time we were just excited to come back and try and make history with another room. It was very emotional but we had a ton of fun, which is what The Block should be.”

While Matt says they had big plans for The Block — had they got through — they have many upcoming projects that will show off their new and more mature side. “We just bought a house in Perth that we’re going to put an extension on and completely redo the interiors. You’ll see a lot of the ideas we would have done on this season of The Block in this house, so we’re really excited about that.”

They also have their own business, Sky High Renders, they’re filming six episodes of Matt & Kim To The Rescue (where they will transform houses in just three days!) and they have a couple of interiors projects on the go, including a cafe. “I want to be one of the best interior designers in Australia,” explains Matt. “It’s a long road, but I think it’s just about picking the right projects. It comes down to study and having the guts to do it. So this year I just hope I have the right projects come to me.”

Tags design, interiors, matt and kim, reno, renovating, sky high renders, the block, the block matt and kim, the block sky high, the block triple threat

The Block

Block’s Matt & Kim to the rescue on Domestic Blitz tomorrow

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date December 13, 2014
No Comments on Block’s Matt & Kim to the rescue on Domestic Blitz tomorrow

Remember Matt and Kim from The Block Sky High? If you were fans, you can check them out tomorrow night on Nine in Domestic Blitz – Matt and Kim to the Rescue.

The Napolis were just like any other hardworking Australian family. Rocco Snr is a self-employed tiler; his wife Ricki, a dedicated wife and mother. Along with their two children Rocco Jnr (10) and Melina (8) they’d built a modest and happy life in the Perth suburb of Belmont. Rocco was a sports mad West Coast Eagles and Perth Glory fan, with a zest for life and a big personality.

However a year ago, their lives changed dramatically.

Young Rocco was suddenly struck down by fatigue, headaches and irritability. When the family had Rocco examined by a specialist their worst fears were realised. Rocco had a rare type of brain tumour called craniopharyngioma: a benign tumour that develops on the pituitary gland.   Surgeons were able to remove the primary tumour however, in the process, they also had to remove his pituitary gland. This would have shocking consequences for Rocco and his family. Due to the absence of Rocco’s pituitary gland and the malfunction of his hypothalamus, Rocco has been struck down by debilitating fatigue, irritability and excessive, uncontrollable weight gain.  

Their already rundown residence in Belmont, Perth, became more dilapidated as the family struggled to make ends meet and endured endless trips to hospitals for treatment. With Rocco being so quick to fatigue, the family spend the great majority of their time at home, so their living environment is crucial to their state of mind.   This family desperately needed a ray of sunshine to change their fortunes and provide much-needed hope and relief.

Matt and Kim and an army of tradespeople surprise the Napoli family with a seemingly unachievable sized renovation over just three action-packed days. Emotions ran high and the results were groundbreaking.

Expect tears. Expect laughter. Expect drama. Expect a life-changing event.

Domestic Blitz – Matt and Kim to the Rescue, Sunday 14 December 2014, 7pm Australia wide, on Nine. For more information.

Tags channel 9, craniopharyngioma, domestic blitz, interiors, matt and kim, perth, reno, the block, the block sky high, WA

Interiors Addict

Scott Cam picks up Gold Logie for The Block Sky High + dress photos!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 28, 2014

It was a night of glamour for the Block Sky High contestants and judges last night, but the biggest winner of the night was the show’s host, Scott Cam, who went home with the best presenter gong and the coveted Gold Logie.

The twins wearing designer Liza Emanuele

Alisa and Lysandra with Shelley Craft and fellow Sky High contestant and newlywed, Kim

Those following the frocks (that’d be me) would have noticed Shaynna Blaze and twins Alisa and Lysandra’s dresses, not to mention judges Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer looking very sharp. My favourite Blockhead outfit was definitely Shelley Craft’s. I thought she looked lovely.

Block judge Shaynna with her Selling Houses Australia co-hosts Andrew Winter and Charlie Albone

What did you think of the dresses?

Read all our previous Block coverage.

Interviews The Block

Freedom Kitchens: bringing the latest trends from Milan to Australia within weeks

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 14, 2014

Last week saw THE event of the interiors calendar Salone Internazionale del Mobile (the international furniture fair) in Milan, and I was lucky enough to go for the first time. Within this mega fair sits Eurocucina, a kitchens-only showcase bigger than most Aussie trade fairs and full of beautiful things (read about the top trends I spotted here).

DSC_0093-processed — A display at Eurocucina in Milan

Freedom Kitchens sent a team of 10 of their designers to Milan to be inspired by Europe’s latest trends, innovations and materials in kitchens. Because they have their own Australian factory, this inspiration can become reality in customers’ kitchen within months — weeks even. This flexibility and freedom to move fast is what keeps their kitchens cutting edge and fashionable, as you may have seen on The Block Sky High.

Kim & Matt — Matt and Kim’s Freedom Kitchen from The Block Sky High

At the fair, Freedom Kitchens’ national sales director Susan Hasler said the kitchens at Milan were darker and moodier than last year with a lot of highlights in timber veneers and more matt than gloss finishes. “Some of the Dekton surfaces were very interesting and there was a lot of the concrete look and feel. It’s all a lot about texture. Touch and feel is really important.”

Cabinetry was perhaps more vertical than horizontal with taller pull-out drawers containing several internal drawers. Another trend she noticed was for integrated handles rather than a completely handle-less look.

Freedom Kitchens will be able to translate these innovations and trends to the local Australian market very quickly, while remembering that not everything will be popular or appropriate to our lifestyle. “We will be able to update some of our designs within a couple of months due to us manufacturing in Australia. We can do smaller runs, move quickly and see if things work and are popular,” Susan says. “It’s really important for us to come here to things like Eurocucina. Australia is sometimes thought of as being behind the times. You’re going to have a kitchen for a very long time so it’s important we’re ahead of the game. You don’t want to invest in something which is already a couple of years out of date. We have 10 kitchen designers here which is a big investment but it’s worth it for what we can bring back and the level of credibility it gives us. It’s about us bringing that fashion look at a value price.”

It’s not as simple as copying a load of ideas and expecting Australians to accept them as the latest and greatest, by any means. “It’s about adapting ideas to the Australian market and our way of life,” Susan says. “In terms of the differences between Europe and Australia, we entertain outside a lot, with kitchens often leading out onto decks or yards, or other entertaining areas. This lends itself well to the single wall and island design of kitchen.”

Kitchens were moodier, with more timber veneers and matt surfaces at Eurocucina

While people are often tempted to play it safe on a room which costs a lot of money and they hope to keep for years, Susan says a good kitchen designer can help them to be braver without wasting money or making an unwise investment. Her advice for a ‘safe’ yet fashionable kitchen is to stick to neutral cabinets and be bold with things you can change every couple of years (if desired) like wall colours (wallpaper even!), pendant lights and even splashbacks. You can make a real difference with how you accessorise (the great thing about Freedom Kitchens being that you can pick up Freedom homewares in store too). “We love being able to show customers how to accessorise and style their kitchens with our examples in our showrooms,” Susan says.

In terms of the strong presence of timber veneer at Milan, Susan doesn’t think many Australians will opt for that look in a big way. They may, for example though, choose to do their base cabinets in timber veneer and top cabinets in white, or just their end panels for example. These are all flexible options Freedom Kitchens can offer. “We also have to bear in mind that something that looks great here in Europe may not translate well in Australian light. It’s very different.”

Timber veneers seen at Eurocucina in Milan

The previous snobbery about veneer is disappearing these days, due to the huge advances in quality. “The new ones are so good you can’t even tell they’re not solid timber. They’re also more durable and hygienic which makes them a smart choice for kitchens.”

Look out for more expert tips on kitchen storage and how to get the most out of working with a kitchen designer on the blog next week.

My trip to Milan was hosted by Freedom Kitchens with support from Caesarstone Australia.

The Block

The Block’s Bec starts new fashion blog and online store

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 21, 2013
2 Comments on The Block’s Bec starts new fashion blog and online store

She won many hearts as one half of the likeable Bec and George on The Block Sky High and her latest venture is an online one.

Like Dani Wales, who started The Home Journal after being on the show, Bec Duros has started a blog, Bec Marks The Spot, offering fans an insight into her latest fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips and trends.

Tags bec and george, bec duros, bec geirge the block, bec marks the spot, blog, blogger, dani wales, fashion, lifestyle, the block, the block sky high, the home journal

Expert Tips The Block

Quick and easy ways to smarten up your home for sale, by Alisa from The Block

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date September 26, 2013
1 Comment on Quick and easy ways to smarten up your home for sale, by Alisa from The Block

By Alisa Fraser

Are you thinking about putting your house on the market or do you just want to give your place a much needed but cost-effective facelift? There are many things that homeowners can do themselves, that won’t cost a fortune or take up too much of your precious time. Here are a few of my tips and tricks.

Plaster over and re-paint any cracks in your walls or ceilings

It is only normal that over time, cracks start to appear in most houses. This has the potential to scare buyers away, as they may start to question the integrity of the building. Small cracks are fairly easy to repair with adhesive and top coat, however if the cracks are large then you may want to seek the help of a professional plasterer. Once the repair is completed, nothing lifts a room more than a fresh coat of paint. To avoid seeing colour variation or roller/brush marks, ensure you paint the entire room or wall that you have repaired.

Tags alisa and lysandra, alisa fraser, the block, the block sky high, the block twins

Designers Kitchens The Block

Lysandra from The Block on designing a kitchen to stand the test of time

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date September 20, 2013

Alisa and Lysandra's kitchen on The Block Sky High

By Lysandra Fraser

Many people are at a loss when it comes to defining their style. I’m not afraid to admit that Alisa and I had no idea what the difference between contemporary and modern styles were. We would often get asked to define our style and we would reply with “the Alisa and Lysandra style”. Some people know what they like but are afraid of getting the terms wrong, so they struggle to be able to describe verbally what style or look they want. I believe that you don’t necessarily need to have a degree, or even have experience, to be able to put a room together, just a good eye for detail and a passion for design.

When it came to designing our kitchen and bathrooms on The Block, we were very conscious about what they would look like in comparison to the changing trends, 10-to-15 years down the track. Kitchens and bathrooms cost a lot of money to change, so I believe that if you think carefully about your choices at the very beginning, you could have a kitchen/bathroom for 10-to-15 years without the need to upgrade in 5-to-10, when most kitchens and bathrooms would seem dated.

Tags alisa and lysandra, cabinetry, kitchen, kitchen appliances, kitchen design, kitchen layout, lighting, lysandra fraser, splashbacks, the block, the block sky high, the block twins

Bathrooms Expert Tips The Block

Alisa from The Block’s pick of the top new trends for bathrooms

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date September 13, 2013
2 Comments on Alisa from The Block’s pick of the top new trends for bathrooms

It’s that time of the week again: a guest post from one of the twins, and today it’s the lovely Alisa.

Since finishing The Block Sky High, I have been finding so many exciting products that I quite often think to myself ‘if only I knew about this while we were filming!’ As we were labelled the bathroom queens on the show, I thought it would be fitting to share a few of these cool new products that I’ve come across on my travels.

The GROHE Power & Soul

Power & Soul uses a spray pattern technology, harnessing the force of water through 8 dynamic spray nozzles, recreating a ‘fingertip massage’ effect and to bring about tension relief. It has 4 different spray patterns with a button to select up to 11 different varieties of spray options. Seriously makes showering seem like an inviting way to relax!

Tags alisa and lysandra, alisa fraser, bathrooms, cow, featured, grohe, hiflow, lysandra fraser, parisi, shower, the block, the block sky high, the block twins, water filter system

Expert Tips The Block

The Block’s Lysandra Fraser on creating the wow factor on a budget

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 6, 2013
1 Comment on The Block’s Lysandra Fraser on creating the wow factor on a budget

In the second of our regular posts from The Block Sky High winners Alisa and Lysandra Fraser, it’s Lysandra’s turn! She reveals how they spent most of their budget on the show on tradies, picking up bargain furniture, linen and accessories from Ikea, Freedom, Kmart and even op shops, only splurging here and there. Just up our ‘style without the snobbery’ street!

Growing up, Alisa and I were always taught the value of a dollar. If you wanted something, you had to work hard to get it. Money was spent wisely and it had to stretch a long way. These same values followed Alisa and I as we entered The Block, and I believe they ultimately contributed considerably to us being crowned the winners.

Tags alisa and lysandra, diy, freedom, hermon and hermon, ikea, k-mart, lysandra fraser, meizi, reno, renovating, renovation, spotlight, the block, the block sky high, the block twins, the twins, trades, tradies

Art Homewares House Tours Interviews

At home with Lumiere Art + Co’s Emma Cleine

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 3, 2013
6 Comments on At home with Lumiere Art + Co’s Emma Cleine

Inside her white rendered beach house, Emma keeps things understated and monochrome with plenty of warmth from ply.

Many artists never make a viable business from their talent and passion. It’s a tough gig. But former school teacher Emma Cleine is bucking that trend with Lumiere Art + Co and her story is inspiring. Today, she shows us inside her charmingly understated Mornington Peninsula home and tells us about making what she loves into her full-time job.

Emma cleine lumiere art + co — Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art + Co, at home on the Mornington Peninsula

I’ve watched the Lumiere Art + Co brand go OFF in the last year and recently had the pleasure of meeting Emma. Her work is now very recognisable due to it being stocked by some amazing retailers and featured on the recent series of The Block Sky High. She’s now branched into homewares too with her textiles and ceramics.

But Emma, who is based on the Mornington Peninsula, never thought this would be her full-time job. In her early days as a maker, she created paper bunting from vintage books and sold it at markets. “That’s how I started! Oh, and paper covered blocks. They were cute and took me a long time to make. From there I just moved on to other things.”

RENO ADDICT The Block

3 top renovating tips with The Block Sky High’s winning twin, Alisa Fraser

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 30, 2013
5 Comments on 3 top renovating tips with The Block Sky High’s winning twin, Alisa Fraser

I’m delighted the twins are joining Interiors Addict to guest post and share their renovating and interiors expertise over the next few weeks. Today, Alisa sums up her best renovating advice.

As I sit down to write my very first blog, I asked myself what advice could I give the home renovator/decorator? Here are my 3 top tips to a successful renovation.

Tags alisa and lysandra, alisa fraser, channel 9, diy, featured, reality tv, renovating, renovation, the block, the block sky high, the block twins, trades, tradies

Interiors Addict

15,000 Blockheads turn out for The Block open inspections

Post author By Kathryn Bamford
Post date July 14, 2013

Blockheads were out in full force this weekend! Over 15,000 people braved Melbourne’s gloomy weather to attend the open for inspection yesterday alone.

There certainly are some dedicated Blockheads out there. The first person in line had been there since 3pm Friday!

Tags blockhead, featured, open for inspection, scott cam, the block, the block sky high

The Block

The Block second chance re-do rooms

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 8, 2013
1 Comment on The Block second chance re-do rooms

Alisa and Lysandra’s bedroom looked so much better second time around, impressing the judges. It was my favourite of the re-do rooms. Darren Palmer called it “a gazillion times better than before'” and Shaynna said their apartment was one of the most saleable homes she’d seen in a long time.

Love their look? Pick up the Emma Cleine Lumiere Art + Co print, bedside lamp, pendant light and more online from The Block Shop. I’m a big fan of that pendant ($335)!

Tags alisa and lysandra, bec and george, blockheads, featured, matt and kim, maurice golotta, neale whitaker, nine, re-do rooms, reality tv, second chance rooms, shaynna blaze, the block, the block sky high, the blockshop, trixie and johnno

The Block

Contestants transform a hotel into apartments in the Block Sky High, starting Sunday

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 10, 2013

Five couples, six floors and 80 rooms adds up to a rather larger than usual new series of The Block, starting this Sunday on Nine.

Couples from each state are competing as they transform a former Melbourne hotel. They each face the daunting challenge of converting a floor of the tired building into a high-end, house-sized apartment. It’s sure to be very different to the recent All Stars’ heritage homes in Bondi.

In just 10 weeks they must “demo and reno” more than 80 rooms and transform each floor of the hotel into a 220-square metre luxury apartment complete with 3 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, open plan kitchen, living and dining, plus a huge enclosed terrace. Can you imagine?!

Tags blockinator, darren palmer, neale whitaker, nine, reno, scott cam, shaynna blaze, the block, the block shop, the block sky high