Since winning The Block in 2018, Hayden and Sarah Vale have been busy renovating a former beach shack on the NSW South Coast (Stanwell Park to be exact), turning it into their forever home. With enviable ocean and parkland views, the five-storey abode ‘SouthHouse’ has four large bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms and three separate living spaces.
“We were after the perfect balance of a retreat for our family as well as a hub for entertaining. We knew we’d have guests staying so wanted to give them their own space,” says Sara of the home that features a lower guest floor.
Sara and Hayden’s new kitchen is the home’s hub
The bedrooms are all on another floor because Sara, who shares the home with Hayden and her two children Harlow and Lawson, wanted everyone nearby. For convenience and accessibility, the bathrooms and laundry are on this floor too. The top floor is the designated kitchen and entertaining space, and it’s the gorgeous kitchen that we are touring today.
Here, Hayden and Sara shared the things to keep in mind when designing and constructing a kitchen with wow.
Take inspiration from your surroundings For our home design, we simply looked outside for inspiration. We realised we lived in such a stunning part of the world that we wanted to bring influences of that inside, as well as join elements of it on the outside. For that reason, SouthHouse features a modern urban aesthetic with a neutral palette that provides the perfect backdrop for accents of colour, texture and coastal influences. Think high quality, hand-picked materials and finishes to deliver a timeless style, like concrete and timber, while presenting a balanced, yet luxurious feel.
The kitchen features the Electrolux 90cm Multifunction Pyrolytic oven
Plan, plan and plan No matter what scale the renovation, superior time management and organisation skills are a must. With any renovation, big or small, you need to be on top of everything – from your ideas to planning, trades to styling, have your end goal clear in your head, so you can see every detail. One of the areas of the home that requires the most detailed level of planning is the kitchen. In the kitchen you’re after the golden triangle between fridge, cooktop and sink with the right amount of bench space in between to make preparation convenient.
Consider feeling over trends Rather than being beholden to changing trends, focus on creating that homely feeling you’ve always dreamed of. Because we both come from large extended families, an entertainer’s kitchen was key, and we wanted it to be the showstopper. We knew we had to make a statement here, making sure we had a kitchen that could do a dinner for two, take on a party of 50 and anything in between.
Know what you want your kitchen for While on planning, purpose plays a big role when it comes to your kitchen design. Ask yourself will it be for entertaining, quiet nights in, a family or singles or everything? Use your response to that question to help decide what appliances you will need. If the space allows for it, we always go for a big cooktop and oven because we like to entertain.
The kitchen trends from The Block 2021 and how to steal them
The Block 2021 has sadly ended for another season! Beyond the drama, the show remains an ongoing source of inspiration for our homes and we saw trends that will no…
For those just after the important stuff from last night’s 2021 Block auctions, here we go:
1st: Mitch and Mark
2nd: Josh and Luke
3rd: Tanya and Vito
4th: Kirsty and Jesse
5th: Ronnie and Georgia
Image via 9now
So yes, probably not what many expected and just goes to show, as ever, that it doesn’t really matter who the favourites are or how they behaved on the show, anything can happen on auction night and it did! Not to take away from Mitch and Mark though, who my money was on to win (them or Kirsty and Jesse anyway!). They deserved it.
Last night’s (always!) much-anticipated auction episode kicked off with Josh and Luke dropping Tanya right in it over the cheating scandal (all as guilty as each other really but it was her who took that photo of the production schedule and then pretended she’d been sent it by a tradie). Off to a gripping start!
Then came the reserves ($3.5m for everyone except Kirsty and Jesse who got $4.2m!). Everyone felt deflated and Ronnie and Georgia (in tears) changed their strategy, which would have put Kirsty and Jesse first and themselves second. After more consideration and discussion with their agent, in light of the high reserves, Ronnie and Georgia decided to pitch themselves first. Sadly, it ended up putting them at a disadvantage and they came last.
Pic via Ronnie & Georgia’s Instagram
The contestants got together and discussed walking away over the too-high reserves as a point of principal. Meanwhile Scotty spoke to the powers that be and he and Shelley revealed the reserves were going to be reduced by $100k each. Ronnie and Georgia stuck with their second plan to put their house first at auction, followed by houses 2, 3, 4 and 5 in that order.
Here’s what went down…
House 1: Ronnie and Georgia: $3.4m reserve
Bids opened at $3m and ended at $3,696,000; a profit of $296k for the couple. This gave them a very surprising last place.
House 2: Mitch and Mark: $3.4m reserve
It was bought by Block regular Danny Wallis, an IT entrepreneur (and his extremely annoying bidding, I might add!) for $4,044,444 giving them a profit of $644,444 and first place (plus a bonus $100k for winning). I loved watching their emotion and utter shock as the bids went up and up and how they felt bad to have beaten their friends Ronnie and Georgia. BLESS! Well done boys!
Image via 9now
House 3: Tanya and Vito: $3.4m reserve
With their $3.4m reserve, they sold (also to Danny Wallis) for $3.8m. A profit of 400k and beating Ronnie and Georgia who were, until then, in second place. I’ve got to say, I was surprised! This put them third overall.
House 4: Josh and Luke: $3.4m reserve
Bidding started at $3.2m and kept going! It went for $3,930,000 to Frank Valentic’s client, giving them a $530k profit, second place overall and many tears, Again, BLESS! Got to give it to them, for all their bad attitude towards the judges at times, they pulled off a serious result for rookies! Nobody saw that coming!
House 5: Kirsty and Jesse: $4.1 reserve
Bidding started at $3m (Danny Wallis) and was at $3.7m in less than a minute! And Danny got it in the end for $4,401,523, a profit of $301k for the couple. It was a hard watch and the bids were slow. But they were grateful and happy nonetheless!
Scotty declared Ronnie and Georgia the unsung heroes of the night for going first and giving everyone else the best chance to make money. There’s no doubt they would have made a lot more had they not gone first and it seem a little unfair, but that’s the nature of the game and they took it with good grace!
It was an emotional night on The Block as the contestants said goodbye to their trades and it sunk in that they were almost done! The scores were a lot closer than last week, with everyone getting praise from the judges. But Mitch and Mark finally took out the top spot for their heritage facade and garden. And Josh and Luke continued to throw tantrums and declare the judges didn’t know anything!
Ronnie and Georgia: 3rd (27/30)
A “modern masterpiece” consistent from front to back, said Darren Palmer. Neale said it was architectural, contemporary and impressive.
Shaynna was surprised how exposed it was, with no protection from the elements at the front door, and anyone walking past could see straight into the kitchen. She thought privacy would have been a bigger consideration. “From a security point of view it doesn’t feel practical,” added Neale.
Shaynna said the garden was more decorative than it was inviting and it didn’t feel like it would be used. But they all loved the beehive!
Neale loved the standing seam Colorbond cladding. “It has a real modern elegance to it. Ronnie and Georgia have this ability to make a strong statement but in a very subtle way. They’ve kept that signature that is instinctively theirs. They know what they’re doing.”
Does this facade have street appeal? Yes it does, heaps, the judges said. And it would appeal to buyers.
A “perfect” white (aluminium) picket fence, paved pathways that look like they’ve been there for years, a tree wrapped with seating for watching the world go by and grass – complete with cubby house and trampoline for children to enjoy – Mitch and Mark’s front yard was just what the judges wanted to see.
Shaynna called it an absolute knockout. She loved the cubby house and trampoline and the recycled brick paving. The tree was a gift from the Gods but creating seating around it was brilliant, Darren said.
“Storytelling at its best!” Neale summed up. “The family lifestyle dream. You could not have done a better job of wrapping up this house. They have created an incredibly welcoming facade and front garden. The house feels like it’s been here forever. It’s going to appeal to the widest possible demographic.”
“I’m so pleased they weren’t tempted to do a Palm Springs garden with the cactus. It would have been a bit much,” said Neale.
“I’m surprised they chose the same plants we said don’t go with the period of the house,” Shaynna said. She loved the cricket pitch but would have liked more plants like grasses that fitted with the age of the home.
Darren liked the diagonal lines and the addition of the brick as a design feature that tired in with the fireplace. He said it was visually interesting and a lot of thought had gone into it.
Neale would have liked to have seen something bigger and more dramatic but that they’d probably done the best they could on a budget.
“I think that what they’ve done really does help sell the dream of this house,” said Darren. It was an architectural dream for a Mid Century enthusiast.
“Simple, structural elegance!” said Shaynna as they walked up Josh and Luke’s driveway and the praise didn’t stop there. From the mature olive tree standing against the grey rendered wall to the inviting front doorway and offset front yard, with a secluded workout space to one side, this was the ideal way to represent the best of what the twins had delivered inside, Darren said.
“Seeing the house in the state we saw it last week I thought we’d be lucky to see anything. But this is just so cool,” Darren said. Neale said: “It has become a different building.” The established (uplit) olive tree was a hit with them all.
“Josh and Luke needed a comeback and boy, have they delivered one,” said Neale.
The front wall, however, was a jarring rustic note in an otherwise minimalist modern space. “There’s not one rustic note throughout the rest of the house.” (As usual, the boys didn’t take the negative parts of the feedback well at all and said the judges had no idea what they were talking about!).
Overall the façade, with its soaring skyline and modern outlook, left the judges smiling. Darren said it was close to being great.
Kirsty and Jesse: 2nd (28.5/30)
“Look at this, it’s the grand entrance,” Shaynna said. The judges loved the arbor, the lighting, the star jasmine. “Honey, I’m home!” Neale declared (for the second time!).
Shaynna said it was beautiful, Neale said it was amazing, real family life, selling the dream. “It has a sense to me of suburban grandeur.” Neale said his head was spinning at the sheer size of the block, offering almost country style living.
Darren said they had the same privacy issue as Ronnie and Georgia and they should frost the front door. But everything else was superb: colourcheme, Colorbond, weatherboard. “I love everything,” Darren said. While the house could have been a poison chalice because of its size, they had made the absolute best of it. “They’ve done every inch of this justice.”
Neale said he thought it was the best house The Block had ever delivered. “In all my years of judging The Block, I can’t think of a better property than this.”
Hallways, powder rooms and laundries. Hell week on The Block was a LOT.
Ronnie & Georgia: second
Score: 29/30
If anything was going to make a statement, it was Ronnie and Georgia’s gallery entrance hall, full of beautiful art including a Jai Vasicek original. “It just sings, doesn’t it!” Darren said as the judges walked down the sun-soaked (thanks to a string of Velux Skylights) corridor and into the living room. Next to impress was the steel-frame door separating the living area from the bedroom hall – again dripping with art – with a fully lined attic storage area above, followed by a laundry that ticked all the boxes.
Mark & Mitch: third
Score: 26.5/30
A glass floor in the hall to bring light downstairs, beautiful artwork above, and a hallway that smoothly and effectively separates the living and sleeping areas of the house, this was a well-planned and well-executed space that was definitely something for the judges to love – especially when they realised it led to a full-size pantry, something they’d searched for but failed to find back in kitchen week! Next surprise was the versatile, fully equipped laundry with garage access offering an impromptu mudroom and more storage, to complete the home. It all added up, Neale said, to a “pretty damn good” way to tie things together.
Tanya & Vito: 4th
Score: 25/30
With a huge aluminium and glass door to separate the living room from the hallway while still bringing light to a small, but functional office and an art-lined corridor with its own powder room this was the ideal way, the judges said, to separate the home’s spaces. A switchboard cover on display brought them down, as did a polarising mirror that might be a bit too much for some, but into the laundry and Shaynna at least was smiling again at the ample storage.
Josh & Luke: last
Score: 18.5/30
“This is a mess, it’s a bloody mess!” said Neale.
“This is the embodiment of hell week, ” Darren said.
The powder room was so claustrophobic, Shaynna just wanted to get out.
But the laundry was finished! “This is like a breath of fresh air,” Shaynna said. “This whole laundry makes sense,” said Darren. In fact they said it was one of the best planned spaces they’d delivered.
Good on the boys, they took the judges’ constructive criticism very well.
Kirsty & Jesse: first
Score: 29.5/30
Poor Kirsty finding out her Nan died this week was so heartbreaking and it was lovely that other contestants chipped in to help them finish.
“This couple astounds me,” Neale says.
“They’ve made it perfectly contemporary Hamptons. It feels homely from the second you walk in the door,” Darren adds.
They were gobsmacked by the huge powder room (make that bathroom) with its shower and double vanity. Neale said but was phenomenal and Darren said it was glorious. “There is no trace of panic or chaos,” said Neale.
They loved the beautiful laundry which Neale called yummy! Shaynna kept asking how on earth they achieved it?! “It’s 100% focus on functionality but without any sacrifice.”
“Holy moly this is a mother of a house,” Darren said.
It was a close one last night with Tanya and Vito’s quirky sunken lounge and Ronnie and Georgia’s broad appeal grey, white and gold room tying first place. But only…
The Block 2021: Kirsty and Jesse’s insanely good navy kitchen!
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely…
It was a close one last night with Tanya and Vito’s quirky sunken lounge and Ronnie and Georgia’s broad appeal grey, white and gold room tying first place. But only after Ronnie and Georgia played their gnome point to prevent their sworn enemies from winning!
It often feels like these living/dining spaces should be quite straightforward and all about furniture choices, but in reality the open plan and often vast spaces can be hard work to get right from a layout perspective. And it was certainly a mixed bag last night.
Read on for what the judges had to say, the scores and how to shop the look.
Ronnie & Georgia: joint first (after playing their gnome)
Score: 28.5/30 Spent: $47,001
“Now everything makes sense!” said Darren. The judges loved all the textures. Neale said it was classic, contemporary and luxury. Darren said it delivered, delivered and delivered! He was completely in love with the dining chairs and the way they played with the artwork. The styling was perfect and the steel framed door gave a nice acoustic barrier. Darren said they’d made it broad appeal without being generic.
Flipping the usual flow, with lounge and dining rooms before the kitchen somehow just worked for the judges, creating a dining and living area where each room supports the other and all pull towards the central space. A perfectly placed television and fireplace, bar area adjacent to the dining area with lowered ceiling for intimacy and all taking advantage of the soaring roofline of the living area combined for an area that felt spacious but still an intimate enough to be used every day.
With striking rows of skylights flooding the huge living and dining area with natural light, this is the wow factor the judges were looking for. “What an incredible ceiling!” said Shaynna.
“It’s one of those spaces that you walk in and look up and see the light and the tree, and then when you start analysing the way the space has been used, you sort of think ‘why would you do that?’” Neale said, quickly bringing down the mood! Darren loved the table and vase in the entrance foyer but felt there was a lot of dead space around it. “There are so many things to love about it but a lot of it is wrong.”
The beautifully styled dining table got top marks: “It looks like a party about to begin!” Neale said. But he said it all felt unfinished. It was like a series of vignettes but wasn’t meshing together as a home. Darren said the TV was too high because it was above the fireplace. “I feel like I’m sitting in a waiting room. I don’t feel comfortable,” said Neale.
Shaynna said she knew Mitch and Mark gave it their all but that the space felt like two separate houses. “I’m glad I’m not in the room when Scotty gives our feedback. But they need to hear it because buyers will feel it.”
Perfectly matched to the overall 1950s feel of this home was Tanya and Vito’s sunken lounge – and the judges fell in love – and into the couches – immediately. “Fun, playful, cool and retro!” gushed Darren, jumping in to see how the living area fit perfectly between the original front feature window with full length sheers and newly installed double-sided fireplace. “There’s nothing more conducive to people being together,” Neale added. “It’s just been so well thought through.”
Next over was the generous dining area, just perfect for a family dinner. And over it all, the “work of art” of five round Velux skylights. “You guys have nailed it!” Shaynna said. “I absolutely would not change a thing. I am pretty much in heaven.
“It’s so bright, light and white and happy. Quirky and saleable are usually mutually exclusive but you guys have pulled it off.”
If it’s space the judges were after, they’d come to the right place, with Josh and Luke’s huge dining and living area.
“They’ve chosen an a amazing table and an amazing artwork,” said Darren, who also said he had imagined they’d lay the space out completely differently. Shaynna said the table was so beautiful but they hadn’t made the best of it and it made her sad for Christian Cole, who was an artisan. “Even the chairs don’t complement it,” she added. And the living room rug was way too small.
“They have a huge task in front of them and it sometimes overwhelms them,” said Darren. Shaynna agreed.
The judges then ran through exactly what they needed to do to save the space, including flipping the living and dining areas. “Get this space right and it certainly will reward you on auction day.”
“Honey I’m home,” said Neale. “It’s just so warm and welcoming.” Darren said it wasn’t a huge lounge room but the gigantic sofa made it feel generous. Shaynna said it felt like the perfect cosy, homely, family space. “I love the way it all works together,” said Neale. “It’s like a little symphony in white.”
Darren loved the dining area and its own private area with a view to the outside. “This is a really proper dining space.”
Neale said Kirsty and Jesse had got better and better with each passing week.
Shaynna loved the blue striped wallpaper nook, even though their trades had said it looked “too Greek”!.
The Block 2021: Kirsty and Jesse’s insanely good navy kitchen!
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely…
The Block 2021 room reveals: guest bedroom and re-do’s
A nice bit of variety on The Block last night with guest bedrooms, kids bedrooms and the re-do rooms. Here are the scores, the judges’ comments and where to buy…
As longtime fans of The Block, Australian furniture manufacturer Toni Briggs Brown and husband Simon Brown dreamed of getting their product on the show and set out to make it happen this year. Here’s how their kitchen stools made it into Mitch and Mark’s kitchen on Sunday night and their first order came through before the episode even finished!
Image via David Cook Photography/The Block Shop
TH Brown is a family-owned furniture manufacturing brand that was launched 110 years ago by Simon’s grandfather Thomas Howard Brown. The couple relaunched the brand in 2017 with the objective of reissuing the iconic designs that Simon’s family created from the 1950s through to the 70s. The Danish Barstool is their most recognisable piece. It was designed in Adelaide and is still manufactured and hand finished there to this day.
After years of seeing the contestants refer to The Block Shop for inspiration and to purchase items to style their homes, they set about trying to get stocked. “I thought they were part of Channel 9 and it would be more difficult, but the team at The Block Shop from customer service to marketing, guided us through the process to make it really easy,” says Toni.
Once filming started, Toni asked if they could get their pieces put forward to contestants by the Block Shop. The morning after the Sunday night when kitchen week was announced, the couple got a text message from customer service at the Block Shop saying that there was a contestant interested in featuring the Danish Barstool for their kitchen. On the episode you can see Mitch scrolling online, then finding the stool saying, “these are magnificent!”.
Then the call came from Mark and Mitch directly, wanting to know if they could supply and deliver the product by Friday. As each stool is handcrafted, the team worked overtime to create them within two days. Not wanting to risk them not arriving, Simon packed up the car and drove from Adelaide to Melbourne to deliver them in person!
Simon Brown delivers the TH Brown stools himself!
“Seeing the style of the home and the beauty of the House 2 kitchen that Mitch and Mark had designed, it was a great fit for the Danish Barstool to create that extra layer of luxury and design form. It sat perfectly in the space, which is testament to the duo’s design skills and that the classic look of the stools transcends trends and is simply a timeless design,” he says.
And it didn’t take long for “The Block effect”, which so many other small businesses have benefited from over the years, to take hold! “Our first order hit the The Block Shop while the show was still airing, and orders and multiple enquiries have continued to come through,” said Toni yesterday. “The coverage we received both on the show and online has been fantastic for our brand and a celebration of Peter’s timeless and iconic design.”
Mitch, Simon and his brother Justin Brown and Mark at The Block site
TH Brown pieces become family heirlooms. Each one is certified, quality controlled, has a 10-year warranty and comes with a serial number as they are collectibles. “We’ve heard that families have original pieces from the 1950s they’ve inherited and have ordered new stools from us recently to add to their kitchen, creating a set,” explains Simon.
“Seeing our stools on The Block is a pinch me moment, to be honest,” Toni says. “We talk about our brand being 110 years old and three generations, but we only relaunched the TH Brown brand four years ago. For a small Australian furniture brand to find themselves on The Block and have Mitch and Mark love the design and include it in their kitchen is an amazing opportunity.”
The full range of TH Brown kitchen stools and coffee tables are available through the Block Shop, and stockists Australia wide.
The Block 2021: Kirsty and Jesse’s insanely good navy kitchen!
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely…
My new navy and gold laundry revealed: before and after
Our kitchen was the very first room we renovated in this house, almost four years ago. It was a case of “I’m not buying the house unless we can afford…
TH Brown relaunch coveted Australian Mid Century stools
Sponsored by TH Brown We often look to Europe for furniture classics and with good reason. But some of the most recognisable and popular Mid Century designs were actually made…
As always, The Block’s kitchen week was a great watch! I absolutely adored Kirsty and Jesse and Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came first and second. But Kirsty and Jesse absolutely deserved the win. Navy, brass and gingham wallpaper? You’re talking my language!
Tanya and Vito’s mid century kitchen was so unique and quirky but it worked! Aesthetically anyway! Mitch and Mark lost major points for having no pantry (other than food drawers) and took it so badly, swearing and declaring their lack of respect for the “out of date” judges. But the judges were absolutely right this time if you ask me. And Josh and Luke’s was very masculine but it ticked all the right boxes.
SECOND: Ronnie & Georgia
Score: 27/30 Spent: $39,396
With a generous layout epitomising simplicity of use, Neale was blown away by Ronnie and Georgia’s kitchen, calling it “impeccable” in style and “the new classic”. Darren agreed, saying the pair had created a control centre for the house that delivers from the ceiling to the floor.
With a huge butler’s pantry featuring high end appliances (but sadly no bin!) and Georgia’s personal “Georgianised” storage solutions to the huge Gaggenau refrigerator (perfectly styled of course), Caesarstone benchtops and more, this is, Darren sums up, a kitchen to fall in love with.
Shaynna personally didn’t like the big sink taking up too much space in the island bench where people like to sit and chat. They all thought the pantry doors should have opened into the pantry. Neale said the pantry didn’t have the same wow effect as the kitchen itself; a bit like the walk-in of their master bedroom. He added they had to be careful to tick all the practical boxes as well as creating rooms people fall in love with.
From the brass “M” incorporated into the Calacatta Maximus Caesarstone (not sure about that one!) to the long island bench with enough overhang for seating and a superb colour palette bringing appliances, cupboards, surfaces and more together, Mitch and Mark presented a kitchen that was uniquely their own. “Just breathtaking”, Darren declared.
Great layout, visually stunning and with an adjacent breakfast nook, it ticked a lot of boxes… except one. Where’s the pantry? And that’s where it all came undone for the judges. Darren said it was dumb, Neale said really dumb, and Shaynna said it was crazy. All the food was to be stored in drawers rather than a pantry. “This isn’t a kitchen you can work in,” Shaynna said. “I hate to say it again but style over substance,” added Neale. “I bet this did not go the way Mitch and Mark thought it would go,” Darren said. Too right! The boys really didn’t agree or take this feedback well, arguing that modern kitchens had pantry drawers and that they had no respect for the judges!
Bold, bright and fun, the kitchen is packed with personality and shows just what Tanya and Vito have been hinting at through the rest of the house. “This is a kitchen that says love me or hate me, but don’t ignore me! It’s a bold design statement” says Neale.
With the terrazzo the couple have been hinting at throughout the house as the hero on a huge custom benchtop (imported from New York no less), pink cabinetry, round skylights, a curved window, ample storage in the hidden butler’s pantry, and a feature pendant, there’s so much to catch the eye.
“Round skylights, a triangular window, an oval shaped rounded corner window. Architecturally they are really taking some risks and it’s really paying off and really beautiful,” Darren said. Shaynna said it was off the charts incredible.
“What it does is matches the house,” Darren says. “It’s full of risks and ideas. It really feels like a modern interpretation of some of the best parts of mid century design.”
But Shaynna also pointed out it had major functionality issues which the others agreed with. The fridge in the wrong place, not enough prep space on the bench and not enough space to seat people or space for a bin. “It makes me want to vomit because they imported this terrazzo specially and it’s stunning.”
Thank goodness the pantry cheered them up! The curved window blew them away, it was fun and joyful. “Tanya and Vito have really gained confidence in their aesthetic,” Neale said.
Dominated by a huge window to the tree-filled yard, Josh and Luke’s kitchen shows the twins have bounced back after recent losses and learned from their mistakes.
Black and white cabinetry softened by a Christian Cole timber benchtop feature, glass doors with a walk-in pantry for storage, state-of-the-art appliances and an island bench with more than enough space for prep and entertaining, it all added up to a welcome return to form. “It’s sexy and refreshing!” Neale said.
“I’m absolutely loving their high contrast of sharp black and white and softening it with this beautiful timber,” Shaynna said. “It gives you this lovely soft natural break,” Darren added. Shaynna worried the pendants weren’t good task lighting. And there were other functionality issues too.
They felt the butler’s pantry was more of a walk-in pantry than a butler’s.
Darren thought they’d taken some notes and improved their styling. “I love that it’s a very blank canvas for you to stamp your own personality on,” Neale said.
This was so my vibe. I mean navy, brass and gingham?! I’m so in agreement with it winning!
“I am home!” said Neale. “I am dead. This is insane,” said Darren. “Wow! It’s absolutely stunning,” added Shaynna.
Stunning in navy blue with brass cabinet inserts, a brass accent cut into the edge of the Caesarstone (hot!) and brass handles, Kirsty and Jesse’s country meets Hamptons kitchen took the judges’ breath away.
“The island bench is so expansive and so functional,” Shaynna said. “Dishwasher, great sink, heaps of bench space – and an enormous bin!” She was in love. So too was Darren, with the gingham wallpaper, a perfectly placed fridge with pantries either side, and his much-loved five zones exactly where he wanted them. “Here we are standing in a room that has every single thing we’ve been looking for,” he said.
That gingham wallpaper in the pantry!
“It’s so beautifully resolved,” said Darren. Shaynna loved the alcohol display which could easily be used as a study nook. Neale added: “For Kirsty and Jesse, all roads have led to here. It’s beautiful.” Darren was worried his head would explode because he loved everything so much! “My hair is standing on end, that’s how perfectly they have done the five zone kitchen in this space!”
The Block 2021 room reveals: guest bedroom and re-do’s
A nice bit of variety on The Block last night with guest bedrooms, kids bedrooms and the re-do rooms. Here are the scores, the judges’ comments and where to buy…
My new navy and gold laundry revealed: before and after
Our kitchen was the very first room we renovated in this house, almost four years ago. It was a case of “I’m not buying the house unless we can afford…
A nice bit of variety on The Block last night with guest bedrooms, kids bedrooms and the re-do rooms. Here are the scores, the judges’ comments and where to buy what you saw.
Ronnie & Georgia: 1st place
Score: 29/30 Spent: $24,680
From the traditional yet contemporary wallpaper to contrasting yet matching bedhead and cushions, Ronnie and Georgia threw a curveball at the judges with their bedroom this week, but it was one they loved. Declaring this her favourite colour palette of The Block so far, Shaynna thought this was a room with its own style, but still a complement to the rest of the house. Even the challenge artwork seemed to fit, said Neale!
Neale and Darren thought the bedsides were perhaps too low or the bedside lamps too small, but Shaynna disagreed.
Moving to the re-do room – a larger walk-in wardrobe – they were blown away by the transformation. More spacious, better fittings, this was a room that completes the master wing.
Whimsical, playful, cute and fun, the judges said and that’s just what Mitch and Mark wanted to hear for their children’s bedroom. With bunkbeds, pistachio-green wardrobes and beautifully styled to lure in a young buyer. Neale noted this is a kids room right now, but one that could be easily converted to an older child’s room or even an office easily. And that’s smart planning.
Shaynna said the roofline was too much with all the skylights as well as the large window. Darren liked it though. They loved the wardrobe and thought the styling was magic.
So too was the re-do bedroom, now a smart addition to the home with its own feel and colour scheme. Neale said it has a bit more pizazz back.
A built-in bunk, generous wardrobe and ample storage space, a desk and funky styling make this an ideal kids bedroom, perfect to show Tanya and Vito’s house could easily become their home. Neale’s big concern was how easily the room could be converted for an older child or another purpose – the built-in fixtures might make things tricky – but all agreed it’s a great value add for the home.
Shaynna said she found it a bit cold and the edges needed softening.
Re-do bathroom sans brown tiles
So too was the re-do room, now without its polarising brown tiles. Thank God! said all three judges. It’s still a room with personality, but one that won’t divide the market. Darren said it now definitely adds value to the house.
From the highs of the master wing to the lows of this bedroom, Josh and Luke’s rollercoaster Block ride continues with the judges declaring this space a mismatch of style with a colour palette that’s too cold. Some fresh styling was needed, the judges agreed, to bring it into line with the rest of the home.
Let’s face it, nothing went with anything!
Then to the re-do bathroom. Once again the styling and colour palette weren’t what the judges were hoping for, with the floor to ceiling toilet screen the only obvious change… and not one they loved. Shaynna said it looked worse and Neale couldn’t really see what was different.
A Hamptons style kids’ room, styled for a little girl right down to the Dolly Parton storybooks on the shelves, Kirsty and Jesse’s room had a definite style and a definite theme in mind. Not even an upside-down lampshade could dampen the judges’ enthusiasm with Shaynna loving the valance, Neale the Grafico wallpaper and all agreeing it’s a space that shows what a home this can be – while still able to be converted to other uses.
Also converted, was their opinion of the guest bedroom, with Kirsty and Jesse’s re-do bringing a new shade of blue, new bedding, new bedsides and more, winning them over.
This week on The Block, they revealed the master en suites. Read on for the scoring and to see the rooms. FIRST: Ronnie & Georgia Score: 29/30 (after using their…
The Block 2021 room reveals: 4 cinemas & a steam room
I’m going to leave this week’s drama and cheating scandal at the door because if you watched The Block this week, I’m sure you’ve already had enough! Onto the media…
After many years on Selling Houses Australia helping homeowners spruce up their houses, The Block judge Shaynna Blaze is doing it for herself and her family in the heartwarming new series,Country Home Rescue.
In Country Home Rescue, Shaynna, together with her children, embark on the restoration of a dilapidated historic home in regional Victoria. Watch as they navigate through a never-ending maze of problems when their grand plans are sideswiped by building restrictions, frustrating delays and a huge budget blowout.
It will take every ounce of passion and persistence to turn this renovation nightmare into the forever home of their dreams. But you’ll be amazed as room by room is revealed.
Maybe this has a lot to do with why Shaynna, who recently won Celebrity Apprentice, left Selling Houses earlier this year! She’s one busy lady!
Coming later this year on Nine.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Interior designer & TV star Shaynna Blaze
Where you studied and what: Diploma Interior Design & Drafting at Melbourne College of Decoration, RMIT. When you started your business and how: I started my first business when I was 23…
The Block 2021 room reveals: master ensuite
This week on The Block, they revealed the master en suites. Read on for the scoring and to see the rooms. FIRST: Ronnie & Georgia Score: 29/30 (after using their…
This week on The Block, they revealed the master en suites. Read on for the scoring and to see the rooms.
FIRST: Ronnie & Georgia
Score: 29/30 (after using their gnome point) Spent: $22,000
Welcome back to what Shaynna calls Ronnie and Georgia’s trademark sophistication – a calming and beautiful colour palette in a room that takes advantage of the sweeping ceilings and Velux skylights to create a large, but comfortable master ensuite that’s perfectly matched to the room it serves. From the Zuster cabinetry with cleverly separated basins to the perfectly placed plain white wall breaking up the tiled areas – and saving costs – it is a room Neale believes has massive buyer appeal.
LAST: Mark & Mitch
Score: 22/30 Spent: $26,790
In a rare mis-step from the planning kings, Mitch and Mark’s bathroom left the judges a little confused this week, with Darren pointing out the space between the basins and the shower screen was too tight, the screen itself too large. It was, he said: “a planning disaster!”. But not all was lost, with Shaynna loving the colour palette, the tile choice and styling that makes it “a jewellery box of a room”. And Neale agreed, saying there was much to love… if only the layout could be fixed.
FOURTH: Tanya & Vito
Score: 22.5/30 Spent: $17,458
From brown tiles to a black toilet, sensible planning and functionality throughout, Tanya and Vito’s bathroom grabbed Darren from the second he entered. And on the styling front, Shaynna agreed, with the bold colour choices stamping a unique style on the room that shows just how different the team’s aesthetic will be. But will that be too polarising come auction day, Neale wondered. Is it deco? 70s? Or something blending multiple influences? Will there be enough people who share the couple’s love of colour, retro chic and multiple hero pieces? Time will tell!
SECOND: Josh & Luke
Score: 28.5/30 Spent: $41,980
Walking through the wardrobe to a hidden oasis, the judges were immediately impressed by Josh and Luke’s styling choices in a room that marries their master bedroom to a secluded garden creating something the judges were definitely not expecting – a master wing. “We’ve been transported from a wardrobe to something much better than Narnia!” Darren said as he took in the room Shaynna described as real estate gold! And at the centre of it all was the huge outdoor bathtub, a choice all agreed was controversial (especially with Melbourne winters) but managed to work so well.
THIRD: Kirsty & Jesse
Score: 26/30 Spent: $28,045
From the fresh indigo blue and gold colour choices to the refined tile choices, concrete basins set in a veined marble-look benchtop and Kirsty and Jesse’s Hamptons style blended with a touch of Colonial, this is a room, Shaynna says, that shows the team has definitely grown up. Some fixture placements gave the judges concern – the bath was always going to get wet, Shaynna warned – but overall this is, Neale says: “a damn good bathroom that feels fresh, glamorous – and is really fulfilling the brief!”
The Block 2021 room reveals: 4 cinemas & a steam room
I’m going to leave this week’s drama and cheating scandal at the door because if you watched The Block this week, I’m sure you’ve already had enough! Onto the media…
The Block 2021: master bedroom & walk-in robe reveals
This week didn’t see the faves as the obvious frontrunners. Ronnie and Georgia came fourth while Mitch and Mark came second. And Josh and Luke managed to pull first place…
The Block Archives – The Interiors Addict
Our readers love The Block and so do we! Read all the latest from the Channel 9 renovating reality show. Come back each week to read about the latest room reveals and how you can shop the looks!
You’ve probably heard of Grafico’s custom print wallpapers from their regular features on The Block, but today I want to tell you about another offering they have which has impressed me no end!
You really need to know about their custom printed tiles! Custom, digitally printed resin tiles to suit your exact requirements, imported from Italy, fully waterproof and suitable for indoors and out. And all at a surprisingly reasonable price and lead time!
Making a small pool that bit extra!
You may have seen them in comedian Em Rusiciano’s bathroom on Instagram, or you might remember the epic (and no maintenance!) outdoor green walls from 2019’s Block. The good news is, you too can have something this unique in your own home and the options are pretty much endless!
THAT green wall on The Block: no watering required!
Just 2mm thick, lightweight and easy to apply (on curves too), you can even install them on top of existing tiles in good condition. They come in 250x250mm sheets and you definitely don’t need an angle grinder to cut them! And because the design itself is actually at the back of the mosaic, it’s totally protected from the elements and you can rest assured it isn’t going anywhere!
Bougainvillea all year round!
Grafico are the exclusive distributor of this innovative product after managing director Damian Corney discovered it a few years ago and started a successful relationship with a factory in Puglia, Italy. And because the tiles are so lightweight, even shipping them here via airmail doesn’t make the price point prohibitive. And even during the pandemic, they can be here in four-to-six weeks from artwork approval. You can design your own or choose from existing designs. Oh, the possibilities!
Em Rusciano used this natives design in her bathroom
To give you an idea of price, you’re looking at around $1,700, including air freight and GST, for the average 2.5mx2.5m feature wall of mosaics, made exactly to your requirements. A bargain for such a show-stopping and unique design feature if you ask me! And they come with a 10-year warranty. The same thing in regular custom-design mosaic tiles could run to tens of thousands!
The installation process is so simple, you don’t need to worry about upsetting your tiler! Each custom tile square (usually 250x250mm sheet) is numbered individually during production, allowing them to be laid out in numerical order to form the whole image in preparation for tiling. They use the same glue and grout system and products as for regular tiles too.
The flexible nature of the tile sheets allows them to be applied to irregular surfaces including curved objects as well as be trimmed to fit into unusual wall or floor spaces. Whole bathroom feature wall? Eye-catching outdoor mosaic artwork? Pool feature? The choice is yours!
The hardest part? Choosing how and where you’ll use Mosaico!
Jimmy and Tam were one of many couples to use Grafico’s custom wallpaper on The Block over the yearsSarah and George use Grafico wallpaper on The Block last year
Today’s wrap up of last night’s courtyard reveals comes to you from our friends at The Block Shop! MITCH AND MARK: 2nd PLACE SCORE: 29/30 Mitch and Mark once again…
I’m going to leave this week’s drama and cheating scandal at the door because if you watched The Block this week, I’m sure you’ve already had enough! Onto the media rooms!
First up, I have to admit I hate the idea of a whole room dedicated just to movies and/or TV. It seems such a waste! Add to that their reputation for dodgy recliners with cupholders and a lack of windows and they are just not my bag! But we’re not talking about my house (which will never have a media room). Mitch and Mark’s spa-like steam room was a little more up my street, but give me a luxury bathroom with a great tub any day.
So yeah, I didn’t love this week but it’s a competition so let’s dig into the rooms and the scores!
Ronnie & Georgia: joint second
Score: 28.5/30 Spent: $23,410
Ronnie and Georgia’s luxurious cinema room set a sky-high standard with its star-covered acoustic panel ceiling, comfortable lounge seating, velvet floor-to-ceiling curtains and hidden lolly cupboard for movie snacks. And behind the style the build impressed too, with a huge screen, state-of-the-art sound system, dimmable lighting married to strip LEDS and sound insulation throughout. It’s a space that even made Neale rethink his views on home cinemas.
Darren was happy to see regular, comfy lounges (I’m guessing he meant not ugly recliners), Shaynna loved the colour palette and Neale thought it was very luxurious. “It’s so desirable.” Darren did spot though that the sound insulation out didn’t exist and it sounded very noisy from outside the room!
While the other contestants went for the cinematic experience in their basements, Mitch and Mark thought outside the box once again, offering up an underground space with a day-spa style steam room. Fully tiled and plumbed, with underfloor heating and what Neale called “perfect” lighting, the downstairs wet-room featured a full steam facility (complete with steam-proof speakers!); the perfect addition to a home with everything. Once again it was a room that had Neale envious.
Neale said he felt like he was up in the clouds. Darren said the feeling of light, bright and airy was clever considering they were underground with no windows!
It’s off to the movies for Tanya and Vito from the recessed cavity slider door to the banked seating – with luxurious electric recliners complete with side tables, perfect for taking in the huge-screen, ceiling to floor boucle curtains to block out distractions and even a snoozing couch at the back! Not as versatile a space as some others, Shaynna pointed out, but hard to fault as a cinema, which is exactly what they’d set out to achieve. Complete with blue LED strip lighting, the result is a space Darren pointed out is rare in this market and once again perfect in a post-COVID world.
Neale said it was taking luxury to a new level. Although the judges couldn’t ignore the terrible matte black ceiling paint job.
Forget the cinema, the boys went all out this week to create a multimedia space where movies might be one option, but certainly not the only one! Flanked by a snack and drinks station and that huge Iron Man sculpture (they spent thousands on that and, like Darren, I wouldn’t want that in my house!), the big screen faces a bank of recliners (my favourites!). With an emphasis here on fun, it’s the perfect place for gaming, watching sport with friends or just relaxing. Architecturally, it was the stepped ceiling that impressed the judges most.
I’d personally call it everything I hate about media rooms and more! Shaynna said the choices were dismal and lazy and didn’t work. Neale said it totally lacked finesse and was too like a bachelor pad. Darren hated the recliners and Neale said it showed their lack of experience and it was downmarket. Shaynna went one further and said cheap and nasty and even “it’s crap”! Tell it like it is, Shaynna!
Kirsty & Jesse: first
Score: 29 /30 Spent: $34,117
Recliners with cup holders, stepped seating, huge screen… even Darren had to admit this wasn’t just a home cinema, it was a cinema in a home! Filled with the latest technology and a few retro touches – the judges loved the classic movie posters and projector – the feel here was classic Hollywood, but with the potential to be a performance space as well, something they were sure singer Kirsty had thought of. And even better, when they checked the foreman’s report, there was only one line: “Nothing to report!”
Darren said the recliners with cupholders were allowed in this one because of the finesse and how well it had all been done. “Everything that I always thought I didn’t like, I really do.” Shaynna said the panelling was beautiful and she loved the old school movie poster styling. Darren said they needed to add some acoustic product though to stop the echoing.
Neale loved the vibe of it. “I feel like I’m in an old-fashioned picture house.”
The Block 2021: master bedroom & walk-in robe reveals
This week didn’t see the faves as the obvious frontrunners. Ronnie and Georgia came fourth while Mitch and Mark came second. And Josh and Luke managed to pull first place…
The Block 2021 room reveals: guest en suite
Pretty damn good for week two, don’t we think? Mitch and Mark went from last place last week to win this week. Nice one! Although I must admit Ronnie and…
The Block room reveals 2021: guest bedroom
Firstly, let’s talk about what’s new with The Block judging this year: defect lists! What a great idea and something that has probably been lacking thus far. Keith and Dan…
Matt Meinchelli, who Scotty dubs “the miracle worker”, is a familiar face on The Block, working as the builder for winning teams in both 2017 (Elyse and Josh) and 2019 (Tess and Luke). He understands the important role that a builder plays in any renovation, but especially on The Block, to bring a homeowner’s dream to life – whatever they may be.
Builder Matt Menichelli shares what he’d have scored the bedrooms
When it comes to master bedrooms, Matt says he’s a big advocate for functionality. “The layout of a master bedroom needs to be practical and versatile to cater to different couple’s needs. The owner of the home will typically occupy this room so a statement piece is always a good way to wow potential buyers.” He adds that when renovating your own master bedroom, it’s important to create a space you want to spend time in and feel comfortable in.
The ceiling skylight detail was a standout, along with the tactile feature wall. They also had a great colour scheme.
What did you not like about this room?
The overall height was overkill. The room was only 4mx4.5m so a 6m ceiling throws out the proportions. A 3.5m ceiling would have been perfect. I also think the walk-in robe was far too small – again, proportions were all wrong.
Did you agree or disagree with the judge’s feedback / scores?
I think the judging was a bit too harsh. I would have given them an 8/10.
House 2: Mitch & Mark
What did you like about this room?
It was a very cosy space with the ceiling coffer to complement the skylight. The walk in robe was also well designed. I did also like the oversized door leading outside.
What did you not like about this room?
I personally prefer slightly deeper tones – the colour scheme was a bit soft and light for me. Would have liked to see more space at the toe of the bed for a reading chair also.
Did you agree or disagree with the judge’s feedback / scores?
I think the scores were fair. I would have given them an 8/10.
House 3: Tanya & Vito
What did you like about this room?
They played into the mid century style well. They also had a really different bedhead which I like!
What did you not like about this room?
The entry nook. It was a waste of space and feels jarring when walking in. The walk-in robe was too bland as well.
Did you agree or disagree with the judge’s feedback / scores?
I would have given it a 7.5/10.
House 4: Josh & Luke
What did you like about this room?
It is a perfect sized space. It has a really good walk-in robe for functionality and style. The subtle polished render and great ceiling detail with commercial style linear lighting also adds to the room. The robe space sets you up for a very special ensuite.
What did you not like about this room?
I think the three series artwork needed a bit more punch as it was too washed out. I also think the bench seat and buffet table needed more bulk as the room felt a bit empty, and the mirror TV was overwhelming.
Did you agree or disagree with the judge’s feedback / scores?
I think the boys received a fair score. I would have given them 9/10.
House 5: Kirsty & Jesse
What did you like about this room?
The room has a great colour scheme and I really liked the raked ceiling detail, filling the space with natural light. Convex wall panelling is something really special as well that gives a modern twist on the old dado panels.
What did you not like about this room?
I don’t think the cornice details were necessary, and the walk-in robe was far too small. The bedside tables and chest of drawers also didn’t suit the room.
Did you agree or disagree with the judge’s feedback / scores?
I think they received fair scores. I would have given them 7.5/10.
–Matthew Menichelli is a builder and owner of Elevate Building Group and hipages tradie on The Block. hipages is the online platform that connects Australia with trusted tradies to simplify home improvement.
The Block 2021: master bedroom & walk-in robe reveals
This week didn’t see the faves as the obvious frontrunners. Ronnie and Georgia came fourth while Mitch and Mark came second. And Josh and Luke managed to pull first place…
The Block 2021 room reveals: guest en suite
Pretty damn good for week two, don’t we think? Mitch and Mark went from last place last week to win this week. Nice one! Although I must admit Ronnie and…
This week didn’t see the faves as the obvious frontrunners. Ronnie and Georgia came fourth while Mitch and Mark came second. And Josh and Luke managed to pull first place out of the bag after last week’s somewhat disastrous ensuite! Tanya and Vito made more bold and quirky choices and Kirsty and Jesse didn’t quite get it right.
Ronnie & Georgia: Fourth
Score: 23.5/30 Spent: $24,500
“Enormous, Vast, Cathedral-like” and more – Ronnie and Georgia’s master bedroom certainly stopped the judges in their tracks and it’s easy to see why. With its soaring sloped ceiling leading up to Velux skylights, a massive floor to ceiling window, chic Laminex panelling, disguised television and more this was a statement room.
All agreed the walk-in robe could have been more generous, a fact Ronnie and Georgia might want to remember when it comes to make-over room time. Shaynna called it “teeny tiny” and “miniscule”. It was well styled though.
But overall, said Neale, with this room, the team stamped themselves as “the masters of sophisticated subtlety”.
Personally I think they were robbed! Yes, the wardrobe was too small but this room wasn’t fourth place at all!
Mitch & Mark: Second
Score: 26.5/30 Spent: $20,376
With its generous walk-in robe, balcony hinting at a secluded outdoor sanctuary and beautiful finish, Mitch and Mark’s master bedroom retreat showed the judges they’ve well and truly moved on in style and execution from their first Block!
A traditional, yet contemporary room, they decided, with features such as ceiling a standout, drawing the eye to perfectly place pendants over ample tables flanking a bed so beautifully styled Neale was left asking for tips. For Shaynna it was the artwork – matched to the bed – and colour palette that combined to scream luxe!
They were frothing over the wardrobe too. Neale said it was very well thought through and beautifully styled and Darren said it was Tardis-like.
Personally I hated the bedhead and although I loved the wardrobe, I couldn’t get overly excited about the bedroom and didn’t think it was a second place room.
Tanya & Vito: Third
Score: 24/30 Spent: $25,649
Light bright and colourful, Tanya and Vito’s master bedroom was the “Goldilocks room” for the judges this week – not too big and not too small, but just right. Bringing the Moroccan feel of the guest ensuite into the space, the pair created a haven away from the house but still connected.
Shaynna immediately fell for the bedhead, the side tables, the wallpaper and the artwork – including another Tanya original – with Darren warming to the quirky styling touches. While the wardrobe certainly had lots of space, Neale said it lacked the glamour and luxury and Shaynna wasn’t a fan.
Personally I love how this couple have committed to their quirky style. Wasn’t a fan of either wardrobe but the crazy bedhead and light combo did kinda work, didn’t it?!
Josh & Luke: First
Score: 27/30 Spent: $19,830
One of the most controversial choices of The Block so far, Josh and Luke were always heading for controversy when they flipped the original intent and placed their master suite where the double garage had been aimed, but did it work? Apparently, yes!
Spacious, light soaked, separated from the rest of the house with its own view to the courtyard, the judges finally saw why the twins had put themselves through so much. Architecturally clever enough to forgive the obvious styling flaws (fake flowers, guys? Really?), it’s fresh, sophisticated and puts the pair back in the game, Neale said.
Shaynna loved the wardrobe! They all did. “This is a master bedroom in a multimillion dollar house,” said Darren. “Space is a luxury.”
Personally, I thought the wardrobe was way nicer than the bedroom which although spacious, I just found a bit bland! And as for that mirror over console combo? No thanks.
Kirsty & Jesse: Last
Score: 22.5/30 Spent: $24,920
With wide North-facing windows, a generous layout that draws focus to the beautifully styled bed, arches adding a softness and warm tones from the rich carpeting to the walls, the judges were immediately impressed by Kirsty and Jesse’s master bedroom.
A closer look however revealed a few problems – the artwork wasn’t exactly what Shaynna would have liked to see, the tallboy looked out of place and in general there seemed to be a clash between the contemporary and classic styles. Add in a beautiful, but undersized walk-in robe and the country couple were left wondering if the pluses the judges found would outweigh the negatives.
There was too much joinery squashed into the wardrobe space, although it was nicely styled and they liked the finishes. Darren said they needed to start again. The judges said the whole space needed to be re-planned.
Personally, I agree this room should have come last. The wall opposite the bed was all wrong, the wardrobe was tiny and although on first glance the whole bed setup was lovely, on closer inspection, like Neale said, there was a lot I didn’t love. Including the arches.
Pretty damn good for week two, don’t we think? Mitch and Mark went from last place last week to win this week. Nice one! Although I must admit Ronnie and…
With an entirely new format (five houses in one Melbourne cul-de-sac) and a line-up of contestants that includes former Blockheads and newbies (Fans vs Faves), the latest season of The Block looks set to provide entertainment plus. And we’ve no doubt that much of that will come courtesy of Block veterans Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie who are back for a second round on the show.
“It’s such a privilege to be on The Block once but to be invited back for a second time is amazing. We didn’t hesitate when we were asked,” says Mitch who has been working alongside his partner Mark in their interior design business since the couple’s first appearance on The Block in 2019. The couple also have a home fragrance line and are in the midst of renovating their own home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Mitch and Mark
As for the couple’s house on The Block it had a federation façade, but not much else, when they took it on. “We wanted to take the home in a direction that paid homage to the history of the home but in a modern, practical way. It’s a version of a coastal look with a hint of federation and a country feel,” says Mitch. The home’s colour palette takes inspiration from the original leadlight windows. Viewers can expect to see plenty of soft pink, sage green, and dusty grey throughout.
“We will be exploring a new look. We think, from an interior design perspective, that you need to be able to do different styles and to make sure the home’s style and layout reflects the market. You can’t be a one trick pony,” says Mark.
Mitch and Mark’s guest bedroom came last in the first reveal of this season
When it came to the home’s layout, it was left entirely in the hands of the couple who spent many hours space planning the design. “We weren’t even given a footprint. We had to work out the boundaries and rooms within the house,” says Mark. The design also reflects the new COVID reality where people live, work and play from home. “The needs of the home are not the same as they were two years ago. You have to flexible about the use of spaces and we took this into account,” says Mitch.
As for the ethics of pitching experienced renovators against total newbies, the couple believe the judges are holding them to a higher standard than the new contestants. “Personally, we don’t have an issue with that. We should be delivering to a higher standard and while they haven’t explicitly said it, we believe they are judging us more harshly,” says Mitch. And the couple have come both last and first in room reveals thus far.
Mitch and Mark’s guest bedroom
And as for charges that The Block should have more design and less drama (we hear it every year!), the boys tend to agree, but concede that it’s the drama that viewers want to see. “It’s the design aspect that drew us to The Block in the first place, but the drama, intrigue and personal relationships are part of show how and people want to see that stuff,” says Mark.
Mitch and Mark’s bathroom came first in last night’s reveal!
On the topic of drama, Channel Nine has said that this season features the biggest cheating scandal in the history of The Block. “There’s a thing that really splits the show when someone gets information that they shouldn’t have. It was entirely out of left field and our jaws were on the floor. It impacts the rest of the show, right to the end!” says Mitch.
And as for winning, the boys believe they have built the best house but that anything could happen on auction day. “The house that the judges consider the best in terms of scoring is not generally the house that wins The Block. We’d like to think our house will win, but in the end we’re just so happy to be in the race.”
The Block 2021 room reveals: guest en suite
Pretty damn good for week two, don’t we think? Mitch and Mark went from last place last week to win this week. Nice one! Although I must admit Ronnie and…
The Block room reveals 2021: guest bedroom
Firstly, let’s talk about what’s new with The Block judging this year: defect lists! What a great idea and something that has probably been lacking thus far. Keith and Dan…
Pretty damn good for week two, don’t we think? Mitch and Mark went from last place last week to win this week. Nice one! Although I must admit Ronnie and Georgia’s, which came second, was my favourite. Bathrooms are not easy rooms to get right, so it’s perhaps no surprise the two experienced faves couples came first and second?
How good was bringing the judges face to face with the contestants for the first time ever?! Awkward! But I loved it! More of this please! Super useful for them to get feedback “We don’t tell you this stuff to be mean,” says Darren. “We want you to do well,” said Neale.
FIRST: Mark & Mitch
Score: 28/30 | Spent: $20,833
“Beautiful!” Shaynna said when she walked into Mitch and Mark’s guest ensuite and from the vibrant feature tiles to the double vanity, aged brass tapware, matte finish bath and basins and more, her fellow judges agreed.
Even the layout impressed, with Darren noting it’s not a larger room than their competitors, but a better room, with more thought put into placement including the toilet tucked out of sight, the central door and the wall to wall strip drain. Throw in the fun touches like Mitch’s unique gold bath ducks and they were in love. “It’s a jewel!” Neale summed up.
“It’s punchy as hell,” said Darren. “This is a bathroom which is really making me smile because I feel that Mitch and Mark are back in the game and I’m seeing some of that old spark,” added Neale.
Mirroring the soaring ceilings of the bedroom it services, Ronnie and Georgia’s guest ensuite wowed the judges with its skylights and feature slab behind the bath.
The marble-effect slab behind the bath married into a very calming colour palette, Darren said, with the soft tones of the finger tiles and accent tiles working against the brass fittings to create the same amount of drama as its neighbouring room – but still pared back. Add in ample storage and it is, Shaynna said, a room that will last well into the future.
Shaynna would have preferred a matte rather than gloss bath and basin. And also thought that the mixer taps were too far away from the shower.
Set aside the little details and the execution made it very luxe, according to Neale. Darren said they’d got the lighting right.
Got to say, this was my personal favourite!
THIRD: Tanya & Vito
Score 24.5/30 | Spent: $35,237
Terrazo flooring? Check. Bold feature wall? Check. Exotic ceramic pendant? Double check! And it all added up to a functional bathroom just dripping with Tanya and Vito’s unique style and a definite Moroccan feel – and the judges were happy to have made the trip.
No toilet in the room was controversial, as were the lack of towel rails, but the benefit was a huge shower area and uncluttered walls that all combined to create a feeling of space. On pure ambiance, Neale said, this room delivers.
Shaynna thought they’d perhaps taken too much floorplan for this en suite though. And didn’t like the design or position of the black lights above the bath either. Neale said the plant was too spindly and Darren didn’t like the bath mat.
Neat, compact and well appointed, Kirsty and Jesse’s guest ensuite skated the edge of being too small, the judges said, but managed to glide past any potential issues to win them over.
With space created by the skylights over the perfect vanity, blue sink and matching colour palette that married well into the existing bedroom outside, Shaynna said a few styling touches – and possibly some additional towel rails! – could bring what is already a functionally perfect space into a slick coastal chic bathroom.
The judges questioned the need for the nib wall and said it made the room feel even smaller. Shaynna said the brass shells were cute but they weren’t needed to tell people they were near the beach! Neale said despite the small size it felt very appropriate for the other rooms and the execution was to a high standard.
From the dark colour choices, Venetian plaster feature wall and ceiling to the massive shower screen, varied metals in fixtures and unusual chocolate and cheese styling on the bath board, this was a room that polarised the judges.
Too large? Too generic? Too dated? They all had criticisms, but even they all agree on one thing. As a Jack-and-Jill bathroom to service not only the guest room already in place but a future room planned on the other side, the size was enough that things would never feel cramped.
Darren wasn’t into the Venetian plaster ceiling and thought it was a waste of money. Shaynna agreed, saying it was beautifully done but not the place to spend money. Neale said it felt “incredibly dated” and cold. “I never want to see this grey-grey-grey palette again.” Shaynna didn’t like the “weird” shower niche that was smaller than a tile or the under vanity lighting highlighting the waste! And the styling was “atrocious”! “One wall does not make a room.”
NEXT WEEK: Master bedrooms, and it’s looks like it’s going to be good!
Interiors Addict bathroom reno 2: what I chose and why
There is so much to share about my recent bathroom reno and I couldn’t possibly fit it all into the reveal post, so I’m sharing a little more detail today,…
The Block room reveals 2021: guest bedroom
Firstly, let’s talk about what’s new with The Block judging this year: defect lists! What a great idea and something that has probably been lacking thus far. Keith and Dan…
Firstly, let’s talk about what’s new with The Block judging this year: defect lists! What a great idea and something that has probably been lacking thus far. Keith and Dan do an inspection before the judges and make a report on any defects, which is then presented to the judges, just in case they were to miss something! Fair’s fair, I reckon! A great addition to the process!
Ronnie & Georgia’s winning guest bedroom
And what an episode it was, with the returning faves taking out both first (Ronnie & Georgia) and last (Mitch & Mark) place! Not to mention the twins staying in a luxury hotel the night before (which is against the rules) and then getting breathalysed and not being allowed to start until they sobered up. And then Luke got sick (nothing to do with the night before, of course!) but the boys still managed to pull off second place.
Poor Tanya and Vito (the sweetest people ever) had to sack their builder after Keith and Dan pointed out how much he had done wrong, leaving Tanya in tears (bless!). She’s such a soft touch she went into full mothering mode with hungover Luke!
Anyway, onto the rooms and the judging!
Ronnie & Georgia
Score 24.5/30: FIRST
Spend: $11,305 (the least of anyone)
With soaring ceilings and a playful style that manages to be (as Neale Whitaker said) neutral but still interesting, Block faves Ronnie and Georgia showed they were back to win with this stylish room. And win they did!
From the Velux skylights to the perfect layered bedding, this is a room that Darren Palmer called “aspirational classic contemporary”. He said it showed how much the pair have grown from the dark and moody palette that was their Elsternwick trademark.
“So impressive!” says Shaynna. “It’s so considered, it’s frightening and talk about a massive amount of cabinetry.” Darren said: “There’s so much to love!”
Goodbye Palm Springs, hello contemporary modern said the judges to a guest bedroom that clearly says there is more to Mitch and Mark than their Oslo build showed. With its statement Grafico wall and soft colour choices, the pair created a guest sanctuary complete with study nook (or work space) perfect for a post-covid home, and a sun-drenched extra bedroom.
Shaynna said it was great to see them try a new style. Neale’s first impressions were that it was small, oppressive even. Shaynna said the desk was too shoved in. And she spotted that the door wasn’t fixed. Neale even said it was a little bland!
Shaynna loved the pelmet lighting, Darren loved the bed linen and the palette. Neale said he really liked the boys but he felt the room was too generic and he was surprised.
Tanya’s unique and vibrant palette brought a sense of fun to the room, with wood panelling topped by a terrazzo shelf behind the beautifully styled bed, flowing sheers over the window, streaming sunlight from the Velux skylights and a hanging plant making this a soft space.
Darren liked the colour combos and the way the art worked with the bed linen without being too matchy-match. But the judges blasted their cheap-looking sheers, especially as Vito works in the window furnishings business!
And sadly so many of their (fired) builder’s defects were still not fixed. But Neale said there were lots of nice touches and Darren liked the way there was room to swing a cat!
With its dark colour palette accentuated by a beautifully styled bed against a soft-upholstered wall and bold glass-fronted cabinetry, Josh and Luke’s guest bedroom is, the judges decided, sexy, cool and very different. For Darren it was the big architectural decisions, such as the bi-fold doors that worked best, and he can’t wait to see what they’ll open out to when the rest of the house is built.
It was definitely one for the boys though. Darren said it was “waaaaaaay better” than last week and was impressed by the glam, glass-doored wardrobes. Neale said it was sexy. Shaynna however, said she hated the wardrobes and they were destined to end up looking a mess in reality! Got to love a bit of controversy!
Darren said there was so much he liked and Shaynna said the way they styled the bed (wonder if Mitch & Mark regret helping them!) was stunning. She said they stepped up five levels from last week (have to agree!).
From the soft blue walls with wainscoting and accent architraves to the plantation shutters and highlight window, Kirsty and Jesse created a guest bedroom retreat with an obvious space for a generous en-suite to come. Throw in ample storage courtesy of the twin bedside tables and built-in cabinetry and the result is, to quote Darren: “coastal chic, a little bit plantation and a little bit country!”.
Shaynna said the Hamptons style would be very popular with buyers in the area. Neale said they’d chosen to be very discreet and similar to last week, and he didn’t want them to become a one-trick pony. He and Shaynna didn’t like that all you could see from bed was a window which was too high to see anything out of. That’ll be their expensive new highlight window. Eep.
The judges loved the spacious size of the room and the generous storage and said the execution was great but the styling needed to go up a notch.
Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in! While homeowners have invested increasing amounts of time and money into their yards in recent years, 2020 saw interest in outdoor living spike to unprecedented levels. As a result, the outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more inventive.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has prioritised how we view and use our homes,” said Shannon Vos, interior design consultant and winner of The Block with his brother Simon in 2014. “With people spending more time at home last year, we all started to realise how outdoor space is so important. It’s where we start our days with a morning cup of coffee, where we enjoy some much-needed fresh air over an al fresco lunch break, where we relish a change of scenery after a day of screen fatigue, and where we can visit safely with friends and family.”
Each year, Trex, a leading manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, captures input from consumers and industry insiders alike to compile its annual outdoor living forecast. For 2021, Trex and Shannon Vos have identified four trends expected to shape the outdoor living landscape.
Shannon Vos working outdoors
Outdoor offices
Among the top trends predicted for the coming year is the emergence of outdoor workspaces. With flexible working arrangements, including working from home and remote learning expected to continue in 2021, contractors report increased interest in outdoor spaces that can comfortably and functionally accommodate professionals and students. Requests for stylish sheds and backyard living spaces are on the rise.
Pergolas, too, are in high demand due to their versatility and affordability. A relatively easy addition to any deck or yard, a pergola creates the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Of course, its main purpose is providing shade – essential for enhancing visibility of laptop screens and devices, as well as offering cool relief on hot days.
Photography: Jason Busch/Landart
Taking the plunge into pools
Another trend driven by the pandemic has been the dramatic increase in residential pools, spas and water features. With international travel off the cards and interstate travel uncertain, homeowners across the country are taking the plunge and installing swimming pools and spas in their backyards.
“This year, we completed the renovation of our outdoor space, including an artist wrapped pool for the kids to play in,” says Shannon. She used wood composite decking, a low-maintenance option that won’t rot, warp, stain or fade.
Photography: Jason Busch/Landart
Luxury Staycation
Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel over the past year, homeowner interest in replicating the sophisticated style and comforts of a luxury hotel or resort in their homes has continued to grow. From plush towels and perfectly plumped pillows to outdoor accents like fire pits, water features and industrial railing, commercially inspired designs can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation.
“Homeowners are finding inspiration in commercial settings like upscale hotels and restaurants,” Rod Schiefelbein, Trex Australia market manager comments. He suggests customising your railing, such as with cocktail railing, that provides space to rest drinks and plates.
Photography: Jessica Delp
Give it a try with DIY
The DIY category exploded in 2020, encouraging homeowners to roll up their sleeves and tackle even the most challenging projects – a trend development experts expect to continue in 2021. Industry analysts are predicting DIY home projects and repairs will shift from a trend to long-term habit, with ambitious DIYers turning to YouTube and home improvement sites for inspiration, motivation and tips. DIY saves time and money, while also earning serious bragging rights.
“If you can use a hammer and a saw, you can upgrade your backyard,” encourages Shannon. “Building or resurfacing a deck with Trex is a doable DIY project that can be completed over the course of a weekend or two with just a little know-how and the help of a few friends.”
Outdoor rooms: Neale Whitaker explains how to create a backyard oasis
“It’s not a new phenomenon, but Australians really did pioneer the outdoor room,” says The Block judge and Love It or List It host Neale Whitaker. He puts it down…
The Block 2020: back yard and pool reveals
It’s the last reveals of the season! And I must admit I haven’t watched them yet so today’s writeup comes courtesy of our friends at The Block Shop. You’d better…
