suite dreams
We’re well and truly in the thick of The Block now. Shannon takes us on a tour of the master retreats, and reveals the good, the bad and the ugly
Master suites are the crème de la crème of any spectacular home. While bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, a great master bedroom will pull at a buyer’s heartstrings and whisper softly ‘Imagine yourself in this space at the end of the day’. And you do – it’s the very last straw of an ‘emotional buy’, and while we’re all told to buy smart, it’s human nature to picture yourself locked away from the world (and the kids). These rooms are no different: all have an oasis-like feel with huge amounts of kid-free space, and while some are a bit more effective than others in creating that perfect retreat, whoever buys one of these homes can be sure they’re buying that little slice of luxury we all dream of.
HOUSE 1
After a less than impressive effort for their reveal, Jason and Sarah turned in their room a week late, much to the judges’ disappointment. Having that extra week has meant that they have the perfect layout for their master suite – there are three distinct zones and each has loads of space. The colour palette is fresh and full of character – the blue, grey and mustard all sit in harmony. The concrete-look pendant lights are a nice contrast and at perfect bedside height – finally, someone with a good lighting plan! The bed is inviting, and the comfy seating opposite really makes the space feel like a parents’ retreat. Natural light floods the ensuite and the star is the black herringbone floor tiling. That’s where the love stops though with an unfinished walk-in (no mirror, eek!), no TV (a room this big should have one hidden away) and undressed windows. It is problematic furnishing triangular windows especially when they’re this big, so Jason and Sarah have left it all open, killing any notion of privacy in an otherwise gorgeous master retreat.
HOUSE 2
The reno rookies have put it all on the line in this reveal with daring choices and bold design elements. The floral wallpaper seems like a step too far and the silver velvet upholstered bedhead feels a bit too blingy. You can see what Hannah and Clint were trying to do, but they’ve just missed the mark. The bed is gorgeously made with the white, pink and grey tones all matching each other. The pink seats and that huge round mirror create a gorgeous setting that’s delicate and feminine, and the walk-around wardrobe is absolutely massive – with functional island storage, it seems like another room altogether. The bathroom is great, though not overly impressive, with a contemporary feel and sleek finishes. A nib shelf runs across the entire room giving the ensuite a modern feel, but the tech showerhead seems a step too far as the shower is a place where I’d want to be disconnected from technology. The vanity and mirrors are visually impressive but Hannah and Clint could’ve done more in this room to harness a better score. The blinds, I’m sorry, are a bit of a poor choice and really hit a ‘nanna’ vibe, giving this room too much of a mature mood.
HOUSE 3
Powerhouse couple Ronnie and Georgia have made great choices in their layout, finishes and fixtures, which saw them as strong contenders for the win with their master retreat. The inclusion of a hallway leading to the bedroom made the space feel very exclusive and almost another world away from the rest of the house.
Inside, the palette is a beautiful blend of earthy pink, grey and mushroom, giving the space an organic and soft feel. The Steve Cross artwork is feminine and a strong choice, and there’s a tonne of storage and plenty of room. The hidden TV looks great, but functionality may trip the feature up as it’s all manually operated. Their walk-aroundwardrobe-cum-bedhead looks ample and serene, but seems a bit too cramped pushed right up against the far wall. The ensuite is laid out perfectly with natural tones and striking fittings for a polished look. The window’s reveal, which runs into a nib shelf, is a beautiful feature and adds real value to the room. Luxurious black and white fittings lend a contemporary feel and are a perfect accompaniment to a great master bedroom.
HOUSE 4
The boys certainly love their timber (c’mon, we all do!) and plenty was used in their ‘more of a blokey’ take on a master suite, though it was a little too much for the judges. Timber is wonderful, warm and organic but too many different types and tones can make a space feel disjointed and awkward. It’s OK to have a variety of timbers through your space – you just have to make sure the undertones match up. The ensuite is simple but cohesive with a neutral palette and black fittings to top it off. The black beam that holds the showerheads is a statement element but maybe timber wasn’t the best choice in a wet area. The bedroom is pared back but inviting, and while it could have a few more layers in the textures and finishes, it’s a strong room for the boys but not quite the winning combo.
HOUSE 5
Josh and Elyse went open plan and got rid of the entry door wall from the stairway to the bedroom and any privacy that came along with it, but what a great move. Opening up the entry made their master suite seem 10 times bigger than what it already is. The soft-pink palette of the bed setting almost borders on a ‘nanna’ vibe, but the strong lines in the ceiling and bulkheads certainly ground the space. The daybed/reading nook is a great inclusion, as are the two super oversized seats, but they feel a bit awkward in orientation as they’re too focused on the TV and the out-of-place industrial rendered wall. The walk-around wardrobe is luxurious and more than ample, but while the bedroom is good, the ensuite is the star. The choices throughout are spot on and how can you not love that green herringbone feature wall. Accented with gunmetal grey fittings, the balance of the green and pale pink and architectural detail, this surely wins it for the picture-perfect couple from Melbourne.