BEST OF THE BLOCK
The ’rona threw up a few obstacles this year, but the teams still managed to pull off big design wins all round. Our very own Blockspert, Shannon Vos, takes us through the detail
george & sarah
Inspired by the 1940s George and Sarah nailed it with their ensuite and cemented themselves as a powerhouse couple way back in week four of the competition. A perfect antidote to their lacking main bedroom, this space ticks all the boxes and then some. Though softened with curves, the bold black bath and tapware have quite a strong presence. This, however, has been perfectly balanced by installing a muted mauve (I don’t want to say nude, pink, blush or rose) tiled feature wall.
I love the texture in the floors, and the way the tiles create movement underfoot, plus the layout is really spot-on. The lighting is subdued enough to make the space feel intimate and cosy, and although it’s usually considered a no-no to use four tile selections in one bathroom, the subtlety in all of these gets Sarah and George off the hook – just.
Inspired by the 1930s Daniel and Jade rolled the dice and offered up an extra bedroom way back in week five when the rest of the contestants only submitted the one bedroom and bathroom. Though their floor space remains the same (hence the bedrooms are smaller), this sets them apart from the others, and having the only five-bedroom home is sure to grab the attention of bigger families at sale time. A quick search shows the huge milliondollar price jump between the average four- and five-bedroom home in Brighton, and I’m sure that it’s this decision that will either make or break the South Australian couple.
Their girl’s bedroom is an exhibition in colour and shape, lending tones of rust and terracotta, while the boy’s (pictured) is a masculine but very versatile space. The topographic wallpaper sits well with the moss green bedspread, and the uniform stripes with Mouille-inspired wall light is a nod to the mid-century, tying the home’s story to the modern needs of a family. daniel & jade
luke & jasmin
Inspired by the 1910s The kitchen is the heart of any home, and a respect for their nominated era balanced with modern tech and contemporary finishes set a strong heartbeat for Luke and Jasmin. We all need to celebrate our COVID curves and house four was ALL about curves: in the walls, skylights, mirrors, bedheads and even the kitchen sink! The curves in the island bench and its opposing wall are accentuated by the curves in the scalloped timber cladding, and the contrasting white stone benchtop and cabinetry are simply divine.
Pops of gold bring a bit of 1910s bling, and the fluted glass (more curves) is a solid nod to that time. The warmth of the timber would make any lucky buyer feel right at home, and the stack of appliances, spacious butler’s pantry and endless storage could satisfy the fussiest of chefs. Despite their rocky start, Luke and Jasmin have continued to stun us with their modern yet organic take on the 1910s brief, delivering warm tones, eclectic styling and clever design.
jimmy & tam
Inspired by the 1950s From the get-go, the Queensland power couple hit us with their Fifties love affair and we lapped it up! The story told in their house is one of fun, colour and consistency, and this Palm Springs-style facade is the first page, setting the stage for what happens inside. Jimmy and Tam’s bold statement is also sure to drum up interest at auction.
Brickwork (supplied by PGH) forms the framework and low-water plants ensure that the owners’ weekends won’t be spent gardening. The scattered granite monoliths pair beautifully with the desert grasses, mother-in-law’s tongue and multiple cacti, and the breeze blocks are a great choice, lovingly watched over by a giant palm they’ve called Darren Palmer. In a warm, muddled-pink tone, the front door is perfect, but what really captures the Palm Springs aesthetic is the chimney’s column of blonde brick and mid-century signage. The Junction really sums up this home – a crossroads of modern Melbourne design and eclectic 1950s living.