What we want from The Block NZ
With the new series of The Block NZ screens this Sunday, it’s timely to pass on a few tips to this year’s Blockies.
Firstly, from a sneak peek at the site, it looks like you all have a similar house to complete, probably with a similar layout.
And we don’t doubt you will all be driving off down the road in identical, small, but colourful new cars to the very same homewares stores – probably even at the very same time.
These things are all predictable. Which brings us to the things we want to see on The Block this year.
GO FOR UNCONTRIVED
Above all else, you need to avoid a contrived look. This applies to strongly themed rooms, which are very difficult to pull off, anyway, so best avoid these altogether.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match – a comfy contemporary sofa in neutral tones will look great teamed with a couple of colourful Mid-century Modern chairs (or vice versa). But avoid matchy-matchy cushions. Try instead for one statement cushion and a couple of others that tone in OK. They don’t have to be all the same size or fabric type, and they don’t have to be ‘‘en pointe’’.
If you want a particular colour accent, try not to overdo it. This is a common ‘‘try-hard’’ Blockie mistake – we often see every single accessory in a room colour co-ordinated, when just one or two would have been enough.
The same applies to plywood – if it’s on the walls and ceiling, choose something contrasting for your dining table and chairs.
A sense of humour never goes amiss. This might be found in a pattern or a face on a cushion, or a fun artwork, but try and avoid ‘‘silly’’ items. Are you allowed to check out the vintage shops (aka second-hand shops) for interesting ‘60s art prints that could work with your furniture (because we just know it will be Mid-century)? And please, no pictures of horse heads with flowing manes. No matter what it is, if it’s in all the stores, then you should probably avoid it.
FUNCTIONALITY WINS
Remember, you can only win if you make the biggest profit at auction, and that means appealing to a wide market. At the end of the day the ‘‘masses’’ are more important than the judges, despite short-term gains in prizes.
So often on The Block, functionality is sacrificed for the latest ‘‘trendy’’ look. But people shopping for a house look for the practical stuff. Is there somewhere to store the bathroom bits, including the toothbrush, close at hand? Are there wardrobes in every bedroom? Is there a space for a home office?
Built-in furniture is very big, right now. Can you provide a long workstation with a comfortable office chair?
Beware of tiling a floor in a bedroom that faces south, as one couple did on last season’s show. It looks cold and feels cold.
THINGS TO SPLASH OUT ON
Good lighting is important. A super pendant in the entry will enhance a sense of welcome. Think mood lighting, also, with plenty of interesting lamps.
Provide plenty of bench space in the kitchen, and if your budget can stretch to it, go for a vertical pantry.
They hold so much more than a conventional pantry in the same space.
Good wardrobe organisation will be loved by potential buyers.
Decent greenery – not spindly, trailing creepers that never really work. Better to have one strong plant of a good size, than too many little ones.
Maximise that indoor-outdoor flow. Group your furniture so you can see outdoors when seated.