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Ex-Blockheads Julia and Sasha share their latest reno journey

By Jen Bishop •

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Today, I’m delighted to introduce a new series with ex-Blockheads Julia and Sasha, who will be exclusively sharing their latest reno journey with Interiors Addict, warts and all! As you know, I was big fan of these two and their taste on the last season of The Block. I’m taking major inspo from their Block kitchen for my own! 

Julia Treuel and Sasha Wright-Neville

It just so happens that their latest project, a 100-year-old home full of character (but currently not much space), is only a few streets away from where the new series of the reality reno show (which starts airing this Sunday, yay!) is being filmed in Melbourne.

Julia and Sasha’s Block family bathroom. I checked it out myself and it was BEAUTIFUL.
THAT Block kitchen which I’m taking inspo from for my own upcoming reno (imitation is flattering, right ladies?!)

The girls (Julia’s an interior stylist and Sasha, a software engineer) have been busy bees since they finished up on the show, starting up a design business called Abbey Collective. While their main focus will be flipping their own properties, they’ll also be offering interior styling services to clients.

Without further ado, I’ll hand over to Julia with the first fortnightly instalment of the Little Willow journey, which you’ll only read about online here…

2016 was an absolute whirlwind. We’d recently sold our much-loved property and were packing up our lives when we decided to apply for The Block. It was one of those spur of the moment decisions and we giggled through the entire process. ‘As if we’ll get on,’ we said. ‘Not a chance in hell.’ But we had a few hours up our sleeve and Sasha wanted to give her new camera a workout, so we made an audition tape and clicked ‘APPLY NOW’. 

That decision proved fruitful and two months later, we were standing on a rooftop in front of Scotty Cam, frozen to the bone and absolutely terrified. The next 12 weeks were equal parts challenging and exhilarating. We cried, fought, and laughed our way through the build of our Port Melbourne apartment. It tested us in ways we never imagined but we rode the rollercoaster with passion and determination and somehow came out the other side. The below package sums up our time on the show, expletives and all (Sorry, Dad!).

When cameras stopped rolling after our incredible auction, we were anxious to lock in our next project. Our plan had always been to flip properties but we’d been out of the market for a year and there was limited stock. Serendipitously, a sweet little Edwardian popped up and we knew we’d found the one. We roped our agent into bidding for us because I simply cannot be trusted at auctions and we had a budget to adhere to. After 15 heart-pounding minutes, the hammer fell and the property was ours.

Of course, first things first. She had to have a name and we chose Little Willow. It suits her to a T because she’s currently pretty mini and resides on a street with the same appellation. In her 100 years, she’s housed only two families and was once part of Melbourne’s renowned Rippon Lea Estate. Her weatherboard façade had us at hello but the rear hasn’t been touched in eons. The scope is incredible and even though there’s no heritage listing, we’re committed to preserving her period charm.   

The pair will transform Little Willow into a sizeable family home in just a few months

So, what’s our plan exactly? Well, we’ll be taking her from a tiny three-bedroom abode to a sizeable family home. We’ll retain the four principal rooms and knock down the rest, paving the way for a rear and first-floor extension. All up, there’ll be four bedrooms (including a stunning master suite), three bathrooms, and two living areas. It’s a massive project, our biggest to date, and we’re doing it in a matter of months. After The Block, I swore I’d never work to crazy timelines again and yet here we are. Will I melt down? Probably, but there’ll be no cameras to capture it so you’ll never know. (Jokes – I’m a chronic over-sharer so read about it here first.)

Our vision for Little Willow is in keeping with our design aesthetic of classic meets contemporary with a luxe vibe. The aim is to make it as appealing as possible to the widest range of buyers so we have the best chance come auction. Like most renovators, our biggest challenge is our budget. We have to keep it front and centre if we’re to grow Abbey Collective. This poses a massive problem as I get emotionally attached to things, so let the fireworks begin!

Undoubtedly, a renovation is only as good as the suppliers on board and we’re lucky to have some of the best. Freedom Kitchens will be holding our hands through kitchen and laundry week and NEFF will be kitting us out with their exceptional appliances. The team at Beaumont Tiles must have their blinkers on as they’ve agreed to work with us again, even after I tortured them on The Block. Reece have signed on the dotted line for more bathroom goodness and DIY Online Blinds will be jazzing up the windows. The Montauk Lighting Co. are new on the scene and will be providing some stunning pendants. Our walls will be dressed by the excellent Taubmans and doors by Gainsborough Hardware. Not to be forgotten is Little Willow’s façade. The folk at Scyon Walls will freshen her up with their Linea weatherboards whilst James Hardie will showcase their fab HardieDeck.

We get asked all the time about life after The Block so it’s a real treat to be sharing it with you on Interiors Addict. We’re so excited to be working on this gorgeous home and can’t wait to document it here via fortnightly articles. Until next time, lovelies.   

Julia xx

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The Block latest.

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July 26, 2017

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Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

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Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

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GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

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A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

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Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

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Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

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The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

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My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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