After visiting The Block I always come out with the same feeling: “It’s so much smaller than I thought.” They say the TV adds 10 pounds to a person, so maybe the same can be said about apartments! However, while they were quite tiny, I’m going to make the big call that they are my favourite apartments yet… at least out of the three series I’ve seen in the flesh (read about my visits to Fans v Faves and Triple Threat). I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Melbourne yesterday thanks to The Good Guys Kitchens.
I was worried the strange angles of the building, which I will admit didn’t look too pretty from the outside, would make the inside confusing and uninviting, but the contestants truly did a wonderful job working with what they’d got. There was no apartment that stood out for all the wrong reasons, in fact while everyone had dramatically different styles, to me all the apartments were quite on par. Well except Shay and Dean’s penthouse; that truly was in a league of its own. Light and bright, with gorgeous views, everyone in the elevator let out a huge “woah” when the doors opened and we arrived in their dining room that looked out onto the city. Truly spectacular. You’re in for a treat these next few weeks when the dining rooms and balconies are revealed.
All the contestants were at the media event and got to show us around their apartments. We were there specifically to see the kitchens, so while I did get to see the whole space, my below views and all the product details are just for the kitchens. Enjoy!
Kingi and Caro: Urban
I was a big fan of Kingi and Caro’s kitchen and can totally understand why they scored an amazing 29/30. While the other kitchens (bar Shay and Dean’s) contained some strange angles, they had cleverly squared their room to achieve a traditional shaped kitchen which then allowed them to transform the remaining alcove into a butler’s nook. Honestly, it was genius!
The colour scheme was bold yet timeless and featured contrasting cabinetry colours of Super Matt Black and Essendon Super Matt Serene. The benchtops in Silestone Blanco Zeus, coupled with Kingi’s rendered island (a real show stopper!) added depth and texture, while the graffiti-style artwork on the island bar brought the couple’s signature creative element into the space. Also, the innovative built-in tablet in the splashback cannot be forgotten, that was a big hit with everyone! The appliances were by Fisher & Paykel and were integrated seamlessly into the kitchen.
Dean and Shay: Contemporary Entertainer’s
Coming in a very close second with a score of 28.5/30 were Dean and Shay. In my mind, they were the deserving winners, but my oh my, was it close. They created a contemporary entertainer’s kitchen in their penthouse with an on-trend colour palette of black, white and timber grain with brass and copper accents. The island benchtop in Silestone Blanco Orion was angled to blend with the shape of the room, further complimented by contrasting Cemento Spa on the surrounding benchtops.
By moving their kitchen to the other side of the building, and stealing some space from their study, they had been able to create a butler’s pantry. I’m in love with butler’s pantries and this one was massive! Built-in DeLonghi appliances were sleek, with the coffee machine keeping benchtops clear of clutter. The mirrored splashback and vertical garden worked cleverly to bring the outdoors in, but the best part? The eat-at bench space along the expansive windows that really made the most of those city views. If only I could have my breakfast there every day!
Luke and Ebony: Contemporary Classic
Next was Luke and Ebony with an impressive 27/30. Not particularly my style, I could certainly appreciate how they had beautifully blended the old with the new by pairing classic white Shaker profile doors with a contrasting shadow line detail. The black timber and copper handles (now these I absolutely loved!) added a sense of cohesion and sophistication.
The Silestone island benchtop in Ariel had been angled in an attempt to counteract the irregular shape of the room and by removing a wall, Luke and Ebony really opened up their room. Quality Electrolux appliances were featured throughout, including four (!) self-cleaning ovens.
Andy and Whitney: Scandinavian
In fourth place, scoring 25.5/30, were Andy and Whitney. I didn’t hate this kitchen but I didn’t love it either. The strange angles of the building were quite obvious and there was some rather bizarre dead space, but I did like the colour palette. Featuring the Scandinavian look of white, grey and timber grain juxtaposed with antique brown handles, a painted brick splashback and a Smeg freestanding cooker, the kitchen was given a subtle industrial edge. Featured, for the first time on The Block, was the inverted sharknose profile benchtop by Silestone in White Storm, which contrasted with the marble-inspired island benchtop in Lyra. It had been angled to work with the triangular-shaped space.
Suzi and Vonni: Moody Entertainer’s
Finally Suzi and Vonni’s kitchen, which scored 25/30, was nothing short of an entertainer’s dream. In my opinion it wasn’t worthy of last place, though when only four points separate first and last you know there’s hardly anything in it. Both sleek and moody, it came complete with all the bells and whistles including a large island with a Bosch built-in induction cooktop and expansive prep space. Super Matt Black dominated throughout, with the Helix and Carbono Silestone benchtops providing contrast and adding a real sense of luxury.
A special thanks to The Good Guys Kitchens for flying me to Melbourne and giving me a behind the scenes look at The Block. As usual, I loved it!
