The Block 2018 last reveal: Challenge rooms

Last night saw the final reveal of The Block for 2018 and this time it was the challenge rooms. The standout space for me was Courtney and Hans’ kitchen. After walking through the butler’s pantry, Neale said he had “extreme kitchen envy” and I certainly did too!

1^st: COURTNEY AND HANS
Score: 29/30

Courtney and Hans created a black and white St Kilda inspired kitchen complete with stainless steel gantries, Caesarstone benchtops, a large butler’s pantry and neon ‘3182’ St Kilda sign. Shaynna loved it, Neale called it the “kitchen of his dreams” and Darren called it “absolutely spectacular.”

“It’s a kitchen that acknowledges that the kitchen is now where we live life,” said Neale. And Shaynna said although the couple’s styling had been hit and miss throughout the season but felt this space boasted precision styling. “I actually feel that not only does it feel like someone lives here but it’s styled beautifully too,” she said.

And while the fridge, tucked away in the amazing butler’s pantry, was some distance from the main event, the judges didn’t seem to mind. In fact, after stepping into the butler’s pantry Neale said he was suffering “extreme kitchen envy.”

My picks to buy: Rialheim ceramic pig bowl and Carla O’Brien neon postcode light.

2^nd:KERRIE AND SPENCE
Score: 28.5/30

With a projector screen, sofa, coffee table, bar, bespoke poster and Yamaha Smart Piano, Kerrie and Spence’s terrace was very well received by the judges. They loved the piano, large artwork and especially the way in which the bar facilitates people-watching over the street. Overall, the judges thought the room was fabulous.

My pick to buy: ‘Playbox, the Malthouse’ by Boris Bucan silkscreen print.

3^rd: SARA AND HAYDEN
Score: 27/30

Hayden and Sara had an epic four spaces to complete – the hall, powder room, laundry and study – and the judges acknowledged that it was quite an undertaking.

Shaynna loved the feature artwork in the hall and Neale did too. He called the mural “strong, engaging, cool and retro” but wasn’t a fan of the hall table styling. The judges loved the laundry (Darren called it “exceptional”) and felt it delivered on functionality and style. Shaynna thought the study was “fantastic” and Neale said it was the best thing they’d delivered all season.

My picks to buy: White Moose hippo head planter and west elm striped angle geometry bookend.

4^th: NORM AND JESS
Score: 26.5/30

After their dull master bedroom from last week, Norm and Jess really upped their game for their challenge dining room. A hero of the space, the judges thought the large pink neon sign was “corny but oh so good.” The Christian Cole dining table was well received too with Neale calling it “stunning” while Darren liked the pendant lights above it. Overall the judges felt the room was a strong offering.

My picks to buy: Tipi Interiors black and white bone inlay stripe stool and The Print Emporium Palm Springs Doorway 2 art print

5^th: BIANCA AND CARLA
Score: 21.5/30

Neale called Bianca and Carla’s challenge lounge room vibe “weird” and thought that it felt really thrown together. Shaynna felt the room didn’t match the quality of the rest of the apartment and Darren agreed. “It’s too young and low-cost,” said Darren while Neale said it felt “cheap and that it was letting the whole apartment down.”

In particular, Shaynna thought the two rugs placed on top of one another were odd, she wondered where the bespoke cabinetry was and she finished by saying that she thought the girls “checked out of The Block a week ago.” By the looks of it, they did!

My picks to buy: Life Interiors Dala horse and Arro Home Rigby cushion.

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