There was a lot of rushing this week as the couples took on the massive task of what come called a “mini house”. While some of the garage/studios were very unfinished, others were impressive multi-functional spaces, adding no doubt huge value to this year’s Block homes. Here’s a recap of the judges’ comments and scores and our picks to buy.
Harry and Tash | 20/30 LAST
The judges weren’t impressed with all the unfinished elements but once they got up the stairs, it did get a bit better. That said, Darren wasn’t sure a studio kitchen needed such a large island. He said the space would be better as a workspace. Shaynna wasn’t impressed with the bar fridge. Neale and Shaynna said there were a lot of blind spots in the lighting.
Then into the bathroom there were a lot of unfinished elements including the lack of shower screen! The judges although it was a badly planned space. “It’s a bit of a disaster frankly,” said Neale.
It was really no surprise when they came last.
Our picks: Adele Naidoo (love her!) Just Breathe caves print & Eadie Lifestyle cushions (I have these at home).
Sarah and George | 29.5/30 FIRST
From one extreme to the other! Sarah and George were right to feel confident this week.
The judges loved the finish and the extra storage of the garage then up the stairs, the laundry. The bonuses just kept coming! A work space with proper desk, a wardrobe.
“Beautifully done,” said Neale. “They’ve ticked all the boxes in terms of how an owner can interact with the space,” said Darren. “I see a lot of flexibility here and it ticks so many boxes for me,” said Shaynna. Neale said a multifunctional space was more and more essential. “It’s real estate gold,” he added.
All this before they even saw the bathroom! “This is a crescendo,” said Shaynna. “I love it!” Darren said the tiling was exceptional.
Our picks: The Baths print by Colour Clash Studio & Freshwater Farm soap
Daniel and Jade | 25.5/30 JOINT THIRD
The powder room made a great first impression. The judges said it was clever and perfect for the garage, the yard or the pool. But then it went downhill with the unfinished stairwell. But then got better again with the studio!
“A great looking room with a very nice kitchenette.” No cooktop though? Shaynna said the TV was too big and the room wasn’t as resolved as Harry and Tash’s. She said an office/bedroom would be more useful than a full bedroom. Darren noted there was no power near the desk and Neale said the office functionality was very underplayed. “It’s got about as much personality as the average serviced apartment,” Neale said. There was no emotional connection.
Shaynna wondered why they didn’t choose a cavity slider for the bathroom. They loved the vanity and tile choices and the skylight. “It feels tiny,” said Shaynna. Overall it’s a nice little bathroom completing a nice studio space. “Definitely a B+'” said the judges.
Our picks: Oval bathroom mirror & Rope bed by SATARA
Luke and Jasmin | 25.5/30 JOINT THIRD
The round skylights and the artwork went a long way to distracting from the unfinished stairwell. The studio though, impressed the judges! “Lovely as this is, it is presented as just another bedroom,” said Neale. The lack of workspace was a real problem. Shaynna said they simply needed to style it a bit differently to suggest the ability to work from there.
They loved the bathroom with its fluted glass, timber and great tiles. “Stunning and so spacious,” Shaynna said.
Darren said it was the most consistent house from front to back. The lack of bathroom door was a problem though. Neale said it was clear they never saw it as anything more than a studio apartment. Most people wouldn’t be comfortable going to the toilet with no door, if anyone else was in there!
Our picks: Lauren Freestone limited edition print & Pill sink by Nood Co
Jimmy and Tam | 29/30 SECOND
The only studio with a home gym, this really impressed the judges. “A lot of people will be working out from home now,” said Shaynna. Neale said an equal amount of buyers won’t be interested in it though.
When they got upstairs, Darren loved how the galley kitchen blended in with the functional workspace. And it had a dishwasher! No bed though, just a sofa bed. Which caused mixed feelings amongst the judges.
Darren loved the flexibility. Neale said jimmy and Tam always think outside the square.
The bathroom was neutral, calm and serene. They loved the vanity and tiles. Shaynna said it felt luxurious and beautiful.
Our picks: ISSY Halo vanity & al.ive body hand wash and lotion duo with tray
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