Of every room the Blockheads have built, the living and dining space is the one with the most immediate impact. It’s the space owners and their guests will get together to relax, entertain and enjoy the Phillip Island lifestyle, so it has to be just right, the judges said. And with a range of very different interpretations to choose from, finding a winner was going to be tough. But in all the choice, one clear winner stood out… so who would take away the $10,000 this week?
Kylie and Brad (first)
From the huge open plan, the clever lighting plan to the Christian Cole circular mirror and custom Islay dining table complete with accent green chairs (complemented by Steph Harris artwork), Kylie and Brad’s living and dining area was an instant hit. “This room is so impactful it will kill it with the buyers,” Marty said.
From the Stoke fireplace with Dekton surround that mirrored the kitchen to the Tom Ford book and Darren Palmer candle on the coffee table, it all just worked, they agreed. Even Darren could only find a minor flaw, wishing the beautiful Arabella Avenue rug from Rug Addiction was just a bit larger, but applauding the couple for sticking with their moody motif – and finally getting it right. Proof of that, said Marty, was the way the black TV melted into the background of a black wall! “Everything is just right,” he said.
Shop the look: Elder Star Sofa in Copeland Olive
Courtney and Grant (second)
If House 1 was a bit vanilla, Shaynna decided, Courtney and Grant had created rum ‘n’ raisin, with pops of colour and style blended throughout. Darren was immediately drawn to the GlobeWest Leon dining table and chairs from Courtney’s own Lazy Stylist collection, the plastering touches around the Framing To A T television niche and a layout that was “just perfect for a holiday home!”.
Shaynna was immediately drawn to the practical touches, like powerpoints where they needed to be and lamps that worked well with the lighting plan. Even Darren agreed the styling was spot on – especially when he spotted the Darren Palmer brand candle. The only misstep, the judges said, was the fireplace location, with Marty wishing it was on the other side of the room. Darren agreed, saying the fire and shelves should have been flipped.
But for Shaynna it was a tiny issue in a room she loved. “The furniture is all gorgeous,” she summed up. “The colours are all consistent and balanced… a great space!”
Shop the look: Leon dining table and Marlow modular sofa
Maddy and Charlotte (third)
Fresh off the back of their first win last week, sisters Maddy and Charlotte were keen to go back-to-back and at first look, the judges thought they were in with a chance. A soaring ceiling line and Velux skylights, Laminex panelling and Venetian render impressed Shaynna, along with the Joel Elliot fireside cabinetry that mirrored the kitchen.
Marty gave his thumbs up to the neutral colour palette and real wood-burning fireplace, perfect for the Island’s cold nights. But all agreed the scale wasn’t quite right. The surfboard-shaped Seb Curve dining table with Theo Dining Chairs (all from GlobeWest) were stunning, Shaynna and Marty said, but should have been big enough for at least two more places. Darren would have preferred a larger coffee table and grander styling.
And none were impressed by the lighting design. It was a good room and would appeal to a large buyer pool, they decided, but a bit “Vanilla” overall.
Shop the look: Seb curve dining table
Ricky and Haydn (fourth)
From the moment the judges walked into house three, they loved what they saw, the lowered ceiling created an “inviting and cosy” feel, Shaynna said, the perfectly placed fireplace created the perfect spot to relax, Darren added. Clearly, they were impressed but they were also concerned about the “optical illusion” effect the boys had accidentally created by having the furniture off centre.
The Sorrento Modular Sofa from Freedom needed to be straightened, “and doubled in size!” Shaynna pointed out. Even the Velux skylights seemed in the wrong spot, she added, but how can you fix that? The stunning “Wet Season” artwork from the Cungelella Art Collective (which the boys won in the Block Shop challenge) against James Hardie Groove lining brought the judges back to Team 3, as did the Dekton shelf near the fire, they agreed, but the styling had just let the boys down.
Shop the look: Sorrento modular sofa
Mimi and Kristian (last)
The colour palette, Laminex panel surrounds and artwork from Kamilya Lowana White all combined to make for a beautiful living/dining space, the judges agreed, as did the generous dining table, and perfect execution…. But something was wrong, they felt. Despite the beautiful view just outside, the whole space was oriented at the television, even the stunning Nina Armchair from Kave Home, a big mistake in a space where people would be gathering to be with each other.
Add in a faux chimney but no fireplace, it was a lost opportunity and one they didn’t know how to fix. Adjust the Magic Wool Rug from Rug Addiction and move the TV? That would open up the space and even allow for an extra couch. And that, they decided, would solve everything.
Shop the look: Magic Wool Rug
Images via The Block Shop, where you can shop what you see each week, and nine now.
