For a home that calls one of Victoria’s premier holiday destinations home, a guest suite was always going to be a must. Somewhere for friends to come for the weekend, a self-contained space for older kids or even an extra revenue stream for owners looking to rent out the wing for short-stay accommodation, this was a chance to bring real value to the Block builds.
And with a bathroom added to the mix, it was also a chance for things to spiral, the contestants soon found. So, who rose to the challenge and who found it too much?
Emma & Ben (First place)
From the kitchenette in the hallway to the walk-in wardrobe, well-appointed ensuite, and lockable access to the main home, Ben & Emma’s guest suite ticked all the right boxes for the judges. Perfect for an Air BnB weekend or as a separate wing for two families staying together in the whole home, this showed thought and planning, Darren said.
The Cooper & Co Stella side table and Luna Front Illuminated Mirror were practical touches. “You don’t want two couples staying in the house and feeling like somebody got the short straw,” he said, “And this delivers”.
Style-wise the green paint, timber accents, sconce lighting and artworks (including In The Midst, All Eyes On Me and Magnolia Magic by Bronwyn Barton) all worked together, Shaynna said, with the well-planned bathroom. “A great room in a bloody good house!” Marty said.
Product pick: All Eyes On Me by Bronwyn Barton canvas or print by Artist Lane
Sonny & Alicia (Second place)
More colour drenching and a close attention to detail nearly won Sonny & Alicia the week, Shaynna said, stunned by the wallpaper (which she even thoughts could have been extended to the ensuite) and styling touches including the aubergine paint choice and stunning Of This Earth and Hayride B Twomey and Miimi & Jinda artworks.
For Darren it was the more practical points, such as the Cooper & Co Norquay console table, sconces and black light trims (and of course the Morgana Stone Rug from his own collection) that caught his eye while for Marty is was the theatre of the bathroom with its “peachy” feel that would bring in the buyers, he said. “Low budget but high impact,” he said.
Product picks: Mila bed & Cooper & Co. console table
Han & Can (Third place)
No kitchenette for Han & Can’s guest bedroom, but the sheer scale and style of the space more than made up for that, the judges agreed. With Google-linked blinds, a hidden TV, closable skylights over the bed and a warm autumnal colour scheme, this room had sass, Shaynna felt, but was still liveable.
The bed and lamps were stunning she added, as was the Oatmeal Sumi Armchair but was there really a need for a study nook? Replace it with a bar fridge and coffee station, Marty offered and you’ve got a true weekender.
The bathroom also won them, with its stunning stone and resin bowl, but unfinished as it was, the room wasn’t quite there. At least not yet.
Product picks: Sumi armchair & Memphis bedside table
Robby & Mat (Fourth place)
Repeating the grasscloth wallpaper but offset by a hand-painted wall by Melissa, Robby & Mat blended bold with calm for a guest suite that well and truly elevated the home, the judges said.
For Shaynna the bed and complementing chairs were a definite highlight, with Marty saying it was the best bedroom of the week. “This is a big bang for buck room that buyers will love,” Darren agreed, “and really fits with the rest of your house.”
The unfinished ensuite was styled well, with nice touches, but without a kitchenette however, it didn’t quite measure up. A choice was made, the judges felt, but not necessarily one they agreed with.
Britt & Taz (Fifth place)
Kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster? Tick. Beautiful bed, artwork, panelling and styling? Also tick. So, what was it the judges didn’t like? Well as beautifully finished and furnished as the main room was, the bathroom definitely was not.
“Under construction” warned the sign at the door and it was no joke. Incomplete tiling, paintwork still to be done, unresolved vanity and more, this was a space where time had clearly run out, Marty said. The layout is spot on, Darren added, it’s just a matter of finishing everything.
Product pick: Swivel boucle occasional chairs & Cloud bedhead
