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You can only make a first impression once: Block facades

By Jen Bishop •

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This week, not only did the contestants complete their front facades and yards, but they also finished off anything they needed to inside. And finally, after three long months, The Block 2023 is finished! Last night, it was time for one last visit from the judges, with special guest garden guru Dave Franklin joining in again. Here’s who scored what and why.

Leah and Ash (First place) 38 points

From the Contour 3D fence to the battens, pond and plants, Darren was impressed before he even walked into Leah and Ash’s front yard and once he made it through the gate, the praise kept coming. Contrasting yet complementing elements brought the old and new together, he said… and he liked what he saw.

The mix of concrete and granite steppers, well-planned plant selection and undulating tiers, plus the old home’s plans turned into garage wallpaper, were a beautiful touch, they agreed, topped off by a front garden bench Marty could already imagine prospective buyers using as they fell in love with the home. In all, he said, this was “turnkey and finished” and that’s what buyers want.

Steph and Gian (Second place) 37.5 points

From the stacked stone fireplace, wide frontage, pebble and travertine path and a garden that looks well established, Gian and Steph’s front yard was, Shaynna said: “a show stopper!” And while she admired the magnolia tree, complete with a pair of nesting owls and Dave counted the different species used in the garden (at least 20, he said, and definitely something for every season), Marty looked at the practicality, noting this was the only Block house that could boast off-street parking for six cars.

Inside, a lack of light in the foyer was a problem, Shaynna said, but for Darren, the dark and moody exterior, a contrast to the minimalist inside, just won. It was a blend, he said, that: “really, really worked!”

Kristy and Brett (Third place) 35 points

A unique and incredible entry, Shaynna said as the judges walked into Kristy and Brett’s front yard, with Darren noting the Design 10 charred black timber married with the colour palette chosen for the James Hardie cladding all played perfectly against the original bricks.

A perfect blend of hard and soft, Dave said and a huge improvement over the backyard the couple had presented a week ago – he even defended the imperfect paint on the back of the gate by pointing out it had rained overnight.

Into the garage, the judges admired the choice of floor and the way it all flowed into the home – overall, Marty said, it was a space that will appeal to many and that is vital come auction day.

Eliza and Liberty (Fourth place) 34.5 points

“Best on The Block!” the judges said of Eliza and Liberty’s timber clad garage door, the ideal accompaniment to a garden that incorporated hedging, lawn, seating area and an arbour set against Bluegum Colorbond and blond brick with timber look Aluplast windows and doors to come together harmoniously. “It really works,” they agreed.

Marty’s only concern was how buyers will find the front door, tucked down the side as it is, but once there, the entry was grand and inviting. In the garage, a Porsche theme Grafico mural brought smiles – especially from Marty, who said while house 5 might not have the most land, it ticks all the boxes buyers will be looking for.

Kyle and Leslie (Fifth place) 32.5 points

With a calming water feature and hi-tech Aussie Turntable driveway feature, this garden caught the judges with its perfect blend of old and new. A perfect match to the back yard, Dave pointed out, with Darren impressed by the diagonal lines and the detailing in the Dover White Colorbond cladding and how it contrasted in the design of the garden with the round steppers and the planting.

Add in the Holcim Geostone driveway, Auto remote access garage door and it all made, Marty summed up, for “a great first impression!” The grey paint choice for the façade left them wondering however, but overall, they agreed it was the ideal face to a beautiful home.

Shop features from all the facades, front yards and hallways at The Block Shop

All our Block coverage in one spot

Kyle and Leslie's living room
Featuring in The Block ‘disaster’ room pays off for artist
If you’ve tuned into the latest season of The Block you’ll be familiar with the drama surrounding Kyle and Leslie’s living room. …
Need bathroom inspo? Check out The Block master en suites
From the compact and practical to the spacious and luxurious, every variation of en suite was tried this week as The Block …

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October 30, 2023

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If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get under the lowest furniture and beds.

Comment 'enter' and we'll DM you the link to enter for your chance to win this top of the range $1499 robot from @ecovacs_anz, the DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI.

Good luck!

#robotvacuumcleaner #robotvaccum #robotvacuummop #robotmop #smarthome #houseworkhacks
>>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮 From cold t >>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮

From cold to cosy!

This primary ensuite for a successful career woman working in luxury cosmetics and homewares is sexy, strong, girly, but sophisticated. We love its warmth and personality.

If you'd like to take the tour and find out where everything is from, comment 'luxe' below and I'll send the link to your DMs!

Bravo @howardlanedesigns 👏🏼 
📸 @capturedbykels__

#ensuiteinspo #ensuitedecor #ensuitegoals #marblebathrooms #statementstone
The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery collection. This is a framed canvas and the quality is amazing. I feel like beautifully framed canvas prints are the perfect affordable halfway point when it comes to art.
What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or winter?

I could have told you I was spring even before I took the quick quiz to find out, and pleased to report the quiz gave me the right result!

Comment the season you THINK you are below (spring, summer, autumn or winter) and I'll send you the link to the quiz so you can double check!

Fun!

This quiz from @templeandwebster jumps on the colour analysis trend for fashion and applies it to interiors!

#seasonaldecorating #seasonaldecor #colouranalysis
The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday w The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday was a real treat. Such an exciting and sleek looking upgrade to my favourite kitchen machine!

The new look speaks for itself and, as usual, the engineering is impressive. Here's the biggest changes that stood out to me:

1. It's SO quiet and in fact SILENT up to a certain speed 
2. It has a much bigger 10 inch screen
3. A new insulated, cool to touch bowl (the inner metal bowl detaches to wash)
4. A gorgeous new matte black design with fluted and herringbone details and made of 30% recycled materials 👏🏼 

Enjoyed a beautiful lunch all prepared, naturally, in the Thermomix! Was great to meet @mise_en_place_aus in real life as well as special guest dessert queen @kirstentibballs and catch up with the lovely Thermomix team.

Tag a friend who'll be coveting the TM7! It's available from next week!

#thermomixtm7 #thermomix #thermomixaus #thermomixlover
Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Chec Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Check out the kitchen and bathroom of the year winners in this month's @hia_au @csrdwelling Housing Awards. There's more winning homes and rooms to check out in our blog post on the homepage, via link in bio or stories now. 

Kitchen by @build.theory Bathroom by @birdblackdesign and @aspire_constructions 

#hiaawards #hiaawards2025 #awardwinninghomes #australianinteriordesign
We're so in love with this reno by @jdzdesigns_ 😍😍😍

It's a remodel of a previously dark and pokey extension to a Victorian Gothic home. It's now an open plan dream, and the transition from old to new is beautifully done with impressive black steel doors.

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for the full story and tour.

#kitchenislands #superwhite #luxurykitchens #openplanlivingspace #steeldoordesign

📸 @lawrencefurzey
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Jen Bishop

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. She founded Interiors Addict in 2011. Jen also works as a copywriter and comms consultant to small business owners and brands, helping them with their own content as well as working out what will make them appealing to the media.

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