Revealing the Block

This week on The Block we saw the last of the inside rooms being delivered. A big week for all with not just the delivery of the kitchen but also a re-delivery so to speak of a room that they failed miserably on – yes, a room saver. I was actually looking forward to this week and seeing what creativity would be delivered so I could get some ideas for our yet-to-be-renovated kitchen. I have to say that it was finally the week I have been waiting for, the one where they really delivered some wow. Without any further adieu, here’s the winners in order of points scored.

Mike and Andrew’s Kitchen and Room Saver

We welcome to the winners circle again after a hiatus the brothers with their kitchen win. They took a risk in switching the living room and kitchen spaces around and it obviously paid off. Although not huge amounts of storage, I really liked their style. The mirror splashback is something we would like to do in our kitchen and I loved the bench tops as well as the fact that the room opens up onto the garden.

 

Unfortunately the re-delivery of their laundry/utility room/rooftop deck was not completed so we only got to see the deck revamped, which by the way looked a thousand times better. A much better use of space for sure.

 

Sophie and Dale’s Kitchen and Room Saver

I keep harping on that these guys are just not to my taste and this week was no exception. I was confused by the mix of modern, retro and old style. They would have spent a bomb on the antique stove which would lead you to think a serious lover of cooking resided their and yet their sink and fridge (yes, that pantry sized cupboard next to the wine rack) was teeny tiny and not up to anything more than a couple who just ordered take aways most of the time.

 

Their second chance room was their dining room. Aside from new chairs, a painting and curtains, it still lacked any real wow to me. It had a real…how would you describe it…cafeteria feel to it. It just doesn’t feel warm and inviting. But obviously my taste sucks because the judges liked it and awarded them the win.

 

Brad and Lara’s Kitchen and Room Saver

I thought these guys were up their with their kitchen this week. It was spacious, light and well thought out. I didn’t go much on the map on the front of the kitchen island but the judges thought it was the best idea ever. I liked their little nook that you could put your keys and mail on. This is something we definitely need in our kitchen as the dining table tends to become the dumping ground.

 

Their second chance room was their formal living room from day one and I think they could have done more with this. I liked that they put a mantle on but I would have liked to seem them frame the shelves with some architraves. Their lounge looked inviting but instead of that trunk filled with pillows, maybe put the arm-chair they originally had in it back and just make it all look more lived in.

 

Dan and Dani’s Kitchen and Room Saver
Being at the end of the block, they were able to do something the others didn’t and take out part of the wall to make a window underneath their cupboards and let all that extra light in the room. It certainly paid off. I liked their style and layout and thought they were definitely up their to win.

 

Out of all the room savers, I think these guys put the most effort in…even Dani painted! If anything, I think what they did should have got them the win this week, what with taking out the ugly lego arch they had previously created and toning the wood stair rails with the white instead of the black. Even the carpet up the stairs was a much better choice.

 

For more pics of the rooms, check out the official website for The Block.

The Block was opened for inspection on the weekend with reports of a huge 20,000 crowd turning up for a sticky beak inside the four terraces, some of them lining up from 3.30am! If you want to see the finished products again you can check out the advertising on their real estate sites as followed:

• Dan and Dani’s house
• Brad and Lara’s house
• Andrew and Mike’s house
• Sophie and Dale’s house

If you live in Sydney (or are a die hard fan!), this weekend is The Block ‘Live’ Home and Lifestyle Improvement show at the Sydney Showgrounds. Not only will you get to meet the current Blockheads but also those from last season.

So after watching The Block these last few weeks, you might be feeling a little like Clint and I and wishing you could be on next season’s show. Well fear not, all your dreams have been answered with applications opening up last week for contestants. We wanted to enter last year but with my job and Clint’s business being so new, we had to take a rain check and said to each other “next year”. Well this year we will have an almost brand new bub so again unable to throw our hat in the ring. Maybe the year after next season? In meantime, we have our own “Block” to contend with – stay tuned folks, there’s a new bathroom coming very soon!

Have fun!