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The Block is now officially underway, and each team has pulled out all the stops to transform their compact studio bathrooms into stunning and functional retreats. Strong personalities are being revealed already, both in the styling choices and from the contestants – we should be in for an exciting season!
The judges are always open with their opinions, and this season has started no differently. New to The Block judging panel is Marty Fox from White Fox Real Estate. His ample knowledge of what clients want and what sells houses will be invaluable to the teams, so let’s hope they listen to his comments and advice! Veteran judges Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer round out the panel, bringing their invaluable design and styling insights.
One of the most exciting aspects of the show is witnessing the boundless creativity of the contestants as they tackle unique design challenges week after week. This episode was no exception, and each team unleashed their own artistic flair. Let’s take a look at The Block Bathrooms 2023!
THE BLOCK WINNING BATHROOM – KYLE & LESLIE
Stepping into the room, judge Shaynna Blaze was blown away by Kyle & Leslie’s studio bathroom. “This is massive,” she commented. The judges were impressed with the amount of work the Perth couple were able to achieve in a week – a sweeping curved ceiling, VJ panelling on the walls, and Kit Kat mosaic tiling in the shower recess. The beautiful, soft colour palette was another highlight – a eucalyptus green vanity, natural stone tiling, and crisp white walls all worked together to create a calm and serene space with nods to nature. Maybe their outlay of $30,366 was justified with these comments and a win this week.
It became clear that the double curve, chosen to give shape to their high ceiling, was the real centrepiece. It was a “battle of the curves” this week with both Kyle & Leslie and Leah & Ash deciding on a curved feature for their ceilings.
LEAH & ASH
Leah hoped that the judges would admire the “bold and risky” choices in her team’s studio bathroom this week. A dark and moody colour palette of walnut, black, and deep green was highlighted by LED strip lighting. The room was finished with a polished Venetian plaster curved ceiling. “It's a lot to take in,” new judge Marty Fox commented, “I feel like I’m in a nightclub.” “I love it,” Darren contradicted, “It looks hot. I love it.”
Despite the differing feedback, the judges agreed the team’s execution was expertly done, leading to Leah & Ash narrowly taking second-place, half a point behind Kyle & Leslie. Their investment of only $19,691 was well spent and left extra money in their pockets for other rooms.
ELIZA & LIBERTY
“The feeling in here is divine,” Shaynna stated as she walked into Eliza & Liberty’s studio bathroom. “It has a very soft, contemporary feel, which I think is gorgeous.” The bold terracotta colour and circular pattern of the floor tiles was complemented with a subtle, textured subway tile on the walls, and a beautiful natural timber vanity. We were thrilled to spot a few Provincial pieces in Eliza & Liberty's room - the La Salle Tissue Box took pride of place on the sister's vanity while our Immerse Back Brush found a home in their shower.
One crucial piece of feedback from the judges was the importance of cohesive design elements. Shaynna noted the different metal choices and finishes chosen for the tapware, drainage, and shower screen, leading to a few points lost for the Melbourne sisters.
They may have the least renovation experience of the contestants on The Block this year, but Eliza & Liberty certainly aren’t letting that stop them from impressing the judges! They certainly didn’t hold back on spending money on the bathroom either, with their spend total $26,022.
KRISTY & BRETT
The star of Kristy & Brett’s studio bathroom was an arched recess in their shower backed by a beautiful, textured, pink feature tile. The couple from Adelaide had originally hoped to create an arched entry to the shower that would complement the recess. However, their plans were dashed when The Block foreman, Keith Schleiger, declared that without a shower screen their bathroom wouldn’t meet building compliance.
It was the shower screen that became the couple’s undoing. “I love that look but the problem is that the shower screen takes away from that day spa feel,” Shaynna noted “You've got the beautiful arch, you've got a little seat and then you've got this big chunky industrial screen. It just fights it and makes it look small.” They only spent $17,534 on their bathroom, but hopefully learnt a lot from the experience.
STEPH & GIAN
It was a difficult week for this year’s youngest contestants, Steph & Gian. After initially demolishing the wrong bathroom, the Sydney couple faced issues with the level of their flooring, the size of their shower screen, and the placement of their shower drain causing them to miss “Waterproof Wednesday” (and Thursday for that matter!).
And the problems didn’t stop there - cheating accusations started flying when Steph’s dad, a qualified glazier, stepped in to lend a helping hand leading the other contestants to speculate that he hadn’t been properly inducted or paid for his help!
Despite judge Darren Palmer declaring this bathroom had “one of the best layouts of the day”, the judges simply couldn’t look past the unfinished caulking, hastily applied tiling, and incomplete elements. They outlaid $22,362 for their bathroom.
Renovating a studio bathroom poses unique challenges due to limited square footage. However, this episode of The Block demonstrated that with the right approach, even the tiniest of spaces can be transformed into functional and beautiful retreat. Next week, the contestant’s tackle the remainder of their studio space – we can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
Photography by David Cook. All products available through The Block Shop.
