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This week it was the reveal of the Studio Spaces, and they came in all shapes, sizes and for various purposes - self-contained guest bedrooms, home offices, and even a Pilates studio! The week had its fair share of drama, tears and even a bit of pranking from Keith & Dan who seemed to be the only one’s having fun.
With $50,000 up for grabs this week, everyone was eager to win. There was $10,000 for the winning room, plus a $20,000 Hermes handbag and a $20,000 Kinsman wardrobe upgrade for use in another bedroom, so everyone was eager to get their hands on the week’s spoils.
New judge Marty Fox always keeps the market at the forefront of his mind. Regardless of personal opinions, (which he occasionally sneaks into his comments), he approaches every room with the buyer in mind. With fifteen years of experience and having sold multiple Block houses at auction, Marty has a deep understanding of what the Melbourne market is looking for. His comments may appear brutal, but he is giving the best advice to the contestants to achieve the best sales results – as it doesn’t matter how many rooms you win along the way – it’s Auction Day that counts. Let’s hope they understand why his comments may appear a bit ruthless.
Final Scores:
House 4, Steph & Gian: 24.5 points – 1st
House 1, Kyle & Leslie: 23 points – 2nd
House 5, Eliza & Liberty: 21.5 points – 3rd
House 2, Leah & Ash: 21 points – 4th Tie
House 3, Kristy & Brett: 21 points – 4th Tie
THE BLOCK WINNING STUDIO – STEPH & GIAN
Steph & Gian won this week’s challenge with a room of understated elegance and a lovely combination of textures and materials giving plenty of layers to the room. Our pretty Skyler Console Table was a perfect choice for the room, giving plenty of surface space for displays but because of its delicate legs has an almost see-through element, appearing to take up little space in the room.
All the judges gave a thumbs-up to their styling choices. They spent $22,921 in cash on their cosy space, and the judges think it was a great investment, as they got the balance “just right”.
They all really liked the fireplace, and they were quick to give credit to Steph and Gian for listening to last week's feedback about the exposed beams. This time around, they covered them up and painted them white. Marty says, "Now the beams are working." "It's not a self–contained area, but I think it's a perfect, beautiful wing," Shaynna says in summary.
KYLE & LESLIE
Kyle & Leslie came in second, with an investment of $26,363 on their studio.
The judges were initially impressed. "This is insane!" breathes judge Shaynna Blaze. "This is bigger than my first apartment by 50%," agrees Darren Palmer.
The judges all loved the use of natural stone, the cabinetry's concrete finish, soft furnishings, lighting, and the pair's now signature arches. "Those curves," Shaynna adds. "It is so sexy."
They created a bedroom and a Pilates zone within their studio area, and while they both find the space "beautiful," this choice leaves the judges a bit puzzled. Darren points out that the studio had the potential to become a fully functional, standalone living space, but unfortunately, it's missing any kitchen amenities.
The three of them also notice that the upcoming pool area outside will probably rely on the studio bathroom, and they question whether having carpeted areas was a wise decision. Marty proposes that transforming the Pilates studio into a floor-boarded living area could have been a more effective way to cater to the pool area. He feels that the duo might not have fully considered the demands of the market.
ELIZA & LIBERTY
Eliza & Liberty in House 5, however, don’t get showered with the same enthusiastic compliments. Their studio's styling is heavily criticized. Even though they spent $19,357 for their area, it's labeled as "childish". Marty and Shaynna are underwhelmed by their wallpaper selection featuring a map of Melbourne.
They also express that the kitchenette doesn't blend seamlessly into the studio. Shaynna comments, "This section right here feels like a budget motel. It lacks the elegance we saw in last week’s bathroom.”
Marty adds, "In my opinion, nothing exudes a sense of luxury. The styling is to such an extent that I'd prefer the space to be empty." Even with these comments, they still managed third place.
KRISTY & BRETT
Kristy and Brett in House 3 deliver a studio space that the judges compare to a New York loft. They spent $17,647 and the judges agree they love the quality finish and skylights that flood the room with a natural glow. But Darren quickly points out it's basically a bedroom with some amenities. "It's not even a fully self–contained space," he adds, wondering why they haven't added a microwave or even a rug. Marty agrees, adding there is also no TV.
Shaynna comments about the lack of continuity in the mood of the studio bathroom and the bedroom area. She is confused by the layout and comments that “it's not an inviting guest space”. They tied for fourth place with Leah & Ash.
LEAH & ASH
Leah & Ash in House 2, have spent $20,219 and are hoping they've delivered in terms of functionality. They're very proud of their pull–down bed, and overly confident it will wow the judges. Unfortunately, it doesn’t! They came in equal fourth.
The judges are immediately confused about the furniture choices, before finding the hidden bed. "This is giving me… real estate showroom kind of vibes," states Darren. When they eventually discover the bed, they're even more confused. They wonder why they didn't just put in a sofa bed to turn the area into a complete lounge and entertaining space.
"This isn't hitting the mark from a buyer's perspective," Marty adds. Shaynna also can't see the cohesion between the room and the moody, sexy bathroom of week one. "I don't feel the soul connection," she says.
Even though their studio is notably more compact than House 1, the judges agree that it maintains a sense of roominess. They're also quite pleased with the kitchenette space and the level of craftsmanship, as well as the colour selections made by the duo. But, and there always seems to be a but, Darren sums up the overall sentiment when he says, "It doesn't feel like it's selling a dream to me, and these should be somebody's dream homes."
"It's week two," Scotty notes, as he reads the feedback to a disappointed Leah and Ash. "We want you to lift.”
Well, there should be some soul-searching and re-evaluating of their ideas by all the contestants and take into account all the comments by the judges, so they can apply it to their designs and styling.
Photography by David Cook. All products available through The Block Shop.
