The Block 2021 basement reveal was a bit of a non event as far as I'm concerned as home theatre rooms and steam rooms don't hold great appeal for me. I was pleased to see however that Kirsty and Jesse took out first place. Their style is developing now and they certainly did produce the best room this week.
What do you think about home theatres and steam rooms? I feel they belong in a gin palace for the rich and famous, rather than suburban Hampton, but I suppose the boundaries are always being pushed on The Block. Home theatres certainly were very popular in new homes a few year's ago, but I find that now they tend to be rooms that are used for different purposes. My feeling is that these rooms are a waste of space but perhaps in this era of Covid and the retreat into our homes, I will be proven wrong. Personally I can't wait to get out of my house to the movies and dinner out. Everything for me is about connecting to the outside world, but it will be interesting to see how trends go over the next couple of years.
I would love to hear what you thought of The Block 2021 basement reveal and if you are a fan of home theatre rooms? Or do you love the idea of the steam room? All the images and my comments on each are below:
First place: Kirsty & Jesse || Score 29/30 || Spent $34,117
My thoughts on Kirsty & Jesse's home theatre room
- There is no doubt that this was the best room this week. If you do want a dedicated home theatre room with stepped seating, a huge screen and the latest technology, then this is the one to have.
- The recliners look amazingly comfortable and practical with cup holders. This is the kind of chair that would be great in your living room but you wouldn't want anyone to see it!
- The curtains have inverted pleat (box) headings which give a nice contemporary touch to the curtains. Full, heavy curtains like this, need a simple heading or they can look too busy.
- The wall lights are a lovely art deco touch, and I love the display of treats and the artworks. The styling of the throws leaves a lot to be desired though – it looks like a couple of beach towels have been thrown around. I have to say though that this is the only point I can find fault with.
- This was no doubt the best room but you pay for it as it was also the most expensive this week. If you're going to do it though, you may as well do it properly. Well done to Kirsty and Jesse.
Related: How to decorate with brown
Tied second place: Ronnie & Georgia || Score 28.5 / 30 || Spent: $23,410
My thoughts on Ronnie & Georgia's home theatre room
- Now, these are the style of sofas and chairs that I would love to see in a living room. Very stylish indeed. However, I didn't feel that the two sofas squashed next to each other worked and I feel that if you are going to go to the expense of a dedicated home theatre room, that you may as well have the comfy chairs that Kirsty & Jesse used.
- I love the upholstered panelled wall and the soft colour scheme of the room. The screen is amazing and I really liked the simple wall to wall joinery.
- The ceiling and the lighting are very effective and really help to suit the mood of the room.
- I am not so keen on the curtains though. Ronnie & Georgia have used a pencil pleat heading which I think is too fussy and makes the curtains too full. I prefer the simpler inverted pleat heading in the previous room.
- These are small gripes though, again Ronnie & Georgia have delivered a great room and certainly deserve second place.
Tied second place: Mark & Mitch || Score 28.5 / 30 || Spent $31,975
My thoughts on Mark & Mitch's Steam room
- Why couldn't you make the master ensuite a steam room? I'm not sure why all of this space needed to be made into yet another bathroom in a house that will have plenty of them.
- If this is a room that is purely a folly, a day spa style steam room and one to purely relax in, then why would you have two basins? This is really only necessary when a couple are racing to go off to work at the same time, otherwise it is wasted space.
- On their own I love the blue gloss tiles but I don't feel they work as a feature as they make the room unbalanced. I do however really love the main wall and floor tile – I think the room should have been entirely in these which would create a more tasteful environment.
- The tapware, shelves with lots of fluffy white towels and accessories are all fabulous.
- A steam room doesn't come cheap though with $31,975 spent on what I feel is a gratuitous folly!
Third place: Tanya & Vito || Score 27/30 || $32,106
My thoughts on Tanya & Vito's home theatre room
- I really like the textured fabric sofas and the mix of tan leather recliners. As usual Tanya & Vito put a lot of thought into their colour schemes and this week is no different. The soft palette is rich and warm and adds a touch of interest to the room.
- I thought the curtains are just too much though – too long, too full and just everywhere! I am a fan of curtains but I think this is pushing the friendship – can you imagine the dust!
- The simple cabinetry is great and of course, the large screen is amazing.
- My favourite part of the room is the cushions – their choice of accessories is always spot on and this is a masterclass in how to effectively incorporate a range of textures into a scheme.
Last place: Josh & Luke || Score 21/30 || $28,321
My thoughts on Josh & Luke's home theatre room
- I have no idea what to say about this room. Josh & Luke decided to broaden the scope of this room, which is a good idea, but it is neither one thing or another.
- To me it feels like a converted garage space that you hastily put together for the teenager who is driving you mad in the house. The cabinetry looks like it came from Bunnings and the black sofa is every single girl's worst nightmare – as so many boyfriends have one!
- The judges were impressed with the stepped ceiling and thought the room eccentric and amusing. After their two gorgeous bedroom reveals, I can't believe this room has been designed by the same guys.
My favourite pieces from this week
I love the sofas and chairs from Black Mango. They are relaxed and comfortable – perfect for a coastal style scheme.
More information about the show and the contestants can be found at Nine Now. Many of the gorgeous pieces shown here can be sourced through The Block Shop.
Photography by David Cook Photography
I would love to hear your comments in the space below. Which room was your favourite this week?
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