There is a lot to see this week on The Block with the bedroom and redo room. I must say, I was a little underwhelmed this week after the highs of the master ensuites. There wasn't really anything that grabbed me in the bedroom reveals. Ronnie and Georgia took out first place again with a very nice, sophisticated neutral bedroom, that I am sure will have wide appeal. They had Kirsty and Jesse hot on their heels though with a nicely designed and pretty little girl's room. See that I keep using that word nice. That basically says it all.
The redo rooms were another matter though. There were some clear improvements and I have the before and after shots to show you. A couple really did make a vast improvement with little additional cost, which is great to see. I was devastated to see Tanya and Vito's gorgeous dark, rich terracotta tiles replaced with plain white ones though. This is a travesty as I feel these lovers of colour have been bludgeoned into blandness. I know it's all about getting that all important win on Auction day, but this is The Block, aren't the contestants supposed to push the boundaries?
The Block 2021 Bedroom
First Place: Ronnie & Georgia || Score 29 / 30 || Spent $24,680
My thoughts on Ronnie & Georgia's bedroom
- Ronnie & Georgia have delivered another lovely sophisticated bedroom. Not as stunning as their master ensuite, but nonetheless very successful with a soft palette of pink and warm greige tones.
- The feature wallpaper is understated – but possibly a little too much. Very elegant though.
- I love the soft pink transitional rug and the accent cushions add a nice stronger design element to the scheme.
- The desk is very stylish, but of course most pieces from Satara are. The artwork looks great and the chair simple and comfortable.
- On the downside, I feel that the bedhead could have been just a tad higher, particularly as it is placed against such a high wall. The bedside lamps don't cut it either. They are too small and would be of little or no effect.
Second Place: Kirsty & Jesse || 28.5 / 30 || Spent: $19,855
My thoughts on Kirsty & Jesse's bedroom
- Kirsty and Jesse have delivered a very pretty bedroom. With a soft palette of white, pink, apricot and blue, this is a gorgeous look.
- The stunning Grafico wallpaper makes the scheme for me. The accents of strong blue bring a boldness to the look and tones down the sugary pinkness.
- I really like the long window seat with joinery either side and below. This makes great use of the available space and means that this could easily be turned into a more grown up child's bedroom or even with a touch of redecoration, an adult's room.
- This is a great room for a layout of just $19,855. Well done to Kirsty and Jesse.
Third Place: Mark & Mitch || Score: 28 / 30 || Spent: $22,461
My thoughts on Mark & Mitch's bedroom
- I didn't quite know where to look first in this children's room, delivered by Mark and Mitch. For me, it was just all too much.
- I love the fun bunkbeds and soft green bedding. I really loved the wallpaper – just stunning. But it is just all too much together. I had to really look hard to see the wallpaper, with the beds against it, the shelving, toys and cushions, it was a mess. And that's before a child has even entered!
- The pistachio green wardrobes are fun and there are some great practical elements (using blinds on the skylights), but I felt that it could have all been toned down slightly and been more successful.
Fourth Place: Tanya & Vito || Score: 27 / 30 || Spent: $15,220
My thoughts on Tanya & Vito's bedroom
Tanya and Vito have delivered a lovely fresh and fun children's room. Using their trademark love of colour, they have injected their personality into the space, but by keeping the wardrobes neutral, this gives more options for the home's new owners.
The built in bunk beds do limit the use of the space in the future but they are solid and well designed.
As usual, the room is styled well with some rich colour and texture. Personally, the wallpaper would drive me stir crazy but I bet that children would love it.
With an outlay of just $15,220, which was the lowest budget this week, I think this is a pretty successful room which I would have preferred to see take out third place.
Last Place: Josh & Luke || Score: 20 / 30 || Spent $17,248
My thoughts on Josh & Luke's bedroom
- After the stunning high of the fabulous master bedroom, walk in wardrobe and ensuite, Josh and Luke have fallen to last place with their third bedroom reveal.
- I felt that some of the judges comments were unjustified, but when I looked more closely, I could see the downsides to this space.
- Firstly, I love the bedhead. I know this has been done before, but it suits the luxe style that the boys have used throughout their rooms so far. The bedside table styling is lovely and suits their look.
- However, the bedside table itself is just too clunky and dated and the colour palette doesn't work. This is quite simple to fix – the warm blue throw and cushion are fighting with the soft blue/green tones.
- The wardrobes are just awful. I feel like I am in a dated three star motel room – all that dark brown is fighting with the luxe feel of the bed. Kirsty and Jesse used simple white cabinetry either side and beneath their window seat and this didn't draw attention to the lack of space, while the dark brown is just so obvious. With an awkward space you should keep it simple rather than drawing attention to the issue.
- These guys really are on a roller coaster, I either absolutely love their work or am left feeling a little flat.
What were your thoughts on the Block bedroom reveal this week? I would love to hear in the comments below.
The Block 2021 Redo Room
This week we also got to see the Redo room for each of the contestants. This is the room that the judges felt needed a makeover to bring the house into shape for Auction day. I have included the before and after photos – see which one you think is better.
Ronnie & Georgia – Redo Master Walk in Wardrobe
- This is clearly a much better use of the space. Gone are all the shallow shelving units which didn't offer much practical storage at all. These have been replaced with plenty of hanging space.
- There is also a lovely mirror so that you can check yourself out. A great improvement.
Kirsty & Jesse – Redo Guest Bedroom
- What a difference a paint colour can make! I liked this room before – it was pretty and I applauded Kirsty and Jesse for having a go at introducing some colour, but isn't this grey blue a better choice? It still gives you a Hamptons feel but it has single handedly elevated the bedroom to a sophisticated, elegant look, rather than a fun coastal style.
- The earthy touches in the bedside tables gives this room a twist. The classic white with this look is a bit predictable. I also really like the change of bedding and the introduction of a classic linen bedhead. All just small and inexpensive changes, but the difference is amazing.
- Kirsty and Jesse's upgrade has been the most successful redo room.
Mark & Mitch – Redo Guest Bedroom
- This is another successful redo room. I don't think it has been quite the transformation of Kirsty and Jesse's but it is an improvement, again, with just a small outlay of money and effort.
- The upholstered bedhead, white bedside tables and dusky pink bedlinen ties in better with the soft and dreamy wallpaper. Without such strong contrasts as the white bedding and the heavy timber furniture, the palette has just come together so much better.
- The addition of the two quirky artworks completes the look. This is a great redo room.
Tanya & Vito – Redo Master Ensuite
- I am devastated that Tanya and Vito, with their love of gorgeous rich colour, have been bludgeoned into blandness. I am sure many of my readers will prefer the white tiles. I don't dislike them. In fact I still love this bathroom because of the richly toned vanity unit, main wall tile and fabulous terrazzo flooring. But I really loved it before. And the tiles were not brown – they were terracotta, which is a very on-trend colour.
- The flea market find pendant may have been divisive too but it gave the room its Moroccan feel, I loved it. The replacement looks like the toilet brush holder.
- I feel sorry that Tanya and Vito had to expend their energy and budget on this room. I expect this will be divisive but I worry that everything will end up just too bland.
Josh & Luke – Redo Guest Ensuite
- I have to say that I didn't have a big problem with this room originally. I felt that Josh & Luke's basement wasn't quite right and I would have preferred to see their budget and energy being spent there.
- The judges didn't like the timber screen. I don't mind it but feel it is unnecessary.
- I do like their additional styling next to the bath which I feel has added some warmth and texture to the room.
What did you think of the redo rooms? Were they an improvement or a waste of time and effort? I would love to hear in the comments section below.
Some of my favourite pieces from The Block this week
My favourite items from The Block shop this week are the accent cushions below. Their strong geometric design brought a striking statement to the bedding in Ronnie and Georgia's room. Still with these contestants, I really liked their desk. From one of my favourite suppliers, Satara, it is beautifully made and takes this room to another level.
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?
Are you renovating or building your new dream home? If so you should access my FREE Resource Library where you can download comprehensive checklists and e-books to help you with your project.
