The Block 2021 master ensuite reveals were, in general, a triumph. There were some stunning rooms, a gorgeous use of colour and above all a sense of luxury and calm. By the judges scores, Josh & Luke had to win with their bathroom concept, but although quite breathtaking, I would not say it is in any sense practical. I did live in Melbourne for a couple of years, which were amongst my happiest, but to venture outside in one of its winters to take a bath, is not something that appeals. I could absolutely envisage this in a Tropical Queensland setting though.
In a twist though, Ronnie and Georgia used their one point Gnome to squeeze ahead by a half point to take out the win.
In fact, it is some poor design decisions and practicality that I think let these master ensuites down this week. There is one that I didn't like and there were some that I absolutely loved. See below for the reveals and my thoughts on each room.
Second Place: Josh & Luke || Score 28.5 / 30 || Spent $41,980
My thoughts on Josh & Luke's Master Ensuite
- This master ensuite is simply quite stunning. In fact, the whole suite of rooms, including the master bedroom and walk in wardrobe, are amazing. I am so glad that the ensuite didn't disappoint. Josh & Luke deserved this win with their thoughtful layout and clever use of space.
- Simplicity really is the key here. There are no coloured feature walls, just the same good quality large format tiles on the floor and the walls. This is a room which will not easily date.
- There are so many benefits to just finding a good quality tile that is timeless and using it throughout the room. People often think they don't have enough design flair if they omit to include a second feature tile, but when you use good quality finishes, you sometimes don't need to do anything else.
- Of course, Josh & Luke did have their outdoor room with bath as their feature and this is a point to remember. A room needs something to set it apart. It could be a gorgeous statement vanity unit, beautiful tapware or an amazing view.
- The rough hewn vertical cladding painted in black provides great tonal contrast to the soft grey of the interior and the continuation of the floor tiles to the outdoor room. The neutral colour palette of grey, timber and black with natural greenery is an absolute classic one.
- There is only one element that I didn't like. With such an amazingly well laid out and generous walk in wardrobe, there is no need to have additional hanging space in the ensuite. The inclusion of the tall cabinet detracts from the vanity unit and takes the room slightly off balance.
- This is a small point, who couldn't fall in love with this area? With a price tag just shy of $42,000, a space like this doesn't come cheap, and as I have said, I think it suits tropical Queensland better than Melbourne, but hey, this is The Block!
First Place: Ronnie & Georgia || Score 29 / 30 || Spent $22,000
Ronnie & Georgia used their bonus point to take out the win this week
My thoughts on Ronnie & Georgia's Master Ensuite
- This room is another masterclass in understated simplicity. Ronnie & Georgia are thankfully not wavering from their trademark sophisticated style.
- Again, there is substantial merit in selecting a good quality floor and wall tile and using this throughout the room. The feature wall of Kit Kat tiles is perfect as it is understated and provides some textural contrast. It's always important in a simple neutral colour scheme to provide interest through varying textures.
- They can be forgiven for using the same vanity unit as Mark and Mitch won with in their guest ensuite because it is completely divine, but I like the touch of the marble in the handles. I have to say that I don't know how The Block works with the design and ordering of items for each room, so it is quite likely this was a coincidence. In any case it suits the ensuite and the style of their master bedroom.
- I also like the way that the wall with the door leading into the master bedroom is simply painted in white. This is a good tip to save money and I feel it looks better too. With an outlay of just $22,000, this is a superb ensuite.
Third Place: Kirsty & Jesse || Score 26 / 30 || Spent $28,045
My thoughts on Kirsty & Jesse's Master Ensuite
- Now, after all I have said about keeping things simple, I would say that I am not against coloured feature walls when they work and this one does. I like it because it is bold and the depth of the tiles helps to carry this off.
- Kirsty & Jesse have carried a blue theme through the house from their guest bedroom and ensuite through to their master bedroom. It isn't the same blue in here though as in the master bedroom and I do feel that they haven't got the flow working as well as Josh and Luke and Ronnie and Georgia.
- Remember when I spoke about some of these bathrooms not being very practical? Well, this is one of them. I'm not keen on the placement of the bath. It looks absolutely stunning in front of the rich blue tiles but it will always be wet and sprayed with shampoo etc. from the shower. I'm the one who cleans the bathrooms but I expect if you can afford this house you'll have a cleaner!
- Having said that, the only other contestants to include a bath are Josh and Luke and their one had to go outside, so in the scheme of things, this is probably a good decision.
- The tapware and basins are gorgeous.
- Overall, the look of this master ensuite is stunning – I do love it.
Related: How to use Navy Blue & White
Fourth place: Tanya & Vito || Score 22.5 / 30 || Spent $17,458
My thoughts on Tanya & Vito's Master Ensuite
- As I am a succour for rich, warm colours, I have to say that Tanya and Vito's master ensuite gave me my real wow moment. They have introduced some colour but it is just an accent. Finishing the feature tile at the shelf point of the wall is inspired. The majority of the bathroom is simple and elegant with just a punch of colour that doesn't compete.
- I am pleased to see the Moroccan theme continuing with the rich palette and gorgeous pendant lighting.
- Have you noticed the grey grout in the feature tiles? This gives a completely different look to the wall than a white grout would. It suits the mood of the space well and the richness of the tile colour.
- The room is on the smaller side so there isn't room for a bath, but the layout is simple and effective.
- The subtle terrazzo floor tile, simple wall tile and dark timber vanity unit work beautifully together. And that shower screen – it is divine.
- I applaud Tanya & Vito's style and the way they embrace colour. It doesn't always work but it certainly has here. This room will be polarising on auction day, but it has personality and it will be interesting to see how many buyers fall in love with it.
Related: My Guide to Moroccan Style
Last Place: Mark & Mitch || Score 22 / 30 || Spent $26,790
My thoughts on Mark & Mitch's Master Ensuite
- Shaynna describes this as a jewelry box of a room but I am afraid I feel it is just a mess. Individually, I love the feature tile and the marble tile. I wouldn't select either, but they have their merits and would suit many bathrooms. They just don't work together.
- Remember what I said about the simplicity of the first two master ensuites and how sophisticated they are? And for lovers of colour, the deep blue is stunning and the rich terracotta tones are gorgeous accents. They don't compete, rather they complement. However with these two tiles in very different styles and patterns, the look is just too tumbled.
- Darren highlighted the lack of space between the vanity unit and the shower screen. It is very tight and you certainly wouldn't want to have a large build in this room. The toilet suite is also very squeezed in.
- I love the plantation shutter, the tapware and accessories, but it was just all too glitzy and competing for my eye to be a room of serenity.
You can compare these master ensuite reveals in the related post below.
Related: The Block 2020 Master Ensuite Reveals
Some of my favourite pieces from The Block 2021 Master Ensuite Reveal
These two toned basins are gorgeous and work well with the stone benchtop.
The collection of towels work well together and provide some nice strong contrast which is important in a scheme. Hung on this amazing heated towel rail, they look ready to wrap myself in.
You can see more background and information from The Block 2021 on the official Channel Nine website. Remember that many of the lovely pieces shown in these bathrooms can be purchased through The Block Shop.
Photographs by David Cook Photography
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