A week that is very much anticipated in the series, The Block 2022 master ensuite reveal did not disappoint. There were two very successful rooms, one that was OK and a couple that I really didn't feel worked. I agreed with the judges on the first place win going to Omar & Oz, but that is probably where it ended. I have all the images and run down of the rooms below.
The Block 2022 Master Ensuite reveal
First place: Omar & Oz
All hail the Bathroom Kings, with another wet area to blow the judges away. “Boom!” said Darren as all three admired the best layout they saw on the day, taking in the bench seat under dual showers, a corner bath looking out on spectacular views, Kit Kat tiles playing off Hardiegroove panels, and a natural colour palette. Missing only a few face-level lights and a bathrobe hook for the door, there was a lot to love, the judges agreed, with Darren declaring this was a room that would “photograph like a dream” and help buyers fall in love with their home.
My thoughts on Omar & Oz's master ensuite
- There is much to like about the winners of The Block 2022 master ensuite reveal. I didn't like the first bathroom from Omar and Oz but I must say, this one ticks many boxes for me.
- The layout is fabulous. A double shower which can be accessed either side of the vanity unit creates harmony and balance, and is also very practical. The toilet suite is tucked out of the way behind the door and the round bath is a good solution to the limited space. Although this wouldn't be my favourite bath, I think it is a nice option here.
- The niche in the shower which extends from wall to wall is also very practical and brings in a design element. And, I love the built in bench seat to sit on. This is a space that has been well thought through and its practicality and serenity will appeal to all ages.
- The room is beautifully calm with heritage elements in the flooring and wall panelling. I like the timber trims to link with the vanity unit as they bring a lovely warmth to what could be sterile tiles.
- The vanity unit is a little on the small side and I would prefer to see just one basin here.
- I can see why these guys took out first place this week. I think this is a great improvement on their first bathroom, a contemporary touch which melds nicely with the heritage home.
Second place: Sharon & Ankur
“I would never design this bathroom in a million years!” said Darren, taking in the statement wall tiles and basins, the spa bath with a view, black tapware and Grafico mural of the Macedon ranges, “But it works!” Shaynna and Neale were worried it all might be a bit too much, but agreed it’s a statement space, particularly loving the addition of a fireplace… right up to the point where Shaynna noticed the fire’s double-sided glass which gives a view of the toilet to anyone in the master bedroom! Be careful of those choices, she warned, and be mindful, Darren added, of the line between eccentricity and saleability.
My thoughts on Ankur and Sharon's master ensuite
- My senses are overwhelmed, and not in a good way. There is just simply too much happening in this bathroom. The pattern in the wall tiles is completely at odds with the pattern in the floor tiles and then there is another pattern in the wallpaper. This is a design school 101 mistake. I can forgive Ankur and Sharon but how did the judges give this master ensuite second place?
- There is much to like about the ensuite individually. The floor tiles are lovely and suit the heritage space. The fireplace and spa bath are perfect inclusions for the cold climate of the Macedon ranges and the shower is a generous size.
- Unfortunately, the black accents add to the busyness of the space. There are some nice elements here – but as a package I just found it too much.
Third Place: Sarah-Jane & Tom
With what Shaynna called “a timeless colour palette” and a mix of glossy tiles on the walls and matte on the floor plus a very country mix of timber and brass, this was a room that grabbed the judges from the moment they walked in. “Yum!” said Darren from the door, “I love this!” But not everything got their approval, with Shaynna noting that once again the pair had decided against face-level storage in vanity cabinets, the sconces were just too high for her and the pelmet, Darren said, was “pretty chunky”. It’s a room that set a high bar for the others to follow, but the functional flaws kept them from the win.
My thoughts on Tom & Sarah Jane's master ensuite
- I raved about Tom & Sarah Jane's first ensuite bathroom. I loved the wall panelling and the heritage style vanity unit and thought they should have taken out first place. But I don't quite think they have pulled it off this time.
- There are lots of elements that I love about this ensuite; the rich green colour palette is gorgeous and works perfectly with the brass tapware and towel rail. The basins are a beautiful design and suit the heritage feel of the house.
- The vanity unit is very appealing but it is too small for 2 basins. I know that a master ensuite should ideally have a double vanity unit but I don't think it should be at the detriment of storage space. Don't forget that where there is a basin there is plumbing and you lose valuable drawer space. And really, I think I would murder anyone standing that close to me and getting in my way!
- This is a lovely room, but I wish there were more elements from their first ensuite here.
Fourth Place – tied: Dylan & Jenny
With a luxury bench seat shower area, double shower heads and plenty of space, this has “day spa potential”, the judges agreed. Mixing the same tile Ryan and Rachel had chosen, but not going full height, then blending in a mushroom tile in the vanity area, with oak and brass touches and the couple’s signature arches, the combination is an understated elegance, Neale said. Not everything won their approval however, with the bath too close to the wall and toilet – hard to understand with so much space, Shaynna said – and both caulking and grout incomplete. But with styling on point, right down to a live Chrysanthemum, it was, Neale summed up: “A contemporary room with just enough heritage touches.”
My thoughts on Dylan & Jenny's bathroom
- This room should have taken out second place in The Block 2022 Master Ensuite reveal. I understand there were a few minor areas that weren't quite finished but really, this bathroom ticks all of the boxes for me.
- Where to start? The double shower with bench seating is fabulous. Beautifully simple and well balanced with large format tiles in warm tones, this is a very pleasing space. The brass showers and tapware introduce a heritage feel to what is essentially a very contemporary space, but I don't believe that in a heritage home you have to forsake all modern elements.
- The wall panelling balances this tiled area nicely and the wallpaper in this room works. It isn't fighting with lots of other design elements and therefore works as a feature area.
- The double sized vanity unit is a generous size and the archway into the room adds an elegant touch. I wouldn't have used this artwork here, but this is a small point. All in all, a very successful master ensuite.
Fourth Place – tied: Rachel & Ryan
“Feels palatial,” the judges said as they walked into the vast space of Rachel and Ryan’s ensuite, taking in the heritage details of cornices and architraves, the timber vanity, and feature tile. But while Darren was impressed by the contemporary luxury, with the shower heads in what he said was just the right spot, the inclusion of an IXL heater lamp and pendants over the bath, both Shaynna and Neale weren’t convinced. For Shaynna is was a case of things being half right – she loved the vanity area, but no where else – and Neale said he found the sea of grey “a bit bland”. It’s in keeping with the house, they said, but just not quite there.
My thoughts on Rachel & Ryan's master ensuite
- There really isn't very much that I like about this bathroom unfortunately. The colour palette is too cold for this region and jars with the rich tones of the vanity unit. A piece that is beautiful in its own right, but that doesn't work well here.
- The shower heads are completely wrong. They are too close together – think of elbows while washing hair – and you simply must include a shower on a rail in an ensuite. By just including a shower head, you are not providing flexibility and this looks cheap.
- There are just too many contemporary and cold elements in this room to make it suitable for a heritage home in the Macedon ranges.
- On a positive note, the bath is lovely, the styling is gorgeous and I love the rug!
What did you think of The Block 2022 Master Ensuite reveal week? Do you agree with the judges and my comments I would love to hear in the comments below.
Photography: David Cook Photography
More background information can be found at The Block Channel 9
Many of the gorgeous items seen on The Block 2022 master ensuite reveal can be found at The Block Shop.
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