The Block 2023 Working from Home space

Since the enforced period of time away from the office or education that we went through during Covid, it seems that homes will now always be designed with a working from home space. It was interesting to see how the teams interpreted this idea. Is a desk enough in the corner of a bedroom? Probably not, unless you are really short on space in a smaller apartment. I think that a room that is either a dedicated home office or one that is a separate living area with desk accommodation and storage is now a key requisite for many people when they are house hunting.

We saw some success this week, but I wasn't really bowled over by any of the rooms, except one. I have all The Block 2023 working from home spaces below to show you, together with the judges' and my comments on each.

First Place: Steph and Gian 26.5 Points

From the sliding panels to hide either work spaces or the television to the under floor power points for a desk or bed, Steph and Gian’s office space showed thought, flexibility and a level of sophistication the judges are starting to expect. And while Shaynna might have found the style a bit “flat” and “corporate”, Marty disagreed, saying it was a room that had zero confusion and immediately told the buyer what it was – and he loved what it said. For Darren it was the soft and warm laminates matching the curtains, that have a utilitarian space warmth, with all agreeing this could be the start of an amazing build.

The Block 2023 Working from Home Space — Steph and Gian

My thoughts on Steph and Gian's working from home space

There is absolutely no doubt that this working from home space designed by Steph and Gian was the standout winner. In fact, I think that it deserved more than a half point lead over their closest rivals.
I really liked the design of the desk space and the panels that hid either the TV or the bookshelves. However, I think that a smaller TV to one side with just one large desk space, may have offered more flexibility.
I love the sofa, rug and footstools. It is all so wonderful tactile and the textures here bring warmth and interest to the scheme. A mix of textures is often over-looked in a scheme in favour of the right colours, however, this element is just as important to consider. I love the throws on the sofa, the cushions and the terracotta pot.
Perhaps some more artwork would have really finished the room as it is a little bare.

Second Place: Kyle and Leslie 26 Points

Light, bright and consistent to the rest of the house, Darren immediately loved Kyle and Leslie’s combination office/second lounge for its sense of casual comfort, declaring: “this aesthetic is so suitable for the market.” And, he happily added, it’s a room that could easily be adapted to become an extra bedroom if needed. “This house will photograph so well!” Marty summed up, noting for a room so sparse – there were no built-in robes, no TV cabinets, just carpet, one panelled wall and four pieces of furniture – it felt surprisingly complete. Aside from missing skirting boards, both Shaynna and Darren said, it all adds up for a “luxurious” feel.

My thoughts on Kyle and Leslie's working from home space

There is lots to like in Kyle and Leslie's working from home space, but it felt a little immature when compared with the winning team.
I really don't like the bookcases and desk. I think that it is too much of a contrast against the white wall and it just had the feeling of a teenager's space.
The oversized comfy chairs and the mix of textures in the carpet, rugs and throws worked really well.
However the TV wall didn't work as it needed a piece of furniture underneath to complete the grouping of TV and artworks. The room does have appeal, and is pretty much a blank canvas for a buyer, but it felt a little lacking to me.
I agree with the judges' comments regarding the skirting board. Walls with lining boards must always have a skirting board, rather than the panelling running to the floor.

Third Place: Kristy and Brett 24 Points

Using Laminex panels to accentuate the room’s height and space, the judges agreed Kristy and Brett’s dedicated office space worked for working… but sadly left little room for anything else. Where were the fixtures to allow it to be converted to an extra bedroom, they wondered. And what about using it as an entertainment space given it sits next to the front yard and future pool? “You have a quirky floor plan,” Marty advised, “you need to own it.” No major changes were needed, Darren added, but the furnishings and styling should be changed to better reflect the multi-purpose potential of the room. Get that right, they agreed and this could become the focus of the house.

My thoughts on Kristy and Brett's work from home space

If you are just looking at this room as a dedicated home office, then it does work really well. I love the electrical point in the floor for the cables from a computer. Often you see a fabulous desk or table placed in the middle of an office, which looks great, but there is nowhere close by for cabling. This is a thoughtful point.
The oak herringbone flooring with textured rug works perfectly and I hope that they plan to continue this look throughout the house.
There is great storage and shelving and I think that this could be adapted to work as a bedroom. However, it is first and foremost a home office, and certainly doesn't offer the flexibility that some of the others do.
I really like the colour palette. Just a touch of richness in the cushions ties in the oak flooring perfectly. Overall, a very nice grown up space.

Fourth Place: Eliza and Liberty 22.5 Points

Swapping a dedicated office for a guest bedroom that could be easily adapted, Eliza and Liberty went for a soft colour pallet with complementing carpets and well-planned lighting to create a space that gave them, Marty was happy to point out, a genuine five-bedroom home. But what was sacrificed to get there, he asked. The desk and mirror combination, Shaynna said, reminded her of a hotel room. For Darren however, the tall doors, Hardie Groove panelling and recessed curtains combined with well-selected artworks for a fun and playful space. Not everything was perfect, he agreed, but what was there elevated the room and added to the home.

My thoughts on Eliza and Liberty's work from home space

In contrast to Kristy and Brett's room, this space is really just another bedroom. Putting a small desk in the corner, particularly with a mirror above, is no better than what you would have in a hotel. Shaynna is absolutely right about that. Would anyone working from home like to look at themselves in a mirror all day? Certainly not me!
The wardrobe space is great, but it can't be adapted to house office collateral. There is no space here for a printer, books or files.
I therefore think that offering this as a working from home space is completely wrong.
I like the colour scheme on the bed, but the warm deep blue of the natural wallpaper is completely wrong and looks terrible with the artwork.
Overall, I don't think this room met the brief and neither is it a standout bedroom.

Equal Fourth Place: Leah and Ash 22.5 Points

After a week of battling downpours – some inside their home! – the fact Leah and Ash managed to finish their room at all left the judges speechless. But what they saw inside their working from home space left them with plenty to say. From the bold paint choice to the Cammerich artwork and tactile marble fireplace surround, this was an office space that skirted the corporate standard and could easily become a second loungeroom… or even a bedroom if needed, something they all agreed should be considered if their neighbours are boasting more beds. What’s there is elegant and bold, Shaynna said, but an eye to the market should be used.

My thoughts on Leah and Ash's working from home space

Looking past the fact that the room is incomplete, I think that Leah and Ash are on the right track to making this space appealing.
With some work, it could be adapted to a bedroom, but it is more likely to work well as a separate living area if it is not used as a working from home space.
Leah and Ash haven't given the same attention to detail with the cabling for computers as Kristy and Brett did, but the rug they have used is gorgeous.
I really like their choice of fireplace and it will be interesting to see how this deep and bold look is continued throughout the house. I do feel that the coldness in the fireplace and the cool tones of the green/blue teal walls are not complementary and therefore the room does run the risk of being a little cold.
Clearly a very difficult week for these contestants, but I look forward to seeing this room once it is complete.

You can find out more about The Block and the contestants at Channel 9. Did you know that many of the beautiful items used on the show can be purchased through The Block Shop?

All photography credits to David Cook Photography

You can see all the rooms and my thoughts on them from previous years of The Block here.

If you are currently undertaking a renovation or building project or even just planning to re-paint your house then you should download my Free exterior and interior checklists. These can be found in my Free Resource Library which has other e-books and checklists and is updated with new free invaluable resources regularly. Join up for free here.

Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram for more ideas and images. If you are still stuck and need help with your project I offer an e-consultation service. You can send me photos and/or plans with your questions and I will review and talk it all through with you. I have packages from just one question through to a full colour scheme service – click here for more details.

Interiors, The Block

The Block 2023 Working from Home space