Image: David Cook for The Block/Channel 9
It’s early days, but we’re already seeing that some of The Block 2024 teams have more of an an eye for design than others, which really shone in the guest bedroom reveals. Rewinding to week one, it was neck-and-neck between two couples when they revealed the main bathrooms. Kristian and Mimi took it out with their elevated nautical aesthetic. They scored just half a point more than Courtney and Grant, who proved their interior design chops with a modern Mediterranean style.
It was like déjà vu in week two, with the contestants completing their first set of bedrooms. Once again, it was a close call between the same two teams, but Kristian and Mimi pipped Courtney and Grant at the post by half a point. Both kept it understated and appropriate for the Phillip Island location. Sorbet shades made for a delectable kids’ bedroom by Courtney and Grant, while earthy and emerald tones reigned supreme in Kristian and Mimi’s guest bedroom.
Judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Marty Fox definitely didn’t all agree on their opinions of the bedrooms this week. Yet one thing was clear: there are already some clear frontrunners who can execute a strong floorplan and creative vision. While Courtney and Grant have been consistently impressive, it’s Mimi and Kristian who are standing out from the start, much like Steph and Gian did in 2023 before taking out the win. “If they continue this journey throughout, these guys are going to be hard to beat,” Marty noted during the reveals.
If other The Block contestants’ journeys are anything to go by (just look at Dan and Dani’s journey), anything can still happen. In bedroom week, some chose to design their space for kids, while others made it for guests.
The Block 2024 guest bedrooms
Here’s how the teams ranked in week two and what the judges thought.
1st place: Kristian and Mimi
This couple is on a roll, with their modern coastal guest bedroom putting them in the top spot once again. “This is another level,” said Marty, who appreciated the “high end” feel. “This is saying boutique hotel,” agreed Shaynna. The asymmetry of the room wasn’t doing it for Darren, who called it “design for design’s sake”. A power point visible next to the bed was another small detail that could be improved on. Subtle nautical touches such as the rope on the pendant give this room a sophistication the judges approved of.
Score: 28/30
2nd place: Courtney and Grant
As it’s located near the main bedroom in the house floorplan, Courtney and Grant decided to go with a kids’ room this week. “I love these beds,” said Marty, who was into the sorbet colours and personality in the styling. He thought this room would do well from a real estate viewpoint. “When the buyer gets an emotional response, that’s when they do the best with the bidding.” With a drawing nook and space for toys, it was ticking a lot of their boxes. “It’s cute as heck,” said Darren. The only downside was the lack of heating or cooling, which Marty said buyers would penalise.
Score: 27.5/30
3rd place: Paige and Jesse
Despite another tumultuous week, Paige and Jesse executed a beautiful guest bedroom. “I have no background in design,” Paige shared. “[But] I am so proud of this room.” While we thought this team was leaning towards a ‘Coastal Grandma’ aesthetic, it seems they’ve abandoned that idea. “This is more a traditional American Hamptons,” said Shaynna, who called the style modern colonial. The judges approved of the striped wallpaper and blend of contemporary with traditional. However, Shaynna would have liked to see consistent use of metals throughout this room and the rest of the house. Overall, it got good reviews. “I just feel at home,” said Marty. “It feels coastal and beachy.”
Score: 27/30
Tied 4th place: Ricky and Haydn
The use of bunk beds in this bedroom was good in theory. “There’d be no holiday house without some bunk beds,” said Darren. But it quickly turned into ‘bunkbedgate’ for Ricky and Haydn, as both Marty and Shaynna weren’t happy with the layout of the room and where the bunk beds were, on the wall next to the door. “It’s an issue for me,” said Shaynna. “It’s a good room, it’s not a great room,” added Marty, “And we’ve just seen great rooms.” While Shaynna wouldn’t even give them that. “I don’t even think it’s a good room. I think the wardrobe is the hero. The rest of it needs to be fixed.” The lack of heating or cooling was a problem too.
Score: 22/30
Tied 4th place: Kylie and Brad
After a “disaster” of a black bathroom in the previous week, Kylie and Brad tried to rein in the use of black. Unfortunately, the pivot still wasn’t in the right direction. “It feels like Art Deco, but it’s not working because it’s not an Art Deco place,” said Shaynna. In agreement, Darren felt the style didn’t match the coastal location. On the plus side, Marty thought it wasn’t as “intense” as their bathroom. “This is palatable, this is marketable,” he said. The couple got points for putting in a fan, but the judges still wanted to see if Kylie could stay true to her style in a marketable way.
Score: 22/30
Tune into The Block 2024 on Sundays at 7pm and Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Take a tour of all The Block holiday houses so far
Week 5: Main bedrooms and walk-in robe reveals
Week 8: Living and dining reveals
Week 9: Office and rumpus room reveals
Week 10: Laundry and guest bedroom reveals
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