this masterfully extended home on Sydney’s northern beaches BEST OF THE BLOCK Blockspert Shannon Vos offers his take

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The Block: Glasshouse co-winner and interior architect Shannon Vos. voscreative. com.au

BEST OF THE BLOCK The ’rona threw up a few obstacles this year, but the teams still managed to pull off big design wins all round. Our very own Blockspert, Shannon Vos, takes us through the detail

Channel Nine’s The Block is a juggernaut of an experience any other year, but throw into that the complete chaos of 2020’s COVID-19, social distancing, statewide travel bans and Melbourne being closed for half the show and it is a complete miracle that these homes were even finished, let alone to such an incredible standard! It will be interesting to see what happens come auction time, but in the meantime here are my pick of the strongest spaces from each of the five teams.

STYLE STEALS

tash & harry

Inspired by the 1920s Though it may have scored poorly and had plenty still left to paint, the facade of this 1920s gem is a striking beauty that balances contemporary design, a welcoming aesthetic and a slice of early-century charm. The father-anddaughter team’s living room with its modern minimalism was a hot contender for the win in that category, but who can go past the delicate quaintness of their front yard?

The soft white-on-white palette is perfect for this period, and the layered planted elements look smart. White PGH bricks formed into a delicate curve of tiered steps brings the home into the 20th century and adds a lot of softness to the space. The timber fretwork and Juliet balcony chosen by Harry and Tash create plenty of character and, as their yard is the biggest and most secluded, it’s sure to appeal to a growing family.

FROM FAR LEFT Marko large mild-steel and glass lantern, $99.95, Freedom. Morada bricks in Blanco, POA, PGH Bricks & Pavers. Jacinta concrete planter in Milky White, $99, Schots Home Emporium. Baltimore antique-brass lever on round rose, $149 (including two handles), Schots Home Emporium.

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george & sarah

Inspired by the 1940s George and Sarah nailed it with their ensuite and cemented themselves as a powerhouse couple way back in week four of the competition. A perfect antidote to their lacking main bedroom, this space ticks all the boxes and then some. Though softened with curves, the bold black bath and tapware have quite a strong presence. This, however, has been perfectly balanced by installing a muted mauve (I don’t want to say nude, pink, blush or rose) tiled feature wall.

I love the texture in the floors, and the way the tiles create movement underfoot, plus the layout is really spot-on. The lighting is subdued enough to make the space feel intimate and cosy, and although it’s usually considered a no-no to use four tile selections in one bathroom, the subtlety in all of these gets Sarah and George off the hook – just.

STYLE STEALS

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT SOURCING: KATRINA YAXLEY

Inspired by the 1930s Daniel and Jade rolled the dice and offered up an extra bedroom way back in week five when the rest of the contestants only submitted the one bedroom and bathroom. Though their floor space remains the same (hence the bedrooms are smaller), this sets them apart from the others, and having the only five-bedroom home is sure to grab the attention of bigger families at sale time. A quick search shows the huge milliondollar price jump between the average four- and five-bedroom home in Brighton, and I’m sure that it’s this decision that will either make or break the South Australian couple.

Their girl’s bedroom is an exhibition in colour and shape, lending tones of rust and terracotta, while the boy’s (pictured) is a masculine but very versatile space. The topographic wallpaper sits well with the moss green bedspread, and the uniform stripes with Mouille-inspired wall light is a nod to the mid-century, tying the home’s story to the modern needs of a family.