the block elimination rooms.

So last year I went a little crazy on blogging The Block. This year, I'm not going to watch it or blog it as religiously... some of you are probably very thankful!

But I can't help give some thoughts and record some of the rooms I love. My posts will showcase some of my favourite parts; be it a whole room, a piece of furniture or a colour. As I don't know what I'll love I don't know how often these posts will occur, but I'm sure The Block will still be a feature of Thearle Girl.

In case you're not up with The Block Triple Threat, six couples were placed in the elimination rounds to end up with three couples who will actually go through to the show. This meant there have been three elimination rounds. Round 1: bedroom (24 hours). Round 2: living and dining (48 hours). Round 3: bathroom (72 hours).

Here are a couple of things I have loved so far.

Brooke and Aimee's bedroom definitely wasn't my favourite but I fell in love with their soft blue wall and bed.

I like some of the details of Luke and Ebony's room, like the timber skirts and frame, the built-in headboard, and mint features. Also impressed with the blue wall, the same colours as our bedroom!

They say first impressions count, and that is true of Josh and Charlotte. I could see they would be good from when we first met them in Scotty's HQ. They didn't let me down with their living and dining room. My favourite features are definitely the exposed brick wall and timber shelves. I think I'm in love... again. That cascading plant on the shelves just puts the icing on the cake. That wall is a winner... and that proved to be true with the judge's as well.

I am so impressed with the use of colour by Ebony and Luke. I LOVE the pink wall. This photo looks a little overwhelmingly pastel but with slightly different styling, I think the pink would sing even more! I have requested a pink wall in our living room but unfortunately was turned back by my husband. Disappointing.

I wasn't totally in love with Tim and Anastasia's room but it was good! My fave part was the rug though. Often I don't like rugs or am impartial to them, but I actually really like this one.

I love Jess and Ayden's beautiful storage area, using the height of the room and lovely timber, but was a little worried by the candle next to the towels!

Josh and Charlotte's bathroom was very simple, and I liked it. I especially like their large format tiles and custom shaving cabinet which was recessed into the wall.

I'm very impressed with the elimination rooms and am looking forward to seeing what they create in their actual apartments. Good luck to Charlotte and Josho (for the win), Tim and Anastasia, and Jess and Ayden (for the lols!).

the block : terraces.

Excited to see the finished apartments tonight. It was a massive week trying to complete the terraces – it looked like a lot of work but I'm sure they'll look great!

michael and carlene : their area is beautiful. I love the exposed brick walls and the timber cladding as well as a mixture between the formal dining/kitchen area and the playful astroturf/cafe bench seating. It's really beautiful and well done. It's simple but beautiful. The outdoor shower upstairs is beautiful and makes it feel so tropical and luxurious and it brings an amazing element to the main bedroom.

chris and jenna : once again, I'm so disappointed for them that they weren't able to finish. They are the least confident and have the biggest area so I'm not surprised, but it is always heartbreaking when couples don't finish. What they have done is so beautiful and really pared back. I think they've done an amazing job! I love that table (I love a massive table) and the ivy up the steel walls is great, and will keep on improving! The rooftop terrace is a weird shape and hard to use well, and it's a shame they weren't able to execute that well.

karstan and max : they have branched out a bit this week and I love it. It's simple and nothing much but I love the timber and pops of colour. The greenery looks great and brings life to their apartment. I love the Pop & Scott pots; they bring a bit of fun and colour in. They've done really well – I wish the rest their apartment was more like the terrace!

shannon and simon : my first impression is that it's boring. It's very simple, which is often good, but I think it may be too simple: black and timber and a lot of space. I love their bench seating going into their kitchen and the wooden wall mural. I don't know why they didn't build in their barbeque or a put in a bigger table. I think the floating pots look cool but are a bit freaky. I think overall they are missing something unfortunately but it's a good base.

darren and deanne : their terrace is so busy! We have gone from super simple boys to full on Ds. I think the hanging plants are cool but I don't love those fairy lights hanging down from them. I like the choice of cushions (even though there are many). I love the mezzanine verandah – it is incredible – maybe the best part! I was unsure about there not being an outdoor eating area, but now I really love having an outdoor living area.

They've all done really well! The terraces have really brought life into their apartments. Great job and very cool apartments!!

the block : ensuites.

Excited to see the final interior room for this season! I think they'll be great, as their second bathroom and final interior week.

michael and carlene : Their room looks beautiful. I love their style: "simple, stylish and sophisticated." I really love the touches of wood and the unassuming marble tiles and black tapware. I think the glass pendants work really well, if they were timber I think it would have been too much. I think they've done really well and I really like their styling!

chris and jenna : They've done really well! I love the exposed copper pipe, the large scale grey tiles and their pendants. I'm not a massive fan of the 3D tiles and it's such a shame they didn't get to finish. So disappointed for them, again!



karstan and max : I didn't love their last bathroom with all the glossy black tiles and once again, not loving them but I much prefer the smaller tiles around the vanity and mirror. And the matte white double vanity is very cool – the rest is not doing heaps for me.



simon and shannon : The boys were very excited for the judges to see their room; I love seeing their love and confidence for their room! The wooden bath is beautiful, especially under the window with amazing styling! Their matte vanity is beautiful and I love the huge mirror. It's very simple and stunning!



darren and deanne : They always do beautiful rooms. I really love the mini grey hexagonal tiles (as always) and it's clever how they have put the double shower right at the windows to engage the outside world. Not loving their styling but overall it's a great bathroom.



Looking forward to seeing their finished apartments next week!

the block : living and dining.

It was great to get a sneak peak into these rooms during the challenge earlier in the week, so I'm particularly excited to see the finished products.

michael and carlene : That exposed brick wall is stunning and works so well with the artwork on it! I love the couch – that colour was a great decision! I was very nervous about the bookshelf wall but it works really well and yes, it was styled amazingly (one day, one day) but is it too busy? The idea of the dining table being a practical size for the space but also being able to be extended to fit more people is amazing – good looking and practical is what I'm about and so I'm so happy when people think about both! As usual, I think their space is great (but why does everyone love that rug?)!

chris and jenna : I love that they have included the entrance area – something so important in the practicality of a home. I thought their study area was really good, but I agree that it mightn't be the best choice at the front door. Their dining table is stunning but the chairs aren't a great choice; aesthetically and functionally. So glad they were bold with their choice of couch – it looks great – and I love the wooden slats at the front door! The TV as a focal point in a room is a pet peeve of mine but I don't think it deserved the criticism it got. It's a shame that the finishes weren't up to scratch but overall, I think they've done a really beautiful job.

max and karstan : The room is simple but comfortable. I, however, don't love the carpet 'rug' or the choice of couches but the living area works really well as a whole. I love their wooden coffee table and the wooden features in the TV unit – really beautiful! I really like their custom dining table and feature light and their room is made by the beautiful natural light. Overall it works well but personally I would change some of the details. I'm glad it's less clinical this week!

simon and shannon : I was so excited to see their room and I love it! That wooden wall is stunning and the Blacklist studio installment is definitely a work of art, which I think is great but it's very risky! Their Brent Rosenberg artwork is also stunning (the same artist as in their butler's pantry). It looks amazing with that sideboard – potentially my favourite part of the room! The way they use the greenery with the wood always wins me over! Some harsh but very fair comments from the judges about the rug and clothesline in the living room.

darren and deanne : First of all, I love their David Bromley artwork – it's a stand out piece and being oversized works so well! Their dining table is beautiful (can you tell I like timber?!) but I'm not in love with the chairs or pendants. I like the idea of the sitting area at the bottom of the stairs, but I do think it's a bit busy. The room overall doesn't give me much; I can't really work out why, but I do think they're going to do well as there will be an emotional attachment to the panelling and flooring – smart move!

I can't believe the inside of their apartments are almost done – only one more room!

the block : kitchens.

The much anticipated (for some) kitchen week is here. From the previews, they didn't look as impressive as they were built up to be, but they are great!

michael and carlene : I love the garden that they've put in under the stairs – I always love a bit of greenery (and a bit of colour)! And their whole kitchen is stunning: the wood, the black, the white. It's very simple and very beautiful. I love the textured subway tiles (which don't steal too much attention) and the shelves and laptop area. I would love this kitchen in my house! Love it.

chris and jenna : That is a very large kitchen! It has a lovely feel. I think it works really well with the light timber and the black. The space is amazing and, despite my apprehensions, the copper sinks work really well. The only thing I don't really love are the cushioned stools (which are easily changed). The bar isn't my style and I didn't love those artworks near it. I agree that that area would work much better as a study, but I'm sure some people would love a bar in their home.

karstan and max : Their kitchen is so different and is really unexpected. I like their breakfast bar adjoining their bench. The size is massive but nothing really stands out. I can't really work out what I think... I don't think it's doing it for me. The TV is a great idea! I don't love all of the cupboards in the butler's pantry – I think it would be so much more practical to have open shelves, a sink and more appliances.

shannon and simon : The polished concrete floor makes me so jealous!! It's so beautiful! I love the giant benchtop overlooking the street with the cooktop but I'm not sure how practical it all is with their placement of the sink, fridge, cooktop and oven. It's such a great idea having the breakfast bar looking out over the terrace and the bi-fold windows. I personally think the kitchen with the black benchtop and grey cupboards is a bit dark. I think the kitchen is great but looks a little narrow and pokey and impractical.

darren and deanne : I love the parquetry flooring and I think it will work well throughout their apartment. The kitchen is very monochrome. It's all quite classic and beautiful, but once again, not my style. I think the marble is beautiful but very busy – I would have chosen a simpler marble. The butler's pantry is practical and works well (and I love the boiling and filtered water tap!).

the block : laundry and stairs.

It's always disappointing when a couple doesn't finish. The small amounts that I have seen, looks amazing (who thought stairs could be so interesting) so I can't wait to see the finished results!


michael and carlene : STUNNING! Those lights, those black steel poles, those floating wooden stairs are beautiful! What a great combination. However, I don't really like the colour chosen for the walls. I feel like they need a simpler colour to compliment the detail in the stairs.

Their laundry is simple and beautiful. The wood in it is beautiful and goes well with the marble tiles. I agree that it's sexy. The bronzed mirror, gold pendant, brass details and black tapware is lovely and the details are breathtaking! Well done. SO impressed!!

chris and jenna : Their staircase is beautiful too. I love the rendered wall and the simplicity of the stairs. I personally prefer the floating stairs (in Michael and Carlene's) but the simplicity of these is lovely and I think it will date well. I like the way they have featured the exposed beams throughout their apartment and the way they have tied it in this week with their balustrade.

Their laundry feels boxy and a bit busy; they should have mimicked their bathroom which was simple and elegant. I feel disappointed for them.

karstan and max : My first impression was that I don't like it but looking longer, I am unsure. It's not really giving me anything. It feels quite bland and bags-not cleaning that glass!! The storage under the stairs is a good idea.

Their laundry is simple and practical, but nothing exciting.

simon and shannon : The floating stairs really make an impact. It didn't wow me like Micheal and Carlene's but does make an impact. The simple, black and white artworks are beautiful and I love how they've played with lines throughout, even through to the pendant lights.

Their laundry is beautiful. I always love greenery and the mini grey tiles are one of my faves! I also love the black tapware and the simple white wall tiles are effective. I really like their styling in the baskets and wooden stool – those details (although I could just buy them) create the emotional attachment for me!

darren and deanne : It's so sad to see a beautiful room unfinished. It's classy and elegant but still has a very lot to do! (The photos make them look good ;))

I really appreciate their style and their laundry made me smile. Disappointingly it's still not finished but I like what they've done. I like the simple colours and their styling.

Looking forward to seeing the kitchens next week as a lot of the planning has already been pre-done so I hope they can make a big impression!

the block : master bedroms.

Hooray! Can't wait to see everyone's finished rooms. From the little things we've seen, they look really beautiful!

Here we go:

michael and carlene : I love the look but I really don't like the bedding – other than the beautiful linen bedspread – well maybe just the throw and a couple of those cushions. I really like the recessed bedhead and the black. Once again I love their artworks with the black and white and touch of gold. Change a few cushions and I think it's beautiful!

chris and jenna : Can't wait to see this copper wall! Once again, change the bedding (so much gold and copper) but it's simple and beautiful. I like the black walls and the black and white artwork. I agree with the judges that the rest of the room doesn't compliment the wall. I feel very sad for them.

karstan and max : They've improved so much this week!! I love the simple colour scheme and those two massive artworks are beautiful. The charcoal and white with the orange is great. And who can go past those windows and the bronzed mirror!? They did well but it's not how I'd do it.

simon and shannon : Love the mexsii bedhead, copper pendants, and the timber wall under the window. I love that style. And how lucky are they with so much room to allow for that coffee area!? Beautiful! The simple white and grey walls work well. Don't love the artwork – I don't think it's sophisticated enough. But overall it's great!

darren and deanne : Very cool to have a fireplace in their room! I love the artwork! It's cool how they've tied the panelling in every room - it's not my style but has worked well. A pretty good room but nothing groundbreaking.

I do think the winners are deserving but I feel that the judging is based on too many other factors than just the rooms they present (and often too much on styling). Good to see the wins being spread out amongst the teams though.

the block : study and guest bedrooms.

I can't believe everyone finished their rooms this week, and all of the rooms are great!

michael and carlene: I was so looking forward to seeing their homemade desk and seat, unfortunately it didn't turn out as well as I expected! I would have much preferred it in a more natural wood colour. The study was very functional but didn't do anything much for me. Once again I really like the styling in their bedroom. The exposed brick is great, but I'm glad it's quite minimal – it just brings some depth to the room. It all works really well! Very impressed with the guest room!

chris and jenna: This is going to go either way. Can't wait to see their void in future weeks but not sure how their judging is going to go this week. The attic and storage is a really great idea but a bit hard to judge against everyone else's study. I love their guest bedroom. Minimal and beautiful!! I like the touches of wood and greenery. I disagree and am surprised by the judge's comments, however there were a LOT of plants! I really love the timber and am sad that the judges don't like it. The attic was good for storage but very hard to judge.

karstan and max: I was looking forward to seeing how their floors look and I think they're great! Their space is huge... and the white in the study makes it look even bigger. Other than the floors though, it's not all that exciting. Their bedroom is once again quite boring. Thankfully they have that huge and beautiful artwork to bring some life, but unfortunately it's a plain, boring, black and white room!

simon and shannon: I was really looking forward to seeing how their rooms panned out after their stressful week, and interested to see how their style develops. Their style is super contemporary, and I really like it! The ceiling looking up to that skylight is amazing! I like the study because it kind of is a separate room unlike the others which are very open. I love their guest bedroom as well. It looks big and bright! Always love a bit of Kip and Co and Blacklist Studio. Their attention to detail is pretty amazing!

darren and deanne: I felt very nervous about their fabric canopy bedhead! Their floor was also a risk but turned out beautifully. Their study is sophisticated and practical. I really like it. Their style is not my style, but it's working really well throughout. The bedroom didn't do heaps for me but it does look luxurious! I wonder what perspective a younger judge would bring.

I am really enjoying this season. Lots of potential and great ideas! I'm glad people are trying some new things. I'm excited to keep watching!

It might help to understand my thoughts if you know that I write these Block posts as I'm watching the room reveals (lucky i can touch type). My comments aren't based on the judge's scores (sometimes I might add in an extra comment at the end) but I like to write down and acknowledge what I'm thinking, without being swayed by their opinions. Just thought you should know.