Recap: The Block 2020 - week 12 - Garages and Studios - Articles

The Block throws up challenges right until the very end and last week the Blockheads had to create what is effectively a mini house! Pulling together bathrooms, kitchens, living and study areas and garages – many of them on virtually no budget – it was incredible that they got as much done as they did, and managed to do such an amazing job in the areas they completed. With execution part of our consideration when we’re scoring, only the two houses that were completed this week were in contention, but all the couples are to be commended for getting as far as they did in another tough week. Au pair flats, home offices and extended living areas – what would YOU have done with your studio if you’d been on The Block this week?

Sarah and George did a beautiful job with their garage cabinetry downstairs and, cleverly, the space they’ve created in their studio upstairs is multifunctional and can be used as a work space, meeting space, or a mini house (theirs is the only one with laundry). That flexibility makes their studio a much bigger value-add than simply filling it with expensive things. Clever strategy from our NSW couple.

I adored Tash and Harry’s choice of colour palette in their studio bedroom and bathroom. The white and the timber created such a beautiful feel combined with an abundance of natural light spilling through the skylights, reminiscent of their use of skylights in the main house.

Daniel and Jade’s colour palette and styling choices were beautiful, creating a lovely relaxed boho feel the moment you walked up the stairs. The combination of natural light and beautiful earthy timbers gave it quite a different feel to the main house. Another great mini apartment that will add value to their sale.

Of everyone’s Luke and Jasmine’s garage/studio was the most ambitious with its immense circular skylights, banquette seating and bathroom. They did an incredible job creating a multifunctional space (it’s just a shame they didn’t put a door on that bathroom)!

There’s a sense of fun in everything Jimmy and Tam do, and their garage/studio was always going to stand out from the crowd. The gym was a perfect inclusion for the working from home ‘new normal’ and demonstrates how the garage can be multi-purposed. They demonstrated flexibility by creating a lounge/study/living area with a pull-out sofa bed and created a connection with their main house through their colour palette.