The Block Glasshouse: Functionality crucial as study and guest bedroom revealed

Last night’s The Block Glasshouse saw the contestants reveal their study, hallway and guest bedroom.

It turned out that while style is crucial, it cannot be to the detriment of functionality, or vice versa.

Stress was high as cabinetry was delayed for a number of the couples and a lack of sleep and poor planning hindered many.

The week three winners turned out to be Darren and Dee (bedroom pictured above, courtesy of Channel 9).

Here are the judges’ thoughts on the rooms presented, and the five lessons Property Observer thinks that every budding renovator should keep in mind.

• Michael and Carline

The room had the guests say ‘wow’ as they walked in, with a strong lighting feature and nice design elements.

On first walk around, it looked as though it was going to be a largely position situation. The large desk, that could easily fit two people, was pointed out as a great functional positive, as was the access to natural light, and the brass detailing was considered ‘on trend’ for both the bedroom and the study.

The day bed was also well received for both its colouring and design, and functionality again with plenty of space underneath for storage.  

However, when the judges tried out the desk chair it turned out to be far too low to be practical – eliciting some humour about actually working in the space. Not a huge positive for the room.

They also liked the use of the colour black – while it can enclose a room, and should be used carefully, they were impressed with Michael and Carline’s use of the colour.

Overall, the modern rooms were considered well-suited to the geography of the area sharing that urban environment style that buyers would be a fan of.

• Chris and Jenna

The critque of Chris and Jenna’s space wasn’t hugely positive. They’d skipped the study, which was a huge “no no” in the judges’ eyes who noted that when buyers will be comparing the five properties for sale at one time they would consider the lack of a study a detriment.

Instead, they’d presented an attic, which was called “just storage”.

In the bedroom itself, they were also largely unimpressed. With nine plants, and a potting bench at the end of the bed, the inclusions were noted as “inappropriate for the room” and more suited to a gardening centre. Exposed screws at eye level on the shelving was also considered as a bad decision. They noted that the backdrop had made the expensive exposed timber look cheap.

The judges said that the wall, which was in the middle of the room, made a large space feel compressed.

The one positive, a nice chair, was hidden away, while the walk in wardrobe was noted as good but the mirror was in a strange position.

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• Karstan and Max

The main positive in their study, hallway and room was the choice to have polished concrete throughout, which was an unusual decision enjoyed by the judges. Karstan and Max hoped it might help sway the buyers on the selling end.

While a lot of debate went on between Karstan and Max over choosing a clock or an artwork, instead electing for a clock that they thought acted as a piece of art, the judges wanted to see something bolder in this space for more impact. The artwork in the bedroom was widely liked.

Heading for the “less is more” vibe, it appears they may have headed too far and left it feeling too spacious and unfinished, rather than showing a high end grand look.

The study area, with white laminate on the desk and shelving, left the judges somewhat divided. They all considered it functional, but debated whether it didn’t seem particularly contemporary.

Other than the artwork, the rest of the bedroom was also said to leave them cold. While they had left a blank canvas for prospective buyers, they suggested that perhaps it had been left a little too blank.

Instead, the ceiling feature that was one of the room’s selling points should have been shown off with a nice light feature, rather than bringing everything to floor level.

Overall, the judges felt the flesh on the bones was missing and could do with some revisiting before showing it to buyers down the track, although noted it was all easily fixable.

• Shannon and Simon

Structural issues left Shannon and Simon appearing worse off earlier in the piece, with the beams and ceiling being obstacles. Late deliveries also plagued them when it came to cabinetry.

However, they shone to the judges with their skylight. Unlike Karstan and Max they had managed to lift their eyes to the roof to see something special, and they considered it a very clever choice adding some wow factor in the stairwell.

The sizing felt cosy but not claustrophobic. They separated off a space that was functional, but had style.

The guest bedroom include a burnt orange velvet through, a risky choice that the judges actually liked – even paired with the leopard print towels.

Small decisions added up into a successful run with the judges with attention to detail being noted – for instance, the recess for the curtains and other smaller architectural decisions.

The judges noted that the storage amount was perfect, simple and discreet.

• Darren and Dee

With an extra $5,000 to work with, big things were expected from Darren and Dee and they didn’t disappoint.

Dee regularly discussed how much she wanted “drama” in the room. At first, this sounded worrying, however her decisions worked out well as she looked to move the eyes away from a room with no exceptional features and, in her words, “just weird shaped”.

A smart decision led the couple to using parquetry floors throughout the apartment, which were much admired by the judges.

They had a smaller space than the other couples for the study, however they managed to provide a high-end look and a space that was still usable, which the judges were happy with.

There was plenty of impact, however it still managed to remain pulled back.

In the bedroom, a canopy bed and some clever styling was said to be attractive and would likely bring in buyers from the expensive neighbouring suburbs.

Unfortunately, the slider door track and gap were still visible and should have been hidden in the bulkhead with the small finishes needing some work. Darren and Dee noted that they had ordered some.

Overall, it was said that they’d easily entice buyers to feel like this could be their home and that they were set to deliver for a good auction.

Five lessons for every renovator from the Block on the next page. Please click below.

Here are the five lessons for every renovator to takeaway from this episode of The Block

• Functional and stylish – don’t forget both elements

There’s no point making something beautiful if it can’t be used in the way intended. Renovators should consider how a room is used as well as how it looks.

Storage, access and use are just as crucial as giving something a contemporary, high end and luxury look.

• Be firm with your suppliers

Many couples were faced great difficulty trying to get the cabinetry from their suppliers, leaving some installing it 45 minutes before completion time.

Some strict words did assist with speeding up the process. It’s crucial to let your suppliers know your expectations. Leave plenty of time as a buffer for any delays.

• Budget

While this time round the majority of the couples did well with their budgeting, Carline managed to max out their credit card earlier on in the piece by overspending on pricey fabric and making other extravagant purchases.

Budget ahead of time, know where the bang for your buck items are. Think smartly about your spending choices. Some DIY furniture saved Michael and Carline in the end, using timber that was on site, however it could have worked out far worse.

• Find a focal point

The couples that did the best knew to focus on a “wow” factor, and focus the room around that point. Those that missed out dressed either all of their room too much (such as Chris and Jenna with too many plants) or not enough.

Think of the point of difference – a clever skylight, or a canopy bed – and enhance this with your styling.

• Teamwork

Communication and strong team work are crucial when you’re suffering from lack of sleep, structural issues and a short time period. Many couples were unable to make decisions between them, or to trust each other to make choices. It’s crucial to stay in touch, to know whose is responsible for which task and to choose who will do what.

A level headed approach also helps, with Shannon and Simon having a couple of issues with trusting each other but in the end managing to keep positive and good humoured despite all the problems.