Nine
The first time Block contestants Steph and Gian presented a kids’ bedroom (think back to the room decider challenge in Week 0) it was pronounced a “fail” by judge Neale Whitaker. So you can only imagine how nervous they must have been to present not one, but two more kids’ rooms this week. But rather than throw their hands up in defeat, or lose their cool, this week’s room reveal winners studied the feedback, learned from their mistakes and agonised over every styling decision – to present two kids’ rooms that scored a perfect 30 out of 30 from the judges.
“Diamonds are made under pressure, and this is one shimmering diamond,” said Darren Palmer as he studied both rooms with fellow judges Shaynna Blaze and Marty Fox.
The trio were blown away by both of the rooms which managed to be a) highly appealing to the targeted demographic: kids, b) sophisticated and high-end in style and c) totally in step with the rest of the home’s serene Japandi aesthetic. But that wasn’t all Darren had to say. “This is probably the most sophisticated kids’ bedroom we’ve seen thus far. It is absolutely chic as … heck.”
Creating a kids’ bedroom or teen bedroom when the brief is ‘high-end luxury’ can be quite the challenge, but this week, Steph and Gian nailed it with flying colours. Here’s how you can recreate the look in your own home.
Shop Steph and Gian’s winning kids’ bedrooms
01
The Lorne hanging chair, The Block Shop
$599.95
Judge Shaynna Blaze loved the hanging rattan chair Steph and Gian included in their kids’ bedroom. She said the chair added that “little bit of sophistication in that beautiful, fun, elegant, childish manner.” The chair comes with sisal rope to hang the chair in your space at any height.
02
Picture ledge, The Block Shop
$140
This versatile little shelf will add style and warmth to a kids’ bedroom. Style it up with a trailing indoor plant and craft supplies or do as Steph and Gian have done by using it to display inspiring childrens’ books. Pairs perfectly with the butcher’s paper hanger.
03
Butcher’s paper hanger in brown, The Block Shop
$70
Jemmervale Designs’ butcher’s paper hanger is a great way to introduce crafting into a kids’ bedroom without interrupting a chic, neutral colour scheme. It is made from Tasmanian oak and high quality natural leather.
04
Chelsea velvet beanbag in olive green, The Block Shop
$499.95
Every kids’ room needs somewhere comfy for kids to plonk down and read a beloved book. This Chelsea bean bag serves the purpose perfectly, featuring a soft velvet cover and relaxed yet structured shape.
05
Onito tray with straight edges, Freedom
$19.97
Even Steph and Gian’s wardrobe styling was on point, with black catch-all trays from Freedom used in the shared kids’ bedroom. This tray is handmade from rattan and is super simple to clean with a damp microfibre cloth.
06
Little People BIG DREAMS books, Booktopia
$18.25
The Little People BIG DREAMS series of kids’ books is so good. These bite-sized stories are inspiring and are accompanied by beautiful illustrations you’ll be proud to display in your child’s room. We love: Maria Montessori, Zaha Hadid, Dolly Parton and the exact book we spotted in Steph and Gian’s room: Steve Jobs.
07
Boori ‘Thetis’ square table in truffle/barley, Baby Bunting
$299
Activity tables are a must-have for any kids’ room or play room. This table, in truffle and barley white, is sure to fit into the scheme of any child’s room, whether it be multi-coloured or completely neutral.
08
Magic mineral wool rug in blue, grey, gold and copper, The Block Shop
$999
Not sure about you, but I was obsessed with how cosy the floor rugs Steph and Gian chose for the bedrooms looked. This wool rug with tones of blue, grey, gold and copper tied all of the room’s colours together and insulates the floor against Melbourne’s chilly winters.
09
Vintage linen fringed cushion in tobacco, Aura Home
$69.95
Curves have been a huge theme on The Block this year, and it’s important to find accessories that match! Steph and Gian styled their kids’ room with a pair of round cushions which add softness, interest and effortless symmetry.
10
Olive French linen coverlet set, Temple & Webster
From $319
A good-quality coverlet can quickly transform the look and feel of any bedroom. This olive green option is incredibly soft and is perfect for adding extra warmth to a bed in winter, or using as a light bedspread in summer.
11
‘Thales’ boucle bed with curved headboard in cream white, Luxo Living
$359
Steph and Gian’s bedroom featured a curved bedhead from Forty Winks – but it isn’t available online. But that’s ok, because we found this incredible dupe in a luxe grey linen fabric for under $500 (Queen size)! Also available in single and king size.
12
‘Celine’ coverlet, Provincial Home Living
$249.95
Steph and Gian used the Celine coverlet in two different colours to create beds that were ‘same but different’, a touch Shaynna loved. Available in white and cloud and white and ink. Matching Euro and standard pillowcases available separately.
13
‘Serenity’ ribbed wide headboard, LoungeLovers
$899
By using a single headboard, Steph and Gian gave a shared kids’ bedroom an elevated, sleek look. You can recreate the look with this ribbed king headboard from LoungeLovers, which also happens to be available in grey and light grey.
14
The Bookseller’s Apprentice, Big W
$12
Books are magical to read, but they also have the ability to bring any room to life. A child or teen’s room is no different, and we love the metallic touch the cover of this book will bring to a space. As for the story – well that’s set in Melbourne in 1871 and is written by Amelia Mellor whose historical fiction is richly detailed and accurate.
15
‘Miffy’ sitting corduroy soft toy in white, The Iconic
$39.99
There were so many cute accessories included in Steph and Gian’s winning rooms that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. But one standout soft toy we spotted was this cute-as-a-buttin corduroy Miffy. Designed in The Netherlands and handcrafted from 100% polyester, this is a toy that adds both whimsy and style to a room.
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