Photography: The Block/Channel 9/9 Now
It was refreshing to see The Block 2025 teams inject a little personality into their week-three main ensuites. Han and Can’s see-through amber resin ‘party bath’ was a novelty choice, while Alicia and Sonny’s olive green concrete tub offered a similarly individual touch.
The question is: Were the results awkward eyesores or thoughtful choices that supported an overarching design vision? Here’s what the judges had to say – and what to consider if you’re thinking of trying something similar.
In case you missed it…
What The Block teams got wrong about kids’ rooms
7 standout trends from The Block’s first bathroom reveals
Everything we know about The Block 2025 (so far)
5 fun facts you didn’t know about The Block 2025 teams
The amber resin bath: Retro meets country
Han and Can’s amber resin bath and matching basins were certainly bold. The seventies-style hue tapped into retro trends making a comeback in 2025 – from sunken lounges to glass blocks and kidney-shaped pools. Yet, paired with peach VJ panelling and an otherwise elegant aesthetic, we’re not sure they all sing in harmony.
“That looks like something that would go on the table for the salad.”
Scott Cam
Perhaps not the most natural fit for a country setting, but undeniably a conversation starter. “Look at this bath,” said Marty Fox. “That is marketable. I’d like to see [my wife] Charlotte in that bath tub.”
Darren Palmer was transfixed: “That is drama, that is some theatre, that is some entertainment for your trip away.”
Design note
When incorporating a strong seventies piece like an amber resin tub, treat it as the room’s focal point, then build a supporting cast of materials and colours around it so it feels deliberate rather than jarring.
- Pair with warm, natural finishes – think walnut or oak timber, brushed brass and cream-toned stone to echo the warmth of the amber.
- Keep surrounding colours restrained – neutral or earthy tones let the tub shine without competing.
- Introduce subtle retro nods – perhaps fluted glass, rounded mirrors, or softly curved joinery so the tub feels part of a considered seventies-inspired story.
- Balance with timeless elements – classic tiling, quality tapware and understated lighting to keep the look from feeling like a theme room.
The green concrete bath: Contemporary calm
Alicia and Sonny went with a custom-poured olive concrete Nood Co bath and matching basins. “That is absolute heaven,” said Shaynna Blaze.
The hue offered a point of difference without alienating buyers, while the texture and tone harmonised with the home’s architecture and Daylesford setting.
“I’m loving the fact you can see all the ripples in the concrete and it’s smooth on the inside.”
Shaynna Blaze
Design note
Coloured baths work best when they complement the home’s style and the surrounding environment. Focus on creating a space that highlights the tub’s natural texture and colour.
- Complement with soft, organic materials – think timber accents, woven textiles and stone surfaces that enhance the earthy olive tone.
- Use a muted, harmonious colour palette – gentle greens, warm neutrals, and off-whites keep the vibe calm and cohesive.
- Incorporate natural light and greenery – plants and plenty of daylight amplify the bath’s connection to nature.
- Balance texture and simplicity – pair the concrete’s rawness with smooth finishes and minimalist fixtures for a sophisticated, spa-like feel.
Which approach wins?
Whether your preference leans towards the theatrical amber resin or the understated olive concrete (or none of the above), it seems bold choices are being rewarded this season. The scores saw Han and Can take out the win, with the help of a bonus point. What do you think – was it a winning ensuite in your opinion?
The Block 2025 main ensuite reveals
Week three reveals, verdicts and scores from the judges.
House 1: Emma and Ben
Emma and Ben’s main ensuite impressed the judges with its bold yet sophisticated design. The curved wall and rich maroon kit kat tiles stood out as the bathroom’s showpiece, complemented by the striking maroon Grafico wallpaper. Marty praised the colour: “That’s beautiful,” while Darren called it mid-century western and said, “I really love it.” Shaynna described the space as “absolutely heaven” and “magical,” noting how it “embraces the boldness of Daylesford.”
The judges admired the considered detailing and flawless construction, with Marty saying, “There are no blemishes.” Practical touches like horizontal towel rails and natural light scored high marks too. Shaynna singled out the tapware as a highlight, calling it “possibly my favourite tapware this year.”
Marty highlighted the spacious shower and double vanity as ideal for buyers. Shaynna summed it up: “They are my number one right now.” The only critique was a missing downlight over the mirrors.
Score: 28/20
House 2: Han & Can (winners)
Han and Can’s main ensuite made a bold statement with its amber resin bath and matching basins. Can described the design as centred on making the bathtub the hero of the space, calling it “a sanctuary.” Marty and Darren praised the drama and theatre it brought.
Shaynna acknowledged the risk involved, saying, “It is something that is very dangerous to try if you don’t execute it properly,” but praised their success. Marty noted the ensuite balanced boldness with calmness, calling it “a punch in the face with this beautiful calmness throughout,” which Darren clarified is “a punch in the face with a velvet glove”. Shaynna expressed pride in the team’s delivery after an unfinished first bathroom.
Darren felt the colour scheme, including the peachy salmon paint, was “very bright” and could be “toned down a notch”. Despite this, he commended the thoughtful planning around details, positioning, and functionality.
Score: 29/30 (Extra point from winning the gnome)
House 3: Britt and Taz
Britt and Taz aimed for a relaxing retreat with distinct zones. “I hope the judges notice the distinct wet and dry areas and the spa vibe we’re going for,” says Britt. Shaynna noted, “There’s a lot to take in here,” while Marty commented, “It certainly feels a lot smaller than the other two because they’ve got nibs on both sides. It’s two rooms.”
Darren appreciated the separation, saying, “This one does feel very definitively like two spaces… but I really like the massive vanity. It’s very peaceful and tranquil.” Shaynna observed, “That’s a lot of real estate for two showers,” while Marty pointed out the absence of a bath, adding, “That space is bigger than this space, and this is where you’re spending the majority of your time.”
Despite the layout, Marty was critical of the styling: “I feel like I’m sitting in an upmarket abattoir… It’s cold, it’s scary. It’s got a bad feeling in here.” Darren, however, praised its calmness: “I love it. All of this works really beautifully.” Shaynna felt the concept was strong but said, “It doesn’t feel high end. I love the concept, but it falls short.”
Score: 21.5/30
House 4: Alicia and Sonny
Alicia and Sonny’s main ensuite features a poured concrete Nood Co bath and matching basins in olive green, complemented by large slab tiles from Beaumont. Darren admired the look: “Ooh la la,” he said, while Shaynna called the bath “absolute heaven,” praising the visible ripples in the concrete and smooth interior. She added, “This is the best styling I’ve seen today.”
Thoughtful details like horizontal timber towel rails and hooks add an elegant, classy touch. However, Shaynna noted, “It’s the layout that completely lets them down,” and Marty agreed, saying that moving the door “has squashed everything into the corners”.
Despite the cramped layout, Marty called it “a really timeless bathroom that oozes luxury.” Though different from their first bathroom, the design still works cohesively with the overall home.
Score: 26.5/30
House 5: Robby and Mat
Robby and Mat’s main ensuite impressed with its sophisticated, hotel-inspired vibe. Darren was immediately taken by the grasscloth wallpaper, quipping, “You had me at grasscloth paper. Vinyl grasscloth paper, I presume.” Marty called the space “very international” and “chic”, praising the layout and luxurious feel.
While the bathroom ticks all the functional boxes, Shaynna felt it lacked personality, saying, “I don’t feel the bravery in here and I don’t feel the soul.” She also described the styling as “a bit cliché” and suggested it needs “less clutter and less cliché.”
Despite these critiques, Marty emphasised the strong buyer appeal: “Quiet luxury is something people gravitate to… It’s so saleable.” He noted a double shower would have made the ensuite perfect but acknowledged the overall design works well.
Score: 27¼/30
All The Block room reveal images were originally published by Channel 9/9Now on nine.com.au.
House 6: Home Beautiful house
While we can applaud the bravery of some of the teams, we didn’t include anything as daring as a party bath in our room this week. We’re going with a rustic-yet-refined Modern Farmhouse aesthetic and amber resin doesn’t quite align with the grand vision. For our crack at an ensuite, we took inspiration from a gorgeous country home in Byron Bay.
Our inspiration image
The owners of this bathroom are interior sylist Ali Griffiths and Michael from Beukers Building, and we especially love their bathroom’s terracotta floor tiles. We admit, we might be playing it a tad safer than some of the teams, but at least it’s not giving “upmarket abattoir”… or is it?! Let us know what you think.
Our mood board
Shop the products
- ‘Solene’ arched wall mirror, $299, Freedom
- Cabo terracotta tiles, $63.85 (per box), Perini
- Eco Terra 300mm square tiles, $106.38 (per box), Perini
- Mariza Galani ‘Esoteric’ wall sconce in Almond Brown, $910, Emporean
- ‘Freo’ customisable vanity, from $3677, Loughlin Furniture
- ‘Saboma’ 1700mm bath, $1399 (usually $1799), Early Settler
- ‘Elysian’ minimal mixer and spout set in Tumbled Aged Brass, $299.80, ABI Interiors
- 3 in 1 soap bar, $16, Madre Terra
- ‘Vivid’ basket, $99.95, Freedom
- Refillable spray and pump bottles, $27.50/set of 2, Madre Terra
- Robe in Spice, $169, Hommey
- ‘Eden’ round basin, $375, Loughlin Furniture
Room reveal
