Australia’s consistently top rating renovation show, The Block is in finale week, and what a season it’s been. Some would say it’s the best group of contestants and truly inspiring renovations have fired up the judges with anticipation for the auction results.
To prepare you for tonight’s finale, Rescu. spoke exclusively with interior designer and star judge on The Block, Darren Palmer about his thoughts and highlights on this year’s contestants.
Ben and Andy
Total score: 207.50
image via 9now
Darren Palmer: What Ben and Andy have on the block is what no one else can replicate – and I’m not talking about their sense of humour. On a marketing brochure Ben and Andy have captured a market further to that of their competitors, the market of home owners looking for a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom apartment. The advantages in the floor plan make up for what the apartment lacks in style and finish as the use of the expansive square meterage is arguably the best in this apartment.
image via 9now
Chris and Kim
Total score: 214.50
Darren Palmer: Kim and Chris have the best terrace and the best master bedroom in the entire building. When you’re not sleeping you’ll be living outdoors, at least for the warmer months of the year, which makes this apartment very desirable. There are a few design notes that are off key in this apartment due to the confusion of judgement and taking on the advice provided for other contestants as their own, however the apartment as a whole is vast, has a great view and boasts 2 winning rooms.
image via 9now
Dan and Carleen
Total score: 206.50
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Darren Palmer: Dan and Carleen have had a veritable rollercoaster in terms of their results on the block. When they’re good they’re phenomenal, when they miss a beat they miss it badly. It’s important to focus on the positives in Dan and Carlene’s apartment, the kitchen is a master piece, the main bathroom is unique and on trend and the lounge/dining space all comes together to create a beautiful entertainers apartment.
image via 9now
Julia and Sasha
Total score: 228.50
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Darren Palmer: Julia and Sasha have one of the favourites of the block, feeling serene, expensive and broad which is just about everything that most of the market responds to when searching for new digs. The panelling on the walls and kitchen cabinets has a heritage feel to it, whilst not being deco but still feeling like it has respected the age of the building itself. With broad market appeal and the best view on the block this apartment will be a contender for winning the block, though their high reserve may change the odds in favour of the less expensive homes on sale.
Will and Karlie
Total score: 236.50
image via 9now
Darren Palmer: Will and Karlie have been the little train that could, just keep chugging along consistently week after week delivering good room after better leaving themselves with the only apartment that has an outdoor terrace AND backyard as well as one of the most consistent apartments in terms of style, design, inclusion and finish.
image via 9now
Watch below exclusive interview with Darren Palmer. His new book Homespace is available now on Murdoch Books.
Read Darren Palmer’s exclusive interviews with RESCU:
Darren Palmer Reveals His Beach Bag Essentials
Interview With Block Glasshouse Judge Darren Palmer
Darren Palmer on Block Fans vs Favourites and Interior Design
Darren Palmer on Decorating Jennifer Hawkins’ Home
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