The Block 2023: Living and Dining Room Reveal

One of the most-used spaces in any home, the living and dining rooms are where families spend the majority of their time and need to be well-planned, well-executed and tie the whole home together … and across four houses at least, that’s just what The Blockheads delivered!

Only one room disappointed but for the others, with overlooking eateries, spacious luxury, funky game changing design and more it all meant the judges with one of the most difficult decisions so far. But who had what it takes to win?

Leah and Ash

First place

29 points 

If ever there was a space that stamped Leah and Ash’s intention of making a statement, it was their living and dining room.

“I am so glad I came back today!” said Neale as he celebrated his return to The Block with a visit to House Two’s brightly coloured, pop art inspired space starring a multicoloured armchair and Camerich neon pink cocktail.

“It’s definitely polarising,” he said, “but they’ve pulled it off!”. And it wasn’t just with styling, Darren said. By changing the original plans, adding a chandelier alongside downlights then removing nib walls they’d created more space and given the home a better flow from downstairs to up. 

Leah and Ash took out Living and Dining with this Art Deco inspired space.

Check out the products used in this room over at The Block Shop, that bar cart from Cammerich is a vibe!

“I am so glad I came back today!” said Neale as he celebrated his return to The Block with a visit to House Two’s brightly coloured, pop art inspired space starring a multicoloured armchair and Camerich neon pink cocktail. Shop the room here

Leah and Ash are cashed up after two consecutive wins and their challenge win at Metal Art this week.

Eliza and Liberty

Second place

27 points 

The one thing that screams luxury in a home, the judges agreed, is space.

And Eliza and Liberty’s huge living dining area certainly delivered that. “This floorplan is the gift of all gifts,” Darren declared, “and you haven’t messed it up!”

Looking out over what will be their backyard and with a central free-standing fireplace, the space is punctuated by a huge couch, Rosenberg art and a Camerich sculpture plus a porta timber feature wall with a generous inset television.

It's a sophisticated space, they all agreed, that’s going to work very well against the kitchen to come.

"The one thing that screams luxury in a home, the judges agreed, is space." And the girls had plenty of it, what an amazing effort to have this space completed in one week!

The judges said these dining chairs may just be the best they have EVER seen on The Block, we agree! available on The Block Shop.

"It's a sophisticated space, they all agreed, that’s going to work very well against the kitchen to come." the judges said.

This room was all in the detail, so many amazing products from the girls, check them all out here.

Kristy and Brett

Equal third place

25.5 points 

From the three-sided Stoke fireplace with polished plaster hearth to the adjacent textured wall, this was, Darren declared, a room to die for.

Just one of two living spaces planned for down stairs, it was, Neale added, just perfect for servicing what will be a pool area outside the Aluplast windows.

The lighting plan left Shaynna flat, suggesting the downlights could have either been pushed the room’s edges or made more central.

But even with that, there was a warmth and depth to the colour palette that made it a room: “with a lot to love!”

Just one of two living spaces planned for down stairs, it was, Neale added, "just perfect for servicing what will be a pool area outside the Aluplast windows."

The standout for me in this room is the fireplace from Stoke Fireplace Studio, it is just divine! Pour me a cup of tea (or wine) and I'll be next to the fire if you need me!

"There was a warmth and depth to the colour palette that made it a room: “with a lot to love!” said Shaynna.

Steph and Gian

Equal third place

25.5 points 

With an elevated dining room overlooking the sprawling living room, Steph and Gian had hoped to showcase their Japandi aesthetic, but instead, all Neale could do was question the reason behind its placement.

“Does it improve the flow of the house,” Neale asked, “maybe not.

And then there was the styling, he added, with so many ceramics in one place: “It feels like a retail space!”. They were won back by the execution and the adjacent living room with its wrap-around Aluplast glazing looking out onto the back yard, with Neale happily settling into the wingback chair to take it all in.

With an elevated dining room overlooking the sprawling living room, Steph and Gian had hoped to showcase their Japandi aesthetic, but instead, all Neale could do was question the reason behind its placement.

For a room that come equal third there is ALOT to love about this room, as with most things Steph does it has muted tones but it really works.

Another amazing use of the fireplace positioning, supplying warmth to the dining room and living area, connecting the two spaces with warmth and a beautiful ambience.

Steph sourced these two beautiful artworks from Block Shop artist Jackie Green and we LOVE them in this space.

Kyle and Leslie

Fifth place

20 points

Light, bright and welcoming, the judges felt an immediate warmth from Kyle and Leslie’s living and dining space, but it was, Neale quickly pointed out, too constricted.

Tiny, in fact. With its hero Christian Cole dining table dominating almost the entire dining space and the living area taken up by a small lounge aimed at the television leaving no room for anything else, this was not a room the house deserved.

Keep the colour palette and the curves, they urged, but “it’s a beautifully styled and built disaster” Neale summed up and something that needed a rethink.

Kyle and Leslie had the smallest space on The Block this week which really let them down. We think the space is beautiful none the less.

Read the story behind Leslie and Kyle's stunning art choice here as we shine the spotlight on artist Adoni Astrinakis.

Can we take a moment for all of the beautiful products, but that Christian Cole table..... OH-LA-LA!

Take a look back through all of The Block rooms from 2023 here.

What's your design style? are you team Japandi like Steph or team Art Deco like Leah? Find out here