Week after week The Block captures the attention of millions of viewers and is now part of Australian popular culture, particularly amongst those with an interest in interior decoration and design.
Here’s our take on the five key interior decorating trends from The Block Glasshouse so far:
1. GREY
Talk about 50 shades of grey! So far this series we’ve seen grey in at least one room every week. Grey bedrooms, grey bathrooms, grey studies, grey hallways – it’s a popular choice. And rightly so – grey is essentially a neutral colour and works beautifully when paired with it’s best friends black, white and timber. But grey also looks awesome with a pop of colour, something we haven’t seen much of so far this season.
Max and Karstan’s hallway
Chris and Jenna’s bathroom
Dee and Darren’s bedroom
When it comes to grey – add a bright pop of colour to really make it the ideal backdrop. And for the perfect grey paint, look no further than Dulux Timeless Grey.
2. HERRINGBONE
Taking over from the brick laying pattern that’s been so popular with tiling over the last few years is herringbone. Used beautifully by Michael and Carlene in their main bathroom and by Dee and Darren on their study floor, it oozes style and can make even the simplest of materials look special.
Michael and Carlene’s bathroom
Dee and Darren’s study
Keep it modern by using it in just one area of your room and paring everything else back so that it can shine.
3. DARK CABINETRY
Perhaps inspired by the semi-industrial style of this year’s building, the use of dark colours for wardrobes and walk ins has been a popular choice on The Block Glasshouse. A simple switch from white to black can make even the most utilitarian space go from good to great – but lighting in the wardrobe becomes essential when going to the dark side.
Max and Karstan’s walk in robe
Simon and Shannon’s bedroom
4. FEATURE ARTWORK
The Block has propelled a number of artists to fame over the last couple of seasons including Dan & Dani’s work with Andrew O’Brien, Matt & Kim with MYNE by Prudence Caroline and Brad and Dale with Megan Weston.
Artwork has featured strongly again this season. Michael & Carlene have used a number of outstanding pieces by Belynda Henry and Max & Karstan engaged eccentric character Thierry for a number of works.
Michael and Carlene’s bedroom
Max and Karstan’s bedroom
Perhaps the most unique idea though came from Chris and Jenna, who in week one engaged photographer Tom Blachford to shoot the rawness of the unfinished building to create beautiful abstract images that would show potential buyers the heritage of the building. Unfortunately, they only seem to have used this approach in their first room and haven’t carried the idea through to subsequent weeks, a real shame as it would have given them a unique and very distinctive selling point come auction day.
Chris and Jenna’s bedroom
5. PLANTS
In a previous season of The Block, judge Darren Palmer offered contestants some advice – use something living in a room.
This season’s contestants have certainly taken that on board – a week hasn’t gone by without a plant of some description in every room. From cute little succulents and a giant cactus through to the whole garden centre featured in Chris and Jenna’s guest bedroom, it seems Darren’s words of wisdom have certainly stuck.
Simon and Shannon’s bedroom
Michael and Carlene’s bedroom
Dee and Darren’s bedroom
One thing we’re yet to see is a Fiddle Leaf Fig – possibly the biggest indoor plant trend of the last year.
A Fiddle Leaf Fig. Image via thedesignfiles.net
BONUS TREND – PANELLING
Hold the press! We’ve got a late entry for our top five trends from The Block – panelling. Used to great effect by Dee & Darren in all of their rooms so far, they’ve created a modern twist on a traditional decorative feature and it’s become their signature.
Dee and Darren’s bathroom
Dee and Darren’s bedroom
Despite being a hard material it actually adds a softness to their rooms by breaking up an otherwise solid wall. Keeping it simple in white and grey and adding luxurious decoration around it, this could become a popular idea by DIY decorators around Australia.
Catch up on The Block Glasshouse Sundays at 6.30pm and weeknights at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.