WEEK 1:

BATHROOM

Shaynna is immediately impressed by the couple’s use of texture, noting it suits the Daylesford location perfectly — a great start! But Marty quickly dampens the mood, disappointed by the craftsmanship of their curved shower wall. Then comes a classic Block critique: Shaynna isn’t a fan of the vertical shower rails, saying, “I don't want to see this whole series, where we are talking again about a towel hanging over a hook.” Thankfully, Darren ends on a high, calling it a “cracker of a room” and praising Emma and Ben’s experience and ability to deliver. It’s a solid start from our reno veterans!

Featured Products

Wall Tile: Rebels Moss Structured Textured Tile

Floor & Wall Tile: Crossland Dune Textured Tile

Undertile heating: Hotwire UnderTile 12.6-14.2m2 2000W incThermostat

WEEK 3:

MASTER ENSUITE

Emma and Ben went bold with a maroon palette that Darren dubbed “mid-century western” and Marty called “rich, not tacky.” The judges praised their sophisticated tiles, flawless construction, and standout tapware, while Shaynna loved the horizontal towel rails and Emma’s DIY planter boxes. The only critiques were a missing downlight and some questionable bathrobe styling, but overall the room was labelled stunning and high-end Daylesford — putting them at the top of the pack.

Featured Products

Curved Wall Tile: Bedrock Rosso Marble Natural Product Tumbled

Floor Tile: Crossland Dune Textured Tile

Shower Wall: Home Kitkat Grape Emboss Gloss Tile

Undertile heating: Hotwire UnderTile 4.7-5.3m2 800W inc Thermostat

WEEK 6:

HEPBURN BATHHOUSE CHALLENGE

Emma and Ben’s Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa impressed with its warm, calming atmosphere, elevated by their clever tile choice. The tile’s golden fleck beautifully echoed the tones of the natural mineral water, adding subtle luxury without overwhelming the space. Paired with the striking stone slab beneath the bath, the tiles grounded the design and reinforced the spa-like serenity, creating a retreat that felt both sophisticated and restorative.

Featured Products

Wall Tile: Strato Slate Black Matt Tile

Floor Tile: Living Antracite Textured

WEEK 8:

GUEST SUITE

Emma and Ben’s guest suite was described as feeling like a boutique hotel, with its self-contained kitchenette, spacious amenities, and a jewel-like ensuite that wowed the judges. The ensuite in particular stood out, where their tile choices brought both beauty and practicality, elevating the space into a “little gem” that balanced form and function. While small details like misaligned shower glass and paintwork drew minor critiques, the way the tiles anchored the ensuite’s design ensured the suite felt cohesive, marketable, and almost perfect in the judges’ eyes.

Featured Products

Floor Tile: Crossland Dune Textured Tile

Wall Tile: Atmosphere Zellige Forest Green Gloss

Curved Wall: Bedrock Taj Green Marble Natural Product Tumbled

Undertile heating: Hotwire UnderTile 4.7-5.3m2 800W inc Thermostat

WEEK 9:

LAUNDRY, MUD ROOM & PANTRY

Emma and Ben’s back-of-house reveal had the judges intrigued, with Marty instantly impressed by their elevated washer and dryer, calling it something he’d replicate at home. Darren loved the chestnut cabinetry and how the floor tiles and splashback tied the space together, bringing cohesion to the palette. But Shaynna was left scratching her head at the layout, noting the coffee and tea being too far from the fridge and two sinks eating up prep space, calling it “almost unworkable.” The mood lifted in the powder room, where the basin, wallpaper and rich colour drenching created what Darren described as a “really lovely, cosy little space.” The mud room, however, disappointed with little luxury and no hanging space, while the garage’s vintage Daylesford lake wallpaper and classic car were the only highlights in what Marty felt was otherwise a big but underwhelming space, missing the storytelling needed to sell the dream.

Featured Products

Floor Tile: Strato Slate Black Matt Tile

Wall Tile: Home Kitkat Grape Emboss Gloss Tile

WEEK 11:

BACKYARD & POOL

Emma and Ben bounced back strong this week, transforming their backyard and cellar into a breathtaking retreat that left the judges seriously impressed. Their elevated deck opens onto beautifully landscaped grounds inspired by Daylesford’s rolling hills, featuring 80% native plants, an inviting fire pit, and a lush citrus garden. The pool area, framed by EcoStone Basalt Glass Structured Mosaic tiles from Beaumont Tiles, blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, while the Brazilian Slate Black Textured Tile and Bedrock Taj Green Marble Natural Tumbled Tile in the cabana and cellar add luxurious depth and character. From the pool to the sauna with its stunning view, every detail screams sophistication and smart real estate strategy. As Shaynna summed up perfectly — “the whole space is heaven.”

Featured Products

Pool Tile: EcoStone Basalt Glass Structured Mosaic

Cabana Tiles:

Bedrock Taj Green Marble Natural Product Tumbled

Brazilian Slate Black Textured Tile

WEEK 7:

MEZZANINE ENSUITE

Kristian and Mimi, who previously won with their first bathroom, faced challenges designing their second guest bathroom. Despite a $27,722 budget, they created a space that impressed Marty. Shaynna and Darren, however, disagreed with the timber panelling on the ceiling, finding it off-balancing and formulaic. While Marty appreciated the consistency and warmth the panelling brought to the room, Shaynna and Darren preferred a more unique and exciting design. Despite some critiques, the judges acknowledged the room's marketability and Kristian and Mimi's overall consistency in style.

WEEK 10:

GUEST BEDROOM & LAUNDRY

Kristian and Mimi finished their rooms this week, spending $34,160. Despite their efforts, the judges were critical. They found the door latch installed incorrectly and were disappointed that the room wasn't switched back to the rumpus as suggested. While Shaynna liked the room's look and feel, she considered the lack of an ensuite impractical. Marty labeled the house "a hard sell" due to these changes and choices. However, the judges appreciated the laundry, with Darren calling it "the laundry of the day."

WEEK 12:

BACKYARD

Kristian and Mimi, with the help of experienced Block landscaper Troy Lovett, transformed their large backyard into a stunning outdoor oasis. The judges were impressed by the beautiful pool area, the coastal elements, and the clever use of a boat as shelving. However, they were disappointed by the lack of a barbecue, considering it's backyard week on The Block. While the judges acknowledged the privacy of the space, they felt that the barbecue should have been placed in the backyard, as it's a quintessential Australian outdoor feature.

WEEK 13:

FRONT YARD

Kristian and Mimi finished their front yard and balcony. The judges liked the unique features, such as the boat driveway and palm tree privacy. The porch and balcony were praised, but improvements like a drop ceiling and fireplace were suggested. The smaller living and dining spaces were a challenge, but the retractable screens and pool view were positive. The barbecue was impressive but better suited downstairs. Overall, the judges recognized the effort and care in House 5, despite layout issues.