WEEK 1:

BATHROOM

House 2's bathroom leans into curves and tranquility, so Darren’s first impression that it feels “soft” and “calming” is a strong start. But the rest of the feedback doesn’t follow suit. The judges urge Han and Can to let the home’s exterior guide their future design choices, with Shaynna hoping this week’s critique encourages them to embrace Daylesford and what makes House 2 unique. Shaynna also feels the vanity is far too high, while Marty dislikes the industrial-style shower screen. The curved skylight makes the space feel smaller, and the curved door feels out of place. On top of that, the styling misses the mark. “What I’ve seen of the market is sultry, moody, textured, and quirky — but still chic and refined,” Darren says. “Unfortunately, I don’t believe this is what the Daylesford market will respond to aesthetically.”

Featured Products

Wall Tile: Fire Fingers Sage Gloss Mosaic Tile

Floor & Wall Tile: Fortress Travertine Milk Silk Tile

Undertile heating: Hotwire UnderTile 9-10.7m2 1500W inc Thermostat

WEEK 3:

MASTER ENSUITE

Han and Can delivered a dramatic ensuite centred on an orange resin bath that wowed Marty and divided opinion. Darren described it as “a punch in the face with a velvet glove,” admiring the planning and details, while Shaynna called the resin risky but successful. Aside from minor gripes about wall panelling colour and towel placement, the judges agreed the duo had finally found their direction and nailed it.

Featured Products

Floor & Wall (Checker Board) Tile: Pompeii Travertine Avorio Microtec Textured Tile

Floor & Wall (Checker Board) Tile: Pompeii Travertine Crema Microtec Textured Tile

Wall Behind Vanity: Pompeii Travertine Brick Avorio Silk Tumbled Edge Mosaic Tile

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

WEEK 6:

HEPBURN BATHHOUSE CHALLENGE

Han and Can’s Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa shocked the judges for all the wrong reasons, with Neale calling it “a crime scene” for its overwhelming mix of clashing elements. Instead of delivering the calm, tranquil feel expected in a spa, the space felt chaotic and disjointed. The one saving grace was the marble tiles, which Neale admitted could have been the foundation for a beautiful design if the rest of the room had been stripped back. Ultimately, the tiles stood out as the only redeeming feature in an otherwise overdone space.

Featured Products

Wall Tile: Medley-Note Viola Calacatta Silk Tile

Floor Tiles:

Tuscano Cotto Structured Textured Tile

Tuscano Sand Structured Textured Tile

Tuscano Taupe Structured Textured Tile

WEEK 8:

GUEST SUITE

Han and Can’s guest suite may have been incomplete and missing a kitchenette, but their bold design choices and ensuite execution still earned plenty of praise. The judges admired the “punchy and bold” colour scheme, the sophisticated styling, and especially the ensuite, which Darren called “very current” and full of smart design potential. Even with the unfinished details, their tilework helped ground the space and deliver a polished, modern feel — a reminder of how the right tile selection can elevate a room’s sophistication, even when other elements are still a work in progress.

Featured Products

Floor & Wall Checker Board Tiles:

Pompeii Travertine Crema Microtec Textured Tile

Pompeii Travertine Avorio Microtec Textured Tile

Featured Wall Tile: Akari Fingers Embossed Tile (Pack of 10)

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

WEEK 9:

LAUNDRY, MUD ROOM, PANTRY & WC

Han and Can’s back-of-house reveal struck a strong balance between function and flair, with Marty impressed by their smart use of the pantry and laundry space, and Darren agreeing it felt like a seamless visual and practical connection to the kitchen. The judges praised the clear delineation between pantry and laundry, the outside access from the laundry, and the thoughtful inclusion of a seat and hanging space in the mud room. Shaynna especially loved the powder room’s basin, wallpaper, and lighting, although she admitted the floor tiles clashed with the overall look and were less successful. Still, the garage brought everything home with showroom-level drama, delivering both amenity and aesthetic beauty. “This could be the dark horse,” Marty declared, imagining Han and Can roaring into Auction Day with serious momentum.

Featured Products

Floor & Wall Checker Board Tiles:

Tuscano Shell Structured Textured Tile

Tuscano Sand Structured Textured Tile

Wall Tile: Tuscano Shell Structured Textured Tile

WC Floor Tile: Living Terracotta Textured

WC Wall Tile: Artisan Textured Tile | Poco Brick 200x200

WEEK 10:

ALFRESCO

Han and Can delivered a bold alfresco and shed with their signature flair, brought to life by the Penta Vanguard Java Glass Structured Mosaic from Beaumont Tiles. This eco-friendly glass tile captures the beauty of natural stone with a luminous, modern finish, perfect for creating a serene outdoor retreat. Their Japanese-inspired garden wowed Shaynna as “elegant and classy,” while Marty felt it came at the expense of functionality. The stylish artist’s studio and greenhouse showcased creativity, even if the space leaned more aesthetic than practical. A week that proved beauty and bold design can still make waves.

Featured Products

Wall Tiles: Penta Vanguard Java Glass Structured Mosaic

WEEK 11:

BACKYARD & POOL

Han and Can’s backyard brought a touch of Japan to Daylesford with a Zen-inspired garden that balanced structure and serenity. While the judges were divided at first, everyone agreed the design will mature beautifully as the landscaping settles. Their Penta Vanguard Nusa and Penta Vanguard Java Glass Structured Mosaic pool tiles from Beaumont Tiles created a striking checkerboard effect, adding a modern contrast to the earthy tones of the Pompeii Travertine Avorio Microtec tiles and Pompeii Travertine Crema Structured Pavers. The result? A tranquil outdoor retreat that blends Japanese minimalism with natural textures — proving Han and Can’s signature calm style still shines through, even after a tough week.

Featured Products

Pool Tiles:

Penta Vanguard Java Glass Structured Mosaic

Penta Vanguard Nusa Glass Structured Mosaic

Pompeii Travertine Crema Structured Textured 20mm Paver

Cabana Tile: 

Pompeii Travertine Avorio Microtec 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.