The question to ask ourselves on The Block 2024 rumpus and office reveal is in fact why would a holiday home need a home office? I understand that some people may still need to do some work while they are away for a long weekend or a holiday, but you don't need a full service office as you would at home. It was therefore interesting to see how each of the contestants approached this. I must say that Ricky and Haydn's idea of making the office mezzanine space into a fun games room suits the holiday home vibe perfectly.
Always be careful when planning a home with a mezzanine space that you make the best use of it. Remember that there is no sound insulation for this room, so it is pointless adding a second television here which would only compete with other entertainment throughout the house.
As usual, I have all the rooms, the judges' comments and my own. I would love to hear your comments below too.
The Block 2024 Rumpus and Office
Equal First Place: Maddy and Charlotte 28 points
Walking upstairs the judges were quick to embrace the fact Maddy and Charlotte had done something no other Blockheads had thought of – adding a second private staircase entrance to their mezzanine space to effectively create a whole new private living (and marketable) area for guests. “Simply genius,” Marty said. “It's a game changer!” Darren agreed. And it connects to a well-planned and executed simple but stylish space, Shaynna pointed out, one that would appeal to a wide market. “The simple styling really works,” Shaynna said. “The artwork choices (including Holly McLennan-Brown’s stunning Reconnection) are excellent and really well paired with the rest of the colour palette of the room.” Add in two Block Shop rugs, the custom joinery plus a Block Shop sofa and chair and it was a space, they agreed, that could well be a turning point in the competition.
My thoughts on Maddy and Charlotte's rumpus and office
- I really like the earthy colour palette in this space. The green feature wall works really well with the artwork and the soft pinks and tans also lift the space well.
- The inclusion of a simple bench space to work at is perfect and is all that is required for a holiday home. It is nicely styled with a feature artwork and two chairs; simple and effective.
- I like the built in cabinetry which has been used throughout the house as this creates good cohesion.
- The chairs and sofas look comfy and there is lots of lovely texture in the space. I'm not a fan of floor mirrors though, they are very dangerous for young children and I just think make the room look unfinished.
Equal First Place: Ricky and Haydn Charlotte 28 points
From the huge Phillip Island racetrack Grafico mural offset by a beautiful Anna Blatman to the pool table, video games, huge television and comfy Hampton Tub chair from Block Shop, a couch that doubles as an extra bed and board games ready to go, the boys had clearly set out to create a space where younger holiday makers could get away by themselves… and the judges were loving it. “It's playful and fun and very Phillip Island,” Marty said, pointing out with that extra bed the house now sleeps 10 and could well return a higher yield for an investor. The shadow lines, skirting and James Hardie panelling from the rest of the home were here too, but for Marty it was all about the amenities Ricky and Haydn had included. “This is the Fun Factory!” he said and it could well be a home parents just had to buy for their kids.
My thoughts on Ricky and Haydn's rumpus and office
- There is lots to love about this quirky space delivered by Ricky and Haydn.
- I really like the rumpus room colour palette, interesting grafico wall design of the area and I love the seating. There is lots of it, which is paramount for a holiday home. I am particularly in love with the rug – it is perfect for the space. Some colour, texture and design, but all understated. With the green privacy curtain, the room looks really appealing and cosy.
- I love the idea of the games room on the mezzanine, I'm just not sure that there is enough space. Always remember that a pool or snooker table needs lots of space around it to hold the cue properly.
Third Place: Courtney and Grant 23.5 points
Walking into House two’s mezzanine office, the judges were once again impressed by the high level of finish and styling choices, but weren’t sure including a business centre – or was it a counselling centre, Marty wondered – was what a holiday home needed. The lounge area next door won them back however, with Shaynna impressed by the art choices including works by Michael Wolf, Anthony Pieters and Sharon Rhineheart and furniture including a striking green sofa from The Block Shop. A great retreat they agreed and one pulled off well, but possibly an area that could have been better used to add extra accommodation?
My thoughts on Courtney and Grant's rumpus and office
- As usual, I really like the spaces that Courtney and Grant deliver. Their colour palettes are excellent and I love the artwork in the office and on the landing.
- The furniture choice is excellent and I love the home office desk. I do agree however that this is out of place for a holiday home. This is a full service home office/consulting space which is inappropriate. A simple desk with lots more comfy seating, perhaps as a reading area, would have been preferable. Having said that, it has been executed perfectly.
- The rich green sofa is gorgeous. Don't be afraid to go bold with this piece of furniture. In a room that is otherwise relatively neutral, you can get away with this strong injection of colour.
Fourth Place: Kylie and Brad Charlotte 16 points
Confused by the freedom Lune leather sofa against a glass wall, a desk facing a blank wall, the layout and the styling that just didn’t gel for him, Marty wondered what had happened to the Kylie and Brad who presented such a beautiful living and dining room just a week before. Darren and Shaynna agreed, appreciating the The Block Shop side table, occasional chair, side table and dining chair, plus the Beryla display cabinet, but they joined Marty in confusion over why it had all been used to create a space that would comfortably seat two… it was all a bit of a wasted opportunity, the judges said and hopefully only a hiccup in the house 4 journey.
My thoughts on Kylie and Brad's rumpus and office
- This space really didn't work for me. There are some nice pieces in the room, but it is all a little bizarre. I have no idea why Kylie and Brad placed the sofa where they did as it is absolutely pointless and the addition of curtains in this mezzanine are quite superfluous and a complete waste of money.
- Again, there is just too much black in the space. It has been overused and dotted around the area. With a strong colour like this it is better to either go all out with it, use it as an accent or just introduce it in one part of the space.
- I really liked their living and dining room which came together well with their kitchen, but there is nothing cohesive about their rumpus and office space.
Fifth Place: Kristian and Mimi 12.5 points
Two spaces should have been delivered, but for Mimi and Kristian, one was all they could manage and for the judges, even that wasn’t up to the standard they’d come to expect. As a room to service the pool, it just didn’t work, as a separate chill-out area it fell short and as a rumpus room, the amenities just weren’t there. The Camerich Rubix coffee table was stunning, as were the two Rug Addiction rugs and Block Shop side table, but was it enough? The missing bedroom planned for the house 5 space could have made all the difference, the judges agreed, but judging what they could see, they decided nowhere near enough effort had been put in.
My thoughts on Kristian and Mimi's rumpus and office
- This is a lovely looking rumpus room, but it needs more seating options and although I like look of the sofa, it doesn't scream comfort to me.
- I love the colour palette, the rug is really appealing, as is the furniture, but I needed to see at least one more chair. An artwork or mirror would have been welcomed over the sideboard too.
- The artwork over the sofa is stunning. It is a shame that this just fell short, and of course that the office area wasn't really even started. I have loved a lot of Kristian and Mimi's work this season so hopefully we will see them catch up with this soon.
I hope you have enjoyed my overview of The Block 2024 rumpus and office reveal. I would love to hear your comments below.
You can find out more about The Block and the contestants at Channel 9. Did you know that many of the beautiful items used on the show can be purchased through The Block Shop?
All photography credits to David Cook Photography
You can see all the rooms and my thoughts on them from previous years of The Block here.
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