Three’s The Block NZ recap: seriously impressive kitchens

13 Sep 2018

Last Sunday on The Block NZ, all of the teams impressed the judges with their striking and colourful kitchen creations. The kitchens and adjoining dining and living areas were warm and inviting. The teams took calculated risks, which really paid off.  

Ben & Tom (winner)

House 2

The judges first impression was that they freakin’ loved this room. They felt it was the best room this team has done on The Block NZ by far. They commented that it feels like a lovely contemporary space with some serious wow factor. It was a massive call to take out the butler’s pantry but the team has managed to resolve it by putting in loads of storage and still have a wide open space. The judges said it was a well-laid out and functional kitchen.

The wooden detail on the ceiling and the wall in the sitting area looked fantastic. It really warmed up the space and gave the area some real interest.

Judge Jason Bonham liked the wooden shelves in the kitchen, saying they helped break-up the black cabinetry and were nicely styled. Fellow judge Kristina Rapley was pleasantly surprised to see some blush pink accessories.

The choice of the concrete benchtop complemented the black cabinetry really well and the size of it gave the space some real grandeur. They loved the feature lighting.

Kristina liked the seating area, with timber slats, Resene Sea Fog walls and a Resene Bokara Grey recess. The furniture choice was lovely, especially the colour.

Overall, the judges felt it was a fantastic space to be in and the team should be proud. This room ties the whole house together.

Claire & Agni

House 1

The judges’ first impression was that a nice visual connection was made between the kitchen, dining and living areas through the use of colour. The burnt yellow, Resene Good As Gold really complemented the green wall colour in the living room and helped define the white kitchen.

The kitchen layout was very practical and the size of the butler’s pantry was fantastic; it will be a big plus for potential buyers. The metal recesses with the herbs and the chopping boards were a nice idea.

The judges were pleased to see a lot of storage - always a huge plus in a kitchen. Kristina was really impressed with the styling this week, and she loved the art. Overall, the space was a good, functional and practical area with tons of storage.

Chlo & Em

House 3

The judges first impression was that this was a great allocation of space and a lovely use of colour. The terracotta Resene Santa Fe was a brave and unexpected choice and the team pulled it off. It warmed the space and complemented the living space well. It was a good choice to carry the white from the living room through into the kitchen to tie the spaces together.

The dining table set-up was great and the judges thought the round table and leather chairs were perfectly positioned.

They liked the choice of the Caesarstone benchtop; its simple and clean look would be a hit with potential buyers as would the large sink and black tapware.

Jason thought it was a nice touch to paint the doors of the storage cupboard as it helped blend them into the room. Kristina thought the whole space was well accessorised and loved the choice of art. The styling gave the space a nice earthy vibe.

Overall, there is a lovely continuity to this level of the house and a high standard of finishing

Amy & Stu

House 4

The judges first impression was that this was a beautiful use of colour and proportion, and a  warm and inviting space. The colour of the wall in the dining area, Resene Manuka Honey, was superb. It complemented the gorgeous yellow tiles on the kitchen splashback beautifully as well as the lovely stone benchtop. This team really know how to use colours well; the judges were seriously impressed.

They liked the choice of cabinetry and were blown away by the wrap-around shelves on the kitchen island; it was a very clever design choice. They were also impressed with the butler’s pantry which is a very practical addition to a kitchen and was beautifully accessorised.

The seating area was well-thought out and will be a lovely chill-out spot. The judges liked the fact that the team thought about it being a kids area by putting a few toys in the storage cupboard.

Overall, the judges were totally impressed, saying the team surprised them once again. The execution was fantastic and the styling was impeccable.

Catch the The Block NZ on Three every Sunday at 7pm, and Mon-Wed 7.30pm, or watch On Demand here.

Published: 13 Sep 2018