The block is over | Girls vs Boys

August 15, 2016

The Block NZ is a wrap for another season. There was much excitement in our household last night as we watched the live auction. Before I get to that though, let's have a quick look at the very last room reveal for the season. Just when the teams thought they had finished renovating, Mark announced one last challenge - House 5. The house was divided up and spaces were allocated to the teams. As the winners, Sam and Emmett had the enviable task of choosing the auction order.

Sam and Emmett - Bedroom + Ensuite: 1st place - 18.5 points (9.5 points from Fiona and 9 points from Paul)

The judges obviously loved the boy's master bedroom and ensuite. It was certainly a far cry from their very first bedroom in week 1. There was a subtle sophistication with a slight masculine edge.

Niki and Tiff - Kitchen, Dining + Guest Bedroom: 2nd place - 16.5 points (8.5 points from Fiona and 8 points from Paul)

I really liked seeing the girls present a different style to their Block house. The kitchen and dining had a modern retro feel. I love the black subways laid vertically, and the chairs were cool, albeit the table a bit too small for the space.

The guest bedroom was beautiful and very feminine. Those pendant lights are gorgeous, and the colour palette is simple and pretty, inspired by the artwork.

Dyls and Dylz - Main Bathroom, Garage + Laundry: 3rd place - 15.5 points (7.5 points from Fiona and 8 points from Paul)

I don't understand why D+D decided to copy N+T's tribal style in this bathroom. It was similar to the girls' style but not as good (in my opinion).

Their garage and laundry was similar to their own Block house, so it was good, but a bit lazy from a design aspect, I thought. This house was a chance to embrace a different look.

Emma and Courtney - Living Room, Entrance + Stairs: last place - 15 points (7 points from Fiona and 8 points from Paul)

I loved seeing some colour in the girls' living room. The blue of the sofa is gorgeous and works really well with the tan leather chair.

I recognise that console table in the entrance from E+C's Block house, so, once again, it was a shame they didn't try something new. The fact that the teams managed to complete this house in one week though is pretty incredible.

Choosing to have their Block house auctioned last, well and truly paid off for Sam and Emmett. Their profit of $380,000 over the reserve price (the largest profit in The Block NZ history) crowned them the winners of The Block Girls vs Boys. As the winners they received an extra $100,000 bringing their total to $480,000 - amazing!

Emma and Courtney came second with an impressive $300,000 over reserve to split between themselves. Dyls and Dylz gained $151,000 over reserve, and also walked away with a brand new Honda HR-V Sport for being voted The People's Choice. Although last, Niki and Tiff still won $150,000 from the sale of their house, so a hugely successful way to finish this season. Catch up on all The Block news and many more photos on the TV3 website, where they're already looking for 2017 Block applicants - will it be you?

The Block Outdoor Areas | Girls vs Boys

August 8, 2016

Last night saw the final room reveal on The Block Girls vs Boys - can you believe it's finished already?! It looks like something else might get thrown at the teams in tonight's episode, as it didn't feel like Mark was quite finished with them, but essentially their houses are finished and nearly ready for auction. Niki and Tiff finished on a high and in spectacular style with a win for their outdoor area.

Niki and Tiff: 1st place - 17 points (9 from Fiona and 9 from Paul and a -1 from D+D)

The girls gamble to spend big bucks ($20 odd grand I think) on their built-in outdoor fireplace really paid off. It looks amazing!!! I want one, complete with marble tiles, although I'd quite like a pizza oven in the mix too. The white with touches of black is totally in keeping with their indoors, and a touch of blue in the cushions links back to their laundry tiles.

The rainwater tank with vertical vege garden is really cool, and kids and animals will love the pocket of grass. The only thing I didn't like was the choice and the placement of the outdoor furniture. It is so impractical and will not stand up to the elements, and impossible to mow around. I think it would've made more sense to put the table and chairs on the tiled area. It's all very well making a space look pretty, but if it's not functional it's just a waste.

But, back to the built-in fire and bench seat... it's amazing, and Niki and Tiff absolutely deserve this win.

Dyls and Dylz: 2nd place - 16.5 points (8.5 from Fiona and 8 from Paul)

Sam and Emmett had the "-1" to play, but realised after the judge's comments that it wouldn't be enough to help them this week. Rather than not play it at all, Big Dyls offered them $1,000 for it. It was a gamble that didn't quite pay off as D+D were still half a point behind. Theirs was definitely my second favourite space, I really like the indoor/outdoor flow and the Louvretec roof that can be open or closed.

It was a shame the boys couldn't use their building skills to build in their BBQ, it would've looked a lot smarter. But I know they were flat out doing other jobs, and I do love the curved wooden walkway they built. I guess there is only so much they can achieve in the time frame.

Junior did a great job around the side of the house, I love the little river stone walkway and the boxed herb garden.

Emma and Courtney: 3rd place - 13 points (6 from Fiona and 7 from Paul)

The girls have some nice elements in their space like the slatted wall and the retractable awning, but there was nothing that really 'wowed' me.

The glass balustrade doesn't allow a lot of privacy, and I wonder if repeating the wooden slatted wall and carrying it up a bit higher might've helped with this. I like the frame behind the table, it will look lovely once the plants become more established and start covering it.

Sam and Emmett: last place - 12 points (6 from Fiona and 6 from Paul)

It was another tough week for the boys with sooo much to finish off inside and out. Unfortunately I found their outdoor space a bit busy with the checkerboard pavers in two different greys and the brown furniture.

There's not much more to say other than this last photo is my favourite of theirs. I really like the materials used on the house - the large blocks of dark weatherboard and light brick, and the vertical wood cladding.

With everything finished in the houses, what will this week bring? Stay tuned to TV3 to see all the drama. With auction day looming, who is your pick to win this year? Did any of you make it to the open homes? I'd love to hear what you thought.

Favourite Space | Yolande Kjestrup

August 5, 2016

When the name Yolande Kjestrup was mentioned by a couple of different people recently, Dael and I decided to track her down. We styled the home of artist, Rae West, for a photo shoot (see page 50 of the August issue of Your Home & Garden), and her amazing Mexican-inspired outdoor room was designed by Yolande. We then visited the home of new clients and when we commented on their lovely backyard, they too had used Yo.

Rae West's outdoor room - photo by Sarah Horn for Your Home & Garden

In our job, we often work on exterior colour schemes as well as outdoor rooms, decks etc, so we'd been looking for a garden designer that we could work side by side with. We really love Yo's work and are excited about working with her on future projects - for our clients, and also for our new office and showroom.

Yo Designs is the name of her business, and under that banner comes The Green Room (garden consultation & design), and The Dressmaker's Wardrobe (vintage inspired fashion). "I never grew out of playing with dolls," says Yo. "I have three life size dolls I love to dress". She's talking about her three grown-up daughters who live in Auckland and Wellington - Hannah, 29, Romany, 24, and Brynne, 21.

The Green Room (website to come) is a garden design service based on sustainable principles. It's very important to Yo that she creates environmentally friendly gardens, and that she is able to educate people. "It's all about soil and water quality, and reducing plastic waste," she says. Yo can visit you for a consultation and provide you with her ideas along with the names of the plants she recommends, or you can take it further for a complete garden design. Her designs are like a work of art and all carefully hand-drawn.

I asked Yo a few questions so we could get to know her better...

What do you love most about your space - your work room?

Having the room to have several projects on the go at once. It's my multi-purpose creative space. I can set up a garden plan on the drawing board and think about it while constructing a garment at the table. What with the light, view of the garden from the window, music playing, I can stay there for hours.

What is your favourite time of day?

Early morning. I'm an early riser. I'm at my most productive first thing. I like to start work when it's still dark, check out what I've drawn the night before, see if I still like it, watch the morning come, walk the dog.

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm reading "Beautiful Me" by a local author Natasha Jennings.

What inspires you?

I believe you can't create in a vacuum. I like to get out and about to find inspiration. You can find it in the most surprising and everyday'ish' places.

Sweet or savoury?

Free range and ethically sourced.

Favourite drink?

That first early morning coffee!

Favourite item you own?

My photograph of the three girls. It was taken one Christmas by their father, Phil Tasker-Poland, who is a photographer and videographer. I love the joy and the movement.

Top of your wish list?

To turn the garden shed into a 'green' studio to showcase my designs.

Yo is weaving her magic on some living creations for our Bibby + Brady showroom, so you'll be able to pop in and see them soon. If you don't live locally I will be sure to post photos, and keep an eye out for her new website also.

Thank you to Florence Charvin for her fantastic photography skills.

I'll leave you with some more words from Yo...

"Green is not something you can buy. Green is a way of life. Treasure everything. Think permaculturally. Live sustainably in all ways. Make it, grow it, build it. Do all you can with what you have".