Andy and Deb's Finished Block House

Andy and Deb chose to change the architect’s plans, creating a stunning lightwell ‘void’ at the centre of their home. The result has been a living/dining area flooded with natural light, playing perfectly with their clean-lined ‘coastal luxe’ vibe. They have created a home that is warm and calming just like them.

1. Guest Bedroom
Score: 17.5/30 - Joint fourth
It was “an unfinished symphony,” as the judges entered Andy and Deb’s room, the couple failing to complete their space on time due to a number of unforeseen circumstances and time restraints.
What they had done, the judges did like, with Shaynna noting Deb had styled the space particularly well and that it was finished to a high standard.
“I like the space in here,” she said, remarking how much she appreciated the couple’s shaker-style bed.
Both Darren and Neale thought that it was interesting that the couple had chosen to take the room in a Scandi-style direction, but weren’t entirely convinced about using that particular decor choice in the Federation-style home. 




2. Ensuite Reveal
Score: 28/30 - WINNERS!
Deb wasn’t sure the judges would love her simple, elegant guest ensuite - but they did, awarding the couple their first win of the series. In fact, Neale loved their room so much he said he wanted to “pick it up and put it in my home!” And you can’t get higher praise than that.
All three judges particularly loved that the couple had finished everything to an extremely high standard and that the design was on-point and simple, yet mature and elegant. 
“It’s a lovely little bathroom,” Neale said on entry. “It’s grown up.”
Darren particularly loved the texture of the hand-made tiles on the wall, which he said gave the room a lovely tactility.
“I love the simplicity of this matte white,” he said. “It makes it feel luxurious and expensive. I’m sure they’re not a cheap tile, but they’re not super expensive either.”
The couple chose to pair their glazed white tiles with a round backlit mirror, simple white vanity, and decorative floor tile in muted taupe and grey. Their luxe hanging bath sheets, the floating vanity, wooden stool and the stunning baskets beneath all made the space look sophisticated, yet inviting and user-friendly. 




3. Inside Andy and Deb's formal lounge
Score: 25.5/30 - Third place
Andy and Deb went for a light, bright “coastal luxe” vibe in their formal lounge room, offsetting their room with that stunning green feature wall in the hall, a feature which showcased their artwork to great effect.
All the judges loved it.
“I love the use of that colour - it’s just beautiful,” said Shaynna upon stepping inside.
The wall provided a lovely contrast to the space, which featured exposed brickwork above the fireplace, white cabinetry, a brown leather couch and two green occasional chairs. Their stunning use of art was noted by the judges, who said their choice of hero piece by artist Jonathan Gemmell was genius.
“The colour of the artwork and the vibrancy, it goes with the colour of the chairs really well,” Shaynna noted. 
She liked the fact the couple had scaled up by using oversized features in their room, like the large copper coffee table, the large artwork, the size of the chairs and that enormous palm. 
Neale agreed, saying he liked the fusion of styles in the room, and that there was still a sense of “colonial”, to fit with the heritage of the building.
Despite the fact the couple mixed a Scandi aesthetic with mid-century pieces, like those two structural pendant lights, and even some art deco styling, it mattered not, as their space worked well as a whole, and felt like a great first impression for the house. 

 
4. Master Bedroom Reveal
Score: 24.5/30 - Joint third
Andy and Deb created a beautiful, fresh, contemporary and “very liveable” Master Bedroom, winning praise from all three judges. 
“What a lovely, calm room,” Neale said upon stepping inside the space, which also featured green accented walls (as suggested by the Mitre Ten colour consultant), a large wooden bed, arch mirror, oversized woven jute rug, blush pink occasional chair and a large banquet-style dresser. 
The feeling was coastal luxe, and the choice of diaphanous drapes lent the room a gorgeous sophisticated colonial feel. The large feature plant, nestled inside a woven basket, worked well with the oversized artwork, which in turn worked perfectly with Deb’s choice to dress the room with a gorgeous pampas grass arrangement. 
While Shaynna wasn’t a massive fan of the couple’s choice of bed - which was dressed in a gorgeous cherry pink - she thought as a whole, that the room worked exceptionally well. 
All three judges loved the feature artwork in the walk-in robe, which was printed directly onto a wall covering to be a statement in the space. And while they all agreed the functionality of the wardrobe needed work, they were blown away by the look and feel. 
“They took on board that message that their style needed to be more sophisticated and more grown up and they have run with it,” said Neale.
Darren agreed: “I am so happy to see more life, more interest, more texture, more colour. It was just what we asked for, and it’s just what we got.”

5. Master Bathroom Reveal
Score: 22.5/30 - Fifth place
Andy and Deb went all-out to present a gorgeous, relaxed and ‘coastal luxe’-style main bathroom, while at the same time referencing their gorgeous ensuite from week one.
And they knocked it out of the park.
“It’s beautiful as soon as you walk in,” said Shaynna, pointing out that their latest main bathroom matched their stunning effort from week one perfectly.
“Walking in here, it’s inviting,” said Darren, who particularly liked the way the couple chose to tie their white, textured subway tile with the natural woods of the custom-made vanity, something Deb described as “made by love and by hand by a family member” - they all decided unanimously this was the hero of the room. 
The couple’s choice of wooden accents went perfectly with the gold fixtures and fittings, including that sweet copper pendant light, the natural wooden stool next to the stunning free-standing bath, the use of woven baskets as storage and the choice of persian rugs and textured, patterned towels as accents. 
The pop of colour, courtesy of the potted plants, also added a point of difference.
“All of this works perfectly as a beautiful vignette,” Darren pointed out. 
All three judges loved the use of smart technology in the space, admiring the way the couple had used Alexa to create a mood in the bathroom and operate the shower and bath. They were not quite so convinced by their decision to relocate their toilet to a separate powder room, but all up they thought the space was stylish and well-considered - and we agree! 

6. Deb and Andy / Josh and Jenna Room Guest Bedroom
Score: 29.5 - WINNERS!
Deb and Andy - with help from Block mega-champs Josh and Jenna - went all-out this week to present a stunning guest bedroom. And they were rewarded with a win! Courtesy of that controversial bonus point.
As Deb explained, this week the couple from country New South Wales were attempting to “not just create a look, but also a feeling.” And they certainly did that - the judges fell in love with their simple yet sophisticated guest bedroom space.
“It’s a really happy room,” Neale said upon entering. Darren agreed, adding that he thought that Andy and Deb and Josh and Jenna were “a match made in heaven.”
“It feels like they have done it together, skipping down the road holding hands,” he added.
They loved the way the couple paired their white and gold feature wall coverings with white wardrobes (with stunning timber interiors), a white study nook, complete with white wooden chair, and that bold statement of the green bedhead.
They also loved the rich palette of reds and greens, and the way it went perfectly with the pared-back walls and choice of simple cabinetry and wardrobes. The simple dressing of the bed - in that “Prawn cocktail” colour - was a lovely touch, and it played nicely with the simple addition of those brass wall sconces.
Darren was a fan: “I really love that light choice. I love that brushed brass,” he noted.
Little touches like the wooden side cabinet, paired with a stunning array of artwork, the oversized rattan mirror, use of native plants and that big plant in the corner, all added to the feeling of a room that was both sumptuous and sophisticated, but still warm and cozy.
“This is incredibly hard to fault,” Shaynna said. “It feels like it has a broad appeal, even though it’s quite unique.”





7. Master Ensuite reveal
Score: 28.5/30 - equal second place
Deb and Andy produced yet another gorgeous, elegant bathroom, with their trademark coastal luxe vibe. The room, which featured white and cream tiles, a custom-made timber vanity, brass tapware and THAT amazing water feature into the free-standing bath, was a hit with all three judges, who loved the way the room, which also featured quirky features like a decorative Persian-style rug and timber stool in the shower, came together. 
The inclusion of two timber wall-mounted shaving mirrors and the large fern added a sense of softness to the room, which was the lightest and brightest of all the bathrooms delivered this week.
It was also functional, with a custom-made timber cabinet and two rain showers, hung from the ceiling, utilising ceiling height to create a lush, “day-spa” feel.
“Fresh” was the word Darren used to describe the happy, bright space - he loved that unique Alexa-connected ceiling faucet, as did Neale and Shaynna, who described it as “awesome.”
Shaynna also loved the use of light in the space, especially the inclusion of a light source behind the bath. “It’s just got this beautiful glow behind it,” she said.
Darren agreed: “It’s very ambient isn’t it?” he said. “It feels really crisp and really clean.”
Neale liked the inclusion of the decorative rug, saying he felt like he was in a Turkish Hamman.
“The level of detail in this room is amazing,” Darren said. “It just feels really custom-built, and really bespoke.”
When do we get to try out your gorgeous day spa, guys?




8. Kitchen Reveal 
Score: 29.5/30 - Winners!
Andy and Deb sure are on a winning streak. Not only did they take out a whopping $15k in extra prize money this week, they also walked away victorious after delivering a drop-dead-gorgeous kitchen, which Neale said was one of the “best he’d ever seen on the show”. The hero? That amazing light-filled void.
“Let there be light and it was delivered!” said Shaynna, looking skywards. In her opinion, the couple’s decision to decrease the size of their upstairs study in favour of knocking through the floor to create a lightwell from the roof was a stroke of genius. Thanks, Josh and Jenna, who persuaded them to go big and bold with their plans. In fact, all three judges thought the decision to include the void complemented the white cabinetry, impressive island bench and marble splashback in the kitchen perfectly, giving a sense of incredible luxury in the light-filled space.
“Your eye is drawn up immediately,” said Darren. “The effect is big, voluminous space, and vast amounts of light - it just makes this kitchen feel so grand.”
Neale agreed, saying not only is your eye drawn up, but also your heart. “Doesn’t it make you feel good?” he said. 
The couple softened their space by offsetting their white cabinetry with timber tones, gold handles and styling with baskets and earth-toned crockery. The addition of those rattan stools and the pillars at the ends of the island bench gave the space a homely look, making it feel comfortable, as well as stylish. 
“Instantly I feel like, ‘Yeah, I could live here,’” Shaynna said. She thought their design also worked well with the light-coloured floors, and she adored the laundry space also revealed, complete with that amazing rattan mirror. 
“We always talk about the kitchen being the heart of the home and this really feels like it,” Neale said. “I am looking around me, and I can’t fault it.”






9. Living & Dining Reveal
Score: 28/30 - Second place
Andy and Deb produced another exceptional space this week, the gorgeous pared-back living area seeing them take out second place. The judges fell in love with the room, which continued with the couple’s trademark ‘coastal luxe’ vibe. 
They particularly liked how everything flowed from the kitchen, as well as the placement of their large timber table and contemporary chairs, configured to run adjacent to their island bench. “If I was any of the homes that didn’t orient the kitchen this way, I would be kicking myself,” Darren said, noting how well everything worked and the sense of space the living area provided. 
Neale thought they delivered a magnificent room, saying he couldn’t remember a time when a house on The Block had excited him more. “Everything just gels so beautifully,” he said. “From the VJ panelling on the walls, their big white fan, and the way everything plays to the light and the sense of space.”
 He also loved their light, bright colour palette, rattan coffee table, rattan occasional chair, white in-built cabinetry and the white sofa and jute wall hanging. But the thing that piqued his interest the most - and had all three judges rejoicing - was the placement of their stunning piece of commissioned Indigenous art.
“I love that it’s an Aboriginal piece,” Darren said. “It’s appropriate to Andy as well. It’s a lovely story, how much of their own personality has gone into this house.”
Deb styled their immaculate space with a number of beautiful artworks and artifacts, as well as hanging a gorgeous piece of tapestry on the wall. It all contributed to create a wonderful sense of homeliness. Her choice to use more organic items, including that lovely cane pendant light, also added to the sense of calm.
“You’re seeing a level of sophistication here that I would associate with professional interior designers,” Neale added.
And you can’t get higher praise than that. We absolutely ADORE it.




10. Courtyard Reveal
Score: 26/30 - Third place
Andy and Deb managed to create a beautiful, calm “inner-city oasis” in their courtyard, which the judges all agreed was a lovely, warm, inviting area. 
“This is a chilled space. I feel like I’m right at home here,” said Darren upon stepping into the walled-off courtyard, which featured timber feature walls, vertical garden details, a timber bench seat, circular coffee table and a large patch of artificial turf - perfect for buyers who might have a woofy little friend in tow.
The judges particularly liked the way the outdoor space flowed from inside. “I think this is absolutely seamless,” Neale said. “The way this flows from the kitchen and living area, I think it’s been beautifully done, as we have come to expect from Deb and Andy.”
Darren loved how the couple managed to make the space feel so light and spacious, thanks, in part, to the use of that lovely ‘Dune’-coloured Colorbond wall cladding. 
“It’s a lighter colour, but you still get this lovely linear element,” he said. “It drives your eye upward, and it’s such a great, durable product.”
The use of climbing plants and a large oversized tree softened the space even more, and, with time, will give the area ample greenery, all adding to the “oasis effect.” 
Though the couple ran out of money and were unable to furnish the area with a table and chairs or a BBQ, cushions placed on the floor made it feel like the type of space you’d want to gravitate to, to sit and relax. 




11. Studio Reveal 
Score: 28/30 - Third place
Andy and Deb created another beautiful, calming space this week. And despite the fact they opted not to include any additional add-ons - like an ensuite or kitchenette - their light, bright bedroom was a big hit with the judges. Especially Shaynna - she cried tears of joy upon stepping inside!
“This is stunning!” she said. “It’s just so gentle.”
The couple chose a white/natural colour palette, opting to furnish with a cream bedhead, woven pendant lights, a brown leather ottoman, a rattan mirror, oversized white fan and oversized white rug. They finished the space with a square cube table, white occasional chair, white bespoke cabinetry, woven timber baskets for the plants and two beautiful timber bedsides. It all added up to create a room with the couple’s signature elegant ‘coastal luxe’ feel, accentuated by that VJ panelled feature wall. 
“It’s beautiful,” Neale said. “You can feel it - it’s an engagement that is instant when you walk in. There are so many buyers that will feel that connection, and will be more than prepared to overlook any of the shortcomings.”
Gorgeous statement art and the timber artifacts placed around the room only added to the room’s feeling of calm, cultural “homliness”.
“There’s something really healing about this interior,” Shaynna said. And though Andy and Deb didn’t add an ensuite to the room, the judges thought it may not be an issue at Auction - if they can connect with the right buyer.
“I think Andy and Deb take the buyer on that emotional journey,” Neale said. “You walk in - you fall in love with it. It’s so beautifully balanced.”




12. Verandah 
Score: 20.5/30 - Joint third
Andy and Deb veered away from their ‘coastal’ vibe this week, opting for a more industrial look for their Verandahs. Styling in muted greys and blacks, Deb says she wanted their furnishings, which included a couch, cane table, cane chairs, a circular rattan rug and a selection of large potted ferns to compliment the more toned down hues she’d used inside, to compliment the exterior. 
“We have three bedrooms on the second level, so I wanted there to be enough seating for more people,” she also said, of their decision to max-out the useable living space on Level Two.
Darren was a fan - he liked the simple colour scheme, the rattan rug and the chairs, and he thought they went very well with the wall colour. “Stylistically, I think it’s right,” he added, referencing the unusual more industrial lights the couple chose to use. Neale and Shaynna weren’t so sure, but they appreciated the simplicity and style the space exuded.
Upstairs they were similarly impressed. Off the main bedroom, the space had a softer feel than below, with Deb opting to incorporate a large, overstuffed white couch, huge rattan rug, large black cane occasional chairs, a timber bench, and more of their mature palms. A drinks trolley rounded out the look.
Neale was a fan. “They have created an area you want to be in,” he said.  And Darren agreed: “I think it’s much more consistent with the rest of the house,” he said. “This feels like it belongs with what is happening inside. But it also ties really nicely with the exterior.”





13. Hallway
Score: 23/30 - Third place
This week Andy and Deb chose to deliver a number of spaces - a level two study, two toilets and hallway spaces in every level of their home. They ran out of time to finish, but, true to form, what they did present was impeccably finished.
In the hallways on Level Two and Three, Deb chose to place beautiful statement art, more of those lovely rattan pendant lights, a gorgeous cream-coloured hall runner, and an amazing African artwork at the base of Level Two.
Darren loved this. “Wow - there is a lot of impact here,” he said referring the piece.
Andy and Deb chose to soften their spaces and add extra interest by including different wall treatments, installing more of that lovely VJ wall panelling, and deciding to paint one of their brick walls white - something the judges thought was a nice touch.
Neale loved it: “I love the brickwork. I love the artwork - I love those basket weave pendants,” he said. “And I love this runner, which gives such a sense of length to the house.”
As well as these elements, the couple chose to include plenty of timber accents in their spaces, particularly in their study nook, which featured a long terrazzo bench, slatted timber balustrade, timber office organisers and was offset by two delightfully plush office chairs.
“I think it’s very simple, but it’s a nice, neutral palette,” Darren said.
“This has totally put a smile back on my face - I bloody love it,” Neale added, saying he thought the delightful study area would attract lots of high-end buyers who work from home.





14. Roof Terrace, Redo Room and Garage Reveal
Redo Room: First guest bedroom
Score: 29/30 - Second place
Andy and Deb created a simple, yet stylish outdoor terrace area that the judges all fell in love with. Furnishing it with a white picnic table, stylish timber and cream couches, a large BBQ, timber breakfast bench, large potted plants, and adorning the area with pretty festoon lights, it had everything the judges were looking for in an outdoor terrace space - and very nearly scored them another win. 
“This is amazing,” Shaynna said, also admiring the couple’s use of an outdoor rug, wire coffee table, and the enormous outdoor fridge. Neale agreed: “Everyone in design these days is talking about things that spark joy,” he said. “THIS sparks joy.”
They all loved how “light, white and bright” the colour scheme was against the Dune colorbond, which the couple have used throughout all their outdoor spaces. 
“You have got a lounge space and a proper eight to ten seat dining space as well as a bar space,” Darren commented. “This terrace has a connection straight to the city skyline. This is a dream deck as far as I am concerned.”
They were equally effusive downstairs, all commenting on how light and bright their guest bedroom felt. Shaynna particularly liked that the couple had kept their timber-framed bed, but added interest with brown tones in the cabinetry, occasional chair, mirror , pastel art, and the taupe-coloured bench seat. The bed was also dressed with pretty patterned cushions. 
“To me, it feels like a more confident, grown up, polished version of it’s previous incarnation,” Neale said. “It’s the same room, and it has the same vibe, but it’s grown up. They have turned it into this deluxe resort-style room - and they have done it so beautifully.”







15. Front Garden Final Reveal!
Score: 28/30 - Second place
Andy and Deb saved their pennies this week and hired a landscaper, who helped produce a stunning and expansive front garden area. The couples ‘hero’ piece in their yard was that amazing central palm tree, hedged either side, and the two large Cycads which featured on the upper landing. A palm in a large pot sat next to two stunning, architectural rocking chairs, clustered around a circular jute rug which completed the relaxed, yet stylish look.  
“We have got a beautiful garden area - it just looks incredible. We are really happy with it,” Deb said. “We knew we were building a house to sell, but now all of that is done and it’s ready to go it’s amazing.”
The judges agreed. “How amazing is this central palm?” Darren said upon stepping inside. “You get to traverse up either side of it to the entrance.”
The judges thought the choice of bluestone pavers was perfect for St Kilda, and they loved the couple’s decision to light each individual stair, creating a grand entrance to the house. Neale thought they had “nailed” the presentation and Shaynna agreed, saying she loved the simple planting. “We have got a Cycad each side, we have got a Magnolia and I think they have really chosen well in this area,” she said. 



Neale loved the couple’s choice of large white pots, which, when sat in front of the dark-hued walls of the main house, provided a stylish, architectural counterpoint. This was achieved again with the couple’s choice of amazing rocking chairs which the judges couldn’t wait to try out. 
Sitting back in her chair, Shaynna remarked that the front of their home felt like a “century’s old seaside resort.”
“In the 1900s, when these verandahs were built, you could actually see the ocean,” she pointed out. “So this actually was a seaside house.” They all loved how it felt like that again. 
“Andy and Deb have such a consistent style, now from the very front gate all the way to the very back alley,” Darren pointed out. 
We agree - we love your home, guys. Well done!


Shop Deb and Andy's style HERE

Deb takes us on a tour of her gorgeous real-life home

Everything you need to know about Deb and Andy HERE

Andy and Deb open up to Insider Style about their gorgeous blended family, and how they became foster parents to their two eldest children HERE

Turns not Andy and Deb are not the only ones in their family that have skills to pay the bills! Deb and Andy’s four kids also have some serious talent. Watch the incredible video in celebration of their Indigenous heritage HERE