Jesse and Mel's Completed Block House

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at all the rooms delivered so far...

 Real estate agent Jesse and his partner Mel came out all guns blazing, winning that all-important first challenge. Their enthusiasm hasn’t let up since, and they’ve consistently delivered exceptional high-end rooms sure to tempt those elusive top-end buyers. 



1. Guest Bedroom 
Score: 25.5/30 - Winners!
Jesse and Mel took out this year’s very first Room Reveal, picking up the proceeds of the safe in the process - and what a room they revealed!
“It’s really exciting,” said Shaynna upon stepping inside the room, which featured a muted palette, offset with a simply stunning ornate velvet feature wall. 
Neale was blown away.
“I have never seen a room finished to this standard in week one of The Block,” he said. “I just love it. The colour palette they have used, and the heritage details [are fantastic].”
All three judges loved the couple’s choice of artwork, a stunning piece by artist Liam Murphy. Mel then picked out the colours in the artwork as furnishings for the bed, which featured dusky pinks, greens and blues.
It hit the mark.
“It feels like a really modern, brand new build, with all the appropriate heritage details,” Darren said, pointing out that he loved the wooden chandelier, slate grey cabinetry, fabric wall panel, occasional chair, and art.
All three agreed that the room, which also featured a walk-in robe space, was the perfect marriage of contemporary and heritage. “The balance of scale, colour and the drama of the colour of the Freedom wardrobes is spot on,” Shaynna noted. “They have painted the walls white, but balanced it with the velvet wall, so it has a lot of energy to the colour palette in here, which is quite exciting.”
The couple even ticked another box by ensuring their state-of-the-art television also doubled as a mirror!
Neale pointed out that Jesse and Mel are shaping up to be a true “Triple Threat” - St Kilda residents, Jesse is a real estate agent and they both have a great sense of style.



2. Ensuite Reveal
Score: 14/30 - Fifth place
They absolutely wowed the judges with their near-perfect guest bedroom. But unfortunately due to an unforeseen situation with their floor, Jesse and Mel were unable to complete their ensuite bathroom - and the judges were not impressed.
Had they managed to finish their room, they would have presented a bathroom with a central bath situated beneath a grey-tinged marble feature wall. The couple opted to have other walls tiled in a dark grey, and while the judges weren’t fans, we think it made a dramatic impact - and Jesse is convinced it will ultimately appeal to buyers. 
The darkness of these walls offset the couples timber and white vanity, and they are hoping buyers are ultimately convinced by the luxe, high-end aesthetic they were trying to achieve. 
The jury is still out.



3. Inside Jesse and Mel's formal lounge
Score: 23/30
Jesse and Mel were going for a “Toorak” sense of opulence in their St Kilda terrace - and boy did they deliver. Spending $30,000 on the room, they went all-out, investing serious money in some stunning brass-inlaid double doors, a sumptuous chandelier, large-scale artwork and striking dark-coloured cabinets.
Two green occasional chairs were the heroes of the room, offsetting the white couch and white rug, which were placed to give the room a relaxed, yet elegant feel. 
Darren was a fan. 
“It’s very grand and very stately, and I think it works really well,” he said. 
Neale appreciated what they were trying to do, but said he felt it didn’t feel as “homely” as some of the other rooms they had seen - perhaps a good thing, if the couple are trying to attract an investment buyer on auction night?
There were touches of federation in the room, but they also used deco features, like the round brass lamps and brass coffee tables, to lend a sense of old glamour to the room. 
All three judges loved the placement of the contemporary pendant light with federation ceiling rose, but Shaynna thought their use of a marble feature tile around the perimetre was a step too far.
For their part, Jesse and Mel are standing by their design decisions. Will their bravery pay dividends on auction day? 




4. Master Bedroom Reveal
Score: 22/30 - Fifth Place
When you’re on to a good thing - replicate it! That was Jesse and Mel’s mantra going into this week’s Master Bedroom reveal, and they made good on their promise, delivering yet another stunning, sophisticated bedroom. 
The couple chose to reproduce what they did in their winning guest bedroom, opting to once again clad the wall behind their bed with gorgeous velvet panels. This time they chose a darker hue, which complimented perfectly their lilac and burgundy accented bedlinen. 
The couple, who also included a study-nook-come-dressing-table and gas fireplace, again opted for a sitting area in the room, choosing to place two light-coloured occasional chairs next to a marble table. The mood was further accented by the hanging of two large abstract artworks on the main entry wall - a stunning addition to the room.
Opposite the bed was a state-of-the-art smart TV, installed within a beautiful free standing mirror, something Shaynna particularly loved, even if she wasn’t so convinced as to its placement.
All three judges also liked the fact the couple decided to use stunning bronze accents in the room, including in the bedside lights and gorgeous pendant light, both of which give the room a lovely sophisticated elegance.
Darren liked the use of heritage detail in the room as well, especially the ceiling rose and cornacing. Completing the look was that lovely herringbone floor laid painstakingly by Jack of All Trades, Jesse. “There’s a lot to love in this room,” Darren said. 





5. Master Bathroom Reveal
SCORE: 24/30  - Fourth place
Jesse and Mel went to extra lengths this week to present their master bathroom and matching powder room, which they both think will appeal to the high-end buyer they’re desperate to lure.
“We pulled out all the stops this week - there are so many fantastic design elements,” said Jesse, referencing the use of travertine-look tiles, a sleek black vanity, those hanging drop pendant lights and the absolutely enormous double shower - complete with custom-made shower block for sitting!
Shaynna said there was a lot to love about the room, pointing to the couple’s stunning vanity, which she said was “a piece of art.”
Neale agreed: “Like you, I absolutely love this cabinetry,” he said. “I love that black frame around it. It’s got that reference to deco, but at the same time it feels very modern.”
They all liked the fact it was a “lighter, brighter” version of what they were attempting to do in the first bathroom, and Darren was a particular fan of the way everything flowed well together. “I love the tile, I love the bath, I think the lighting choice and configuration is fantastic” - and he also liked that the shower heads were positioned close together, something that would appeal to both couples and families with young children.
Shaynna loved the towel choice and the fact they’d chose to incorporate a ladder-style heated towel rail. And while Neale admitted he wasn’t a fan of the separate powder room, Jesse still stood by his decision to move the toilet, pointing out, “In real estate terms it’s a design fault to have a toilet in the bathroom.”





6. Jesse and Mel / Deanne and Darren Guest Bedroom
Score: 28.5 - Equal 3rd place
Jesse and Mel, along with their All Star teamsters Dea and Daz, presented a beautiful guest bedroom, which, as Jesse explained, was all about “effortless luxury.” They included a recessed slate-grey velvet bedhead, which complimented the plum linen, the dark-coloured wardrobes, that large circular floor rug, the round side tables, and simple brass wall sconces. 
The judges like what they had done. 
“It’s the colour of the season,” said Shaynna, referencing the simple, yet elegant, choice of bed linen, which she loved.
Neale loved everything about the space: “Jesse and Mel are back in the game,” he said, upon entering their luxurious, yet simple room. “This is the first time since week one that I have been this excited,” he added.
He particularly liked how “relaxing and restful” the guest room, which also included a cleverly designed study nook area, was.
Darren loved the addition of their oversized framed photo print.
“This is ambient,” he said. “It has the right mood, the right tone - it fits the style.
“I love this room - it feels like a beautiful, luxurious room. And even though they’ve taken off so much space for what’s going to be the laundry, it still feels sizeable to function perfectly well as a guest room.”
We agree - we love it too. Well done, guys.





7. Master Ensuite
Score: 28.5/30 - Equal second place 
Jesse and Mel went all-out this week to produce a luxurious and opulent master ensuite - and boy did they deliver. The couple chose to dress their room in gorgeous floor and wall marble, opting for a huge mirror above the vanity and oversized shower screen for added dramatic effect. They chose dark cabinetry with chrome fixtures and fittings, which played against the lightness of the walls and tiles beautifully. The inclusion of an enormous double shower and huge freestanding bath gave their room a luxury hotel vibe, and the first thing that struck judge Shaynna Blaze was the feeling of space. “It gives it a gorgeous, luxurious, opulent feel,” she said. 
Darren agreed, saying their decision to give the room generous proportions, at the expense of an additional powder room, was a good one.  The inclusion of an art print above the toilet, plus deluxe towels in black and olive green, also added to that “boutique hotel” feeling - and the judges loved it. Neale particularly liked the use of chrome fixtures and fittings, something we haven’t seen at The Block much in recent times. “They’ve done the impossible and actually turned me back on to chrome,” he said. 
And all three loved the inclusion of frosted glass around the toilet, adding to the sense of luxurious opulence. “It’s a really nice way to treat a toilet, and make it feel like a separate powder room space,” Darren said.
We agree - we love everything about this bathroom. 




8. Kitchen Reveal
Score: 28.5/30 - Second place
Jesse and Mel created another stunning, contemporary space with their kitchen this week, which ticked all the boxes for both style and functionality. The couple chose to offset their stunning herringbone parquetry floor with dark-hued cabinetry, a large, white island bench with Ceasarstone top, and an illuminated marble base and mirrored kickers. They placed their stovetop opposite, allowing ample food preparation area and giving them the space to put their sink - complete with black tapware - on the island. 
The bold, stylish island was accentuated by the placement of black rattan stools, and a large statement LED light, which made everything feel very modern and very luxe. They chose to accentuate their brass-inlaid doors with brushed steel handles, which worked extremely well to tie everything together and matched the heritage details carried through in the rest of their home. 
Darren loved everything about it. “I like this a lot,” he said. “I like the colour scheme and I love this laminate - I think it looks very timber-like.” He thought the oak-colouring worked well with the timber flooring. “Sometimes people are afraid to mix timber types, but this is how you do it,” he added.
Shaynna loved the fact the couple decided against using a bank of ovens in favour of a 900mm version, something Jesse had insisted on when they were designing their space.
“It also has a spit-roast in there,” he added.
They all thought the space - which included a small butler’s pantry - was great in terms of functionality. “This seems to be very well thought-through,” Neale said. 





9. Living & Dining Reveal
Score: 29/30 - Winners!
Jesse and Mel are back! This week we took out a win for their near-perfect living/dining room. Like Deb and Andy, Jesse and Mel decided to orientate their dining table adjacent to their kitchen bench, a decision that won them favour with the judges, who loved the open, contemporary feel. They particularly loved that the couple held back 500mm from their kitchen to allow extra room in their living area, making theirs the most functional and usable living space of anywhere on this year’s Block.
They particularly loved the fireplace, which the couple made to be the architectural focal point of the room by incorporating custom black marble benchtops and cabinetry. Unlike so many of the other couples, theirs was a fire that could be enjoyed while sitting in the oversized couch, or the two stunning blue occasional chairs, while still watching the television. 
The judges were instantly smitten.
“It’s the only living space we’ve been in today which, tellingly, we’re sitting down in,” Darren said, collapsing into the large overstuffed couch, which Shaynna was also a fan of.
Behind the seating area, Jesse and Mel chose to position a large optical artwork featuring lined details - a breathtaking addition which the judges thought worked well in the room. It doubled in it’s functionality, also acting as an acoustic wall panel - all agreed that it was sure to attract a high level of interest from buyers.
Brass details on the coffee table and chairs completed their “Toorak by the Bay” look, playing off against the colours of the art they chose. All up, Darren thought it was a “very successful room.”
“I think it is absolutely going to meet the expectations of the buyers in this market,” he said. 




10. Courtyard Reveal
Score: 29.5/30 - Winners!
It wasn’t just Jesse and Mel’s eight-metre high tiled feature wall that scored them a win for Courtyard Week. In terms of form and function, the couple absolutely knocked it out of the park.
“This is spectacular,” Neale said, upon stepping foot inside the striking space, which also featured statement sconce lighting, a timber BBQ and bar fridge, large timber seating area - complete with bespoke upholstery - and a huge timber table and black chairs.
Shaynna thought their decision to include that amazing feature tile on the left-hand wall was a stroke of genius. “And look at those lights!” she said. “Can you imagine how beautiful it will look at night?”
Neale said he’d never seen tiles used to such great effect. “You just can’t NOT come out here and stand and stare, because it’s overwhelming,” he said. “The height, the grandeur, the magnificence of it - it’s incredible.”
Darren liked the consistency of the couple’s indoor and outdoor flow, and he also liked the grand sense of scale, achieved by canter leveraging the seating. “What you get is a sense of space, visually,” he explains. “What we have got is a usable space that functions highly and gives you extra purpose here, in terms of dining and a lounge area and a fridge. It has all the functions that you would want from an outdoor room.”

11. Studio Reveal
Score: 28.5/30 - Equal second
Jesse and Mel were aiming high this week, hoping to take out their third win in a row for their master bedroom with his-and-hers walk-in robe. They delivered an exceptional space, and while it might not have been quite enough to give them the win, all three judges thought the couple presented an excellent room. 
They particularly liked the placement of a desk within the multi-purpose wardrobe space. “There’s lots of room in there and you can easily move around,” Darren said upon stepping inside their room. Shaynna also thought the area was well laid out and she loved the use of the enormous floor-to-ceiling mirror, placed at the end of the wardrobe to maximise light.
Around the corner, the main bedroom area was also well thought-out and included a large statement rug, ultra-modern occasional chair, marble side table, the use of large-scale abstract art and a sitting area with couch and table orientated towards a TV.
The judges were impressed with the scale of the room. “Look at this, you have a lounge room and a bedroom and a walk-in robe and ensuite,” Darren exclaimed. 
Inside the ensuite, there was also lots to like, Jesse and Mel once again maxing out the luxury, including black cabinetry with polished chrome and simple, yet elegant, floor and wall tiles. 
“This is a self-contained hotel room,” Darren said. “It has broad market appeal.”
Neale agreed: “Jesse and Mel are becoming the masters of this ‘modern luxury’,” he said.




12. Verandah Reveal
Score: 16.5/30 - Fourth place
Simplicity was the order of the day for Jesse and Mel, who opted to furnish their two verandahs sparsely, yet stylishly, in an attempt to save money for their terrace area next week.
On Level Two, they dressed the outdoor area with two white-rimmed outdoor sofas, a simple wooden coffee table to match, and a few pots placed strategically in the corners. Soft greys, muted greens and creams punctuated the space through soft furnishings - but again, they kept those to a minimum.
“You’re not going to be bringing friends through your bedroom to entertain out here,” Jesse said, by way of explanation. “We did what was necessary - I think it’s a beautiful space.”
The judges weren’t impressed - especially Shaynna, who said, “We are on a Verandah, we are not in a garden,” upon stepping foot outside. 
She thought the couple were wrong in their assertion that the space would not sell their house.
And though the views, which Jesse insisted were, “From the Bolte to the Bay” may sway a buyer, she thought it a wasted opportunity. 
Upstairs all three were equally disappointed with Jesse and Mel’s decision to furnish the space with a simple outdoor couch, a small coffee table - and not much else. 
But Jesse was adamant. “The outdoor terrace and the front will sell the house - not these spaces,” he insisted.





13. Hallway Reveal
Score: 25.5/30 - Second place
Jesse and Mel had their work cut out for them this week, presenting a media room, study and hallway. But their biggest challenge was arguably moving their laundry from Level One to Level Two, and the fact that their closed-off formal living area meant they had the most surface area to work with by far. Never one to shy away from a challenge, the energetic couple gave it their all, producing several gorgeous, stylish spaces - and even including an amazing wine cellar on Level One. 
“Our house is stunning. I hope they see the beauty of it in its entirety,” said Mel. 
They did - the judges all thought the couple had done exceptionally well this week and fell in love with that amazing chevron timber floor...hand-laid by Jesse! This flooring worked perfectly with the brushed steel highlights of the stairwell, that large abstract art in the entrance, the hall table and the more modern choice of art they continued up the stairs and into the level two hallway. 
“I love the simplicity of that arch,” Shaynna said upon stepping inside. “And how beautiful does this formal room feel now?” Neale agreed: “I am the first person to admit that I didn’t particularly like that formal lounge. But now seeing it as a whole with this hallway, I think it works beautifully,” he said.
They were left speechless to find the wine cellar, with all three agreeing that it would be a huge drawcard come auction day. “Talk about knowing our market,” Shaynna said. 
Upstairs, they thought the chandelier was a nice touch and they loved the media room, which featured a plush velvet couch, wall unit, large abstract art, circular coffee table and that huge safe they won in Week One. They also thought moving the laundry to Level Two was a good touch. 
“As usual Jesse and Mel have been very clever in demonstrating how the space could be used,” Neale said. 





14. Roof Terrace, Redo Room and Garage Reveal
Redo Room: Master Bedroom
Score: 24/30 - Fourth place
Jesse and Mel have always had a good sense of what buyers want in the Saint Kilda area. So it came as no surprise that they spared no expense making sure their terrace was packed full of quality inclusions, including an enormous BBQ and outdoor kitchen, built-in seating, a bar area, and even a dining space to sit and eat. Timber highlights and use of outdoor plants added to the atmosphere, all creating an area that potential buyers are going to want to spend time in. 
“This is such a clever use of the space,” said Darren, commenting on how functional the outdoor seating area - complete with heater, speakers and coasters to make the chairs portable  - was. He also liked how well it connected to the city skyline. 
“I really like how they have done this seating area and flowed it through into dining,” he added. “I think that is a really clever use of space - they have saved about a metre from what would be the back of a chair and the back of the couch.”
Neale agreed: “Jesse and Mel are nothing if not consistent,” he added. “It’s going to appeal to a very broad demographic who just want a really beautifully finished roof terrace.”
All three judges thought Jesse and Mel had created a “glamorous blank canvas,” choosing neutral colours and inoffensive design choices to maximise their appeal to the broadest possible cross section of buyers.
Downstairs they were underwhelmed by the couple’s decision not to change anything in their guest bedroom, and their sparsely finished garage. But all up, all three could see that the house would appeal to buyers come auction day. 





15. Front Garden Revealed
SCORE: 22.5/30 - Fourth place
Jesse and Mel went into this week’s Front Garden judging with a sense of optimism. They knew they had created a simple yet stunning entrance to their grand home, sitting in plum position on the far side of the row.
The couple used light coloured retaining walls and pavers and a gorgeous plant selection, including a stunning deciduous crape myrtle, gardenias, and lots of potted greenery to create an established, opulent look and feel. “We love our plant selection - the palm looks epic - there’s nothing to not like about it,” Jesse said. 
The judges agreed. They liked the minimalist approach the couple had gone for, appreciating the fact that it was simple, yet stylish. “That is a whole garden bed of gardenias - an ocean bed of gardenias,” Shaynna said, upon noticing the stunning, aromatic statement plants near the entrance. 
“The perfume of that will be absolutely stunning.”
They loved the tiling - all done by Jesse - and the choice to use a light-coloured grout for contrast. “It’s beautifully done,” said Darren. Neale agreed: “There’s an elegant simplicity to it,” he argued. 
Despite its sparing use of plant detail, the judges liked how presentable the space was, appreciating the couple’s decision to include a dark-coloured rattan outdoor setting on the verandah. They also liked the use of the potted Monstera, which led the eye into the grand entrance to the home. 




“From Day One we said their style is minimalist, and they have stuck to it right to the end,” Shaynna said. “But it’s beautiful. The styling is not high end, but it’s complete. It’s somewhere to sit...they have done well.”
We agree - well done guys!

Shop Jesse and Mel's style HERE

Everything you need to know about Jesse and Mel HERE