The Block 2022: Ankur and Sharon
- 31 Oct 2022
Meet the Contestants: Ankur and Sharon
ANKUR AND SHARON
Accountant and lawyer/actor from Melbourne, VIC
Regulars on Melbourne’s glamorous social scene, Ankur and Sharon are the first to admit that a construction site is something very foreign to them.
But every step of the way, despite the challenges, they will stick by each other. They are set to provide lots of colour and movement to The Block, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Proud Australians of Indian heritage, they want to be positive role models for their community on this series.
Meet Ankur and Sharon, accountant and actress / lawyer from Melbourne.
EXPERIENCE
It’s safe to say that out of all our couples, Ankur and Sharon have the least experience when it comes to building a house.
Sharon will use her time living in South Australia on a rural property to fill in for their lack of renovation experience.
“I grew up on a farm and I’m a fix-it girl – that’s how my dad taught me," Sharon said.
Ankur, 41, accountant
A likeable accountant, Ankur admits The Block is something so incredibly foreign to him that this is actually part of its appeal.
Melbourne’s multiple lockdowns also inspired him to have a crack at The Block.
“This is something so out of my comfort zone,” he said. “With accounting it’s something you fall into, and you do it because it’s a safe and stable income. But after the lockdowns I really wanted to grow and do something different and completely random, and what better way to do that than go on The Block?”
Ankur’s late father, from Adelaide, is his inspiration. “My whole life he was blind, but he was also fiercely independent. He always said, ‘Never be the victim’ – it doesn’t matter what your disability is, you can achieve whatever you want to.”
Sharon, 35 lawyer/actor
Sharon might already be known to many fans of The Block, as she played the role of Dipi Rebecchi for four years on Neighbours.
Fierce and unafraid to express her opinions, she’ll be no shrinking violet among her new neighbours.
Sharon is an advocate for women to freeze their eggs, after having a miscarraige last year.
“I think this is really important to talk about,” she said. “We are happily married, we were trying to have a baby, and it didn’t work out. So as we wanted a bit more time, I froze my eggs.”
Regulars on Melbourne’s glamorous social scene, Ankur and Sharon are the first to admit that a construction site is something very foreign to them.
TOGETHER
Ankur and Sharon admitted to being very nervous in the lead-up to The Block.
“We are stressing bullets,” Sharon said. “But hard work we are not scared of.”
They are 100 per cent in this experience together, so much so that before The Block 2022 began they signed a “visual contract” via a video to promise that they would look after each other during the experience . . . and not split up.
FAST FACTS ABOUT ANKUR AND SHARON
Ankur and Sharon’s 2018, five-day Adelaide wedding was featured in Vogue. Sharon appeared in an episode of Winners and Losers back in 2014.
They live in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale.
Ankur and Sharon’s dog Bosco has his own Instagram account.
Sharon has nearly 62,000 of her own followers on Instagram.
Proud Australians of Indian heritage, they want to be positive role models for their community on this series.
House Decider Challenge
Third place
If it’s country the judges wanted, it’s country they got with Ankur & Sharon’s room! “We’re in the barn, aren’t we!” Neale asked as they took in the recycled timber feature wall, exposed beams and original features that bring what Shaynna described as “seriously rustic… but done very well!”. A bit too rustic for Darren however, who loved the linen layers on the bed and the chair and cabinet but felt perhaps the room would be more at home in the wineries that dot the region, instead of a mulit-million-dollar home. It showed promise however and he can’t wait to see what’s next.
“We’re in the barn, aren’t we!” Neale asked as they took in the recycled timber feature wall.
House 3
Week 1 - Bathroom week
20.5/30 - Last Place
It’s shiny and brassy, Neale announced, looking over the bluestone tiles, brass fittings and nib wall in Ankur and Sharon’s “theatrical” bathroom, he just didn’t think it felt authentic. And maybe a bit claustrophobic.
Darren disagreed, “I like it!” he said, saying the sultry and moody feeling the team had created, the light fittings and the cornice, worked for him. But it was a controversial space, with Shaynna worrying the historic feel of House 3 – The Grand Dame of The Block as she called it - might get lost if the team didn’t pay attention to the existing features and work to incorporate them into their build. But the judges were excited to spot an original Lizzy Stageman artwork tucked into the corner.
The judges couldnt agree on this bathroom, some rated it and some hated it! One things for sure Sharon and Ankur dance to the beat of their own drum.
Week 2 - Guest Bedroom
First Place
26 + 1 Gnome Point = 27
“Ankur and Sharon are back in the game!” said Neale as he walked into a room he found warm and welcoming, with a traditional colour palette, heritage details including skirts, architraves, cornice and the original fireplace. Not everything worked, they said, with the ceiling rose too close to the skylights and a pendant Shaynna felt could have been lower, but a stunning bedhead - the same as Scotty’s - lamps instead of sconces and mismatched items that gave everything a “real” feel added up to a room Neale said “feels like home” with character and charm that was sophisticated and (most importantly) saleable.
Here at The Block Shop we LOVE this colour scheme, oh and hi Angela Hawkey art work! its a yes from us.
Week 3 Master Ensuite
27 Points / 30 - Second place
“I would never design this bathroom in a million years!” said Darren, taking in the statement wall tiles and basins, the spa bath with a view, black tapware and Grafico mural of the Macedon ranges, “But it works!”
Shaynna and Neale were worried it all might be a bit too much, but agreed it’s a statement space, particularly loving the addition of a fireplace… right up to the point where Shaynna noticed the fire’s double-sided glass give a view of the toilet to anyone in the master bedroom! Be careful of those choices, she warned, and be mindful, Darren added, of the line between eccentricity and saleability.
See more of Ankur and Sharon's Master Ensuite here.
Week 4 Master Bedroom and Walk Ins
28 / 30 - Second place
From the beautifully restored original door to antique furniture, a Marie Antoinette portrait and grand bedhead, this was a room that had the judges from the moment they walked in.
“This room says period drama to me!” Neale said, with Shaynna agreeing, pointing out the corbels, archways and even a beautifully framed mirror TV.
The pendant lighting left them wondering – too Deco, perhaps? – and Shaynna pointed out the view through the fireplace takes in the toilet as she feared, but with a huge walk-in that screamed luxury this was, Neale summed up, a crazy mix of eccentrity that worked well.
The framed mirror TV impressed the judges this week.
We are a little obsessed with this colour palette, oh and that artwork, yes please!
The lighting placement above the artwork really does make these pieces pop! Very Clever Sharon and Ankur!
This Kinsman wardrobe is so big and beautiful and in new colour "Bonsai ", it screams country luxe! Also pleased to see The Block Shops Fave arch mirror.
Neale summed up Sharon and Ankur's Master Bedroom, "a crazy mix of eccentrity that worked well."
Take a look at Ankur and Sharon's Master Bedroom and WIR here.
Week 5 Guest Bedroom and Bathroom
22 / 30 - Fifth place
“Look at the scale!” gushed Darren walking into what is essentially a second master suite, “you could swing a tiger in here!” And with its grand bay window, “almost antique” colour palette, gold velvet touches and bold furniture choices, the others agreed.
There were finishing errors and what Darren said was “a masterclass in how not to paint”, but with an ensuite boasting an “almost perfect” layout, finished with tiles, mirror, tapware and shutters that were heavenly, it all comes together.
If only, they agreed, the contestants had more time.
The judges agreed Sharon and Ankur needed more time to finish this week.
A match made in artwork heaven... 'Desert Air' by Angela Hawkey and 'Paulina' by Anna Blatman.
Sharon and Ankur's room this week has lots of The Block Shop Goodness in it, shop the room here.
Sharon and Ankur's bathroom was pretty in pink this week.
Shop Sharon and Ankur's Guest Bedroom and Bathroom here.
Week 6 - Kitchen Week
Fourth Place - 24.5 / 30
Cleverly set at the end of the new build and aimed straight at their house’s main asset – the view – this was a kitchen that immediately won the judges praise.
The Black Empira Caesarstone complementing rose gold accents in the Smeg stove and a quirky pink-panelled fridge all worked to make what Neal called a classic kitchen.
From the six-seat island in front to the discrete butler’s pantry behind (with its hidden challenge-winning mirror), a separate Smeg wine fridge and even cornices combined with square-set ceilings, it’s a kitchen that lacked the styling impact of others, but still did justice to the home Ankur and Sharon are building.
Cleverly set at the end of the new build and aimed straight at their house’s main asset – the view – this was a kitchen that immediately won the judges praise.
The Black Empira Caesarstone complementing rose gold accents in the Smeg stove and a quirky pink-panelled fridge all worked to make what Neal called a "classic kitchen".
Perfect placement of the divine Schots Emporium pendant lights. Modern Country eat your heart out.
Another picture perfect use of Satara Stools in this kitchen, we are loving the size of these builds!
Sharon and Ankur went with Smeg appliances throughout their kitchen, even a seperate wine fridge, yes please!
To shop all of the products featured in Sharon and Ankur's kitchen click here.
Week 7 - Living and Dining Room
19/30 - Fifth place
With big timber beams, antler lights and a stone feature fireplace wall, there was a lot to like in Sharon and Ankur’s living dining space as the judges walked in… but it didn’t take long for them to find more they didn’t like at all.
“Like the lobby of a hotel,” Neale said as he spotted a collection of chairs around a coffee table to one side. “Like a Flintstones fireplace,” Darren noted after spotting the lack of grout. “Paint the walls,” Shaynna joined in.
For all, it was a space with enormous potential, but one that looked rushed and hit by a tight budget.
The judges all agreed that Sharon and Ankur's fireplace from Rinnai was 'magic' but said the surrounding stonewall had 'lack of grout'
Neale said the seating area looked a little 'hotel lobby' , but Shaynna LOVED the antler chandelier.
This years Blockheads are finding some absolutely magical artworks, this one, 'Love Full Bloom' by Jen Shewring, is just perfect!
If you want to take a look at all of the products featured in Sharon and Ankur's Living and Dining Room click here.
Week 8 Hallway, Laundry and Mudrooms
23/30 - Fourth place
With a dark rug – the first of the day – and charcoal sheers, the judges immediately felt warmed as they entered House 3, with the hallways reflecting the “Gothic Camp” style shown throughout, Neale said.
It all added up to a dramatic feel, Shaynna agreed, but not one she loved, with the hallway her least favourite of the week.
The mudroom/laundry dog wash, however, won her back, the perfect addition to a space already stunning thanks to dark marble Caesarstone, statement tiles, ample storage and appliances perfect for a high-end home. Throw in a perfectly placed powder room and it was enough to leave her with a smile.
With a dark rug – the first of the day – and charcoal sheers, the judges immediately felt warmed as they entered House 3, with the hallways reflecting the “Gothic Camp” style shown throughout, Neale said.
It all added up to a dramatic feel, Shaynna agreed, but not one she loved, with the hallway her least favourite of the week.
Anna Blatman artworks brightened up this space, the judges agreed a change in paint colour could save this space.
The mudroom however the judges LOVED!
The mudroom/laundry dog wash, however, won the judges back, the perfect addition to a space already stunning thanks to dark marble Caesarstone, statement tiles, ample storage and appliances perfect for a high-end home. Throw in a perfectly placed powder room and it was enough to leave her with a smile.
Shaynna loved the syling in the mud room, she said "it isnt what she would use but in this house it works!"
Week 9 Guest Bedroom Kids
26.5 / 30 - Fourth place
Cosy, less eclectic, and filled with architectural styling details such as wainscoting in a regency profile, ceiling rose and cornicing, this was a room that left Shaynna “feeling the love”.
The wardrobe colour was “perfect” Neal added, for the pallet of the room, and the styling on point – right down to the menagerie of stuffed toys filling every space to tell a story any kid would love to hear.
Even better, Neale argued, was the fact this room, easily one of the best resolved Ankur and Sharon had presented, could easily be repurposed as an older targeted bedroom. A great addition when it comes to sale time.
Cosy, less eclectic, and filled with architectural styling details such as wainscoting in a regency profile, ceiling rose and cornicing, this was a room that left Shaynna “feeling the love”.
The sweetest kids table and chairs were featured in Sharon and Ankur's kids room to complete the look, and that sweet little elephant rocker!
The judges agreed the styling of this room was perfect, 'Cinnabun' and 'Leaping Fox' Artwork by Tia Alysse and Grafico wall paper were a whimsical match made in heaven!
Even better, Neale argued, was the fact this room, easily one of the best resolved Ankur and Sharon had presented, could easily be repurposed as an older targeted bedroom. A great addition when it comes to sale time.
The wardrobe colour was “perfect” Neal added, for the pallet of the room.
To see all of the products used in this whimsical wonderland shop here.
Week 10 Bedroom and Redo room
23.5 / 30 - Fifth place
A “nice” room suitable for a ten-year-old, Darren said as he took in Sharon and Ankur’s pink-themed guest room… but then why add cocktail glasses, Neale asked? He did, however, love the wardrobes, the cornice and ceiling rose, the pelmet and curtain, all working well to give the room great bones, it was just the styling that left him confused.
Into the redo room – the Living and Dining area - and all confusion left, with the added mirror, moved table, dark sheers and refinished paintwork leaving the judges happy that the space had definitely been saved.
There were still some touches that could be tweaked, they said, but overall, it’s a massive improvement.
Sharon and Ankur's styling left Darren confused this week.
A “nice” room suitable for a ten-year-old, Darren said as he took in Sharon and Ankur’s pink-themed guest room… but then why add cocktail glasses, Neale asked?
The Bambury Coverlet is a sweet addition to a girls bedroom, and we LOVE the chairs by Cachet Furniture.
To shop the products used Sharon and Ankur's pretty in pink room go to The Block Shop.
Into the redo room with the added mirror, moved table, dark sheers and refinished paintwork leaving the judges happy that the space had definitely been saved.
To shop Sharon and Ankur's bedroom go directly to The Block Shop here.
To shop Sharon and Ankur's redo room go here.
Week 11: Working from home reveal
19.5 / 30 - Fifth Place
As a work from home space, Darren said when he took in House three’s shed addition, “this is a killer”.
But the layout left him wondering. With a television in a corner as opposed to on one of the two available walls, a huge Caesarstone desk dominating and a cocktails area to one side, the orientation seemed confused, they felt, and didn’t make the best use of the fireplace at the other end.
Extra power points were needed, they all agreed if this was to be a functional workspace, a week one mistakes they didn’t expect to see this far into the competition.
Sharon and Ankur in their working from home space which left Darren confused.
With a television in a corner as opposed to on one of the two available walls, a huge Caesarstone desk dominating and a cocktails area to one side, the orientation seemed confused, the judges felt, and didn’t make the best use of the fireplace at the other end.
There is no denying that fireplace could really make this space sing, it is absolutely incredible to look at but perhaps not in the best spot.
Shop the look of Sharon and Ankur's room right here at The Block Shop.
Week 12 Landscape Reveal
19.5 / 30 - Fifth Place
Sitting proud on its hill with a view over all their neighbours, House 3’s cantilevered deck hovered above a pool perfectly located to take in the Macedon Ranges, next to a sweeping driveway that showcases the home and leads to the game-changer kitchen garden.
Not quite as finished as its neighbours, house three still told a story of luxury and space and a promise of what was to come.
As unfinished as it is, Scotty said, the extra build cost will need to be reflected in House three’s reserve, but with the bones already there and a plan in place, this will be, Neale says, where “the lifestyle dream comes alive”.
Sharon and Ankur, all smiles at the end of The Block 2022.
Not quite as finished as its neighbours, house three still told a story of luxury and space and a promise of what was to come.
The new exterior of the build featuring James Hardie cladding
The judges were left very confused by the placement, lack of styling and access to the pool area.
Sharon and Akur's game charger market garden includes two established olive trees, vegetable gardens, fire pit and greenhouse. A job well done the judges loved this space but wished it was an entertaining area.
The Pizza Oven and smoker and bbq makes this a great little entertaining nook.
As unfinished as it is, Scotty said, the extra build cost will need to be reflected in House three’s reserve, but with the bones already there and a plan in place, this will be, Neale says, where “the lifestyle dream comes alive”.
Take a look at the products Sharon and Ankur used here.
Unrevealed Room: Media Room
Sharon and Ankur had an uncompleted room that needed some love before auction day, we take a look at Sharon and Ankur's media room. A cleverly put together space with minimal budget all thanks to Block Shop Block Bucks.
Hendrick Rattan 3 Door Sideboard supplied by L3 Home and smart TV from Winning Appliances.
This simple and stylish room featuring Black Mango Cloud Sofa and TH Brown Trend Sofas and foot stool, a match made in heaven!
To shop the full list of products in Sharon and Ankur's media room head to The Block Shop.
For a full Block 2022 tour head here.
