The Block 2022: Rachel and Ryan

Meet the Contestants: Rachel and Ryan

When two Blockheads quit, it’s time for the replacements to shine!

Meet Rachel and Ryan, this dynamic duo shows us how to hit the ground running!

News of the “Bondi Babes” Joel and Elle’s shock departure from The Block stunned the remaining contestants, but none more than a couple who had thought they’d missed their chance, Sydneysiders Ryan and Rachel.

When production on The Block Tree Change began, they were still at home, assuming that for this year at least, they hadn’t made the series.

Getting on with their lives, they went back to work, settled back into family life and thought they might re-apply next year and try again.

And then the phone rang...

Rachel and Ryan, Professional renovators, parents from Oyster Bay, NSW.

“We were out at the local bowling club, we’d had a couple of drinks and my phone rang,” Rachel, said.

“Ryan just said: ‘Don’t answer it’, but I did, expecting to get the confirmation that we weren’t going to be a part of the series… and that’s not what I heard at all.”

Instead of rejection, Rachel was told there had been a sudden change and they were needed in Melbourne… in less than two days.

“That was 3pm on a Saturday, it took two hours of phone calls to figure out if we could get our parents to look after our three children for the duration and then by 8am Monday we were on The Block,” Rachel said.

“Everything had happened so fast we didn’t know where we were in Victoria, didn’t know what was going on… we barely knew our own names! But we arrived, met Scotty Cam for about 2.5 minutes, got some plans and off we went… it was surreal.”

Realising the first challenge was to build a bathroom in a country home, the pair breathed a sigh of relief.

“Our dream has always been to build a country home so we had a lot of ideas ready to go and our business is bathroom renovation so together we’ve built about five and Ryan has done about 15 others himself.” Rachel said.

“So, we though we’ve got this! And then The Block reality hit. This is not like anything we’ve ever done before!”

Judging by those first few days, the pair know this will be a roller coaster ride, Rachel says, but they can’t wait.

“I’m so glad I answered that call!” she says.

Meet The Contestants: Rachel and Ryan

Professional renovators, parents from Oyster Bay, NSW

In a first for The Block, Rachel and Ryan came on the show after the walk off from Joel and Elle. 

They were in the pub with their kids and family friends when they got the call on Saturday, and by Monday, they were on The Block. 

With three young children, Everleigh, 5, Mila, 3, and Tommy, 1, they had to uproot their lives in a day to make it to the Macedon Ranges.

"We really went into chaos mode," Rachel said.

Meet the Aussie family from Oyster Bay, NSW, that dropped everything to take on The Block, with only two days notice and a month behind the rest of the couples to mentally prepare, talk about hit the ground running!

EXPERIENCE

The past year Rachel and Ryan have formed their own renovation company, R&R Design Co.  

It first came about when Ryan, who is a trained plumber, started doing bathroom renovations and it went from there. 

"Rachel does a lot of the styling part of it, while I do the construction side of things," Ryan said. 

"We've only been doing it the last five months before The Block, and it was great training for us leading up to the show." 

So Rachel and Ryan are set to be real contenders, despite not being able to prepare for The Block because they came in after the show had started. 

Rachel and Ryan preparing to enter The Block Tree Change site and meet Scotty Cam for the first time.

Rachel, 36, makeup artist

Life in Sydney is crazy for Rachel, as she juggles motherhood with three kids under six, her career as a makeup artist and running the new business. 

With her job as a makeup artist, Rachel has been exposed to the entertainment business, but never in front of the camera.

Rachel believes The Block is harder than anyone can imagine, but she isn't forgetting why she is doing the show, and that is to have a better future for her children. 

"We are doing this for them," she said.,

Ryan, 36, plumber 

An experienced and respected plumber, Ryan has lived in Sydney's Sutherland Shire all his life. 

He is straight down the line and a hard worker, and generally not an emotional person but The Block is a whole different kettle of fish. 

"This whole experience has been very emotional, especially being away from the kids." 

TOGETHER

On The Block Ryan will generally stay on site managing the trades and the build, while Rachel will take on the design and style.

They have a very specific style they want to deliver, and will stick to their guns which may rub the judges the wrong way.

"It's funny, our dream is to build a country home, but for us a country home is a lot different to what people want here,” Rachel said.

"We don't want to do a heritage country home, we want to do a contemporary country home." 

FAST FACTS ABOUT RACHEL AND RYAN

The couple met at the Future Music Festival in Sydney 15 years ago.

Ryan is a keen golfer.

They lived overseas for three years including in London and have travelled all across South America. 

Rachel considers herself psychic, and always thought she was going to make it on The Block. 

House 2 

Week 1 - Bathroom week 

23.5/30 - Third Place

From the second the judges entered this bathroom, one thing stood out for them all - the space! “This is massive!” Shaynna said as she took in the high ceilings incorporating wide skylights, double shower, floor-to ceiling tiles and storage galore. But was it too much? And most importantly, was it country?

The square-set features, timber vanity, basin, “artful” lighting plan and curved glass all screamed modern luxury, the judges agreed, possibly too modern for country home. A few heritage features might have softened the effect, Shaynna said before all asked the question: Is it appropriate in a country setting? “Just” Darren Palmer said.

New kids on The Block Rachel and Ryan.

The judges didn't think the bathroom was "country enough" we are softies here at The Block Shop and feel for this couple coming in mentally four weeks behind. That's alot of lost pinterest time...!

Week 2

24.5/30 - Third Place

With bespoke panelling, a smart use of space and a striking feature wall, loads of space and attention to detail, the judges declared this a “contemporary take on country”, marrying a modern style with traditional cornices and architraves. But there were, they pointed out, downsides.

For Darren it was the too-bold colour and a “Scandi” style chair, Shaynna wanted higher curtains and a lower fan while Neale felt the slim styling choices let an otherwise impressive room down. They could all see the contemporary direction the pair was taking, but Shaynna summed it up by saying the rooms still should “hug her” a little more.

The judges declared this a “contemporary take on country”, marrying a modern style with traditional cornices and architraves.

Week 3  Master Ensuite

23.5 / 30 Points  - Fourth place

“Feels palatial,” the judges said as they walked into the vast space of Rachel and Ryan’s ensuite, taking in the heritage details of cornices and architraves, the timber vanity, and feature tile.

But while Darren was impressed by the contemporary luxury, with the shower heads in what he said was just the right spot, the inclusion of an IXL heater lamp and pendants over the bath, both Shaynna and Neale weren’t convinced.

For Shaynna is was a case of things being half right – she loved the vanity area, but no where else - and Neale said he found the sea of grey “a bit bland”.

It’s in keeping with the house, they said, but just not quite there.

See more of Rachel and Ryan's Master Ensuite here.

Week 4 Master Bedroom and Walk In

27.5 / 30 - Third place

“Ooh la la!” said Darren as he rushed in to embrace the stacked stone fireplace, then admire the neutral palette and subtle styling choices he felt combined to create a perfect balance of contemporary and country.

And a perfect walk-in, Neal said when he rolled back the barn door to find what he called “prime real estate for buyers”, a dressing zone divided into separate zones that just works.

With oak finishes and woodgrain surfaces on the wardrobes, Darren said the room not only works alone, but ties in perfectly to the bathroom.

“Ooh la la!” said Darren as he rushed in to embrace the stacked stone fireplace.

We are loving the use of fireplace's in the master bedroom this year, if you've been to Victoria's Macedon Ranges in winter you will understand why!

The 4 post bed... the grafico wall... the pendant light.....luxe linen..... yes, yes, yes!!!  We are loving watching Rachel and Ryan's style evolve.

"And a perfect walk-in", Neal said when he rolled back the barn door to find what he called “prime real estate for buyers”, a dressing zone divided into separate zones that just works.

We love art here, but that texture and bright colour makes our art-y hearts sing! 'Red Velvet" is a limited edition canvas by Theo Papathomas

Take a look at Rachel and Ryan's Master Bedroom and WIR here.

Week 5 Guest Bedroom and Bathroom 

26 / 30 - Third place

After weeks of pushing the contemporary aesthetic into their country home, the judges were braced for more modern styling, but one look at Rachel and Ryan’s combination of a rug, artwork and bed-top blanket showed them they were still embracing country as well.

Slightly timid, Neale said, but still a great asset to the growing house and the perfect partner to a bathroom all agreed had impact… “plenty of impact!”

“There’s not a single safe choice here… and I love it,” Darren said as he took in the lava stone basin, timber bench seat, black tapware accents and more.

“Magazine worthy,” Shaynna said.

The judges said Rachel and Ryan were "embracing country" this week, with their rug choice, blanket and artwork!

Rachel and Ryan sure are delivering a high standard week after week.

Incredible artwork, 'Sunshine on Macedon' by Jen Shewring.

Another incredible wardrobe, look at that guest bedroom storage!

Grafico have been busy bee's at the Treechange this year!

“There’s not a single safe choice here… and I love it,” Darren said as he took in the lava stone basin, timber bench seat, black tapware accents and more.

“Magazine worthy,” Shaynna said and we whole heartedly agree!

Insert bath tub envy here! pics by the amazingly talented @David Cook Photography. 

Shop Rachel and Ryan's Guest Bedroom and Bathroom here.

Week 6 - Kitchen 

Fifth place - 24 / 30 

The contemporary path continues, said Shaynna as she entered Rachel and Ryan’s sleek and modern kitchen, but with rustic touches.

From the Oyster grey cabinets and new porcelains splashback, ample butler’s pantry and the latest appliances all focussed to an enormous island bench, this was a beautiful but pared back space… perhaps too pared back Shaynna added.

Beautifully executed and with attention to zoning and layout, the kitchen worked well, they agreed, but lacked the drama of other houses.

The exposed beams overhead hinted at a country feel that could be coming, but while it’s a “bloody good kitchen” Neale said, there just wasn’t the emotional connection. 

From the Oyster grey cabinets and new porcelains splashback, ample butler’s pantry and the latest appliances all focussed to an enormous island bench, this was a beautiful but pared back space.

This huge island bench and stools really is the heart of Rachel and Ryan's home! Insert memory making here.

Beautifully executed and with attention to zoning and layout, the kitchen worked well, they agreed, but lacked the drama of other houses.

The exposed beams overhead hinted at a country feel that could be coming, but while it’s a “bloody good kitchen” Neale said, there just wasn’t the emotional connection. 

Rachel and Ryan's kitchen and Butler's pantry was no exception filled with all of the latest appliances, and another wine fridge!

Did you love this kitchen as much as we did? Check out all of the amazing products used here.

Week 7 - Living and Dining Room

29.5/30 - First place

It’s been a long time coming, but from the moment the judges walk into Rachel and Ryan’s country lodge living and dining space, they finally see the couple’s vision.

“I’ve got goosebumps!” Darren says.

“They’ve done it!” Shaynna yells as she admires the floor to ceiling stone fireplace with a massive lounge wrapped in front, dining table expertly positioned to take in the winery views, exposed wooden beams highlighting an innovative Blackbutt ceiling that all combines to create what Neale sums up as a “minimalistic lodge” aesthetic that completes the kitchen and suits the home and region.

 It is so nice to see this kind hearted, hard working couple take the win, the hard work really did pay off for Rachel and Ryan and we couldn't be happier. Photo credit for this blog @David Cook Photography.

Neale described Rachel and Ryan's lounge as "best sofa ever on the block"  and we have to agree!

Scott Cam said earlier in the week Rachel and Ryan were the team to beat and he was spot on! This wool boucle rug is something dreams are made of!

The judges all agreed Rachel and Ryan's dining chairs were a good choice and comfortable!!  But can we take a minute for the artwork!!!

This incredible piece of art 'Numbuh-ba Jagun'  meaning Back to Earth. “Back to Earth” is the latest collaboration between Contemporary Indigenous Artist Brad Tuner and Australian Abstract Artist Cara Sanders. This new awakening is not only sincerely heartfelt but has a powerful and profound message about reconciliation! The art is a raw expression of their experiences through an indigenous and non-indigenous lens.

There is alot to love in this house but strangely my first thought was, I need that duck decanter?  Even the judges liked it! 

To shop every little piece of beauty from this winning room head to Rachel and Ryan's couple page on The Block Shop.

Week 8 Hallway, Laundry and Mud Rooms

25/30 - Third place

With a high-end lighting layout and beautiful artworks galore, the new entrance/breezeway pulled the judges in and led them down timber stairs to a living room that now made perfect sense.

Hallway storage, fluted Laminex wall inserts and a laundry that made use of Caesarstone benchtop, luxe appliances and tiles Shaynna just loved added up to join everything together.

Time had obviously beaten the pair, the judges agreed, with paint still to come in several areas and obvious omissions in styling, but by pulling the old and new parts of the home together, Rachel and Ryan have shown their vision was finally complete.

The judges agreed time had obviously beaten the pair this week.

Entering Rachel and Ryan's front door you are greeted by a beautiful fluted Laminex wall inserts and bright and cheery artwork.

With a high-end lighting layout and beautiful artworks galore, the new entrance/breezeway pulled the judges in and led them down timber stairs to a living room that now made perfect sense.

Take a look at all of that storage in the hallway! and the detail of the artwork up close.

Even though there is clearly work to be done here to finish the room, we see ths vision and we love Rachel and Ryan's artwork choices!

Another beautiful fluted laminex detail in Rachel and Ryan's Mudroom and the Anorakki's hanging are practically perfect, we love this space.

For the full list of products used in Rachel and Ryan's rooms click here.

Week 9 Guest Bedroom Kids 

28.5 / 30 - Second Place

Huge, beautifully styled and in keeping with the rest of house 2’s contemporary country vibe, this was a children’s oasis, not just a bedroom, the judges announced.

From the whimsical Grafico wallpaper to the complementing Kinsman wardrobes a play area – complete with kid-friendly furniture -  this was a space designed to be enjoyed as much more than just sleeping in mind, the judges felt and one that showed a parent had designed it with a family in mind.

Chic, cute and tugging at the heart, the room, the judges declared, that will help Rachel and Ryan sell their home.

Huge, beautifully styled and in keeping with the rest of house 2’s contemporary country vibe, this was a children’s oasis, not just a bedroom, the judges announced.

Shaynna said this was her favourite Grafico wallpaper of the season, and we absolutely love the Blacklist artwork.

Chic, cute and tugging at the heart, the room, the judges declared, that will help Rachel and Ryan sell their home.

The judges felt Rachel and Ryan's kids room showed a parent had designed it with a family in mind. Complete with framed kids art, thanks to Rachel and Ryans own children, plush animal toys, timber musical instruments and beautiful ballerinas this room has a beautiful sense of style.

The judges loved the Kinsman wardrobe colour complete with timber handles. I think all parents would agree that storage is heaven for kids rooms!

To shop the full list of products used in Rachel and Ryan's kids room click here.

Week 10 Bedroom and Redo Room

28 / 30 - Equal first place

With a metallic-green tinge to the cabinetry, Grafico striped wallpaper, cornices, skirts and lamps all combine for contemporary country chic that’s a world away from their first guest room, the judges agreed.

But not any more, they agreed, when they revisited that first room, now Ryan and Rachel’s redo room, to find a new warmer colour on the feature wall, a new rug, a new bed and a new feel, Shaynna said, that married well into the home’s overall theme and the countryside in which it sits.

“They’ve really hit their stride!” Shaynna said, pointing out the colours of the land outside were now reflected inside as well, adding up to a cohesive feel throughout.

Rachel and Ryan come in equal first with good friends Tom and Sarah-Jane.

With a metallic-green tinge to the cabinetry, Grafico striped wallpaper, cornices, skirts and lamps all combine for contemporary country chic that’s a world away from their first guest room, the judges agreed. And lets just say that artwork..... wow! love love love!

Rachel's contemporary take on country is starting to come together and we LOVE it! If you need me Ill be over here adding that swivel chair to my cart!

This room is simply perfect, we love the subtle striped linen grafico wall paper alongside that Kinsman Cabinetry, the timber handles.... yes please!

When the judges revisited that first bedroom, now Ryan and Rachel’s redo room, to find a new warmer colour on the feature wall, a new rug, a new bed matching bedside tables and a new feel, Shaynna said, that married well into the home’s overall theme and the countryside in which it sits.

This redo room is taking our breath away and we love the addition of that Jen Shewring artwork!!!!

To shop Rachel and Ryan's bedroom click here.

To shop Rachel and Ryan's redo room click here.

Week 11: Working from Home Reveal

24.5 / 30 - Second place

If a home has a winery, Rachel and Ryan thought, why not add a wine room to enjoy the end results?

Down the landing steps into a cosy space featuring a full-wall Grafico mural and spectacular view over the vines to Mount Macedon beyond, this is a separate entertaining space perfect for showcasing the micro-winery House 2 boasts.

With a benchtop area for preparing the drinks, huge couch in front of a wide television and an woodfired stove to give country ambiance, this space is less about work and more for play, the judges agreed… but is that enough?

A work space would have added value, the judges agreed and adding a desk in here may not work.

If a home has a winery, Rachel and Ryan thought, why not add a wine room to enjoy the end results? We can't argue with that logic.

With a benchtop area for preparing the drinks, huge couch in front of a wide television and an woodfired stove to give country ambiance, this space is less about work and more for play, the judges agreed.

With an incredible view out to The Macedon Ranges it's hard not to want to open a glass of wine and soak in the view.

I am in LOVE with the wine rack's used on the wall, complemented by the lighting it really is a wine lovers heaven!

Rachel has an incredible eye for colour's and keeping cohesion in her rooms, we adore this artwork Rach has used.

Shop the look of Rachel and Ryan's room right here at The Block Shop.

Week 12 Landscape Reveal

26.5 / 30 - Equal Third place

From the colour choices for exterior walls to the complementing Colourbond and stonework to reflect the lodge interior there was a lot for the judges to love as they arrived at House two. And a lot more as they walked past the courtyard-style arrival area to see the landscape proper.

“Talk about a game changer!” Neale said when he spotted House two’s vineyard, not just a beautiful addition, but a passive income for years to come.

That sat at the end of a beautiful outdoor entertainment area with Outdure deck with a pool at the end, an arbour leading pathways to the nearby creek, a zipline, swings, quiet zones and more. 

Rachel and Ryan we are so pleased you got to experience The Block, you guys were meant to be!

House 2 and it's beautiful view of the Macedon Ranges.

Rachel and Ryan's game changer! A vineyard, that sounds like my kind of hobby.

“Talk about a game changer!” Neale said when he spotted House two’s vineyard, not just a beautiful addition, but a passive income for years to come.

Rachel and Ryan created a beautiful outdoor entertainment area with an Outdure deck and a pool at the end, an arbour leading pathways to the nearby creek, a zipline, swings, quiet zones and more. 

The Original Parasol Co umbrellas are not only practical but pretty, Mount Macedon Colourway available exclusively through The Block Shop

Well done Rachel and Ryan, you have been an impressive couple to watch this season.

To shop Rachel and Ryan's landscape reveal head to The Block Shop.

To keep up with all of the latest news on The Block Tree Change head here.