The Block 2022: Tom and Sarah-Jane

Meet the Contestants: Tom and Sarah-Jane

TOM AND SARAH-JANE

Parents from Melbourne, VIC

Authentic and dynamic are two words that can be used to describe married couple Tom and Sarah-Jane.

They have a one-year-old daughter, Cleo, and are doing The Block to give her a better future. Together for seven years and married nearly three, they met at Sarah-Jane’s sister’s wedding

“We were a casual fling that spiraled into getting married and having a kid and now ending up on The Block,” Tom said.

This pair might argue a lot on The Block, but within five minutes they are back to their loud and loving selves.

Meet Tom and Sarah-Jane, dubbed the hard worker and the loud girl early on, we cant wait to watch this unfold.

EXPERIENCE

They own a house in the Melbourne suburb of Gladstone Park and have a caravan at Lake Eildon in regional Victoria.

While they haven’t renovated as many houses as some of the stronger couples in Block history, they make up for that with sheer guts and determination.

Sarah-Jane will take on the role of stylist and shopper, and while she hasn’t had much experience, that won’t bother her one bit.

Tom, 34, plumber

All his life Tom has had an addiction to working hard. He’d be at his happiest if he could do it all day long. This includes his hobby of woodchopping, which he has loved since being a kid.

“I could work 24 hours a day, I love it,” he said. “So that part of The Block is not going to bother me, I’m going to relish it.”

Tom is a successful plumber running his own business and employing subcontractors. With a dry sense of humor, he is set to be very well liked on The Block, and he’s not afraid of showing himself.

“I am totally comfortable with myself,” he said.

Sarah-Jane, 30, social worker

The minute Sarah-Jane walks on to The Block she makes an impact and means business. Loud, outspoken and with a heart of gold, when Sarah-Jane enters a room, you know it.

“People always say that I’m so loud,” she says. “Yes, I’m a lot, and some people don’t like it, but I’m harmless. I just like to have a laugh and a good time.”

She has worked in aged care as a social worker, a job she finds incredibly rewarding.

“I used to work as a carer, then I went on to study further to do more of an advocacy kind of role. Now I do case management with people over the age of 65 who are in vulnerable situations and I love it.”

Tom and Sarah-Jane are from Victoria and are parents to one year old, Cleo.

TOGETHER

Both admit that since having a child they argue a lot, and we can expect this on The Block. But it never comes from a bad place.

“We get our feelings out right there and then, and five minutes later we get over it,” Sarah-Jane said.

They are highly organised as a couple and determined to make the most of their Block opportunity. These two realise this is their shot, and they are going to work together well to make their dreams come true.

FAST FACTS ABOUT TOM AND SARAH-JANE

Tom’s brother has a history in reality TV: he was on My Kitchen Rules a few years ago. This is Tom and Sarah-Jane’s first year auditioning for The Block.

Sarah-Jane’s mother, who was a single mum for many years and juggled a number of jobs, is her role model.

Tom, is a self professed work-a-holic / plumber and Sarah-Jane a social worker.

House 1

Tom and Sarah-Jane

House Decider Challenge 

First Place!

From the inspired colour palette that draws on the autumn leaves outside to the modern take on traditional wainscotting and an original ceiling rose drawing the eye, Tom and Sarah-Jane’s decider room stopped the judges in their tracks. “Wow!” said Shaynna as she walked in, “this feels like a boutique hotel!” Darren wasn’t sold on the light fitting and thought the bedsides could have been a bit larger, but for Neal it was a room that just said “country” and he found himself taking notes on features he could use in his own home. And he can’t wait to see what they’ll bring next!

Winners are grinners as Tom and Sarah-Jane nail the "country brief"

“Wow!” said Shaynna as she walked in, all three judges LOVED the wall sconces from Beacon Lighting.

Week 1

Bathroom Week

25.5/30 - Equal Second Place 

With traditional cornicing and ceiling rose, a restored original light fitting and ample use of panelling, this was a bathroom, Darren said, that’s simply: “very impressive!”. And cost effective too, he added, with the panelling not only beautiful, but a budget saver by limiting the space that needed tiles.

There were some issues – the open grill over the door, some mis-matched metals, a lack of vanity-storage and a mis-placed shower door, but overall it was a room, the judges agreed, that showed a high level of sophistication and one that got the judges excited to see more!

The judges were impressed with this bathroom adding it is cost effective too, with the panelling not only beautiful, but a budget saver by limiting the space that needed tiles.

Week 2

Guest Bedroom Week 

23.5/30 - Equal Fourth Place

“Very Autumn!” declared the the judges as they walked into Tom and Sarah-Jane’s guest bedroom, loving the warm colour palette and the soaring ceiling and textures on the bed that brought the outside world into the home. From the bedside tables to the wainscotting, cornices and lighting, this was a room that showed, Neale said: “A real sophistication and consistency!”.

The Kinsman wardrobes however, brought up a problem the judges couldn’t see past. With the window not centred to the room, the wardrobe door won’t open once shutters are installed. And that, said Shaynna, is an error that might need major work to fix. If it can be fixed at all.

If you dont laugh you will cry! A costly mistake for Tom and Sarah-Jane this week.

Week 3 Master Esnuite 

26 Points / 30 - Third Place

With what Shaynna called “a timeless colour pallete” and a mix of glossy tiles on the walls and matte on the floor plus a very country mix of timber and brass, this was a room that grabbed the judges from the moment they walked in.

“Yum!” said Darren from the door, “I love this!” But not everything got their approval, with Shaynna noting that once again the pair had decided against face-level storage in vanity cabinets, the sconces were just too high for her and the pelmet, Darren said, was “pretty chunky”.

It’s a room that set a high bar for the others to follow, but the functional flaws kept them from the win.

See more of Tom and Sarah-Jane's Master Ensuite here.

Week 4 Master Bedroom and Walk Ins

28.5 / 30 - First place

With three French doors opening to the wrap-around balcony and a wood-fired heater, this is a room the judges felt embraced the country it sits in, but was its own cosy sanctuary.

“This is a room that hugs you!” said Shaynna as he took in the high ceilings and king-sized bed, “they’ve really thought it through!”. Neale loved the mixed textures, but for Darren it was the scale that won him over – a big bed, big drapes and big mirror TV was all very grand, he thought, with the bone inlay side tables tie in a perfect match for the rattan of the bedhead. 

Winners are grinners Tom and Sarah-Jane, "Shayna said this is a room that hugs you!" pic @davidcook photograpghy

Tom and Sarah- Janes winning master featuring Jen Shewring's 'Macedon Mist' artwork.

Darren said "the bone inlay side tables tie in a perfect match for the rattan of the bedhead"  both from the beautiful Provincial Home Living

Wow, wow, wow, the Kinsman wardrobes just get better every season! and through those doors is the Master Ensuite!  

For people that dont want an unsightly Tv in the Master Bedroom, this Framing to a T mirror TV is just next level amazing and oh so clever!

“They’ve really thought it through!” said Neale, you aren't wrong just look at these details! Oh Hi Mr Jasper Says!

Take a look at Tom and Sarah-Janes Master Bedroom and WIR here.

Week 5 Guest Bedroom and Bathroom 

29 + 1 (Gnome) - First place

With its breathtaking tartan feature wall highlighting an eclectic mix of artworks, sheer drapes behind a discrete pelmet and well-planned wardrobes Tom and Sarah-Jane’s bedroom, Neale said, showed the couple were “really having fun and creating their dream home”.

Not everything was perfect, the judges noted, with Darren pointing out the low bed and prominent power points, but combined with a bathroom that finally featured face-level storage alongside the stunning tile choices, it was enough for Shaynna to sum up: This is beautiful!

Tom and Sarah-Jane take the win again after using the gnome!

Eye spy, some amazing Black Mango goodness with those lamps!

Neale said, the couple were “really having fun and creating their dream home”. Featuring Grafico wallpaper.

Kinsman wardrobes really do no wrong, ever year they just get bigger and better!

Tom and Sarah-Jane's guest bedroom and take on Modern Country.  

Tom and Sarah-Jane are settling into country life nicely it seems.

We think this is colour palette perfection, topped off with the most perfect basin. Sarah-Jane's obviously up to date with Mirror Trends.

Whether you agree with the judges or not this week, one thing's for sure, Sarah-Jane and Tom can create a cohesive colour scheme.

Shop Tom and Sarah-Jane's guest bedroom and bathroom here.

Week 6 - Kitchen

First place - 30 / 30 

“I am awestruck!” Darren said as he walked into House 1 and took in everything from the beautiful herringbone flooring, a massive Ilve oven and statement copper fridge (complete with windowed Charcuterie and wine spaces) and more.

It’s “the ultimate contemporary country kitchen”, Neale declared and for once, Shaynna didn’t disagree.

With touches including an over-stove pot-filler tap, a butler’s pantry that could serve as a second kitchen and ample space for every gadget possible without feeling crowded, this was a kitchen that immediately caught all three judges and set the standard for every other team to beat… if they could.

In the words of Sarah-Jane, winner winner, chicken dinner! These two are on a roll.

Satara Stools are featured in this kitchen and we just cant get enough of them! Photo credit @David Cook Photography.

With beautiful herringbone flooring, a massive Ilve oven and statement copper fridge (complete with windowed Charcuterie and wine spaces)  We are in love with this modern country kitchen. 

It’s “the ultimate contemporary country kitchen”, Neale declared.

The Block House's this year have really raised the bar with the technology and appliances being installed into these kitchens. One can dream!

Kitchen organisation has never looked so good, excuse me while I swoon!

For access to all of the amazing products featured in Tom and Sarah-Jane's winning kitchen click here.

Week 7 - Living and Dining Rooms

25.5/30 -Second place

Aimed straight at their magnificent view, with a central fireplace to bring heat and coziness and timber-clad beams to accentuate the sheer size of it all, Tom and Sarah Jane’s living dining area is, Neale sums up: “Magnificent!”.

It was, however, a room that needed more, they said. More furniture, more rugs and possibly more thought into the styling.

A bench seat at the dining table left them confused as well, but the lighting plan, Darren added, made up for a lot.

A great room, they said, but would it be enough to continue their winning streak?

The winning streak came to an end this week for Tom and Sarah-Jane.

Aimed straight at their magnificent view, with a central fireplace to bring heat and coziness and timber-clad beams to accentuate the sheer size of it all, Tom and Sarah Jane’s living dining area is, Neale sums up: “Magnificent!”.

The judges said the room just needed more, more furniture, more rugs and possibly more thought into the styling.

Tom and Sarah-Jane pay tribute to the area with a Jen Shewring Artwork 'Summer at Macedon Ranges' and  a sideboard that matches their kitchen stools to create a cohesive look throughout the two rooms.

Week 7 Hallway, Laundry and Mudroom

26.5/30 - Second place

Through the new Aluplast door into a wallpapered breezeway separating the old build from the new, the judges immediately loved the blend of styles confirming this was two zones, but one house.

Past a welcoming sitting space, the judges loved the mudroom – complete with dog bed– and functional laundry with high-end appliances and attention to detail.

Not everything was perfect, they pointed out, with the ceilings not up to the usual house one standard, but in all, they agreed, a great mix of country and contemporary that made them feel they’d found heaven in hell week.

Tom and Sarah-Jane have created a blend of styles with the judges confirming this house has two zones.

The plaid is back! The judges agreed this was a welcoming sitting space.

Hallway week is always full to the brim of beautiful artwork, shop the room here.

The judges loved the mudroom from Freedom Kitchens– complete with dog bed.

Now this is SMART! Warm towels for your morning shower, silk pyjamas ready for bedtime, and wet shoes dried quickly after a downpour. When your home is equipped with this drying cabinet, you’ll wonder how you’ve ever lived without out.

For the full list of products used in Tom and Sarah-Jane's rooms click here.

Week 8 - Guest Bedroom Reveal

27.5 / 30 - Third place

“Nothing says family home like a nursery,” Shaynna announced as she walked into Tom and Sarah-Jane’s guest bedroom, stopping to take in the statement Grafico-print ceiling, Moses basket cot, pink marble table, perfect curtains and pelmet combination (Darren said) and comfy chair.

Filled with architectural touches that tie into the rest of the home but softened by styling that confirms it was built for a child, Shaynna pointed out the room can easily be repurposed (maybe after a colour change on the walls) or left as it was to win over a buyer’s heart, a smart choice when appealing to a wide market.

“Nothing says family home like a nursery,” Shaynna announced as she walked into Tom and Sarah-Jane's kids room.

The judges stopped to take in the statement Grafico-print ceiling, pink marble table, perfect curtains and pelmet combination.

Tom and Sarah-Jane's nursery complete with stunning mother of pearl drawers and Kylie Cuthbertson art. 

Another clever Kinsman Wardrobes design to store all of the things! The judges agreed this is a smart room that could appeal to many not just as a kids room.

The judges loved the styling in this room, Ceramic products from Run Rabbit, Picca Loulou and Jaclyn & Matisse.

To shop all of the products in Tom and Sarah-Jane's room click here.

Week 10 Bedroom and Redo room

28 / 30 - Equal first place

With a Rattan bedhead and complementing Grafico wallpaper to reflect the style of House one’s original guest bedroom, a king-size bed and perferctly-placed cabinetry this final guest room immediately caught the judges hearts, with Darren declaring once again that Sarah-Jane should be styling rooms for a living.

Into the redo room, the lounge area and suddenly things seemed much cosier, Shaynna said.

New rug, chairs turned toward the fire, an extra couch and an updated entertainment unit (which thankfully tidies up the cables) all works with the huge space and finally shows, Neale says, even with the house’s massive size, it can still seem cosy.

Tom and Sarah-Jane take out equal first with Rachel and Ryan this week. This blogs imagery via @davidcookphotography. 

The room had Darren declaring once again that Sarah-Jane should be styling rooms for a living.

Shopping the contestants room's is easy at The Block Shop, shop Tom and Sarah-Jane's winning room here.

Another practically perfect cabintery design by Kinsman Wardrobes.

New rug, chairs turned toward the fire, an extra couch and an updated entertainment unit (which thankfully tidies up the cables) all works with the huge space and finally shows, Neale says, even with the house’s massive size, it can still seem cosy.

To shop all of the goodness from Tom and Sarah-Janes bedroom click here.

To shop Tom and Sarah-Jane's redo room click here.

Week 11: Working from Home Space Reveal 

26 / 30 - First place

Built around a walk-in Vintec wine cellar, House one’s television room built into the Stratco garage space is the perfect getaway, the judges agreed, ideal for teenagers or anyone wanting a break from the rest of the home.

Past the powder room and upstairs however was where their addition really shone. The only home with a second level thanks to early engineering planning, this is a complete office that could easily be converted to a guest apartment, with eight eye-level Velux skylights, two separate work stations and kitchenette.

A potential office? Definitely, the judges agreed, a nanny (or granny) flat? Why not! Either way, all agreed it’s a definite value add to the home.

Tom and Sarah-Jane take the win in working from home week.

Complete with Vintec wine cellar, House one’s television room built into the Stratco garage space is the perfect getaway, the judges agreed, ideal for teenagers or anyone wanting a break from the rest of the home.

The only home with a second level, this is a complete office that could easily be converted to a guest apartment, with eight eye-level Velux skylights, two separate work stations and kitchenette.This space is a clear winner!

This space brings a new meaning to 'head in the clouds' with these incrduble skylights from Velux.

The simplicity of this space is simply stunning, with smart inclusions such as a kitchenette it's no wonder these two keep finding themselves at the top of the leaderboard.

Taking the space to new heights are these Boucle Swivel Chairs... I love them and I need them!

Shop the look of Tom and Sarah-Jane's room right here at The Block Shop.

Week 12 Landscape Reveal 

29 + 1 The Gnome = 30 - First place

From the tear-drop entrance drive with just a few of Tom and Sarah-Jane’s Plantrunner mature trees, past the Colourbond and James Hardie weatherboard exteriors to the water feature marking the transition from old house to new build and beyond, this was an exterior that wowed the judges.

Especially when they made it to the back where the living room’s huge windows faced out to a pool, kids playground, artfully-placed old farm equipment, firepit, and more. How much more?

What about a par three driving range into the property’s back corner? A basketball court? BBQ area? Chicken run? Pony pen? A dam-side tiny house?

“Mind blowing,” summed up Darren, “completely bananas!”

Tom and Sarah-Jane take out the Block's biggest ever landscape week.

The front facade of Tom and Sarah-Jane's house with a water feature marking the transition from old house to new build and beyond.

Showcasing the new part of the build, Tom and Sarah-Jane's living area opens up onto the deck and overlooking the pool, a kids playground, artfully-placed old farm equipment, firepit, and more.

Imagine yourself at that table, sipping that wine with that view! Hello Macedon Ranges life, we REALLY like you!

With veggie gardens, pony pens, a bbq and Polito Pizza oven you really wouldn't ever want to eave home.

“Mind blowing,” summed up Darren, “completely bananas!”

Dream Courts, well the name really says it all, I have three boys who would definately dream of this back yard!

For direct access to all of the amazing products in Tom and Sarah-Jane's landscape reveal head to The Block Shop.

Keep up with everything The Block 2022 Treechange here.