The Block 2023: Eliza and Liberty

Meet team purple, Eliza and Liberty, sisters from Melbourne, Victoria.

Meet team purple, Eliza and Liberty, sisters from Melbourne, Victoria.

These mid-thirties sisters grew up in Adelaide, and now live in Melbourne together, and were as surprised as anyone when they ended up on The Block.

They are very different personalities who complement each other, but are both single and ready to mingle.

“I’m into health and fitness, and Eliza would rather sleep,” Liberty said.

Both say they lead great lives, but having the same routine day after day made them approach The Block as their way of stepping out of their comfort zone and doing something different.

EXPERIENCE

The sisters have zero renovation or building experience.

“So if we can do it, anyone can,” Eliza declared. “It’s overwhelming. Despite thriving in our careers and like being on top of our game, we could not be further from it here.”

Despite having no experience they will throw everything at the challenge from day one.

Eliza, 37, personal assistant

Eliza has worked in the entertainment industry and as a radio producer, so she is no stranger to television.

She has a fantastic attitude and will be very well liked on The Block.“I’m just going to give it a red-hot crack,” she said.

In her personal life she is a mental health advocate who gives talks in schools. She loves to cook and sleep in.

Her sister Liberty admires how strong she is. “Eliza is not afraid to have very open and honest conversations with people, and I love that.”

Liberty, 34, producer

Liberty gets up at 5am everyday to go to the gym and loves her routine.

She has worked for the Richmond Football Club as a producer in events, and now works for an advertising company.

The Block has come along just at the right time for them. “We are both single, in our mid-thirties, and nothing is

holding us back,” Liberty said. “Everything has just aligned.”

A fitness nut, Liberty was the first person in the world to reach 700 classes in the Body Fit training gym franchise.

TOGETHER

Their parents in Adelaide were shocked to hear that they were on The Block, but have since come around.

“We have found that even though we are massively different, we have massively worked well together in the past,” Eliza said. “It’ll be the same on The Block.”

The Block kicks off on August 6th on Channel Nine, 7 O'Block, and we can't wait to watch these sisters, good luck girls! 

House Decider Challenge

Second Place

18.5/30

From timber elements in the shelves and bed to the green feature wall and bedside tables that mimic tree branches, this was a room Darren immediately knew was inspired by the living tree, Groot… and he loved that!

What was missing Shaynna said, were actual plants, possibly a hanging garden. And also, she added, a wardrobe, something vital in a kids’ room.

It was a measured approach, Darren said defending the room, perfect for a little tree person: “At least they’ve understood what the character means.” Summing up, Scotty said the space was well executed and had some good thought behind it but: “needed some more layers”.

Knowbody was more shocked than these two, that they took home second place! Eliza and Liberty shocked themselves, and provided the laughs along the way, watch out Scotty these two will keep you on your toes this season!

Darren complemented the girls for nailing the brief, receiving Groot as their inspiration for the room was no easy task, sorry Groot!

The girls made clever use of the space although, Shaynna wanted to see a wardrobe, we loved the use of panelling in the study nook, take note reno lovers!

Shop Eliza and Liberty's House Decider challenge room at The Block Shop here.

Studio Bathroom

Third place

23 / 30 points 

$26,262 spend

Struck instantly by the bold choice of floor tile, the judges felt Liberty and Eliza’s bathroom was “a happy place” with Shaynna saying the whole room felt divine.

But it didn’t take long for them to start finding flaws. The tall shower height and face-level toilet flusher confused them.

Then there were the mismatched metals in fixtures, something Shaynna never likes, and a shower screen she and Marty both agreed would be better frameless. Marty also pointed out the lighting mixed warm and cold, with Darren adding the pendant looked dated.

Execution however, was all good, they said, adding up to a great style Shaynna thinks is very saleable. 

Eliza and Liberty delivered what the judges thought was a "happy place" and very saleable room.

With a bold colourful tile choice the judges loved and a beautiful timber vanity, a few poor choices such as mismatched metals in fixtures let the girls down this week. We are in love with this brushed bronze tapwear here at The Block Shop!

The incredibly high shower head and face level toilet flusher let the girls down, but the judges praised the girls execution. Can we take a minute for the Hanging Amaranthus, for those that don't know its a preserved plant, also available here at The Block Shop. This beautiful natural Amaranthus has been preserved and will keep its beauty for years without watering or maintenance, that's a yes from us!

Shop Eliza and Liberty's Studio Bathroom here at The Block Shop.

Studio Reveal

Third Place

21.5/30

$21,518 SPEND

Striking a balance between serving the pool that will land outside and the needs of guest accommodation, this could be, Darren said, the “Goldilocks zone” he’d been looking for all day.

He loved the space, the outlook and the amenities… and Shaynna agreed that this was a room you could sleep, relax and work in.

But then Marty stepped in. The wallpaper, he dismissed, was juvenile. The styling was outdated and if he’d been presented with an empty room, he summed up, he’d have been happier.

A crushing judgement for Eliza and Liberty, but with time to tweak, it left them with a lot to consider.

Marty gave Eliza and Liberty some crushing feedback, but lots of easy fixes before Auction Day, and a potential redo room for these girls.

Darren however loved the space, the outlook and the amenities… and Shaynna agreed that this was a room you could sleep, relax and work in.

There was no denying the girls styled this lounge beautifully with Eadie cushions.

Working from home reveal (Equal fourth place)

24/30

Swapping a dedicated office for a guest bedroom that could be easily adapted, Eliza and Liberty went for a soft colour pallet with complementing carpets and well-planned lighting to create a space that gave them, Marty was happy to point out, a genuine five-bedroom home.

But what was sacrificed to get there, he asked. The desk and mirror combination, Shaynna said, and reminded her of a hotel room.

For Darren however, the tall doors, Hardie Groove panelling and recessed curtains combined with well-selected artworks for a fun and playful space.

Not everything was perfect, he agreed, but what was there elevated the room and added to the home.

Given the floor plan of Eliza and Liberty's house it was a smart move to make this an extra bedroom and the perfect downstairs guest room, and now a "genuine 5 bedroom home" said Marty. 

Featuring matching artwork to Leah in House 2 (awkward) from Camerich, what are the chances! Really loving how they have styled the bed, that throw and the boucle cushions, love it!

Shaynna thought the desk and mirror combo felt a little hotel like.

The girls played it smart with ample storage space and that beautiful Grafico Glasscloth Navy Blue Wallpaper.

Eliza and Liberty's room was hit by a severe rain storm in Melbourne causing water damage to the room at the last minute. Luckily for The Girls the Block Suppliers are all round legends, and a big thanks to Damien at Grafico for always saving the day!

Bathroom reveal 

Equal fourth place

25 points

And here was the big surprise of the night, a moss-covered feature wall!

“What is that?” a shocked Shaynna asked. “I can’t get my head around it!” Marty agreed as the judges took in the bright green living moss feature Eliza and Liberty had used in their downstairs bathroom.

Only Darren was impressed, pointing out how it complemented the neutral colour scheme, helped acoustically and was great for the air.

Marty wasn’t sold however, saying he loved the layout, fixtures and the fact this was the only bathroom presented with an actual bath… but the moss was a step too far.

Eliza and Liberty said they would either some first or last this week, and sadly it was the later! With a moss wall that left the judges divided.

Darren was impressed, pointing out how the moss feature complemented the neutral colour scheme, helped acoustically and was great for the air.

Another Nood Co basin featured in Eliza and Liberty's bathroom in this amazing neutral colour that we LOVE!

Shop the girls room at The Block Shop, we were so excited to see the BRAND NEW a.live body home cleaning starter kit.

Living and Dining room reveal

Second place

27 points 

The one thing that screams luxury in a home, the judges agreed, is space.

And Eliza and Liberty’s huge living dining area certainly delivered that. “This floorplan is the gift of all gifts,” Darren declared, “and you haven’t messed it up!”

Looking out over what will be their backyard and with a central free-standing fireplace, the space is punctuated by a huge couch, Rosenberg art and a Camerich sculpture plus a porta timber feature wall with a generous inset television.

It's a sophisticated space, they all agreed, that’s going to work very well against the kitchen to come.

"The one thing that screams luxury in a home, the judges agreed, is space." And the girls had plenty of it, what an amazing effort to have this space completed in one week!

The judges said these dining chairs may just be the best they have EVER seen on The Block, we agree! available on The Block Shop.

"It's a sophisticated space, they all agreed, that’s going to work very well against the kitchen to come." the judges said.

This room was all in the detail, so many amazing products from the girls, check them all out here.

Master Bedroom Reveal

Fourth place

22.5 points

With double-glazed Aluplast windows and a fireplace to keep things warm Eliza and Liberty had created a cosy, beautiful room, but one that perhaps needed more.

Simple, perhaps to the point of too little happening, the judges were concerned the pair had been overwhelmed this week, pointing to incomplete paint, sparce styling and artworks that favoured one side of the room but not the other.

The layout worked well – particularly in the beautifully-appointed Kinsman wardrobes – and the colour choice was perfect for a bedroom, but with a definite sense of desperation and some choices that seemed to clash, more time should have been found.

Liberty's face says it all this week, the girls running short on time this week on what could have been a really great master bedroom.

Eliza and Liberty taking their signature colour scheme into the master this was a room full of greatness but time got away from the girls this week. Shop the products the girls room here.

The girls chose this artwork and shaped the room around it, featuring blue tones and burnt oranges this room had a real sense of warmth, and we don't just mean from the Escea Fireplace.

The judges agreed the layout worked well – particularly in the beautifully-appointed Kinsman wardrobes – and the colour choice was perfect for a bedroom.

Kitchen Reveal 

First place

Cash Spent - $23,669

From the “beautifully brave” orange oven to a perfectly-proportioned island bench looking out to the pool and living room, a built-in bar and appliances all where they should be, this was a kitchen that ticked all the boxes for a high-end family home.

“I’m looking around and literally not left wanting for anything!” Darren said as he took it all in.

Even the artwork was perfect, Neale noted, accentuating the bold oven choice.

Accompanied by a serviceable butlers pantry and adjacent to a laundry that had a huge linen cupboard alongside the top-of-the-line machines, this was a zone that well and truly lives up the title: “the heart of the home”.

“We have been crying out for functionality all day,” Shaynna summed up, “and here it is in spades.”

YEAH THE GIRLS! No conspiricy theories here, just hard work paying off for Liberty and Eliza and securing a much needed win! And with the help of Kinsman kitchens they delivered.

Complete with a 4 metre Consentino benchtop, bright orange Smeg oven, this kitchen really is the heart of house 5's home!

Gorgeous artwork and it's the one focal point, it work's with the orange, just beautiful! said Neale and we couldn't agree more, Michael Wolfe has appeared on the Block before and was also an artist in residence at Gisborne in 2022, he always creates spectacular artwork.

Eliza and Liberty pulled out their secret gnome this week and boy did it set the cat amoungst the pigeons, but with a 10 from Shaynna it really didn't matter.

We all know Shaynna is all about the storage "and this has it in spades" she said. The kitchen lead to the butlers pantry which lead to the laundry, which to the judges delight lead to the linen cupboard.... oh and the laundry has a door to outside, tick tick tick!!

The girls really thought of every little detail on the biggest kitchen on The Block, well done! It's a $20k payday for the girls!

Meet the 10 year old who has stolen the hearts of The Block 2023

"We were outside of McCafe one day and saw Novalie and her parents hanging out with Scotty and Shelley. We went over and introduced ourselves and truly were in awe of what an amazing, confident, and positive kid she was." Liberty said.

Let us introduce you to the up and coming artist being featured on The Block in House 5 this week, Novalie from Bee Brave Cards, is a 10 year old leukemia patient who makes and sells cards to raise much needed funds for cancer, Novalie stopped by The Block and stole the hearts of so many!

We spoke to Liberty about how she met Novalie, "we were outside of McCafe one day and saw Novalie and her parents hanging out with Scotty and Shelley. We went over and introduced ourselves and truly were in awe of what an amazing, confident, and positive kid she was. She showed us some of her artwork and cards and we asked if she would create something for one of our kids' bedrooms and she kindly obliged. She told us she is a Block fanatic so we took her and the family for a tour through our house and had a great chat with them. Novalie created a beautiful piece of her 'BEE KIND' artwork for us to proudly display in our kids bedroom (and she also drew a picture of us three together). We have stayed in touch with her and her family ever since and are going to watch an episode with her soon."

Novalie is a 10 year old Leukemia patient who makes and sells her 'Bee Brave Cards' to raise funds for cancer.

Eliza said "We speak to Novalie’s mum every few days, and are going to watch the kids bedroom reveal with them. Novalie sends us a video of her thoughts on our room each week.She’s such an inspiring kid who has been through and achieved more in her short life, than we have in our 30 odd years!! "

Novalie making a card for Eliza and Liberty.

Stay tuned for Monday's reveal to see the masterpiece itself in House 5, as if we didn't love Eliza and Liberty enough here, we certainly do now! The kindness they have shown to Novalie after the show is pretty special, but not as special as this incredible little Blockhead!

As the girls said recently on air "Kindness is easy and Kindness is free" and we could not agree more!

If you want to support this incredible little artist please head to her instagram @beebravecards or her etsy store here.

Thank you to Novalie and her family for stopping by The Block, it really is the highlight of the season, we love you Novalie, welcome to The Block Family!

Kids bedrooms

Fourth place

26.5 points 

With a stunning mural playing of the deep-hued Kinsman wardrobes, custom artwork from young artist Novalie  (Please help support this precious little girl here at here website) and a unique Brickman original Lego Cheetah plus the perfect bed with bedsides, Eliza and Liberty’s first room was off to a great start. But it was let down by track lighting, Marty said and a blackboard that just didn’t fit.

It was a “damn good room” Shaynna agreed, but one in search of an age group. But into their second space and the judges’ spirits lifted.

The mural-fronted wardrobes and reading nook were stunning, Shaynna said, the executions spot on and even the pared back
styling looked intentional, Darren said and not just a cost saving measure.

Overall, Eliza and Liberty delivered two fun loving kids rooms this week. Shop the room at The Block Shop.

With a stunning mural playing off the deep-hued Kinsman wardrobes, custom artwork from young artist Novalie and a unique Brickman original Lego Cheetah plus the perfect bed with bedsides, Eliza and Liberty’s first room was off to a great start. 

Meet the real star of this week, Novalie from @beebravecards , we wrote a story about this sweet girl here. If you would like to help this sweet 10 year old battling her own Leukemia struggle whilst raising funds for kids cancer please check her out here. And of course we do love Brickman and his insane talent too!

Eliza and Liberty still speak with Novalie and were so honoured to have Novalie's art in their room, she also drew a picture of the girls, what a super star! Wishing you a speedy recovery Novalie, our newest Blockhead, welcome to The Block Family x

"Even the pared back styling looked intentional", Darren said and a smart cost saving measure. Shop Kids furniture at The Block Shop.

The mural-fronted wardrobes and reading nook were stunning, Shaynna said, the executions spot on. 

The girls created a super sweet place any little book worm would love to read in! I don't envy the judges this week the blockheads have outdone themselves.

Bathroom and Redo Room

First place

27.5 points 

Transforming a room Marty said would have been better off empty to a studio that earned a “Bravo!” from Shaynna, Eliza and Liberty’s redo studio was a huge success.

A porta timber feature wall replaced the Grafico roadmap, the microwave was hidden away and the television relocated for a change that truly worked, the judges said. Only the furniture location needed a tweak, Darren said, but that was easily fixed.

Into the final bathroom and the jumbo terrazzo from Beaumont Tiles, immediately caught the eye, paired with dark green tiles, oak and brass for a sophisticated winning aesthetic.

Neale wasn’t sold on the styling, marking down the bathbombs and kids robes, but Shaynna was quick to point out the layout, execution and finish were near perfect. “A standout today!” she summed up.

Take a look back at Eliza and Liberty's studio here, before their amazing redo!

Eliza and Liberty secure a much needed win and funds with their kids bathroom and redo studio space wowing the judges!

Transforming a room Marty said would have been better off empty to a studio that earned a “Bravo!” from Shaynna, Eliza and Liberty’s redo studio was a huge success.

The girls made the finishing touches on this space, including Grafico wallpaper and the art on the TV to match!

The studio is now the perfect space for guests, working from home, hopping out of the pool to go and read a book in this light filled space! This room now has the finess it was screaming out for.

The girls styling has certainly matured throughout this season of The Block, these two have been an absolute pleasure to watch. Shop the entire room here.

Into the final bathroom and the jumbo terrazzo from Beaumont Tiles, immediately caught the eye, paired with dark green tiles, oak and brass for a sophisticated winning aesthetic.

Neale's only criticism was the towels and styling, but that's an easy fix pointed out Shaynna. If you cant have fun styling a kids bathroom where can you but? 

We have a pretty big crush on this unlikely colour combo the girls have created!

In our humble opinion, Nood Co basins have to be the MVP of this season of The Block, we LOVE them! The biggest problem is deciding on our fave?

Backyard Reveal

Fifth place

27 points

Battling budget and planning problems, Eliza and Liberty’s pared back garden design won first impression points for its festoon lighting, but that impression didn’t last.

The concrete was too much, Dave said, the potted jasmine too little and all agreed the sharp angular design just wasn’t inviting.

The firepit area, Dave pointed out, was too low to be comfortable and not deep enough to relax in, surrounded by rushed planting that just looked untidy.

Even the undercover barbecue area didn’t quite work, Marty said, feeling more like an echoing shed than a poolside retreat.

Perhaps some timber decking might help, they suggested, because as it was, something more was needed.

The girls paired back their bakyard this week due to budget issues, they enlisted a young landscaper and his apprentice but other than that the girls did everything with help from their incredible builder to save some much needed money.

The pared back garden design won first impression points for its festoon lighting, but that impression didn’t last, with the judge's.

Even with some incredible outdoor furniture the girls failed to make it all work together according to the judges. Shope the furniture here.

Even the undercover barbecue area didn’t quite work, Marty said, feeling more like an echoing shed than a poolside retreat.

Front Facade and Hallway Reveal

Fourth place

34.5 points

“Best on The Block!” the judges said of Eliza and Liberty’s timber clad garage door, the ideal accompaniment to a garden that incorporated hedging, lawn, seating area and an arbour set against Bluegum Colorbond and blond brick with timber look Aluplast windows and doors to come together harmoniously.

“It really works,” they agreed.

Marty’s only concern was how buyers will find the front door, tucked down the side as it is, but once there, the entry was grand and inviting.

In the garage a Porsche theme Grafico mural brought smiles - especially from Marty, who said while house 5 might not have the most land, it ticks all the boxes buyers will be looking for.

 House 5 have definately supplied the laughs this season, these two have been hilarious to watch, not only that they have managed to produce what Marty has said is a very "marketable" house.

Eliza and Liberty also mixed the old with new, keeping existing brickwork and using a colorbond cladding for their second story. The judges all agreed Eliza and Liberty's timber garage was the best on The Block!

The judges were wowed by the Porsche mural, and we just love these Clubbies prints the girls used representing the local beaches and with $5 from every print donated to local surf clubs its a yes from us, check out Clubbies here to find your local beach.

The judges excitement went up a notch as they entered the house saying this is what they expect in a family home, a big light bright entryway to welcome new owners with a big hug! The girls nailed this space!

Eliza and Liberty chose some incredible art for this space, Darren declaring "even the art is happy" as he passed the Jackie Green art in the stairwell. Jackies piece "Great Southern Land" also featured alongside stunning indigenous art by Holly Mclennan Brown.

The judges were concerned that people wouldnt find the front door easily, but when the judges found it they were instantly wowed but this stunning timber space.

Upstairs the girls created a seperate living wing complete with office space and the perfect art choices, well done girls!

Take a look at The Block 2023 here.