The Block 2023: Kristy and Brett
- 13 Aug 2023
Meet team red, Kristy and Brett. Married Couple from Adelaide, South Australia.
Meet team red, Kristy and Brett. Married Couple from Adelaide, South Australia.
Together for ten years and married for three, Kristy and Brett are strong characters who will never be far from the action or the drama on The Block this year.
Both are forthright in their opinions and won’t be afraid to stir the pot in Charming Street. They are very structured in their lives and looking forward to the unpredictability of The Block.
“It's the unknown that is exciting for us,” Kristy said. “In our roles back in Adelaide we have done it for so long, and you don’t get out of your comfort zone. But with this there is such an unknown and we are looking forward to that.”
EXPERIENCE
The couple own their own house in Adelaide and are planning a renovation, having renovated a bathroom before.
Kristy and Brett work in the power and energy space and have very successful careers. They plan to bring those planning skills to The Block.
Kristy, 34, project manager
Kristy describes herself as very competitive, and that will show early on the program due to the dedication and drive that has marked her successful career.
She wants to create a house that will feature both Victorian and modern contemporary features and she isn't afraid of getting on the tools, saying: “I’m all for getting my hands dirty.”
She isn’t afraid to call people out if she sees something she thinks is wrong.
“If I see something that is wrong or someone is being unfair, I will be the first person to speak up,” she said.
Brett, 34, safety advisor
Brett works at a power substation but has a history of working as a tiler – which he wants to keep quiet on The Block.
“I’m a former tiler, but I don’t want to tell people that,” he said. “I want to keep it a surprise.”
When he isn’t working he loves Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
TOGETHER
This pair admit they can bicker, but they end up making up and laughing.
They knew each other in high school but didn’t get together until they were in their twenties, after meeting again through mutual friends.
They will be a formidable force together on The Block.
The Block kicks off August 6th on Channel Nine, 7 O'Block, we can't wait to see what Kristy and Brett bring to the show, good luck!
House Decider Challenge
Third Place
18/30
A room fit for a princess was waiting for the judges when they stepped into Kristy and Brett’s Frozen inspired space, complete with a low and playful bed, bookshelves at adult and kid height and a lavender colour palette that played into the ice theme.
With stars on the walls, and Elsa taking pride of place, it’s a room that hits the mark, the judges said, but needed to go further.
The execution wasn’t great – unless the drips were supposed to be ice, Shaynna joked – and everything needed to be amplified.
“Sometimes less is more,” She added, “but not in a kid’s room.”
Kristy and Brett received every little girl's dream character this week as inspiration, Elsa! Shaynna said that sometimes less is more, but not in a kids room, implying the room was a little under done this week.
With stars on the walls, and Elsa taking pride of place, it’s a room that hits the mark, the judges said, but needed to go further.
The execution wasn’t great – unless the drips were supposed to be ice, Shaynna joked – and everything needed to be amplified. Ouch, welcome to The Block 2023!
Shop Kristy and Brett's House Decider challenge room at The Block Shop here.
Studio Bathroom
Fourth place
21 / 30 points
$17,534 spend
Is it a Melbourne bathroom, Shaynna wondered as she walked into Kristy and Brett’s bathroom, or a Moroccan Day Spa… either way it’s something she likes!
But it doesn’t take long for her and the other judges to find flaws. The industrial shower screen doesn’t work with the overall look, she feels, and after seeing two other curved ceilings, Darren thinks this would have been the ideal place for another.
“It’s a missed opportunity,” Marty agrees, saying after seeing the competition, this was feeling “bland” to him. It’s a room that had some great features, but was being played too safely, he thought.
Shaynna wondered as she walked into Kristy and Brett’s bathroom, or a Moroccan Day Spa… either way it’s something she likes!
Kristy and Brett also come unstuck this week with flaws in their room, the judges thought the industrial shower screen didn't work in this room.
“It’s a missed opportunity,” Marty agrees, saying after seeing the competition, this was feeling “bland” to him. It’s a room that had some great features, but was being played too safely, he thought.
Shop Kristy and Brett's Studio Bathroom here at The Block Shop.
Studio Reveal
Equal Fourth place
21/30
$30,895 SPEND
Sultry, moody and with a beautiful view to the adjacent tree thanks to the Velux skylights, Kristy and Brett’s has, Marty summed up, a definite New York loft vibe. Is that a good thing, though? Shaynna asked, pointing out last week’s bathroom – just downstairs and part of the same studio space – had a more Moroccan feel.
Either was fine with Darren, who saw a Moroccan, industrial, coastal mashup happening, but he was concerned that for a guest space it wasn’t as self-contained as he’d like, with perhaps a washer, dryer and dining area needed. That aside, the judges agreed the execution was perfect and with a few tweaks, this could be a perfect retreat.
The judges agreed Kristy and Brett's execution was perfect and with a few tweaks, this could be a perfect retreat.
Kinsman cabintery again stealing the show in this beautiful shade of green.
The best decision Kristy and Brett made was to introduce these skylights, which now show off the huge green stree outside.
Working from home space (Third place)
24/30
Using Laminex panels to accentuate the room’s height and space, the judges agreed Kristy and Brett’s dedicated office space worked for working… but sadly left little room for anything else.
Where were the fixtures to allow it to be converted to an extra bedroom, they wondered. And what about using it as an entertainment space given it sits next to the front yard and future pool? “You have a quirky floor plan,” Marty advised, “you need to own it.”
No major changes were needed, Darren added, but the furnishings and styling should be changed to better reflect the multi-purpose potential of the room. Get that right, they agreed and this could become the focus of the house.
Oh I had to feel for Kristy and Brett this week, they followed the working from home brief, but the judges thought the space should have been multifunctional to compete with the other houses.
The judges did love how the Laminex panels accentuate the rooms height and space, and well that desk is rather beautiful ... and we do love that art! So as for an office space we like it!
The chairs from Madras Link are pretty special too! Oh and that lamp in the background... add to cart!
The space had ample storage which orinarily impresses the judges, it's just a shame this space was only an office space without versatility or these two may have been higher up the leaderboard!
Bathroom Reveal
Second place
27.5 points
“Oooh la la!” said Darren as he walked into House Three’s luxurious bathroom, with Kit Kat tiles, polished plaster and Broadline glass catching his eye.
Even better, he pointed out, it’s the perfect accompaniment to the next-door room which could easily be converted into a bedroom. “This allows them to go to market as a five-bedroom home!” Marty agreed.
For Shayna it was the colour palette and lighting plan that brought things together and if a few minor tweaks, such as changing the power point colour was made, and underfloor heating for Marty, it would have been a near perfect space.
Kristy and Brett missing the win by half a point this week, they would have technically come home with the win if the gnome didn't come into play!
Ooh la-la-la! commented Darren, the judges loving this stylish bathroom. Shop the room here at The Block Shop.
Here at The Block Shop we have fallen in love with this bathroom, featuring Nood Co basin, Pebble Mirror, and that vanity! yes please!
How is that for a shower! featuring shower screen from Australian Glass available at The Block Shop.
Living and Dining Reveal
Equal third place
25.5 points
From the three-sided Stoke fireplace with polished plaster hearth to the adjacent textured wall, this was, Darren declared, a room to die for.
Just one of two living spaces planned for down stairs, it was, Neale added, just perfect for servicing what will be a pool area outside the Aluplast windows.
The lighting plan left Shaynna flat, suggesting the downlights could have either been pushed the room’s edges or made more central.
But even with that, there was a warmth and depth to the colour palette that made it a room: “with a lot to love!”
Just one of two living spaces planned for down stairs, it was, Neale added, "just perfect for servicing what will be a pool area outside the Aluplast windows."
The standout for me in this room is the fireplace from Stoke Fireplace Studio, it is just divine! Pour me a cup of tea (or wine) and I'll be next to the fire if you need me!
"There was a warmth and depth to the colour palette that made it a room: “with a lot to love!” said Shaynna.
Master Bedroom Reveal
Second place
27.5 points
“Simpler and more impactful” Darren said as he walked into Kristy and Brett’s bedroom, admiring the warm colour palette, the Venetian Plaster wall finish, a “sensational” bedhead and rug and even an ottoman for dressing.
It was a room that “gave you a hug” Marty kicked in, with Shaynna saying it was the best floor plan she had seen (so far).
Laying in the bed to watch the stars through the skylights above enjoying the warmth of the fireplace would be heaven, they agreed, with Marty saying the whole space was “well furnished, well designed and really well executed.” If only, Darren added, the bedside tables were bigger!
It was a room that “gave you a hug” Marty kicked in, with Shaynna saying it was the best floor plan she had seen (so far).
Laying under the stars with those Velux skylights would be heaven, they also feature a closure option for when you need a sleep in!
Kristy and Brett's master bedroom was huge, also featuring Escea fireplace and that beautiful art by Michelle Keighley available at The Block Shop.
Darren thought the bedsides were a little small in this space, but wowsers aren't they beautiful, alongside the incredible leather chair, all of which can be found at The Block Shop.
Kinsman wardrobes, where do we even start? Everytime I watch The Block I am so envious of these wardrobes, the form and function is always amazing!
Kitchen Reveal
Second place
Cash Spent - $29,878
Immediately taken with the huge Cosentino Rosso Porto stone bench set against crisp white cabinetry, a remote-controlled storage splashback, state-of-the-art appliances the judges agreed when Shaynna stopped smiling long enough to declare: “Kristy and Brett have nailed it!”.
Looking closer they were wowed by the wine fridge, the Hafele “rise and fall” remote-controlled splashback and the generous butler’s pantry, perfect for a house this size.
In the laundry, Neale immediately fell for the built-in dog bed, but wondered if it came at the expense of more benchtop space.
But that was only a small problem, they said in what was overall a great space that would have buyers imagining their life there.
Kristy and Brett wowed the judges with their show stopping kitchen this week.
Nadia from The Block Shop saved the day delivering these Boucle stools at 8:30 sunday morning! Bordeaux candle also from The Block Shop, and let me tell you it smells divine! Shop the full range here.
Darren excitedly showed the other judges Kristy and Brett's wow factor, the Hafele rise and fall splashback, now you see it now you don't!
And lets not forget the wine fridge, the ultimate luxury piece for entertaining!
Kristy and Brett filled the kitchen with luxury applances with a dishwasher in the butlers, four ovens, and some beautiful styling including artwork from Urban Rd and nesting bowls from Styleware that we are obsessed with here! but good luck choosing from the beautiful colour choices!
Neale immediately fell for the built-in dog bed, but wondered if it came at the expense of more benchtop space.
Kids Bedrooms
Third place
27.5 points
Adding the judges face's into the custom Grafico colouring in wallpaper was always going to win a smile and it certainly did, with all three agreeing it was the perfect touch to the Kinsman wardrobes.
With a kid appropriate bed and styling that showed how the room could easily be repurposed, Kristy and Brett’s first bedroom set the pace… but the second changed everything.
With wraparound floral Grafico, sophisticated leather-accented wardrobes and a four-poster bed, this was a space for an
older kid, the judges decided, perhaps one who would never want to move out! A sophisticated space, Marty summed up and in line with the rest of the build.
With a kid appropriate bed and styling that showed how the room could easily be repurposed, Kristy and Brett’s first bedroom set the pace… but the second changed everything.
The Grafico wallpaper on the wardrobe would be a perfect DIY option for a bedroom refresh that won't cost the earth!
Adding the judges face's into the custom Grafico colouring in wallpaper was always going to win a smile and it certainly did, with all three agreeing it was the perfect touch to the Kinsman wardrobes.
With wraparound floral Grafico, sophisticated leather-accented wardrobes and a four-poster bed, this was a space for an
older kid, the judges decided, perhaps one who would never want to move out! A sophisticated space, Marty summed up and in line with the rest of the build.
What teenage girl wouldn't want to escape to this cloud sofa? The judges love the sophistication in this room, and let's take a minute to appreciate those sheers!
Bathroom and Redo Room
Fifth place
18.5 points
Clearly time had gotten the better of Kristy and Brett, the judges saw as they walked into an incomplete redo bathroom with missing fixtures, unfinished tiling and more.
“This isn’t a redo room,” Darren joked, “it’s an undo room!”. Was it just time? Or had budget hit hard as well, Shaynna wondered.
Clearly something had gone wrong. Upstairs in the kids bathroom, the same problems showed once again and although things were more under control, with a replication of the master ensuite clearly intended, the work was incomplete once more.
Darren admitted he loved the face-levels storage and vanity styling and Neale said with the colour palette, timber tiles and layout he could see this will be a great bathroom when it’s finished… but it simply wasn’t.
Tough week for Kristy and Brett with both bathrooms unfinished.
“This isn’t a redo room,” Darren joked, “it’s an undo room!”. Nothing to see here folks!
Upstairs in the kids bathroom, the same problems showed once again and although things were more under control, with a replication of the master ensuite clearly intended, the work was incomplete once more.
Darren admitted he loved the face-levels storage and vanity styling and Neale said with the colour palette, timber tiles and layout he could see this will be a great bathroom when it’s finished… but it simply wasn’t.
If nothing else this bathroom was styled beautifully, check out the items Kristy and Brett used here.
Backyard Reveal
Fourth place
28 points
Using a design that gives two outdoor entertainment spaces, Marty declared Kristy and Brett’s backyard – at the front of their house – gives them a superpower!
But even with its easily-maintained pebble garden Webber barbecue area and porch space for watching to pool, Dave wasn't sold. “This does nothing for me,” he said, with a planting schedule that was “a dog’s breakfast!”
The sheer size of the pool won Marty and Darren back, but Shaynna agreed the hedge against the fence just looked “wrong” while the firepit seating was too tight. “And what’s with the fireplace tools?” she added. In all, they decided, much more was needed.
Using a design that gives two outdoor entertainment spaces, Marty declared Kristy and Brett’s backyard – at the front of their house – gives them a superpower!
The sheer size of the pool won Marty and Darren back from the other poor choices in the space.
Kristy and Brett's outdoor furniture was a vision that won the judges back when the planting failed them.
“This does nothing for me,” Dave said, with a planting schedule that was “a dog’s breakfast!” Ouch!
Front Facade and Hallway Reveal
Third place
35 points
A unique and incredible entry, Shaynna said as the judges walked into Kristy and Brett’s front yard, with Darren noting the Design 10 charred black timber married with the colour palette chosen for the James Hardie cladding all played perfectly against the original bricks.
A perfect blend of hard and soft, Dave said and a huge improvement over the backyard the couple had presented a week ago – he even defended the imperfect paint on the back of the gate by pointing out it had rained overnight.
Into the garage the judges admired the choice of floor and the way it all flowed into the home – overall, Marty said, it was a space that will appeal to many and that is vital come auction day.
Kristy and Brett's facade was a mix of old and new, the judges loved the mix of original brickwork and cladding.
A perfect blend of hard and soft, Dave said and a huge improvement over the backyard the couple had presented a week ago.
Kristy and Brett's kitchen and dining room over looks the large timber deck, bringing the outdoors in.
Inside Kristy and Brett made this area into a break off living area complete with a storage cupboard that left the judges impressed, and a projector which they had a small debate over but all in all a good space. shop the products here. A popular rug choice has been this wool rug from Rug Addiction, it is so versatile!
This cosy space featured outdoor lounge from Schots Emporium available to shop here.
Kristy and Brett's entryway was light and bright and featured beautiful timber floors that flow into the staircase, and havent the curves made a comback this season, in love with that mirror in the entryway.
Take a look back on The Block 2023 here.
