The Block 2023: Kyle and Leslie

Meet the Green Team, Kyle and Leslie. Parents from Perth WA.

Meet the green team, Kyle and Leslie, parents from WA.

This married couple met in a nightclub 12 years ago and immediately hit it off. They married in 2014 and are an incredibly strong couple who bounce off each other.

They have two children, Luca, 11, and Archer, 7.

Archer was diagnosed with Autism at two and half years of age.

Kyle and Leslie have applied for The Block five times. Luca said “one last chance” and they ended up getting on the show.

“It’s the ultimate challenge,” Leslie said. “Obviously there is the opportunity of financial reward at the end, but there are the rewards of everything you go through before that.”

EXPERIENCE

They own their own house in the Perth suburb of Caversham.

“We built our house through a building company,” Kyle said. “They left it with the bare bones and we did the rest.”

They are always looking for their next dream home to have a crack at, which they hope to find after The Block.

 Kyle, 36, firefighter

Kyle says being a firefighter is his dream job that took a few tries to get into. This hard-working family man is no-nonsense in the way he goes about things.

He is a huge sports fan and loves nothing more after a big day at work than sitting at home watching the footy with his family.

As in life, Kyle will be methodical and considered on The Block.

Leslie, 34, educational assistant

Leslie came to Australia from Zimbabwe with her parents and sister two decades ago.

She has a bright and bubbly personality, is very funny, warm and engaging, and is studying to become a teacher.

Leslie is very sociable and looking forward to making new friends on The Block, as well as the renovating experience.

“We’ve applied a few times and waited a long time, so we can’t wait to get started,” she said.

TOGETHER

They have a fantastic life together and enjoy unique experiences, such as their trip to California in 2018. “We are big on having our own adventures together,” Leslie said.

If they argue, it never lasts long. “I feel like we can give each other some pretty solid constructive criticism without ruffling up each other’s feathers,” Leslie added.

The Block 2023 starts August 6th and we cannot wait to see what Kyle and Leslie come up with this season, good luck!

House Decider Challenge 

Fourth Place

17.5/30

With a feature star-filled Grafico wall dominating, Kyle and Leslie had created a room that was well on the way to being an alternate universe for kids, but again, one that could have gone further.

The Hamptons inspired wardrobe walls worked well, the judges agreed, but the bed, even with it’s beadifule companion lamp, felt pushed into the corner, the bean bag almost an afterthought and the styling – a Mitre 10 can of building blocks scattered across the floor - just not enough.

Star Wars-inspired artworks and Grogu (that’s Baby Yoda to Scotty!) helped, but as Neale pointed out, it all felt like a room where time ran out.

Kyle and Leslie's inspiration was Grogu, but the judges thought it missed the mark. Darren liked the use of the Grafico wallpaper, and the judges liked the wardrobe but that is where the compliments stopped for these two this week.

The judges thought the bed was pushed into the corner and styling severly under done.

The judges said, the bean bag almost an afterthought and the styling – a Mitre 10 can of building blocks scattered across the floor - just not enough.

Shop Kyle and Leslie's House Decider challenge room at The Block Shop here.

Studio Bathroom

First place

25 / 30 points

$30, 366 spend

“This is massive!” the judges said when they saw Kyle and Leslie’s bathroom, complete with Venetian plastering, a unique hero curved ceiling, double vanities, loads of storage and natural light galore thanks to the Velux skylights and the window.

With what Shaynna called: “a timeless colour palette” accented by VJ panelling and a layout that earned praise from Marty, the room quickly won them over.

Only the gunmetal floor grate, the lack of underfloor heating and a bath mat Darren thought should go were negatives in a room Marty summed up as one that will be memorable for buyers and will look very good in a sales brochure.

Kyle and Leslie are fast becoming this year's quiet achievers , steering clear of The Block drama and winning rooms, well played!

Loads of storage and natural light galore thanks to the Velux skylights, and that show stopping Cursio Curve tiled wall and ceiling, secured the win for these two in Studio Bathroom week.

The Block 2023 is showing us this season we are all about the curve!

The artwork featured in Kyle and Leslie's Studio Bathroom, is a crowd favourite here at The Block Shop, titled Elsa by Sarah Sidari.

Shop Kyle and Leslie's Studio Bathroom here at The Block Shop.

Studio reveal (Second place) 

23/30

$27,051 SPEND

“One word summed up the judges' reactions to Kyle and Leslie’s guest studio: “Wow!”.

With what Shaynna called “a real understanding of minimalism” it was a space that blew Marty’s mind.

From the Hardie Groove panelling in the arches to stone shelving, concrete finish Kinsman cabinetry, Anna Blatman wallpaper and a separate pilates space that screamed luxury, this was a space all agreed would complement the home to come.

But was it too big, Marty wondered. Separated from the main house, he felt a disconnect and with a pool planned for outside, perhaps a bar area could have worked. Close they agreed, but not perfect.

With what Shaynna called “a real understanding of minimalism” it was a space that blew Marty’s mind.

As an interior's obsessed team, we here at The Block Shop all LOVE these lights! Shop the room here.

The your reformer pilates machine, the artwork, the sheer curtain, yes yes yes! we love this space and the style these two are following.

The perfect storage space, thanks to Kinsman Wardrobes and we are loving this light and bright colourway!

Well done Leslie and Kyle, we will be adding to cart in this room on The Block Shop.

Working from home reveal  (Second place) 

26/30

Light, bright and consistent to the rest of the house, Darren immediately loved Kyle and Leslie’s combination office/second lounge for its sense of casual comfort, declaring: “this aesthetic is so suitable for the market.” And, he happily added, it’s a room that could easily be adapted to become an extra bedroom if needed.

“This house will photograph so well!” Marty summed up, noting for a room so sparse – there were no built-in robes, no TV cabinets, just carpet, one panelled wall and four pieces of furniture – it felt surprisingly complete.

Aside from missing skirting boards, both Shaynna and Darren said, it all adds up for a “luxurious” feel.

Kyle and Leslie were praised by the judges for having an office / extra tv room which could also transform to another bedroom easily.

With some really lovely art and an art TV (when the power is switched on) this space will be incredibly functional. Shop the art in Kyle and Leslie's room at The Block Shop. (I spy Angela Hawkey a Block Shop fave!)

You can shop all of the products used at The Block Shop, now this room is a reminder when Scotty shouts "tools down" he means it, hence the plastic coverings, which is obviously an easy fix.

We are loving still life art at the moment around here especially anything that involves lemons and margaritas, Leslie used 'Sour Pink' by Urban Rd and 'Classic Margarita' print.

Bathroom Reveal

Third place

26 points

With the couple’s trademark curved walls, beautiful artwork, a Nood Co vanity, gunmetal tapware and a cavity slider door to maximise the space, Kyle and Leslie packed a lot of luxury into a small room, the judges agreed.

The smallest The Block has ever seen, in fact! And while a powder room instead of a full bathroom limited the couple’s ability to market the home as having a full ensuite accessible to the downstairs bedroom Marty wasn’t too worried. 

If they stick with rooms like this, he declared, they’ll have "a house that will really resonate with savvy buyers!”

Kyle and Leslie produced the smallest room in Block history this week but these two just seem to make any space great! we love it!

Kyle and Leslie's powder room features the couples signature curve tiled walls, the judges loved the artwork choice aswell.

This Nood Co basin is a beautiful addition to the space and creates the ultimate wow factor alongside those kit-kat tiles.

This is also the first bathroom to feature the A.live Body Brass Soap Holder, the ultimate spae saver for a small space!

Living and Dining Reveal 

Fifth place

20 points

Light, bright and welcoming, the judges felt an immediate warmth from Kyle and Leslie’s living and dining space, but it was, Neale quickly pointed out, too constricted.

Tiny, in fact. With its hero Christian Cole dining table dominating almost the entire dining space and the living area taken up by a small lounge aimed at the television leaving no room for anything else, this was not a room the house deserved.

Keep the colour palette and the curves, they urged, but “it’s a beautifully styled and built disaster” Neale summed up and something that needed a rethink.

Kyle and Leslie had the smallest space on The Block this week which really let them down. We think the space is beautiful none the less.

Read the story behind Leslie and Kyle's stunning art choice here as we shine the spotlight on artist Adoni Astrinakis.

Can we take a moment for all of the beautiful products, but that Christian Cole table..... OH-LA-LA!

Master Bedroom Reveal 

Fifth place

21 points

With a consistent aesthetic and excellent craftsmanship, the judges agreed Kyle and Leslie’s Master Bedroom matches the house they have created… but worried about its practicality.

From the harsh texture in the recessed bedhead arch to the LED downlights directly overhead and artwork that reminded Darren of a chocolate shop, they were concerned style and been chosen over function.

No dedicated make-up and dressing station for example was a missed opportunity, Shaynna said. The couple need to think: “more about what is liveable and not simply Instagrammable,” Marty added.

It’s a room that will appeal to some, Shayna summed up, but going forward, more thought was needed.

With a consistent aesthetic and excellent craftsmanship, the judges agreed Kyle and Leslie’s Master Bedroom matches the house they have created… but worried about its practicality.

From the harsh texture in the recessed bedhead arch to the LED downlights directly overhead, they were concerned style and been chosen over function.

One thing we know for sure here it that us, neutral palette lovers are adding this bedding to cart as we speak, Leslie used Eadie products, all of which are available at The Block Shop.

Leslie's artwork reminded Darren of a chocolate shop, we are not mad about that, we do love chocolate here! Art was from Iconiko and  Rebecca Lam and can be shopped on The Block Shop.

As with most things this couple do their is always a sense of cohesion in their styling, and some more Bouclé to love from The Block Shop.

Kitchen Reveal

Third place

Cash Spent - $33,750

The “House of Curves” delivered again this week with the judges immediately impressed by what they saw.

“Very on trend” they said of the soft edges in the kitchen, with Neale in particular captivated by the Kimilya White artwork and Travertine-look Dekton topped island.

Darren pointed out it was a beautiful space to look at from adjacent dining and living areas and layout wise, they all agreed everything was spot on, with the high-end appliance all in the right place for ease of use and access.

Neale commented on the stunning velux skylights saying he had "never seen them used this way, STUNNING!'

The butler’s pantry gave them pause, could the space have been access to the pool, they wondered, but the laundry won them back, with two-points of access, Hafele sink and high end appliances including an LG Clothing Care system in pride of place.

The “House of Curves” delivered again this week with the judges immediately impressed by what they saw. Kinsman Kitchens nail the brief again!

Leslie cleverly mastering the minimalist look while adding touches of green to match the beautiful artwork. We could definately sip on those margaritas in this space! and because we know you will ask here are those beautiful margarita glasses.

Neale commented on the stunning velux skylights saying he had "never seen them used this way, STUNNING!'

“Very on trend” they said of the soft edges in the kitchen, with Neale in particular captivated by the Kimilya White artwork and Travertine-look Dekton topped island.

The judges thought the butlers pantry should have been repositioned so the kitchen had direct access to the back yard, even the butlers had beautiful art  by B.Twomey, high end appliances, and another beautiful Bordeaux Candle.

The laundry pleased the judges and their need for bench space!

Kids Bedrooms

Fifth place

24 points

Generously sized and easily adaptable, Kyle and Leslie’s first bedroom showed great promise, the judges agreed and paired well with the second room, which boasted more of the home’s trademark curves.

Both shared great layouts and were complemented by the Kinsman built-ins and muted colour palettes that were ready to be personalised, but the styling, all agreed, let them down.

From the heavy basketball theme in one room, with blu-tacked posters (unacceptable, Marty declared) and Grafico wallpaper that suited a younger resident in the other, these were spaces that felt disconnected to the rest of the house. The spaces were marketable, they eventually agreed, but just not spectacular.

Kyle and Leslie have had a rough few weeks from the judges, but overall this hard working couple is completing consistently good rooms. 

First up a little girls room which could easily be made gender neutral, or even a guest space. Shop the room here.

A definate fave is the new Kinsman Colourways, we just love this wardrobe and the practicality of a small desk and display shelves!

The details in Leslie's styling is always on point and we loved this room she created with muted olive and cream palettes. Shop the room here.

The judges said the rooms had "great layouts and were complemented by the Kinsman built-ins and muted colour palettes that were ready to be personalised, but the styling, all agreed, let them down."

The judges didn't like the heavy basketball theme in this room, but what would your teenage self think of it?  Shop both rooms here

Bathroom and Red Rooms

Fourth place

23.5 points 

With Darren clapping and Shaynna dancing, it seemed Kyle and Leslie had found a way to open up what had been a cramped living and dining area and bring it into line with the rest of their home.

“It just works!” Neale said as he took in the new curved wall that brought a flow from the front of the house, Porta moulding features reflecting the sheers and finally, the perfect place for the Christian Cole dining table.

In the upstairs kids bathroom the terrazzo tiles and Velux skylights wowed and the judges agreed it was a beautifully style space perfectly suited to its needs… if only the toilet wasn’t facing the bath. It’s the one tub in the house, Shaynna said, it deserved a better view.

There is no denying we have been huge fans of Kyle and Leslie, we love their style and this redo room may just be our favourite ever!

There are three key elements in this home.... that artwork, that table and those curves! The END!

With Darren clapping and Shaynna dancing, it seemed Kyle and Leslie had found a way to open up what had been a cramped living and dining area and bring it into line with the rest of their home.

That rug just went into my cart! OMG! perfection!

For Kyle and Leslie it was the toilet placement that bought them unstuck this week, again.

With the toilet next to the bath and facing the shower it was a big no-no for the judges. Shaynna said the only bath in the house "deserved a better view"

Once you look past the toilet debacle, Leslie's styling is again, near perfect, with stunning terrazzo tiles from Beaumont and that curved shaving cabinet, it's a beautiful bathroom.

Backyard Reveal

Third place

33 points

With a massive shower head over the circular Plungie pool, Kyle and Leslie’s backyard certainly has the wow factor, Dave said, pointing out how the curves of the stepping stones and pool surround mirror the home’s interior in a well-planned way.

“This is a front cover!” Dave said when Marty brought up the inevitable sale brochure, noting the execution was spot on, with plants perfectly placed for now and when they grow and two separate seating areas.

Once again, the spacial planning let them down, Shaynna and Darren said, pointing to the pizza oven so close to the kitchen and issues around the veggie garden, but overall, it was “visually stunning”.

Kyle and Leslie were fortunate enough to have Love It landscaping this week, Block veteran landscapers who know the drill, they even know not to answer to the nosey neighbours.

Plungie Pools have done an AMAZING job this week, these pools are perfect for The Block and the fast turnaround time onsite, and well they look amazing! Read more about them here.

“This is a front cover!” Dave said when Marty brought up the inevitable sale brochure, noting the execution was spot on, with plants perfectly placed for now and when they grow and two separate seating areas.

Leslie and Kyle have created a beautiful house this season the only fault from the judges has been the functionality of rooms, but visually every room is perfect.

The decking looks back into their curvy living area, the judges noting the rounded stepping stones by the pool fit their curvy house beautifully.

Front Facade and Hallway Reveal

Fifth place

32.5 points

With a calming water feature and hi-tech Aussie Turntable driveway feature, this garden caught the judges with its perfect blend of old and new.

A perfect match to the back yard, Dave pointed out, with Darren impressed by the diagonal lines and the detailing in the Dover White Colorbond cladding and how it contrasted in the design of the garden with the round steppers and the planting.

Add in the Holcim Geostone driveway, Auto remote Access garage door and it all made, Marty summed up, for “a great first impression!”

The grey paint choice for the façade left them wondering however, but overall, they agreed it was the ideal face to a beautiful home.

Kyle and Leslie run into budget issues after putting all of their money into backyard week, but a quick gnome sale and they were back in the game, with limited money these guys pulled out all stops.

A perfect match to the back yard, Dave pointed out, with Darren impressed by the diagonal lines and the detailing in the Dover White Colorbond cladding and how it contrasted in the design of the garden with the round steppers and the planting.

With a calming water feature and hi-tech Aussie Turntable driveway feature, this garden caught the judges with its perfect blend of old and new.

Coming into Kyle and Leslies house the judges were greeted to this light and bright curved entryway. Take a look back at Kyle and Leslie's completed house here.

Kyle and Leslie featured the season's most popular artwork in their kitchen by artist Kamilya Lowana White, now they have a second piece in their entryway and we LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! Shop Kamilya's art here at The Block Shop.

The judges were wowed by the architecture of the curved walls alongside timeless marble table and incredible art for days, shop the entire room here.

Kyle and Leslie have showed throughout this season they have a great eye for choosing art, this week was no exception with Block faves Miimi & Jiinda having their art "Jaanymili" make an appearance. Fun fact: this stunning piece was first featured on The Block when it was created for Block Royalty Andy and Deb.

Time got away from Kyle and Leslie in their upstairs living space this week sadly. They did however manage to get their amazing Block Shop art up!

Take a look back at The Block 2023 here.