The Block 2023: Leah and Ash

Meet team yellow, Leah and Ash. Parents from Brisbane, Queensland.

Meet team yellow, Leah and Ash. Parents from Brisbane, Queensland.

This married couple complement each other very well. Both are sociable, can be the life of the party, and are not afraid to express their opinions.

Leah and Ash have three children, Austin, 8, Marnie, 4, and Hugh, 2, and want to get out of their comfort zone on The Block.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we are

capable of,” Leah said. "We’ve done the process of building renovations many, many times, but this is on a whole new level.”

EXPERIENCE

One of the more experienced couples on The Block, this pair have a long history of renovating.

They bought a dilapidated Queenslander recently that they are living in and renovating. Ash had a background in sales before starting his own building company with Leah.

It’s been a chaotic few years, but doing The Block seems like the natural thing to do.

“We have just started a new business, we have three kids and we are halfway through this mammoth renovation, so why not do The Block?” Ash said.

Leah, 31, first aid trainer

Leah has a passion for building and design, and can see herself having a real future in that field. Her style of design on The Block will be bold and different and will turn heads. Her aim is to build a house with a modern art/deco feel.

Leah has a very generous nature, but she’s not afraid to express her opinions. She is described by her husband Ash as a “go getter”.

Ash, 38, builder

Ash had a career in sales before following his dream to start his own building company.

He loves his children and is a fantastic family man. He could be described as your typical, laconic Queenslander.

“I’m a real bloke’s bloke,” he said. “I feel like I get along with everyone.”

Ash will save money on The Block by using his skills as a builder/carpenter.

TOGETHER

The couple met on Tinder in 2015. “I came out of my marriage and Ash came out of his engagement, and we instantly connected,” Leah said.

Ash will take the reins of the build and demolition on site, and Leah will focus on the styling, shopping and budget.

They are set to be major characters on The Block who will stick by each other no matter what.

The Block kicks off on August 6, 7 O'Block on Channel Nine, we can't wait to see what Leah and Ash bring to the season, good luck!

House Decider Challenge

First place 

27/30

Light, bright and filled with colour, Leah and Ash’s castle-inspired room wowed the judges from the moment they entered.

With custom bunk beds featuring scalloped edges, a huge feature peacock, well thought out lighting and vibrant colour throughout, colour it was an instant hit.

“Whoah!” Shaynna said as she entered, “Look at that!” with Darren agreeing this was the room with “the most imagination”. It was also a room that showcased close attention to detail and left him eager to see what else the couple could do.

“I have very high hopes for what they will deliver on The Block,” he said. “I literally have no notes!”

Leah and Ash take home the first win of the season, the judges credited their "attention to detail" and we couldn't agree more, nailed the brief and in just 48 hours!

The judges praised Leah and Ash for their attention to detail, with a custom bunk bed complete with scallop edging that they carried through to the desk and bok shelves, it's not suprising they were awarded with the win!

The couple made a VERY brave choice to paint the entire room this fun shade of pink, and it paid of! Did you know you can order your own sample of this beautiful colour, aptly named, Delicate Rose, right here. Well done Leah and Ash, you're off to a cracking start!

Shop Leah and Ash's House Decider challenge room at The Block Shop here.

Studio Bathroom

Second place

24.5/30 points 

$19,691 spend 

“Sophisticated, sultry and gorgeous,” said Darren as he took in the drama of a room he instantly loved… but also warned might be polarizing.

With another curved ceiling, polished Venetian plaster and moody colour scheme it was a space that made Marty feel like he’s walked into a nightclub.

From the vanities to shaving cabinets, everything was luxe, they agreed, but there were issues. For a start the style would be too much to take throughout the whole house, Marty said, and the frosted window left him feeling shut in.

The tiles over the shower screen were too much, Shaynna added but overall, it was a successful room executed beautifully.

Leah and Ash took home second place, also on team curve's, a popular secret weapon this week!

With another curved ceiling, polished Venetian plaster and moody colour scheme it was a space that made Marty feel like he’s walked into a nightclub.

“Sophisticated, sultry and gorgeous,” said Darren as he took in the drama of a room he instantly loved… but also warned might be polarizing.

Shop Leah and Ash's Studio Bathroom here at The Block Shop.

Studio Reveal Equal fourth place

21/30

$21,094 SPEND

With a fold-down bed, separate bar/kitchenette area and living space looking out over what will be the backyard, Leah and Ash’s studio had a lot to earn the judges’ praise.

Darren in particular loved the colour scheme, with the floors complementing chocolate-coloured furnishings and velvet ottomans and marble benchtop echoing the nearby bathroom. But where was the personality, he asked. And Marty agreed.

By trying to combine a studio with a pool cabana, neither theme truly worked, he said, but it was a great start. Swap out the existing bed for a sofa, he suggested, bring in a television and inject more drama!

Leah and Ash chose a limited edition Brent Rosenberg artwork to inject drama but the judges needed some more! Also Block Besties matching pj's!

World renowned furniture brand Camerich has joined The Block this year and we LOVE these chairs, full range available on The Block Shop

Working from home space (Equal fourth place)

24/30 

After a week of battling downpours – some inside their home! – the fact Leah and Ash managed to finish their room at all left the judges speechless.

But what they saw inside their working from home space left them with plenty to say.

From the bold paint choice to the Cammerich artwork and tactile marble fireplace surround, this was an office space that skirted the corporate standard and could easily become a second loungeroom… or even a bedroom if needed, something they all agreed should be considered if their neighbours are boasting more beds.

What’s there is elegant and bold, Shaynna said, but an eye to the market should be used.

After a week from hell, the fact Leah and Ash managed to finish their room at all left the judges speechless.

For the colour lovers out there feature colour is "Jimbaran Bay" and you can order a sample from The Block Shop before diving in to deep.

Despite the down pour and the roof caving in, what was there was some really elegant pieces, we love the brass light, and we REALLY love the Satara Swivel Chairs  in the most divine aqua colour,and that Cammerich side table, oh la la!

Bathroom Reveal 

First place

27 points + 1 Gnome POINT

Leah and Ash took the win from Block Besties Kristy and Brett in House 3, using the Gnome point to win by half a point.

Bringing their love of marble into the new bathroom, combined with a solar skylight, art deco vanity and shaving cabinets and a clever entrance to the adjacent laundry, Leah and Ash’s bathroom serves as a powder room for downstairs guests and a full bathroom for the bedroom to come next door… “win-win!” the judges agreed.

For Shaynna it was the colour choices brushed nickel tapware and stunning styling including an amazing vase that brought the room together, declaring it “really excellent” and her only worry being how the team’s budget must have taken a hit to reach such a high level.

Leah and Ash took home the win using the gnome in their downstairs bathroom and snatching the win from house 3 by half a point.

For Shaynna it was the colour choices brushed nickel tapware and stunning styling including an amazing vase that brought the room together, declaring it “really excellent”  

Leah and Ash's bathroom serves as a powder room for downstairs guests and a full bathroom for the bedroom to come next door… “win-win!” the judges agreed.

Living and Dining Reveal

First place

29 points 

If ever there was a space that stamped Leah and Ash’s intention of making a statement, it was their living and dining room.

“I am so glad I came back today!” said Neale as he celebrated his return to The Block with a visit to House Two’s brightly coloured, pop art inspired space starring a multicoloured armchair and Camerich neon pink cocktail.

“It’s definitely polarising,” he said, “but they’ve pulled it off!”. And it wasn’t just with styling, Darren said. By changing the original plans, adding a chandelier alongside downlights then removing nib walls they’d created more space and given the home a better flow from downstairs to up. 

Leah and Ash took out Living and Dining with this Art Deco inspired space.

Check out the products used in this room over at The Block Shop, that bar cart from Cammerich is a vibe!

“I am so glad I came back today!” said Neale as he celebrated his return to The Block with a visit to House Two’s brightly coloured, pop art inspired space starring a multicoloured armchair and Camerich neon pink cocktail. Shop the room here

Leah and Ash are cashed up after two consecutive wins and their challenge win at Metal Art this week.

Master Bedroom Reveal 

Third place

23.5 points

“How good is that scalloped ceiling!” gushed Marty as he walked into House 2’s master suite. “And in a week!” Shaynna added… but the compliments soon ran out.

The curved bench seat at the window with floor to ceiling sheers and the Palm-Springs inspired artwork against a muted but consistent colour palette worked, the judges agreed, but some styling choices seemed there just to be eclectic and basic design points were missed.

More furniture was needed, the lack of shoe storage was a problem and overall the plan could have been tweaked to make better use of that stunning ceiling and natural light, they decided.

“How good is that scalloped ceiling!” gushed Marty as he walked into House 2’s master suite. “And in a week!” Shaynna added… but the compliments soon ran out.

Leah and Ash are off and running with their eclectic style, this week didn't hit the mark for the judges unfortunately!

The floor to ceiling sheers and the Palm-Springs inspired artwork against a muted but consistent colour palette worked, the judges agreed.

We are in love with all things Palm Springs here at The Block Shop, Chris Riley Art has just released an entire collection inspired by Palm Springs and we LOVE it!

The wardrobe looked amazing but the judges agreed the lack of shoe storage was a problem.

The make up nook and wallpaper were a quirky and clever touch to this space!

Kitchen Reveal

Fourth place

Cash Spent - $22,083 

From the tiles under the Sensa quartzite stone island to gold metallic laminate, dark-timber-look joinery, high-end appliances including a custom hot pink coffee machine and more, this was a kitchen that sat perfectly with the eclectic living-dining room, the judges agreed.

“Besotted!” Darren said as he took it all in. The only flaw, he said, was the size of the island bench, too small for a house of this stature.

So too was the butler’s pantry, Neale suggested, leaving them wondering about the layout plan.

Into the laundry through the bathroom – something Neale wasn’t sure about at all – the luxe fittings wowed, but once again it was size that caught them short. Literally. A gamble that just didn’t pay off, Shaynna said.

The judges were pleased to see Leah and Ash created a kitchen that sat perfectly with the eclectic living-dining room, the judges agreed.

The judges said the size of the island bench, was too small for a house of this stature.

For the dark and moody fans out there check out this Kinsman Kitchen design the colours are just a dream!

Pink was definately the colour of the day for Leah and Ash, and it is nice to see some colour being used. We were pleased to see the Blush Styleware nesting bowls in House 2.

The judge's believed the butler's pantry took away valuable real estate from the kitchen and access to the laundry via the bathroom didn't winover the judges either, questioning the couples floorplan choice, "A gamble that just didn’t pay off", Shaynna said.

Kids Bedroom

Second place

28 points

With bold Grafico wallpaper and a climbing wall along one curve, Shaynna fell in love with the bold sense of fun in Leah and Ash’s first room. “They’re back to their best,” she said.

Into the second room and the same emotional conection called as the judges took in the mirror ball over a curtained
quiet (or very noisy!) space.

Combining great architectural elements with a sense of fun, it made for a suite of rooms that grabbed them all… nearly.

The rooms had: “"a great sense of adventure and fun” Shaynna and Darren agreed, but the daybed in one room was a strange choice, Marty countered and one that could cost them.

Leah and Ash went with bright and bold rooms this week that any kid would love! Shop these fun rooms at The Block Shop

With bold Grafico wallpaper and a climbing wall along one curve, Shaynna fell in love with the bold sense of fun in Leah and Ash’s first room. “They’re back to their best,” she said.

So many fun products went into this room, shop them all here at The Block Shop.

Into the second room and the same emotional conection called as the judges took in the mirror ball over a curtained quiet (or very noisy!) space.Combining great architectural elements with a sense of fun.

The judges criticised the smaller bed size but other than that this room would be any little girls dream room!

The pinks and blues in this room all tied in beautifully even matching the Kinsman Wardrobe, we fell in LOVE with the revolving bookcase, all items online at The Block Shop.

Bathroom and Redo Room

Second place

27 points

From a weather damaged office to a perfectly executed fourth bedroom, the transformation of Leah and Ash’s redo room was “stunning”, Shaynna said.

Playing the solidity of the marble fireplace off the Palm Springs aesthetic in styling choices, this was a room all agreed fit the home’s eclectic style well. Their only fault was the missed opportunity of no seating in the bay window, but in all it was a successful redo that added a lot to the home.

Upstairs Darren was immediately taken by the statement bathtub, “superb” tiling choices, and the fact the toilet was perfectly placed. The basins sparked debate, but with horizontal towel rails and a functional floorplan, it was “a near perfect room” Darren summed up. 

Big week for Leah and Ash their redo room was their water damaged office, a big enough job without adding a bathroom into the mix!

The transformation of Leah and Ash’s redo room was “stunning”, Shaynna said. And we have to agree this Palm Springs guest room oozes cool!

I was so pleased to see the fireplace stay and those incredible teal chairs were my fave from day one!

I would like to take a Palm Springs appreciation moment for that artwork! And I just love the storage available in this room!

The Nood Co Basins sparked debate alongside the mirrors from a functionality perspective, but from a looks perspective, it's a BIG YES from us here at The Block Shop. And because we know you will ask, shop the vase here at The Block Shop

Upstairs Darren was immediately taken by the statement bathtub, “superb” tiling choices, and the fact the toilet was perfectly placed.

Leah and Ash supplied a really beautiful bathroom this week, I'm dreaming of being in that bathtub with a cup of tea!

Backyard Reveal

Second place

37.5 points

“Zen, very zen”, declared Dave as he walked out of Leah and Ash’s home and straight into an outdoor entertainment area with architecturally-designed barbecue area and deck framed by an enormous tree and the studio from week one, all leading to a pool clad in tiles that took his breath away.

With space for kids to play, Shaynna said: "It feels like an adult space that is also very kid friendly," she said, pointing out there are five separate seating areas in the space for when the barbecue is in full swing.

Paired with the Knotwood cladding, porous concrete patio and huge Camerich daybed, it’s a space, the judges said, that delivers.

Alls well that ends well after a big emotional week for Leah in House 2  after the great Camerich debacle.

With space for kids to play, Shaynna said: "It feels like an adult space that is also very kid friendly," she said, pointing out there are five separate seating areas in the space for when the barbecue is in full swing.

Choosing a favourite picture of Leah and Ash's Plungie pool was harder than choosing a favourite child this week, that shape and thise tiles, yes please! If you need me I'll be sipping a drink in the Camerich daybed!

House 2 have really created an entertainers dream in their backyard, full of Steph's signature explosion of colour and fun!

Front Facade and Hallway Reveal

First place

38 points 

From the Contour 3D fence to the battens, pond and plants, Darren was impressed before he even walked into Leah and Ash’s front yard and once he made it through the gate, the praise kept coming.

Contrasting yet complementing elements brought the old and new together, he said… and he liked what he saw.

The mix of concrete and granite steppers, well-planned plant selection and undulating tiers, plus the old home’s plans turned into garage wallpaper were a beautiful touch, they agreed, topped off by a front garden bench Marty could already imagine prospective buyers using as they fell in love with the home.

In all, he said, this was “turnkey and finished” and that’s what buyers want.

Leah and Ash take out the front yard and hallway to secure the Ford Mustang Mach-E, after saving the gnome for weeks, it all paid off for them.

Marty said House 2 was “turnkey and finished” and that’s what buyers want.

The mix of concrete and granite steppers, well-planned plant selection and undulating tiers, plus the old home’s plans turned into garage wallpaper were a beautiful touch, they agreed.

Leah and Ash created this stunning curved staircase and gallery wall that the judges agreed was the perfect ying to the eclectic lounge rooms yang, and the space was now all tied together! Shop the inside space here

Palm springs inspired gallery wall art proudly supplied from The Block Shop.

Let there be light! with a huge window and multiple velux skylights this space was light and bright and we LOVE that!

Taking home the win by half a point, Leah and Ash had their eye on this prize for along time! Needless to say they were happy with their win.

Take a look back at The Block 2023 here.

With so many design styles this season what is your favourite? Take our design style quiz to see what your signature style is?