The Block 2023: Steph and Gian

Meet team blue, Steph and Gian, Newlyweds from Sydney, New South Wales.

Meet team blue, Steph and Gian, Newlyweds from Sydney, New South Wales.

At 27, Steph and Gian are our youngest contestants on The Block.

They are childhood sweethearts who met on the school bus in year 7 and have been together ever since.

“We had an instant connection just as friends,” Gian said

They married last year in a glamorous ceremony and are adored by their family and friends.

EXPERIENCE

The couple recently bought and renovated the home they live in now in Sydney, so they are ready for The Block.

“The reason we wanted to go on The Block was because we renovated our house last year and fell in love with the process,” Steph said.

Steph being an architect means they have a strong advantage from the beginning. They have watched the show over the years, and Steph’s family are all in construction.

Steph, 27, architect

Steph is confident and assured, and impressive in her profession. In her spare time she enjoys Pilates.

She won’t be shy to give her opinion, which might ruffle feathers. She is a kind soul and highly organised.

Design-wise, she will bring Japandi – a mix between Japanese and Scandinavian – to The Block.

“As a residential architect I specialise in Scandinavian, art deco, mid-century homes,” she said.

Gian 27, start-up worker

Working in finance, Gian is now with a tech start-up where he drives growth strategies. He is a problem solver and a great thinker who enjoys

running and fitness when not working.

According to Steph, he has a fantastic attitude to life in general and is a whizz at budgeting.

“You give Gian a task and he gets it done,” she says.

TOGETHER

This pair are great communicators, even though they may fight at times.

“We are a really good team because communication is the key,” Steph said.

“We definitely will be bickering because I’ll probably be a bit fanatical about certain things being a certain way.”

Gian believes they will take the judging on The Block well.

“We are our own harshest critics,” he said. “I don’t think anyone could say something that would hurt our feelings because it’s not something we haven’t thought about ourselves.”

The Block kicks of August 6th on Nine at 7 O'Block, we cannot wait to see what Steph and Gian come up with, good luck! 

House Decider Challenge

Fifth place

14/30

Was it a kids’ room, or a hotel room, the judges asked as they took in Steph and Gian’s beautifully turned out, but not-quite-child friendly space.

Leaning into the Deco era, the room featured buffet-style storage, a king-size bed and a separate seating area perfect for grown-ups, but with a Monopoly set and some stray building blocks the only nod to a younger resident, the judges were feeling flat.

The inspiration was supposed to be Toy Story, but as Shaynna said: “This isn’t Andy’s room! There is no joy at all!” It was a room executed beautifully, they all agreed, but one that missed the brief.

A tough week for Steph and Gian, taking home last place and no love from the judges!

The inspiration was supposed to be Toy Story, but as Shaynna said: “This isn’t Andy’s room! There is no joy at all!” It was a room executed beautifully, they all agreed, but one that missed the brief.

Steph and Gian tried to repurpose some of the houses existing furniture to keep within budget but unfortunately in kids week it just wasnt the right furniture and the couple were far from the brief.

Shop Steph and Gian's House Decider challenge room at The Block Shop here.

Studio Bathroom 

Fifth place

20.5 / 30 points 

$22,362 spend

From the moment they walked in, all three judges agreed this was a room that worked from a planning perspective.

Toilet to the side, walk in to face the vanity and with beautiful tiles and oak veneer the look combined for contemporary sophistication.

Looking closer however, they started to worry. The rustic beams above fought the room, and the metal angle in the corner of the tiles was “abysmal” Darren said, the walls seemed out of plumb and the wallpaper “robbed the room” of style.

It all adds up, they agreed, to a well-planned, but poorly executed room, but nothing that can’t be fixed. 

Steph and Gian's room was praised by the judges from a planning perspective and their contemporary sophistication.

Looking closer however, they started to worry. The rustic beams above fought the room, and the metal angle in the corner of the tiles was “abysmal” Darren said, the walls seemed out of plumb and the wallpaper “robbed the room” of style.

Meet the new colour fixture on The Block, Brushed Gunmetal, from Reece, shop now at The Block Shop.

Although the room was criticized for its poor execution the judges praised the style and think this will be an easy fix.

Although it's been a rough start for these two, we are excited to see where their style takes us, because it is really beautiful. 

Shop Steph and Gian's Studio Bathroom here at The Block Shop.

Studio Reveal  (First place)

24.5 / 30 

$23,822 SPEND

With a Stoke fireplace blazing, featuring beams overhead and a nib wall separating the bed, Steph and Gian’s room was warm, cosy and beautifully executed, the judges said.

With a great bed and great flooring it was: “all really lovely!” Darren gushed, with Marty agreeing this is a space that will take a buyer’s breath away.

Featuring a bar fridge and coffee station in the Kinsman wardrobe, a border-hugging lighting plan and door accents and a colour pallet that will appeal, this is a personality filled space Marty said would definitely appeal to a large audience.

Steph and Gian take home the studio space with a wel deserved win!

Marty said that this room would appeal to a large audience, and we couldn't agree more! We are really loving having Marty on the judges panel.

Steph is known for her neutral palette and Japandi influence, shop the room here. Her styling is just perfection!

Steph shopped at Ikos Home in Hampton for the studio space and you can now shop their range right here on The Block Shop. 

This has to be right up there with one of our faves from Kinsman, the functionality alongside the beautiful timber handles, neautral colour palette and better still the location in the room, who else thinks Steph and Gian might have just hot their stride in this room?  We sure do! After a rough start the young guns have made a comeback!

Working from home space (First place)

26.5/30

From the sliding panels to hide either work spaces or the television to the under floor power points for a desk or bed, Steph and Gian’s office space showed thought, flexibility and a level of sophistication the judges are starting to expect.

And while Shaynna might have found the style a bit “flat” and “corporate”, Marty disagreed, saying it was a room that had zero confusion immediately told the buyer what it was – and he loved what it said.

For Darren it was the soft and warm laminates matching the curtains, that have a utilitarian space warmth, with all agreeing this could be the start of an amazing build.

Steph and Gian are on a winning streak, Steph proving not only is her minimalist style a winner but her in-depth planning of the rooms is paying off!

According to Marty "it was a room that had zero confusion immediately told the buyer what it was – and he loved what it said."

We get VERY excited here about new and trending products, we LOVE these visionary pinboards from CoTheory, beautifully styled by Steph and Gian.

Steph's Japandi influence is strong in this room, the perfect comibination of design principles harmoniously marrying minimalism, functionality, and timber.

We love these Aurora Stools from Satara featured in Steph and Gians working from home space, Steph is so talented at mixing muted tones and creating warmth in a room. And can we take a moment for that throw from Eadie.

Steph featured some beautiful styling pieces for her work from home space shop them all at The Block Shop.

Bathroom Reveal 

Equal fourth place

25 points

Featuring a Quartzite vanity with Dekton benchtop and integrated sink, French pattern flooring and feathered artwork opposite an ample mirror, the judges were quick to point out Steph and Gian had once again created a space that spoke to the luxury of the home they are building.

But as Darren was quick to point out, there were problems with this downstairs powder room as well. The layout means the toilet is the first thing visible when you open the door, something both Darren and Marty agreed was “just wrong” and the paintwork was as Scotty generously put it, “simple”.

This week the floorplan let down Steph and Gian in an otherwise beautiful powder room.

As with most of Steph and Gian's room's this powder room was styled to perfection in a simplistic Japandi Style which is flowing beautifully throughout their luxe home.

Living and Dining Reveal 

Equal third place

25.5 points 

With an elevated dining room overlooking the sprawling living room, Steph and Gian had hoped to showcase their Japandi aesthetic, but instead, all Neale could do was question the reason behind its placement.

“Does it improve the flow of the house,” Neale asked, “maybe not.

And then there was the styling, he added, with so many ceramics in one place: “It feels like a retail space!”. They were won back by the execution and the adjacent living room with its wrap-around Aluplast glazing looking out onto the back yard, with Neale happily settling into the wingback chair to take it all in.

With an elevated dining room overlooking the sprawling living room, Steph and Gian had hoped to showcase their Japandi aesthetic, but instead, all Neale could do was question the reason behind its placement.

For a room that come equal third there is ALOT to love about this room, as with most things Steph does it has muted tones but it really works.

Another amazing use of the fireplace positioning, supplying warmth to the dining room and living area, connecting the two spaces with warmth and a beautiful ambience.

Steph sourced these two beautiful artworks from Block Shop artist Jackie Green and we LOVE them in this space.

Master Bedroom Reveal 

First place

29 points 

Walking into Steph and Gian’s master wing, the first thing to hit the judges was the huge walk-in wardrobe and dressing area. With a huge marble-topped island, Hafele accessories, enough storage even for Shaynna, this screamed luxury.

“This wardrobe could be in a $20 million home,” Marty said… a room you used to get ready to go out and then didn’t want to leave!

But as impressed as they already were, the bedroom took their breath away. “This is HOT!” Shaynna said, admiring everything from the lighting plan to the neutral palette, the layout, styling and more. With only the bedside tables earning a frown (not big enough again, Darren said) this was a near perfect room.

Winners are grinners! Congratulations Steph and Gian on another win!

“This is HOT!” Shaynna said, admiring everything from the lighting plan to the neutral palette, the layout, styling and more. Shop the winning room at The Block Shop.

“This wardrobe could be in a $20 million home,” Marty said… a room you used to get ready to go out and then didn’t want to leave!

Kristy from House 2, confirmed in Steph's mind earlier in the week that beams were a good idea, certainly paid off for Steph adn Gian this week, taking home another win!

The bedroom complete with bouclé sofas and Escea Fireplace is a parents retreat that dreams are made of!

With only the bedside tables earning a frown (not big enough again, Darren said) this was a near perfect room. Well done Steph and Gian!

Kitchen Reveal

Fifth place

Cash Spent - $25,304 

After taking a gamble with moving their kitchen from its original place in the plans, the judges were forced to admit Steph and Gian’s new position worked well, creating an island perfect for sitting around… but was the layout better this way?

With the cooktop in the island, anyone sitting there would have to be careful, Shaynna pointed out and having the usual kitchen zones separated – some into the adjacent butlers – Darren asked if perhaps they should have stuck with the original architect’s idea. 

It was a beautiful kitchen, Neale said, but one designed by an architect, not a cook. That was a criticism that carried through to the butlers pantry and the laundry, all great to look at, but as Neale said: “Beautifully dysfunctional”.

Steph and Gian were criticised by the judges for a “Beautifully dysfunctional” kitchen, but I have to tell you, for a kitchen that come fifth I struggled not to pick every picture for this blog, asthetically this kitchen is beautiful! My practical hat has fallen off.

Continuing with their minimalist, Japandi asthetic, the couple opted for beautiful Michelle Keighley artwork, classic Satara Stools and custom Beacon lighting in place of a rangehood.

We have been ooh-ing and arg-ing all week at the Kinsman Kitchens in these houses, they literally don't stop in Kitchen week and we are always amazed by their new designs! It really is a family here and Kinsman are our favourite aunties. With ample storage in the butlers pantry the judges were concerned there wasn't enough in the kitchen. 

In usual Steph style the butlers and wine fridges were styled perfectly in muted tones.

The laundry matched the rest of the house's asthetic perfectly and delivered on bench space so the judges were happy!

Kids Bedrooms

First Place

30 points

“This,” said Darren as he walked into the first of Steph and Gian’s twin rooms, “is the most sophisticated kids’ bedroom we’ve seen!” And the compliments didn’t stop there.

With a soft colour palette (thankfuly not all beige), the perfect pendants, bedhead reflecting the Japandi style and a
swing chair, it was the best-styled room of the build, the judges said.

Through the Jack and Jill bathroom into bedroom number two, the enthusiasm continued.

Ample storage, on-point styling (down to hand-stickered artworks) and again a soft palette all added up to rooms that combined functionality, marketability and soul for a result Marty applauded as “brilliant flexibility.

Steph and Gian take home the win, and three 10's! That's a winnings of $40,000 for the week!

“This,” said Darren as he walked into the first of Steph and Gian’s twin rooms, “is the most sophisticated kids’ bedroom we’ve seen!” Noting that Steph had individually placed the decals on the wall, her attention to detail is phenominal!

"on-point styling (down to hand-stickered artworks) and again a soft palette all added up to rooms that combined functionality, marketability and soul for a result Marty applauded as “brilliant flexibility." Shop Steph and Gian's Kids rooms at The Block Shop

With a soft colour palette (thankfuly not all beige), the perfect pendants, bedhead reflecting the Japandi style and a swing chair, it was the best-styled room of the build, the judges said. Steph and Gian nailed the kid's rooms this week.

With ample storage in their Kinsman Wardrobe this was a room that will grow with any child for years to come.

Key styling pieces added up to make this what the judges called the best styling in the build, including swing chair, magnetic moodboard and timber shelving.

Bathroom and Redo Rooms

Third place

26 points

Flipping the vanity from an eastern wall to the west and adding Venetian plaster transformed Steph and Gian’s master ensuite redo room, bringing a sophistication that was missing and adding the perfect finishing touch to their master wing.

Shaynna was still chasing more storage, pointing out the lack of face-level cupboards and the shallow vanity drawers, but overall, the room finally had soul, they decided.

Into the kids “Jack and Jill” bathroom and the praise continued. “Very sophisticated!” Shaynna said, noting the added storage, but there were problems. Narrow shower doors could be tricky for kids, she said, the lighting was “gloomy” and functionality such as high towel hooks just didn’t work.

It’s beautiful, Neale said, but flawed.

Two bathrooms for Steph and Gian this week meant LOTS of work!

Flipping the vanity from an eastern wall to the west and adding Venetian plaster transformed Steph and Gian’s master ensuite redo room, bringing a sophistication that was missing and adding the perfect finishing touch to their master wing.

The styling was tweaked in this room and we think the difference is actually amazing! Giving this bathroom some "soul" as Shaynna said.

I said it above but honestly choosing a favourite of these Nood Co basins is harder than choosing my favourite child!

We are actually obsessed with this Jack and Jill bathroom that sits between the two kids bedrooms in Steoh and Gian's house.

The jute runner adds a warmth and leans into Steph's Japandi style perfectly, as a mum of three boys I can't see past the impracticality of that wall hanging though.

I just can't say it again, how do I choose??? I'll just be staring at the range here if you need me. I LOVE that the vanities in both upstairs bathrooms match, clever Steph, very clever!

Backyard Reveal

First place

38 points

With its roll down awnings creating a whole new room, Gian and Steph’s outdoor entertaining space is a game changer for the couple, the judges agreed.

And beyond, Dave said, was a garden that showcased the importance of zoning, with its BBQ area, a dining room, firepit and pizza kitchen plus a pool and sauna.

“It’s like a wellness retreat!” Shaynna decided.

Combining round steppers, volcanic rock, timber and glass, this is a garden that could help House 4 break records for the suburb, Marty added, rounding off the universal enthusiasm all judges felt.

Only the sloped concrete and a lack of heating let the space down, they and otherwise it was, Dave said: “An almost perfect back yard!”

With a wallet flush with cash from their many wins, Steph and Gian had enough budget to make every Blockheads dream backyard, full of lush green plants!

Dave Frankin said, this was a garden that showcased the importance of zoning, with its BBQ area, a dining room, firepit and pizza kitchen plus a pool and sauna.

Combining round steppers, volcanic rock, timber and glass, this is a garden that could help House 4 break records for the suburb, Marty added, rounding off the universal enthusiasm all judges felt.

"It's like a wellness retreated" Shaynna excitedly said. Fancy your own sauna... or other wellness equipment? shop them here at The Block Shop.

WOW! It's not often we are lost for words here, but honestly, the timber deck... the Plungie pool, the furniture from Block Shop suppliers, B2C Furniture , Kave home, and Huset Design Store it's exactly where we would rather be. Practically perfect!

Steph and Gian had me at the pool, but then out come the pizza oven, SIGN ME UP! I want to move in immediately!

Front Facade and Hallway Reveal

Second place

37.5 points

From the stacked stone fireplace, wide frontage, pebble and travertine path and a garden that looks well established, Gian and Steph’s front yard was, Shaynna said: “a show stopper!”

And while she admired the magnolia tree, complete with a pair of nesting owls and Dave counted the different species used in the garden (at least 20, he said, and definitely something for every season), Marty looked at the practicality, noting this was the only Block house that could boast off-street parking for six cars.

Inside, a lack of light in the foyer was a problem, Shaynna said, but for Darren the  dark and moody exterior, a contrast to the minimalist inside, just won.

It was a blend, he said, that: “really, really worked!”

Steph and Gian have won the most money this season, falling short by only half a point this was a close week.

House 4 has been a popular facade all along with Block Fans, we cannot believe the transformation that Steph and Gian have made to this facade, cladding over the brickwork with Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding to give a modern facelift, read how you too can clad over your existing brickwork here.

With a huge yard that can have six parked cars, beautiful timber deck up to the front entry this was a family home with a warm welcome.

Steph and Gian also ran with a car theme to win the judges over featuring a Mustang Blueprint wallpaper from Grafico on their ceiling.

The only critisicm the judges had was that Steph and Gian needed a glass front door to not only let the light in but so you can see out to the beautiful established plants and bring the outside in.

Moving into to entry and hallway Steph continued her signature Japandi Style featuring two commissioned Jackie Green artworks, available here at The Block Shop, alongside wall hanging from Rug Addiction available here.

Take a look at The Block 2023 here.