The Block 2023: Working from home space

In a world where the concept of what makes an office is constantly evolving, a work from home space is vital to any luxury build. But just what does that mean? That’s the puzzle faced by the Blockheads this week as they tried to come up with the perfect solution.

For some, it was a chance to get into the Truecore steel framed new sections of their homes, while others battled the older areas and the result was a range of solutions that left the judges in awe.

Steph and Gian (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.

Kyle and Leslie (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.

Kristy and Brett (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!

Eliza and Liberty (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!

Leah and Ash (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!

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