If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. That’s a mantra I’m trying to live by lately. But it that were the case, this week’s post on the NSW House Rules reveal would be a very quick read.
Sadly, the rooms in Steve and Tiana’s home left a lot to be desired. Now, I know that when it comes to interior design, if the client’s happy, you’ve done your job. But this is a show about judging rooms from a design perspective and there were a lot of shortfalls.
Above, Ben and Danielle gave the living room a red hot go (if you’ll pardon the pun), but the colours alone were off. White, black, red and blue in their purest forms all feel rather juvenile and cold when put together. There is no warmth in this space and it feels really dated. It needed a feature wall in a warm grey or brown tone, a round timber table to introduce some textural interest and one armchair with a well-styled side table instead of those two red chairs.
Below, the bedroom has exactly the same issues in terms of colour and lack of warmth.
The master bedroom designed by Karina and Brian above was marginally better if you look solely at the bed. The bedhead itself is nice but that’s as far as I can go with compliments here. Again, the use of that vivid red is really aggressive and doesn’t bode well for relaxation (even if the home owner’s asked for red, there are better ways to introduce it subtly).
All of the styling needs work – especially on the bedside table. The bedding was not layered enough and doesn’t look at all inviting. This space also feels really dated. I feel like this look was really popular in the 90s. It’s almost oriental.
I think a good designer needs to take a brief a step further and make a space feel modern. This red on white on black colour scheme has had its day.
The saving grace of the entire episode was the bathroom, but I’m not sure if I’m overjoyed by it because the other rooms are so lacking in comparison.
The bath is a gorgeous feature and is certainly the standout piece in the space. Bronik and Corrine did a marvellous job here. It’s a crisp and clean space with nice lines and a really good balance of colours and textures. It feels warmer and more inviting that any of the bedroom or living areas do!
>>> What did you think of last night’s reveal? Am I being too hard on the teams here? Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think.
THis house was a total ‘let down’ Bathroom was the nicest room of all of them. The main bedroom looks liek it needs a make over .LOL
They are supposed to have that Carolyn lady as their design consultant but she seems to just like to plant seeds of doubt or stir the pot and then leave!
The whole reveal was really disappointing. I quite liked the bathroom and the concrete floor in the kitchen/living area and the laundry wasn’t bad but apart from that…Some things can be changed relatively easily but others (like the way that toilet was done) really can’t be. The thing that gets me is I understand it is an individual competition but the houses just don’t flow.
how disappointing!
I know right, Louisa!? Such a letdown :S
Here is the conundrum: do I watch Reno rumble or the block for the good taste whilst gritting my teeth through the drama? or do I watch an enjoyable, more hands-on show like house rules but cringe at the bogan, under-developed styling?
And ps red comes in a range of shades. it doesn’t have to be formula 1 or red back spider. What happened to Valentine’s Day and red roses??
I totally agree Justine; there are some really gorgeous deep reds out there. I don’t know why they all went so aggressive with the red. And I feel your pain. I love House Rules because it is far less manufactured, but when they reveal rooms like this it’s a bit disappointing!
In total agreement Chris – the bathroom was the winner and everything else was very dated – they took the brief about red too far!
I am so glad I’m not the only one who thought it was dated, Tania. Like I said, this look and those colours feels very 90s oriental. Each room needed a paper lantern and it would take me back a few decades!
Agreed Chris, the bathroom was the standout winner. The other rooms looked too harsh. Red is such a stimulating colour and also quite aggressive, not conducive to sleep at all! It can look amazing used properly in the right amounts and in the right space.Using softer tones as they did in the bathroom with just a touch of red was more appealing. These contestants are rookies as far as designing homes is concerned so I think they should be given a little more advice and guidance on design principles, as it is someone’s house they are working on, not just a set in a warehouse. That tiny toilet will be difficult to alter now. I certainly don’t think they met the ‘show home’ brief. By comparison I think the Reno Rumble homes were fantastic!
I agree with everything you said Karen. It’s sad, because I adore House Rules, but someone needed to step in and guide them about using that red in the entire house. It’s all about interpreting a brief and doing what works to create a harmonious space. They need a stylist on the judging panel. I will give them my details lol 😉