The Block 2023 Get The Look: Kitchens

It was kitchen and laundry week on The Block 2023, with plenty of hits and misses. Amidst the transformations, the lighting choices stood out for their elegance and subtlety. Let's take a closer look!

In this week's episode of The Block, Leslie and Kyle of House 1 delivered a kitchen and laundry space that left everyone swooning. They embraced their signature curves, creating a kitchen that was as functional as it was stylish. 

The judges were equally impressed with the functionality and aesthetics of House 1's kitchen. Shaynna's first word upon entering was "sexy," and she wasn't alone in her admiration. The curved ceiling got significant praise, with Darren noting the exceptional plastering work that followed the shape of the ceiling's slant.

The judges were also quick to commend Leslie and Kyle for their thoughtful kitchen layout. The placement of the cooking zone, cleaning zone, and refrigerator was meticulously planned, earning praise from Darren, who remarked that it was the "correct layout for here." Shaynna was thrilled with the abundance of storage, emphasising the multitude of drawers that made the kitchen a storage haven.

Let's delve into their lighting selections and how they illuminated their "curvealicious" space.

If you're inspired by Leslie and Kyle's lighting choices, here are some lights to consider.

MFL strip lighting: To highlight architectural features and accentuate the curves in your design, consider using MFL strip lighting. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for adding a touch of drama to any space.

MFL Gypsum surface mount downlights: For understated overhead lighting that seamlessly blends into most spaces, opt for MFL Gypsum surface mount downlights. These fixtures provide a soft, diffused glow that complements the overall ambience of the room.

Leah and Ash took us on a whirlwind journey of emotions as they tackled the challenges of kitchen and laundry week. Their renovation journey was filled with drama, design changes, and moments of tears, but in the end, their unique and bold aesthetic was worth the drama.

While they left the judges underwhelmed with the island's proportions, they made up for it with their innovative use of colours, textures, and materials throughout the kitchen. Leah's confidence in her design was evident, and she was especially proud of the hot pink coffee machine, which she knew would capture the judges' attention.

Neale Whitaker was impressed with their commitment to their unique aesthetic, and Darren Palmer couldn't help but express his admiration for their boldness. Their kitchen exuded personality and flair, setting it apart from the competition.

Leah and Ash's lighting choices perfectly complemented their eclectic aesthetic. Three stunning Ison surface-mounted downlights in bright brass made a powerful statement in the kitchen. These downlights didn't blend in; they stood out, becoming an integral part of the room's unique character.

Kirsty and Brett tackled what they dubbed "hell week”. With their workload overflowing, including the kitchen, laundry, pantry, dining, and hallway areas, they faced an uphill battle. Add to that the challenge of re-stumping their house, and you've got a recipe for stress. 

Upon entering Kirsty and Brett's space, the judges couldn't help but be captivated by the rich burgundy shade of the marble island bench. Darren, whose outfit happened to be in perfect harmony with the colour palette, expressed his admiration by hugging the island for an extended period, even risking a close encounter with a candle. Shaynna, however, saw this bold choice as a timeless one. She remarked, "This is so now but we'll be now for quite a long time, especially with those warm tones. This is not going out of date quickly."

In a bold move, the couple opted for all-white cabinetry, a decision that paid off handsomely. Neale praised the choice, saying, "It is really refreshing to see an all-white kitchen. We rarely see it these days, but I think it's absolutely beautiful."

For those inspired by Kirsty and Brett's lighting choices, you're in luck. They made some brilliant selections that contributed to the overall appeal of their spaces.

In the dining area, they chose the dynamic Orion 15 light pendant. This pendant is not just a source of light but also a piece of abstract art that adds a touch of elegance to the room. It's a stunning focal point that's sure to draw compliments.

To complement the elegant appeal of the black pendant, they incorporated the 3-light Centaur floor lamp. This addition adds a layer of warmth and sophistication to the overall ambience.

In the pantry and the hidden storage area concealed behind the splashback, MFL strip lighting was cleverly used to ensure functionality while maintaining a sleek and modern look. It's a practical choice that also enhances the aesthetics of these spaces.

Steph and Gian unveiled their kitchen and laundry spaces, and as always, they didn't disappoint. Steph, a talented architect, once again demonstrated her remarkable design sensibility, leaving the judges in awe. With a few bold moves, she transformed their kitchen and laundry areas into stunning, functional spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics and practicality.

Steph and Gian decided to relocate their kitchen, a decision that paid off. The new kitchen is not only more spacious but also boasts a unique feature that caught everyone's attention – a cooktop installed in the island bench. This move allowed for the installation of their distinctive custom-made feature lights, adding a touch of sophistication and style to the space.

Upon entering the kitchen, the judges were immediately captivated. Neale exclaimed, "Wow," as he absorbed the atmosphere of the room. Shaynna praised Steph's exceptional design sense and foresaw a bright future for this young architect. Even Darren, always attentive to the practical aspects, acknowledged that moving the kitchen was a smart choice, resulting in a larger and more functional cooking space.

Steph and Gian collaborated with Beacon Lighting to customise bespoke wall lights. These minimalist fixtures boast superior quality and are the perfect fit for the space.

If you're considering a custom lighting project for your own home, don't hesitate to reach out to your local Beacon Lighting store team. They can help you bring your vision to life, just as they did for Steph and Gian.

Eliza and Liberty's kitchen was a showstopper, featuring a vibrant orange oven that caught the eye of Neale Whitaker. He praised their bold choice, acknowledging that orange might not be for everyone but commending the duo for their courage. The orange oven injected a pop of personality into the space, creating an atmosphere that exuded energy and cheerfulness.

The functionality of the kitchen was a standout feature. With a perfectly oriented island bench, the design offered both style and practicality. It seamlessly integrated a bar, a double fridge, ample storage, and that eye-catching orange range. Shaynna Blaze, renowned for her love of storage solutions, was particularly impressed. She highlighted the convenience of the layout, where everything was within arm's reach, making cooking a breeze.

Now, let's delve into the lighting choices that played a pivotal role in enhancing the ambience of Eliza and Liberty's winning kitchen and laundry spaces.

Eliza and Liberty made exceptional lighting selections to elevate their kitchen and laundry areas. They opted for bright brass features that beautifully complemented their striking orange rangehood.

1. The Pearce Pendant: Suspended over the kitchen island, the Pearce pendant served as a stunning brass feature. Its design added a touch of elegance and modernity to the space, making it a focal point that tied the entire kitchen together.
2. MFL By Masson Trivium flush mount: Modern, urban-industrial-inspired fixtures. These lights are unique, with three removable honeycomb diffusers that reduce glare for a warm aesthetic.

The combination of these lighting choices created a harmonious atmosphere that enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of Eliza and Liberty's kitchen and laundry spaces. It's no wonder they were able to impress the judges and secure their well-deserved victory on The Block.

3. Reno track lights: Eliza and Liberty incorporated our Reno track lights into their butler’s pantry, showcasing the benefits of track lighting. These versatile lights offer flexibility in directing light precisely where needed. In a workspace like the butler’s pantry, where task lighting is crucial, track lights provide the perfect solution, ensuring every corner is well-lit and functional.

Stay tuned for more stunning lighting selections when we delve into next week’s episode of The Block 2023, master bathrooms!