Home Tour: The Block’s Kristy and Brett Put the Charm Offensive on this Hampton East Property

When husband and wife team Kristy and Brett signed up to star in this year’s season of The Block, the Adelaide couple wanted to take on the challenge to break up the routine of their everyday life.

Since sinking their teeth into the enormous task at hand — renovating a five-bedroom home on the idyllic street of Charming Street in Melbourne’s Bayside suburb of Hampton East — their world has been flipped on its head in the best way possible.

“The whole experience was such a roller coaster! It had its ups and downs but that’s what made it so exciting,” the Adelaide-based couple says of their time on the popular Channel Nine series.

Having previously renovated the bathroom in their family home, nothing could prepare the couple for the high-pressure, high-stakes nature of the show and transforming an entire property. But it was something the ambitious duo took in their stride.

The Ultimate Learning Curve

“In the beginning, it was a big learning curve! We both learned how well we work together to achieve a common goal. By the end, we became a very well-oiled machine,” the pair admit to working together in such an intense environment.

Indeed, the results of Kristy and Brett’s hard work speak for itself. The talented team has breathed new life into the once-tired, red-brick 1950s home, turning it into a luxurious and stylish family property that embodies designer living.

“Going into the project, we had a set plan that we wanted to stick to. Our overall goal was to have continuity and adaptability throughout the process, and we think the internal part of the house speaks to that,” Kristy and Brett share of their approach.

One key focus was to open the flow of the house, with the couple removing internal walls to create a wider, more welcoming space in the two living rooms.

In the first living room, the pair opted for elegant Laminex wall panelling and a high-end Venetian plaster finish to create a timeless, textural feel, making it the perfect haven to relax and unwind. Complete with a stunning Stoke fireplace, this really is one of the cosiest and comfiest areas of the home.

Warm, Inviting Spaces

The second living room is all about style and functionality, with the profile of timber wall panelling adding an understated touch of natural beauty. There’s also a Samsung Freestyle Projector so future tenants can create an immersive cinematic experience from the comfort of their own couch.

“We wanted to create warm, inviting spaces with a lot of texture. We purposely went with natural colours that are very adaptable to the wider market,” the couple tells of their vision for the living areas.

Another key influence on the renovation was the family-friendly suburb of Hampton East. With a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere that’s close to the beach, this is an up-and-coming suburban gem, so Kristy and Brett wanted to reflect that throughout the home.

“It’s a very vibrant, welcoming area for families so that played a lot into our vision for the home,” they share.

A Home Away from Home

Perhaps the biggest drawcard of this property is the self-contained studio bedroom, separate from the main quarters. Drenched in natural light which has been teamed with a calming colour palette, it’s a hardworking, multifunctional space complete with an office nook and mini kitchenette.

“We really wanted to make the studio its own space that could be used for a guest, teenager, or even rented out to a tenant. We made inclusions, like the bathroom and kitchenette, that meant you wouldn’t have to go into the main part of the house,” The Block stars reveal.

Entertainer’s Paradise

Outside, Kristy and Brett have made it an entertainer’s paradise with a fire pit, barbecue, pizza oven, dining table, spacious wooden deck and pool are all on offer to be enjoyed.

Reflecting on their favourite space, the pair agree the master bedroom is their top pick.

“It has such a warm feel to it and serves as the ultimate oasis,” they say.

PROJECT CREDITS

Photographer: Diakrit @diakritanz

Interior styling: Kristy and Brett @kristyandbrett

Build: Nine in Six @nineinsix

Architect: Julian Brenchley @grouparchitects

Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan

Loved our tour of The Block’s Kristy and Bretty’s Hampton East’s renovation and want to keep perving some of the most stylish places going around? Take a tour of Talm Beach House in Anna Bay. Then check out this gorgeous Bronte home which epitomises quiet luxury.