The couple were initially daunted by the size of the kitchen and dining space. “Then we realised we didn’t have to cram things in,” says Quinn. “We could leave big, open passages. It sounds like a cliché but it really is going to be an entertainer’s dream. It’s so spacious and light and airy.”
These renovation rookies have succeeded with this relaxed, functional home.
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The couple
Everything this married couple have done on The Block NZ, from briefing tradespeople to painting and decorating, has been for the first time.
“We’re just regular Kiwis from Christchurch up against these four flash-as Auckland houses,” says Ben, 30, a business development manager. After the show, he and wife Quinn, 26, a beauty therapist, are looking forward to renovating their first home, a two-bedroom brick flat. Then comes an even bigger challenge: the arrival of their first baby.
From the outside, this is one the grandest houses on The Block NZ – but Ben and Quinn wanted the interior to reflect their laidback personalities.
“It’s not all showy with heaps of unnecessary stuff in it,” says Quinn. “Everything’s done to a really high standard but it’s not OTT or pretentious.”
Entertainers will appreciate the home’s spacious layout and impressive indoor-outdoor flow, and abundance of natural light. If the sun’s not out, the carpeted garage can be used as a hang-out room, says Quinn. “It’s great for the kids on a rainy day.”
The finishing touches
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Quinn and Ben have an understated style and an eye for quirky accessories – like the miniature terrariums from Freedom in the teen’s bedroom and the cute owl and rhino toys from Bunnings and Freedom respectively, in the kid’s room.
“We found that once we did a bedroom, the next bedroom would be better,” says Quinn. Planning is the key to success, she says.
“Don’t just rush into the job. That’s something I would do – screw it up! Always measure things until you’re 100 percent sure.”
And if you’re short on inspiration, jump on the internet.
“Search Pinterest for exactly what you want, and when you find it, there’s no reason you can’t make it your own.”
Words by: Rebecca Barry Hill Photography by: Scott McAulay Interior Designer: Ben & Quinn
The couple were initially daunted by the size of the kitchen and dining space. “Then we realised we didn’t have to cram things in,” says Quinn. “We could leave big, open passages. It sounds like a cliché but it really is going to be an entertainer’s dream. It’s so spacious and light and airy.”
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A stainless steel Haier fridge adds a touch of luxe
The couple were thrilled with the large butler’s pantry and scullery
Media room: The couple maximised this cosy space by installing a shelving unit in a corner alcove. Moveable walls in tinted glass provide quiet by separating the family room from the kitchen. “It’s private but you can still see what the kids are doing while you’re cooking tea,” says Quinn.
A simple shelf is a quirky way to display these games and plants from Kmart.
This bright and quirky zebra print from Mocka provided colour inspiration
Quinn & Ben NZ Block contestants
Metallic wallpaper gives this room an air of sophistication.
Garage: Ben and Quinn took a risk and spent up large on special industrial carpet. “Some people told us not to, but we’re so glad we did,” says Ben. “These days you don’t always park in the garage anyway.” Doors from Cowdroy and kitset drawers from Mitre 10 make for easy storage. The polished concrete wall is hardwearing yet stylish.
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Laundry: Simple comforts rule here, with underfloor heating and recesses that light up “which looks so fancy and nice”, says Quinn. Blue tiles from Bunnings brighten up the laundry.
Ben & Quinn: Mismatched patterns find common ground in a simple blue cushion. The geometric shapes are reflected in the light fitting from Light House and the handmade desk from one of The Block NZ challenges.
Ben & Quinn: Pale wood gives this room an airy Scandinavian feel.
Bathroom: Simple comforts rule here, with underfloor heating and recesses that light up “which looks so fancy and nice”, says Quinn. White and grey tiles from Bunnings create a “styley” contrast in the bathroom, says Quinn; mosaics from Tile Depot add a touch of flair, and window treatments “weren’t needed”.
Bathroom: Simple comforts rule here, with underfloor heating and recesses that light up “which looks so fancy and nice”, says Quinn. White and grey tiles from Bunnings create a “styley” contrast in the bathroom, says Quinn; mosaics from Tile Depot add a touch of flair, and window treatments “weren’t needed”.
