The Block 2022

Drawing inspiration from The Block’s country location, Scotty has produced a standout kitchen which celebrates a Modern Farmhouse aesthetic. Shaker-style Sierra kitchen cabinets in Black Matt, new Perforated Metal Door Inserts and Plate Racks, and marble-look Caesarstone® Aterra Blanca benchtops pay homage to a traditional Country look. However, the additions of matte black Hampton and Diecast Zinc Bar handles and feature Christian Cole timber island bench add a contemporary twist.

The U-shaped design is a study in the perfect 5-zone kitchen, where the cleaning, preparation, cooking, consumables, and non-consumables zones all work in harmony. The cleaning zone sits below a large window, flowing onto a cooking zone which includes an impressive array of AEG appliances including two 60cm Natural Gas cooktops, a Steam Oven, and a Compact Microwave from Winning Appliances. These are then complemented by an Electrolux fridge and Vintec wine storage, creating the ultimate chef’s kitchen.

Many of the stars of this kitchen are hidden behind closed doors. Internal storage solutions have been included to maximise functionality and ease of use. Simple yet effective, Inner Drawers and Cutlery Trays ensure drawers are easy to arrange and keep tidy. An Integrated Häfele Dispensa Pull Out Pantry and Tandem Pantry store non-consumables, while Shelf Pull-outs and a Classic Shelf and Towel Rail by the sink all ensure that organisation a breeze.

Flowing on from the kitchen, the butler’s pantry blends form with function. It offers a plethora of extra storage and appliances, allowing cooking and cleaning to be done out of sight. Additional bench space and shelving provide styling opportunities, as well as space to store small appliances such as kettles and toasters, keeping the main kitchen space uncluttered.

Flowing on from their main kitchen, Scotty and Duncan have designed a butler’s pantry that blends form and function. Shaker-style Sierra Matt Black cabinetry with Federation Capping, some featuring Freedom Kitchens’ new Perforated Metal Door Inserts are the design hero of the space. Matte black hardware complements the dark tones of the joinery, contrasting beautifully against marble-look Caesarstone® Aterra Blanca countertops.

Filled with natural light, the pair included a plethora of extra storage and cooking appliances to the layout, allowing for cooking and cleaning to be done out of sight. Additional bench space and shelving provide styling opportunities as well as space to store small appliances such as kettles and toasters, keeping the kitchen uncluttered.

Rachel and Ryan created a family-friendly L-shaped kitchen with central island bench for House 2. Warm and welcoming, the room centres around a soft and organic colour palette of warm white, marble, and brass. The pair opted for thin Shaker-style Cora doors in Amaro Matt, teamed with new Solid Brass Knobs and Solid Brass Bar Pull handles which feature a Dull Brushed Nickel finish for a contemporary look. Touch Catch cabinetry also features, with certain sections including electronic bifold lifts. Bringing the look together are splashbacks in 12mm White Ciment Porcelain, a stunning new addition to the Caesarstone® range which made its debut on The Block.

Perfect for a family who loves to cook and entertain, the L-shaped layout is incredibly efficient and ideal for open plan living. Its flexible design allowed Rachel and Ryan to place the cooking, cleaning, and prep zones within easy reach of each other, ensuring the kitchen is highly functional.

Central to the design is the 3.4-metre kitchen island, which allows for plenty seating along two ends, encouraging family and friends to gather. An efficient cleaning zone has also been produced with the inclusion of a Ninka Bin, sink and dishwasher. Topped with Caesarstone® Alpine Mist quartz with a waterfall edge, the timber detailing on the island adds warmth to the overall look.

This kitchen is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Internal accessories have been added to ensure that every inch of space is highly usable. Inclusions such as a Häfele Tandem Pantry and Blind Corner Shelf, as well as cooking appliances including a gas cooker by Ilve and a Fhiaba refrigerator supplied by Winning Appliances ensures that this is a hard-working kitchen.

Rachel and Ryan’s butler’s pantry is a natural progression of their main kitchen space, brimming with storage, additional appliances, and style. Cora Amaro cabinetry provides the base of the earthy colour scheme, with Solid Brass Knob in Dull Brushed Nickel handles adding to the look. White Ciment Porcelain splashbacks feature again as do Alpine Mist 40mm benchtops, both from Caesarstone®.

Storage and organisation are maximised by a mixture of Häfele Tandem Pantries, cupboards, drawers, and open shelving. Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the inclusion of a Ninka bin, sink and tap, and integrated dishwasher below the window. A Vintec 126 Bottle Wine Storage Cabinet, Ilve Compact Built-in Combi Steam Oven and Microwave from Winnings Appliances ensures that this pantry ticks all the boxes for a home chef.

Celebrating colour, charm and contemporary design, Dylan and Jenny have created a Country-inspired kitchen that is as welcoming as it is beautiful. The sophisticated palette centres on nature-inspired colours, textures, and finishes. The duo opted for Freedom Kitchens new Sierra IV joinery in Dry Sage, which feature a 40mm Shaker-style profile, as well panelled Vera cabinets behind the open shelving, adding to the layered look.

Dry Sage doors bring the gentle tones of the outdoors into the kitchen, the green hue contrasting against Nordic Oak shelving, tiled splashbacks and Caesarstone® Riverlet benchtops. Brass complements the look, with the inclusion of new Hampton Matte Brass Cup and Knob handles as well as Patina Brass Mesh Inserts along the kitchen island drawers.

The 3-metre island bench, where family and friends can gather, has been orientated to fit with the rest of the open plan living space. Dylan and Jenny left the countertop free from any additional appliances, allowing for easy food preparation or a zone to enjoy a casual meal. It also provides a large amount of storage thanks to a series of drawers and cabinets.

The U-shaped layout maximises storage and flow around the kitchen, with a blend of cupboards and drawers ensuring that there is room for everything a home chef would need. Within the cabinetry, internal accessories such as a corner carousel and a pull-out pantry allow for everything to be within easy reach. An impressive array of appliances from Smeg including ovens, rangehood and dishwasher; Samsung fridge, Vintec Wine Storage, and Zip Hydrotap, ensures this kitchen balances style with functionality.

Two large windows allow for plenty of natural light in Dylan and Jenny’s butler’s pantry. Open shelves and under-bench cabinetry guarantee plenty of storage, while large spans of Caesarstone® Riverlet benchtops provide ample preparation space. The use of Sierra IV Dry Sage joinery with Hampton matte brass Cup and Knob handles connects the space with the adjoining kitchen.

Sitting opposite the countertop, large banks of joinery offer further storage including tall pantries, as well as a section of cooking appliances. The additions of a Smeg wine cooler, built-in coffee machine, and built-in oven, plus an additional fridge elevate this pantry to delight any home cook.

The Blockheads stepped away from their own homes during Kitchen Week to lend a helping hand to two deserving neighbours, Tim and Tyler. The two young men, who are best friends, have been dealing amazingly with the obstacles life has thrown at them. With the help of 24-hour care, they live independently in the home that Tim’s late father built 36 years ago which is now in need of numerous repairs and updates. The kitchen was one of the main rooms that needed transforming with a focus on access, usability, storage, and style.

Freedom Kitchens was thrilled to be part of the kitchen transformation – our new Signature Range perfect for what the contestants wanted to achieve. Working within the existing floorplan, the monochromatic colour palette creates a light and bright room. “We wanted to keep the kitchen simple and very accessible, explained Rachel. We also kept the palette neutral with Shaker-profile doors and Caesarstone® benchtops, and as much cabinetry and storage as possible!”.

Sierra kitchen cabinets in Classic White have been used throughout the room, with matte black handles contrasting against the doors, making them clearly visible and easy to grip. The dark tones from the handles tie in with the black cooking and cleaning TEKA appliances, while the Caesarstone® Noble Grey benchtops complete the monochromatic palette. A breakfast bench has also been included providing a casual dining space.

A wealth of storage is found throughout the kitchen, with inclusions such as a Häfele Lemans Blind Corner Shelf System, Cutlery Trays and Ninka Bins making organisation and cleaning a breeze. Lighting has also been carefully considered, with Warm LED Downlights ensuring that all the work, prep and cooking areas are well-lit.