A short history of THE BLOCK as seen by Print Decor

How has Channel 9's The Block influenced Interior Design trends?

In 2013 I was going about my daily business at Print Decor, hopefully preparing for a busy Saturday's trading when in walked a young chap and he asked me if I would mind if a TV crew came into our shop and did some filming for the TV show The Block. Well I didn't want to embarrass myself by asking what is The Block, it vaguely struck a cord with me and the thought of being on TV was too good an opportunity to miss, so I said "no problem". 

"In came the film crew, cameras, lights and microphones."

Above: "It's Always an Irishman" from artist Adam Cullen's Ned Kelly series.

Before I knew it I was being "wired up" with a mic. and the film crew were setting up. Back in those days we had fax machines and I needed to send an urgent fax. Unfortunately the fax machine wouldn't send, and I became frustrated and showered it with some very unkind words. The sound guy came up to me and said we're hearing all that and he removed the mic. from me and said we'll mic up that nice lady over here, she can do the talking. My great break into the world of national TV shot down just like that!

Two beautiful twin sisters arrived and it was "lights, camera, action" as Block contestants Alisa & Lysandra proceeded to search for artworks to hang in their Block Sky High apartment. They had been staying at the art series Cullen Hotel in Prahran and fell in love with Adam Cullen's quirky art. They Googled his art and found Print Decor not too far away.

They chose the above image and placed it in the entrance hall and we were delighted when The Block judge Neale Whitaker stopped in his tracks and said "I love that"

The girls chose below image of Cullen's "Growler" the cattle dog in Magenta tones as a focal piece and styled their apartment around this art work. Since that season we have been delighted in providing Block contestants with art works and framed mirrors.

Alisa & Lysandra went on to win the 2013 season and Print Decor became trading partners with The Block via their affiliated store The Block Shop. The rest is history ... some of which is shown below.

The Block 2021

We were delighted to have Block contestants Tanya and Vito visit our shop and select the Bjorn Arch Floor standing mirror for their master bedroom. Great taste guys, if we do say so ourselves. See it on our website

What's the current decor trend? How are the trends germinated and nurtured? What's contemporary and what's soooo yesterday? and does it really matter?

With the 2021 season about to launch we are anticipating what may become the latest trends in home decor. Not that one has to follow the latest in trends, as the most important factor is creating a space that reflects your aesthetic style, which is in a way a reflection of you and your family. We love helping people make the sometimes difficult decisions in home decor, it certainly is an intriguing experience for all concerned.

Aside from old Hollywood Glam there are many trend modes, Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Industrial, Scandi, Traditional, Bohemian, Shabby Chic, Rustic, Glam, Hamptons/Coastal...the list goes on.

Thanks to the abundant media pathways we are continually exposed to "latest trending decor items" and by "we" I mean you, me and everyone who owns a mobile phone or a computer of any sort that connects to the international communication lines of the world.

A beautiful, simplistic and contemporary mirror. The Bjorn Arched Leaner in Brass is currently our best selling mirror! 

Perfect for a dresser mirror or a feature in the hall or living room. It can be hung or leaned on the wall. Read more here .

Harry and Tash of the 2020 season helped launch the above mirror to high heights. We could not keep these mirrors in stock. The demand became so great we had to take on an additional storage facility to stock-pile the Bjorn range of mirrors and other best selling products. This helped reduce delivery lead times and lowered the stress levels of all concerned.

Some of the other design trends emerging on the show included the above Beaded Black Framed Mirror feature in one of the guest bedrooms. A blend of art deco with a hint of goth this is one of my favourite framed mirror.

"With this mirror behind me, I absolutely love, because it feels right there..." Neale Whitaker states in regards to contestants Tess and Luke for their Guest Bedroom in The Block 2019.

The above round mirror and the below oval shaped mirrors are constantly in demand. As we reduced the prices for our WINTER SALE these mirrors are literally rolling out the door - literally.

With the 2021 season about to launch we are anticipating what may become the latest trends in home decor. Not that one has to follow the latest in trends as the most important factor is creating a space that reflects your aesthetic style which is in a way a reflection of you and your family. We love helping people make the sometimes difficult decisions in home decor, it certainly is an intriguing experience for all concerned.

MEMORIES

Below are some of the mirrors and art works that Print Decor stock that have been featured on The Block and are currently on sale.

Modern Circular Mirror Black

Above: Featured on The Block 2018 Carla and Bianca's bathroom

Below:We helped 2018 contestants Courtney and Hans with some urgent framing for their 2nd bedroom

Clayton I by Gill Del-Mace

The focal piece in Bianca & Carla's "re do" bedroom

Modern Round Brass Mirror

Featured in The Block Gatwick in Norm & Jess's Hallway

The Block 2019

Is "Hollywood Glamour" the new trend? In the words of TV show's The Block judge Neale Whitaker 'Old Hollywood Glam' was THE LOOK of guest bedroom and en-suite created by the show's contestants Mitch and Mark.

With the TV show The Block commencing its 15th season there is no doubt renovation and home environment is a strong interest item Australia wide.

A selection of popular Mirrors and art work seen on The Block over the years.