House Rules reveal: Katie & Alex’s crumbling cottage transformation

Incredible scenes on the side of a hill in country NSW, with teams transforming a falling-down cottage into a "palace", according to judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Katie & Alex's House Rules:

1. Build a 21st Century country house

2. Keep it eco-friendly

3. Accent with modern pastels

4. Go calm & cosy in Hallie's room

5. Bring a rainforest vibe to the bathroom

Mikaela & Eliza: Dining room and ensuite

The tiny ensuite received mixed feelings from the judges, with Wendy for, and LLB against the layout and tile choice.

In the dining room, Wendy and Jamie loved the dining table and Jamie loved the timber floating shelf cutting across the over-sized round mirror. Wendy felt the dining chairs and rug could have carried more colour to answer the House Rule. LLB felt Mikaela and Eliza didn't impress with their decorating.

Mikaela & Eliza received a total score of 23/30 for their zone.

Tim & Mat: Hallie's room and lounge room

The incredible timber-lined ceiling Tim & Mat created in the lounge room benefitted all teams and impressed the judges with the warmth it added to the entire living zone.

LLB declared Hallie's room, "Just brilliant, and said, "I think the big thing here is that Tim and Matt are really proving how good they are as interior decorators." 

They scored a total of 26/30 from the judges, which has them sitting equal to Shayn & Carly at the top of the leaderboard.

Pete & Courtney: Entry, bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and kids' corner

With a huge zone of four rooms to complete this week, Pete & Courtney wowed the judges with their, "moody, muddy" colour scheme and the kids' corner impressed Jamie, but not Wendy.

In the bathroom Pete & Courtney's decision to retain the history of the building in brick fireplace and detailing in the tiles impressed, whilst the lush green faux plant wall missed the mark with the judges.

Pete & Courtney scored 23/30 from the judges, sharing equal second place on the leaderboard.

Shayn & Carly: Foyer and guest bedroom

The ideas in the foyer were appreciated by the judges but the execution by Shayn & Carly left them disappointed. 

The guest bedroom redeemed Shayn & Carly, drawing "oohs" and aaahs" from the judges with their rendition of 20th Century country hitting the House Rules to perfection. The window seat, headboard and choice of colours all ticked boxes the right boxes and Shayn & Carly earned a total score of 26/30 from the judges, putting them equal first with Tim & Mat on the leaderboard.

Lisa & Andy: Kitchen, master bedroom & laundry

In the kitchen, whilst Wendy would have preferred to see an injection of colour, Jamie, LLB and Wendy all agreed Lisa & Andy created a spectacular space that was generous and functional.

The laundry layout was tricky to resolve and was, despite the generous bench space and calming pastel colour scheme, according to the judges a, "Wow-free zone."

In the master bedroom, the lighting choice and "mean" layout underwhelmed the judges, who felt it wasn't luxurious enough. LLB described it as feeling like, "An outback sheriff's office," and felt Lisa & Andy hadn't proved they're worth keeping in the competition.

Unfortunately, this left Lisa & Andy with a score of 21/30 from the judges which has them currently sitting at the bottom of the leaderboard and at risk of elimination.

Teams now await Katie & Alex's return home and scores to find out who will be the first team to leave the competition.

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House Rules reveal: Shayn & Carly's brick bunker transformed into a dream home

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Why we love timber panelling

Catch the latest episode of our new Style Rules podcast, where HB editor Sarah Burman and style editor Fiona Michelon talk all things House Rules, get a behind-the-scenes view with judge Wendy Moore and chat to host Johanna Griggs, who warns she will come down hard on House Rules' contestants.