Co-host of The Block, Shelley Craft, has great taste when it comes to interiors. She’s currently hosting season 19 of the juggernaut series and has been doing so for more than a decade. So it’s no surprise she’s got the insider info on the most stylish places to shop, holiday and dine.
Over the years, she’s seen it all. From judges’ critiques to grand finales where bleary-eyed contestants walk out woeful or as big-shot winners, with some even going on to successful interior-design careers.
Shelley lives and breathes building and interior design, so of course her own homes are stunning, including a dreamy Byron Bay beach shack which she transformed from a run-down fibro and sold for $2.3 million.
There was also her impeccably-designed Belongil Beach home which sold for $9 million in March 2023. Since then, she’s begun work on an Italian-style farmhouse in Suffolk Park.
Home Beautiful sat down with Shelley Craft to talk all things homes and style.
When did you first develop an interest in interiors? “When my parents announced we were building a new family home, the bribe for us to move was to choose a wall colour and carpet for our new bedrooms. I chose blue, inspired by my grandmother’s Wedgwood dining set, and my parents actually followed through. Blue carpet, blue walls – a design luxury I have not afforded my girls in any of the homes I have shifted them to.”
How important is your home environment to you? “My home is my sanctuary. I love tinkering, pottering and cocooning myself in my home.”
What lessons have you learned from ‘The Block’? “Let the experts do their job. But that wouldn’t make great viewing now would it? Building for yourself and for a client are two very different things.”
What advice would you give those wanting to create their dream home? “Put all of your fabulous ideas down in order of utmost importance to you. There is always going to be compromise in a build. Often when you start editing, you lose sight of what you set out to achieve.”
Where do you feel most at home? “Home is where my husband and girls are … as long as we are together, I’m home.”
What can we look forward to in this season of ‘The Block’? “Great ideas, innovative but achievable design. There will be tears, but I think this year’s contestants are going to make for some great family viewing!”
Shelley Craft’s favourite stores
“I love vintage collectors for forever pieces – Tigmi Trading, Colecta and Castorina have provided me with some of my most-loved furniture items. The Block Shop is a wonderful place for everything interior styling and MCM House is my go-to.”
Shelley Craft’s furniture wish list
“I have had my eye on an ‘Anfibio’ sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti. I’m just waiting for the perfect one.”
Shelley Craft’s must-visit restaurants
“Light Years, and for coffee, Fel’s Kitchen, both in Byron Bay.”
Shelley Craft’s go-to travel destination
“We love to holiday in Fiji … we always head back to the Intercontinental, Natadola Bay.”
Shop Shelley Craft’s favourites
01
Vintage Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni Anfibio sofa bed in Light Green, Coup D’Etat
$29,808
The kind of lounge you’ll love forever.
02
Black Mango ‘Morocco’ table lamp in Mint, The Block Shop
$149
A minty fresh way to update your space.
03
‘Malaba’ bar stool in Dark Honey, MCM House
$320
A wooden stool that’s on island time.
04
‘Palm Leaves’ wallpaper in Gold on Green, The Block Shop
$290/10m roll
Gold palms for a high-end tropical look.
05
Vintage Wedgwood Plate, Etsy
Prices vary
This nostalgic piece is a timeless find.
07
‘Bally 12’ pendant light in Antique Gold on Opal, The Block Shop
$206
Skip the downlights for a soft moon-like glow.
To follow Shelley, visit @shelleycraftofficial. For more on ‘The Block’, visit 9now.com.au and shop theblockshop.com.au.
