Image: David Cook for The Block/Channel 9
Newlyweds Kristian and Mimi from Adelaide have been strong from the start as The Block 2024 contestants, with a Modern Coastal house style. As 31-year-old Kristian is an electrician, he’s brought that experience to the build. Mimi is a 28-year-old restaurant manager at her family’s business, Ba Khang, which has freshly-renovated interiors that indicate her knack for design.
The couple have been frontrunners from week one, winning the main bathroom reveals. They got to meet the 2023 winners Steph and Gian, who shared their tips for winning The Block 2024. It’s helped them hone a strong style that embraces the natural Phillip Island setting, with oceanic emeralds and sapphire hues, tactile earthy elements and elevated nautical details.
The Block 2024: Kristian and Mimi house
Take a look through House 5, the only double-storey home of the series, as it comes together.
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Week 1: Main bathroom
Kristian and Mimi walked away with the win and $140,000 in prizes for their bathroom with a beachy feeling in the first week. “The holiday home we’re trying to create is a contemporary, coastal kinda vibe,” said Mimi. “It’s welcoming and fresh and soothing.” The responses were overwhelmingly positive from the judges. “This room’s a huge success,” said Darren, who loved the blues.
Darren’s only qualm was that there might have been a better layout, “judging by how much open space there is that doesn’t have a purpose”. It impressed from a real-estate perspective, though. “This truly is a proper family bathroom,” said Marty.
Score: 28.5/30
Week 2: Guest bedroom
This couple was on a roll, with their modern coastal guest bedroom putting them in the top spot once again. “This is another level,” said Marty, who appreciated the “high end” feel. “This is saying boutique hotel,” agreed Shaynna. The asymmetry of the room wasn’t doing it for Darren, who called it “design for design’s sake”. A power point visible next to the bed was another small detail that could be improved on. Subtle nautical touches such as the rope on the pendant give this room a sophistication the judges approved of.
Score: 28/30
Week 3: Main ensuite
There were some major planning flaws for Kristian and Mimi this week after two wins, with the oversized shower being the biggest problem. “I’ve never seen such a big, useless shower. There’s no bath,” said Marty. “I think they believe [the shower] is the hero of the room and it’s not.”
As a palette, it was praised, from the blue tiles to the timber panelling. “I love the materiality, I love the colours,” said Darren. The contemporary arched mirrors were another win, yet the naff styling was a glaring misstep. “They’ve missed the mark. Maybe they got a bit too cocky,” said Marty. “It’s a real let-down for such an important room for the sale of the house.”
Score: 21.5/30
Week 4: Kids bedroom
“The colour palette is so sophisticated, I absolutely adore it,” said Shaynna, taking in the whimsical rainbow-themed room. The interior designer was impressed with their ability to reference rainbows, arches and circles throughout the space “without it feeling over-the-top”.
It was a turnaround from the previous reveal when the newlyweds had failed to impress. “Kristian and Mimi probably got a bit complacent last week,” Darren exclaimed excitedly when he saw it. “You can see what happens when you get a bit complacent. I don’t see complacency here. I just see expertise. I see attention to detail. High levels of finish, a beautiful layout, great decisions in design. They’re back, baby.”
Score: 28/30
Head to the real-estate listing for more details on Mimi and Kristian’s The Block house.
Tune into The Block 2024 on Sundays at 7pm and Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
