Episode 17 of *The Block 2025* saw judges deliver scathing remarks as they critiqued the main bedrooms designed by the contestants. The contrasting opinions highlighted the challenges faced by the teams, with two pairs particularly feeling the weight of the judges’ harsh assessments.
First up were contestants Emma and Ben, who presented a striking bedroom featuring a custom-made burgundy and timber bedhead, complemented by a red marble-topped bench and an open walk-in robe. Judges Sonny and Alicia were initially charmed by the couple’s dynamic, referring to them as “sickeningly lovely” due to their long relationship of 14 years. Despite this admiration, they found fault in the placement of heavy bedside pendants, which led to a near mishap for judge Marty Fox.
Their design received high praise, with judge Shaynna Blaze declaring, “They have nailed the beautiful modern den.” The only criticisms levied were minor, centering around the potentially hazardous pendant placement.
In stark contrast, the design efforts of Han and Can did not resonate as well with the judges. Two weeks prior, they were encouraged to embrace a Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetic, but this week, Shaynna criticized their choices, particularly their vibrant blue highlight color used behind the bed and cabinetry. The judges found it overwhelming and detracting from the room’s elegant features.
Marty expressed his disapproval with dramatic flair, saying, “I absolutely hate it. I actually want to vomit.” Despite the harsh feedback, Han and Can remained composed, noting the conflicting guidance they had received throughout the competition.
The judging continued with Sonny and Alicia, who faced severe criticism for their design, which included a hidden door to their walk-in robe and custom wallpaper created by Alicia. Shaynna likened their gallery-style entrance to a “dated hotel entrance,” pointing out that the exposed power points beside the bed were a significant oversight.
Marty further criticized the layout of their walk-in robe, calling it a “disaster” and suggesting that the room felt disconnected from its potential. The emotional toll of the judges’ feedback was evident, as Alicia became teary-eyed while Sonny attempted to maintain a positive outlook.
On a more favorable note, contestants Britt and Taz received accolades for their sophisticated and serene main bedroom. Judges praised the room’s design, which featured two entrances to the walk-in robe and a custom bedhead. Shaynna encouraged them to remove unnecessary plants and pendants but acknowledged their talent, likening them to successful interior designers.
Meanwhile, Mat and Robby showcased a custom-made four-poster bed, earning commendations for their feature paintwork. However, the judges pointed out the absence of a fireplace and island bench in their walk-in robe, leaving room for improvement.
As the episode concluded, Britt and Taz emerged as the winners of the night with a score of 29, narrowly beating Emma and Ben, who scored 28.5. The victors not only earned the top score but also claimed a budget award of $10,000 and an additional $10,000 for achieving a perfect score from Darren Palmer, amounting to a total of $30,000 for the evening.
The final scores reflected the judges’ evaluations:
– Britt and Taz: 29
– Ben and Emma: 28.5
– Mat and Robby: 25
– Sonny and Alicia: 21.5
– Han and Can: 20
As the season progresses, contestants continue to navigate the delicate balance between creativity and the judges’ expectations, making each episode a captivating spectacle for viewers.
