As a reality renovation show, Dream Home was destined to enter an already-saturated market. But, true to form, we have proved that there’s always room for one more in our hearts. For those who haven’t been following along at home, the show’s premise goes something like this: six teams of ‘everyday Aussies’ have set out to tackle the overhaul of each other’s dilapidated properties to create their respective — you guessed it — dream homes.
One of the first couples to have their home undergo the (sledge)hammer were total rookie renovators, Brad and Mel, who in turn worked on their fellow Victorians, Taeler and Elle’s, Watsonia home. And while the competition’s first week saw them sit at the bottom of the leaderboard, it wasn’t all bad — we’re sure they’ll find their sea legs eventually.
The property they’ve thrown up for other contestants to tackle is their untouched, three-bedroom, “1920s Edwardian old girl” in Northcote, which has housed their family of six…somehow. In terms of a brief, Brad and Mel’s was loose and open to interpretation. Humble as ever, they simply say they want their home to be a place of love and somewhere their children can thrive and are proud to be their friends — with lots of storage!
Who are Dream Home’s Brad and Mel?
Married for over 20 years, musician Brad and shopping centre delivery manager Mel have four children aged between 12 and 18. It’s no small feat that has left them with little time to renovate their home and a track record of loan rejections along the way. Although the pair have a learn-along-the-way approach, they do foresee themselves butting heads as they reconcile Mel’s strict and structured approach vs Brad’s eclectic style.
Tour Brad and Mel’s Northcote home
Living area
Hannah and Jonny’s interpretation of Mel and Brad’s ‘light and bright’ desires amounted to this breezy living room, which features a tiled fireplace, built-in cabinetry and a huge L-shaped sofa that can accommodate their whole family. Judge Simon Cohen felt the fireplace was a great value-add, and we agree.
Kitchen
A simple but effective layout sees this kitchen design by Jacinta and Jordan shine. A generous island bench (uninterrupted by a sink!) leaves room for casual family meals, and opting for a window instead of a splashback creates more opportunities for light to enter. The space’s only downfall, according to judges, was the two-tone joinery.
Dubbed ‘boring’ and compared to a boardroom, Jacinta and Jordan’s dining room fell flat with the judges, who recommended the addition of a half-wall to separate the space and a cosy rug underfoot.
After a nerve-wracking and painstaking relocation of one of the home’s original ceiling roses, Taeler and Elle felt they were set up for success with 16-year-old Spencer’s bedroom, which also features a half-height textured nib wall (great for storage!) and warm-toned bedding. Although we think the room’s chic design leaves it open for adaptation, judge Lana Taylor questioned if it had the appropriate ‘edge’.
Spencer’s ensuite
The decision to hide Spencer’s ensuite bathroom behind a wardrobe door was a divisive one. However, the space is undoubtedly redeemed by lots of storage, a neutral colour palette, and double sinks. It’s worth noting that to create this large space, Taeler and Elle sacrificed future potential for a second bathroom.
Bennett’s bedroom
18-year-old Bennett’s bedroom was the second tackled by Hannah and Jonny in week 1, and it was dubbed ‘epic’. The arched built-in desk is sleek and minimal, perfect for a teen transitioning to adulthood.
