This season of course, has been filled with controversy. Deanne’s big go at Shaynna, Chris and Jenna’s dismal scoreboard and the other couple’s ups and downs throughout the series. But with the finale coming up (this Sunday from 6.30, set your iphones), the big question is of course, who will win?

Chris & Jenna’s bathroom.

Chris & Jenna’s dining and living rooms.

Will Chris and Jenna’s industrial style that got railed on by the judges, come home on auction night (like last season’s underdogs who ended up taking home the top prize)? Will glossy favourites, Max and Karstan or Michael and Karlene come up trumps? How about this season’s brothers, Shannon and Michael, and their knack for big, brave decisions (like that staircase, yowza!). Then of course there’s Dean and Dee, whose smaller apartment has been the source of much contention.

Chris & Jenna’s study and staircase.

Max & Karstan’s terrace.

The Block’s Neale Whitaker On What He REALLY Thinks

Which is your favourite apartment?

That’s a genuinely difficult one! There has never been a series of The Block where the apartments each have such distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of size, layout and position. Stylistically my overall favourite is Dee and Darren’s apartment, but Michael and Carlene’s definitely ticks all the boxes in terms of luxe inner-city living. Shannon and Simon have the best kitchen, Max and Karstan the best bedroom and Chris and Jenna the best bathroom.

Who do you think is going to win?

History has shown that come auction day it can go one of five ways! It’s anyone’s competition. In the last series Steve and Chontelle won against all odds and we’ve seen that happen before. On paper, Karstan and Max have the best apartment – best position and the largest space. In theory they should win, but they will also have the highest reserve. And The Block has a history of championing the underdog. Watch this space!

What are your top tips for renovators?

Plan your budget and then add some – and some again. Plan your space carefully and be realistic about how you will use it and how you want to live. Are you renovating to live in the space or to sell? Always use professional trades where you don’t have the requisite skills and be realistic about what the renovation will add in value to your real estate. Take into consideration what other similarly renovated properties in your area are selling for. Be careful not to over-capitalize.

Judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze & Darren Palmer.

What kind of style are you loving right now?

I’ve never been a fan of trends as I believe a home should be personal, individual and a reflection of the life lived in it. I would never advise anyone to choose decorating styles or colours because they are fashionable or on-trend. But if there is one ‘trend’ I admire at the moment it’s the freedom to mix and clash styles, colours, textures – even eras. It’s making for homes that are truly unique.

What were the biggest highs from the show? Biggest flops?

Kitchens, bathrooms and terraces are usually the highs. Bedrooms and living rooms are often the flops. I wish it wasn’t the case but invariably that’s how it goes. When I think back over all the series I’ve judged, it’s always the kitchens and bathrooms that stand out. Shannon and Simon’s kitchen was a standout for me in this series, as were Dee and Darren’s bathrooms and Michael and Carlene’s laundry. And the boys’ terrace was a winner for me – but maybe not for Shaynna!

There is obviously a lot of money splashed around on the interiors of The Block, where are the best places for people to shop on a budget?

So many choices these days. Sounds like a cliche but working to a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t create an individual, design-savvy apartment. IKEA, Freedom and Beacon Lighting offer great low-cost options. Mid-price, there are some great pieces at Australian brands like Jardan and Arthur G. My best advice is to look for authentic, affordable design and avoid replica furniture. And check out The Block Shop for some great accessories.

The Block’s Shaynna Blaze On What She REALLY Thinks

It’s an exciting collaboration, what made you choose Borough of Hawthorn? 

well it hasn’t been released yet but it is my new space in Melbourne, Hawthorn that I will be running my studio from but it is also an event & photographic space for hire.  What a great way to test it with your own launch !!!!

What went into the design process? 

There were a couple of pieces I really wanted have in the range like an oversized chair and banquette seating but the main thing was trying work out a look that would be different from what is out there, be classic and work with traditional and modern homes.  Otherwise be versatile as well as stunning!  Our initial meeting was over a year ago to get together and see if we were on the same page and then to see what direction the range would take.  Then it was sketches galore in airports, late nights in hotel rooms and then on the dining table after dinner.  I was obsessed to make it unique with a signature to it and when I came up with the rear design and stitching it all came together.

What are your favourite pieces from the range? 

They are like my babies now and I cant have a favourite and every piece serves a certain situation.  Grace is an elegant banquette seat you can have in that small space by a window, bottom of a stairwell but most of with the option of a firm seat it is the perfect seat for a dining table. Audrey is an elegant occasional chair that you can have as a pair or the empty space in a room. Cary is the perfect lounging chair to have as ‘your chair’ and big enough to have a child sit on your lap and read a story, but most of all the perfect fireplace chair. Taylor is the daybed for the sunroom or a large bedroom that you fill with cushions and feel like a queen as you laze the day away. Sinatra and Clooney are 3 &4 seater sofas with a chaise that is half the size of the couch, which is the perfect size for two adults to cuddle up on and Ferrante and Golightly are the ottomans that also serve as a side table or coffee table.

How can we change up the style of, for example, a living room, easily, without spending a motza? 

I always say get a few investment pieces like an occasional chair, a floor lamp and rug that will stay with you a long time and can move from room to room, giving a new lease of life to each room you touch.

Then go bold in your paint colour one year then light the next to give big changes that don’t cost more than your labour for a huge impact.

What are your renovating tips? 

Always work out how long you are going to be at the house so you know if you are renovating to sell in the next couple of years or to stay as this will have a big impact on what you do and your budget.

Don’t rush into renovating if you have just bought the house/apartment and live in it awhile to give you an idea of the best parts of the house and what the priorities are.

Who are you backing to win The Block this Sunday? 

this is really hard as the apartments are so different in size and aspect that it is really going to come up to the reserve that will make the biggest difference.  But if I had to buy one it would be Michael and Carlene’s or Shannon and Simons as their finish quality and design details are incredible.

Did you have a favourite house this year? Or a favourite room? 

I have to say I loved Michael and Carlene’s lounge room with the huge library, it was the most inviting room on The Block and it took a lot for us judges to get out of there!

What do you suggest for people on a budget while renovating?

Do as much labour as possible with knocking down things, clearing rubbish and be the project manager and leave the specialised skills to the professionals. Make a mistake on those and you could pay twice to fix your mistakes.

It’s all building up to a huge finale, so we want to know who YOU think is going to take the top prize.

Images courtesy of The Block.