Image: Dream Home/Channel 7
Former boy band member Brad (remember the ’90s hit Let’s Groove?) and wife, Mel, are parents to four teenagers and one of the Dream Home teams. They were very much in need of a renovation for their home in Northcote, Victoria.
Connect with trusted tradies. Receive instant quotes for your next job with hipages.
Their fellow Dream Home contestants certainly delivered. The single-level abode is now two storeys, with a couple’s retreat upstairs and a bedroom for each of the children downstairs.
It’s now valued at a whopping $2.8m according to View, giving them more than $1m equity. “Shut the front door!” said Mel when she heard the news from host Dr Chris Brown.
The teams who worked on Brad and Mel’s home were Taeler and Elle (whose home was completed the same week), Jonny and Hannah, and Jacinta and Jordan.
We walk through each room and share feedback from the judges, Lana Taylor, Simon Cohen and Rosie Morley. Just you wait, Brad and Mel’s faces say it all…
The facade was freshened up while retaining its historical beauty, and the judges couldn’t fault it. “This is exactly how it should be done,” said Rosie of Taeler and Elle’s work.
The contemporary landscaping was applauded, as were the porch tiles and sign by the front door. “Who wouldn’t want to live in a home called Harmony?” said Lana.
Stepping into the heritage hallway renovated by Jonny and Hannah, the judges were excited.
“Is this the same home?” said Lana. They liked that it looked expensive.
Jacinta and Jordan worked on the kitchen. The judges were happy with the layout but were unsure about the two-tone cabinetry.
Seeing as the family didn’t even have a working oven previously, this is still a stunning improvement.
The dining space was also completed by Jacinta and Jordan, and the judges weren’t impressed with its “boardroom” feeling.
Interior designer Rosie would have liked to see the wall built out with a shelf and Simon suggested the addition of a rug.
Although the living room was a rush to complete by Hannah and Jonny, the results impressed the judges.
Buyer’s agent Simon feels like the home has doubled in value thanks to what’s been done.
For the couple, who previously slept in a repurposed dining space, this new main bedroom is a delight.
“Wow, am I actually speechless?” said Simon when seeing the space by Jacinta and Jordan. “The ceiling height is amazing. This venetian plaster is incredible.”
“It’s so simple and elegant,” said Rosie of the room.
Jordan and Jacinta also did the walk-in robe, which didn’t exactly blow the judges away but had a warmth to it with timber shelving.
The ensuite by Hannah and Jonny is full of light, thanks to the “game-changing” skylight.
Brad and Mel’s 14-year-old daughter, Maya, got a bright new bedroom thanks to Hannah and Jonny.
With the fun colours and arched entrance, it was a hit with the judges.
The bedroom of Brad and Mel’s 12-year-old daughter, Ginger, was renovated by Taeler and Elle.
“Wow, they have gone purple,” Lana noted of the bold choice of paint colour.
Although the judges said it lacked coolness, it’s a distinct upgrade from sharing a room, which all the kids were doing before.
Architect Taelar and younger sister Elle were on the reno of 17-year-old Spencer’s bedroom.
The judges appreciated the re-use of the ceiling rose, but didn’t think the art matched or that the room was suited to a teenager.
The ‘secret door’ to the family bathroom seemed like a great idea until they realised practicality and privacy were compromised.
The family bathroom completed by Taelar and Elle was elegant and warm.
Hannah and Jonny also did Bennett’s bedroom, and the study niche was a win.
The ‘aeroplane tray’ side table attached to the wall next to the bed didn’t go down so well, but it was a minor detail.
The laundry was done by Jordan and Jacinta, and the judges were surprised to find it was so different from the style of the kitchen that was done the week before.
“They look like they’re from two different homes,” said Lana, who wanted the same aesthetic continued in here.
Congratulations to Brad and Mel on receiving their dream home. It will surely be enjoyed by the family for many years.
Tune into Dream Home on Sunday to Tuesday on Channel Seven and 7plus. We’re sharing all the latest room reveals and scores every week.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
