Seven’s latest renovation competition series ‘Dream Home’ is going toe-to-toe with Channel Nine’s ‘The Block’ on TV screens later this year.
Hosted by Australia’s own Dr Chris Brown, the show will see six pairs of everyday Aussies from across the country battle it out room by room, transforming tired suburban family shacks into astonishing new dream homes.
The twist? These homes are already owned by the very contestants working on them!
Along with each contestant receiving their newly renovated ‘dream home’, the top three couples will also have the opportunity to have their own backyards completely made over with stunning gardens and outdoor living spaces, and the winning couple handed a hefty $100,000 cash prize.
‘Dream Home is set to take the genre to new heights as six pairs of everyday Aussies battle it out room by room, transforming dilapidated suburban family homes into astonishing new dream homes,’ a statement from the Seven Network teases.
Brown also told assembled guests at Seven’s Upfront event last year that the home transformations would be the “greatest Australia has ever seen”.
“Contestants will help each other renovate each other’s homes, turning their own somewhat basic house into their very own dream home,” he said.
While it remains to be seen whether Dream Home’s familiar formula can compete with TV giant ‘The Block’ (which enters its 20th season in 2024), the promising setup is sure to scratch Australia’s home renovation itch when it airs in Q2 this year.
The judges
Joining Brown are a trio of expert judges—Lana Taylor of Three Birds Renovations, award-winning interior designer Rosie Morley, and top buyer’s agent Simon Cohen—who will guide the would-be renovators and score their performances along the way.
With his intimate knowledge of some of the best properties Australia has to offer, Cohen said renovations on display would be “absolutely life-changing” for both contestants and viewers.
“I’m thrilled to be part of Dream Home,” he said.
“The stakes are high in any competition, but when it comes to your own home, the sky’s the limit.
Boasting popular online DIY courses in over 110 countries, Taylor said she understood the mistakes rookie renovators make and is excited to steer the Dream Home team through their renovation journeys.
“Knowledge is power, and I think people underestimate just how many decisions they’re going to have to make,” said Taylor.
A principal at high-end architectural and design studio, Hassell, and a frequent consultant on a range of multi-million-dollar projects, Morley says she knows all too well that home is where the heart is.
“Designing a home is a true responsibility to elevate the everyday life of the homeowner. It is about translating the lives of the owners and imbuing this into their environment,” she said.
