The Block 2026: Main Ensuite Week, Rick and Tayla Take the Win

This week on The Block, Rick and Tayla claimed their first room win of the season with a main ensuite that felt calm, cohesive and genuinely luxe. Large-format travertine-look tile ran floor to wall, brushed nickel tapware tied every fixture together, and a smart toilet and skylight rounded out the space. Best of all, it was the lowest room spend of the week.

Beige Josie Cross Cut Travertine Tile Tech grip 300 x 600 x 10mm Porcelain | The Blue Space

The power of a tile

A large-format, travertine-look tile ran across the walls and floor of this ensuite, and it's exactly why the room felt so cohesive. Using one tile everywhere removes the visual breaks that can make a small bathroom feel busy, and a stone-look finish brings warmth without the upkeep of the real thing. Shop a similar look with the Beige Josie Cross Cut Travertine-Look Tile.

Nero Serenity Bath/Kitchen Set Arc Spout With Metal Handle Brushed Nickel 24D022BN - The Blue Space

Brushed nickel tapware that elevates

Brushed nickel was the finish of choice this week, cooler and more understated than gold, but just as elevated when it's used consistently. Recreate the look with the Nero Serenity Progressive Wall Basin Mixer with Rome Travertine Handle, the Nero Serenity Progressive Shower Mixer, Nero Zen Round Shower Arm and Nero 300mm Round Shower Head. For a fuller shower moment, the Nero Opal Shower on Bracket with Air Shower II finishes it off.

Open St George Brighton Smart Toilet (Intelligent Bidet Toilet) ST-ZTT-400 - The Blue Space

Statement toilet and finishing touches

A smart toilet was one of the standout inclusions in this ensuite, and it's an easy way to bring a genuine hotel feel to any bathroom. Shop a similar look with the St George Brighton Smart Toilet, Intelligent Bidet.

Vanity, storage and lighting

Extensive storage was one of the judges' favourite details in this room, proof that a beautiful ensuite doesn't need to sacrifice practicality. The Timberline Oxbow Wall Hung Vanity and Timberline Jazz Arch Frame Shaving Cabinet bring the same considered storage to your own space, while the Telbix Cedro-1 Pendant Light adds a soft contrast against all that warm stone.

Our takeaway

Rick and Tayla's win worked because it kept things simple and let one material do the talking. A single travertine-look tile, a consistent brushed nickel finish, and smart, practical storage came together for a room that felt genuinely luxe, on the lowest budget of the week. Proof that restraint, done well, will always outperform trying to do too much.

By Kate Hartigan

Chief Marketing Officer

31 August 2026

Kate leads brand strategy, partnerships and collaborations while setting trend direction, inspiring Australians to renovate with clarity, confidence and style.