Four words that spell disaster on The Block – and how to save a room with ‘good bones’

“It’s got good bones” are four words we hear a lot on The Block, and it’s almost always judge-code for a space that doesn’t have any major structural flaws but fundamentally misses the mark on personality.

That was precisely the verdict for Adam and Jolene’s guest bedroom back in Week 1.

The judges summed it up as “vanilla in the fact that it doesn’t wow me” – a polite way of saying the space was pleasant, but utterly forgettable.

Fast-forward two months and Adam and Jolene’s style had developed to include vibrant tones and bold textures throughout the rest of the home.

When Redo Room week rolled around, the duo’s first bedroom was ready for a complete shift.

Freedom styling consultant Kristi stepped in with plenty of design advice and proved that turning a flat, sterile room into a showstopper doesn’t require knocking down walls or blowing the budget.

Here is how to bring colour and life into a room with “good bones” without undertaking a costly overhaul.

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Introduce dimension with a statement wallpaper

Paint adds colour, but wallpaper delivers instant character. Wallpaper can be a bold move, but there are a few tips to doing it well:

If you are nervous about patterns dating quickly, opt for soft tones like sage green, terracotta or warm ochre. These add character without overwhelming the room.

Create an accent feature by wrapping the wall behind the bedhead in a textured paper, botanical motif, or geometric mural that instantly gives the eye a destination.

Make neutrals work harder with shape and texture

A neutral room doesn’t have to look boring – the secret is in layering tactile materials and experimenting with different shapes and silhouettes.

Swap rigid, square furniture for curved forms. A round mirror, an arched bedhead, or a bulbous table lamp softens sharp angles and gives neutral pieces a ‘wow’ factor.

Mix materials that invite touch – pair a smooth timber bedside table with a ribbed ceramic lamp, a chunky wool-blend throw, and nubby bouclé accent cushions. Sometimes it’s all about contrast!

Choose artwork that pulls the colour palette together

Artwork is the hardest-working styling element in a bedroom, yet it’s often where people make the most mistakes with selection and scale.

When picking an artwork it’s not just the art itself you should consider but also the size. Avoid picking a tiny frame for a large wall.

Instead, a frame should span at least two-thirds the width of an empty wall space to create balance.

Your artwork should act as the anchor for the entire space. Pull two or three secondary colours directly from the print and use them in your linen, cushions or decor pieces to tie the entire room together effortlessly.

Brought to you by Freedom.