Emerging as early frontrunners, Bianca Chatfield and Carla Dziwoki have continued to impress the judges this season on The Block. Tasked with transforming the dilapidated Gatwick Hotel, the girls have created an elite New York-style penthouse apartment. “They've been very consistent from day one, and they've nailed their market,” said interior design and The Block judge Shaynna Blaze.
We caught up with our fabulous Blockheads Bianca and Carla, to talk decorating, design and all their favourite Melbourne haunts.
Where do you find your design inspiration? Have there been any local designers that have particularly influenced you?
Bianca: Mostly online, such as Instagram and Pinterest. I look through open homes all the time that are for sale around my area, seeing how other people bring spaces to life. It doesn’t necessarily always have to be what interior designers create.
Carla: I am a researcher and love spending my spare time scrolling through images. Pinterest is one of my favourites, but I also love looking on Instagram and getting lost in different design pages.
What are your favourite homeware stores in Melbourne?
Bianca: We are lucky to live in Melbourne, there is so much choice. I love Church Street as a shopping strip to wonder around with pretty much all the furniture stores you could need. Others include Fenton & Fenton in Prahran, Life Interiors in Abbotsford and Freedom, Richmond.
Carla: I love spending a weekend looking at homewares. I can’t go past West Elm on Chapel Street and Matt Blatt. Some other favourites are Life Interiors in Abbotsford, Milk & Sugar in Prahran, Scout House in St Kilda. I’ve also become rather obsessed with plants and love The Garden of Eden Nursery in Albert Park – they also stock some gorgeous homewares!
Where do you like to hang out on a day off?
Bianca: If it’s summer, I will always be near the beach, either going for a walk, out on a paddle board, or just soaking in the sunshine at a café. My family are all in Somers on the Mornington Peninsula, and I love it down there.
Carla: I love being outside in the sun. You can usually find me around the Tan (Botanical Gardens) or with B at a café. I’ve recently started to get back into horse riding, which I want to do more often. I also enjoy wandering down Chapel Street looking at the shops with a coffee in hand.
Where is your favourite place for a bite to eat?
Bianca: I love Japanese food – Ichi Ichi Ku Izakaya at South Yarra is a fav, perfect after a walk around the Tan.
Carla: I can’t go past Hawker Hall on Chapel Street.
And for a spot of shopping?
Bianca: High Street, Armadale – although I’m mainly just looking, that street is expensive!
Carla: Chapel Street has everything I need.
Where do you go for knock off drinks?
Bianca: Usually wherever Carla is . . . Often a wine bar on Chapel Street.
Carla: Chapel Street is easy but plan to go exploring down High Street as I have seen a few more cute places open.
Where do you get your culture fix?
Bianca: Whatever Melbourne currently has to offer. That mostly consists of watching sport, (mainly AFL at the MCG), going to a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival or attending Spring Racing Carnival. If it’s happening in Melbourne, you know they will put on a great event, no matter what it is.
Carla: I have only lived in Melbourne for a few years, so I am still enjoying exploring the city. I love the laneways and say yes to pretty much anything to see and do as much as I can.
Where in Melbourne would we find your dream home?
Bianca: South Melbourne or Albert Park. It’s merely a dream to own a double-story terrace that I’ve been able to renovate myself!
Carla: I also dream of a Victorian terrace with a gorgeous modern extension in Albert Park, Middle Park, Richmond, Prahran or South Yarra . . . not fussy ha!
The Agency’s Michael Paproth and Peter Kakos will be guiding the girls all the way to auction day. Check out the progress of their beautiful apartment here.
Follow Bianca and Carla at @biancaandcarla #9TheBlock.
