Tom and Sarah-Jane, beloved contestants from The Block 2022, have once again showcased their exceptional design skills, this time in their own holiday house renovation. By incorporating Porta’s high-quality products, they’ve created stunning spaces that blend timeless elegance with contemporary flair. In this blog, we explore the inspiration, planning, execution, and final touches that brought their vision to life, and how you can achieve similar results with Porta's products.
Tom and Sarah-Jane have always been drawn to the warm, country feel that wainscoting brings to a home. “We have always loved a home with a nice warm country feeling, and we believe wainscoting brings that feel,” says Tom. This inspired them to incorporate it into their bathroom, giving it a timeless, elegant look. For the staircase, they chose lining boards to transform the previously dull area into a vibrant, contemporary space, perfectly matched with a voodoo blue vanity. “The lining boards we used up the staircase revived that old boring stairway and gave a great contemporary vibe, which we colour-matched with the voodoo blue vanity.”
Their design process was straightforward yet meticulous. Starting from the centre of the walls, they worked their way outwards, ensuring a balanced and symmetrical installation. Despite not using any specific tools or software for planning, Tom’s keen eye and Sarah-Jane’s design sense made the task seamless. “It was all in Tom’s mind!” laughed Sarah-Jane. Their shared taste in colours further simplified the decision-making process, resulting in a timeless colour scheme. “Quite easily, we left it all to Sarah-Jane to work her magic!” says Tom. “We both have the same taste in colours, which worked out really well. Our colour choices are timeless.”
The installation process for the wainscoting and lining boards was well-planned and efficiently executed. They began by marking the centre points on each wall and then outlined the squares according to their measurements. The panels were then adhered using construction adhesive and secured with a fixing gun and 38mm brad nails. Tom explains, “Wainscoting was straightforward. We worked out the centre point of each proposed wall and marked out each square, then cut up to the drawing measurements on the wall. Next, we applied some construction adhesive and a fixing gun with a 38mm brad nail to secure them to the walls.”
A crucial factor in their seamless process was the dedication to meticulous planning. With everything mapped out precisely, they encountered no significant challenges. “Planning is everything,” Tom emphasises. Essential tools, such as a sharp blade on the drop saw and a reliable fixing gun, proved invaluable during the installation. “A good sharp blade on the drop saw and a fixing gun,” were crucial tools, says Tom.
Choosing décor and accessories that complemented the new wall features was a critical part of their process. By sticking to a contemporary country style and adding pops of colour, they ensured a cohesive and appealing look. Sarah-Jane explains, “Sticking to the same style helped—contemporary country with some cool pops of colour.” The new wall features, despite being a departure from their usual style, were beautifully integrated into the overall design thanks to the thoughtful colour matching with the vanity. “The lining boards were a bit off style for us, but using the colour of the vanity, it actually tied them in so well!” she adds.
Maintaining the look and durability of wainscoting and lining boards is straightforward, as Tom and Sarah-Jane attest. “They shouldn’t really require ongoing maintenance as they are glued and nailed and should not move.”
Reflecting on their project, Tom and Sarah-Jane found nothing they would change. Their satisfaction with the results speaks volumes about the effectiveness of their planning and execution. “No, we are so happy with it all,” says Sarah-Jane. For anyone considering a similar DIY project, their advice is to meticulously plan wall layouts to minimise wastage and ensure a smooth installation process. “Plan your wall layouts really well, it will minimise wastage and help everything go smoothly. Draw all your patterns out on the walls,” Tom advises.
When asked about their experience with Porta's products, Tom and Sarah-Jane were unequivocal in their praise. They highlighted the superior quality and extensive range of styles that Porta offers, catering to various design preferences. “We wouldn’t use anyone else. It doesn’t matter what style you have, Porta has you covered. Fantastic quality products and a great range in all styles. No other company compares with the product range or customer service! Thanks so much Porta!” says Tom.
Tom and Sarah-Jane’s renovation is a testament to the versatility and quality of Porta's products. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance with wainscoting or create a striking feature wall with lining boards, Porta offers a range of solutions to suit any style. Get inspired by their journey and start your own DIY project with Porta today.
For more information, visit Porta's website and explore our extensive product range.