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Week 5: Sonny and Alicia

The room: Living and dining spaces

Cash spent: $19,999 (Budget: $20,000)

Score: 20.5/30 (fifth/last place)

“I love that brick,” said judge Darren Palmer as soon as he entered the room. “That is such a beautiful link from the exterior facade to this.”

A modern living room featuring a central brick fireplace, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and a large abstract painting on the right wall. Furnished with a brown leather sofa, two gray armchairs, and a round wooden coffee table atop an area rug. A dining table set for a meal is visible to the left.

With a showstopping centrepiece of a spectacular brick fireplace, Sonny and Alicia created a cosy, family-friendly space.


Gold Coast couple Sonny and Alicia took inspiration from the brick facade of their home, designing a spectacular and large brick fireplace as the centrepiece of their living space.

Placing the fireplace across from the soon-to-be-revealed garden, the couple created a comfortable, homely set of rooms, designed for family living.

Another clever element chosen by the couple was the inclusion of exposed timber beams across the ceiling, making the expansive room seem even grander and referencing the rural vibe they have been using in other spaces within their house. The beams should be even more spectacular once the kitchen is complete.

A stylish dining and living room featuring a wooden dining table set with plates, glasses, and a centerpiece, surrounded by six upholstered chairs. A brick fireplace with stacked logs sits nearby, with two pendant lights overhead. A brown leather sofa with cushions and a throw blanket faces a large colorful painting. A window reveals red foliage outside.

The fireplace was complemented with a hearth and bench of a rich red marble, picking up the warm tones of the bricks. A leather sofa in a soft caramel added a touch of mid-century style, while a beautiful handmade timber dining table complemented the timber chosen throughout.

A great inclusion was the addition of two oversized rugs – one in the dining area and one in the living space, allowing a softer layer as a base for both rooms.

A modern living room featuring a central brick fireplace, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and a large abstract painting on the right wall. Furnished with a brown leather sofa, two gray armchairs, and a round wooden coffee table atop an area rug. A dining table set for a meal is visible to the left.

Design tip

Marble, or any kind of stone, makes the perfect hearth for a fireplace. Heat-resistant, yet elegant, it can provide a touch of luxury in a room, while still being practical.

What colour paint did they use?

The paint colours that Sonny and Alicia used in their living and dining rooms were ‘White Comfort’ and ‘Ceiling White’ by British Paints.

Create the look yourself with these D.I.Y. projects

How to seal timber floors

How to paint a room

How to install plasterboard

How to hide TV cables

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.