The Block 2022‘s Tom Calleja and Sarah-Jane Wilson are being called out for their kids’ room, which is allegedly a “copycat” of another well-known designer’s work.
The October 9 episode of the hit reno show saw the Blockheads unveil children’s rooms (or, in Omar Slamainkhel and Oz Malik‘s case, a sitting room), with Tom and Sarah-Jane placing third for their whimsical nursery.
The duo was commended for their choice to put wallpaper on the ceiling, which was coupled with sage green wainscotting along the walls.
While some viewers were quick to praise the room, others pointed out that it was an “exact replica” of a nursery executed by another designer.
“I saw a post in relation to SJ and Tom’s room that said ‘Google James Dunlop Black Beauty,'” a fan penned on Facebook. “Veerrrryyyyy [sic] interesting.”
“Basically. an exact replica,” another wrote in response.
So, straight to Google we went and lo and behold, The Block room is a mirror image of a room designed for a stunning home on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
ANOTHER cheating scandal? FFS.
How Similar Is Tom and Sarah-Jane’s Room to the Black Beauty Nursery?
Dubbed “Black Beauty”, the home was designed by Kate Walker Design in collaboration with James Dunlop Textiles.
And, just like Tom and Sarah-Jane’s room, the nursery features moody ceiling wallpaper and green walls.
Moreover, several Blockheads’ styling choices are precisely the same, from the bone inlay chest of drawers down to the rattan bassinet.
Even the square-shaped chair and marble side table are like-for-like!
Taking to the couple’s Instagram page, many viewers slammed Tom and Sarah-Jane for being “total copycats”.
“A complete copy of Kate Walker’s nursery,” a fan wrote underneath their room reveal. “So much for SJ’s brilliant idea of the wallpaper on the ceiling. Exactly copied from Kate Walker.”
Another called them out for claiming the room was born from their “own style”.
“That’s a copy [if] I ever saw one. Wow, disappointing Tom and SJ – hardly your style if it’s copied straight from someone else.”
There’s one thing to draw inspo but come on… to copy a room completely?!
The Block Judge Darren Palmer Addresses Tom and Sarah-Jane’s “Copycat” Room In Since-Deleted Post
Taking to Instagram on October 10, long-time The Block judge Darren Palmer addressed Tom and Sarah-Jane’s room.
“Any contestant coming onto The Block is well advised to have inspiration ready for their rooms,” he penned.
“Noting one or two elements and making them your own is what makes your inspiration stay authentic.”
Darren then said he must give “credit where it’s due”, tagging Kate Walker “, who created this original design”.
He also shared her Instagram page alongside a snap of the Black Beauty nursery, adding that the judges were unaware of the “copycat” style “when judging last night’s rooms”.
However, the post has since been deleted.
The Block‘s Sarah-Jane Defended Her Decision to Replicate Kate Walker’s Work
Sarah-Jane also hit back on social media, defending her decision to use Kate Walker’s work as inspiration.
Drawing fans’ attention to a post she made at the beginning of the week, the mum of one said she never hid the fact she drew inspiration from the designer.
“People seem to be upset that I copied @katewalker_design but I’m not really sure why. I posted over 5 days ago that I used her design as inspiration and that I wanted to replicate it,” Sarah-Jane admitted.
She continued: “I am not a designer trying to rip off another designer’s work. I am a social worker who is building a house on a TV show and wanted that amazing room in the home. If it was in my own home, no one would be saying the hurtful things they have been.”
The 30-year-old added that she “knew” copying Kate’s design would be “controversial”, however, was “OK with taking the risk” as there are no guidelines about “replicating” designs.
“I wanted that exact look and that’s OK,” Sarah-Jane said. “I’m not ashamed or embarrassed of what I did.”
The Blockhead concluded by saying she “never once” claimed it was her own design, nor did anyone who saw the inspiration photo throughout the week tell her she was unable to copy it.
“I hope this settles people’s thoughts and remember please be kind to people.”
Want even more goss? Listen to episode 220 of the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!
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