The founder behind The Block‘s wallpaper sponsor, Grafico, has joined fans in questioning the judges’ “inconsistent” criticisms during room reveals.
We’re just a few weeks into the 19th season airing. However, viewers are already calling out judges Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze and newcomer Marty Fox for not holding all teams to the same standard.
Following the August 27 work-from-home reveals, Grafico founder and creative director Damian Corney took to Instagram to pick apart the “interesting and confusing” feedback given to Eliza and Liberty Paschke.
“I find it interesting and confusing that some judges mention not to use a wallpaper that’s imitating a fibre,” he said of the sisters’ use of faux grasscloth wallpaper.
“Yet it’s OK for every other room ([including] this one) to have faux marble/stone, faux terrazzo and timber throughout?”
He also clarified that the wallpaper used did have a texture similar to real grasscloth.
Damian’s post was a follow-up to one made by judge Darren, in which he shared footage of Eliza and Liberty’s latest room.
“Authenticity doesn’t always mean using the real thing, it can often be ensuring there is a feeling of overall substance and tactility,” he penned.
Underneath, Damian questioned why “one strip of wallpaper [was] singled out”. Particularly when there are “[hundreds] of faux products… especially throughout The Block homes”.
Grafico founder Damian Corney says his “frustration’ is wallpaper being ‘singled out’ on The Block
Speaking exclusively to So Dramatic!, Damian said he “respect[s] the judges as industry professionals” and appreciates “working on the show with an excellent crew and contestants“.
However, he does “agree” with fans’ perception that “there is seemingly some inconsistency with judging”.
“I think it is frustrating for viewers who tune in for a fair judging of the presented rooms,” he said.
He went on to say his “frustration” lies with “a strip of Grafico wallpaper [being] singled out as being faux”.
“And being told you’d be better off not using it if you can’t afford the real product,” Damian explained. “Using that argument, you’d have to strip a whole lot of out the homes.”
He added that using “faux or simulated products” often comes down to having “better features such as durability and usability”.
“Take a look at the rise in popularity of porcelain tiles with printed stone texture or even terrazzo on them,” Damian said.
“I see no difference with these products versus a faux grass cloth wallpaper which is still textured and has added benefit of durability and customisation.”
The latest criticism over House Five’s styling comes after Marty said he’d have preferred if Eliza and Liberty’s studio was “left empty” rather than the design they’d presented.
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