ONE YEAR ON!!
While it only feels like yesterday that we were in the auction chair next to Scotty Cam, here’s what we’ve been up to since then.
Best part is, it’s only the beginning!
We can’t believe it’s been 12 months since we started working on Japandi Estate, and what an incredible journey it’s been! 〰️
We’re so grateful for the support of our amazing community. Thank you for being part of our story—we can’t wait to share what’s next!
Here’s to many more years of creating beautiful, serene spaces together 🤎
Okay let’s go room by room! - the winter living room (or formal living)
We reinstated this original mantle from the front of the house to be housed in this space, warming the cathedraled ceiling sun-drenched living room, the first public room in the house, connected to the courtyard, softened by the curved edge that blurs the boundaries of this space, yet the rich furniture choices define and ground its purpose.
Steel Door - @allsteeldesigns
Fireplace - @stokefireplacestudio
Couch - @camerichau
Armchair - @freedom_australia
Occasional Chairs - @cocorepublic
Coffee table - @sataraliving
Lighting - @beaconlighting
Art - @rikkidayart
Curtains - @diyblinds
Rugs, Ottoman and Pillow - Japandi Estate (link to our website in bio)
Fresh off their record-breaking win on The Block, Steph and Gian Ottavio turned their attention to a far more personal project: renovating their own Sydney Federation home before the arrival of their first baby 〰️
Completed in just five months, the result is warm, refined and intentionally understated. Soft curves, natural textures and a muted Japandi-inspired palette bring a sense of calm to every room, while thoughtful design choices ensure the home feels as functional as it is beautiful.
Rather than chasing trends or dramatic statements, Steph and Gian focused on creating spaces that feel inviting, lived-in and deeply personal, where heritage details sit comfortably alongside contemporary finishes.
Explore @stephandgian 's beautifully renovated family home via the link in our bio now, or pick up the latest issue of Home Beautiful.
Writer: @rebecca.hooton
Photography: @laurentrompp_photographer
Styling: @noncinyonistyling
Architecture: @sjoarchitects
Builder: @endeavour_construction
Landscaping: @silverspadelandscapes
Kitchen joinery: @bosjoinery
Excited to be sharing more of our home! For those following along EPISODE 15 is NOW LIVE where we deep dive into each of these spaces. Link in bio ✨
You can also read about it in this months edition of @homebeautiful ✨🙈 pinch us moment!
“a home that feels calm, cohesive and deeply personal, a seamless balance of heritage character and contemporary restraint - made all the more impressive by the fact that it came together in just give months” - @rebecca.hooton
Publication: @homebeautiful
Photography: @laurentrompp_photographer
Architecture & Interior Design: @sjoarchitects
Builder: @endeavour_construction
Landscaping: @silverspadelandscapes
Some homes are renovated for impact, but the most memorable ones are shaped for feeling 🤎
For Steph and Gian Ottavio, that philosophy has carried far beyond their record-breaking win on The Block, into a deeply personal Sydney renovation shaped by texture, intention and considered design.
At the heart of their approach is a signature blend of Japandi sensibility, where every detail feels purposeful rather than performative. As Steph puts it, great design isn’t about spectacle, but about how a space makes you feel the moment you step inside.
The result is a home that feels calm, cohesive and deeply personal, a seamless balance of heritage character and contemporary restraint - made all the more impressive by the fact that it came together in just five months “We wanted to do this renovation in a quick timeframe because we were expecting our firstborn,” says Gian.
Step inside their beautifully considered home renovation via the link in our bio now (or pick up a copy of Home Beautiful today).
Writer: @rebecca.hooton
Photography: @laurentrompp_photographer
Styling: @noncinyonistyling
Architecture: @sjoarchitects
Builder: @endeavour_construction
Landscaping: @silverspadelandscapes
Kitchen joinery: @bosjoinery
Carpet Court really grounding our home, laying our timber flooring and carpet with our Japandi Estate rugs - pure perfection.
Humboldt Carpet in Abel @eccarpets
Amalfi Timber in Sorrento @sunstarflooring
Japandi Estate Rugs - Available at @carpetcourtau
This week I sit down with @stephjoottavio & Gian, winners of @theblock season 9 to chat all things life after the block and their journey in becoming parents.
We delve into what happened after their huge win on The Block. Including losing our sense of purpose and identity, mental health issues when everything is seemingly ok on the outside. We discuss their journey to falling pregnant, endometriosis, genetic testing and a traumatic life threatening birth, an adorable newborn, starting Japandi Estate (@stephandgian ) and so much more.
A big thank you to our episode sponsors @lacevoofficial and @babysensorytoddlersenseaunz .
@lacevoofficial to save 15% off on the S70 in-bra breast pump use our discount code PHOOD10
@babysensorytoddlersenseaunz visit to find your nearest Baby sensory or Toddler sense classes near you
To tune into the episode 292 ‘Steph & Gian Ottavio on life after The Block’ find Parenthood on all major podcast apps.
Crafted with intention, built to last ✨
Working with @allsteeldesigns All Steel Designs, we designed custom steel doors that balance form and function.
A mesh security door draws a natural breezeway through the hallway, while the internal glass door subtly defines zones, separating the sleeping quarters from the open living and entertaining spaces, all while mirroring our existing door detailing.
