Inside The Block's Josh and Jenna Densten's derelict homestead renovation

For serial renovators and former Block contestants Josh and Jenna Densten, restrained minimalism was once their trademark style.

But since swapping an architect-designed new build on a 209-square-metre block in North Melbourne for a derelict Victorian villa on 1.4 hectares in Rutherglen, they’re now experimenting with a much broader colour palette than before.

“Traditionally we have used Dulux Natural White in our projects,” Josh says. “But after finding this house, we’re embracing colour. Maybe it’s an expression of starting afresh and wanting to try something new.”

Their new home, which used to be the homestead for a vineyard, is certainly a project to rival their experiences on The Block in 2011 and 2013.

Left to fall into disrepair, the once-grand house was missing a chimney, a bullnose verandah and, most crucially, a roof. But the enterprising couple – who’ve renovated or built 10 homes together – could see that it had the potential to become a gorgeous home for themselves and their daughters Fred, 6, and Story, 3.

After

Before

While a new, contemporary extension will have a lighter palette, the homestead – with its high ceilings, fireplaces and concrete skirtings – will feature a carefully curated combo of earthy greens, muted greys, moody blues and even pastel pinks.

“Our home is pretty dramatic with its heritage features, and because of that, can take colour in a way that perhaps a more modern house couldn’t,” Josh says.

So what are the couple’s tips for embracing colour in a heritage home? Firstly, consider the use of a room and the way you want it to feel.

“It can help to create a mood board for the entire home to make sure rooms aren’t being painted a colour just for the sake of it, and that each colour serves its purpose within each room,” Jenna advises.

“For example, we want our rumpus room to feel like a space where we can relax so we’re going for a soft green because that’s what evokes that feeling,” she says.

One of the first rooms to be finished is their daughters’ bedroom. Wanting a “magical, whimsical feel”, Josh and Jenna selected the dusty pink tones of Dulux Mornington, part of the 2023 Dulux Colour Forecast Balance Palette.

For a dramatic look, the space was enveloped in colour, with the walls and skirting painted in the same shade.

And that brings us to another tip for using colour in a heritage space – be bold. While the more nervous could test the waters by introducing colourful furnishings or accenting trims and doors, Josh and Jenna suggest just going for it.

“If you’re going to commit to colour, you’ve just got to do it,” Jenna says. “Don’t just do one feature wall because it’s a bit like dipping your toe in and not getting wet. Do the whole room instead.”

That said, if you’re going for different colours throughout a house, choose from a curated palette – as they’ve done in their daughters’ bedroom – or make sure there is a cohesive thread running throughout.

“When experimenting with colour, it’s important to consider how each space is linked, so each room has its own distinct character yet still feels like you are within the same home,” Jenna explains.

Finally, the couple, who now run pre-build consultancy Plan Proofing, urge us not to be scared of using darker colours on the walls, particularly in bedrooms that don’t require an abundance of natural light or spaces you don’t spend a lot of time in.

“We’re thinking of painting our hallway in a deep, moody blue shade to make a dramatic statement,” Jenna says.