The Block 2018: Alice Stolz's inside word on week eight, guest bedroom week

We kicked off with a certain auspicious air this week, with the contestants tackling the final interior room of their own apartments.

I’m struck by how much the more relaxed, “we’ve got this” nonchalant attitude is making all the contestants work with a lot more drive. It suits all of them and the results back that up.

Jess and Norm appear to be tracking in the right direction. They’ve made the most of that soaring ceiling, have lots of cupboards and are featuring Jess’ inimitable style. There’s luxury to it, but not a trace of too much (and yes, that can very easily happen).

Sara and Hayden seem a lot more relaxed than recent weeks. Are they too finally finding their mojo and having a bit more fun? Hard to say, but I like that they’re thinking hard about it all. Their room felt a bit dark for me, which accentuated the smaller size of it and it’s a bit off-kilter for the younger buyer they’re aiming at.

Related: View the five Gatwick apartments for sale

• Kerrie and Spence: 1/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Hans and Courtney: 2/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Sara and Hayden: 3/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Norm and Jess: 4/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
• Bianca and Carla: 5/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Top marks for Courtney and Hans with their approach towards lighting under the wardrobe. They’re taking a simple approach this week and I don’t think that’s a bad thing, but they will need to ensure it feels warm and welcoming. I am a fan of Courtney’s styling; never more so than when she doesn’t second guess herself.

Kerrie and Spence’s room appears to be ticking all the boxes, but what I was really marking them on was delivering not only a solid and thoughtful spare bedroom, but a study as well. It’s an incredible value add and yes, it will make a difference to buyers being able to add that to their marketing campaign. It’s impressive and Kerrie and Spence haven’t compromised on the space too much elsewhere. Clever and strategic.

This week though, my head and heart fell for Carla and Bianca. I love the elegant and simple style the girls are going for. I would have loved to have seen that confidence when they tackled the master suite.

Cupboards are great – and these are always so important in apartment living, especially in the penthouses given their master is without the lavish oversized walk-in-robe the lower down master suites have (but apartment five’s other guest room does have a perfect walk-in-robe, but for my money, one can never have too much storage!) The other highlight is that terrific little desk: clever and confined. Perfect.