The Block 2018: Domain judge Alice Stolz's inside word on week five, living and dining week

 With some apartments having a monster living and dining space, it’s a good example of why, often, size isn’t everything. Filling them and zoning them can be thirsty work. And incredibly hard to get right, even for the most seasoned interior designer or renovator.

No one is feeling this more than Courntey and Hans this week. The enormity of the space will be what makes or breaks them. But come auction day, having the biggest apartment may pay off in spades. If they get across the finish line.

Courtney and Hans have to remember that even though they’re in a heritage apartment they need to make it feel fresh and contemporary. I wasn’t a fan on the black and red artwork but at the end of the day, they’ll be better off going in that direction lest anything in a gilt frame.

I love the flow of their living and dining space and especially the position of the lounge TV area at the other end of the room.

Kerrie and Spence have gone all out with their coffered ceiling this week. Their attention to detail is certainly impressive and I hope for their sakes it pays off.

I feel a bit like broken record with these two, but it’s flourishes that make the difference however they need to ensure they’re realistic! Those hallmarks they’re keen to add to their apartment can’t come at the cost of their styling or they’re ability to deliver future rooms.

As for Sara and Hayden, have these two have lost their compass again this week? I’m not sure what happens but they seem to allow themselves to get pulled in so many different directions. The result means a lack of continuity in what they’re ultimately delivering.

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At the end of the day; this week is quite simply about the flow of the space the contestants are creating. Flow and a good floor plan are everything.

I had a long chat with Sara and Hayden after delivering my scores this week and they undoubtedly feel passionate they’re on the right track but, well, time will tell if buyers agree.

Jess and Norm continue to delight and surprise me. I think their herringbone parquet is sublime and to see it in its entirety is a sight to behold. And I love the concept of the fireplace. What a gorgeous and luxe feature to add. The position of it seems curious, but they’ve assured me it will all feel right when the room is delivered on Sunday.

Carla and Bianca are nailing the St Kilda vibe this week and it suits them. I can feel a little bit of edgy NYC in this living space. They have my favourite piece of art that I’ve seen this season. It’s just a stunning anchoring piece and I think it really helps set the tone of the apartment.

I’m also impressed at it sounds like this room will fit in well with the other spaces the girls have delivered. But for me, while the art is gorgeous, it lacks other hero pieces that Jess and Norm have with the fireplace and Kerrie and Spence will hopefully gain with their coffered ceiling.

Jess and Norm have hit it out of the park this week. They’re on track to delivering a room that is luxurious, calming and befitting of a luxe St Kilda penthouse.

The scores

Norm and Jess: 9

Kerrie and Spence : 8.5

Bianca and Carla: 8

Courtney and Hans: 7

Hayden and Sara: 6.5