Rock the Block Episode 3 had me screaming at the screen in frustration. The main suite closets, which are normally uninteresting, had 3 of the most confusing decisions I’ve ever seen.

Rock the Block is a HGTV show where an all-star cast (aka currently contracted network hosts) compete to achieve the highest appraised value on 4 identical homes in the same street. This season they’re in Treasure Island, Florida. HGTV’s website says contestants have a “limited budget to renovate” although this season the ‘budget’ is $250,000 and the ‘renovating’ is more just designing an empty, brand new million-dollar home. Episode 3 focused on the main suite which included the bedroom, bathroom, closet and balcony.

Do You Really Need That?

As can be expected when you’re spending someone else’s money, the HGTV teams make some design choices that often have me asking: do you really need that?

There were upgrades that I feel were worth the expense such as customising the built-in with closet rods that have a strip of lighting inserted. The downlighting brightened the space and was innovative. Page and Mitch’s was dimmable and controlled by a traditional wall switch but Leslie and Lyndsay took it one step further. Their closet was wired to a motion sensor that would illuminate the space as you entered and it looked amazing. It’s an unnecessary luxury that also serves a functional purpose which I love.

On the other hand, a fireplace in Florida, particularly one shoved into the closet, seems useless. Even in an extremely cold climate can you ever imagine yourself desiring a cozy night curled up in your closet? A buyer who can afford a closet big enough to accommodate an aesthetic fireplace surely has a lot nicer areas in their home to enjoy. This is picking from a list of basic, stereotypical features and not considering the buyers day-to-day needs. 

Another Secret Door?

In addition to fireplaces, HGTV appear to be obsessed with what they call secret doors. Although, I’m not sure what defines a ‘secret’ door to them.

In past seasons there’s been some that are really cool and earned the title, such as book levers that swing open the bookshelf to reveal a new room. However, others seem to be average doors, in expected places.

An example is Page and Mitch’s closet door. They tried to disguise it as a giant piece of orange artwork in the main bedroom but the execution made it feel out of place. It actually brought more attention to itself because of it looking like they’d hung their artwork way too low rather than achieving a hidden feeling.

In this case, and for most of the secret doors on Rock The Block, I feel like it’s just a tricked-up door, comparable to a barn door style. It’s still interesting and unique compared to the standard but I wouldn’t refer to it as a ‘secret’ door. 

Why Washers and Dryers?

Evan and Keith also had a ‘secret’ door; a narrow doorway that connected the main suite closet to the laundry room which I loved. It conveniently limits your trips across the house, you can keep your closet organised and you can remove dirty clothes immediately.

This is also a great example of how specific your Living Home List can get because other teams attempted a similar version which I hated. Instead of a doorway to the laundry they added a stacked washer and dryer set into their closet. It looked really sleek, covered by the custom cabinets, however I’ve lived in an apartment with these duos and they’re notoriously loud.

One team used a washer/dryer combo with an attractive bench built on top which would eliminate the annoying vibrations but I’ve heard these aren’t reliable and can be known to not dry clothes completely or leak. Both of which seem like disasters. It’s an expensive addition that seems like it would ruin the sanctuary of the space and take up valuable storage. 

Who knew I could have so many thoughts about closets? What do you think? Would you add any of these features to your Living Home List?