They’ve dubbed themselves this season’s “reno rookies” on The Block, but don’t let their lack of renovating experience fool you.
As New Idea found out, Police officers Britt and Taz have a secret weapon (and not the law enforcement kind) hiding under their tool belts, and they plan to use it to their advantage.
“We’re used to working in a team environment and as well as working in high stress situations,” the couple tell us.
Read more about them below.
Every room Britt and Taz have renovated on The Block
Week 1: Bathroom
Marty, Shayna and Marty loved how Britt and Taz used a variety of warm textures throughout the bathroom. Darren also loved how their textures paid tribute to the exterior.
While there were many positive points, the judges said their vanity was too high, and their shower’s positioning made it too cramped.
They received eights from Darren Marty and Shayna, which meant they finished with 24 points overall.
Week 2: Kids’ Bedrooms
All three judges loved the couple’s colour palette in their first kids’ bedroom, its curved bed head and the styling choices.
For Shayna, she said it perfectly encapsulated the modern contemporary country aesthetic they went for.
Week 2: Kids’ Bedrooms
All three judges also loved the colour palette they used in their second room.
For Marty, it reminded him of 2023 winners Steph and Gian.
“These guys have got class, they really have class,” Shayna added about their colour and styling choices.
They finished with a score of 28, which was the highest. They got 9 ½ from Darren and Shayna, and nine from Marty.
Along with winning $10,000, they were also given $175,000 worth of laundry and kitchen appliances.
Week 3: Main Bathroom
It was a disappointing week for the Western Australian couple who received less than impressive feedback from the judges.
Marty described the space as an “upmarket abbatoir” and said it was “cold and scary”, while Shaynna admitted that while she liked the overall concept, the styling and layout had let Britt and Taz down.
After a 6 and a ½ from Marty and a 7 from both Darren and Shaynna, the team ended week three with a final score of 21 and a ½.
Week 4: Main Bedroom and Walk-In Robe
Britt and Taz won once again with their main bedroom and walk-in robe, and scored the first 10 of the season.
Not only that, they also won $10,000 for their budgeting!
Marty, Darren and Shaynna agreed that it was the best room, which they described as “beautiful, heavenly, elevated, sophisticated,” and “connected to nature.”
However, they criticised the unfinished paintwork and the upside-down handles in the walk-in robe.
Shaynna also critiqued the addition of plants and pendant lights.
Overall, they received 10 from Darren, 9 and a ½ from Marty and Shaynna, which gave them 29 points.
Week 5: Living and Dining Room
After spending a mammoth $33,585 on their living and dining room (the most out of all the contestants), Britt and Taz were determined to win.
However, after Robby and Mat opted to use their one-point gnome, the couple finished the week in second place with 28 and a ½ points.
All three judges were in awe of the space, the only criticism being the placement of the couch.
“This is something that you come to Daylesford for, that connects with the landscape…I feel like I am home,” said Shaynna.
Darren chimed in: “This house is starting to feel really, beautifully meshed together.”
Which house do Britt and Taz have?
After winning the Pride challenge, Britt and Taz chose house three.
Who are Britt and Taz?
With two adorable kids at home, Britt and Taz, aka Taran, are a happily married couple from Newman in Western Australia.
Parents to Carter, 4, and Myla, 2, the couple are both police officers in the mining town, which is a 12-hour drive from Perth.
So just how did they end up on The Block?
“I’ve wanted to apply for The Block for about six years now; however, the timing has never been right,” Britt explains to New Idea.
“Between academy training, being fresh into our police careers and starting our family.”
With no real renovation experience behind them, the pair are hoping the little bits of work they’ve done around their own home will pay off.
“I would say we could be classed as amateur renovators,” Taz says.
Britt adds: “I’m a creative by heart and have a good ability to visualise the room in the planning phase, so design will be our strength. We also have communication skills, which are vital during something like The Block.”
How did Britt and Taz meet, and how long have they been together?
The lovebirds have been together for nearly a decade and are happier than ever. They met on Tinder while living in Perth, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“Our relationship is solid with us being together for nearly 10 years,” Taz declares, adding that the couple tied the knot three years ago.
“We love being around one another and truly are each other’s best friends.
They hope to win The Block to create a better future for their family.
“We have a big dream to one day own a few acres where the kids can run free, we can have our horses, cows and goats and create some magical memories,” Britt says.
“However, any winnings would immensely help our young family have that flexibility, travel and enjoy life.”
