Rock the Block returned on April 14 with a supersized episode, and fans tuned in to watch the new veterans versus rookies format. Jonathan Knight (Farmhouse Fixer) and his brother Jordan competed alongside fellow veterans and Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) and Michel Smith Boyd (Luxe for Less), while Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama (Renovation Aloha) and Chelsea and Cole DeBoer (Down Home Fab) represented the rookies. Bobby Berk was on hand to judge the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.
Bobby toured the spaces with host Ty Pennington, but for the first time, the designers were not present for the judging. Jonathan and Jordan embraced a modern farmhouse style with lots of wood, a mix of textures, added ceiling beams, and a double island. Alison and Michel went super luxe with a refined rustic design, using a bold green color palette and high-end appliances. Kamohai and Tristyn chose a moody modern theme and changed the floorplan and added a hidden pantry. Chelsea and Cole opted for a cowboy contemporary style with a built-in banquette and wine storage.
Bobby praised all of the designs but ultimately chose Alison and Michel to be the winners, and Alison, who is competing for the third time, maintained her kitchen queen title.
HGTV shared before-and-afters from the episode on Instagram and asked viewers, "Which team’s design reveal has YOU wowed?!" Fans were quick to give their thoughts in the comments.
- "Not sure if it went to [Alison and Michel] because all she wins is kitchens 🤷🏽♀️. Green is my favorite color, they had too much green. Not sure if there's a family who would really like that much green. My in order would've been, Kalama, Knights, De Boers, then A&M."
- "I think the Kalamas should have won. I would not want a green kitchen. This design does high end designs. I think Alison's kitchen was pretty but it's not going to the majority of people! This show is not fair anymore. Disappointed."
- "Jon and Jordan's was my favorite!"
- "The right team won this round. No one does luxury like Alison Victoria!"
- "Michel and Alison’s kitchen was absolutely beautiful and stunning as usual. It was kinda unfair putting them two together. They are powerful apart and now unstoppable together"
- "Team Chelsea & Cole!"
Shop the Winning Kitchen
Next week, Mina Starsiak Hawk and Jasmine Roth join to judge the entry, mudroom, powder bath, and den. Tune in to HGTV on April 21 to see which team takes home the win.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.
