The Best-Ever ‘Rock the Block’ Designs

We've seen three seasons of Rock the Block sweat, tears and jaw-dropping transformations — so it's only fitting to celebrate each and every winning room. We compiled the best (read: award-winning) before-and-afters since season 1.

By: Lauren Oster

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Rock the Block has more in common with Ironman Triathlons than typical makeover shows; in mere weeks, contestants are given supersized budgets and tasked with reimagining entire blank-canvas homes from the ground up. This is renovation as an extreme sport — and as season-three champ Egypt Sherrod advises future competitors, “You're working so hard that you have to stay healthy and hydrated. Also, come in knowing that this will be the hardest you've ever worked in your life.”

So, what does it take to secure a Rock the Block win? Have a look at every jaw-dropping before-and-after that’s taken top honors.

From: Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas

Bedroom Suite, Before

For the first-ever Rock the Block challenge in Santa Clarita, California, queen of cool Leanne Ford (Restored by the Fords) planned to devote a significant portion of her total $175,000 renovation budget to blasting through the wall dividing this bedroom from its bath suite and creating a serene, integrated retreat.

Bedroom Suite, After

This elementally elegant space now oozes minimalist California chic. Leanne framed the new passage between the bedroom and bathroom with gorgeously weathered barn doors, then centered a tub and two-walled shower in the new spa suite. Cool concrete flooring and a sculptural night table lend the feel of a contemporary art gallery.

TOUR THE HOME: Leanne Ford's House Reveal

From: Leanne Ford

Kitchen, Before

Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) was made for the second week of season 1 competition: she’s renovated more than 140 kitchens. She knew the kitchen would be the star of her home, and she hit the ground running with a plan to create a space that was “dripping in luxury.”

Kitchen, After

This showstopping, waterfall-edge quartz island features practical adds like a microwave drawer and porcelain sink; it also boasts a gorgeous layer of brass that Alison carried through the custom hood and the floating shelves. Shaker-style cabinets with luxe hardware frame a stone slab backsplash and a commercial-grade stove, and a pair of stately globe pendants add a focal point.

TOUR THE HOME: Alison Victoria's House Reveal

From: Alison Victoria

Great Room and Yard, Before

Jasmine Roth (Hidden Potential) knows a thing or two about making epic alterations to cookie-cutter southern California homes. So, she planned the ultimate upgrade for her home’s main space: blow out the back wall and add an in-ground pool — a move that would cost her $30,000.

Great Room and Yard, After

Crowned with a sculptural chandelier, this custom vaulted ceiling would be a power move all by itself — but oh, there's even more to come. Massive glass stacking doors facilitate indoor-outdoor living and frame the hillside pool, outdoor bar and sitting area out back. When the sun goes down and it’s time to towel off and come in, an elegant electric fireplace offers a cozy gathering spot.

TOUR THE HOME: Jasmine Roth's House Reveal

From: Jasmine Roth

Exterior, Before

Jasmine Roth knew curb appeal would influence every opinion the judges formed about her ranch-style house after entering, so she envisioned upgrades that would differentiate it from the rest of the season 1 development and add character that improved over time.

Exterior, After

Handsome stone skirting offers an elevated, organic look, while a coat of creamy white paint brightens the home’s face and pops against stained wood on the garage door and shutters. The new, framed walkway has a feathery grass border that will add movement to the front yard as it grows, and new, double-headed sconces on the garage gleam like bits of statement jewelry. It’s the perfect introduction to the family headquarters Jasmine designed — and it led to a final appraisal of more than $1 million and bragging rights as the first-ever Rock the Block champ.

TOUR THE HOME: Jasmine Roth's House Reveal

From: Jasmine Roth

Kitchen, Before

For Rock the Block’s second season, Alison Victoria returned to compete and dominate the kitchen challenge once more — partnered with renovation phenom Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes). They decided to infuse their Paulding County, Georgia property with Old World style by including details to develop the space’s character. Architectural adds would create texture and custom cabinetry would have the look of antique furniture.

Kitchen, After

A handsome arch in weathered brick forms a shroud to conceal the vent above the range, and glass-paneled cabinetry is now embedded in the wall. Exposed beams draw the eye upward, making the kitchen and dining area feel even more expansive. Customized storage in the island is both beautiful and functional. The $48,000 Mike and Alison spent to reimagine this kitchen was very well spent.

TOUR THE HOME: Alison Victoria and Mike Holmes' House Reveal

From: Alison Victoria

Entry, Before

David Bromstad (My Lottery Dream Home) and HGTV Smart Home designer Tiffany Brooks joined forces with a goal of demonstrating that bold color and pattern choices could have broad appeal, and they planned to put an exclamation point on that statement in their home’s foyer. This fine-but-forgettable space would soon dazzle visitors.

Entry, After

Well hello there! An ombré-effect treatment on the stairs’ risers pops against a sleek black wall adorned with vintage mirrors. On the opposite wall, peacock-pattern paper and graphic black-and-white canvases texturize the once-blank hallway. Don’t let this zone’s whimsical movements fool you: David and Tiffany also built major function into the area by using adjoining rooms to create an in-law suite and a mudroom connecting the garage. They also toned down the second-floor landing to give the eye an opportunity to rest.

TOUR THE HOME: David Bromstad and Tiffany Brooks' House Reveal

From: Tiffany Brooks and David Bromstad