Score: 27.5/30

If Mike and Andrew hadn't used their coveted bonus points, Sophie and Dale would have been triumphant this week. But the happy-go-lucky couple are unconcerned.

"It was such a high score," Sophie says excitedly.

"We didn't win, because the brothers used their two bonus points, but to get a score like that was great," Dale adds.

The judges were blown away with the couple's clever kitchen design, with Neale Whittaker the first to use that all-important 'W-word.

"This kitchen has the wow factor," he exclaimed upon seeing their completed room for the first time.

"The pressed-metal splash-back — it's absolutely unique," Shaynna added, also clearly impressed with their ingenious design, unlike any she'd seen before.

The judges' comments were music to Sophie and Dale's ears. They always knew using pressed-metal in their kitchen was a gutsy move, and were thrilled with the way it came together, acting as the perfect conduit for their old-and-new aesthetic.

"It's quite old fashioned, but at the same time, it feels very now," Neale explained.

"Someone has a great eye for the detail. Every item, from the scales to the light, to the pendants, it's just the perfect choice."

Dale, in particular, couldn't be happier with the room's reception. It had always been his vision to transform the entry-level into a flowing entertaining space.

Their room saver money meant they could go back and fine-tune their front room — and he's over the moon the judges can now properly see his vision.

"We thought we made the right decision in making the whole bottom level an entertaining/dining area, rather than having a separated downstairs bedroom and other living area," he explains. "Even though we didn't win this week, we still feel great about it."