Tensions were high for mother and daughter team Emma and Michelle on the season premiere of My Reno Rules.
The brand new Channel 7 show will see four teams renovate two 1970s homes in Melbourne’s Bulleen for a massive viewer giveaway.
The self-confessed “Maltese terriers” brought their fiery passion to the building site, determined not to sacrifice their luxe style and stay true to themselves — even if it meant facing off with their builder Harley.
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Speaking to 7NEWS.com.au, Emma, 33, said: “We aren’t the villains.”
On Tuesday night’s episode, the Queensland mother and daughter duo joined their fellow contestants Nathan and Julia, from Victoria, to split the rooms and the budget for their renovation of House 1.
While Nathan and Julia tackled the bathroom and bedroom, Emma and Michelle took on the living room and another bedroom.
House 1: Nathan & Julia and Emma & Michelle. Credit: Seven Network
Tensions flared when builder Harley returned with a quote for their luxe design that blew well past their budget.
But Emma said despite the on-screen clash, she and her mother work well under pressure.
“We’re strong European women, with strong opinions,” she said.
“But we really made sure if there was a problem, we sorted it out by leaving the emotion out of it and focusing on finding a solution.”
And that’s exactly what they did, scaling back their living room design and managing to negotiate with their teammates to secure some extra budget.
Emma and Michelle negotiate with builder Harley. Credit: Seven Network
Emma runs an interior design, property development and creative studio, while her mother Michelle, 56, works in the hair and beauty industry — and has also been hands-on with multiple home builds over the years.
“I was really proud that mum and I did this together,” Emma said.
“When I was asked to come onto the show, my only thought was ‘I would only do this with my mum’.
“She’s my best friend and I knew we would do well together.”
To make their feature wall work in the living room, they tackled the paint job — despite having no painting experience — determined to create their rustic look.
They worked into the early hours of the night, testing both their patience and their relationship.
“We thrive under pressure and if there’s a little tiff, it’s over in five seconds,” Emma said.
“What mother and daughter doesn’t have tiffs here and there?”
Emma is confident their “rock solid” family foundation will see them through the competition.
“I wasn’t too worried,” Emma said. “It was just heat of the moment stress.”
House 1: Emma & Michelle and Nathan & Julia. Credit: Seven Network
While Emma is an expert in the design and property world, she admitted nothing could have prepared her for renovating in front of the cameras with such a tight turnaround.
She also said they have to be strategic when working with their fellow renovators, Nathan and Julia.
While they are ultimately competing against each other to win the prize money, they also have to work together to make sure their house comes together seamlessly.
“I feel like it’s all about the way that you deliver what you want to achieve,” Emma said.
“If you’re yelling and screaming, that’s a whole different ball game.
“I’m not one to yell and get aggressive, I want to come to a resolution without all of that.
“There were heated moments, sure, but I’m telling you right now, anyone else in our situation would probably have acted a whole lot worse.
“I’m very proud with how mum and I were. We aren’t the villains.”
Emma said despite taking a risk on the feature wall, she has “absolutely no regrets”.
But will the risk pay off?
My Reno Rules returns on Wednesday at 7.30pm on Seven and 7plus.
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