As the much-anticipated finale of the cult property show Home of the Year arrives (airing on RTÉ One, Tuesday, 8.30pm), judge Hugh Wallace predicts a “day filled with combat”. The tantalising reward for viewers is a tumultuous debate amongst judges Wallace, Amanda Bone (fellow architect) and Sara Cosgrove (an interior designer) as they fiercely vie for their preferred property.
The thrilling conclusion features seven properties in contention and implies that the show is set to inject some serious ‘rrr’ into bricks and mortar. However, the eagerly waited showdown didn’t quite deliver the expecting fireworks for the audience. While there were a few moments of tension as the judges discussed the different properties that made it to the finale, the anticipated fracas was largely missing. Wallace, known for his universal house admiration, was at odds with the minimalist Bone, who has a deep aversion to intricate designs.
Their most significant disagreement centred around a historic rectory in Derry where Bone expressed concerns that the “interior design eclipses the house”. A sharp exchange followed, where Wallace accused Bone of wanting to paint everything white, which was met with a frosty glance from her.
Only a minor disagreement occurred regarding a uniquely designed en-suite bathroom which did not have a door connecting it to the main bedroom. Cosgrove, the interior designer, mentioned the unusual setup which left Wallace confused, seeing no issue since it’s unlikely that party guests would wander into the area.
The expectation of drama unfortunately exceeded the reality, and the judges maintained a friendly camaraderie throughout the evaluation process.
An additional issue with the finale was the lack of the curiosity-piquing aspect. Part of the appeal of the series is watching the experts effortlessly move around properties, passionately discussing detailing, like cabinets, coat racks, and expansive open kitchens.
Regrettably, this aspect was missing from the finale. Instead, the finalists convened at Palmerstown Estate House near Naas, partaking in polite banter whilst the judges made their decision.
It was unexpected when Shane Murray and Marty Campbell’s renovated red brick house from the 1920s in Dublin won the top prize. It is indeed a charming house, however, was it truly the best amongst its competitors? Cosgrove, Bone, and Wallace agree so, praising its creative and functional balance, and its stylish, brave design. Strangely though, it feels like any of the other six could have been the choice on another given day.
A recurring critique of ‘Home of the Year’ lies in the inappropriate celebration of luxury properties during a housing crisis. However, in the backdrop of the seven praiseworthy designs that were competing, such judgment appears uncharitable.
It’s worth noting that Murray and Campbell’s reaction to their victory was admirable; they exuded happiness about their win yet maintained a humble gratitude for having been chosen over their competitors. One can only congratulate them on their accomplishment. It is just regretful that the journey to their win didn’t offer more of the debate-danger Wallace had earlier anticipated.