Dublin, Cork and Tipperary homes to feature in Home of the Year premiere

RTÉ’s beloved home design series, Home of the Year, is back for its 11th season, promising another round of stunning interiors, innovative transformations, and personal stories that bring houses to life.

The first episode takes viewers on a tour of three spectacular homes in Tipperary, Dublin, and Cork, each with its own distinctive character and personal touch.

Aidan O’Donovan & Barry O’Brien – A colourful Victorian home in Dublin: Aidan and Barry’s single-storey Victorian terrace in Dublin, purchased in 2023, is a perfect blend of restoration and modern flair.

Their interior style, which they describe as "restrained maximalism," is a carefully curated mix of life, travels, and personality.

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The couple has struck a balance between honouring the home’s original architecture while incorporating contemporary design elements, resulting in a space that is both sophisticated and vibrant. Their house is more than just a living space—it’s a reflection of their journey and shared vision.

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Ross & Susan O'Donovan – A historic manor house in Cork: For Ross and Susan O’Donovan, home is not just where they live—it’s a family legacy. Ross inherited their 180-year-old manor house and farm from his grandfather, a property that has been in the family for over 50 years.

The couple is deeply committed to a meticulous and respectful restoration, ensuring that even the smallest details remain true to the home’s history.

From sash windows and shutters to ornate ceiling cornices, architraves, and rim locks, every element has been carefully restored to preserve the home’s original grandeur.

Beyond aesthetics, Ross and Susan are focused on future-proofing the house, making structural improvements to ensure that it remains a cherished family home for generations to come.

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Claire & Seán Fox – A former shop transformed in Tipperary: Claire and Seán Fox have turned a former 1860s shop in Tipperary into a warm and character-filled home.

The couple purchased the property in 2020 and began extensive renovations the following year, carefully designing a layout that suited their needs while preserving the building’s original charm. Their commitment to sustainability and creativity shines through in their use of salvaged materials.

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They repurposed dressers, wardrobes, and even the original shop spindles, while Claire, with the help of her retired engineer father, transformed a copper water cylinder into a backsplash and converted a bunk bed into kitchen cabinets.

For Claire and Seán, their home isn’t just about design—it’s about craftsmanship, comfort, and the satisfaction of creating something truly personal.

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Tune in every Tuesday at 8.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, starting February 18, 2025.