It's that time of year, folks. Our beloved Home of the Year returns to our screens for its seventh series with two new judges and some amazing interior design. Over the coming weeks, a total of 21 homes across Ireland will compete for the prestigious title of 'Home of the Year' in 2021.
From new builds, restorations and re-design, the series features people who have created their dream homes. This year's show features a diverse mix of homes including converted mills, a converted schoolhouse, apartments, bespoke architectural new builds, re-imagined cottages and bungalows, DIY homes, restored period homes and vernacular buildings.
Making the tough decisions will be our three expert judges; design legend and returning HOTY judge Hugh Wallace, award winning interior designer Suzie Mc Adam, and award-winning architect Amanda Bone.
Speaking on the arrival of the new judges, Hugh said: "It's brilliant to have two new judges on board this year. Suzie and Amanda add a different dynamic to the series with their knowledge and experience."
Interior Designer Suzie Mc Adam, who has a design studio based in Monkstown, Co. Dublin, is now established as one of Ireland's leading interior design consultancies, with an impressive portfolio of projects from Dublin to London.
Un-swayed by the passing dictates of design trends, Mc Adam draws on her love of antiques, art and her latest discoveries to deliver an eclectic richness to her Interior Design Projects. She feels that homes should draw upon multiple influences and genres and should reflect the homeowners’ passions and loves.
Speaking of her new role on the show, Suzie said: "I've been a fan of the show for many years, so I'm super excited to be a part of the judging team and also to have the privilege of discovering so many different types of homes across Ireland."
"During filming I was intrigued to see how unique the homes were and was absolutely wowed by their individual style. I can't wait for viewers to get a glimpse into these 21 amazing homes and the hard work and energy their owners put into bringing their vision of their perfect home into fruition."
"This season might even help to inspire some homeowners to be brave in their interior design choices and add a fresh look to their homes for 2021."
As for Amanda Bone? The architect worked in Paris, New York and Dublin prior to establishing Amanda Bone Architects, a multi award winning architectural practice located in South Co. Dublin.
As well as specialising in one off individual homes ranging from contemporary new builds to refurbishments of protected structures, Amanda has a Design Studio and Professional Practice Tutor at the Dublin School of Architecture, Technological University Dublin and is on the Editorial Board of the RIAI Publication 'House & Design'.
Speaking on HOTY, she said: "Each year since the show began I've watched it with my mum, I’ve kept it from her that I’m a judge and I can’t wait to see her reaction! I was fascinated by how passionate people are about their homes and I was flabbergasted to discover the amount and type of work that the homeowners had carried out themselves."
"It was great to be involved as a judge on the show this year because it provided me with an opportunity, which I otherwise might not have had, to visit and spend time in some beautiful spaces which was very uplifting and badly needed!"
"There are a couple of really interesting contemporary new build one off houses in this series and it was a privilege to be able to spend time in these houses and learn all about the ideas behind the designs."
HOTY starts on Tuesday the 16th February at 8.30pm on RTÉ One and runs for eight weeks.
