HOME OF THE YEAR SERIES 12 – EPISODE 8- The Final
Tune in for Home of the Year finale 2026, where the judges deliberate the winner in Palmerstown, Co Kildare.
For the first time ever, each judge awarded one golden key to use throughout the series. With this, they selected one home to bring a runner-up from an episode, straight through to the final. Who will scoop the trophy this year?
FINALIST 1 – Lorcan and Adrian, Kildare
In 2005 Lorcan and Adrian built their forever home on family land in Co Kildare.
Inspired by two traditional farm-style buildings, the couple worked together with their architect to create a space that is unique and true to them.
The house features an eclectic mix of masculine and classic elements, inspired by their travels and what they are passionate about.
The couple are both involved in floristry and horticulture and as such, the garden is a passion of theirs and very much an extension of the home, with beautiful planting and hidden rooms (such as a tearoom) to make the absolute most of the space.
FINALIST 2 – Áine and Nollaig, Dublin
Áine, an architect, designed this newbuild house, it is A1 rated with an exhaust air heat pump, PV solar panels and ground floor underfloor heating. The house is brick built and a contemporary interpretation of the existing 1930’s redbrick terraces in their area.
They built the home in a side garden plot and spent a long time designing the house to fully maximise the site and to develop a home which has the unique quality of having sunlight all day long.
The family love living in the wonderful home they have created.
Amanda Bone used her golden key for this home.
FINALIST 3 – Toni and Fionan, Kerry
Built in 2023, Toni and Fionán’s home in County Kerry is their pride and joy. The couple poured hours of work into creating a home that acts as a hub for their family and loved ones.
The build is an open plan, free-flowing home, featuring a warm and contemporary aesthetic with design details inspired by the couples’ time travelling and working together.
The couple say their house is everything they love encompassed in one and feel extremely blessed to wake up in it every day. They have recently started a homestead where they get eggs from their chickens and honey from their bees and love that they have created such a wonderful and sustaining place for their son to grow up.
FINALIST 4 – Tara, Down
Tara lives in a former gate lodge in County Down. Prior to renovating, the building hadn’t been lived in for over 30 years and the renovation process was extensive, as the cottage had no running water or electricity with the ceiling on the verge of collapse.
The house was gutted entirely and now has been transformed into a cosy cottage featuring a blend of traditional and fun elements.
Tara’s love for old homes inspired the decor of the gate lodge, creating a home that she says makes her genuinely happy to live in each day.
When it came to the decor Tara has always loved old homes, so she wanted to ensure there is an element of traditional in the house while making sure the home has a big personality, so a mixture of classic and fun which she feels happy to live in each day.
FINALIST 5 – Marie and Jo, Cork
Marie and Jo live in a detached, 20-year-old neo-Georgian house with their daughter Emily in West Cork.
When they first bought the home, it was structurally sound however all rooms where in need of a renovation to be more in keeping with their own style. The family took on the works themselves and designed every inch of the property. The interiors are a blend of classical style and artisan quirk, all of which is highlighted by Marie’s own beautiful artwork.
Marie describes the home as a joy to live in.
Hugh Wallace used his golden key for this home.
FINALIST 6 – Karen, Dublin
Karen and Paul live in an apartment located in the heart of Dublin city. The house was completely functional and ready to live in when Karen first bought it, however she felt that it needed updating and a new lease of life and decided to renovate.
The couple have now transformed the apartment by creating an open-plan layout with a real sense of space and flow. The interior design of the home is bright, modern and neutral with a rustic, earthy edge and they describe the space as a mix between the relaxed charm of a countryside retreat with the practicality and polish of a Dublin city apartment.
FINALIST 7 – Grace and Robert, Dublin
Robert and Grace live in Dublin with their two children. When the couple found their property, they knew they wanted to add space for their family of four. The house had an area to the side where the front door was and an overly large shed which took up space in the garden. By knocking the shed and extending the house out to the boundary wall this gave them additional space and even a larger back garden. The original kitchen was smaller and access to the garden was through it – so with this clever redesign for the ground floor they were able to maximise the sense of flow throughout the home and add doors to access the garden which brings great connection to the inside and outside.
The interior design of the home is described by Grace as refined and timeless with an understated touch of luxury and the family love the wonderful home they have created.
FINALIST 8- Finbarr and Gareth, Dublin
Finbarr and Gareth live in a two-storey brick house in Dublin and have spent the last few years renovating the home in stages, with Finbarr taking lead on the design of the home.
Together, with each others’ hard work and some handy YouTube tutorials, the couple crafted a relaxing and creative space that they feel is full of colour and personality, reflecting who they are and what they’re passionate about.
Siobhan Lam used her golden key for this home.
FINALIST 9 – Laoise, Galway
Laoise lives in a turret-style home in Galway.
The house is a top-down property, featuring an upstairs kitchen and dining area, to make the most of the view, with the two bedrooms located downstairs.
It was not in a liveable condition when Laoise first moved in and so she carried out renovations, gutting the building, only leaving the internal doors and fireplace.
After a deep retrofit, the house now has an open plan kitchen and dining area with new plumbing and wiring which makes the most of the space. The interior style is classic and timeless, the rooms decorated with minimal pieces of furniture that Laoise believes will stand the test of time.
FINALIST 10 – Mike and Steve, Kildare
Mike and Steve live in Co Kildare with their dog, Finley. In 2022 the couple purchased their new build home and had plans drawn up, as well as kitchen installers on speed dial, all while eagerly waiting for the sale to go through.
Since moving in, Mike and Steve have given the house a completely different look, from new light fittings, doors and panelling, whilst also having the front and back garden, professionally landscaped and developed.
The home has changed so much that their neighbours asked if it was a different design to the rest of the new builds in the estate!
Mike and Steve love how they have adapted their home to suit their lifestyle, with its modern and chic design creating a balance between everyday practicalities and a sense of luxury.
