Hugh Wallace: There will be a bit of drama between the judges!

WE CAN expect ‘a bit of drama’ between the judges in the season finale of Home Of The Year this week, according to the show’s own Hugh Wallace.

The architect told the Irish Mail on Sunday ‘emotions were running high’ as the judging panel – himself, architect Peter Crowley and interior designer Deirdre Whelan – chose which of the season’s seven finalists would win the 2019 title.

‘It’s an odd thing to say but you get very emotional,’ he said. ‘You’re with your fellow judges for 21 days – plus another three days for the final. You get quite excited and pent up about the houses and what you think should win. You become passionate about them.

‘These people have allowed us into their homes, so they’re due the respect and discussion about why this house is better than another.’

For Hugh, this was one of the best seasons so far, not just for the quality of the houses but for the clear ‘spark’ between the judges.

Did new judge Peter Crowley add a different dynamic this year? ‘I think very much so,’ says Hugh. ‘His use of language, words and descriptions is just fabulous. He

‘It’s about a feeling when you walk in’

does seem to forget things like what the chair beside the Aga is for but they’re only minor things. We’ll let that slide. The quality of his architecture is amazing.’

Hugh’s three personal favourites of the finalists include an 1800s cottage conversion in Co. Galway: ‘The use of plywood internally, the attention to detail, the extraordinary colours in that bedroom. It was very dark but yet it worked.’

The restored Victorian manor in Belfast is also a firm favourite: ‘My goodness, the quality of the restoration – and then you had this counterbalance with really modern furniture and the lovely finish.’

A derelict church conversion in Co. Limerick was another highlight: ‘It was like the Hamptons, there was a real relationship between that external terrace space and the inside that gave that home an extra dimension.’

Hugh says: ‘It’s about a feeling when you walk into a home. ‘The cottage and the church are highly individualised, they’re all about the owner’s creative ability. That’s what it’s about.’

The Home Of The Year final is on RTÉ One, Tuesday, 8.30pm.