A 1970s home – described by celebrity architect Hugh Wallace as a "disco diva" – has been crowned the winner of Home of the Year 2025.
Homeowners Amy and Eoin Martin have lifted the coveted Home of the Year 2025 trophy for their 1970s home in Limerick.
The couple told us about their surprise at winning this year’s series.
Amy told us: "We can't believe that we're actually able to talk about things today. It's been six months."
Amy admitted she believes her home stood out to judges Huge Wallace, Amanda Bone and Siobhan Lam because they showed the family’s personality and their "quirkiness".
She said: "I suppose it is how our personality is evident. You know, we've all had a hand in planning rooms or positioning of rooms and decorating of rooms, and it's very personal to us... Our pictures on the wall, our holidays and memories, just like everybody else's house. But I suppose we try to bring a bit of a fun twist to it.
"And, you know, other artworks on the wall are posters from our holidays and things. And I just think they liked those little details. And I suppose, I guess that I'm creative that, you know, I've made a lot of the things around the house, ottomans and reupholstered cushions so I think they really appreciate that sort of quirkiness or individuality."
Eoin added: "I think the colours are maybe a little bit different as well. There's a lot of, you know, strong colours, but a mixture of bright and kind of moody colours as well. I think that kind of helped as well."
Amy said she always wanted to be on Home of the Year.
"I talked about it for years because I have always loved the show and any home magazines. I'm a little bit obsessed with interiors. But it did take a while…the boys were a bit like the two of us. One is ‘okay, that sounds like fun’, and the other one is more like, ‘oh, I don't know about that’, but you know, the whole process has been so much fun.
"I mean, obviously there's an awful lot of work that goes into preparing your home for a camera crew, to make it look like we don't have two teenage boys and three cats and a dog."
Amy admitted it was bizarre knowing that the judges were walking around their home, while her family were out having lunch.
"It was quite surreal. We had to leave the house on the day of the filming before the judges came, and we went for lunch.
"I think we'd gotten about two hours of sleep that night. Eoin went to work, and myself and one of my sons had a little snooze in the car. We were exhausted, and all the while going, ‘oh my god, they're walking around our house’."
In the final on RTÉ One, the three judges recapped the seven stunning finalists of the 11th series of Home of the Year and announced Amy and Eoin as this year’s winners.
The couple fell in love with this 1970s-built house and set to work completely gutting and renovating the home and bringing it from a D3 BER rating to an A3.
The 1970s home is an upside-down home with the main living and kitchen on the first floor making the most of their spectacular garden and the natural light.
The home was a passion project for Amy, an interior designer, who loves having the space to unleash her creativity and is always in the middle of a project in the house.
Speaking after the final, Hugh said: "I love the 70s and this home was like Brady Bunch - amazing colours and connection with a stunning garden. Brilliant winner."
Originally scoring 27 points, Hugh said about the home previously: "I loved the '70s. It was such an exciting time, and this house was about that excitement."
Amanda said: "Series 11 was a pleasure to be part of. Among the five series I have been involved in, it stood out for having the most competitive, emotionally charged, and challenging final to judge.
"This intensity was a testament to the standard of homes showcased in this year's competition."
And Siobhan added: "I’m absolutely thrilled the Modern 1970’s home is the winner of Home of the Year season 11. This home radiates joy and it’s a perfect representation of the homeowners, you could see their love and dedication to this home everywhere.
"From the warm, vibrant colour palette to the delicious retro details throughout – this home ticked all the boxes.
"I’m so delighted for Amy and Eoin – well deserved winners! My first season on Home of the Year has been an absolute joy. I have loved peeking into this season’s sensational homes with my fellow judges, it’s been a real honour to explore these beautiful, cleverly designed and creative Irish homes – I’ve found the season fun, exciting and incredibly inspirational."
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