Imagine unwrapping the ultimate Christmas surprise for your living space – a dream makeover tailored just for you, where every detail sparkles with personal magic. It's that timeless thrill of seeing your wishes come true, even as adults, reminding us that home is where the heart (and maybe a bit of indulgence) thrives. But here's where it gets intriguing: what if these fantasies revealed more about our deepest desires for comfort and style than we realize? Stick around to discover the holiday hopes of Ireland's top interior designers, and you might just rethink your own festive list.
No matter your age, there's something enchanting about jotting down wishes for Santa, especially when it comes to transforming your abode. If budgets were boundless and creativity ran wild, what treasures would you crave for your sanctuary?
Take Peter Irvine, the talented stylist and interior designer featured on Virgin Media's The Salvage Squad. This year, he's eyeing something grand from the jolly old elf. 'An extension would be my top gift,' he enthuses. 'Our neighbors recently added one, and it's stirred up some serious envy in me. With our sprawling garden, it's totally feasible. I'd expand the kitchen to banish that outdated umbrella conservatory – you know, that glass-roofed addition that's seen better days – and even better, I'd transform the roof into a serene balcony off our bedroom. Living in such a peaceful spot, I fantasize about sipping morning tea there in tranquility. Is that too ambitious for Santa's sleigh?
And for his festive stocking, Peter dreams of practical luxuries: fresh cutlery sets, crisp linen sheets for the bed, and vouchers for a professional cleaner. Who wouldn't relish lightening the load of everyday tasks?
Then there's his colleague on the show, Natasha Rocca Devine, who knows the thrill of crafting her own home from scratch. As any expert will admit, the journey never truly ends – there's perpetually room for enhancements. 'I'm craving more art and photography to enrich our walls,' she shares. 'Artistic curation is a slow process, and our quick move-in left little time for it, so I've recently splurged on works by Aisling Hennessy and Mary Fallon. For photography, I'm especially fond of striking black-and-white prints. I'd love to incorporate these, including personal snapshots, to infuse our space with individuality and depth. I lean toward pieces that carry a historical tale or narrative, evoking connections to places, stories, or bygone eras.'
But this is the part most people miss: Natasha's vision hints at a deeper truth – that our homes aren't just about aesthetics; they're mirrors of our memories and aspirations. What stories do your walls tell?
As for her stocking, it all depends on its size, quips the author of The Step by Step Guide to Designing and Styling Your Home. 'I'd adore some fragrant Paul Costelloe candles, a Head Plan diary for my workspace – I thrive on jotting down ideas and plans. Plus, cookbooks from talented Irish chefs would be ideal; with so much culinary genius in our country, any shortcuts or inspiration are gold when life gets hectic.'
You might assume that pros in the design world have everything perfectly arranged, but like the rest of us, they harbor dreams of evolution. Interior designer and RTÉ Home of the Year finalist David O’Brien, whose Instagram-renowned The Black House is still in its prime (just a few years young), is pondering fresh updates. 'I'd be thrilled if Santa delivered stunning new kitchen countertops,' he says. 'Maybe in opulent natural stone or a sleek Dekton material. These can revolutionize a room, injecting a sense of enduring elegance and renewal.' For beginners curious about Dekton, it's a high-tech, ultra-durable surface that mimics stone but offers low-maintenance appeal – perfect for those who want luxury without the fuss.
His stocking hopes lean toward quality Irish flair: 'High-end scented candles from La Bougie, Rathbornes, or Sómas Studio, with woody or smoky scents to embrace the winter chill, and perhaps a couple of artisanal ceramic mugs from Lisa Wilson Ceramics in Kinsale or Stephen Pierce Pottery in Shanagarry for leisurely morning brews.'
Dunnes Stores' creative director Helen James is petitioning Father Christmas for eco-conscious elegance. 'Dear Santa, please bless me with a Superfolk print of The Tree of Leaves in bog oak black, crafted for the recent launch of The Garden shop at Powerscourt Townhouse,' she requests. 'I've been a fan since their inception and deeply respect their ethos and craftsmanship.'
Fans of Home of the Year will recall Helen's role as a judge in the inaugural season alongside architects Hugh Wallace and Declan O’Donnell. As the author of A Sense of Home, her housekeeping guide, it's fitting she'd seek literary treats for her stocking. 'A subscription to Faire magazine would delight me,' she notes. 'Ruth Ribeaucourt's bold venture champions small-scale and independent creators in a gorgeously produced format. And I'd cherish a subscription to Roasted Brown coffee, my go-to roasters who fueled me through the pandemic and beyond. Without that first caffeine boost, I'm not quite myself. Oh, and don't forget Hadji Bey’s Turkish Delight – it's always my absolute favorite indulgence.'
Now, here's where it gets controversial: Are these lavish wishes a sign of unfulfilled desires in an industry that's all about perfection, or simply a fun way to envision an ideal home? Some might argue that chasing extensions or high-end art perpetuates consumerism, while others see it as harmless self-expression. What do you think – does prioritizing home upgrades reflect genuine happiness, or is there a risk of it becoming an endless chase? We'd love to hear your take in the comments: Do you agree that designers' dreams mirror our own, or disagree, perhaps suggesting simpler joys like a cozy blanket? Share your thoughts and spark a conversation!
For more inspiration, check out their Instagram profiles:
* thewhitehome
* natasha.rocca.devine
* theblackhouse.ie
* helenjamesdesign
