RTÉ
Home of the Year
A look back at my feature episode on RTÉ Home of The Year
"Championing creativity, individuality and clever design, Home of the Year features homeowners around Ireland who have done something special to the place they call home. Judges: Architect, Hugh Wallace. Award winning interior designer, Suzie Mc Adam and award-winning architect, Amanda Bone."
First aired RTÉ One Tuesday 30th March 2021
Evoke .ie
30 March 2021
"Adrian Duyn impressed the judges with his total transformation of his 1980s bungalow in Kerry which Suzie commented felt like a ‘modern interpretation of a country lodge.’
Adrian works in furniture design and he won the judges’ respect with his creativity and clever use of materials throughout, whether it was velvet on the bedroom walls to the ample use of wood. Adrian actually designed most of the furniture, woodwork and cabinetry in his home too.
The sleek and elegant kitchen was a highlight while the seamless flow between the kitchen and the sitting room made the room feel so much bigger, Amanda added."
Ireland’s Homes Interiors & Living Magazine
30 March 2021
"When Adrian Duyn bought his 1980’s bungalow in Co. Kerry, it needed a complete revamp. Adrian gutted the house completely so he was left with a shell and a blank canvas to work with. He designed the interior layout himself with a little help from his brother Killian who is an architect.
He raised the ceiling above the entrance and in the kitchen dining area to create a sense of space, and placed the hallway through the centre of the home. He made the kitchen-living dining area open plan, with doors opening on to a south facing decking area.
Adrian works in furniture design and conservation and he designed all of the interiors himself including most of the cabinetry, furniture and woodwork. He built, made and fitted all of the interior fittings.
Adrian describes his two-bedroom home as cosy with a luxury hotel or superyacht feel because of the tactile surfaces; such as material walls, velvet window surrounds, and hardwood timber walls. He also has a few cherished antique pieces dotted around as a nod to his restoration work. He said it’s his own personal style and loves the feeling every time he enters his home."
Irish Examiner
30 March 2021
'A cosy Kerry home with a luxury hotel feel in Home of the Year'
"A bungalow in Kerry, and a new build, and a period home in Dublin are the contenders this week. When Adrian Duyn bought his 1980s bungalow in Kerry, it needed a complete revamp.
Adrian gutted the house completely so he was left with a shell and a blank canvas to work with. He designed the interior layout himself with a little help from his brother Killian who is an architect.
Adrian describes his two-bedroom home as cosy with a luxury hotel or superyacht feel because of the tactile surfaces; such as material walls, velvet window surrounds, and hardwood timber walls."
Kenmare News
13 April 2021
Adrian Duyn entered his home into RTE’s ‘Home of The Year’ way back in March of 2020. “It was the first lockdown, I was spending more time at home than ever and applying to the show gave me a push to finish off the snag list on my home.” The process of entering was done over Zoom this year, with a virtual walk-through and photos submitted along with the application form.
Filming was postponed three separate times due to COVID and the different restrictions, however eventually it was filmed in October of 2020.
Adrian bought his 1980s bungalow in 2016 and since then has been gradually bringing it up to a modern standard, with help from his brother (Killian) an Architect based in London and father (Joop) who Adrian works with in the family business of furniture restoration & design.
Adrian “gutted the interior layout, leaving just one structural wall standing.” Changing the layouts to a more modern open plan living, dining & kitchen while making full use of the south facing aspect by opening it up to the garden and views of the Caha Mountains beyond. Adrian designed and made each bit of furniture and cabinetry to suit the individual spaces, taking much inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding Kenmare.
The interior was described by all three judges as warm and atmospheric. Picking up on the use of various materials, such as timber and fabric lined walls used to create textures, layering and “perfectly detailed cabinetry” as described by Hugh Wallace referring to the spa like main bathroom with pebbles and timber elements.
Highlights for Amanda Bone were the velvet lined window boards in this “most unusual and impressive home”. While the “enviable collection of antiques” and timber/ glass backsplash in the “sleek elegant kitchen” impressed Suzie Mc Adam the most.
It took the production crew two full days and over 20 hours of filming which was then compiled down to 7mins of the show. Although Adrian’s home didn’t make the final selection he has no regrets in entering the competition. “It was a great experience to be involved in the making of the program with the feedback being overwhelmingly positive. On that note thank you to everyone who send good wishes and commented both personally and on social media”.
