I Love Scotland’s Home of the Year

How little old me became a contestant on my favourite T.V. show

If, even three years ago, you would have told me our bright and colourful home would feature on BBC Scotland’s Home of the Year I would not have believed you. 

Scotland’s What of the Who?

Scotland’s Home of the Year takes three judges around six regions in Scotland (I know, shock). Each is represented by three homes. The judges score each home out of 10 and the winner of each heat is taken through to the final. 

The final takes place in the masterpiece The Hill House in Helensburgh. An iconic home designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. On the final episode the three judges wrestle on the floor in brightly coloured spandex. The winner of the match chooses their favourite home and they are the winner. Oh no, silly me, the judges have a sensible discussion and announce the winner. No matter who they choose the viewers take to Twitter (I can’t call it X, I just can’t) to express their utter rage. 

How did you feel about going on the show?

I love to decorate and make my home my own sharing my home freely on Instagram. Here is the thing. On Instagram people choose to follow me. My followers are mainly women, who already appreciate eccentric homes or are beginning to dip their toe in this wonderful world of colour. They are my people. The thought of putting it out on television made me a little nervous. I wasn’t sure I could handle the criticism from people who are absolutely not my intended audience. Although, something has changed in me in recent years. I have developed an inner confidence resulting in me thinking, as long as I like it then that is all that matters. I know my home isn’t for everyone. Because it isn’t. It’s MINE. Well, ours. Sorry family. I do live with my husband, Brian and two daughters, Rosie and Olive. 

When did you start filming?

We filmed way back in June 2023. You can watch our episode here. The director and producer visited our house a few weeks before to see if the house was suitable and to check we weren’t absolutely mental, I assume. They told me they feature around half of the homes they visit so I was delighted when I was chosen for the East episode. 

This sounds stressful. How did you prepare?

We did not have loads of time to prepare. They phoned on a Friday to say they were filming on Monday. The BBC commissioner has to check they have a range of homes which reflect Scotland as a whole. They like to have a variety of sizes and styles to represent the population. We tidied and cleaned like mad. Our garage was chockablock! It felt like everywhere I looked there was something to fix. The more I looked the more I saw. The director reassured us that it is in the interests of the show to make our home look its’ best. They would not be zooming in on the corner of mould in the shower I could not get off or highlighting the missed dust! 

What did you think about the judges comments?

A lot viewers are frustrated with the judges for never scoring very low. The reason for this that the homes should be a high standard to get on the show. Multiple low scores would mean the researchers had not done a very good job. 

My favourite part was when longest serving judge and designer, Anna walked in to our lounge and said, after a sharp in take of breath, “I love all these colours”. Oh my goodness. Music to my ears! Furthermore, Banjo, winner of Interior Design Masters, recognised I do not give a flying duck about the rules. Referencing my brass flying ducks above the mantlepiece. I loved this so much as it was a recognition our home is a representation of us who live there. We are not trying to be posh, high end, or even tasteful. We are simply buying what we like and going for it. I love to paint anything and everything to personalise my home. See my post on how you can too.

Were there any comments you didn’t agree with?

Then came Danny. Oh Danny. Danny is the newest judge to take the reins from Michael. Both are architects and are there to share their insight into the architectural design of the homes they are judging. It makes the experience of watching more than just viewing pretty homes but also educates about different styles of design and we can often learn the historical significance of the building. 

Danny said, “There was lots they could have done to the sight with the orientation to the sun. I felt that was a bit of a missed opportunity”. This is Home of the Year not grand Designs Danny! The majority of people I know are doing the best with what they are given. The front of our home faces SE and this means we have beautiful bright sun in our living area in the morning. Followed by a lovely shaded cool room for the evening time. It is the same with our bedroom. If how a building sits in relation to the sun, and only one way being the correct way, then there will be a very small pool of homes to make the grade. I felt there was a missed opportunity to talk about how this style of home which is rare in Scotland.

What makes a 1930s home so special?

There was a drive to build more homes in the 1930s and they used new techniques, even so, their aim was to maintain a sense of craftsmanship, individuality and character. The mock Tudor frontage with arched entrance way and red bricks sets the style apart from any others in the area. The chimney breasts add cosiness and depth creating beautiful alcoves to fill with all of our favourite items.

The house had bog standard doors and a very drafty front door that was not fit for purpose. We changed the internal doors to beautiful 1 over 3 panel style. We replaced our front door with the same style but with all the mod cons to keep us draft free and secure. Reinstating the thirties style doors added character and a much needed injection of colour. Our front door is a beautiful bold green called Arsenic by Farrow and Ball. The thirties loved their curves and as you move through our home you see the curved bay windows and even the airing cupboard upstairs had wonderfully rounded corner. 

What I love about this particular style of building is that it lends itself to almost any style. If somebody wanted to make this sleek and modern it would not look out of place. Consequently, the style works perfectly with my bold and eclectic style which is sure to develop further over the years. 

Are you pleased you took part in the show?

I am delighted to have taken part in this wonderful show. The support of friends and family and people from the village has been wonderful. There is a sense of pride from people around me which has been extremely touching. If you would like to apply for Scotland’s Home of the Year 2025 then apply by sending a DM here.

What does ‘home’ mean to you?

Celebrating ‘home’ and what that means to the people of Scotland is what this show does best. I really believe our homes are an important part of our wellbeing. Therefore, if you have the means investing in it will only serve you and your family for years to come. Making our homes a refection of us is not a frivolous and vane undertaking. It is an act of self expression and more importantly, love. 

Would you ever take part in a show like this? What did you think of the scores and the final outcome?

Thanks for Reading.

Your colourful friend,

Heather