Northern Ireland interior designer on appearing as judge on new TV series

A Northern Ireland designer has opened up on appearing as a judge on a new BBC property series.

James Fairley, who owns an interior design practice with his partner in Belfast city centre, is a judge in the search to find NI's 'House of the Year'.

This six part series showcases 15 "very different" homes, with the first episode set to air on Monday, September 23rd.

READ MORE: See inside NI property with impressive interiors and outdoor space

READ MORE: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen leads search to find NI’s 'House Of The Year'

Led by TV personality and designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, James is joined on the judging panel by award winning architect Jane Larmour, and Patricia McGinnis, who alongside her sister owns a Belfast-based interiors boutique.

James, who studied architecture both here and in Glasgow for ten years before transitioning into interiors, said he is "extremely happy" to be involved.

Speaking to Be, he explained: "I remember watching the first series of it all those years ago with Laurence and the other judges, and it was just such a great piece of television, and I think it was a lovely thing for Northern Ireland as well.

"It was quite ahead of its time in that it was the first of the regions really. [I was] really excited whenever the BBC approached me to take part in it and I jumped at the opportunity."

On what to expect, the interior designer added: "We've got a lovely array of homes from different sizes, different scales, people from different backgrounds as well, and I think that's the beauty with this series, that there's individuality with it.

"I think there's really something there for everybody in this series, whether they're renting a first time home, or a young couple who are embarking upon a journey of building their own house, or retired couples downsizing.

"I think there's something there that everybody can take from this series."

James, who is originally from Banbridge, added that the talent from homes in Northern Ireland "is phenomenal".

"I think I am maybe a little bit biased because I'm from Northern Ireland but I think sort of NI homeowners, Northern Irish people are always kind of one step ahead of the game in terms of interiors. We always seem to be ahead of the trends here. Maybe we are trendsetters..

"It was really lovely to see it across the properties. It was really lovely to see such a broad range of styles and interiors as well. People here don't tend to slavishly stick to a trend. Everybody here is quite expressive and quite individual in what they want their homes to be. It's refreshing to see," he continued.

The business owner described the style of his own home and added: "I love clean lines, nice crisp silhouettes, quite timeless design and a timeless aesthetic as well. A nice mix of period pieces and contemporary pieces.

"If I find something that I really love, I'll snap it up, at an antiques market somewhere. We spend quite a bit of time in Portugal, we'll pick up little pieces there and bring them back with us."

James also gave some tips for those transforming their own home and how you can save money.

"You don't have to spend big, you can source from the high street, great lighting is available from the high street [too]. I think, though, that if there's one thing that you really love, it's worthwhile maybe saving up and affording the real thing.

"I know there's a market at the moment, homewares especially, there's a lot of knock offs and poor quality reproduction. If you can afford to save up and get that original piece - that one little piece that really sets your heart singing - that's the kind of thing that your whole interior will focus around.

"Most importantly, do your own thing," he told Be.

Looing back at the beginning of his career, the 'House of the Year' judge said he never thought that he'd end up judging in a TV series.

James explained: "It's funny, the sort of twists and turns that life takes you in but I'm a good believer in serendipity and things happening for a reason. I'd like to think there's maybe something that’s been keeping an eye on me all these years and guiding me on the right path.

"It's been fantastic. A great experience with my fellow judges Jane and Patricia, and then with Laurence at the helm to keep us on track. Really, really superb."

House Of The Year starts Monday September 23 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland. The first five episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer after episode one airs on Monday 23 September. The grand final will broadcast Monday 28 October on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland.

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