{"id":320671,"date":"2026-02-27T20:53:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T20:53:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/320671\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T20:53:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T20:53:19","slug":"we-live-in-the-most-normal-looking-semi-detached-house-but-inside-its-a-different-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/320671\/","title":{"rendered":"‘We live in the most normal-looking semi-detached house, but inside, it\u2019s a different story!’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Interior designer Peter Irvine zoomed into our living rooms and our consciousness in recent years as he became a well-known face on the small screen, all thanks to his sustainability savvy and flair for fabulousness.<\/p>\n

And his foot is firmly on the gas as he transitions from television to textiles. It\u2019s been life at full throttle over the past three years. In that time, Peter says he\u2019s ticked off quite a few items on his bucket list \u2014 the latest being the unveiling of his exclusive collection in collaboration with Kukoon Rugs this week.<\/p>\n

Since starting his social media channel The White Home, Peter has appeared on series four of Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr and now stars as
one of the designers on Virgin Media Television\u2019s Salvage Squad.<\/p>\n

The Virgin Media series follows a simple but powerful concept: designers visit homes and, through upcycling, repurposing and clever use of second-hand finds, transform them into more stylish and functional spaces. Sustainability isn\u2019t just a belief for Peter \u2014 it\u2019s a principle he puts into practice every day, and one he\u2019s keen to promote at every opportunity.<\/p>\n

\"PeterPeter Irvine has designed a collection of rugs with Kukoon Rugs.<\/p>\n

Peter\u2019s also eager to show how sustainable design can make a real difference to people\u2019s lives, including his own. \u201cOn \u2018Salvage Squad\u2019, I actually feel like I\u2019m making a really big impact in terms of getting really great messages out to the world and helping families and communities in much more heartwarming ways,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

In the second episode of the current series, Peter and the team visit a cancer support centre in Clane, Co Kildare.<\/p>\n

Backed by the community there, the designers take on their biggest makeover yet. \u201cIt\u2019s a really emotional episode for everyone,\u201d adds Peter.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking on opportunities like \u2018Salvage Squad\u2019 is changing me for the better. I know I have the confidence now to approach someone and put my foot down without actually having to put my foot down \u2014 I just have to speak up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It has also emboldened him professionally in other ways: \u201cI\u2019m more confident in my design work than ever, and I\u2019m excited to keep pushing forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peter wouldn\u2019t be where he is today without The White Home, the Instagram account he runs with his partner Damian, an electrician. The page, which has grown to 22,500 followers, offers a behind-the-scenes look at their thoughtfully renovated home, styled in the wabi-sabi tradition \u2014 the Japanese aesthetic that embraces the beauty of imperfection.\u00a0“We live in the most normal-looking semi-detached in the most normal-looking cul-de-sac, but inside, it\u2019s a completely different story!” Peter tells Home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n I hate playing by the rules, so I\u2019ve taken risks you don\u2019t normally see in a semi: we have porous stone floors, a double-sided fireplace, no skirting boards and a Spanish finca kitchen \u2014 it\u2019s very transporting.”\n <\/p>\n

What about his own textile designs, do they feature? “Of course! My own home really was the jumping-off point! I designed a collection I genuinely love and would want in my home, so admittedly, we have four of the six designs already down,” says Peter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Social media has been a portal to some of the designer\u2019s \u201cbiggest opportunities\u201d, says Peter, who is keen to encourage others.\u00a0 “I suddenly decided to act upon things I always wanted to do. For a long time, I didn\u2019t know if it was \u2018my place\u2019 because my journey isn\u2019t the usual \u2018university degree\u2019 narrative,” he says.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe White Home Instagram account really is where it all started for me. I wouldn\u2019t have got on \u2018Interior Design Masters\u2019 if it hadn\u2019t been for social media.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s something I\u2019ve highlighted on \u2018Salvage Squad\u2019, because there\u2019s a misconception that becoming an interior designer requires one traditional route \u2014 university, then high-end clients \u2014 and that simply isn\u2019t true.\u201d He credits The White Home for getting his career off to a flying start. \u201cI took that momentum and ran with it, so to anyone reading this: you can make social media work for you in whatever way you choose. It just takes perseverance, creative thinking and time,\u201d says Peter.<\/p>\n

Landing a place on Interior Design Masters proved \u201clife-changing,\u201d not just for the exposure but for the experience and relationships he built. “I\u2019ve had private clients over the years, but TV opportunities became a bit of a career milestone for me,” he says. “It was life-changing in terms of the confidence it gave me, and the connections and friendships I made. It\u2019s a reality game show at the end of the day, and TV is TV. I can see that now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cIt felt like the first stepping stone. From that point on, I was always thinking about my next move. After the show, it was about putting myself out there \u2014 becoming a bigger name, appearing in more magazines and developing my content.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

It had a knock-on effect. After being spotted in an Irish magazine, Peter was approached by the producers of Salvage Squad. \u201cI was already gunning for a second series, even halfway through the first,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

It was with the same can-do attitude that he contacted Kukoon about collaborating on a rug collection, which launched on Wednesday. \u201cIt sounds cheesy, but it\u2019s just a dream,\u201d he says. \u201cYou think of these things, and you don\u2019t think they\u2019ll ever come to fruition.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought I\u2019d be on TV. When \u2018Interior Design Masters\u2019 aired, a friend turned to me and said, \u2018You know, you made your dream come true. You always said you\u2019d be on TV.\u2019 And I was like, \u2018Did I?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The rug collection feels particularly special. \u201cEveryone wants their own product range, your face in shops,\u201d he says. \u201cWe were at the photoshoot, and I turned to my partner and said, \u2018Can you believe this stemmed from me taking spare time and actually dedicating it to designing the products I wanted to create? I wouldn\u2019t call it bravery, but reaching out beyond your comfort zone and being ready to hear no \u2014 but actually hearing yes \u2014 is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/p>\n

Early memories of learning to sew inspired many of the designs in the collection. \u201cThe blanket stitch and sack stitch were taught to me by my mum from a very young age,\u201d says Peter, who grew up in both Carryduff and Bangor and now lives outside Belfast, in Finaghy.
\u201cThroughout the design process, I kept thinking that if it wasn\u2019t for my mum, I wouldn\u2019t have these ideas. She fuelled my creativity throughout my life.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Two rugs, Annie and Oakley, are named in her honour. \u201cAnnie Oakley was a nickname my mum used to get, so I split that in two. I was so pleased to be able to name two rugs after her,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Other designs draw on memories of travel and friendship. \u201cThere\u2019s another rug that reminds me of when I was in California. I saw something similar there, but it felt so inaccessible to bring home,\u201d adds Peter. \u201cOne design has a very linear stripe through it. A lot of my friendships have come in trios \u2014 two people and me. Those stripes feel like the people travelling through life with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"PeterPeter Irvine’s jute rug for Kukoon.<\/p>\n

The rugs are made from jute, a hard-wearing fibre suitable for busy rooms and fully biodegradable at the end of its life. Sustainability was central to every aspect of the collection, right down to the marketing. \u201cI didn\u2019t want plastic plants in the room \u2014 that\u2019s not the narrative I want to push,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cJute is harder-wearing than people give it credit for. You\u2019re not wiping muddy boots on any rug, so why put that pressure on a jute one? If you treat it like every other rug in your home, it will last.\u201d<\/p>\n

Top advice<\/p>\n

So, how should we keep our own rugs looking pristine? Peter advises we vacuum clean in a linear direction and say no to harsh chemicals. \u201cJute is a great neutral that works with so many tones,\u201d he says. \u201cIt can warm up grey spaces and add texture. People always think about colour, but texture is such an easy and effective tool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Clare Walsh, creative director at Kukoon, is a fan of Peter\u2019s \u201cunwavering commitment to sustainability\u201d: \u201cHis vision has produced a collection of rugs which are not only beautiful, but also reinforce our shared belief that great design can, and should, be both eco-conscious and affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n

A self-confessed keeper of secrets, Peter stayed tight-lipped about the collection until launch day. \u201cI always have to keep secrets, but they\u2019re good ones,\u201d he says. \u201cI didn\u2019t tell anyone about \u2018Interior Design Masters\u2019 or \u2018Salvage Squad\u2019 [beforehand].<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to show everyone. Anyone who knows me will look at this collection and know it\u2019s exactly me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Q&A with Peter\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n Who shares your living space?\n <\/p>\n

My fianc\u00e9 Damian \u2014 and if he had his way, we would have dogs, fish, chickens, bees\u2026 Describe your design style in one word.\n <\/p>\n

Natural! I try to avoid plastics and manufactured metals in my designs. The earth can always give me what I need!<\/p>\n

\n What\u2019s the funniest request you\u2019ve had through your work?\n <\/p>\n

I mean, I was asked for a stage in the most recent series of Salvage Squad, and when you get a request like that, that doesn\u2019t come around too often, you have to give it to them!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Any cool piece of advice for regular home interior fans?\n <\/p>\n

We all talk about colour theory, layout, pattern and clutter being key factors in design that add stress in a home, but I truly believe materials can very subconsciously do this too. Highly manufactured materials like MDF, laminated particleboard, and plastic bathroom panelling just don\u2019t give you a true sense of zen. I would encourage people to think natural materials, where possible, when it comes to furniture and furnishings.<\/p>\n

\n Where is your happy space in your own home?\n <\/p>\n

From our sunroom I can see so many fantastic features we\u2019ve accomplished in our renovation process: our kitchen made from pallet wood, our fireplace that transports me to an outdoor terrace, the kitchen table my friend made for us \u2014 as I tell you this my favourite silk tree is blooming beside me, it gets enough sunlight to survive in here and I\u2019m so glad because it moves so light and peacefully, it\u2019s very relaxing.<\/p>\n

Best bargain ever for you?\n <\/p>\n

The plank of wood that my mum found in a corner of a timberyard. It wasn\u2019t even for sale it was so corroded. It became our headboard, it has a huge hole in it that no man could replicate and flakes on the bed from time to time, but I love the beauty in things crumbling and falling apart \u2014 I sound crazy, don\u2019t I?<\/p>\n

Biggest extravagance in your home?\n <\/p>\n

The pendant over my dining table cost a lot of money for what it is, a few twigs. The day it arrived from France, as I pulled it out of the box, one came off in my hand.<\/p>\n

Are you a DIY whizz?\n <\/p>\n

Oh, DIY all the way! I\u2019m marrying an electrician, I can paint, my best friend is good with woodwork,k and I\u2019ve another friend who is a plumber \u2014 I\u2019m building an army!<\/p>\n

\"AlanAlan Carr. <\/p>\n

\n Who would be your ideal dinner-party guests?\n <\/p>\n

Alexander McQueen, if he were still with us, because his creative mind was endlessly fascinating, Britney Spears, so we can have a lovely night, no drama or judgment, and Alan Carr, so we\u2019re all constantly laughing.<\/p>\n

\n What two items would you save from your house in a fire?\n <\/p>\n

One thing, the ceramic hen I was left when my granny passed, I planned my kitchen around finding a space for it. As kids, we got our sweets from it every time we visited her, so it has a lifetime of memories for me.<\/p>\n

See Kukoonrugs.com<\/a> and Peter Irvine\u2019s Instagram account @TheWhiteHome<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Interior designer Peter Irvine zoomed into our living rooms and our consciousness in recent years as he became…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":320672,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[32817,61,60,149205,80],"class_list":["post-320671","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-home-interiors","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-person-peter-irvine","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/320671","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=320671"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/320671\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/320672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=320671"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=320671"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=320671"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}