PETER

HI EVERYONE!

I SUPPOSE I SHOULD INTRODUCE MYSELF, MY NAME IS PETER IRVINE AND I AM DELIGHTED TO JUMP ON BOARD AS YOUR INTERIORS COLUMNIST HERE AT GNI.

BORN AND BRED IN BELFAST I’VE LONG BEEN A FAN OF THE MAGAZINE AND, OF COURSE, A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY HERE IN OUR WEE COUNTRY!

Life has been a whirlwind in recent years which I’m incredibly grateful for; building my presence on social media through content creation for my Instagram account @TheWhiteHome , a few of you may recognise I was a contestant on Season 4 of BBC’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr (YES he’s just as lovely in real life!) and since then I work with a great team as a designer on a brand new Virgin Media show in Ireland called The Salvage Squad with Brian Dowling, a show where we redesign spaces with a focus on sustainability (well, I work, Brian keeps the conversation flowing!) and I’m about to start filming Season 2 in the coming weeks. As I write this, it is only now that I’m recognising that I work alongside inspirational and joyous members of the LGBTQIA+ community, that always makes these projects all the more fulfilling.

It all started from my Instagram, I renovated my home with my partner and began blogging about our journey of building a Spanish-style kitchen from builders’ pallets, nervously knocking our fireplace through to be double sided and more recently building an outdoor kitchenette complete with a grapevine canopy - all here in Belfast!

I have been lucky enough to be featured in several magazines, TV, radio.. and now GNI! So if I could give any advice to anyone reading this, it doesn’t matter what little corner or the world you are from, you are able to achieve what you want with hard work (and great interior design!).

My interior style is very natural, textural, cosy.. white! but I certainly have an appreciation for all colours of the rainbow. I didn’t grow up with expensive luxuries, I’m all for a bargain (I mean who isn’t?!) So if I’m sharing my fav picks, hopefully, you find them affordable. I often share my personal design aesthetic on my Instagram but hopefully this column serves as a great outlet for me to share with you all the different aspects of interiors that everyone reading this may like.

This year I’m very excited about what’s trending in the interior circle! 2025 will have a huge focus on Wellness in our homes which sings to my soulthink earthy shades, sustainable materials and Biophillic design. If there’s one colour you need to know aboutit’s brown! Brown started to gain momentum in 2024 but 2025 sees it continue to dominate as Pantone named Mocha Mousse their colour of the year, so expect to see everything from frothy cappuccino shades to bold vintage chestnuts. I am pretty glad because with my love of bringing nature indoors it is easy to add brown alongside neutrals and greens through wooden furniture or fabrics, one colour you absolutely must not with however is duck egg blue (anyone remember the 90’s?). If you’re showcasing a harder modern look why not try adding brown in through oversized wall art? You don’t always need to paint a feature wall (in fact they are OUT!) and if you’re brave enough paint the fifth wall! ‘Colour drenching’ is big right now so paint your 4 walls and the ceiling all in the same shade for an intense but mature space.

Another trend that I’m particularly excited about is ‘Meaningful Interiors’ because it opens up the realms of possibility for individuality, not only because it encourages sustainable thought when decorating, but it lets us appreciate family heirlooms, nostalgia and scouring charity shops for a curated look. Gone is the “vanilla girl” aesthetic of sterile rooms and pointless objects. Mix your metals, hang vintage art and showcase items that make you smile.

If you’re not into relaxing shades and traditional decor, don’t worry. For a more individual look go retro and blend mid-century elements with modern touches, Walnut wood furniture mixed with chrome shelving, and vintage seating paired with modern lamps. Again, do this with heart, be authentic. Why not try framing your child’s or niece/nephew’s artwork in a super slick way to make it seem worthy of a gallery spot!

Interiors have always played a huge role in the importance of my own well-being and possibly, without knowing, your interior has played a huge role in yours too. We have all at some point craved the sanctuary of our own home, when we have our bad days, we “just wanna get home” so make “home” as enjoyable as you can. I really believe if you find yourself looking at ugly, practical objects in your space it makes it harder to escape life’s daily reality. If you’re not looking to redecorate, find joy in simply decluttering/ hiding a few things from everyday sight. This thought definitely plays a huge role in how I design a space. Our toaster goes in the cupboard (we’ve all seen Derry Girls haha) and our air fryer is under the stairs!

Because a big plastic box on the countertop does nothing for my mental health. I just do not want to be looking at these things when I’m trying to get a bit of “namasté” in my life. Find a nice basket to hide cables in, cover plugs in the kitchen with chopping boards or art that can easily be moved, or simply make room in your wardrobe for your dressing gown to come off the back of the bedroom door- it’s depressing!

So I guess that’s my first few bits of interior wisdom for you all! I’d love to hear your thoughts. My digital door is open to reach out via my Insta @thewhitehome and if you’re stuck in a design rut feel free to ask me any questions you’d like, who knows, they might make the next issue if I can help you solve it!

Till then I’ll be getting ready now to meet the families chosen for series 2 of The Salvage Squad, more on that next issue - Eeek!

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.