Ep 3. Baltinglass

Room to Improve is a show that thrives on turning people's homes into refreshing, more modern spaces that accommodate their needs and style. Season 8 is no different, and episode 3, Baltinglass, does not disappoint.

For starters, the couple embarking on this renovation journey have strong ideas of what they want from their home. They know they need more space, but they don't want the house to look out of place or lose its charm in the process. Baltinglass is an old stone house, and as such, the couple does not want to lose any of its character or feel as they approach the transformation.

Dermot, the architect in chief, takes up the challenge, and, as always, his plans exceed expectations. The couple wants a large bedroom, a utility room, and a home office on the property, and they want space to entertain family and friends. Dermot starts by pointing out the house's primary drawbacks - the kitchen's lack of space, the laundry area's positioning, and the dreaded box room upstairs that doubles as a guest room.

He presents his plans, and the couple is delighted. Their new bedroom will be in the former box room but expanded to allow for a built-in wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom. Across the hallway, the office will replace a sitting room that's never used, and there'll be a carport accessible through the office, facing the open garden.

The most significant transformation happens on the ground floor, however. Dermot proposes removing the kitchen wall and extending the area into the dining and living room to free up enough space. He suggests vaulting the ceiling, adding skylights, and a large sliding door to the garden. It's an ambitious plan that is sure to transform the house entirely.

As usual, the renovation process is fraught with challenges, but the team comes through in the end. One of the biggest problems early on was the weather. With rain pouring in, the builders had to cover up the site while the new kitchen area was being installed. However, they push forward, and the result is excellent. The new kitchen space is airy, bright, and the extension does not look like an awkward add-on in any way.

Dermot also manages to convince the couple to embrace some modern features like foldaway doors and large windows, reflecting the natural surroundings outside while still retaining the house's charm. One of the best results is a built-in wood-burning stove that provides a cozy feel, especially on cold nights.

The show also touches on some relationships between the builders, the architect, and the couple. Baltinglass proves that some projects need more personal attention, like dealing with the builder's requests to be paid outside the contract. Dermot, the architect, stands his ground and does not let the move disrupt the project schedule or the homeowner's payments.

The results of the transformation are stunning, and the couple is delighted with their new home. They got to keep their stone house's charm without sacrificing modern features like an open-plan kitchen, skylights, and an airy feel. The couple loves their new home office, and the new bedroom is a dream come true. Overall, Dermot's design transforms an old and stuffy house into an airy, open, and modern home.

In conclusion, Room to Improve season 8 episode 3, Baltinglass, is a must-watch for anyone looking for a renovation show that focuses on creating beautiful, modern homes without sacrificing charm or personality. The redesign is smart, practical, and very attractive, and Dermot's professionalism is top-notch. It's a great way to see how architects can make big dreams a reality while keeping what made a house special in the first place.