Home of the Year winners: Got married, renovated 150-year-old house and had a baby in a year 

Home Editor Eve Kelliher talks to Kate Byrne who reveals the secrets of renovating her dream family home on a working farm

The living area in Kate and Shane Byrne's home, including Kate's favourite space, back, far right. Pictures: Joe McCallion 

First things first: I want to know how the owners of the properties on Home of the Year, particularly parents of toddlers, manage to conjure up those serene, almost showhouse-like spaces.

You know what I'm talking about: The camera-friendly zones that are just perfect for a smiling Hugh Wallace, Amanda Bone and Sara Cosgrove to glide around in.