A WELCOMING HOME FOR MAJELLA & DANIEL O’DONNELL — “ROOM TO IMPROVE” CELEBRATES LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND DONEGAL CHARM
When Daniel and Majella O’Donnell opened the doors of their beloved Donegal home to architect Dermot Bannon for RTÉ’s hit show Room to Improve, fans across Ireland knew they were in for something special — and they weren’t disappointed. The episode, which aired to record-breaking viewership, offered a rare glimpse into the couple’s private world: a home filled with laughter, warmth, and the unmistakable magic of Ireland’s northwest coast.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kincasslagh, the project wasn’t about glamour or extravagance. Instead, it reflected the couple’s personality — honest, welcoming, and deeply rooted in family life. Daniel and Majella had long dreamed of updating their seaside house into a brighter, more functional space while preserving its homely charm. “We didn’t want a mansion,” Majella said with a smile. “Just somewhere that feels like us — comfortable and full of light.”
Architect Dermot Bannon, known for his modern yet family-centered designs, quickly discovered that working with two of Ireland’s most famous personalities also meant navigating a lot of humor and heart. “Daniel and Majella are hilarious,” he recalled. “They’re as genuine off-camera as they are on. But Daniel had very clear ideas — especially when it came to keeping the character of the home.”
From the start, the episode was filled with playful banter. When Dermot suggested knocking through walls for an open-plan layout, Daniel hesitated, joking, “Sure, if we knock down any more, there’ll be no house left!” Majella, ever the practical voice, chimed in, “Let him at it, Daniel — we need the space.”
The renovation balanced traditional Donegal coziness with modern elegance. Large windows were added to capture views of the Atlantic, flooding the living room with natural light. The new kitchen became the heart of the home — bright, airy, and perfect for family gatherings. Warm wooden tones, soft fabrics, and earthy colors gave the space a timeless feel, while subtle nods to Daniel’s musical career appeared in the decor: framed album covers, photos from their travels, and a guitar resting by the fireplace.
What stood out most, however, wasn’t the design — it was the chemistry between Daniel and Majella. Their easy humor and affection turned a renovation show into something much more personal. When Majella teasingly told Dermot, “You’re the only man Daniel listens to besides God,” the whole crew burst out laughing. Daniel’s response? A grin and a gentle, “She’s not far wrong.”
Throughout the project, Daniel was deeply involved — asking about details, colors, and lighting — but always deferring to Majella’s taste in the end. “She’s the boss of the house,” he admitted proudly. “I just sing in it.”
When the final reveal came, the transformation left the couple speechless. Stepping into their new living space, Majella’s eyes welled with tears. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” she whispered. “It feels like home — even more than before.” Daniel, beaming, wrapped an arm around her and said, “Dermot, you’ve made something really special here. It’s still our home — but it’s brighter, warmer, and ready for the next chapter.”
For viewers, the episode offered more than just design inspiration — it was a love story told through architecture. The laughter, the compromises, and the quiet moments between Daniel and Majella showed a couple deeply in tune with one another, still finding joy in life’s simple things.
“Daniel and Majella are national treasures,” one fan wrote after the show aired. “They remind us what home really means — love, laughter, and a place where everyone’s welcome.”
Today, the O’Donnells’ Donegal home stands not just as a beautiful piece of architecture, but as a symbol of enduring partnership. Through all of life’s highs and lows, they’ve built — and rebuilt — their home, their family, and their love with grace and humor.
As Daniel said during the final scene, looking out across the bay, “It’s not just walls and windows — it’s where our hearts live. And we wouldn’t change a thing.”