Show hidden files - but not everywhere?

Is it possible to use folder options to 'show hidden/system files' selectively?
For example, if I select folder options for c:\users\me\AppData\local, which is necessary as AppData is always hidden, this applies to hidden all folders in the root directory.
What if I don't want system folders showing on the desktop? If you deselect 'hidden' for desktop, this applies to all folders in the directory above, seemingly.
I have a feeling that this isn't possible...