Advertise on podcast: Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Welcome back to a brand new season of Rip It Up! Every renovation teaches you something, but it's only after you've lived through the dust, the delays, and the decisions - and then done it all again! - that the real lessons appear. This season, we're revisiting our biggest renovation topics, with the benefit of more hard-earned hindsight. Process, planning, lighting, kitchens, bathroom, windows, what worked, what didn't, and what we'd never do the same way again. This is what we wish we knew then. This first episode of our new series, we're going back to the start and discussing the renovation process. What are the phases? What's the sequence of events? What's happening and what the hell is coming next?! Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Today we're joined by Dr Laura Lenihan (@drlauragp), the skincare guru who somehow bought AND renovated her home in Galway, grew a skincare business, and built a clinic on-site, all while raising three small children with her husband - basically superhuman right?! She joins us to tell us about her home renovation, working from home, and to share some brilliant skincare tips too. Check out Dr Laura’s range of top skincare at https://phare.store/ Skincare items mentioned: AlphaRet Overnight Cream.Metacell Renewal B3 by Skinceuticals.Alto Defence Serum by Skinbetter Science.Nail brand newly available at Phare - Manucurist.Dr Laura’s “Core Four” - an antioxidant and an SPF in the morning; a retinoid and an exfoliating acid at night.Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Sorted for Christmas - you're welcome!  Thomas Lynham CeramicsOrla Walsh ArtistCiara O’Neill ArtMartina’s PaletteTina Reid ArtLuke Reidy ArtButton StudioIntelligent TeaJimmy LawlorWrapped in KindnessAoife McLaughlinArdmore PotteryJerpoint GlassMotly DesignsGeorge Casey Catering (also does cooking classes)Kids Books - Tales for TadpolesSeven OakSteeleSnugi KnitwearLittle Rolla Kids SuitcaseAdare Grocer - HampersGosson & Gartla kids clothesCowshed DesignAndrew Caslin PhotographyBeneath the AshHardpressed Xmas CardsGaiety School of Acting VouchersLir Pale Yellow Palette - decorationsSlatedPrimrose and Fern EarringsSayers Studio ArtCatriona Curtin ArtIrish Hide DesignsFoxfordAmurelleSomasCloonkeenLa BougieTreaty City BreweryMortons SupermarketRosalinsApril and the BearIndustry & CoThe DesignistJaqiFallon & Byrne (great hampers)Sheridans Galway (also do a cheese club)Bow BabyCogsBarnFollow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

This is the second of two episodes that we recorded with the SEAI's Housewarming podcast. In this episode, we talk to Steven Farrell from the SEAI about the new Traditional Homes Pilot Scheme. This is for you if you are doing up a period home and have maybe found it difficult to navigate the currently available grants because your home is listed or has conservation restrictions. Visit SEAI.ie to find out more about this pilot scheme. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note on Instagram at @ripitup_podcast_official or via email to [email protected]. Items mentioned: Poly-velvetVelourBoucleMicrofibreAniline leatherDr Beckmanns Textured herringbone Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

This week we’re diving into dining - from compact kitchen nooks to dramatic dining rooms, we'll go through design, layouts, materials, and lighting to help you create a dining room that is both beautiful and practical for everyday living. Editor's note: We were short on time today and are talking super fast to fit everything in - we understand if you need to play this episode at half speed, sorry! ;) Items mentioned: We both have a tulip-style dining table (Eero Saarinen style) Ghost chairs - Philippe Starck styleCarver chairs with arms that can double up as bedroom chairsBench seating with hinged lid (preferred over drawers)Slope the back of the seat 5-7 degreesPoly-velvet fabric is ideal for easy-to-clean upholsteryBar stools should be 65-70cm maximum (assuming standard countertop height of 90 - 95cm)Solid wood tables - seal well with oil - we love Ethnicraft wood tablesThe Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt has great dining measurementsDr. Beckmann’s (fabric cleaner)Jenny's dining dimensions: 90cm diameter round table175 x 185cm bench seatingFollow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note on Instagram at @ripitup_podcast_official or via email to [email protected]. Items mentioned: Ikea curtain fabricsHilja - Kate’s originalStockholm - new and improvedWundaweb - iron-on hemming tapeNet curtain wire + hooksTension rods for cafe curtainsGlass film suppliers:CoatekGlassfilm.euLink to Kate’s cafe curtain tutorialFollow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

This week we are bringing you a shared episode which we recorded with Kim Buckley, host of SEAI's House Warming podcast, to talk about the range of energy upgrades that we both made across our various home renovations. Visit SEAI.ie to check out the range of supports they have available if you're planning to make energy efficient upgrades to your home, and keep your ears tuned for a follow-up episode where we will discuss SEAI's Traditional Homes pilot scheme, designed with period homes in mind. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note or a message at @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram or [email protected]. Our favourite (off)white paints: Slaked Lime - Little GreeneSubtle - ColourtrendArctic Blonde - ColourtrendPowdered Shell - ColourtrendSoda Bread - ColourtrendTrigg - Farrelly & CoWimborne White - Farrow & BallOld White - Farrow & BallSchoolhouse White - Farrow & BallShaded White - Farrow & BallShadow White - Farrow & BallDropcloth - Farrow & BallDesigner White - Fleetwood (for outdoors)Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Are you bamboozled by kitchen countertops? Can’t tell your quartz from your quartzite or think marble is just a fancy tile? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From the grit of quartzite to the ease of porcelain and the affordability of laminate, we’ll help you choose the perfect countertop material for your kitchen. PLUS - do you have a burning question for us? Send a short voicenote to [email protected] or via DM @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram and we’ll answer on the pod! Catch us on the DFS stage at the Ideal Home Show this weekend. Items mentioned Quartz brands: Concertino group (silestone)SapienstoneMan-made materials: LaminateQuartzPorcelainNatural materials: QuartziteMarble (including Connemara marble)GraniteWoodTypes/names of patterns mentioned (there are many more): CalacattaCarraraCalacatta VioloArabescato Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note at @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram or [email protected]. Items mentioned: Floating shelf with drawers: Sklum floating shelvesKave home floating shelvesZara Home floating shelvesHeadboard with built-in shelves: Kate’s Moebe bed frameKave Home IKEA NordliIkea BrimnesBrands mentioned for good quality bedside lockers: HomesenseWest ElmKave HomeZara HomeIkea TonstadApril and the Bear - metal side table / coffee table Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

We feel every home should come with a manual, and if it’s your first time owning a home there may be things that you don’t know about how to keep things running smoothly or what to do if things go wrong. From shutting off water to testing your smoke alarms and having an emergency kit at the ready, here are all of our best tips to avoid disaster and keep your home in great shape. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

 This is episode 40 and to celebrate, we're playing our top 40 hits - a rapid fire discussion of a favourite highlight from each of our previous episodes. If you're a longtime listener, this episode is a great summary of all of our best tips. If you're new here, this is the perfect place to start to help you to find which of our previous episodes will be the most useful for you. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

From budget hobs to luxury fridges that cost more than most peoples' first car, today we're diving into the wonderful and some times bewildering world of kitchen appliances. Whether you're a microwave only chef, or a combi-oven connoisseur, we've got the low down on what's hot, what's cool, and what's just plain overpriced. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Last week Jenny and Kate spoke about renovation snag lists - but what if your builder doesn't come back? Small issues like hairline cracks in paint or needing to re-seal a bathtub are normal and totally doable yourself. This episode is all about how to do just that so you can tackle basic home maintenance with confidence (and a can of WD40). Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Rip-It-Up Courses Mentioned DIY evening courses: https://www.adulteducationireland.ie/diy/Furniture re-upholstering course: https://www.oldchairs.ie/weekend-courses/Basic DIY Tool Kit Recommendations WD40Magic erasersFlexible sanding spongesLightweight poly fillerTwo-part filler (with hardener)Good quality paintbrushPainter’s tool (multi-purpose scraper)Silicone gunScrewdrivers (manual preferred over electric for small jobs)Stud finder with live wire detectionCaulk gun (good quality)Staple gunSpirit or laser levelFollow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines