Advertise on podcast: How To Renovate

Send us a text This time of year always brings a certain pressure to our homes; guests, dinners, family staying over. And suddenly, those little niggles about layout and functionality become glaringly obvious.  In this episode, I talks about how to harness that end-of-year reflection to kick off your renovation plans the right way.  In this episode, I go over the method I’ve developed over many, many years of renovating both for myself, and for my clients. I want to help you make a confident, stress-free start to your dream home.  If you happen to have a few free days during the holidays, it is the ideal time to start planning, and for this part, you don’t even need an architect, designer or contractor. Just download my free Renovation Checklist and start 2026 with a strong renovation plan! ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text In this episode, I cover one of the sometimes overlooked elements of your interior: window dressings.  Most people leave curtains and blinds until the very end of a renovation, then panic-choose something “good enough” and wonder why the room still doesn’t feel quite right.  In this episode I walk you through how to think about your windows like a designer: starting with the view outside, privacy, the light you want to invite in (or block out), and the mood you’re trying to create. There really is more than you might think to choosing the right window dressings.  I’ll go through the curtains vs blinds vs shutters debate, to what on earth to do with radiators under windows, to why short curtains really get my goat.  Plus lots more - I didn’t realise just how much I had to say about window dressings! If you’ve ever felt stuck on how to dress your windows, this one’s for you.  So if you have a window that needs some power dressing, I’ll see you inside. ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text In this week’s episode was unexpectedly inspired by the  kids’ TV show—Bluey—watching this episode with my daughter sparked a reflection on the mental load many of us carry, particularly mothers and caregivers,  and how our homes can either add to that load… or ease it. Inside, I dive into the emotional impact of our home environments and explore how design—both big and small—can actively support relaxation, calm, and our wellbeing. From clutter and storage to sensory cues and micro-zones, this episode offers practical and thoughtful ways to make your home a place where you can actually exhale. If, like me, you’ve ever felt like you should be relaxing but just can’t switch off… this one’s for you. What we’ll cover: Why your home isn’t a neutral backdrop—and how it can impact your stress levelsHow visual clutter affects your brain and your ability to relaxBig and small ways to reduce stress through designHow to create intentional "micro-zones" for calmThe importance of mini systems, and why they’re not just for productivitySimple sensory shifts that make a big impact on wellbeingMentioned in this episode: Bluey – S3 E40 “Relax” (yes, it's brilliant—even for grown-ups) ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text Today I dive into into a space that’s often joyful, chaotic, and ever-changing — kids' bedrooms. I'm sharing advice on how to design children's bedrooms that grow and adapt over time, without constant costly overhauls. You’ll learn how to collaborate with your kids, how to build a smart, flexible foundation with lighting, furniture, and layout, and why adaptable storage and modular design are absolute lifesavers.  Whether you're starting with a nursery or refreshing a tween’s space, this episode will help you design a room that will grow with your child. What We'll Cover: Why collaboration with your kids (even little ones!) is key — and how to do it without committing to Barbie wallpaper forever.How to create a flexible base that saves time, money, and stress over the years.Lighting planning tips for every age and stage.The magic of multi-stage furniture and adjustable storage systems.How to leave space for change — hobbies, growth spurts, and everything in between.Why vintage pieces can bring charm and personality to modern kids' rooms.******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text   Hi my lovely renovators! Today, we're diving into something I don’t talk about often but is absolutely crucial—how to survive a renovation with your relationship intact. It’s a little tongue-in-cheek, sure, but the emotional strain of renovating with a partner is very real, and after years of navigating this both personally and professionally, I’ve got a lot to say. From design and budget disagreements to decision fatigue, today I’m sharing some strategies I use to help couples make it through the chaos—still liking each other at the end.  Listen solo or together, and let’s set your renovation (and relationship) up for success. What You'll Learn: Why design disagreements don’t mean relationship doomHow to create a shared renovation vision that reflects both your personalitiesAvoiding “renovation resentment” and the mental load imbalanceSmart strategies for making design compromises (without giving in completely!)How to emotionally prepare for what’s coming—dust, delays, and all Resources Mentioned: Free Renovation Planning Checklist Sequence of a Successful Renovation - Free Video Lesson ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text   If you're someone who loves having people over—whether it’s lively dinner parties, relaxed drinks with friends, or chaotic but joyful kids' parties, this episode is made for you.  Today, I’m walking you through how to design or renovate your home with entertaining in mind. Because let’s be honest, hosting is so much more enjoyable when your space is planned for it and it flows beautifully. Whether you’re planning from scratch or looking to tweak your current setup, I’ll share ideas that will help you create a welcoming, functional home that’s ready for guests, at the drop of a hat! From clever layout tips and breakout zones to lighting layers and storage for all those extra glasses, we’re covering it all. We’ll chat about how to make your home ready for entertaining from the front hallway all the way through to the garden. I’ll go through zoning tips, planning your circulation, flow and flexible layouts to lighting and breakout areas for conversation and connection.  Let’s get ready to welcome guests with ease - I’ll see you inside! ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text Okay, confession time… One of my favourite rooms to design in the home is the utility room. I know — it sounds boring.  But trust me, it's one of the hardest-working and most overlooked spaces in a home. In this week’s episode of How To Renovate, I’m making the case for why you need a utility space — even if it’s just a cupboard under the stairs. We’ll chat about:   Why a utility area can reduce stress and clutter Planning tips to make it super functional Clever ways to make it beautiful on a budget How to squeeze one in any size home If you’re not convinced yet — this one’s for you. Hit that play button! ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text Hello, I’m back this week with a little love for the small but mighty kitchen. If your kitchen didn’t get top billing—this episode is for you. Kitchens often have to work the hardest in the home, and when expanding isn’t an option, it’s all about making the most of what you have.  Today, I’m sharing practical tips and a few interior design solutions to help you make your small kitchen feel bigger, brighter, and better.  We’ll chat through:  Lighting that flatters and functions – from hidden LEDs to layered lighting plans that bring warmth and brightness even to windowless kitchens.  Layout love – why your floor plan is your best friend, how to test different configurations, and why every centimetre counts.  Optical illusions – reflective surfaces, continuous flooring, and mirrored splashbacks that trick the eye and stretch the space.  Storage (of course!) – deep drawers over cupboards, slim pull-out ladders, and even those genius kick drawers you might not have considered.  Breaking the boundaries – how to borrow light and sightlines from adjacent rooms without knocking down all the walls.  If you’ve got a small kitchen, don’t despair—you’re in the right place.  I’ll see you inside!  Other Useful Resources: HOW TO PLAN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN MASTERCLASS: https://www.southplacestudio.com/masterclasses/p/masterclass-how-to-plan-your-dream-kitchen ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text Does Renovating Add Value in 2025? | Home Renovation ROI Explained Wondering if renovating your home is worth the investment in 2025? In this episode of How To Renovate, I break down down the financial pros and cons of renovating vs. moving, UK renovation trends, return on investment for loft conversions and extensions, and how to budget smartly. Discover when it makes sense to renovate.  With UK house prices still rising and the cost of moving continuing to soar, more homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than relocate. In this episode I unpack current renovation trends, typical costs, and what kind of return on investment you can expect from projects like loft conversions and extensions. I also share how you can assess whether a renovation is the right move for you — not just financially, but emotionally and practically too. Key Talking Points: UK Renovation Trends (2025) – including stats on rising home improvement loans and the average cost of renovations. Why Renovating is Often Cheaper Than Moving – breaking down stamp duty, solicitor fees, agent costs, and more. The Housing Shortage and Design Gaps – why people can't find the "right" house and are choosing to transform their current space instead. Tailoring Your Home to Your Life – from home gyms to home offices, flexibility matters more than ever. The Financials: Cost vs Value Add – how to calculate return on investment and avoid overspending. What Adds the Most Value? – loft conversions, rear extensions, reconfigurations vs. cosmetic upgrades. When Renovating Doesn’t Make Sense – ceiling prices, financing challenges, and making tough trade-offs. Beyond the Financials – your home is more than an asset; it’s your sanctuary. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 8 – Double the Time & Double the Budget  Episode 17 – How to Get More Accurate Builder Quotes Episode 35 – Renovating to Sell Episode 44 – Understanding and Comparing Contractor Quotes Episode 48 – No Vanilla Renos, Please Episode 54 – The Hidden Costs of Renovating ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text Have you ever visited somewhere that influenced changed how you think about design?  That’s kind of what happened during my five-week Barcelona getaway. Buzzing Barcelona captured my heart and reinforced my love of cities, just like London did. The medieval alleyways, sunny squares, arty influences, and modern buildings alongside  Gaudí’s dreamlike architecture collide to create a place that is historic, modern,  endlessly alive, and really quite special. Our family of four stayed in a gorgeously-designed little rental apartment accessed by stepping off a bustling Barcelona street, and  through one of those iconic, massive wooden doors. The apartment has so many lovely, clever design details that I will bring into projects that I thought I would share them all with you. So, in this weeks’ episode, I’m breaking down the design details I learned and loved for our Barcelona apartment. Join me inside for a little design masterclass this week, where I’m chatting about taking inspiration from your travels, blending old and new with intention, maintaining those character features, putting together timeless materials palettes, how to use textures well, and how adding just one or two quirks can bring a sense of fun and personality to your space… and a lot more! I'll see you inside! ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text After a long, inspiring summer in Barcelona, I’m back—and filled with ideas sparked by the incredible, playful architecture of Gaudí.  In this episode, we dive into the joy of designing with a sense of play and freedom. Gaudí's bold use of curves, colour, and nature-inspired forms reminded me just how powerful it can be to bend the rules and follow your imagination when it comes to designing our homes. We’ll explore breaking the “design rules”, exploring using all the layers of an interior, designing for feeling—not just aesthetics, and why it’s okay to go all in!  I can’t wait to see you inside! ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text In this week's episode of How To Renovate, I’m kicking things off with a little personal update — I’m heading off to Barcelona for a month! It’s a working holiday (with some well-deserved tapas and sunshine), and while the podcast will be on pause, I’ll be soaking up fresh inspiration, sourcing new ideas, and lining up brilliant guests for when I’m back in September. But back to this episode: it’s a topic I’ve learned countless lessons on – and not always the easy way! We’re talking about what you can do now in your renovation to make your future life easier.  Whether it’s clever storage planning, flexible floor layouts, hardwearing materials, or power points that actually end up where you need them to be — I’m sharing info and tips that will save the future you some stress, time, and money down the line.   The most successful renovations create homes that grow with you. This means designing flexible spaces that can adapt as children grow older, work situations change, or lifestyle needs evolve. I also go into choosing materials that age gracefully and timeless design elements that allow for personalisation, and allow your home to develop and flex alongside your needs. Your home should be more than just beautiful—it should actively support your lifestyle today while adapting to your needs tomorrow.  I’ve seen too many people overlook these things in the rush of a project, only to regret it once the dust settles. So let’s get intentional. Let’s build homes that support the way we live — not just now, but five, ten, fifteen years into the future. Other Episodes Mentioned: EP24 Choosing Flooring ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text In this episode, I dive into one deceptively simple yet absolutely crucial mantra for any renovator: never assume anything! From wonky walls and uneven floors to miscommunications with your builder, assumptions can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Come on in as I share my hard-won insights (so you don’t have to learn the hard way), I’ll walk you through some of the most common renovation assumptions—and how to avoid them. Learn why double-checking measurements is a superpower, how to communicate clearly with your contractor, and how even the smallest misunderstanding can turn into a costly redo. If you're about to start renovating, or knee-deep in the dust and decisions already, this episode is here to help protect your project from going sideways. ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

Send us a text Every renovator should be a little concerned about what lurks behind those walls they’re about to tear down!  What unseen challenges are waiting to topple your carefully planned budget and timeline? From old wiring to unsupported chimney breasts and even asbestos,  in this episode I walk you through the common issues that can crop up once your build begins.  The financial implications of these unexpected surprises are obvious, but don't underestimate the emotional toll of extended timelines when you're either living on a building site or paying for alternative accommodation – and that's why your contingency is so important! Inside, I also share some practical steps and warning signs to anticipate and prepare for these challenging surprises so you’re not caught off guard. What’s behind the walls doesn’t have to derail your reno, knowledge and preparation are your best tools, so that when anything scary comes up – you’re ready! I’ll see you inside! ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio