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 allResources Mentioned: Free Renovation Planning ChecklistSequence 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
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23:12
EP71 Designing For Entertaining
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
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28:41
EP70 Utility Rooms–The Most Important Room In The House?
Send us a textOkay, 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 homeIf 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
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22:25
EP69 How To Make Your Small Kitchen Feel Bigger
Send us a textHello, 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
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EP68 Does Renovating Make Financial Sense?
Send us a textDoes Renovating Add Value in 2025? | Home Renovation ROI ExplainedWondering 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 QuotesEpisode 35 – Renovating to SellEpisode 44 – Understanding and Comparing Contractor QuotesEpisode 48 – No Vanilla Renos, PleaseEpisode 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
Hey! I’m Tash South, owner and renovation consultant at South Place Studio, in this podcast, I teach you how to manage your renovation like a pro. The How To Renovate podcast is Renovation Education! You’ll learn the correct sequence of a renovation project through my 5 Pillar Process, which I’ve developed over 12 years renovating both my personal projects, including my complete London self-build, and my many client projects. Renovations are complex, confusing and stressful.I’ll teach you how to renovate well, in the correct sequence, save time, save money, and have a less stressful renovation experience... so you can finally make that dream home a reality. If you’re planning to renovate your home one day, or even if you’ve already started and are a bit stuck, then you're in the right place. You’ll gain information and insight from my many years of personal and professional experience in the renovation world, and learn how to execute a renovation successfully. You’ll get the tools and resources you need to approach your renovation with confidence, and learn how to create a home that is not only beautiful, but that also works hard for you and your family, and brings ease to your busy daily life.RenoVersity is our ultimate Online Home Renovation Course set within my 5 Pillar Process. A step-by-step programme in which I will hold your hand throughout your renovation, from start to finish, to help you create your dream home with confidence and without the budget blow-outs. Find out more at https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity Sign up to become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community, and receive weekly newsletters, access to webinars and bonus renovation education materials at https://www.southplacestudio.com/subscribe To learn more about my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, 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-studioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio
New Zealand