EP74 Can’t Relax? How to Make Your Home Relax-Ready
Send us a textIn 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
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EP73 Designing Kids’ Bedrooms That Grow With Them
Send us a textToday 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
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EP72 How To Renovate Without A Divorce
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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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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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
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