Send us a textThis 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
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EP76 How To Choose The Right Window Dressings
Send us a textIn 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
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EP75 Dining Spaces That Make You Linger
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
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23:33
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
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