EP62 The Power Of A Pause: Why a Mid-Renovation Breather Can Be a Smart Move
Send us a textIf you’ve renovated before, you’ll know that it can be very exciting—but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. In this episode of I’m talking about something not often discussed but absolutely essential: the power of a well-timed pause. A strategic breather can give you clarity, reduce costly mistakes, and help you reconnect with your vision. Join me inside where I’ll share signs you might need a pause (I’ve been there many times myself!) and how to use that time wisely. Renovating moves through distinct phases—the slow, methodical planning followed by the frenetic on-site execution where suddenly everyone wants answers yesterday. So a well-placed pause can be okay, sometimes you need to step back for a moment to move forward with more confidence.Whether you're currently mid-renovation or planning your future project, this episode provides the permission to incorporate intentional pauses that will ultimately save your sanity, your budget, and ensure your finished home truly reflects your vision. Remember, a successful renovation isn't just about speed—it's about creating a home you'll love for years to come.In This Episode:Why living in your home pre-renovation can lead to smarter planningHow a short break mid-project can help you reset and refocusCommon signs that you’re experiencing decision fatigueWays to use a renovation pause productivelyHow to avoid burnout and costly mistakes near the finish line*******************Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant.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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15:13
EP61 Creating a Home Office that Works
Send us a textRecently, a well-designed home office has become one of the most requested rooms in the renovation projects I work on. As more and more people are working from home a few days a week, or even permanently, creating a dedicated workspace that's comfortable and functional, is essential for productivity and wellbeing.The shift to remote work has revolutionised how we think about our homes—no longer relegated to spare corners or temporary setups, home offices have become essential rooms or dedicated areas deserving thoughtful design consideration. In this episode, I want to help you create an effective home office space. Whether renovating from scratch or adapting existing spaces, your workstation location significantly impacts your productivity. We’ll cover consideration of natural light, choosing the right location, planning storage and tech, soundproofing tips, styling inspiration, and even how to create a Zoom-worthy backdrop that doesn’t reveal your laundry pile!So, whether you're dreaming of a light-filled workspace or need clever solutions for a compact corner, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a home office that inspires.*******************Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant.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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14:46
EP60 Designing with Heritage: How to Honour the Soul Of An Old Home
Send us a textThis episode delves into the art of designing with heritage, exploring how to preserve the soul of your period property. We talk about what to preserve, what can be adapted, and how to blend the charm of historic details with the functionality of modern living.I also share stories from my own renovation projects, from Victorian terraces to Art Deco apartments, and the joy of sourcing reclaimed treasures that breathe character back into a space. And for homes where previous naughty renovators have stripped away character, I share my tips on sourcing reclaimed materials to bring authenticity back to your space. I’ll also cover how the exciting possibility of commissioning a bespoke piece can honour the historical style of your home, but with contemporary craftsmanship. Whether your home still has its original features or has lost them along the way, this episode will help you think about how to save its soul and story, while still making it all yours. I’ll see you inside!*******************Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant.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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18:31
EP59 Breaking the Floorplan: Rethinking the Way You Live in Your Space
Send us a textToday’s episode is a gentle but firm permission to break the floor plan! Stop letting outdated room labels or cookie-cutter layouts dictate how you live in your home. Estate agents may have labelled the rooms, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in them that way.Maybe you need a yoga space. A music nook. A second office. Or just a calm, sunlit corner to drink your morning coffee and take a breath.Renovating is not just about moving walls or chasing square footage. We want to create a better way of living and a better way to connect within our own homes. Simple connection points in a home mean so much. It really is so powerful when you take ownership of your space, and think about how you want to live and how your home can support that.In this episode we’ll dive into how to challenge your existing floor plan, think in flexible, lifestyle-driven zones, and why your home should support the way you want to live — not fight against it.Masterclass Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Space Planning & Layouthttps://www.southplacestudio.com/masterclasses/masterclass-space-planning-layoutHow To Draw Easy Scaled Floor Planshttps://www.southplacestudio.com/masterclasses/masterclass-how-to-draw-easy-scaled-floor-plans*******************Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant.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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19:09
EP58 Renovation Burnout Is Real: How To Avoid It
Send us a textRenovating your home isn't just about floorplans, finishes, or finding the perfect team — as much as those are important, it's also about managing your energy and emotions. In this episode, I’m getting real about renovation burnout. It’s a challenge that rarely gets discussed in the renovation world, yet it affects many homeowners when their lives don't stop during major home transformations. So, let’s talk… inside, I’m covering what it is, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to sidestep it with some smart (and kind) planning. Renovating can be an emotional rollercoaster, from the highs of being granted planning permission to the lows of decision fatigue on-site. I’ll walk you through what to expect and share some practical tools and personal tips for decision batching and energy management. And why it’s okay to take strategic breaks during your build. Join me inside so you can learn to watch out for the burnout signs, and how with proper planning and awareness, you can create your dream home without sacrificing your wellbeing along the way.*******************Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant.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