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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

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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

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.

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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

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!

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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

Send us a text

If 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 planning
• How a short break mid-project can help you reset and refocus
• Common signs that you’re experiencing decision fatigue
• Ways to use a renovation pause productively
• How to avoid burnout and costly mistakes near the finish line

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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

Send us a text

Recently, 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.

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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

Send us a text

This 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!

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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

Send us a text

Today’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 & Layout
https://www.southplacestudio.com/masterclasses/masterclass-space-planning-layout

How To Draw Easy Scaled Floor Plans
https://www.southplacestudio.com/masterclasses/masterclass-how-to-draw-easy-scaled-floor-plans

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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

Send us a text

Renovating 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.

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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

Send us a text

In this episode I talk about art adds personality, depth, and soul to your home, and how it can be a powerful guiding force when planning your interiors too. 

I unpack how to plan for art early on in your renovation—from considering sight lines and lighting, to using art to influence colour palettes, textures and floor plans.

We’ll also cover how to add sentimental pieces, and how to find something unique that doesn’t break the bank. And at the end there are some quick tips on how to place and hang art confidently in your home. 

I hope this episode will inspire you to bring more joy, story, and soul into your space—through art that truly reflects you.

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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

Send us a text

Today I share the renovation mistakes you don’t know you’re making – until it’s too late.

I'm going to help you avoid those mistakes that I find people find out just a little bit too late. They've spent years thinking about their renovation, they've spent months and months carrying out their renovation, only to move into their finished home and find that a few things are just not quite right. 

So, today's episode is dedicated to helping you spot and think about those small decisions, that end up having a big impact on how your home functions, feels and flows.

Listen now and save yourself the heartbreak later 💔

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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