Send us a text

This week, I was lucky enough to interview Kate Watson-Smyth. If you love interiors, you’ll undoubtedly know about her! 

Kate is a renowned interiors author, journalist, podcaster and consultant on all matters interior design, and the founder of the award-winning blog Mad About The House, which can now be found on substack. 

Kate wrote an article in The Times that caught my eye - about why she takes no pleasure in renovating and needs it done fast—which really made me smile, because there does seem to be a trend for slow renovating at the moment. And since all I do is to help people get through their renovations on time, on budget and with as little stress as possible, I thought I just had to have Kate on the podcast to talk more about this. 

So in this episode we dive into this topic that we both feel strongly about—why we’re not fans of slow renovating and how you can speed yours up. 

Join us inside for tonnes of useful info on just where to spend your time when renovating, and you can steal Kate’s renovation wisdom and knowledge too.

See you inside! 

Mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about Kates Interior Design Retreats here:
https://katewatsonsmyth.substack.com/p/announcing-design-retreats-in-piemonte

Read Kate on Substack here:
https://katewatsonsmyth.substack.com/

*******************


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 on the podcast, it’s all about contractor quotes!
Quotes for renovation work can come in completely differently, making deciphering and comparing them impossible! It’s a really common problem.  

And that then leads to making choosing the right contractor, and budgeting for your project really difficult. 

In this episode, I show you you how to ensure all your quotes are in a consistent format, so you can avoid that headache!
I also go over how important it is to get detailed breakdowns and ask the right questions.

So join me inside to find out how getting it right from quote stage can help you budget better, plan better and even avoid disputes.

I’ll see you there!

*******************


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 are renovating a newer property that’s perhaps lacking some style and character, then this episode is for you. 
I’m  often asked how to add personality to newer properties, so in this episode I cover a few ideas -  showing that a home can feel more inviting and soulful through thoughtful renovation and design choices, and personal touches. 

There are so many ways to add interest to boring architecture to create something unique, so join me inside to learn more 
about how you can do this with window and door selections, lighting,  impactful floor and wall treatments, as well as the importance of styling.

I’ll also cover:
• Understanding character in homes  
• The role of architectural features in adding personality 
• Creative approaches for windows and doors 
• Choosing impactful flooring and wall treatments 
• Integrating lighting to add character and enhance the architecture 
• How taps and brassware can add character
• Extending character into outdoor spaces

I can’t wait to 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

Send us a text

It’s the podcast’s first birthday! 
In this episode I wanted to talk about the meaning behind home renovations, because renovations are more than just bricks and mortar. 
I chat about the emotional connections we have to our spaces and how design can enhance our mental and physical well-being. 
We discuss how light and space can profoundly influence the atmosphere and our emotional health, particularly in darker climates like the UK, and how maximizing natural light can boost your mood.
This episode also emphasises how design can promote well-being, focusing on creating spaces that are both functional today - and adaptable for tomorrow. 

Join me inside this special episode to explore all the above, and why we need to connect our home design to our personal identity and heritage.

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

Send us a text

She's outraged! 
I thought as I listened back to myself to edit this episode about de-cluttering 😂

I realised how angry I sounded, and I did consider re-recording it, but then realised that I am actually angry about clutter. 🙈 
I’m angry and annoyed about the stress and overwhelm it causes for my brain, and I really don’t like how clutter robs a space of calm. 

This episode is hugely based on an episode of the The Mel Robbins Podcast I listened to a while ago, and I thought the tips were really simple, and quite different to the usual advice you hear out there about sparking joy and rainbow organising, both of which I have never been entirely convinced of, I mean the dedication and time it must take to keep everything that way for any longer than a few days!

In the episode, Mel Robbins interviews Dana K White, the founder of A Slob Comes Clean, about de-cluttering and organising, and Dana offers some really useful advice and practical tips on what to do if you’re struggling with clutter. In this episode I cover those tips, and add in a sprinkling of my own advice as well. 

I believe that embarking on a big home renovation, should definitely start with a big de-clutter.
So here is it, the original (and a little angry) version of this weeks’ episode of How To Renovate - along with some other ramblings about where I keep my socks and nail varnishes. 

I do calm down a bit toward the middle of the episode. 
Promise.

*******************


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 of How to Renovate, for the first time, I’m breaking down my Five Pillar Process, the structure I’ve developed over my many years of renovating, and I one I follow now for every renovation I take on, whether its one of my own, or one for a client.

This Five Pillar Process is also the framework that guides many of the podcast episodes, and what my online renovation course, RenoVersity is structured within. 
The five pillars are:
Planning
Preparation
People
Practical Management
Perfecting
And inside this episode, I go through what each pillar cover and why it’s integral to a successful renovation.

 My focus is on giving you the tools to manage your project without the stress and budget over-runs – from planning to hiring the right contractor.
I’ll chat through the details of hiring professionals, emphasising the importance of research, clear communication, and trusting your instincts. 

Effective project management doesn't stop at planning, it extends to being present on-site, knowing the process and managing your budget and team well.

Don’t forget to grab some freebies to help navigate the complexities of your home renovation with confidence and ease.

*******************


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

I’ve renovated 14 homes and built one from scratch, this episode contains the mistakes I won’t make again!

Oof! it got a bit real when I added all those up! Made me feel older than I care to admit 😂

This episode is the second part of Design Lessons, last week I talked about what really worked and what I would do again and again, and this week, I’m delving deep into all those past 14 renos and a house build to bring you 7 things that I would do differently - and definitely do differently on renovations I carry out now.

If you’re renovating soon, then I invite you in to hear about all my mistakes – so that you can avoid them! 
Come and join me to hear about some important decisions and points to ponder when renovating.

*******************


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

For the next two episodes, I’m doing something a little different, I’m calling it Design Lessons, and this week I chat through a few things that have worked on every project and would do again and again, and next week I’ll discuss what I would have done differently - so you don’t make the same mistakes. 

The purpose of the podcast is to provide renovation education and what better way than for you to avoid the failures I’ve had - and there have been many over the years!

So join me inside as I cover all the good stuff, from lighting to kitchen design - I’ll see you there!

*******************


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

Hello! 
And welcome to 2025! 

I’m not usually one for New Years’ resolutions, but I do love the feeling of a fresh start that January brings (although I don’t so much love the London weather!) 
Maybe this year your goal or resolution is to finally sort your home that may be driving you crazy! But perhaps you feel a bit overwhelmed about where or how to start? 
Don’t worry - you’re in the right place! Join me inside this episode for 6 ways you can get started and get motivated to finally take that step towards that home renovation you’ve been dreaming of. 

So hit play and let’s get going on making 2025 the year your dream home makes it into reality!

Masterclasses mentioned in this episode
How To Create Strategic & Intentional Style Boards
How To Draw Easy Scaled Floor Plans

Also Mentioned:
RenoVersity

*******************


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

Is your compact bathroom in need of a makeover? Discover the secrets to transforming even the tiniest spaces into stylish sanctuaries that prioritize both form and function. This episode sheds light on innovative design strategies perfect for space-constrained environments like London's bustling metropolis. From clever storage solutions such as recessed niches and flush medicine cabinets to the illusionary magic of floating fixtures, we unpack the essentials for a sleek and spacious feel. Get ready to revolutionize your bathroom with vertical storage tips and over-the-door options that keep your sanctuary clutter-free and organized.

We also guide you through our comprehensive five-pillar renovation process, tailored to ensure a seamless transformation of your space. By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with practical insights and a treasure trove of free resources available at southplacestudiocom. Whether it's planning permission, kitchen design, or lighting expertise you seek, our curated guides are here to support every step of your renovation journey. Let us empower you with the knowledge to craft a bathroom that is not only functional but also a reflection of your, sophisticated style.

*******************


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