How To Renovate

If you’re anxious about facing the daunting chaos of a home renovation, then this episode is for you. The construction phase can be a rollercoaster – it starts off all exciting, then moves into a lull of dust and debris for months, with a high of seeing everything starting to come together at the end. 

In this episode, I dive into 6 things you can do to reduce stress during the construction phase of a renovation. Of course good planning makes an appearance (if you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know how much I go on about that!) but I also cover setting sensible timelines and preparing for those pesky, unexpected costs. 

It's not just about managing your project, it's about enjoying watching your vision take shape - dust and all!
 
 Join me inside and step into your renovation project with confidence and excitement, armed with the expertise you need to approach your next big project! 

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

This week we’re talking planning permission

Starting a home renovation project can be an exhilarating experience, but the bureaucratic hurdles of the planning permission process can often be off-putting. In this episode, I’ll go over 5 things you can do to help secure that all-important permission that will allow you to start building your dream home. 

We’ll cover why it’s important to do your research and why communication is crucial. 

 Join me inside to get on that path to a successful planning application!

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

Living onsite during a reno is tough!

In this episode I chat through 7 things you can do to prepare for your home reno to start onsite - including the dilemma of whether to stay put or decamp during a renovation?

It’s a big decision, because staying could save you money, 
but leaving could save your sanity!

I’m also sharing stories of living through my own renovations in a home-turned-construction site, from falling debris to washing my hair in a bucket! 😂

Join me inside the episode as I go over what you can do to prepare for the effects of your renovation on you daily routine and project momentum.

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

Feeling odd? It’s probably the lighting. 

Have you ever flipped the switch on in a room only to find it feeling odd, but you’re not quite sure why? It’s probably the lighting – badly planned!

Well planned lighting is one of those things that will give your project that considered feel – it’s that intangible element - where the space has a beautiful atmosphere and you just feel automatically relaxed and comfortable in it. Of course you want ambience, but the lighting also has to be functional for those daily tasks.

To achieve both you need to start thinking about your lighting plan very early in the renovation process, I speak to many people who have completed home renovations and who regret not planning their lighting better, and earlier, in the process. 

I always suggest starting to think about the lighting at the very beginning of the project, ideally at the stage the plans are being drawn up, because once your spaces are defined on paper, it will give you the opportunity to start imagining how you will use the space. 

In this episode we’ll cover not only when it’s best to start planning your lighting, but also how – I’ll give you seven things you can do and consider for a functional, ambient and flexible lighting plan.

Join me inside as I shed some light on the topic!  😉

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

This one’s a biggie – are you ready?

Getting realistic quotes for your project is make-or-break, but without strong guidance from you, builders quotes can come in vastly differently, and an underestimated quote can lead to tense relationships onsite, stressful budget overruns and unmet expectations.

In this episode, I cover three very important things you should do to secure as precise a builder quote as possible. Style boards make an unexpected appearance, but you’ll be amazed what a useful tool they can be – if done right. We also chat about structuring your project with a clear schedule of works that should leave little room for costly surprises.

And as always, I'll share some personal experiences and lessons learned over my many years of renovating, to help you avoid the same mistakes.

From the comfort of your earbuds, tune in and get ready to boss your home renovation project with confidence – this episode may just help stop your wallet from weeping!

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

Do I really need an architect? 
It’s one of the first questions I’m asked when carrying out initial renovation consultancy meetings.  

While hiring an architect is optional, there are many benefits to having one on board. From quality of design to guidance with the potentially tricky planning application process.

In this episode I dissect 3 examples of when you do, and 2 examples of when you might not need an architect. 

So if you’re currently wrestling with this dilemma, and wondering if you should go architect-free – then make sure to join me inside this episode! 

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

This week we’re back to budgets!

If you’re thinking of renovating but unsure about where to pour in the cash, or tighten the purse strings? Then this episode is for you. 

I’ll walk you through 4 things to splurge on, and 4 things to save on.

I’ll cover the crucial areas you should spend on and in this episode I share some of my reno cost-cutting secrets.

To ensure your renovation project is both financially shrewd and stunningly executed, join me inside! 

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

PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

Budget overruns during the construction phase are a major concern for renovators. The reno process is already quite testing, and if you throw in uncertainty over budget, it can become quite overwhelming.

In this episode we peel back the layers on the unexpected challenges that may come up during your renovation.
 
 We delve into the strategies for mastering prioritising and negotiating your renovation when the numbers start to climb. 
 A tactical itemised budget isn't just a list—it can be your map to manage your renovation's finances effectively, a cornerstone of our Five Pillar Process To A Successful Renovation.  

This episode is an essential listen for anyone ready to tackle renovations head-on without letting their dreams get buried under a pile of receipts, and I'm here to help guide you through the financial surprises with practical tips on navigating these choppy reno waters!

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

PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

In this episode I guide you through the nuances of party wall agreement, and just why they're so important when it comes to construction near shared walls or boundaries. I’ll cover what exactly a party wall agreement is, when you need one and I’ve got a quick 6-step overview for you so that you can quickly familiarise yourself with the process – without all that legal jargon – from serving notice to your neighbours to securing that all-important go-ahead before you break ground. 

If you're contemplating handling the agreement solo, or enlisting a party wall surveyor, I’ve included some info on that too.

 So go and have a listen to keep the neighbourly peace! 

See you inside!

Other resources mentioned:
UK Land Registry: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/land-registry
UK Planning Portal: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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

Bathrooms can be very tricky spaces to design

…they are usually smaller spaces in the home, so careful space planning and having  a good, functional layout is essential. In this episode I share my five top tips to elevate this small space into your personal sanctuary. 
With 28% of UK renovators opting to revamp their bathrooms, it's evident that the quest for the perfect washroom is on!

Inside this episode

Join me inside the episode to discuss the essentials of spatial planning — from the industry standards for circulation and activity space to the must-have storage solutions that banish clutter. I'll walk you through the critical measurements that promote comfort of movement and good flow and function.

Discover how to craft a bathroom that's not just a room but a retreat, whether you're nestled in the bustling heart of London or enjoying the luxury of a little extra square footage. So tune in, take notes, and prepare to transform your bathroom into the haven you've always dreamed of.

I'll see you inside!

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PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE!
This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category.
https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south 

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

Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio.

In this podcast, I share practical renovation advice, along with deeper insights into home and belonging.

If you’d like more resources and support, head to:
https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies

If you’re navigating your own renovation, my RenoVersity programme offers a structured, guided and thoughtful approach to renovating with clarity, confidence and intention https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity

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