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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-studio
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio
81 Episodes
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Send us a text This 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 ...
Send us a text In 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 try...
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...
Send us a text In 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...
Send us a text Today 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 twee...
Send us a text Hi my lovely renovators! Today, we're diving into something I don’t talk about often but is absolutely crucial—how to survive a renovation with your relationship intact. It’s a little tongue-in-cheek, sure, but the emotional strain of renovating with a partner is very real, and after years of navigating this both personally and professionally, I’ve got a lot to say. From design and budget disagreements to decision fatigue, today I’m sharing some strategies I use to help...
Send us a text If you're someone who loves having people over—whether it’s lively dinner parties, relaxed drinks with friends, or chaotic but joyful kids' parties, this episode is made for you. Today, I’m walking you through how to design or renovate your home with entertaining in mind. Because let’s be honest, hosting is so much more enjoyable when your space is planned for it and it flows beautifully. Whether you’re planning from scratch or looking to tweak your current setup, ...
Send us a text Okay, confession time… One of my favourite rooms to design in the home is the utility room. I know — it sounds boring. But trust me, it's one of the hardest-working and most overlooked spaces in a home. In this week’s episode of How To Renovate, I’m making the case for why you need a utility space — even if it’s just a cupboard under the stairs. We’ll chat about: Why a utility area can reduce stress and clutter Planning tips to make it super functional Clever way...
Send us a text Hello, I’m back this week with a little love for the small but mighty kitchen. If your kitchen didn’t get top billing—this episode is for you. Kitchens often have to work the hardest in the home, and when expanding isn’t an option, it’s all about making the most of what you have. Today, I’m sharing practical tips and a few interior design solutions to help you make your small kitchen feel bigger, brighter, and better. We’ll chat through: Lighting that flatters...
Send us a text Does Renovating Add Value in 2025? | Home Renovation ROI Explained Wondering if renovating your home is worth the investment in 2025? In this episode of How To Renovate, I break down down the financial pros and cons of renovating vs. moving, UK renovation trends, return on investment for loft conversions and extensions, and how to budget smartly. Discover when it makes sense to renovate. With UK house prices still rising and the cost of moving continuing to soar, more hom...
Send us a text Have you ever visited somewhere that influenced changed how you think about design? That’s kind of what happened during my five-week Barcelona getaway. Buzzing Barcelona captured my heart and reinforced my love of cities, just like London did. The medieval alleyways, sunny squares, arty influences, and modern buildings alongside Gaudí’s dreamlike architecture collide to create a place that is historic, modern, endlessly alive, and really quite special. Our fam...
Send us a text After a long, inspiring summer in Barcelona, I’m back—and filled with ideas sparked by the incredible, playful architecture of Gaudí. In this episode, we dive into the joy of designing with a sense of play and freedom. Gaudí's bold use of curves, colour, and nature-inspired forms reminded me just how powerful it can be to bend the rules and follow your imagination when it comes to designing our homes. We’ll explore breaking the “design rules”, exploring using all the laye...
Send us a text 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 ta...
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 supe...
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 emotiona...
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 wi...
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 esse...
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 previo...
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 ...
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 ...
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I’ve noticed some concrete projects settle unevenly after just a few months. Could this be from poor soil compaction or water issues under the slab? What’s the best way to make sure the ground is properly compacted before pouring? Do you prefer mechanical compactors or just rely on natural settling time? Curious to hear how experienced crews handle this problem.
After reading about proper site prep, I realized my contractor https://www.siteprep.com/concrete-site-preparation/ actually followed every point listed there. The ground was leveled perfectly, and they even checked drainage before pouring. The finish turned out smooth and strong. It’s been months and not a single crack. The whole process felt professional and organized. It’s nice to see when a team takes real pride in their work.