Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

<p>In the Rip it Up podcast, RTE's Home of the Year winner Jenny and finalist Kate step the listener through everything they've learned in buying a wreck of a house and turning it into a dream home. They demystify the entire renovation journey, from finding the right house, all the way through the renovation process, from picking a builder, to choosing wallpaper. No brick will be left unturned. <br /><br /></p><p>As well as being a management consultant, Jenny writes a weekly home column in a national Irish newspaper as well as being a regular guest on national Irish radio. </p><p>Kate, before branching out into renovation consulting full time, worked in technical roles in engineering and sustainability.<br /><br /></p><p>Together, they make an expert team, ready to inspire and motivate would-be renovators and DIYers alike. Follow them on Instagram to see more of their renovation journeys - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines</p>

Listener Questions 1 - Bedside Tables

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note at @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram or ripitupearlybird@gmail.com. Items mentioned: Floating shelf with drawers: Sklum floating shelvesKave home floating shelvesZara Home floating shelvesHeadboard with built-in shelves: Kate’s Moebe bed frameKave Home IKEA NordliIkea BrimnesBrands mentioned for good quality bedside lockers: HomesenseWest E...

10-09
12:26

Episode 46 - Dr. Laura on Renovating a Home, Building a Clinic, and Top Skincare Tips

Today we're joined by Dr Laura Lenihan (@drlauragp), the skincare guru who somehow bought AND renovated her home in Galway, grew a skincare business, and built a clinic on-site, all while raising three small children with her husband - basically superhuman right?! She joins us to tell us about her home renovation, working from home, and to share some brilliant skincare tips too. Check out Dr Laura’s range of top skincare at https://phare.store/ Skincare items mentioned: AlphaRet Overnight Cre...

12-11
41:56

Listener Questions 5 - X-Mas Gift Guide

Sorted for Christmas - you're welcome! Thomas Lynham CeramicsOrla Walsh ArtistCiara O’Neill ArtMartina’s PaletteTina Reid ArtLuke Reidy ArtButton StudioIntelligent TeaJimmy LawlorWrapped in KindnessAoife McLaughlinArdmore PotteryJerpoint GlassMotly DesignsGeorge Casey Catering (also does cooking classes)Kids Books - Tales for TadpolesSeven OakSteeleSnugi KnitwearLittle Rolla Kids SuitcaseAdare Grocer - HampersGosson & Gartla kids clothesCowshed DesignAndrew Caslin PhotographyBeneath...

12-04
22:53

Episode 45 - the SEAI Traditional Homes Pilot Scheme

This is the second of two episodes that we recorded with the SEAI's Housewarming podcast. In this episode, we talk to Steven Farrell from the SEAI about the new Traditional Homes Pilot Scheme. This is for you if you are doing up a period home and have maybe found it difficult to navigate the currently available grants because your home is listed or has conservation restrictions. Visit SEAI.ie to find out more about this pilot scheme. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, ...

11-27
29:21

Listener Questions 4 - What Is the Best Fabric for a Sofa? Your Complete Guide

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note on Instagram at @ripitup_podcast_official or via email to ripitupearlybird@gmail.com. Items mentioned: Poly-velvetVelourBoucleMicrofibreAniline leatherDr Beckmanns Textured herringbone Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

11-20
11:00

Episode 44 - Dining in Style

This week we’re diving into dining - from compact kitchen nooks to dramatic dining rooms, we'll go through design, layouts, materials, and lighting to help you create a dining room that is both beautiful and practical for everyday living. Editor's note: We were short on time today and are talking super fast to fit everything in - we understand if you need to play this episode at half speed, sorry! ;) Items mentioned: We both have a tulip-style dining table (Eero Saarinen style) Ghost cha...

11-13
26:51

Listener Questions 3 - Cafe Curtains and Frosted Windows

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note on Instagram at @ripitup_podcast_official or via email to ripitupearlybird@gmail.com. Items mentioned: Ikea curtain fabricsHilja - Kate’s originalStockholm - new and improvedWundaweb - iron-on hemming tapeNet curtain wire + hooksTension rods for cafe curtainsGlass film suppliers:CoatekGlassfilm.euLink to Kate’s cafe curtain tutorialFollow the podcast ...

11-06
10:20

Episode 43 - House Warming Podcast cross-episode

This week we are bringing you a shared episode which we recorded with Kim Buckley, host of SEAI's House Warming podcast, to talk about the range of energy upgrades that we both made across our various home renovations. Visit SEAI.ie to check out the range of supports they have available if you're planning to make energy efficient upgrades to your home, and keep your ears tuned for a follow-up episode where we will discuss SEAI's Traditional Homes pilot scheme, designed with period homes in mi...

10-30
34:26

Listener Questions 2 - Fifty Shades of White

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note or a message at @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram or ripitupearlybird@gmail.com. Our favourite (off)white paints: Slaked Lime - Little GreeneSubtle - ColourtrendArctic Blonde - ColourtrendPowdered Shell - ColourtrendSoda Bread - ColourtrendTrigg - Farrelly & CoWimborne White - Farrow & BallOld White - Farrow & BallSchoolhouse White - ...

10-23
14:42

Episode 42 - Quartz, Porcelain, or Natural Stone?

Are you bamboozled by kitchen countertops? Can’t tell your quartz from your quartzite or think marble is just a fancy tile? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From the grit of quartzite to the ease of porcelain and the affordability of laminate, we’ll help you choose the perfect countertop material for your kitchen. PLUS - do you have a burning question for us? Send a short voicenote to ripitupearlybird@gmail.com or via DM @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram and we’ll answer on the pod! C...

10-16
30:36

Episode 41 - Every Home Should Come With a Manual

We feel every home should come with a manual, and if it’s your first time owning a home there may be things that you don’t know about how to keep things running smoothly or what to do if things go wrong. From shutting off water to testing your smoke alarms and having an emergency kit at the ready, here are all of our best tips to avoid disaster and keep your home in great shape. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @vic...

09-25
46:05

Episode 40 - Top 40 Hits

This is episode 40 and to celebrate, we're playing our top 40 hits - a rapid fire discussion of a favourite highlight from each of our previous episodes. If you're a longtime listener, this episode is a great summary of all of our best tips. If you're new here, this is the perfect place to start to help you to find which of our previous episodes will be the most useful for you. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @vic...

08-28
51:21

Episode 39 - Latest and Greatest Kitchen Appliances

From budget hobs to luxury fridges that cost more than most peoples' first car, today we're diving into the wonderful and some times bewildering world of kitchen appliances. Whether you're a microwave only chef, or a combi-oven connoisseur, we've got the low down on what's hot, what's cool, and what's just plain overpriced. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

08-14
56:07

Episode 38 - Fix It Yourself: Essential Home Repairs

Last week Jenny and Kate spoke about renovation snag lists - but what if your builder doesn't come back? Small issues like hairline cracks in paint or needing to re-seal a bathtub are normal and totally doable yourself. This episode is all about how to do just that so you can tackle basic home maintenance with confidence (and a can of WD40). Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Rip-It-Up Courses Mentioned DIY evening courses: https://www.adulteducationireland.ie/diy/Furni...

07-31
43:21

Episode 37 - The Snag List

Jenny and Kate discuss what happens as you near the end of your renovation. How much retention can you expect, what should you look for in your final walkthrough, and our tips for handling difficult conversations when something inevitably goes wrong. A huge thank you to everyone who signed up for our early bird list - look out for an email from us soon, including Kate's snag list as a welcome gift! Email us at ripitupearlybird@gmail.com to sign up. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_pod...

07-17
48:31

Episode 36 - Should You Project Manage Your Own Renovation?

Today Jenny and Kate are discussing the pros and cons of project managing your own renovation versus enlisting the services of renovation professionals such as architects, designers, and quantity surveyors. Is it worth the stress to save some money? Let’s get into it. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

06-19
43:05

Episode 35 - Rip It Up // The Interiors Podcast

Today you lucky listeners are getting two for the price of one! Jenny and Kate are joined by Tanya Neufeld Flanagan - interior designer and host of The Interiors Podcast. This episode delves into the biggest renovation mistakes, helping you skip the stress and the screw-ups! Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

06-05
01:03:52

Episode 34 - Decluttering

We are in full spring cleaning mode. So for this episode, we're giving you all our best tips for decluttering and staying reasonably organised (we're not Marie Kondo!). Items mentioned: Clossy CoVacuum bags (the Organised Store, Amazon, Homestore and More)Joseph JosephOxoThe Home EditHumdakinBrabantiaCommand hooksDyson dockPicture ledge shelvesAdverts.ie / Done DealVintedDepopOxfam Postback - https://www.oxfamireland.org/postback-donate-by-post-for-freeGreat accounts to follow on Insta Orla S...

05-15
39:42

Episode 33 - Lighting Revisited

Jenny and Kate dive into the second installment of their lighting series, sharing clever hacks to upgrade your lighting without having to rewire, plus a big bonus list of favourite brands and suppliers. Featuring an exclusive reveal of Kate's gorgeous new lighting! Items Mentioned: Irish suppliers Mullan LightingHicken LightingLuminaire LightingWillie DugganLighting range in Woodies - the EditInternational Suppliers Dusk LightingLamp TwistThe Deco NookLampmastersPopup LightingAstroLight11.deF...

05-01
45:27

Episode 32 - Live at the Ideal Home Show April 2025

This episode was recorded live on the DFS stage at the Ideal Home Show in Dublin in April, 2025. Thank you to our lovely audience for listening and asking questions, to Jo Linehan for the fabulous interview, and to the whole team for having us on stage! We talked all about how to keep your renovation on budget, on time, and in style. Note as this was recorded in a busy environment there will be some background noise, but we did our best to make it sound good. Follow the podcast on Instagram ...

04-17
26:33

Recommend Channels