Send us a textSometimes in renovation, you hit a wall—literally. Whether it's a support column smack in the middle of your open-plan dream, or a chimney stack that you just can’t remove… every home has its quirks. But here's the thing: some of those stubborn features can be opportunities in disguise.In this episode I’m walking you through how to reframe those unchangeable features—the ones that can’t be moved or removed—and turn them into standout elements of your design. Stick with me here - with some clever tricks like tricking the eye and custom joinery you can turn those problems into stunning solutions.Inside I chat about some creative design solutions for columns, bulkheads, low ceilings, and awkward windows and how colour, light and texture can help hide or highlight the right featuresSo if you’re feeling stuck, hit play, this episode is your permission slip to get creative. Sometimes the flaw is the feature!*******************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
--------
22:25
EP54 The Hidden Costs Of Renovating
Send us a textIn this episode of How To Renovate, I’m helping you see around corners when it comes to your renovation budget. It's so easy to focus on the big, shiny items like kitchens and bathrooms — but what about the hidden costs that quietly creep up on you? Today, we dive into the often-overlooked expenses that can derail your project if you're not prepared, from the real costs of late-stage changes to sneaky permit fees and unexpected accommodation costs. Grab a pen and paper, because this is one episode you'll want to take notes on! In this episode, amonst many other things! I cover an example of the cost of making changes once work is underway — and why it's so expensive, and how creeping costs like taxes, permits, insurance, and even parking can blow your budget.Resources Mentioned:Episode 17: How to Get More Accurate Builder QuotesMy Free Renovation ResourcesThe Five Pillar Process for Successful RenovationsLoved this episode? Please share it with anyone you know who's planning a renovation — it might just save them thousands! And don't forget to leave a rating or review if you found it helpful. Your support helps more renovators find us. 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
--------
18:01
EP53 The Light Episode: Transform Your Home with Natural Light
Send us a textLight isn't just about brightening a space, it fundamentally transforms how we feel in our homes. When you walk into a light-filled room, there's an immediate sense of warmth and energy that simply can't be replicated with artificial lighting.In this episode I share a personal experience of how dramatically different educational environments—one dark and oppressive, one flooded with natural light—shaped my understanding of how buildings affect our emotional state. When I think back to it, this early awareness really formed the foundation of my approach to using light as a tool in renovation. Light shouldn't be a luxury or an afterthought, it should be prioritised in every project.Whether you're planning a complete renovation or looking for simpler improvements, this episode explores practical solutions to bring more light into your home. So join me inside where I chat through some tips like adding strategic roof lights, stealing borrowed light, and more.Your home should support your well-being and form the framework for your busy life, and by understanding the power of light and implementing some of these strategies, you can create a home that energises and restores.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
--------
21:25
EP52 My Process For Planning Wardrobe Storage
Send us a textDo you ever open your wardrobe and feel instantly… annoyed?Overflowing drawers, crammed rails, mystery piles of socks — we’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: wardrobe storage doesn’t have to be a daily frustration. In this week’s episode of How To Renovate, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for designing wardrobe storage that actually works.This episode is full of practical tips I use with clients all the time.Inside I share how to work out exactly how much space you need, clever layout tips, and how to make it beautiful, not just functional.Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just rethinking your current setup, this one’s for you. Because starting your day with a wardrobe that works? Total game-changer!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
--------
15:37
EP51 Why You Should Have Things In Your Home That Tell A Story
Send us a textWhat makes a house truly feel like home? Beyond beautiful furniture and perfect paint colors lies something more profound – the personal stories woven into your living space. Taking inspiration from a recent client project where we've moved beyond renovation to thoughtfully selecting meaningful objects, this episode explores why surrounding yourself with items that tell your story creates a deeper connection to your space. Your identity is essentially a collection of stories, and bringing elements from your past, travels, and meaningful experiences into your home reflects who you truly are.These story-rich items serve multiple purposes. They're natural conversation starters, as I discovered when my husband displayed Andreas Gursky's swimming pool photographs that captivate every visitor. They trigger positive emotions daily, with research suggesting people who display family photos live happier lives. And in today's uncertain world, they remind us to treasure our safe havens and the memories they protect.The beauty of this approach? Creating a story-filled home doesn't require significant expense. From travel souvenirs to simple photo prints in nice frames, what matters is the meaning behind each piece. Your home becomes a visual autobiography, filled with reminders of special moments, cherished relationships, and personal values.Ready to transform your space with meaningful touches? Listen for practical ideas to create a home that truly tells your unique story. And don't forget to check out our free renovation resources at southplacestudio.com/freebies to support your journey toward creating a deeply personal home.*******************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
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-studioPinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio
UK