Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Bathroom vanities can cost hundreds, or easily thousands, of euro. But are you actually getting better quality when you spend more?
In the first episode of our new Don’t Waste Your Money On… series, we’re talking about one area where we both think you can save: the bathroom vanity.
We talk about why many off-the-shelf vanities are fundamentally very similar, what we’ve used in our own homes, and how a basic unit can be transformed with paint, new hardware, legs, or a beautiful countertop basin.
We also look at secondhand and antique furniture as an alternative, where it is worth spending your bathroom budget, and the circumstances where we think a properly custom-made vanity is absolutely worth the money. 
What we cover:
 Why we wouldn’t automatically spend big on an off-the-shelf bathroom vanity 
 The vanity-sizing mistake we see people make 
 Why going wider can give you much better storage and usable countertop space 
 Our experience with IKEA bathroom vanities 
 How Kate painted her existing vanity 
 How Jennifer upgraded inexpensive vanities with new legs, handles, and statement basins 
 Using antique washstands, sideboards, and secondhand furniture as vanities 
 Countertop basins versus integrated sinks 
 Wall-mounted versus deck-mounted taps 
 Where we’d spend the money instead 
 When a custom vanity really is worth paying for 
 Some of the bathroom and interiors suppliers we use and recommend 
Our takeaway:
Save on the box. Spend on the jewellery.
A relatively inexpensive vanity can look far more expensive with a great basin, taps, hardware, or a clever paint finish. And if you eventually decide to replace the unit, some of those elements can move with you. 
Products and suppliers mentioned:
 IKEA bathroom vanities 
 Superfront handles and furniture legs 
 Etsy 
 Roberto Tiranti 
 McCarren Supply
 Deluxe Bathrooms 
 Gran Lusso 
 Fiora 
 Kave Home 
 Ireland Royale Stone
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded!
Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September.
In this episode, we talk about what happens when things go wrong, from minor snags to bigger issues, and how to handle them effectively.
if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at.
We'll be back next week with brand-new episodes.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded!
Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September.
In this episode we give your our best tips plus lessons learned from our own encounters (positive and less positive!) with local planning authorities.
if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at.
We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded!
Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September.
In this episode, we break down the layout and planning decisions that make a bathroom comfortable, functional and easy to live with.
if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at.
We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded!
Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September.
This is one of our most popular episodes ever. In this episode, we break down the early decisions that will make your kitchen renovation successful.
if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at.
We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines