PodcastsArtsRip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Jenny Sheahan and Kate O'Driscoll
Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast
Latest episode

70 episodes

  • Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

    #63 Rose Uniacke Interiors - Unpacking Iconic Homes

    28/05/2026 | 28 mins.
    In this episode of Unpacking Iconic Homes, we dive into the world of legendary British interior designer Rose Uniacke - the woman largely responsible for the entire “quiet luxury” aesthetic dominating interiors right now. From Victoria Beckham’s home to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s townhouse and the Jo Malone flagship space, we unpack what makes her interiors feel so calm, timeless and impossibly expensive. Rose Uniacke’s approach is a masterclass in restraint, texture, atmosphere and knowing what to leave out.
    What we cover:
    Why Rose Uniacke interiors feel deeply calming and restorative
    The rise of “quiet luxury” and why people are rejecting trend-led interiors
    Warm chalky neutrals, tonal palettes and low-contrast spaces
    Why expensive homes often feel less decorated, not more
    Lime plaster walls, aged woods, linen curtains and imperfect finishes
    Layering antiques and modern pieces without feeling “period”
    Why lighting matters as much as - or more than - décor
    The psychology of negative space and restraint in interiors
    How to recreate the look without a multi-million-euro budget
    Projects & references mentioned:
    Victoria Beckham’s home
    Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham’s townhouse
    Jo Malone London flagship spaces
    Rose Uniacke Studio
    Design details & products mentioned
    Espagnolette handles for French doors
    Mill Road wood flooring
    Lime paint workshops and supplies by Maison Anna B. in Ireland
    Warm off-whites including:School House Whie 
    Slaked Lime
    Joa’s White

    Key takeaways
    Texture is everything
    Rose Uniacke interiors are all about editing, not adding
    Vintage pieces create warmth and curiosity
    Layered lighting instantly elevates a room
    The most luxurious homes usually feel relaxed, quiet and lived-in
    This episode is essentially a masterclass in creating a home that feels calm, timeless and deeply considered, without falling into trend-driven design.
    Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines
  • Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

    #62 Nancy Meyers Homes - Unpacking Iconic Homes

    21/05/2026 | 33 mins.
    In this episode of our Unpacking Iconic Homes series, we dive into the interiors of the most famous Nancy Meyers movies - from The Holiday and Something’s Gotta Give to It’s Complicated and Father of the Bride - and unpack why these homes have become so deeply iconic. 
    Nancy Meyers interiors aren’t just beautiful - they feel warm, layered, lived-in and deeply aspirational in a way that still feels attainable.
    What we cover:
     Why Nancy Meyers homes feel so comforting and timeless 
     The signature palette: warm neutrals, off-whites, contrast, and the occasional pale blues, sage greens and earthy browns relative to the location
     The art of layering (these homes are a masterclass)
     Kitchens as the emotional centre of the home 
     The role of texture: linen, stone, wood, panelling, marble and slipcovered furniture 
     Why lighting is everything (there are never too many lamps!)
     The famous The Holiday cottage (devastatingly it wasn’t actually real!!) 
     French doors, open shelving, subway tile and the “collected over time” look 
     How Nancy Meyers interiors balance elegance with practicality 
    Design details mentioned:
     Rosehill Cottage from The Holiday
    Something’s Gotta Give Hamptons interiors 
    It’s Complicated California warmth and layered neutrals 
     Open shelving, plate racks and hanging pot rails 
     Linen curtains and textured neutral rugs 
     Fresh flowers, bowls of lemons and “lived-in” styling 
    Paint colours & references mentioned:
     Benjamin Moore: Gentle Cream, White Dove, Timid White 
     Farrow & Ball: School House White, James White, Slipper Satin 
     Fleetwood Prestige: Greene Street 
     Ikea Stockholm sheer curtains 
    Key takeaways:
     Nancy Meyers homes work because they prioritise practicality over perfection 
     Texture and layering is crucial
     Great homes feel collected and lived in, not instantly finished 
     Practical everyday objects can be part of the styling 
     The goal isn’t minimalism - it’s comfort, character and ease 
    This episode is essentially a masterclass in creating a home that feels timeless, welcoming and deeply liveable. 
    Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines
  • Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

    #61 Jamie Laing & Sophie Habboo’s Home - Unpacking Iconic Homes

    14/05/2026 | 35 mins.
    In this new series, Unpacking Iconic Homes, we're picking six iconic homes, some that recently went viral and some that have stood the test of time. We'll be discussing design elements, color palettes, items we love, things we would change, and breaking down how to recreate the look on a more realistic budget. In the first episode of our new series, we take a deep dive into Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s wildly viral London townhouse renovation - designed by Jojo Barr of House Nine Design - and break down exactly why it works. From colour drenching to honed marble, arches and layered textures, we unpack the design decisions behind one of the internet’s most talked-about homes. 
    What we cover
     Why the house feels luxurious without feeling stiff or untouchable.
     The deep green, fully colour-drenched north-facing front room - and why dark rooms should sometimes lean into darkness.
     How texture does the heavy lifting: bouclé, velvet, marble, limewash, linen and natural wood.
     The kitchen: dramatic countertop, fluted island detailing, panelled ceilings and custom chairs.
     Why continuity matters - repeated brass finishes, arches and warm earthy tones throughout the house.
     The bathroom: Viola marble, checkerboard tiles and that huge shower enclosure.
     The cinema room (the one room we disagree on!)
     The art of mixing antiques and modern pieces to create a home that feels layered and lived-in.
     Which elements are timeless - and which might date.
    Design details & products mentioned:
     House Nine Design / Jojo Barr 
     Honed marble finishes 
     Smallbone kitchen 
     Bang & Olufsen speakers 
     Wabi-sabi style pendant lights 
     Calacatta Viola marble 
     Ca’ Pietra tiles 
     "Tamarind" by Benjamin Moore
     "Peat Basket" by Colourtrend
    Key takeaways
     Texture is so important!! 
     Dark rooms can be embraced - not every room needs to be lightened up. 
     Layering and contrasting natural materials creates warmth and depth.
     Repetition and continuity make homes feel cohesive.
     You don’t need millions in the bank to recreate, using the principles behind good design.
    The idea is not to copy celebrity homes exactly - it’s about understanding the design thinking behind them, and how to recreate elements of the look in a realistic way.
    Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines
  • Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

    #60 The Home Reset - Staying Organised and Decluttering After Renovation, with Hazel Burton

    07/05/2026 | 46 mins.
    Renovation might be finished - but the real challenge starts when you move back in. In this episode, we’re joined by Hazel Burton from The Home Reset to talk about how to stay clutter-free and organised throughout a renovation.
    What we cover
     How renovation creates a rare blank slate opportunity
     Why decluttering should happen before you move 
     A simple system: keep, donate/sell or discard 
     Designing storage around your real habits - not Pinterest ideals 
     How to invest in the right storage for your home
     A step-by-step approach to moving back in without chaos 
     How to maintain a clutter-free home long-term 
    Key takeaways
     If you wouldn’t buy it again, don’t bring it back 
     Where you use something is where it should live 
     One-in, one-out keeps your home from overflowing
     Simple systems beat perfect systems every time 
    About our guest:
    Hazel Burton is the founder of The Home Reset, helping people create a "Hassle Free Home"
    This episode is your guide to not undoing all the hard work of your renovation by bringing the clutter back in. 
    Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines
  • Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

    #59 When Renovations Go Wrong - Snags, Fixes & What To Do Next

    30/04/2026 | 30 mins.
    Renovations rarely go exactly to plan, and that’s normal. In this final episode of our 'What We Wish We Knew Then' series, we talk about what happens when things go wrong, from minor snags to bigger issues, and how to handle them calmly and effectively.
    What we cover:
     The most common things that go wrong (including our own disasters!) 
     How to create and manage a snag list
     Issues you can expect - from cracks and leaks to finishing details 
     How to communicate clearly with builders and trades 
     Why retention is critical - and when to use it
     What to do if work isn’t fixed or things become difficult 
     When to escalate and what support is available 
    Key takeaways
     Most renovation issues are normal and fixable
     Clear communication and documentation are your biggest tools 
     Retention protects you - agree it early 
     A successful renovation is one where problems are resolved, not avoided 
    A practical, honest guide to navigating the final (and often most stressful) stage of any renovation.
    Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines
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About Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast
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. 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. Kate, before branching out into renovation consulting full time, worked in technical roles in engineering and sustainability.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
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