How To Renovate

southplacestudio.com/renoversity I have some exciting news - the doors to RenoVersity are open once again! Over my many years in this reno world, I’ve seen people struggle with renovating in so many ways, and that’s exactly why I created RenoVersity - my clear 5 Pillar step-by-step system that helps you plan, design and deliver your renovation in the right order. So you avoid costly mistakes, over...

I'm doing things a little differently this week. Instead of our usual episode, I've decided to share a special masterclass with you because I think it's one of the most useful lessons I've ever created for homeowners planning a renovation.  Most homeowners don't save £40,000 through one big decision. They save it through a series of smart decisions made before the renovati...

In this episode, I reflect on the meaning of belonging in a world that can often feel divided, uncertain and increasingly hostile. As an immigrant, I've been thinking a lot about what it means to feel at home and how fragile that sense of belonging can sometimes be. I explore how our earliest experiences of belonging, or not belonging, shape the way we move through the world and influence wha...

Maybe the goal isn’t to ‘finish’ your home… maybe the goal is to create a foundation that allows it to grow with you. We’ve all had that thought… “Once the renovation is done, everything will finally feel complete.” But I have to say, that moment does come, but also… life evolves. In this episode, I’m unpacking this idea, because the goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a home that can grow, shift...

Have you ever walked into a space and felt instantly calm… while someone else feels completely unsettled? In this episode, I’m introducing you to a concept I’ve recently discovered called Umwelt, and I think it will completely reframe how we think about our homes. I came across the German word, Umwelt in my recent research, and it piqued my interest. I've come across so many different words o...

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant, Emma Forrest, in her gorgeous, cosy, feminine home.  Emma, is a novelist, memoirist and filmmaker, and her work is known for its emotional precision and unflinching honesty, exploring love, identity, grief, and the ways our past shapes who we become.  From her early days as a teenage columnist interviewing cultural icons in 90s London, to her deeply...

What if your home was quietly shaping your habits… without you even realising? In this episode, I explore one of the most powerful ideas from Atomic Habits by James Clear, that our environment plays a huge role in the habits we build (or struggle to maintain). As renovators and homeowners, this is where things get really interesting. Because your home isn’t just a backdrop to your life, It’s an ac...

Layout is more than just where walls go,  it’s how your home feels to live in every day. In this episode, I’m talking about all the the subtle but powerful ways layout shapes our mood, stress levels, and how easily (or not) our lives flow through our homes. I chat about why bad circulation quietly causes daily frustration. How thresholds and transitions create calm and clarity. Why adding a pause...

Some designers create beautiful things. Others create work that carries a story. And today’s guest is someone whose work does both. In this episode I talk Eva Sonaike, a London-based textile and interior designer whose work is instantly recognisable for its bold palettes, layered patterns, and joyful energy. But what makes Eva’s work so compelling isn’t just the colour — it’s the narrative behind...

I'm back and in this episode, I’m sharing a personal update on why the podcast returned a little later than planned… and where it’s heading next.  Life, business, a new renovation project, RenoVersity updates, and even a book in the works have all been bubbling away behind the scenes. But more than that, I wanted to talk about something many of us are quietly carrying right now: the weight of...

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 r...

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,...

******************* PLEASE CAST YOUR KIND VOTES HERE! This podcast has been shortlisted for a UFurnish Home Award in the Best Interior Content Creator Category. https://homeawards.ufurnish.com/2026/en/page/vote?nomination=9fce-tash-south   ******************* Hi, I’m Tash South — interior designer, renovation consultant, and founder of South Place Studio. In this podcast, I share practical renovat...

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 suppor...

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...

  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...

  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 beautifu...

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 re...

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,...

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...

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 hi...

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...

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...

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 a...

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 une...