Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

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Every renovation has a plumber, but what does your plumber wish you knew before the walls are closed up? In this episode of Trade Secrets , we hear from an experienced plumber who shares the five biggest lessons every homeowner should know before starting a renovation. From planning bathrooms properly to investing in the plumbing you'll never see, this episode is packed with practical advice...

This episode is PACKED full of tips straight from the horse's mouth - Jason Doyle of JEMI Construction , Jenny's own main contractor. In this episode of Trade Secrets , we're joined by Jason who shares the five biggest tips from homeowners, and lessons he's learned from years of managing home renovations. From when to order kitchens and windows, to where you should spend and sa...

Every renovation has an electrician - and this episode is packed full of things they wish you knew. In the first episode of our new Trade Secrets series, we're joined by Ronan Byrne from Eleven Electrical to uncover the five biggest lessons homeowners should know before planning their electrical work. From socket positions and lighting layouts to future-proofing and avoiding costly mistakes,...

In the final episode of this season of Unpacking Iconic Homes , we head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming , to explore Kendall Jenner’s mountain retreat, designed by acclaimed interior designer Heidi Caillier . This is definitely the most divisive home we've covered. Kate loves its warmth, personality and unexpected elements. Jenny thinks the bold design choices start competing with each other rather...

In this episode of Unpacking Iconic Homes , we explore one of the most famous interiors in television history: Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City . Unlike many of the homes we've covered, Carrie’s apartment isn't iconic because it was luxurious or perfectly designed. It's iconic because it conveyed Carrie's personality and a lifestyle many of us coveted. From the...

In this episode of Unpacking Iconic Homes , we explore the home and design philosophy of Athena Calderone , founder of EyeSwoon and one of the most influential voices behind the rise of organic luxury interiors. If you've ever admired a kitchen filled with richly veined marble, open shelving, vintage bar stools, artisan ceramics, oversized clay pots full of gigantic branches, and a luxuriousl...

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...

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...

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...

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   Desi...

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...

Having a good eye for design is partly an art - but there is a science to it too, and it's something you can learn. It’s about understanding the components of what makes a room just work. In this episode, we break down the core principles of interior design and how to apply them in your homes. What we cover: The 7 key design principles: proportion, balance, unity, rhythm, emphasis, contrast,...

Gardens are often treated as the final step in a renovation - but they can completely transform how you live, entertain and use your home . In this episode, we break down the big landscaping decisions, from layout and materials to planting, pergolas and outdoor rooms. What we cover  How much to budget for landscaping and where the money really goes   Designing your garden in zones : dining, relaxi...

A great paint job has far less to do with the paint tin than most people think. In this episode, we focus on preparation, paint quality, finishes, choosing the right colours for your home, and the mistakes that ruin your paint jobs. What we cover  Why painting is 80% prep and 20% paint  Filling, sanding, taping and the ungodly amount of dust  Fresh plaster - use a mist coat to prevent peeling late...

Flooring is one of the biggest design decisions in a renovation - but it’s also structural, thermal, and incredibly hard to change later . In this episode, we cover everything from timber, tile and LVT to polished concrete, terrazzo, carpets, subfloors and underfloor heating compatibility . What we cover  Engineered timber vs solid timber - and why engineered wood is so popular these days   Stone,...

Windows and doors might seem like simple decisions - but they affect heat, light, ventilation, security and how your home feels every day. In this episode, we break down the key decisions to get right early when planning your external windows and doors. What we cover:  Why windows and doors must be decided early in a renovation   Different window types - fixed, casement, tilt & turn, sliding a...

To celebrate Paddy’s Day, we’re doing something a little different this week - an A–Z of our favourite Irish home, renovation and interiors suppliers. From big renovation essentials to smaller finds, these are the brands, makers and shops we come back to again and again - whether we’re working on our own homes or recommending to others. If you’re renovating, decorating or just love discovering gre...

Bathroom design starts long before you choose tiles or taps. In this episode, we break down the layout and planning decisions that make a bathroom comfortable, functional and easy to live with. What we cover Why bathroom layouts should be decided early in a renovation Planning clearances - it's recommended to have a space 800mm wide and 700mm deep for your toilet Keeping the toilet out of the...

Before you choose cabinet colours, you need to lock down layout, flow, storage, and how the room actually works day to day. In this episode we break down the early decisions that will make your kitchen renovation successful. What we cover Why kitchens are usually the first major design decision in a renovation The layout choices that affect plumbing, electrics and budget Why the classic “kitchen t...

Designing your electrical plan isn’t just about picking lights - it’s about how your home actually works every day. In this episode (our fiftieth!), we break down the lighting, sockets, switches and electrical decisions that happen during the first fix and second fix stages of your renovation. This is the second of a two-part episode on creating your M&E plan - we covered the mechanical plan i...

Early in your renovation, you need to lock down your M&E plan - mechanical and electrical. In this we deep dive into the dirty business of mechanical plans - waste pipes, connection points, pumps, heating, toilets, showers, drainage, and more. The decisions you make here will have a big impact later in your renovation, and there are some important things you should know. We will be covering el...

Planning permission in Ireland is a minefield, and we have had a different experience with each renovation we have done. It's not a straightforward process with guaranteed outcomes, but in this episode we give your our best tips plus lessons learned from our own encounters (positive and less positive!) with local planning authorities. Who this episode is for: Homeowners planning a renovation...

Welcome back to a brand new season of Rip It Up! Every renovation teaches you something, but it's only after you've lived through the dust, the delays, and the decisions - and then done it all again! - that the real lessons appear. This season, we're revisiting our biggest renovation topics, with the benefit of more hard-earned hindsight. Process, planning, lighting, kitchens, bathr...

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 D...