Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Jenny Sheahan and Kate O'Driscoll
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Home & Garden

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

  1. 16h ago

    #63 Rose Uniacke Interiors - Unpacking Iconic Homes

    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 restorativeThe rise of “quiet luxury” and why people are rejecting trend-led interiorsWarm chalky neutrals, tonal palettes and low-contrast spacesWhy expensive homes often feel less decorated, not moreLime plaster walls, aged woods, linen curtains and imperfect finishesLayering antiques and modern pieces without feeling “period”Why lighting matters as much as - or more than - décorThe psychology of negative space and restraint in interiorsHow to recreate the look without a multi-million-euro budgetProjects & references mentioned: Victoria Beckham’s homeRosie Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham’s townhouseJo Malone London flagship spacesRose Uniacke StudioDesign details & products mentioned Espagnolette handles for French doorsMill Road wood flooringLime paint workshops and supplies by Maison Anna B. in IrelandWarm off-whites including:School House Whie Slaked LimeJoa’s WhiteKey takeaways Texture is everythingRose Uniacke interiors are all about editing, not addingVintage pieces create warmth and curiosityLayered lighting instantly elevates a roomThe most luxurious homes usually feel relaxed, quiet and lived-inThis 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

    28 min

  2. May 21

    #62 Nancy Meyers Homes - Unpacking Iconic Homes

    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 HolidaySomething’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

    34 min

  3. May 14

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

    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 ColourtrendKey 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

    35 min

  4. May 7

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

    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

    47 min

  5. Apr 30

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

    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

    31 min

  6. Apr 23

    #58 - Balance, Proportion, & Colour - Interior Decorating Explained

    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, and detail.How to use repetition and contrast to create a cohesive space.Choosing colour based on tone and shade.The most common layout mistakes - from rugs and artwork to furniture placement.Mood boards, finding your style and not panic shopping.The “slow interiors” approach - it's totally fine to take your time.Key takeaways: Good design is about proportion and layout first, styling second.Colour decisions should always start with the light in your space.The best interiors evolve over time - not in one shopping trip. This episode is a practical guide to creating a home that feels juuuust right. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

    31 min

  7. Apr 16

    #57 - Layout, Planting & Outdoor Rooms - Garden Design Explained

    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, relaxing, planting, storage and outdoor kitchens Optimise for light - don't just plonk your patio outside your back door Choosing paving materials: porcelain, natural stone and gravel  Timber vs composite decking and long-term maintenance  Planting strategies that create year-round structure without overwhelm  Common planting mistakes and how to avoid a messy, high-maintenance garden  Awnings, pergolas and shade options for the Irish climate  Garden rooms, offices and adding usable outdoor square footage  Furniture sizing, durable materials and weather-proof storage Projects & items mentioned  Jenny’s living wall by Gannon & Associates Landscape Architecture Kate’s garden design by Louise Checa Landscape ArchitectureAmelanchier lamarckii as a favourite tree for seasonal structure and softness The big takeaway: spend on structure, groundwork and layout first - planting and styling come afterwards. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

    33 min

  8. Apr 9

    #56 - Prep, Colour & Finish - Painting Explained for Renovations

    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 later  What you’re really paying for in high-quality paint  Why to be wary of colour matching Choosing the right finish: various matt finishes, eggshell, satin, and gloss  How light affects your paint colourHow to test paint in your room How to choose the right off-white for your room Items mentioned Festool dust extractorWooster paintbrushesPurdy rollersOur favourite off-white paints Slaked Lime - Little GreeneSchoolhouse White - Farrow & BallPowdered Shell - ColourtrendSubtle - ColourtrendTrigg - Farrelly & CoGreene Street - Prestige by Fleetwood (Roisin Lafferty collection)Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jenny Sheahan and Kate O'Driscoll
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast
  • Show Website
    Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

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