How To Renovate

Tash South

Hey! I’m Tash South, owner and renovation consultant at South Place Studio, in this podcast, I teach you how to manage your renovation like a pro. The How To Renovate podcast is Renovation Education! You’ll learn the correct sequence of a renovation project through my 5 Pillar Process, which I’ve developed over 12 years renovating both my personal projects, including my complete London self-build, and my many client projects.   Renovations are complex, confusing and stressful.I’ll teach you how to renovate well, in the correct sequence, save time, save money, and have a less stressful renovation experience... so you can finally make that dream home a reality.   If you’re planning to renovate your home one day, or even if you’ve already started and are a bit stuck, then you're in the right place. You’ll gain information and insight from my many years of personal and professional experience in the renovation world, and learn how to execute a renovation successfully.   You’ll get the tools and resources you need to approach your renovation with confidence, and learn how to create a home that is not only beautiful, but that also works hard for you and your family, and brings ease to your busy daily life. RenoVersity is our ultimate Online Home Renovation Course set within my 5 Pillar Process. A step-by-step programme in which I will hold your hand throughout your renovation, from start to finish, to help you create your dream home with confidence and without the budget blow-outs. Find out more at https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity   Sign up to become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community, and receive weekly newsletters, access to webinars and bonus renovation education materials at  https://www.southplacestudio.com/subscribe   To learn more about my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, head to  https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars   Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio  Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

  1. 5D AGO

    EP79 Interview Episode: Eva Sonaike: Exploring Heritage At Home

    Send a text 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 it. Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, Eva’s work is brimming with colour, confidence, and a real sense of cultural pride. Her collections celebrate the richness of West African culture while translating it into contemporary interiors in a way that feels modern and elegant. In the conversation, Eva refers to The Yoruba culture she draws from, which is known for its rich visual language — bold colour combinations, rhythmic pattern, and textiles that carry meaning as well as beauty. In many ways, you can see that influence in Eva’s work: confident colour, layered prints, and designs that feel alive with story and symbolism. Before founding her own design brand, Eva worked as a fashion journalist. But finding a gap in the market for homeware that reflected her heritage when decorating her own home, she began with a small collection of cushions which quickly grew into a brand stocked by some of the most prestigious retailers. In this conversation, we talk about colour, about how heritage and identity shape the spaces we create, and about why our homes should tell the story of who we are. We also explore something I think is incredibly important; how design can help us create spaces that feel grounding, meaningful, and deeply personal in a world that often feels anything but. Eva brings such warmth and honesty to this conversation. I think you’re going to feel incredibly inspired by the way she sees the role of home in our lives.  I interviewed Eva in her colourful and creative London studio, so take a peek on over on my YouTube channel to see some of her incredible work and grab some inspo on how to make your own home feel grounding, vibrant and expressive, hit that play button and we’ll see you inside.  This is my conversation with Eva Sonaike. You can find more on Eva here: Website: evasonaike.com Instagram  ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

    36 min
  2. FEB 25

    EP78 Simple Things We Can Do At Home When The World Feels Overwhelming

    Send a text 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 the world. When global news cycles feel relentless, economic pressures build, when identity and belonging feel fragile, it can all feel very overwhelming.  Inside I look at some small, simple things we can all do at home to gently reset and find a moment of sanctuary from the outside world, and these cold, dark months of the year. From simple rituals to finding reasons to celebrate, lets explore what can we do inside our homes to feel steady again? ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

    27 min
  3. 11/26/2025

    EP77 Planning a Renovation Next Year? Start Here.

    Send a text 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 renovating both for myself, and for my clients. I want to help you make a confident, stress-free start to your dream home.  If you happen to have a few free days during the holidays, it is the ideal time to start planning, and for this part, you don’t even need an architect, designer or contractor. Just download my free Renovation Checklist and start 2026 with a strong renovation plan! ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

    16 min
  4. 11/19/2025

    EP76 How To Choose The Right Window Dressings

    Send a text 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, the light you want to invite in (or block out), and the mood you’re trying to create. There really is more than you might think to choosing the right window dressings.  I’ll go through the curtains vs blinds vs shutters debate, to what on earth to do with radiators under windows, to why short curtains really get my goat.  Plus lots more - I didn’t realise just how much I had to say about window dressings! If you’ve ever felt stuck on how to dress your windows, this one’s for you.  So if you have a window that needs some power dressing, I’ll see you inside. ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

    30 min
  5. 11/05/2025

    EP74 Can’t Relax? How to Make Your Home Relax-Ready

    Send a text 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 support relaxation, calm, and our wellbeing. From clutter and storage to sensory cues and micro-zones, this episode offers practical and thoughtful ways to make your home a place where you can actually exhale. If, like me, you’ve ever felt like you should be relaxing but just can’t switch off… this one’s for you. What we’ll cover: Why your home isn’t a neutral backdrop—and how it can impact your stress levelsHow visual clutter affects your brain and your ability to relaxBig and small ways to reduce stress through designHow to create intentional "micro-zones" for calmThe importance of mini systems, and why they’re not just for productivitySimple sensory shifts that make a big impact on wellbeingMentioned in this episode: Bluey – S3 E40 “Relax” (yes, it's brilliant—even for grown-ups) ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

    18 min
  6. 10/29/2025

    EP73 Designing Kids’ Bedrooms That Grow With Them

    Send a text 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 design are absolute lifesavers.  Whether you're starting with a nursery or refreshing a tween’s space, this episode will help you design a room that will grow with your child. What We'll Cover: Why collaboration with your kids (even little ones!) is key — and how to do it without committing to Barbie wallpaper forever.How to create a flexible base that saves time, money, and stress over the years.Lighting planning tips for every age and stage.The magic of multi-stage furniture and adjustable storage systems.How to leave space for change — hobbies, growth spurts, and everything in between.Why vintage pieces can bring charm and personality to modern kids' rooms.******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

    17 min
  7. 10/22/2025

    EP72 How To Renovate Without A Divorce

    Send a text   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 disagreements to decision fatigue, today I’m sharing some strategies I use to help couples make it through the chaos—still liking each other at the end.  Listen solo or together, and let’s set your renovation (and relationship) up for success. What You'll Learn: Why design disagreements don’t mean relationship doomHow to create a shared renovation vision that reflects both your personalitiesAvoiding “renovation resentment” and the mental load imbalanceSmart strategies for making design compromises (without giving in completely!)How to emotionally prepare for what’s coming—dust, delays, and all Resources Mentioned: Free Renovation Planning Checklist Sequence of a Successful Renovation - Free Video Lesson ******************* Hi I'm your host, Tash South I'm an Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant, and I'm here to help you design, renovate and style your home better. Let's create your dream home together. Each episode of How To Renovate is short, but brimming with practical advice to help you manage your renovation project with confidence and success. Grab some more renovation advice & free resources and become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community at https://www.southplacestudio.com/freebies Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to learn more about the process, head to https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

    22 min

About

Hey! I’m Tash South, owner and renovation consultant at South Place Studio, in this podcast, I teach you how to manage your renovation like a pro. The How To Renovate podcast is Renovation Education! You’ll learn the correct sequence of a renovation project through my 5 Pillar Process, which I’ve developed over 12 years renovating both my personal projects, including my complete London self-build, and my many client projects.   Renovations are complex, confusing and stressful.I’ll teach you how to renovate well, in the correct sequence, save time, save money, and have a less stressful renovation experience... so you can finally make that dream home a reality.   If you’re planning to renovate your home one day, or even if you’ve already started and are a bit stuck, then you're in the right place. You’ll gain information and insight from my many years of personal and professional experience in the renovation world, and learn how to execute a renovation successfully.   You’ll get the tools and resources you need to approach your renovation with confidence, and learn how to create a home that is not only beautiful, but that also works hard for you and your family, and brings ease to your busy daily life. RenoVersity is our ultimate Online Home Renovation Course set within my 5 Pillar Process. A step-by-step programme in which I will hold your hand throughout your renovation, from start to finish, to help you create your dream home with confidence and without the budget blow-outs. Find out more at https://www.southplacestudio.com/renoversity   Sign up to become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community, and receive weekly newsletters, access to webinars and bonus renovation education materials at  https://www.southplacestudio.com/subscribe   To learn more about my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, head to  https://www.southplacestudio.com/pillars   Or if you want to get social, you can find us here: Instagram: @southplacestudio  Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-place-studio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/southplacestudio

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