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. 4d ago

    #65 Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment - Unpacking Iconic Homes

    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 walk-in wardrobe and writing desk to the mismatched furniture and mint-green walls, every corner reflected the character who lived there. We unpack why this tiny(ish) Manhattan apartment captured the imagination of an entire generation - and what it can teach us about creating homes with personality rather than perfection. What we cover:  Why Carrie's apartment became as famous as the character herself  The fantasy of independent city living in New York  How the apartment expresses Carrie's personality The famous walk-in wardrobe The writing desk as the true heart of the home  Mixing furniture, colours and styles without everything matching  How the apartment evolved alongside Carrie throughout the series Design details discussed:  The iconic brownstone stoop  Coloured walls - mint green / dusty blue / lavender / blush Parquet floors Layout - circular floorplan with kitchen in the middle Eclectic vintage-inspired furnishings  Open shelving and personal collections  The writing nook at the window Carrie’s walk-in closet  Art, books and meaningful objects used as décor How to recreate this look: Use your books and magazines as decorCreate a reading/writing nook by a windowMix furniture stylesAdd colour to rental walls (if allowed)Use freestanding storageKey takeaways:  Our homes should express our personalities  Character is more important than perfection  Mixing styles can feel more authentic and interesting than matching everything  Homes should evolve as your life evolves  The best interiors feel personal, not staged This episode is a reminder that great homes don't need to be perfect - they need to feel like you. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

    24 min

  2. Jun 4

    #64 The Kitchen That Changed the Game | Athena Calderone (EyeSwoon) - Unpacking Iconic Homes

    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 luxuriously lived-in feel, there's a good chance Athena Calderone had something to do with it. We unpack the kitchen that helped redefine modern interiors and explore how her approach to beauty, texture and restraint influenced an entire generation of homeowners. What we cover:  How Athena Calderone helped popularise the organic luxury aesthetic  Why her Brooklyn kitchen became one of the most copied spaces on Instagram  The rise of travertine, limewash and natural materials  Layering vintage and contemporary pieces without creating clutter  Athena's bold, contrasting colour combinations The art of styling shelves, surfaces and open spaces  Organic minimalism versus cold minimalism  How to recreate the EyeSwoon look on a realistic budget Design details & products mentioned  Limewash walls and textured finishes  Travertine and boldly veined marble  Vintage wooden stools and antique furniture  Artisan ceramics and stoneware  Steel-and-glass window walls  Apparatus horsehair light fixtures  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Key takeaways  Stay true to the original character of your home Mix antique pieces with new Texture, texture, texture Imperfection creates warmth and authenticity  Organic luxury is more about atmosphere than expensive products This episode is a practical guide to one of the most influential interior styles of the last decade - and how to borrow the principles without needing a Brooklyn townhouse or a marble budget. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

    28 min

  3. May 28

    #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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    71
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast
  • Show Website
    Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

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