Send us 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

Send us 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

Send us a text

*******************


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

Send us 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 levels
• How visual clutter affects your brain and your ability to relax
• Big and small ways to reduce stress through design
• How to create intentional "micro-zones" for calm
• The importance of mini systems, and why they’re not just for productivity
• Simple sensory shifts that make a big impact on wellbeing

Mentioned 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

Send us 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

Send us 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 doom
• How to create a shared renovation vision that reflects both your personalities
• Avoiding “renovation resentment” and the mental load imbalance
• Smart 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

Send us a text

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 beautifully.
Whether you’re planning from scratch or looking to tweak your current setup, I’ll share ideas that will help you create a welcoming, functional home that’s ready for guests, at the drop of a hat!

From clever layout tips and breakout zones to lighting layers and storage for all those extra glasses, we’re covering it all.

We’ll chat about how to make your home ready for entertaining from the front hallway all the way through to the garden.

I’ll go through zoning tips, planning your circulation, flow and flexible layouts to lighting and breakout areas for conversation and connection.

Let’s get ready to welcome guests with ease - 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

Send us a text

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 reduce stress and clutter
Planning tips to make it super functional
Clever ways to make it beautiful on a budget
How to squeeze one in any size home

If you’re not convinced yet — this one’s for you. Hit that play button!

*******************


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