Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

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 Colourtrend
Key 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

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

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

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

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 Architecture
Amelanchier 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