Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note on Instagram at @ripitup_podcast_official or via email to ripitupearlybird@gmail.com.

Items mentioned:

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is...

This week we are bringing you a shared episode which we recorded with Kim Buckley, host of SEAI's House Warming podcast, to talk about the range of energy upgrades that we both made across our various home renovations. Visit SEAI.ie to check out the range of supports they have available if you're planning to make energy efficient upgrades to your home, and keep your ears tuned for a follow-up episode where we will discuss SEAI's Traditional Homes pilot scheme, designed with period homes in mind.

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In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note or a message at @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram or ripitupearlybird@gmail.com.

Our favourite (off)white paints:

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Are you bamboozled by kitchen countertops? Can’t tell your quartz from your quartzite or think marble is just a fancy tile? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From the grit of quartzite to the ease of porcelain and the affordability of laminate, we’ll help you choose the perfect countertop material for your kitchen.

PLUS - do you have a burning question for us? Send a short voicenote to ripitupearlybird@gmail.com or via DM @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram and we’ll answer on the pod!

Catch us on the DFS stage at t...

In between full episodes we will be fielding listener questions about their renovations. So if you have a burning question send us a voice-note at @ripitup_podcast_official on Instagram or ripitupearlybird@gmail.com.

Items mentioned:

Floating shelf with drawers:

Headboard with built-in shelves:

Brands mentioned for good quality bedside lockers:

We feel every home should come with a manual, and if it’s your first time owning a home there may be things that you don’t know about how to keep things running smoothly or what to do if things go wrong. From shutting off water to testing your smoke alarms and having an emergency kit at the ready, here are all of our best tips to avoid disaster and keep your home in great shape.

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and...

 This is episode 40 and to celebrate, we're playing our top 40 hits - a rapid fire discussion of a favourite highlight from each of our previous episodes. If you're a longtime listener, this episode is a great summary of all of our best tips. If you're new here, this is the perfect place to start to help you to find which of our previous episodes will be the most useful for you.

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

From budget hobs to luxury fridges that cost more than most peoples' first car, today we're diving into the wonderful and some times bewildering world of kitchen appliances. Whether you're a microwave only chef, or a combi-oven connoisseur, we've got the low down on what's hot, what's cool, and what's just plain overpriced.

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Last week Jenny and Kate spoke about renovation snag lists - but what if your builder doesn't come back? Small issues like hairline cracks in paint or needing to re-seal a bathtub are normal and totally doable yourself. This episode is all about how to do just that so you can tackle basic home maintenance with confidence (and a can of WD40).

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Rip-It-Up

Courses Mentioned

<...

Jenny and Kate discuss what happens as you near the end of your renovation. How much retention can you expect, what should you look for in your final walkthrough, and our tips for handling difficult conversations when something inevitably goes wrong. A huge thank you to everyone who signed up for our early bird list - look out for an email from us soon, including Kate's snag list as a welcome gift! Email us at ripitupearlybird@gmail.com to sign up.

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Register your interest for our early bird list at ripitupearlybird@gmail.com - just send us your name and say "I'm interested!", and we will add you to the list.

We'll be back in two weeks with our next episode!

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Today Jenny and Kate are discussing the pros and cons of project managing your own renovation versus enlisting the services of renovation professionals such as architects, designers, and quantity surveyors. Is it worth the stress to save some money? Let’s get into it.

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Today you lucky listeners are getting two for the price of one! Jenny and Kate are joined by Tanya Neufeld Flanagan - interior designer and host of The Interiors Podcast. This episode delves into the biggest renovation mistakes, helping you skip the stress and the screw-ups!

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

We are in full spring cleaning mode. So for this episode, we're giving you all our best tips for decluttering and staying reasonably organised (we're not Marie Kondo!).

Items mentioned:

Great accounts to follow on Insta

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Jenny and Kate dive into the second installment of their lighting series, sharing clever hacks to upgrade your lighting without having to rewire, plus a big bonus list of favourite brands and suppliers. Featuring an exclusive reveal of Kate's gorgeous new lighting!

Items Mentioned:

Irish suppliers

International Suppliers

Brands

 This episode was recorded live on the DFS stage at the Ideal Home Show in Dublin in April, 2025. Thank you to our lovely audience for listening and asking questions, to Jo Linehan for the fabulous interview, and to the whole team for having us on stage! We talked all about how to keep your renovation on budget, on time, and in style. Note as this was recorded in a busy environment there will be some background noise, but we did our best to make it sound good.

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Today Jenny and Kate are tackling the hardest working spaces in your home - utility rooms, laundry rooms, boot rooms, and all the clever cabinets and gadgets to hide the chaos in style.

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...

Kate and Jenny are turning up the heat - that's right, it's all about heating systems. It's not a topic that we're experts on, but we will take you through how we made the decisions in our previous homes around which type of boiler to choose, radiators, underfloor heating, and heat pumps. We will tell you all about the mistakes we made and the things that we would do again.

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We are joined by the inimitable Laura de Barra. She is a three-time best-selling author and "SheIY" expert who is going to tell us everything we should be looking for when viewing property as well as keeping it all running smoothly once you've moved in. So sit back and prepare yourself for a schooling by the Gaff Goddess herself.

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 In this episode, Kate and Jenny discuss  the main renovation mistakes that we have either made ourselves or that we have seen our clients making. We want to save you time and money by learning from our mistakes, so be sure to listen to the whole episode!

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

 Today on Rip It Up we are joined by Gráinne Gillett who became an internet renovation sensation in 2022 when she took on a seriously rundown Victorian cottage in Dublin, documenting every step of the transformation and getting very hands-on in the process. With a keen eye for interiors and an impressive DIY skill set, Gráinne has inspired countless people to take on their own renovation projects. 

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

For the last episode of 2024, Kate and Jenny take you through their ultimate Christmas gift guide

Best homewares / interiors gift we got

We don't want to cause any panic, but it is nearly time to start thinking about Christmas. So here are all of our top tips for Christmas decorations, from the beautiful and chic to the gaudy and fun; from the DIY to the sustainable to the slightly more outlandish, we've got you covered.

Items mentioned:

In this episode, Kate and Jenny pull back the curtains (literally) to talk all things window dressings, from sleek blinds to cosy curtains.

Items mentioned:

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Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

For this special live episode, Kate and Jenny are interviewed by the fabulous Jo Linehan from GAFF Interiors live onstage at the ideal home show in Dublin in October, 2024.

There is a little bit of background noise, but if you weren't able to make it in person then we hope you enjoy this live recording! Special shout out to Rowan for making it possible.

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Maybe you are in a short-term rental or maybe you are living in your home before you renovate it. Either way, this episode is all about quick fixes that you can implement easily and without breaking the bank to make your home feel a little bit more comfortable while you're there.

Items mentioned:

Simple qu...

You spend a third of your life in bed, so getting the right one is important! In this episode, Kate and Jenny take you through everything you need to know about picking your perfect bed, your perfect mattress, and your perfect sleep set-up.

Items mentioned:

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

This episode is all about Kate and Jenny's favourite household gadgets and gizmos. We had a lot to talk about here so there will be another follow-on episode soon!

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KITCHEN GADGETS

Kate and Jenny are excited to bring you a very special guest - award winning Australian architect Georgina Wilson, founder of Georgina Wilson Associates and  Ask an Architect. Get ready for an absolute goldmine episode, chock-a-block with renovation revelations, and check out askanarchitect.co for more.

For this episode, we are very proud to be sponsored by Floretry. Floretry crafts contemporary floral designs that evoke a connection to the Irish landscape. With a commitment to sustainability, Floretry uses Irish grown flowers to create unique floral styling for weddings, TV, film, and events. If you are planning a w...

In this episode, Kate and Jenny take you through some key tips for how you can stay on budget during your renovation.

It doesn't have to compromise quality and it doesn't have to compromise aesthetics. But keeping on top of your budget throughout your whole renovation is sure to save you some money in the end.

Items mentioned:
- Jenny's budget tracker is available at jennysheahan.com
- Lefroy Brooks (bathrooms)
- Villeroy & Boch (bathroom)
- Kitchen Aid stand mixer
- First Fix (stage of renovation up to where plaster...

In today's episode, Kate and Jenny help you to find your interior style. You know what you like and you have pictures, but you're not sure exactly how to pull it all together in your own space. Kate and Jenny will take you through some tips and tricks to get that professional look. 

Topics Referenced

In this episode, Kate and Jenny give you the details of how to avail of the energy efficiency, conservation, vacant property, and derelict property grants available in Ireland.

Grants mentioned - check out https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/housing-grants-and-schemes/ for a thorough guide:

In this episode Kate and Jenny are talking about thrifting, giving their best tips for finding unique pieces, knowing how to spot a bargain, and some upcycling advice for bringing pre-loved items back to their former glory.  (Please excuse my scratchy voice in this episode, I had a sore throat! - Jenny.)

Where to shop for second hand deals:
- adverts.ie
- donedeal.ie
- Kilkenny Architectural Salvage
- Pamono.eu
- The Vintage Hub
- Pete’s Antiques
- Acquired.ie
- Francis Street, Dublin - full of a...

Following an absolute scorcher of a week in Ireland, Kate and Jenny are talking about gardens, and how a planned out well garden can be as good as having another room in your home. Kate and Jenny discuss everything from furniture and outdoor kitchens to plants and lighting, making your gardens such a haven you'll never want to go back indoors!

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

In this episode, Kate and Jenny give you their best tips and some simple guidelines to follow for getting the layout of each room just right.

Items mentioned:
- The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt
- PowerPoint or Google Sheets
- Graph paper
- Laser measure
- Room Planner
- SketchUp
- Morpholio Trace
- Samsung Frame TV
- Slim frame sofa
- Rattan or sisal rugs (or jute)

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow...

In this episode, Jenny and Kate discuss how to design for clever storage solutions during the renovation process. We are delighted to be sponsored by the Organised Store for this episode - check out their extensive catalogue at organisedstore.ie

Items mentioned:

- The Elfa system
- The Interior Design Handbook by Frida Ramstedt
- Ottoman bed and storage stools
- Bench seating with storage underneath and a hinged lid (not drawers)
- Muuto wall dots
- Wicker baskets 
- Recessed  wall storage (especially in bathrooms)
- Low ha...

In this episode, Kate and Jenny go through everything to do with choosing the right external windows and doors - from your front door to Crittall-style doors, and from sash windows to sunroofs.

Items mentioned:
- Aluclad windows - engineered wood surrounding metal mechanisms
- Bi-fold doors - you need more space than you think to fold them away
- Crittall and Crittal-style steel-framed windows and doors
- Fineo glass - ultra thin glazing
- Velux Cabrio - balcony roof-window
- Sun tunnels
- Switchable Privacy Glass 

Support t...

This episode is all about flooring. So whether you're thinking of cozy carpet, timeless timber, or luxury lino, Kate and Jenny have got you covered.

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Kate and Jenny are joined by Rachel and Alan - professional painters and founders of Farrelly & Co, an Irish premium painting company. Rachel and Alan answer lots of listener-submitted questions about choosing the right colours, finding the right painter, and taking on a DIY painting project.

Items mentioned:

Off white paint colours mentioned:
- Trig - Farrelly & Co
- Milk Teeth - Colourtrend
- Arctic Blond - Colourtrend
- Schoolhouse White - Farrow & Ball
- Sandycove - Farrelly & Co (green undertones)

Coloured paint colours mentioned:
- Invisible...

In this episode about bathrooms, Kate and Jenny delve into everything from taps and toilets to tiles and tanking.

Items mentioned:
- Terrazzo and Zellige tiles, both from Mosaic Factory.
- Microcement
- Tileable shower tray
- Coloured grout
- Lefroy Brooks hardware
- Japanese soaking baths (Ibani)
- Tile sealant
- Concealed thermostat
- Back to the wall cisterns
- Bidet hoses

Support the show

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate...