Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Don’t Waste Your Money On… Curtains

Custom curtains and blinds can add thousands at the end of a renovation. But are they something you really need to spend big on straight away? This week on Don’t Waste Your Money On…, we’re talking curtains and window treatments: one of those finishing touches that can make a huge difference to a room, but can also be very easy to upgrade later. We share what we’ve actually done in our own homes, from €5-a-metre fabric and ready-made H&M curtains to IKEA sheers, inexpensive roller blinds, DIY café curtains, and online made-to-measure options. We also talk about the details that can make inexpensive curtains look much better, why getting the measurements and hanging position right matters enormously, and the circumstances where we absolutely think custom window treatments are worth the investment. What we cover: Why we’d prioritise spending on the windows themselves before curtains and blinds Why window treatments are something you can often upgrade later Kate’s €5-a-metre Fabric Outlet curtains Where we’ve found good ready-made curtains Finding extra-long curtains for high ceilings DIY café curtains for privacy IKEA sheers and inexpensive roller blinds Ordering made-to-measure curtains and blinds online How doing your own measuring and installation can save significantly The right height, width, and length for hanging curtains Why curtains that are too short can ruin the look Layering sheers, roller blinds, and curtains Curtain poles versus ceiling tracks Planning recessed tracks during a renovation Privacy window film as a low-cost alternative Roman blinds and why accurate measuring is critical When custom curtains, blinds, or shutters really are worth paying for The big takeaway: Spend on the window first. Good windows, good installation, insulation, and weatherproofing are difficult and expensive to change later. Curtains and blinds aren't. If the renovation budget is disappearing, inexpensive curtains hung beautifully can get you surprisingly far, and the dream custom versions can come later. Products and suppliers mentioned: Fabric Outlet, Newbridge and Cork Harry Corry curtain poles H&M curtains IKEA HILJA sheers IKEA STOCKHOLM sheer curtains IKEA roller blinds Interior Fashions, Tipperary Gotain Nordic Knots Hang Man, Dublin Window privacy film Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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Don’t Waste Your Money On… Bathroom Vanities

Bathroom vanities can cost hundreds, or easily thousands, of euro. But are you actually getting better quality when you spend more? In the first episode of our new Don’t Waste Your Money On… series, we’re talking about one area where we both think you can save: the bathroom vanity. We talk about why many off-the-shelf vanities are fundamentally very similar, what we’ve used in our own homes, and how a basic unit can be transformed with paint, new hardware, legs, or a beautiful countertop basin. We also look at secondhand and antique furniture as an alternative, where it is worth spending your bathroom budget, and the circumstances where we think a properly custom-made vanity is absolutely worth the money. What we cover: Why we wouldn’t automatically spend big on an off-the-shelf bathroom vanity The vanity-sizing mistake we see people make Why going wider can give you much better storage and usable countertop space Our experience with IKEA bathroom vanities How Kate painted her existing vanity How Jennifer upgraded inexpensive vanities with new legs, handles, and statement basins Using antique washstands, sideboards, and secondhand furniture as vanities Countertop basins versus integrated sinks Wall-mounted versus deck-mounted taps Where we’d spend the money instead When a custom vanity really is worth paying for Some of the bathroom and interiors suppliers we use and recommend Our takeaway: Save on the box. Spend on the jewellery. A relatively inexpensive vanity can look far more expensive with a great basin, taps, hardware, or a clever paint finish. And if you eventually decide to replace the unit, some of those elements can move with you. Products and suppliers mentioned: IKEA bathroom vanities Superfront handles and furniture legs Etsy Roberto Tiranti McCarren Supply Deluxe Bathrooms Gran Lusso Fiora Kave Home Ireland Royale Stone Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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Summer Replay: When Renovations Go Wrong - Snags, Fixes & What to Do Next

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded! Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September. In this episode, we talk about what happens when things go wrong, from minor snags to bigger issues, and how to handle them effectively. if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at. We'll be back next week with brand-new episodes. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Summer Replay: Planning Permission Explained - What You Need to Know Before Renovating

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded! Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September. In this episode we give your our best tips plus lessons learned from our own encounters (positive and less positive!) with local planning authorities. if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at. We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Summer Replay: Bathroom Layouts and Planning - Bathroom Design Explained

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded! Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September. In this episode, we break down the layout and planning decisions that make a bathroom comfortable, functional and easy to live with. if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at. We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Summer Replay: Kitchen Layouts Explained - Flow, Storage & Planning Decisions

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded! Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September. This is one of our most popular episodes ever. In this episode, we break down the early decisions that will make your kitchen renovation successful. if you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at. We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Summer Replay: The Renovation Process - What to Expect Before You Start

We're taking a short summer break - but we didn't want to leave you stranded! Over the next few weeks we're re-sharing some of our most popular episodes from the Rip It Up archive while we recharge for a brand-new season in September. This episode is one of our very first and one of our favourites! In this episode, Kate & Jenny step the listener through the building process, talk through key construction terminology and sequencing, and highlight key decisions to be made throughout. This episode was originally sponsored by Finline Furniture for making this recording possible. Book a design consultation at finlinefurniture.ie If you're listening for the first time, we'd love to hear what stage of your renovation you're at. We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

The Best Renovation Advice We Heard This Year: Trade Secrets Wrap-Up

After weeks of hearing from builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, and kitchen designers, we're wrapping up our Trade Secrets series by looking back at the advice that stuck with us the most. In this season finale, we revisit the biggest lessons from the experts, share the top renovation tips they'll be taking into every future project, and reveal what they think homeowners should prioritise if they want a smoother, less stressful renovation. What we cover The decisions you need to make earlier than you think Where it's worth spending more - and where you can save your money Why communication is the secret to a smoother renovation The biggest mistakes homeowners make time and time again The advice that surprised us most from this season's trade experts Our own biggest renovation lessons after multiple projects What's coming next for the podcast Key takeaways Understand the renovation process before you begin Invest in the things that are difficult to change later Don't rush to furnish or finish everything at once Ask questions and attend every important site walkthrough Design your home around the way you actually live, not someone else's Pinterest board We'll also be taking a short break during August while we recharge. We'll be re-sharing some of our most popular renovation episodes throughout the month before returning in September with brand-new episodes. And we'd love your input. Should we bring back more trades? Or would you like to hear from architects, quantity surveyors, interior designers, mortgage experts and other professionals involved in the renovation process? Or anything else?? Let us know below! Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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What Your Paint Expert Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

In this episode of Trade Secrets, we get top tips from paint professional Karena Hyland, Research & Development Manager at Fleetwood Paints. From surface preparation and choosing the right paint finish to how to buy the correct amount of paint and invest in quality products, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your paintwork stand the test of time. What we cover Why preparation takes longer than most people expect The importance of filling, sanding and allowing repairs to cure properly Where it's worth spending more on paint, and where it isn't Why durable, washable paints are worth the investment in busy homes How to calculate the right amount of paint for your project The value of quality brushes, rollers and masking tape Why different rooms need different paint finishes Common mistakes people make when choosing paint based on colour alone Key takeaways Great paint jobs are built on great preparation Choose paint for performance as well as colour Invest in quality products for high-traffic areas Don't rush surface preparation or curing times The cheapest paint job is rarely the best value in the long run Items mentioned Wooster paint brushes Purdy paint rollers Fleetwood Prestige Multi-surface paint finish Fleetwood low tack Washi Masking tape Fleetwood Easyclean Washable Matt (ideal for kitchen areas) Whether you're choosing a painter, taking the DIY route, painting a single room or tackling an entire house, this episode will help you achieve a better finish, and avoid some very expensive mistakes. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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What Your Kitchen Designer Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

Everyone dreams about their new kitchen, but what does a kitchen designer wish every homeowner knew before they started planning one? In this episode of Trade Secrets, we hear from Dawn from Savvy Kitchens, the designer behind both Kate's kitchens and Jennifer's own kitchen renovation. Dawn shares the five biggest lessons she's learned from designing kitchens every day, from planning layouts before your drawings are finalised to avoiding the trap of designing for Instagram instead of real life. What we cover Why your kitchen should be designed before construction drawings are signed off How kitchen layouts influence glazing, door positions, electrics and plumbing Where your kitchen budget is best spent, and where you can save Why expensive features aren't always the best investment The importance of communicating changes early Why every kitchen should be designed around your family's daily routine Common mistakes people make when copying Pinterest and Instagram kitchens Practical examples from Jennifer and Kate's own kitchen renovations Key takeaways Design your kitchen around how you actually live, not how you wish you lived Bring your kitchen designer in as early as possible Invest in the features you'll use every single day Don't be afraid to challenge assumptions and ask questions A beautiful kitchen is one that works effortlessly for your lifestyle Whether you're choosing an IKEA kitchen or a fully bespoke design, these are the principles that make every kitchen function better. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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Rip It Up Podcast Trailer

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

What Your Plumber Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

Every renovation has a plumber, but what does your plumber wish you knew before the walls are closed up? In this episode of Trade Secrets, we hear from an experienced plumber who shares the five biggest lessons every homeowner should know before starting a renovation. From planning bathrooms properly to investing in the plumbing you'll never see, this episode is packed with practical advice that can help you avoid costly mistakes later on. What we cover: Why bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms need to be planned much earlier than most people realise Why quality pipework matters more than expensive taps The plumbing components worth investing in from day one Why every homeowner should attend their plumbing walkthrough Common bathroom layout mistakes that affect how the space functions The importance of thinking beyond Pinterest-perfect bathrooms How good plumbing decisions save money in the long run Key takeaways: Lock in bathroom layouts before first fix begins Spend money behind the walls, not just on the finishes Walk every room with your plumber before pipework is installed Good communication prevents expensive changes Design bathrooms for everyday life, not just for photos This episode is a reminder that the best plumbing is the plumbing you never have to think about. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

What Your Builder Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

This episode is PACKED full of tips straight from the horse's mouth - Jason Doyle of JEMI Construction, Jenny's own main contractor. In this episode of Trade Secrets, we're joined by Jason who shares the five biggest tips from homeowners, and lessons he's learned from years of managing home renovations. From when to order kitchens and windows, to where you should spend and save your money, Jason shares practical advice that could save you delays, stress and expensive mistakes. What we cover Why kitchens, windows and other long lead-time items need to be ordered early Where your renovation budget is best spent (and where it isn't) Why trendy finishes aren't always the right choice The importance of clear, direct communication with your builder How to avoid one of the biggest renovation mistakes: under-budgeting Why relationships with trusted suppliers keep projects running smoothly Budgeting for finishes, fittings and all the hidden extras Key takeaways Plan the big decisions before work starts Invest in the structure; you can always upgrade furniture later Research trends before committing to them Communicate early, often and directly Keep a detailed budget and track every decision Guest Jason Doyle, JEMI Construction Jason has spent years managing full home renovations and extensions, coordinating multiple trades and helping homeowners navigate complex projects from demolition through to completion. In this episode, he shares the advice he wishes every client knew before starting a renovation. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

What Your Electrician Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

Every renovation has an electrician - and this episode is packed full of things they wish you knew. In the first episode of our new Trade Secrets series, we're joined by Ronan Byrne from Eleven Electrical to uncover the five biggest lessons homeowners should know before planning their electrical work. From socket positions and lighting layouts to future-proofing and avoiding costly mistakes, this episode is packed with practical advice that can save you time, money and years of frustration. What we cover Why you need to plan furniture layouts much earlier than you think How bed positions, sofas and TVs affect socket placement What is worth spending money Where you should save The most common mistakes homeowners make - and how to avoid them The importance of sharing updated drawings and communicating changes quickly Why electrical walkthroughs are one of the most important stages of a renovation Lighting, switching, Wi-Fi points, demister pads and all the details that are easy to overlook Key takeaways Plan rooms around how you'll actually use them Future-proof while walls are open Communicate changes early and often Walk through every room before first fix Remember: you're the one who has to live with the decisions This episode is a practical guide to creating an electrical plan that works not just on paper, but in real life. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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The House That Divided Us - Kendall Jenner’s Mountain Home | Unpacking Iconic Homes

In the final episode of this season of Unpacking Iconic Homes, we head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to explore Kendall Jenner’s mountain retreat, designed by acclaimed interior designer Heidi Caillier. This is definitely the most divisive home we've covered. Kate loves its warmth, personality and unexpected elements. Jenny thinks the bold design choices start competing with each other rather than working together. From Viola marble and burgundy bathrooms to giant floral sofas, patterned wallpaper, and eclectic vintage-inspired details, we unpack what makes this house so memorable - and why it has sparked such strong reactions online. What we cover: Heidi Caillier's signature layered and eclectic design style Why this home feels completely different from Kendall's previous Los Angeles house The rise of cosy, collected interiors and the rejection of minimalist perfection Pattern mixing, colour clashes and where personality becomes visual noise Why some people see warmth and others see chaos The psychology of "lived-in" luxury What makes a home feel cohesive (or not!!) Which design ideas are worth borrowing and which are best left to Wyoming mountain chalets Design details mentioned Viola marble kitchen Lacanche range cooker Lee Jofa Hollyhock fabric sofa Design Frères stools Jefferson West bookshelves Zia Tile Farrow & Ball Brinjal Farrow & Ball Salon Drab Lisa Fine Textiles wallpaper The Water Monopoly yellow sink Charles P. Rogers bed Finline Willow chair (similar to blue armchair in main bedroom) Things we loved Open fireplaces Timber-clad bathrooms The wood kitchen island The kitchen flooring Kendall's use of books, art and personal collections The sense of individuality running through the home The big debate: Does the house feel beautifully layered and collected? Or does it feel like several strong design ideas competing for attention? This episode is less about whether the house is objectively "good" and more about what happens when a designer prioritises personality over perfection. Link to Kendall's Architectural Digest house tour: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kendall-jenner-mountain-home Link to Heidi Caillier's stunning portfolio: https://heidicaillierdesign.com/portfolio/ Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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#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 decor Create a reading/writing nook by a window Mix furniture styles Add colour to rental walls (if allowed) Use freestanding storage Key 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

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#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

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#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 restorative The rise of “quiet luxury” and why people are rejecting trend-led interiors Warm chalky neutrals, tonal palettes and low-contrast spaces Why expensive homes often feel less decorated, not more Lime plaster walls, aged woods, linen curtains and imperfect finishes Layering antiques and modern pieces without feeling “period” Why lighting matters as much as - or more than - décor The psychology of negative space and restraint in interiors How to recreate the look without a multi-million-euro budget Projects & references mentioned: Victoria Beckham’s home Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham’s townhouse Jo Malone London flagship spaces Rose Uniacke Studio Design details & products mentioned Espagnolette handles for French doors Mill Road wood flooring Lime paint workshops and supplies by Maison Anna B. in Ireland Warm off-whites including: School House Whie Slaked Lime Joa’s White Key takeaways Texture is everything Rose Uniacke interiors are all about editing, not adding Vintage pieces create warmth and curiosity Layered lighting instantly elevates a room The most luxurious homes usually feel relaxed, quiet and lived-in This 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

#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 Holiday Something’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

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#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 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

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