Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

#55 - Floors, Levels & Transitions - Flooring Explained for Renovations

Flooring is one of the biggest design decisions in a renovation - but it’s also structural, thermal, and incredibly hard to change later. In this episode, we cover everything from timber, tile and LVT to polished concrete, terrazzo, carpets, subfloors and underfloor heating compatibility. What we cover *  Engineered timber vs solid timber - and why engineered wood is so popular these days  *  Stone, porcelain and the maintenance requirements *  LVT, glue-down vs click, why levelling is everything *  Polished concrete - is it right for Irish homes?  *  Terrazzo tiles vs poured terrazzo  *  Carpet, acoustics and the role of good underlay  *  The real hero: subfloor preparation, moisture control and levelling *  Which flooring types work best with underfloor heating *  Floor build-ups, levels and how to avoid awkward transitions  Key takeaways *  Choose flooring based on use, comfort and maintenance, not just aesthetics  *  Every flooring failure usually comes back to poor prep *  Underfloor heating should influence your flooring choices early  *  Mixed materials need finished floor levels planned at design stage This episode is packed with the practical decisions that help flooring feel seamless, durable and right for how you actually live. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

#54 - Windows & Doors - External Openings Explained for Renovations

Windows and doors might seem like simple decisions - but they affect heat, light, ventilation, security and how your home feels every day. In this episode, we break down the key decisions to get right early when planning your external windows and doors. What we cover: *  Why windows and doors must be decided early in a renovation  *  Different window types - fixed, casement, tilt & turn, sliding and bi-fold  *  Choosing the right frame materials (uPVC, aluminium, timber, alu-clad)  *  Double vs triple glazing - and when each is worth it *  Designing for light, privacy and ventilation  *  Front doors vs secondary doors - function, security and everyday use  *  Sliding, bi-fold, and French doors - pros, cons and real-life trade-offs  *  Thresholds, flow and how doors actually feel to use day-to-day  Key considerations *  Start with use, not style - how will you actually live with these openings?  *  Opening direction, clearance and furniture placement matter more than you think  *  Bigger isn’t always better - especially with large, heavy doors  *  Plan for privacy without losing light  Items mentioned * Fineo slim double glazing * Spring sash windows This episode focuses on the early planning decisions - helping you avoid costly mistakes and choose windows and doors that work for your home long-term.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

#53 - The A-Z of Irish Home & Renovation Suppliers ☘️

To celebrate Paddy’s Day, we’re doing something a little different this week - an A–Z of our favourite Irish home, renovation and interiors suppliers. From big renovation essentials to smaller finds, these are the brands, makers and shops we come back to again and again - whether we’re working on our own homes or recommending to others. If you’re renovating, decorating or just love discovering great Irish suppliers, this is a brilliant place to start. What this episode is about: * Our go-to Irish suppliers across home, interiors and renovation * A mix of well-known names and hidden gems * Brands we’ve used ourselves or consistently recommend * Ideas and inspiration for sourcing locally in Ireland 🔤 The A–Z List A - April and the Bear B - Browsers C - CA Design  D - Des Kelly E - EZ Living Furniture F - Finline Furniture G - Grove Home H - Havwoods I - Industry & Co J - Jam Art Factory K - Kilkenny Architectural Salvage L - LoftStyle  M - Mullan Lighting N - Newbridge Fabric Outlet O - Oriana B P - POD Furniture  Q - Quirkes Homevalue  R - Rosalin’s S - Savvy Kitchens T - Tiles and Terrazzo  U - Ulster Carpets V - Vintage Dublin W - Woo Design X - XO Tile Y - Yeats Country Antiques Z - Zozimus Gallery 🎧 Who this episode is for * Homeowners planning a renovation * Anyone sourcing furniture, finishes or homewares in Ireland * Listeners looking to shop more locally * People who love discovering new brands and suppliers 💡 Save this episode! It’s one you’ll come back to when you’re shopping for your own home or for gifts. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

#52 - Bathroom Layouts & Planning - Bathroom Design Explained

Bathroom design starts long before you choose tiles or taps. In this episode, we break down the layout and planning decisions that make a bathroom comfortable, functional and easy to live with. What we cover * Why bathroom layouts should be decided early in a renovation * Planning clearances - it's recommended to have a space 800mm wide and 700mm deep for your toilet * Keeping the toilet out of the main sightline where possible * Wall-mounted taps, channelled walls, and other early plumbing decisions * Shower planning, including tileable shower trays (only when the area is properly tanked) * Lighting and electrics - we love wall lights and demister pads * Storage solutions - alcove shelves Items mentioned * IKEA FAXÄLVEN mirror with integrated light * Roberto Tiranti concrete sink (Etsy) * Naka shower shelves This episode focuses on the planning stage of bathroom design - getting the layout right before plumbing, electrics and finishes are locked in. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

#51 - Kitchen Layouts Explained - Flow, Storage & Planning Decisions (Part 1)

Before you choose cabinet colours, you need to lock down layout, flow, storage, and how the room actually works day to day. In this episode we break down the early decisions that will make your kitchen renovation successful. What we cover * Why kitchens are usually the first major design decision in a renovation * The layout choices that affect plumbing, electrics and budget * Why the classic “kitchen triangle” is outdated * Designing kitchens in practical zones: storage, prep, cooking and cleaning * Storage strategies that make kitchens easier to live with * Floor-to-ceiling units, drawers vs cupboards and corner solutions * Planning sockets, appliances and everyday countertop clutter We also share the biggest kitchen regrets - from narrow islands to nowhere to hide clutter. This is part 1 of a two-part kitchen episode - in the next episode we’ll cover appliances, materials and kitchen lighting. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines