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

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

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