Preparing for Your Home Remodel | Renovations, Home Improvement, Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design, Welcoming Home

12. You Can’t Have It All — Or Can You? How to Create a Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel That Doesn't Sacrifice Quality

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a remodel that’s actually budget-friendly without sacrificing quality, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the “Good, Fast, Cheap” rule — and why you can only pick two. We’ll walk through what that really looks like in a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or even a whole home remodel — and how to decide what’s right for your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
You’ll learn how to: ✅ Choose the best route for your remodel — from DIY to design-build firms to hiring individual remodeling contractors ✅ Save thousands by designing and managing your own renovation project ✅ Build a beautiful, functional, budget-friendly home without cutting corners ✅ Avoid overwhelm by knowing where to spend time (and where to save it)
If your dream is a good-quality, budget-conscious remodel that still gives you a space you love to live in — this episode is packed with practical steps to make that happen.
 
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelsmadeeasy 
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

11. Stop! Don’t Start Your Kitchen Remodel Until You Know These 4 Crucial Design Details!

Ready to design your dream kitchen layout—but not sure where to start?
In this episode, I’m breaking down four crucial design details you don’t want to overlook before locking in your kitchen layout.
We’ll talk about how to: ✅ Plan your appliances first (and why skipping spec sheets can blow your budget)✅ Use the kitchen work triangle to create a space that actually flows✅ Incorporate those bells, whistles, and storage solutions—from pull-out trash bins to spice organizers✅ Avoid costly mistakes by understanding clearances, codes, and kitchen design standards
Whether you’re tackling a DIY kitchen remodel, planning a kitchen renovation with a contractor, or dreaming up a timeless kitchen design for your forever home, this episode will help you avoid decision fatigue and save time, money, and stress.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Where do I even start with my kitchen layout?” — this is the episode for you.
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelsmadeeasy 
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
 

10: How to Create Your Own Kitchen Layout Without a Designer

In this episode of Remodels Made Easy, I’m diving into one of the most important parts of any home renovation or remodeling project — planning and design. I share how taking the time to create a clear layout and detailed blueprint can keep your project on track, on budget, and a lot less stressful.
I walk you through how to take accurate measurements, think through functionality, and use tools like SketchUp to draft your own design — even if you’re tackling your DIY home improvement project for the first time. Plus, I talk about the importance of contractor communication and how proper planning makes those conversations smoother and more productive.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by where to start with your remodel, this episode will help you take confident, organized steps toward the home you’ve been dreaming of.
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelsmadeeasy 
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
 

09: Don't Make this Mistake! The #1 Thing Homeowners Overlook in Their Home Renovation

You don’t want to get to the end of your remodel regretting decisions you made in the rush to get things done. Trust me — I’ve seen it too many times: homeowners who focus only on aesthetics and forget about how the space will actually work for their lives.
I’m Jen — designer, project manager, and your remodel accountability partner and you back pocket designer. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what many homeowners overlook: function. Before you start picking finishes or scrolling more Pinterest boards, we’re going to talk about how your space moves and works for you and your family.
I introduce something I call a Function Audit — a process to help you uncover what’s working, what’s driving you crazy, and how to make meaningful changes so your finished space doesn’t just look good — it functions well and feels good to live in.
You’ll learn how to:
Identify what’s working well in your current layout
Pinpoint problem areas that cause frustration
Brainstorm small (and smart) tweaks that make a big impact
Observe your everyday routines to see where the space could better serve you
Along the way, I remind you that true remodeling is more than just pretty finishes. You’re investing in your home, and you deserve both beauty and function.
Let’s do this together. Your dream space shouldn’t just look good — it should function for you every single day! Let’s do this! 
Next Steps:
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelsmadeeasy 
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Schedule a consult here: https://studioredinteriordesign.hbportal.co/public/68cb0de5121f28002bceb88e
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
 

08: Why Most Renovations Fail in the Planning Stage — How to Master Project Management

Ever wondered what really happens after your remodel design is done? In this episode, I’m breaking down the order of operations for a renovation—from demo day to final inspections—so you can understand exactly what to expect once construction begins.
As a designer and project manager, I’ve learned (often the hard way!) how important it is to know which trades come when, how long each phase takes, and why certain steps can’t happen out of order. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom update, or a full home renovation, this episode walks you through the entire project timeline so you can stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and communicate confidently with your contractors.
You’ll learn:
The full step-by-step remodel construction timeline
Who comes into your home during each phase and what they’re doing
Common scheduling pitfalls (and how to avoid them!)
How to ask the right questions to keep your project running smoothly
If you’re managing your own renovation or simply want to better understand the behind-the-scenes process, this episode will give you a clear roadmap from demo to done.
 
Next Steps:
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelsmadeeasy 
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Schedule a consult here: https://studioredinteriordesign.hbportal.co/public/68cb0de5121f28002bceb88e
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

07: Remodels Break the Bank! 5 Ways to Keep Your Renovation Budget - Friendly

Budgets—the dreaded part of remodeling that no one wants to talk about, but everyone struggles with. In this episode of Remodels Made Easy, I’m breaking down how to keep your renovation costs from spiraling out of control. You’ll learn the five key steps to keep your budget on track—from knowing exactly what you can spend on materials, to prioritizing your “must-haves,” to tracking every selection so the numbers don’t sneak up on you. I’ll also share practical strategies for working with contractors, avoiding costly mistakes, and designing before you demo so you can cut stress and actually enjoy your remodel.
If you’ve ever worried about your project snowballing into a financial headache, this episode is your guide to staying in control and creating a home you love without blowing your budget.
Next Steps:
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelsmadeeasy 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

06: Can’t Visualize a Room? Where to Start On Your Kitchen Design to Avoid Decision Fatigue

In this episode, I’m walking you through the next step after creating your Pinterest board and gathering all that dreamy inspiration for your remodel. Now that you’ve got a vision and a direction, it’s time to move past the pretty pictures and get practical. I’ll share why layout and function have to come first, how to think through cabinetry and appliances, and the tools I recommend to help you map it all out. Then we’ll dive into selections—starting with focal points and countertops—and talk about how to pull everything together into a cohesive design that feels intentional, not overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt stuck between inspiration and actual decision-making, this episode will help you build a solid foundation so your remodel is beautiful and functional.
 
Next Steps:
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelsmadeeasy 
Happy Remodeling! 
Schedule a consult here: https://studioredinteriordesign.hbportal.co/public/68cb0de5121f28002bceb88e
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

05: Scrolling Pinterest for Your Kitchen Remodel? Cause for Overwhelm, or a Practical Tool?

Struggling to define your design style for a kitchen remodel? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to use Pinterest as a powerful design tool—not just for inspiration, but to actually clarify your style, discover what you’re truly drawn to, and create a cohesive vision for your renovation. I’ll walk you through practical steps for building boards that capture both the overall feel you want and the specific elements (like lighting, layouts, or finishes) that inspire you. Plus, I’ll share tips for spotting patterns, avoiding decision fatigue, and balancing design trends with your own taste so your remodel feels timeless and personal. By the end, you’ll have a solid starting point and a clear anchor for making design decisions with confidence.
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
Next Steps:
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Schedule a consult here: https://studioredinteriordesign.hbportal.co/public/68cb0de5121f28002bceb88e
Happy Remodeling! 
 

04: Remodeling Horror Stories - 3 Things to Avoid in Your Home Renovation

Renovations don’t have to turn into horror stories — but all too often, they do. In this episode, I’m sharing the three most common mistakes I see homeowners make that cause projects to spiral off track: not properly vetting contractors, skipping a budget buffer, and diving into demo without a clear plan. I’ll walk you through why these mistakes create so much stress (and wasted money) and how you can avoid them so your renovation stays on time, on budget, and as stress-free as possible. If you’ve ever worried that a remodel is destined to go sideways, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to prove otherwise.
 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
Next Steps:
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Schedule a consult here: https://studioredinteriordesign.hbportal.co/public/68cb0de5121f28002bceb88e
Happy Remodeling! 
 

03: Renovating? Don’t Google Contractors Near Me. Do This Instead…

In today’s episode we are going to talk about how jumping into demolition before you’ve nailed down a design plan is the fastest way to guarantee stress, blown budgets, and contractor chaos. In this episode, I share why design must come before demo — and how to build a clear plan that keeps your remodel on track.
You’ll learn the first three steps of smart planning:
Function first — identify how your kitchen, bathroom, or home actually needs to work for you.
Layout matters — decide what walls, plumbing, or appliances are moving before you start picking finishes.
Selections made simple — organize the long list of materials, fixtures, and finishes so decisions don’t overwhelm you.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or whole home remodel, this episode gives you practical tools to avoid decision fatigue, stay on budget, and set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free renovation.
Get ready to take notes! 
 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
Next Steps:
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Schedule a consult here: https://studioredinteriordesign.hbportal.co/public/68cb0de5121f28002bceb88e
Happy Remodeling!