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🎤 Episode #34 What does it really take to create an award-winning renovation? In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, I’m taking you behind the scenes of two of my recent projects that received Silver and Bronze ASID Design in Excellence Awards for large-scale residential renovations. These homes couldn't have been more different—but both required rethinking how the existing spaces worked, making big design decisions, and ultimately creating homes that made sense for the people living in them. I’ll share the stories behind the transformations, including relocating a kitchen, creating a scullery, completely rethinking floor plans, and some of the decisions that helped turn these renovations into award-winning projects. I'll also give you a little peek behind the curtain at how ASID design awards are judged and what it means to have your work evaluated anonymously by professional designers. But this episode really isn't about winning awards. It's about something much more useful if you're planning your own renovation: Sometimes the best design solution isn't making your existing kitchen prettier. It's about stepping back and asking whether your home could work better altogether. 🎧 Listen in for the stories—and plenty of remodeling ideas you can borrow for your own home. ✨ Planning a kitchen remodel? ✨ Download the ⁠FREE Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠ Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Media Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Houzz⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Episode #33: The Kitchen Island That Almost Caught on Fire What happens when a gorgeous backlit kitchen island starts smoking during installation? 😳 In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, I’m sharing the story behind a massive 12-foot backlit kitchen island—including how translucent stone and LED lighting create that incredible glowing effect, what it costs, and what you need to consider before adding backlit countertops to your own kitchen. I’m also breaking down the different ways backlighting can be installed, why the stone doesn’t light evenly (hint: that’s part of the beauty!), and the installation mishap that resulted in a blown transformer and a phone call from my client telling me her island was on fire 🔥 Thankfully, there’s a happy ending: she loves it so much, she now wants to backlight her outdoor kitchen too. 😂 If you’re considering a statement countertop for your kitchen remodel, this is one you’ll want to hear. 🎧 Listen now.✨ Download the FREE Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hardware Resources + Task Lighting Social Media Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Houzz⁠⁠⁠

🎧 Episode #32 Planning a kitchen remodel and wondering whether you should change your kitchen layout—or work with the footprint you already have? Before you start knocking down walls, moving plumbing, or replacing a peninsula with an island, it’s worth asking a much more important question: What’s actually wrong with your current kitchen? In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer Robin Johnson shares how to think about your kitchen layout before committing to expensive structural changes. You’ll learn: Why a dated kitchen isn’t necessarily a dysfunctional kitchen When changing your kitchen footprint may be worth the added investment Why your family, lifestyle, home and budget should influence your layout decisions How moving cabinetry can trigger unexpected flooring, plumbing and electrical costs The pros and cons of removing walls for an open-concept kitchen Why “broken” or hybrid kitchen layouts are gaining attention Why your island, sink, hood and pendant lights do not have to line up perfectly When function should win over symmetry How Robin completely relocated a kitchen and transformed the entire first floor of a contemporary home If you’re early in the planning process, remember: inspiration can show you what’s possible, but inspiration isn’t a plan. Before deciding what your new kitchen should look like, figure out what you need it to do better. Not sure where to begin with your kitchen remodel? Download Robin’s free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit to start asking the right questions before you’re knee-deep in decisions and spending money. A beautiful kitchen starts with a good plan. Kitchen Remodel Made Easy helps you make smarter kitchen remodeling and design decisions with advice from award-winning kitchen designer turned remodeling coach Robin Johnson. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Houzz⁠⁠

🎤 Episode #31 Thinking about skipping the general contractor and managing your kitchen remodel yourself? For many homeowners, the idea is tempting—especially when you're looking for ways to save money on an already expensive renovation. But when you eliminate the general contractor, you don't eliminate the job of the general contractor. Someone still has to coordinate the trades, manage the schedule, answer questions, solve problems, and keep the project moving. And that someone may be you. In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer turned remodeling coach Robin Johnson breaks down what you should consider before deciding to act as your own general contractor. You'll hear about: Why managing your own subcontractors may save money—but comes with significant responsibility What a general contractor actually does behind the scenes The value of a contractor's established relationships with trusted subcontractors Why managing a kitchen remodel involves much more than creating a construction schedule How your personality, available time, organizational skills, and comfort solving problems should factor into your decision The difference between hiring your own subcontractors and actually DIYing the construction work Why unexpected problems happen even on well-managed remodeling projects Why having your kitchen fully designed and planned before construction begins matters regardless of which route you choose There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some homeowners are perfectly capable of coordinating their own subcontractors, while others will find tremendous value in having an experienced general contractor manage the construction. The important question isn't simply: “How much money can I save?” It's: “What am I willing and able to take responsibility for?” Before you decide which route is right for you, listen to this episode and make sure you understand the job you're either hiring someone else to manage—or taking on yourself. Download my FREE Kitchen Design Starter Kit to start thinking through your kitchen remodel before construction begins. Because whether you're working with a general contractor or managing your own subcontractors, a smoother remodel starts with a solid plan. Resources: ⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠⁠⁠ Social Media Links: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Houzz⁠⁠

🎤 Episode#30: Best Outdoor Kitchen Materials: What Designers Recommend Planning an outdoor kitchen? Before you choose cabinets, countertops, appliances, or furniture, this episode will help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes. In Part 2 of my outdoor kitchen series, I'm sharing the materials, manufacturers, and designer recommendations I trust after more than 20 years of designing kitchens. We discuss the pros and cons of stainless steel, marine-grade polymer, and powder-coated aluminum cabinetry, the best countertop materials for outdoor use, outdoor appliances, flooring, lighting, furniture, and the finishing touches that transform an outdoor kitchen into an inviting gathering space. Whether you're designing a fully exposed outdoor kitchen or a covered patio, you'll walk away with practical advice to help you choose materials that fit your lifestyle, climate, and budget. In this episode, you'll learn: The best outdoor cabinet materials and trusted manufacturersWhich countertop materials perform best outdoorsOutdoor appliance, flooring, and lighting recsHow to select outdoor furniture that lastsSimple designer tips to help you create an outdoor kitchen you'll enjoy for years to come ✨ Free Download: Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide: Your 10-Minute Planning Checklist 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's planning a remodel! Resources: ⁠Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠⁠ Social Media Links: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠Houzz⁠

Episode #29: Outdoor Kitchens: Are They Really Worth the Investment? Outdoor kitchens are more popular than ever—but are they actually worth the investment? In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer Robin Johnson shares what every homeowner should consider before building an outdoor kitchen. From deciding if it fits your lifestyle to planning the layout, selecting durable materials, and avoiding costly mistakes, you'll learn how to create an outdoor space that's both beautiful and functional. Why outdoor kitchens continue to grow in popularityWho gets the most value from an outdoor kitchenWhat outdoor kitchens really costThe importance of designing for cooking, dining, and relaxingHow climate impacts material selection and long-term durabilityWhy modular outdoor kitchens are gaining popularityWhether your outdoor kitchen should match your home's styleWhether you're dreaming of a simple grilling station or a fully equipped outdoor entertaining space, this episode will help you decide if an outdoor kitchen is the right investment for your home. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's planning a remodel! Resources: Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠ Social Media Links: ⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠Houzz

Episode #28: Designer Secrets for Using Thin Brick in Kitchens: Backsplashes, Coffee Bars & More Looking for a way to add warmth, texture, and timeless character to your kitchen? 💡 In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, I'm joined by Clark and Carson Combs from ZenBuild, a company I recently worked with on one of my own kitchen projects. Together, we discuss why thin brick has become one of my favorite materials for adding character to kitchens and how homeowners can confidently incorporate it into their own remodels. From backsplashes and coffee bars to butler's pantries, fireplaces, and even flooring, thin brick offers the beauty of traditional brick without the weight or installation challenges of full masonry. We dive into selecting the right brick style, why mortar color is just as important as the brick itself, and the value of ordering physical samples before making your final decision 📣 Whether you're remodeling your entire kitchen or simply looking for a unique focal point, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a timeless space you'll love for years to come. Resources Mentioned: ZenBuildOld Chicago Pueblo Bonito Thin Brick⁠⁠Charlestown Grant Project featuring Old Chicago Brick⁠Kitchen Remodel Starter KitKitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community Social Media Links: InstagramFacebookPinterestHouzz

🎤 Episode #27: Kitchen Island Design: Sizes, Layouts, Mistakes & Must-Have Features Dreaming of a beautiful kitchen island for your remodel? You're not alone. A kitchen island is still the number one feature homeowners ask for when planning a new kitchen — and for good reason. But designing the perfect island takes more than simply making it bigger. 💡 In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer turned remodeling coach Robin Johnson breaks down everything you need to know about kitchen island design, including sizing, layouts, seating, storage, electrical outlets, lighting, and the most common mistakes homeowners make during the planning process. Whether you're remodeling a small kitchen or building your dream home, these practical tips will help you create an island that's both beautiful and functional. ✔️ The biggest benefits of adding a kitchen island ✔️ Common kitchen island design mistakes to avoid ✔️ How much space you really need around an island ✔️ The pros and cons of adding a sink or cooktop ✔️ Kitchen island outlet options and recent code changes ✔️ How large is too large for a kitchen island ✔️ Seating guidelines for comfort and traffic flow ✔️ Countertop seam considerations for oversized islands ✔️ Creative ways to personalize your island design ✔️ Luxury upgrades including LED lighting and backlit stone countertops The best kitchen islands aren't just beautiful — they're designed around the way you live. If you're preparing for a kitchen remodel and want step-by-step guidance from an award-winning kitchen designer, be sure to explore the Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course and Coaching Community. Free Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Starter Kit Website Blog Instagram Pinterest Please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with a friend who is planning a kitchen remodel. Cheers to happy remodeling! 👏🏻

🎙️ Episode #26: The Biggest Fears Homeowners Face Around Kitchen Remodeling Thinking about remodeling your kitchen but feeling overwhelmed by the unknowns? You're not alone. In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, Robin tackles the biggest fears that stop many homeowners from moving forward with their dream renovation. From worrying about costs and dishonest contractors to concerns about delays, design regrets, and decision fatigue, Robin shares practical advice from more than 20 years of experience helping clients navigate the remodeling process with confidence. If you've ever wondered:✔️ How much will my kitchen remodel really cost?✔️ How do I avoid getting taken advantage of?✔️ What if I make expensive design mistakes?✔️ How long will this project actually take?✔️ What if I spend all this money and still don't love the result? This episode is for you. Robin breaks down the seven most common remodeling fears and explains how thoughtful planning can help you regain control, reduce stress, and make smarter decisions every step of the way. In This Episode:• Why uncertainty is the real source of remodeling stress• How to protect yourself when hiring a contractor• Ways to avoid costly design regrets• Tips for surviving construction with kids and pets• The key to creating a kitchen you'll still love years from now Resources Mentioned:🏡 Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course🎯 Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Community📋 Free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit 🎧 Episode #25 Why Kitchen Remodel Budgets Spiral Connect with Robin:Follow along for kitchen design ideas, remodeling tips, and practical guidance to help you create a beautiful kitchen with less stress, more confidence, and fewer expensive surprises. Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's planning a kitchen remodel. Thanks for joining me! 🍒

🎙️ Episode #25 The Real Reason Kitchen Remodel Budgets Snowball Why do kitchen remodel budgets spiral so quickly — even when you start with a solid plan? 💫 In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer turned remodeling coach Robin Johnson breaks down the real reason kitchen remodel costs quietly snowball during renovation projects. From cabinetry upgrades and luxury countertops to emotional spending decisions and scope creep, Robin shares the hidden ways kitchen renovation budgets grow far beyond what homeowners originally planned. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, this episode will help you better understand: where kitchen remodel budgets typically go wrongwhich upgrades quietly add thousandshow luxury kitchen trends affect renovation costsand how to avoid common kitchen remodeling budget mistakesRobin also discusses: semi-custom vs stock cabinetry pricingwaterfall countertop and slab backsplash costsluxury appliance upgradeslighting and electrical overageshidden structural surprises during demolitionand why “while we’re at it” can become the most expensive phrase in remodelingWhether you’re actively planning a kitchen renovation or simply researching kitchen remodel costs, this episode offers practical remodeling tips to help you create a beautiful kitchen without losing control of your budget. 🎧 Follow along for more kitchen remodeling tips, design ideas, renovation planning advice, and expert guidance from Robin Johnson — award-winning kitchen designer and host of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy. Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Robin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⎹ ⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⎹ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

🎙️Episode #24 Designing a kitchen together sounds exciting… until you realize you and your partner don’t agree on anything 😩 One of you wants light and bright. The other wants warmth and wood tones. And suddenly, what should feel fun starts to feel frustrating. 🎤 In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most common challenges homeowners face—how to design a kitchen when you and your partner have completely different styles. The good news? This isn’t a problem—it’s actually an opportunity to create a better, more layered design when you know how to approach it. ⚡️ I’m walking you through how to shift your mindset, communicate more effectively, and make confident design decisions together—without the tension. 🎧 Related Episodes: Episode #17: Designing a Kitchen for Resale Without Sacrificing StyleShow Notes: Couples Kitchen Style Quiz ⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy⁠⁠ Connect with Robin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⌇ ⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⌇ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Episode #23 🎤 Guest Speaker on the Life Coaching for Mompreneurs Podcast 🎧 "Today, I’m talking with Robin Johnson about navigating burnout, redefining success, and making a pivot without starting over. We explore mindset, time management, and how to listen to that inner voice guiding your next move.  Robin shares how, after years of success, she felt that quiet nudge toward something new. Instead of ignoring it, she leaned in. 💫 After 25 years in the design industry, Robin talks about how she embraced change and stepped into a new season of building a scalable business.  Are you being called to something more? Don’t ignore it. Tune in, reflect, and then take one brave step forward". 👷‍♀️ Remodel Resources: ⁠Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit⁠ ⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy⁠ 👉🏻 Follow Robin: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⌇ ⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠ ⌇ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook 📕 Books mentioned: Beyond Wanting: The Art of True Manifestation by Matt Cooke Purpose The Remix by Jade Simmons  📲 Book Your FREE Clarity Call here with Martine Williams: https://www.martinewilliams.com/clarity  ✨ Join my Mompreneur Glow Up email list. It’s your go-to source for all things life, leadHERship, and mindset.  Connect With Martine: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

🎤 Episode #22 Design doubt doesn’t start at the end of a kitchen remodel—it starts in the planning phase. ✨ In this episode, Robin Johnson, kitchen designer turned kitchen remodel coach, shares how to make confident design decisions before demo day. Learn the five key steps to avoid overwhelm, stay organized, and create a clear kitchen design plan from the start. 💡 Perfect for homeowners planning a kitchen renovation who want to reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident every step of the way. Show notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode #21 Resources: Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Social Channels: ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / Pinterest⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

🎙️ Episode #21 Are you saving hundreds of kitchen ideas on Pinterest but still feel completely stuck when it comes to your own remodel? 😫 In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, we’re talking about the hidden downside of using Pinterest for kitchen design—and why it might actually be slowing down your project instead of helping it. 🎯 Pinterest is one of the most popular tools for gathering kitchen inspiration, but too many ideas, unrealistic expectations, and designs that don’t fit your space can quickly lead to overwhelm and decision fatigue. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed trying to choose cabinets, countertops, or layouts, you’re not alone. I’m breaking down exactly why this happens (hello, analysis paralysis) and how to turn your Pinterest boards into a clear, actionable kitchen plan. You’ll learn: Why Pinterest can create overwhelm during a kitchen remodelThe biggest mistakes homeowners make when saving inspirationHow too many design options lead to decision fatigueSimple strategies to narrow your choices and move forwardHow to confidently design a kitchen that fits your home, lifestyle, and budgetIf you’re planning a kitchen renovation and want to avoid costly mistakes, save time, and feel confident in your decisions, this episode is for you. ✨ Remember: you don’t need more inspiration—you need a plan. Show notes: Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit and  Kitchen Remodel Made Easy course & community on my website ⁠⁠Robin Johnson Interiors⁠⁠ Social Channels: ⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

Kitchen remodels are one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home — but they can also feel overwhelming. 👉 In this episode, Robin walks through 10 Reasons Kitchen Remodels Feel So Stressful (And How to Avoid the Chaos), including the financial investment, the number of design decisions involved, unexpected mistakes, contractor dynamics, and the emotional roller coaster that can happen during construction. Most homeowners only renovate a kitchen once or twice in their lifetime, so it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to start. 🥂 The good news? Much of the stress associated with remodeling can be avoided with proper planning before construction begins. If you're planning a kitchen renovation and want to feel more confident navigating the process, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare. 💡 Learn more about my free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit and  Kitchen Remodel Made Easy course & community on my website ⁠Robin Johnson Interiors⁠ (click link) Social Channels: Instagram ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Pinterest⁠ ⁠Facebook