Designed Happy The Podcast

Katie and TJ welcome Realtor Jeff Wu to the podcast to talk about downsizing, or as some are calling it, right sizing. Jeff shares his 5D framework, explains why downsizing is more of an identity shift than a house decision, and drops a stat that 10,000 people turn 65 every day. TJ realizes one of his own clients has been doing this all along without him fully connecting the dots. Katie briefly takes over as solo host, and Jeff's branded shirt inspires a long overdue conversation about Designed Happy merch. Sylvia, if you're listening, we need hats.

What does it mean to be a great client and why should you care? Spoiler: it's not about making your design team happy. It's about making your experience better. Katie and TJ walk through the seven-piece puzzle from Designed Happy: The Book, including pronoia, vulnerability, thank you notes, and why you don't want your service professional rolling their eyes before they pick up the phone.

They sound almost the same. They're not. Katie and TJ break down the differences between design build and design bid, including the pros, the cons, and the nuance that nobody talks about. TJ also reveals he couldn't tell Bruce Willis and Michael Keaton apart as a kid, Katie and TJ fall into a Newsies rabbit hole, and TJ makes enough blanket statements to warrant a drinking game.

It's one of the most commonly asked questions in remodeling. And a lot of times the answer is yes, you technically can...but should you? Katie and TJ talk through the things you need to think about before you commit, from noise and dust to water and phasing. TJ regrets a loud river cruise, Katie reveals a short-lived career as a party princess, and neither one of them would ever live through a remodel - not even a little bit.

Join Katie and TJ as they review the wonderful world of tile with the President of Architessa, David Benson. They review tile basics, like the difference between ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and LVT. They discuss large format tile and porcelain slabs, and what to consider when choosing an installer. They explain what overage is and why it's important to remember when figuring out the amount of tile you need. And they ponder how long David and TJ have been friends (100 years?).
Here a link to the resources that Architessa provides to help you make better tile decisions:
https://architessa.com/pages/resources

No rain drops on roses in this episode. Katie and TJ get personal and each share their 3 favorite things about their homes. Somehow, and maybe unsurprisingly, they end up discussing 1950's toys.

In the follow up to their smash hit, The Toilet Episode, Katie and TJ do a deep dive on showers. What to consider when you're planning a curbless shower, the difference between thermostatic and pressure balance valves, digital shower setups, steam showers, and more...

In our second Happy Home Stories episode, Katie and TJ are joined by Meera. She discusses her basement remodel, why she did it, how her experience went, the value of RealTIME Design, and what she learned.

Remodeling or rebuilding isn't an infomercial. Katie and TJ talk (briefly) about the wonderful rotisserie oven of the 90's. Then get to the topic at hand about why and how to get involved in your project, and how your brain values the project based on your level of involvement.

Today, Katie and TJ are talking toilets! You're probably thinking, how can they talk about toilets for a whole episode?? Katie thought the same thing. And then this episode ran long. There's a lot to cover, and when you're done, be sure to take our brand new TOILET QUIZ! Special surprise when you pass it.

www.DesignedHappy.com/toilet