Not all countertops are created equal — and choosing the wrong one could turn your dream kitchen into a daily frustration. In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I break down different options of man-made countertops, including quartz, porcelain, and even laminate.

I will share my own experience of prioritizing aesthetics over function (and what I learned the hard way) so you don’t make the same mistake. You’ll learn what materials actually hold up in real life, how to balance beauty with practicality, and which options fit best with your lifestyle, maintenance goals, and design style.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, or whole-home update, this episode will help you make confident, informed choices — so your countertops stay beautiful and functional for years to come.

✨ You’ll learn:

The key differences between quartz and quartzite

Which countertop materials are truly low-maintenance

How to match your countertop choice to your lifestyle and budget

The questions to ask before finalizing your material selection

💬 Join the Preparing for Your Home Remodel community on Facebook to share your project, ask questions, and get support from other homeowners who are navigating their own renovations.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel

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

Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 

Happy Remodeling! 

Get in Touch:

E-mail: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I’m answering a question from our Facebook community: How practical are wet rooms?

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel or designing your dream home, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about wet room bathrooms — from layout, cost, and design ideas to maintenance and cleaning tips. I share the real pros and cons of this luxury bathroom design, including what to expect with zero-threshold showers, waterproofing, and how this layout can impact your renovation cost and daily routine.

We’ll talk about:

✨ Join me in the Preparing for Your Home Remodel Facebook group to ask your own renovation questions, get design inspiration, and connect with other homeowners planning their next bathroom renovation or home remodel.

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/preparingforyourhomeremodel

Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 

Happy Remodeling! 

Get in Touch:

E-mail: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

In this episode, I’m diving into the world of natural stone countertops—marble, granite, quartzite, and soapstone. I break down the key factors you need to consider when choosing the right material for your home, including function, aesthetics, maintenance, and durability.

I share what it’s really like to live with each type of stone, the maintenance involved, and how to decide which one fits your lifestyle. Plus, I give tips on selecting the exact slab you want so you end up with a countertop you’ll love for years to come.

If you’re considering a natural stone countertop for your remodel, this episode will give you the practical knowledge and confidence to make informed choices for your kitchen, bathroom, or any space in your home.

Don’t forget to join our free Facebook community, Preparing for Your Home Remodel, to share your projects, ask questions, and get support from other homeowners navigating their remodels!

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/preparingforyourhomeremodel

Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 

Happy Remodeling! 

Get in Touch:

E-mail: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

In this episode of Remodels Made Easy, I’m kicking off a brand-new mini series all about materials and selections—starting with one of my favorites: countertops. There are so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, so I’m breaking it down and sharing four key factors that will help you confidently choose the countertop that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.

I’ll walk you through how to balance function, aesthetics, maintenance, and manufacturer differences, and what questions to ask when comparing materials and companies. Whether you’re drawn to timeless natural stone or the practicality of man-made surfaces, I want to help you narrow your choices and make smart, informed decisions for your remodel.

✨ By the end of this episode, you’ll know what matters most when choosing countertops—and how to avoid those “I wish I’d known” regrets so many homeowners have after install day.

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: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

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:

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: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

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:

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: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

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: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

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:

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: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

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: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

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: [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/