Welcome to the Kitchen Remodel Made Easy podcast! If you're looking to up level the most important room in your home, I am so glad you’re here. As an award winning interior designer of over 20 years, join me to discover the latest in kitchen design. We cover everything from color palettes and layouts to material selections like paint, cabinetry, countertops & so much more. You'll learn what mistakes to avoid and how to plan for your project like a pro. There's even interviews with current and previous clients to hear about their remodel wins and challenges. You won't want to miss an episode!
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 popularity Who gets the most value from an outdoor kitchen What outdoor kitchens really cost The importance of designing for cooking, dining, and relaxing How climate impacts material selection and long-term durability Why modular outdoor kitchens are gaining popularity Whether your outdoor kitchen should match your home's style Whether 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 Kit Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community Social Media Links: Instagram Facebook Pinterest Houzz
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: ZenBuild Old Chicago Pueblo Bonito Thin Brick Charlestown Grant Project featuring Old Chicago Brick Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community Social Media Links: Instagram Facebook Pinterest Houzz
🎤 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 wrong which upgrades quietly add thousands how luxury kitchen trends affect renovation costs and how to avoid common kitchen remodeling budget mistakes Robin also discusses: semi-custom vs stock cabinetry pricing waterfall countertop and slab backsplash costs luxury appliance upgrades lighting and electrical overages hidden structural surprises during demolition and why “while we’re at it” can become the most expensive phrase in remodeling Whether 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 Style Show 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 remodel The biggest mistakes homeowners make when saving inspiration How too many design options lead to decision fatigue Simple strategies to narrow your choices and move forward How to confidently design a kitchen that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget If 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
🎤 Episode #19: I just returned from KBIS 2026 — the largest Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in North America — and I’m sharing what truly stood out. Not every flashy product belongs in your home. As I walked the show floor, I sorted everything into three categories: The repeats (good, but not groundbreaking) The shock & awe (dramatic, but not practical) The “ohhh… that’s smart” innovations In this episode, we cover: • Smart cabinet organization systems from Hardware Resources and Rev-A-Shelf • Workstation sinks and hidden under-sink water filtration • Countertop wireless charging • AntiEtch surface protection for marble and natural stone • The rise of luxury induction ranges (and whether they’re worth it) • Integrated cabinet lighting trends • Designer hardware brands elevating kitchen details If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in 2026, this episode will help you: ✔ Avoid overspending on trendy upgrades ✔ Identify products that improve daily function ✔ Make smarter long-term design decisions ✔ Plan infrastructure early (before cabinetry and electrical are finalized) 🎓 Want help organizing your remodel step-by-step? Check out Kitchen Remodel Made Easy — my 60-minute planning course with templates, checklists, and design guidance.
🎤 Episode #18: Sustainable Kitchen Design That Makes Sense Sustainable kitchen design doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or increasing your budget dramatically. ✨ In this episode, we’re breaking down what sustainability actually looks like for homeowners planning a kitchen remodel — in practical, real-life terms. We cover: • FSC-certified and reclaimed wood for cabinets and flooring • Realistic cost differences for sustainable materials • VOCs and how to create healthier indoor air • Quartz vs natural stone from a sustainability standpoint • Energy-efficient lighting and ENERGY STAR appliances • Why longevity is the most important sustainability factor Because the most sustainable kitchen isn’t the trendiest one — it’s the one designed thoughtfully and built to last. If you’re planning a remodel and want to make smarter material decisions, this episode will give you the framework to start. 👉 Learn more about my free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit and Kitchen Remodel Made Easy course & community on my website Robin Johnson Interiors . Thanks for being here!
🎙 Podcast Episode #17 ✨ Can you design a kitchen you love and protect your home’s resale value? In this episode, kitchen designer Robin Johnson shares how to make smart kitchen remodel decisions that support everyday living while keeping future buyers in mind. 👉 Learn what “designing for resale” really means, which design elements matter most to buyers, and how to balance timeless choices with personal style — without ending up with a boring, builder-grade kitchen. Perfect for homeowners planning a kitchen remodel in the next 3–5 years. 🗒️ Show Notes: Freebie- Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit Join the Waitlist for Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course Website Instagram Pinterest Facebook
🎙️ Episode #16 The Hidden Cost of Rushing Kitchen Design 🥂 Planning a kitchen remodel? Rushing kitchen design decisions can lead to higher costs, construction delays, and costly change orders. 💡 In this episode, we break down common kitchen remodel mistakes , the real kitchen design timeline , and why starting construction before finalizing your design often backfires. If you want a smoother kitchen renovation, smarter planning, and a kitchen that works for your home and lifestyle, listen before you start demo. 🗒️ Show Notes: Free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit Join the Waitlist for Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course 👏🏻 Instagram: @RobinJohnsoninteriors / Pinterest : @RobinJohnsonInteriors Website : www.robinjohnsoninteriors.com
🎙️ Episode #15 The Future of Kitchen Design — What’s Shaping Trends in 2026 What if the most important kitchen trend for 2026 isn’t a color or material — but how you live ? ✨ In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy , Robin breaks down insights from the newly released NKBA 2026 Kitchen Trends Report and translates the research into real-life guidance for homeowners. 💡 Instead of starting with finishes, we start with people — because the best kitchens are designed around lifestyle, not just trends. Why different generations remodel for very different reasons The big-picture themes shaping kitchens in 2026 Cabinet, countertop, island, and storage trends that are paving the way forward Flooring, backsplash, appliance, and sink choices homeowners are making The color palettes replacing cool gray and stark black-and-white The best kitchens in 2026 won’t feel trendy — they’ll feel thoughtful, comfortable, and designed for real life. 🎧 If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions. Show Notes: Grab your free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit Join the Waitlist for Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course 👏🏻 Instagram: @RobinJohnsoninteriors / Pinterest : @RobinJohnsonInteriors Website : www.robinjohnsoninteriors.com
🎧 The Holiday Hosting Super Bowl… Can Your Kitchen Win? The holidays are here, and if your kitchen could talk, it might be begging for a timeout! 🚩 In this episode, Robin Johnson dives into how smart, functional kitchen design can turn holiday chaos into a smooth, stress-free celebration. 🎄 From layouts that keep traffic flowing to storage solutions that save your sanity, countertops built for prep and fun, and appliances that do the heavy lifting — we cover everything you need to know to make your kitchen a winning player this holiday season. 👩🍳 Whether you’re hosting a full house of family, whipping up multiple dishes at once, or just trying to keep your sanity while baking cookies and pouring drinks, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and design insights to help your kitchen score big this holiday season. 🥂 Listen to Episode #13 Show Notes: Grab your free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit Join the Waitlist for Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course 👏🏻 Instagram: @RobinJohnsoninteriors / Pinterest : @RobinJohnsonInteriors Website : www.robinjohnsoninteriors.com
🎧 In today’s episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy , we’re diving into a true industry shakeup — and trust me, you’re going to want to hear this. 🎤 For decades, natural stone pricing has been one of the most confusing, opaque, and frankly frustrating parts of remodeling a kitchen. Homeowners walk into a gorgeous slab yard… fall in love with a stone… and then have absolutely no idea what it costs until it gets run through a fabricator. Sound familiar? But that changes today. I’m sitting down with the groundbreaking stone supplier who’s become the first in the industry to unveil transparent slab pricing directly to the end user — no more guessing, no hidden numbers, no back-and-forth. Just clear, upfront pricing that empowers you to make confident, informed design decisions. We talk about: ✨ How slab pricing has always been kept behind the curtain ✨ How this new transparency is reshaping the designer–fabricator–homeowner relationship ✨ What this means for your remodel budget (and your stress level!) ✨ What to look for when choosing natural stone — and how to avoid the most common mistakes ✨ The biggest trends the supplier is seeing right now in luxury stone If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, designing for clients, or just love beautiful stone, this episode will change the way you shop for countertops forever. Grab your coffee, come behind the scenes with me, and discover how transparency at the slab yard is sparking a long-overdue revolution. 🥂 🖇️ Links: Waitlist Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course Encore Stone Studio Clark Hunter Instagram ✨ ROBIN JOHNSON INTERIORS Social: Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Houzz #KitchenRemodelMadeEasy #InteriorDesignPodcast #AwardWinningDesign #ASIDAward #NewConstructionHome #CoastalDesign #HomeDesignInspiration #Slab #KitchenCountertops #Quartz #Natural Stone #Marble #BeforeAndAfterHome #InteriorDesignPodcast #HomeRemodel #Remodel #KitchenRemodel #DiyKitchenDesign #KitchenRenovation #KitchenInspo #KitchenInspiration #EncoreStoneStudio #Revolution
🎧 New Episode! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a custom-built, designer-curated home a year later? In this week’s episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, I sit down with my former client Jenna, whose beautiful new construction home just won a Bronze ASID Award for “New Homes Over 3500 sq. ft.” — second place across North and South Carolina! 🥂 We talk about: ✨ What it’s really like living in a designer home after a year 🧺 How her kitchen, scullery, and craft room function in real life 🎨 The design choices that have become everyday favorites ❤️ And the emotional side of creating a home that truly reflects your family This project was special from day one — and hearing how the spaces have evolved makes it even more rewarding. 🎧 Listen to Episode 11: Life in an Award-Winning Home — One Year Later on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. (link in bio!) 🖇️ Links: Waitlist Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course www.robinjohnsoninteriors.com ✨ Social: Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Houzz #KitchenRemodelMadeEasy #InteriorDesignPodcast #AwardWinningDesign #ASIDAward #NewConstructionHome #CoastalDesign #SerenaAndLilyStyle #HomeDesignInspiration #BahamianCoastalStyle #BeforeAndAfterHome #InteriorDesignPodcast #homeremodel #remodel #kitchenremodel #kitchenrenovation
🎧 Episode #11 👑 The Crown Jewel of Your Kitchen: 5 Key 🔑 Things You Should Know Before Choosing a Range Hood. 🎤 Episode Summary: In this episode, Robin pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked — yet most essential — features of any kitchen… the range hood. Whether you’re planning a remodel, building new or just dreaming about your future kitchen, this episode will help you understand how the right hood can transform not only your kitchen’s look but how it functions day to day. Robin covers the 5 must-know factors before you pick a hood: The difference between a decorative hood and a venting system How to calculate the right CFM for your space (and why it matters) What’s new in vent tech — including quieter fans and smart lighting Designer tips for creating a showstopping custom hood The ideal height to hang your hood for best performance From plaster finishes to brass straps and Roman paints, Robin shares real-life project examples — like the stunning Freewoods Farm and Charlestowne Grant kitchens — to inspire your next design decision. Listen if you want to ✨ Improve air quality 💨 Learn how to size your hood correctly 🎨 Add design personality to your cooking space💡 Discover quiet, smart, and beautiful hood options. Instagram: @RobinJohnsoninteriors / Pinterest: @RobinJohnsonInteriors Website: www.robinjohnsoninteriors.com 👋 WAVE GOODBYE TO OVERWHELM... GET ON THE WAITLIST for Kitchen Remodel Made Easy to be notified when it opens.
🎧 Podcast #10: 5 Kitchens, One Dreamhome! ✨ Step inside one of my most ambitious design projects yet! In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of the Freewoods Farm Project , a stunning 12,000 sq. ft. coastal estate in Murrells Inlet. From the main kitchen to the scullery, pool house, garage apartment, and outdoor kitchen—yes, that’s five kitchens !—I share how we created functional, stylish spaces for entertaining, everyday living, and ultimate coastal comfort. 💡 I’ll walk you through key design decisions, from layout and cabinetry choices to appliances, unique features like a smart composting system, shiplap details, and color palettes that bring Bahama-coastal vibes to life. Whether you’re remodeling, building new, or just love kitchen inspiration, there’s something here for you. 😍 Plus, I give a peek into my own personal journey—finding a dream cottage in McClellanville and balancing big design projects with real-life joys. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s talk coastal kitchens, bold layouts, and dream home design ! Resources Mentioned: 👉 Download my free Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit with budget guidelines and project planning tips at www.robinjohnsoninteriors.com
