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

Jen Orr | Interior Designer, Project Manager, Remodel Specialist
  • 5.0 (36)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

*** Top 5% Globally Ranked Podcast*** Your Go-To Podcast for Homeowners Who Want to Renovate Without Overwhelm! Hey Homeowners, do you want to update your home to reflect you and function better for your family? Are you stuck between wanting the home of your dreams and fearing cost, complexity and the chaos of getting it? Do you know what you like but the thought of pulling it all together and the what if’s of renovating leave you feeling overwhelmed?  I am so excited you're here! I am on  a mission to help homeowners such as yourself FINALLY have that functional, beautiful home that fits your lifestyle, and reflects your personality. Without the stress and without the regret! Hey, I'm Jen, with years of experience in the industry as designer, project manager, and remodel specialist. I have seen it all and I am here to help you skip the overwhelm with Functional Home Renovations, that save you money.  I get it, you want your home to be beautiful but more importantly functional! You have been making do with a home that is less than ideal and quite frankly frustrates you every single day - the poor layout, the outdated look, and most importantly the lack of storage.  I’ve been there - the binge watching of HGTV and the death scroll of Pinterest, pinning yet another Kitchen layout or storage idea, but where do you even begin?  I have learned that when done right, remodels don’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. I help homeowners like you transform their outdated homes into timeless, functional, and welcoming spaces you’ll love for decades — without the stress, overwhelm, or regret.” If you are ready to finally have a home with a functional layout that flows naturally for you and your family, a “do it once, do it right” remodel that stays on time and on budget - then this podcast is for you! You’ll get practical tools to plan smart, stay on budget, and love your home again. Pause that home improvement show because your dream home is closer than you think. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ e-mail me | Jen@studiored.homes

  1. 13H AGO

    25: The #1 Tool Every Home Improvement Project Needs to End Remodel Overwhelm

    If you’re in the early planning stages of your kitchen remodel and want to reduce overwhelm before decisions pile up, I’d love for you to join my free Start Your Renovation Workshop. We’ll walk through how to plan your remodel with clarity, confidence, and structure—so you’re not reacting under pressure later. 👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to: Plan your renovation the right way Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early Get confident before construction begins I can’t wait to help you approach your remodel differently—and without the overwhelm. Remodeling doesn’t have to feel chaotic. In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I’m sharing the #1 tool every home improvement project needs to end remodel overwhelm before construction even begins. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or full home renovation and feel stuck between Pinterest inspiration, decision fatigue, and fear of making expensive mistakes—this episode is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on one of my core organizational systems: the specification book. It’s the tool I use as an interior designer and remodel specialist to bring clarity, confidence, and structure to every home improvement project. When your design decisions, materials, and details are organized in one place, it becomes easier to communicate with contractors, reduce stress during construction, and avoid costly re-dos. In this episode, I cover: Why remodel overwhelm is a planning problem—not a you problem How one simple tool creates clarity across your entire renovation How to organize selections, materials, and finishes for your home improvement project How to enter your remodel knowing what’s happening next—without second-guessing every decision If you want a more organized, stress-free home remodel—and a smarter way to approach home improvement—this episode will completely change how you plan your renovation from the start. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to end remodel overwhelm before demo begins.   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: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    26 min

  2. 2D AGO

    24: 5 Reasons Your Kitchen Remodel Feels Overwhelming - How to Avoid It

    Have you ever wondered why kitchen remodels have such a bad reputation for stress—before you’ve even started? Are you already feeling overwhelmed just thinking about decisions, budgets, and contractors? What if the stress everyone warns you about isn’t inevitable at all? In this episode, I’m breaking down why kitchen remodels feel overwhelming and what actually causes that stress in the first place. I walk you through the five most common reasons remodels spiral into overwhelm—and more importantly, how you can avoid each one before construction even begins. I share a real-life client story that highlights how quickly overwhelm shows up when decisions start happening without a plan, and why reacting in the moment creates stress, regret, and budget issues. I also explain why remodeling itself isn’t the problem—it’s how most homeowners approach it. You’ll learn: Why starting without a clear plan sets your remodel up for stress How making decisions during construction erodes confidence Why expecting a “perfect” project actually increases overwhelm How wearing too many roles at once leads to burnout What happens when there’s no system in place to handle problems If you’ve been telling yourself, “I just want this to go smoothly,” this episode will help you reframe what that actually looks like—and how to make it possible. If you’re in the early planning stages of your kitchen remodel and want to reduce overwhelm before decisions pile up, I’d love for you to join my free Start Your Renovation Workshop. We’ll walk through how to plan your remodel with clarity, confidence, and structure—so you’re not reacting under pressure later. 👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to: Plan your renovation the right way Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early Get confident before construction begins I can’t wait to help you approach your remodel differently—and without the overwhelm. Next Steps:  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: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    21 min

  3. JAN 5

    23: 4 ways to Save Money on Your Renovation - Without Cutting Corners

    Worried your renovation budget won’t survive the planning phase? Feel like hiring a GC is your only option? Confused about where renovation money actually goes? Want to save money without cutting corners or sacrificing quality? Trying to stay in control without losing your sanity?   Renovations are expensive — and for many homeowners, saving money is the only way a remodel can happen. In this episode, I share the #1 way to save money on your renovation, and it’s not choosing the lowest bid or sacrificing quality. With firsthand experience inside a construction startup, I break down: Why renovation costs feel shocking How layered markups quietly inflate your budget What you’re actually paying for when you hire a GC or design-build team You’ll learn 4 proven ways to save money on your remodel: Project manage your own renovation to eliminate hidden fees Hire subcontractors directly and pay true labor costs Use strategic DIY (sweat equity) without burning out Purchase materials yourself for full cost transparency ✨ Key takeaway: Renovation savings don’t come from cutting corners. They come from clarity, structure, and smart decisions. This episode is perfect if you’re: A first-time renovator Working with a tight or fixed budget Willing to trade time and organization for real savings Next Steps:  👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to: Plan your renovation the right way Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early Get confident before construction begins 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: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    30 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    22: 3 Secrets to Letting Go of Perfection and Loving Your Remodel

    Are you feeling anxious or stuck before even starting your remodel because you want everything to go perfectly? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, I share why the idea of a “perfect” renovation is actually setting yourself up for overwhelm — and how shifting your mindset can help you stay calm, focused, and in control. I walk you through my own realizations from remodeling projects and teach you the “What Actually Matters” filter, so you can prioritize decisions, reduce stress, and confidently tackle your remodel without chasing perfection. Plus, I’ll share how to get tools and guidance for your project through my Insiders List and tease my upcoming Start Your Renovation Workshop in January — the perfect way to get practical support before construction even begins. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: Why no renovation ever goes perfectly — and why that’s okay How to reframe expectations to reduce stress and overwhelm How to filter what really matters in your project to make intentional decisions The steps you can take now to start your remodel with confidence If you’re ready to shift your mindset, stop chasing perfection, and start making real progress toward your dream home, this episode is 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/preparingforyourhomeremodel 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/

    19 min

  5. 12/22/2025

    21: 5 Design Decisions That Are Secretly Exhausting You — How to Design Your Remodel Without the Overwhelm

    Have you ever started making design selections—like tile or lighting—and suddenly felt completely frozen? Have you wondered why picking a backsplash feels harder than it should? Are you feeling mentally exhausted before construction has even started? In this episode, I’m talking about decision fatigue during a remodel—why it happens, why it’s so common (especially for busy homeowners), and how to prevent it from draining your energy before your project even begins. I walk you through five specific design decision traps I see homeowners fall into over and over again—things like endless scrolling, trying to make too many decisions at once, rushing choices under pressure, and chasing “perfect” instead of cohesive. I explain what’s really happening behind the scenes and how to reframe your design process so decisions feel lighter, clearer, and more confident. This episode is for you if: You feel overwhelmed by design choices Pinterest is making things more confusing instead of clearer You’re second-guessing decisions or feeling stuck You want your remodel to feel intentional—not exhausting You’ll walk away with practical ways to reduce overwhelm, set boundaries around decision-making, and design your remodel with more clarity and confidence. If you want more hands-on tools to help you through these early stages, join my Insiders List. I’ll be sharing resources and opening registration for my free January workshop, Start Your Renovation—where I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to reduce overwhelm before construction even begins. You can also come hang out with us in the Preparing for Your Home Remodel Facebook group and tell me which design decision is stressing you out right now. And stay tuned—because in the next episode, we’ll talk about how to reduce overwhelm once construction starts and keep your project moving without burnout.   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: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    26 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    20: 6 Hidden Home Improvement Mistakes - Create a Functional, Stress-Free Plan Before You Start

    You know what you like, but the thought of pulling it all together leaves you feeling totally overwhelmed. Sound familiar? I get it—remodels are a lot. Between endless selections, layout decisions, budgeting, and contractors, it can feel impossible to know where to start. In this episode, I’m walking you through the four phases I guide every homeowner through to take the overwhelm out of remodeling: Clarity, Practicality & Vision → Design → Plan → Manage. I share a story of a client who felt completely stuck and how having a clear path helped her move from confusion to confidence. You’ll also hear the six hidden mistakes that can derail a remodel—and how you can avoid them so you feel prepared, confident, and ready to take action. If you’ve ever wished you had a clear roadmap before starting your remodel, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll help you turn overwhelm into actionable steps that bring you closer to your dream home. Other episodes mentioned in this episode: 02: Remodeling: Where Do I Begin When Home Design Feels Confusing and Overwhelming 05: Scrolling Pinterest for Your Kitchen Remodel? Cause for Overwhelm, or a Practical Tool? 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!

    22 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    19: The Top 4 Renovation Mistakes Costing Homeowners Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)

    Before you fall headfirst into demo day or get swept away by your Pinterest board, there are a few renovation mistakes that can cost you thousands—and most homeowners don’t even know they’re making them. In this episode, I’m calling out the biggest budget-busters I see all the time… and how you can avoid the stress, the chaos, and the expensive do-overs. We’re breaking down the top mistakes that wreck renovation budgets—like demoing without a design plan, letting your Pinterest board lead instead of your budget, hiring the wrong contractor, and getting estimates without a clear scope of work. And more importantly, I’ll show you exactly what to do instead so you can save money, stay sane, and move forward with confidence. If you’re planning a remodel and want total clarity before you spend a dime, my Pocket Designer Session is your next step—one hour, zero guessing.  Pocket Designer Sessions: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Slow down before you ramp up. Protect your budget. And let’s make this remodel the one you actually enjoy.   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: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    28 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    18: Don’t Start the Design of Your Renovation Until You Solve These 3 Function Issues

    In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I’m breaking down the three functional challenges you need to tackle before diving into design: storage solutions, layout, and the everyday frustrations that drive you crazy in your home. I’ll show you how to plan your home renovation or remodeling project with less stress and more confidence. You’ll get practical tips on taking accurate measurements, exploring creative layouts, maximizing storage, and avoiding decision fatigue. I also share how tools like SketchUp and effective contractor communication can help you DIY parts of your home improvement project while still achieving professional results. If you want a home that works for you and your family, this episode is packed with strategies to make your remodel smarter, smoother, and more functional.     Next Steps: It’s the holidays! 50% off for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday whatever you want to call it!!! 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: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    20 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

*** Top 5% Globally Ranked Podcast*** Your Go-To Podcast for Homeowners Who Want to Renovate Without Overwhelm! Hey Homeowners, do you want to update your home to reflect you and function better for your family? Are you stuck between wanting the home of your dreams and fearing cost, complexity and the chaos of getting it? Do you know what you like but the thought of pulling it all together and the what if’s of renovating leave you feeling overwhelmed?  I am so excited you're here! I am on  a mission to help homeowners such as yourself FINALLY have that functional, beautiful home that fits your lifestyle, and reflects your personality. Without the stress and without the regret! Hey, I'm Jen, with years of experience in the industry as designer, project manager, and remodel specialist. I have seen it all and I am here to help you skip the overwhelm with Functional Home Renovations, that save you money.  I get it, you want your home to be beautiful but more importantly functional! You have been making do with a home that is less than ideal and quite frankly frustrates you every single day - the poor layout, the outdated look, and most importantly the lack of storage.  I’ve been there - the binge watching of HGTV and the death scroll of Pinterest, pinning yet another Kitchen layout or storage idea, but where do you even begin?  I have learned that when done right, remodels don’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. I help homeowners like you transform their outdated homes into timeless, functional, and welcoming spaces you’ll love for decades — without the stress, overwhelm, or regret.” If you are ready to finally have a home with a functional layout that flows naturally for you and your family, a “do it once, do it right” remodel that stays on time and on budget - then this podcast is for you! You’ll get practical tools to plan smart, stay on budget, and love your home again. Pause that home improvement show because your dream home is closer than you think. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ e-mail me | Jen@studiored.homes

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