Designer Secrets for Using Thin Brick in Kitchens: Backsplashes, Coffee Bars & More

🎤 Episode #37Is the luxury scullery becoming the next must-have in kitchen design? As open-concept kitchens continue to dominate home design, homeowners are discovering the benefits of a second kitchen that keeps food prep, dirty dishes, and everyday clutter out of sight.In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer Robin Johnson explores one of the most exciting 2027 kitchen design trends: the rise of luxury sculleries, butler's pantries, and beautifully designed secondary kitchens.Discover the difference between a traditional pantry, a butler's pantry, and a fully equipped scullery, along with five features worth considering—from secondary refrigeration and dishwasher drawers to nugget ice makers and specialty cooking appliances.Robin also shares how she transformed an unexpected shoe closet into a stunning scullery and what the latest NKBA Kitchen Trends Report reveals about the future of kitchen storage and functionality.Planning a luxury kitchen renovation? This episode will inspire you to think beyond beautiful cabinetry and countertops to create a kitchen that works just as beautifully as it looks.Ready to start planning?🖇️ Budget Template ToolKinkGet your FREE Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit or explore the Kitchen Remodel Made Easy course 👏🏻 Follow Kitchen Remodel Made Easy and share this episode with a friend!📸 ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠📌 ⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠👍 ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠🌐 ⁠⁠Website

🎤 Episode #36Planning a kitchen remodel for 2027? Discover the cabinet colors, wood tones, countertops, and metal finishes shaping kitchen design—and how to choose a look that feels right for your home.After two of my kitchen trends Reels took off, you wanted more! In this episode, I’m sharing highlights from the NKBA’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, along with my perspective as an award-winning kitchen designer turned remodeling coach.We’ll explore:• Softer whites, warm neutrals, and green versus blue cabinets• White oak versus walnut cabinetry• Balancing wood tones with painted cabinets and existing floors• Quartz versus quartzite, statement islands, and countertop edges• Mixing brass, nickel, and black finishes with confidence• How visualization can help you feel more confident before committingYour kitchen should reflect how you live and what you love. Let’s turn all that inspiration into a personal design direction.Resources mentionedAI Kitchen Toolkit—$27Kitchen Remodel Made Easy CourseCambria countertop interviewWant professional guidance?Course purchasers can join my optional coaching community. The first 10 members receive founding pricing of $49/month; standard pricing is $97/month afterward. Course purchased separately.Email me “I’m interested"Research credit: National Kitchen & Bath Association, 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. Findings reflect survey respondents’ forecasts; design opinions and project stories are my own.👏🏻 Follow Kitchen Remodel Made Easy and share this episode with a friend!📸 ⁠Instagram⁠📌 ⁠Pinterest⁠👍 ⁠Facebook⁠🌐 ⁠Website

🎤 Episode #35 Is Expensive Quartz Really Worth It? A Conversation with CambriaNot all quartz countertops are created equal—but is paying more actually worth it?If you're planning a kitchen remodel, you've probably noticed that countertop prices can vary dramatically. So what exactly are you paying for when you choose a premium quartz brand?In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, I'm chatting with Jenny Littleton from Cambria about what sets premium quartz apart, how it compares to natural stone, and what you should know before investing thousands in your kitchen countertops.We're talking about durability, stains, heat, maintenance, warranties, and why choosing the right fabricator is just as important as choosing the stone itself.Plus, we'll discuss why you should never choose a countertop from a tiny sample, how to handle seams on large kitchen islands, and the warmer countertop colors and veining we're seeing for 2027.Whether you're considering quartz, quartzite, or marble, this conversation will help you make a more informed decision about what belongs in your kitchen.Mentioned in this episode:Explore Cambria countertops: https://www.cambriausa.comGet my FREE Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit: https://www.robinjohnsoninteriors.com/starterkitLet's Connect! 🥂Follow along for more kitchen design inspiration, remodeling tips, and behind-the-scenes projects!📸 Instagram📌 Pinterest👍 Facebook🌐 WebsiteHappy designing!Robin

🎤 Episode #34What 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 Kit⁠Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media 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 KitResources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course & Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hardware Resources + Task LightingSocial 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 kitchenWhen changing your kitchen footprint may be worth the added investmentWhy your family, lifestyle, home and budget should influence your layout decisionsHow moving cabinetry can trigger unexpected flooring, plumbing and electrical costsThe pros and cons of removing walls for an open-concept kitchenWhy “broken” or hybrid kitchen layouts are gaining attentionWhy your island, sink, hood and pendant lights do not have to line up perfectlyWhen function should win over symmetryHow Robin completely relocated a kitchen and transformed the entire first floor of a contemporary homeIf 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 & Community⁠⁠⁠⁠Social Media Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Houzz⁠⁠

🎤 Episode #31Thinking 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 responsibilityWhat a general contractor actually does behind the scenesThe value of a contractor's established relationships with trusted subcontractorsWhy managing a kitchen remodel involves much more than creating a construction scheduleHow your personality, available time, organizational skills, and comfort solving problems should factor into your decisionThe difference between hiring your own subcontractors and actually DIYing the construction workWhy unexpected problems happen even on well-managed remodeling projectsWhy having your kitchen fully designed and planned before construction begins matters regardless of which route you chooseThere'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 & Community⁠⁠⁠Social Media Links:⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Houzz⁠⁠

🎤 Episode#30: Best Outdoor Kitchen Materials: What Designers RecommendPlanning 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 & Community⁠⁠Social 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 & Community⁠Social Media Links:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠Houzz

Episode #28: Designer Secrets for Using Thin Brick in Kitchens: Backsplashes, Coffee Bars & MoreLooking 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 & CommunitySocial Media Links:InstagramFacebookPinterestHouzz