Clarity is the ultimate luxury—and it might be the one thing saving your remodel from chaos.

In today’s episode of Designing in 5D, Jodi Peterman is joined by Anna Hackathorn, an award-winning interior designer based in the South Bay of Los Angeles with 30+ years of experience, and the creator of Plan and Elevate, a course designed to help homeowners plan better when they can’t (or don’t want to) hire full-service design.

They dive into the real behind-the-scenes of design:

• Why expectations must be set before demo
• What happens when clients try to “split the difference” (some DIY + some designer)
• How designers and contractors should divide responsibilities (without double markup confusion)
• The hidden reason timelines slip (and how to reduce it)
• Decision fatigue, scope creep, and the psychology of projects
• Why your project needs more front-end planning time than you think

Connect with Anna Hackathorn:
Website + course info: artsandhomes.com

Free download from Elizabeth Erin Designs:
Decision Confidence Toolkit: https://elizabetherindesigns.com/free-confidence-tool-kit-for-homeowners/

Subscribe for weekly episodes on intentional design, clarity, budgeting, and creating homes that feel as good as they look.

A retreat isn’t about luxury amenities or square footage — it’s about how a space makes you feel.

In this episode of Designing in 5D, Jodi Peterman breaks down the five essential principles of outdoor retreat design and explains why the most successful outdoor spaces don’t impress — they invite you to soften.

We’re talking about:

• Creating intentional thresholds between inside and outside
• Designing for privacy so spaces feel held, not watched
• How to build meaningful zones for rest, ritual, connection, and solitude
• Choosing comfort-first materials that actually invite lingering
• Using consistency in color and materials to create seamless indoor-outdoor flow

From vacation rentals and hospitality spaces to multifamily communities and private homes, this episode explores how intentional outdoor design increases emotional connection — and why that connection directly impacts ROI.

If you’ve ever wondered why some patios feel cozy and memorable while others fall flat, this episode will shift how you see outdoor spaces forever.

✨ Because great outdoor design doesn’t have to be grand — it just has to be intentional.

What if your backyard wasn’t an afterthought—but a fully designed extension of how you live?

In this episode of Designing in 5D, Jodi Peterman sits down with Matt Kaldenberg of PBS Landscaping and Victoria Buldhaupt of Nature’s Palette to talk about a new, collaborative approach to outdoor living in the Des Moines area.

From pools and pickleball courts to landscaping, lighting, furniture, and future-phase planning, this conversation breaks down what it really looks like to design backyard spaces intentionally—without chaos, rework, or surprise expenses.

We cover:

• Why one integrated team changes everything
• How thoughtful planning protects both vision and investment
• The biggest mistakes homeowners make when starting pool projects
• Outdoor trends focused on connection, wellness, and everyday enjoyment
• What realistic timelines and budgets actually look like in Iowa

If you’re considering a pool, outdoor entertainment space, or long-term backyard plan, this episode will help you think bigger—and smarter—about what’s possible.

✨ Because the best spaces aren’t rushed. They’re designed.

Matt Kaldenberg PBS Landscaping: https://kaldenbergslandscaping.com/

Victoria Buldhapt Natures Pallet:https://www.naturespalettelandscape.com/about