Welcome Home to the Suburbs

Tile, sinks and faucets - a kitchen and bath renovation can be so overwhelming! Today I’m joined by Emily and Dawn of Torrco Design Center, who reveal how having the right team behind you can take the overwhelm out of the process. They also provide some great tips and best practices for accomplishing the next renovation project you tackle in your home, along with the pitfalls to watch for, and so much more.  Emily Becker Fasano is a Senior Sales & Design Associate and part owner of Torrco, a family-owned plumbing, heating, and HVAC supply wholesaler with a rich history spanning over 107 years based in Waterbury, Connecticut. As the fourth generation of the family business started by Emily’s great grandfather in 1917, she works alongside her husband Chris Fasano,Torrco’s president, and her sister Molly (Stamford location).  Emily is based in Torrco’s Design Center in New Haven, where she specializes in delivering a knowledgeable and comprehensive design experience for her clients.  Dawn Corbo is Showroom Director for Torrco Design Center and she has been with the company for 20 years, starting in her career in the showroom as an internship, while finishing a BA in Interior Design at University of New Haven. Dawn’s experience with clients over the years, and managing showrooms, helps her to lead the Torrco Design Center team in creating an exceptional client experience. Although Dawn’s focus is now on the business side of the showroom, she fulfills her passion for design by working closely with Torrco’s vendors, building relationships with the Builder, Architect, Designer community and designing the Torrco showrooms to stay on trend and inspirational. If you’re in Connecticut and have a Torrco Design Center in your local area, I encourage you to visit their showroom to learn more about all the products and services they provide for homeowners. With the sea of options and information available, having professionals like Emily, Dawn and the team at Torrco by your side through the renovation process can make all the difference, and I’m so happy that they stopped by the podcast to share their expertise with you today.  You can watch the video of this episode with Emily and Dawn, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  I have a freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!  Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $249). Head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast  

Did you know that there’s actually a science behind getting a good night’s sleep on the proper mattress? In this episode, Bob Zukowski of Custom Sleep Technology is here to share what you need to know about the benefits of a real custom mattress!  Bob is President and Co-Founder of Custom Technology, and he ha 23 years of experience in the mattress industry, including 9 years with Latex International (now known as Talalay Global). He also has additional experience with Textron Aerospace and in financial services with Prudential Securities.  Bob is a lifetime Connecticut resident, and he has seemed to master the ultimate engineering on the perfect mattress to get the optimal night’s sleep, which is why I am so excited to introduce him to you today!  Make sure to visit https://customsleeptech.com/jill-kalman to get a special offer from Custom Sleep Technology for listeners of Welcome Home to the Suburbs!  You can watch the video of this episode with Bob, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  I have a freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!  Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $249). Head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast

Are you tackling a home design or renovation project and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of moving parts and professionals involved? If so, you may need a renovation matchmaker to simplify the process! Enter today’s expert guest, Julie Potack, founder of The Renovation Concierge, who is here to make your renovation journey smoother. Julie established The Renovation Concierge in 2023 with the intention of filling a void in the home renovation market. Her passion for renovation started in 2008 when she undertook the transformation of her apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Since then, Julie has worked on a variety of projects including a new build home, a historic suburban renovation and a renovation of a NYC Art Deco apartment. Julie is committed to elevating the renovation experience by connecting her clients with the industry’s best and ensuring quality, compatibility and an enjoyable process. Her clients rely on her as an honest, trusted resource and advocate. Julie is an alumna of Duke University and previously worked in Retail Recruiting and Operations. She also holds a Real Estate license from the State of Connecticut. Julie, along with her husband and two sons, divides her time between Westport, Connecticut and New York City. I can’t wait for you to meet Julie and to hear about her unique and very much needed service that I believe will help you tremendously!  You can watch the video of this episode with Julie, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  I have a freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!   Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $249). Head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast

Are you feeling lost when it comes to window treatments? Overwhelmed by all the options for your home? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on window treatments with expert Betsy Smyth from Bumble Bee Blinds! Betsy is also an interior designer with her own design firm, but she really saw a need in the marketplace to help people solve their window treatment dilemmas. Betsy spent her early carer days in elementary education, and after a hiatus to welcome her 3 greatest joys of all who call her “Mom”, she decided to take a leap to become an interior designer with her own design firm, and now, as the owner of Bumble Bee Blinds in the Fairfield County, Connecticut area.  In this episode, we dive into the world of window treatments, exploring everything from shutters to motorized blinds. If you’ve ever struggled with choosing the right window coverings, Betsy is here to clear up any confusion and provide the guidance you need. Be sure to check out Betsy’s website and Instagram to explore Bumble Bee Blinds' range of services. And from October through December 2024, listeners of this podcast can enjoy 10% off all soft goods and $100 off with a special mention of this episode of Welcome Home to the Suburbs!  You can watch the video of this episode with Betsy, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  I have a freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!  Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $249). Head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast

How do you go from overwhelm to ease when you’re tackling a brand-new home design project in a new home in the suburbs? In this episode, you’ll meet my client Virginia as she shares how her and I did it together with my signature room service. I hope this conversation gives you the insight and inspiration for your own home!  Is there’s something Virginia shared today that resonated most with you, and that you can relate with? Do you have any questions about how I may be able to help you as well? If so, I want to hear about it! You can DM me on Instagram, @jillkalmaninteriors and I can’t wait to hear from you.    You can watch the video of this episode with Virginia, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  I have a freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!   Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $249). Head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast

Are you ready to get your home organized this Fall? Setting boundaries is essential, and that’s why I’m thrilled to introduce our first expert guest of the new season, Lisa Trigsted of Get Neat with Lisa!  Lisa grew up the oldest of 7 kids in beautiful Idaho. It was her parents who installed a “work before play” work ethic in her.This skill plus her natural gift for organization prompted her to start her own home organizing business, Get Neat with Lisa, in 2017. Since then, Lisa has created an organization product line available at HSN.com, an online course, and a team of amazing in-home organizers. In this episode, Lisa shares the best strategies to organize your home, the impact of organization on your emotions and productivity, and effective tips for moms to stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.  If you’re committed to getting your home organized this Fall, this episode is a must-listen! To dive deeper into Lisa’s business and learn how she helps people “Get Neat,” be sure to follow her on Instagram, @getneat_withlisa. If you loved this episode, let us know and tag me too, @jillkalmaninteriors! You can watch the video of this episode with Lisa, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.   I have a freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!  Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $249). Head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast

As the saying goes, “It’s Fall Y’all”, and that means a new season of The Welcome Home to the Suburbs Podcast is here! In this special Fall kickoff episode, I give you a sneak peek at what we’ll have for you this season, and I share the ways in which I’ve designed my business to be different, in order to offer a design service specially curated for YOU, the Client.  I’m so excited to have you join us this Fall for the brand-new season of the podcast, and if you loved this episode, let us know and tag me too, @jillkalmaninteriors. You can also get more great content regularly on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors!  I have a freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!  Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $249). Head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast

The 2024 Spring Season has now officially wrapped up after our amazing interview last week with Lily Lou’s Aroma’s, but we’ll be picking things back up this Fall! We don’t want you to be forgetting about us over the summer, so make sure to join our email list as we’ll be sharing about certain topics you may have missed from the last 100-plus episodes.  Over the summer, we’ll be working on a new line-up to bring to you this Fall, and if there is anything specific you would like to hear on the podcast, let me know on Instagram or by using the contact form on our website. You can listen to all the past episodes on your favorite podcast app by searching “Welcome Home to the Suburbs”, or by visiting the podcast page on our website. As well, the videos of all the interviews I had with our amazing guests are on my YouTube channel for you to watch, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  Fall is always a great time to start thinking about home design and the holidays, so I look forward to having you join us then, and I appreciate you all for tuning in this season and your support! I have a brand-new freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz! Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $199). For this month both of these services are on special promotion, so head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast  

Have you ever heard the expression “you can’t have the rainbow without the rain?” Today you’ll meet a very special guest and hear about how she has created her very own incredible rainbow!  At just 10 years old, Lily leads Lily Lou's Aroma's, a business dedicated to creating eco-friendly self-care products with delightful scents. From scented candles to wax melts, essential oils, and perfumes, each item is meticulously made with sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience while honoring our planet. But Lily's vision extends beyond creating exceptional products. Inspired by her passion for giving back, Lily Lou's Aroma's actively supports various charities and advocates against bullying. This commitment to making a positive impact stems from Lily's upbringing and her unwavering dedication to creating a better world. Lily's journey began before the pandemic when she embarked on a homeschooling project that ignited her passion for crafting sustainable goods. Her love for experimentation and facing new challenges transformed a hobby into a thriving business, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to effect change.  Lily’s story is such an inspiring one, and if you have children, you should share this episode with them. Boys, girls, everyone needs to hear her message about bullying, and Lily is an example that it is never too young to start in business if your child has an entrepreneurial spirit as well. I’m so proud of what Lily has accomplished (so far!) and I cannot wait to see where she’s going next. To learn even more about Lily and her business, makes sure to visit her Instagram, @lilylousaromas. If you enjoyed this episode, let her know and tag me in too, @jillkalmaninteriors!  You can watch the video of this episode with Lily, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  I have a brand-new freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz! Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $199). For this month both of these services are on special promotion, so head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast

As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding – and I’m serving you some pudding today! In this episode, you’ll meet my very special guest, Lisa, who happens to be one of my clients that used my digital design services (for all 9 rooms in her home)!  You’ll hear Lisa’s story of moving to the town that I live in with her family and how she had already hired a contractor who was doing work when she reached out to me for help. She reveals why she made the decision to hire me and all the reasons why this service worked so well for her.  Lisa was a joy to work with, and I’m excited to have her here to share her story and client experience with you, in her own words. So, if the traditional design services that are being offered don’t feel like a fit for your project, and you want a way to make the process a lot more efficient, easy, and fun, then my room service is for you too!  Is there’s something Lisa shared today that resonated most with you, and that you can relate with? Do you have any questions about how I may be able to help you as well? If so, I want to hear about it! You can DM me on Instagram, @jillkalmaninteriors and I can’t wait to hear from you.    You can watch the video of this episode with Lisa, and all the interviews I have our other amazing guests on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@jillkalmaninteriors.  I have a brand-new freebie that you are not going to want to miss, called Find Your Interior Design Style! With it you can define your interior design style with what I call my “down-to-earth” method that will help you start decorating your dream home right away, the right way. To get started now all you have to do is go to www.jillkalmaninteriors.com/quiz!  Did you know that I offer digital design services? That’s right, from the comfort of your own home you can work with me and get a room designed (we’ve done 200 rooms and counting with these services)! My 1-to-1 consultation, Room Service, will give you the complete plan for an entire space, and my new Room RX gets any problem diagnosed and remedied very fast (it’s also a 1-on-1 consultation with me, and it’s only $199). For this month both of these services are on special promotion, so head over to my website or click here to learn more and schedule your time in to take advantage of these incredible savings - so you can have the room you dream of today! Get full show notes and more information at: https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/podcast