Turning Luxury Kitchens Into a Circular Economy | Juliann Berens | Co-Founder, Refind Kitchens

Juliann Berens, co-founder of Refind Kitchens in San Diego, is proving that luxury interior design and sustainability can go hand in hand. Her company deconstructs, rather than demolishes, gently used kitchens, bathrooms, and high-end materials, giving them a second life in new design projects while keeping them out of landfills. A registered nurse turned interior designer, Juliann shares how her caregiving mindset shapes her approach to functional, beautiful, and eco-conscious spaces. We talk about the impact of sustainable kitchens on the planet, why design should start with a “care plan,” and how the circular economy benefits homeowners, contractors, and communities. If you care about interior design, sustainable living, and reducing waste, this conversation will inspire you to see kitchens, materials, and even home renovations in a whole new way. Chapters 00:00 Meet Juliann Berens of Refind Kitchens 02:45 Deconstruct vs. Demolish in Interior Design 05:10 From Nursing to Interior Design and Sustainability 07:15 Sourcing Luxury Kitchens for Second Life Projects 10:00 Partnerships with Contractors and Designers 14:15 Choosing San Diego as a Sustainability Hub 17:05 How Space Design Impacts Wellbeing 23:00 Creating a Functional and Beautiful Kitchen 26:00 Why Lighting Matters in Interior Design 28:15 Color Theory and Cohesive Home Design 30:15 Redefining “Caregiver” in Business and Design 36:55 Building a Circular Economy in Luxury Kitchens 42:00 The Stories Behind Repurposed Materials 46:00 Women Who Inspire Juliann Berens 50:00 Juliann’s Powerful Lady Ranking and Final Advice The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices