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

Luxury isn’t marble countertops or oversized chandeliers — it’s how a space makes you feel.

In this episode of Designing in 5D, Jodi breaks down the difference between homes that look good online and spaces that actually feel like a five-star retreat. After more than two decades designing residential, hospitality, and vacation rental spaces, she shares three out-of-the-box design moves you can apply right now — without a full remodel.

You’ll learn:

• Why the most luxurious spaces reduce friction and support your nervous system
• How to design like a host, not a decorator
• The “exhale moment” that sets the tone the second you walk in
• The simple two-touch rule that makes luxury tangible
• Why five-star spaces never send you on a scavenger hunt

This is a pen-and-paper episode — practical, actionable, and grounded in real life. If you want your home (or rental) to feel intentional, elevated, and deeply cared for, this one’s for you.

✨ Ready to apply this to your own home with clarity and confidence?
Download the Decision Confidence Toolkit to get clear before you spend money on choices that don’t align with your lifestyle or intentions.
👉 https://elizabetherindesigns.com/free-confidence-tool-kit-for-homeowners/