Home Design Chat with Nancy

In the past 3 weeks I have done podcasts hoping to answer questions for homeowners who are planning a kitchen remodel.  The topics covered were about planning a dream kitchen, setting a budget, finding a general contractor, avoiding change orders and working with a professional kitchen designer.  Last week the topic was achieving timeless kitchens. The topic today is being aware of upgrades that people have regretted.  We all learn from other peoples' mistakes so it's important to know what ideas and items are worth splurging on especially if you are working on a tight budget. Items to ponder: High-tech gadgets Oversized islands Fancy lighting Luxury materials Anything Trendy Items that should be included in your project:  Large drawers Cabinets to the ceiling Electric outlets & backsplashes Storage Lighting Landing spaces This podcast sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠ email comments & questions to Nancy@NancyHugo.com

Candy Lesher, Culinary Professional, and Nancy reviewed all the popular countertop appliances that clutter your kitchen.  Which ones get a thumbs up and which ones get a thumbs down.  Do you own a blender, a stand mixer, a toaster oven, an air fryer, a steam oven, a soda mixer, a pressure cooker, a coffee maker, a coffee bean grinder, a food processor?  If you have more than 3, you are overloading your kitchen. What’s Candy’s favorite appliance that she should couldn’t live without.   This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting Intro music “On my way” by Kevin Macleod email questions to Nancy@NancyHugo.com

Before you buy anything for your home, listen to Nancy chat with Richard Wilkinson, owner of MADE Resource Group.  Richard knows what is coming in and what is going out in the world of furniture, fabric, lighting, wallcoverings & accessories. Richard will tell you why your home should reflect you. OUT:  Electric Clutter, Statement Upholstery, Cool Grays, Copper Furniture, Lacquered Furniture and Mid-Century everything. IN:  Feminine Tones, 90% white- 10% color, Not skimping in comfort and acrylic furniture. Listen for more interesting information for your decor. This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting Intro music “On my way” by Kevin Macleod email questions to Nancy@NancyHugo.com

Rob Rubin, co-owner of AK Studio, was a guest on Home Design Chat with Nancy in February, 2018, and now he’s back to chat about his new Central Phoenix showroom that shows beautiful kitchen ideas but specifically the integration of kitchen millwork with architectural details. Nancy & Rob talked about what they saw at KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) and what they liked.  They commented on technology being in every phase of design for the kitchen & baths. Rob said, “Everyone is trying to build a better mousetrap, not a cheaper one.” They also talked about how kitchen design is changing because of the appliances available which ultimately is changing how people using their kitchen. Listen to find out what other new products they commented on. This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting Intro music “On my way” by Kevin Macleod email questions to Nancy@NancyHugo.com

Alan Thompson, district sales manager with B/S/H appliances, was Nancy's guest.  Alan explained that B/S/H stands for Bosch, Siemens, Hausgerate and is the largest home appliance manufacturer in Europe.  The B/S/H product range includes large home appliances for cooking, dishwashing, laundry, refrigeration and freezing, as well as a multitude of small appliances such as fully automatic espresso machnes, floor care and hot water appliances.  Bosch has been leading the charge in smart appliances with its Home Connect, Alexa voice-activated control system.  Alan and Nancy talked about the new ideas and appliances introduced at the Kitchen and Bath Industrial Show (KBIS) 2019, and what the benefits of the Black Stainless appliance finish exclusive to Bosch Appliances. This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting Intro music “On my way” by Kevin Macleod email questions to Nancy@NancyHugo.com

Hi everyone, welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy. My podcasts are  all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.When we talk about bathroom design, two themes always seem to show up: safety and luxury. Homeowners want a space that feels spa-worthy, but they also want it to function comfortably and safely for everyday life. And right in the middle of that conversation sits the ever-popular freestanding tub. People love it—but is the appeal really about luxury, or is there something deeper going on? In today’s episode, we’re looking at how they fit into a safe and well-planned layout, and whether they’re the right choice for your next remodel.Topics of discussion:The risks of free-standing tubsHow risks can be mitigatedFree-standing tubs might work with design adjustmentsMore design ideas for a safe bathroomIf you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.comBy the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more.  DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Hi everyone, I’m Nancy Hugo, and you’re listening to Home Design Chat with Nancy., I am a certified kitchen designer and love remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. Home Design Chat with Nancy is all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.The most common question everyone has when they are planning a remodel is "what is the color of the year?"  We know every year there are new colors introduced for fashion, cars and home design, and of course, you don't have to follow that, but it is fun to know what the new colors are. Laurie Clark with Sherwin-Williams is back with me, as she is every year, to explain the Anthology of color and how it relates the the color forecast for 2026.2026 Anthology Volume 2” is comprised of  48 hand-selected hues grouped into four palettes.The four palettes are:Frosted Tints — airy pastels, milky lavenders, soft greens/blues. Sunbaked Hues — warm, sun-drenched earthy tones: terracotta, saffron yellow, clay-inspired reds. Restorative Darks — deep, enveloping tones (plum, burgundy, inky blues) designed for comfort and cocooning. Foundational Neutrals — modern neutrals with subtle undertones, warm and layered instead of flat. The 2026 Color of the Year is Universal Khaki SW 6150 — a mid-tone neutral with slight yellow/khaki undertone, described as “warm, grounded, versatileGo to www.swcolorforecast.com for more information and to see the new colors of the year.Listen to my weekly podcast to learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much moreIf you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.comBy the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more.  DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy where all the conversations are about your home - how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.  Hiring the right designer can make or break your remodeling project and that’s our subject for today.Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramic in Scottsdale is back.  Before we start this podcast, I need to apologize for the 1 minute + pause in last week's podcast.  I will blame it on technology but it is now fixed.  So if you didn’t listen to the whole podcast which was filled with information about the outdated bathroom, please try it again.2 weeks ago Gil & I talked about hiring the wrong designer for your project and what you should do when you realize that this happened.  This week we are going to give you the "rules" on hiring a designer so you don't have any regrets.Do your homeworkSchedule a consultationAsk the right questionsAsk about budgets & feesTrust your gutContracts, policies & timelineListen to my weekly podcast to learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much moreIf you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.comBy the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more.  DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.comPicture source: Plumguide.com

Hi everyone, I’m Nancy Hugo, and you’re listening to Home Design Chat with Nancy., I am a certified kitchen designer and love remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. Home Design Chat with Nancy is all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.You use the bathroom several times a day and don’t really look at it with a critical eye, but then you look at magazines and realize your bathroom could use an update.  That’s our subject for today.Main reasons why your bathroom looks outdated:Color schemesBuilder grade tilesLightingPlumbing fixtures/finishesCountertopsVanity cabinet heightOver accessorizingGlass blockTubs set in decksListen to my weekly podcast to learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much moreIf you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.comBy the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more.  DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you are new to my show, I am Nancy Hugo, a certified kitchen designer. My podcasts are all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more. Over the 16 years that I have done podcasting I have had many guests and have covered many subjects. Most of them are educational...actually all of them have been interesting and educational. Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica, a wholesale tile showroom in Scottsdale is my monthly guest co-host and back today to talk about a very interesting subject.Gil and I have talked many times about how the design process is changing.  So that's our subject for today!Remodeling your home should be exciting but if you hire the wrong designer, that dream project can quickly turn into a stressful, expensive, and disappointing experience. The relationship between homeowner and designer is like a partnership — built on trust, communication, and shared vision.Here’s how to spot the red flags, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure your next project runs smoothly from start to finish.Communication is a struggleDesigner is not accompanying client to showroomsThe chemistry just isn't thereThe budget keeps shiftingProject management falls apartThe design doesn't reflect the client (homeowner)The cost of the wrong designerListen to my weekly podcast to learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much moreIf you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.comBy the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more.  DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you are new to my show, I am Nancy Hugo, a certified kitchen designer enjoying designing kitchens and also bathrooms for years.  I love looking at my clients faces when their remodel is completed.Home Design Chat with Nancy is all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.I am going to talk about smart design ideas that help your kitchen feel more joyful  & functional rather than stressful and disorganized.Your job will be to look at and think of your kitchen with a critical eye.  Picture yourself making breakfast or dinner.  Could you be more efficient? Have you been thinking about remodeling your kitchen to be more efficient?These are the subjects I am covering:Eliminating wasted stepsHow wide are your walkwaysDirecting traffic though the kitchenPeninsula vs an islandMicrowave heightsHaving enough workspaceFunctional storageHave enough outlets?Listen to my weekly podcast to learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much moreIf you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.comBy the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more.  DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy. I am excited to have Chris and Melanie Sparks with Kurk Homes join me today.They are a third-generation, full-service custom home builders based in Texas, known for blending thoughtful design, family legacy, and top-tier craftsmanship, and they are a brother & sister team.Kurk Homes is the only Southern Living Custom Builder in the Houston and Texas Hill Country area building to a certified third-party engineering standard, which really sets them apart in quality and trust.On this podcast we spoke about custom home building and how Kurk Homes guides their clients through design and constructionSubjects included:The Design + Build ProcessInitial client consultations and expectationsThe process from concept to completionImportance of site evaluation and planningConstruction quality checks and standardsRole of the homeownerHow to communicate effectively with your builderBecause time ran out and since Melanie and Chris had so much information to share regarding custom home building, we will continue this podcast with Melanie and Chris in November. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts. You certainly do not want to miss out on Melanie and Chris' next podcast with me.If you have questions for my guests in this podcast or past podcasts, please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.comBy the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more. DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy. This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much more.Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica, a Scottsdale wholesale tile showroom for designers and their clients is joining me today.  It's going to be 2026 very soon so our subject today is the new trends for 2026.  Are they really new?  We will explain what they are and share our opinions on these trends, so listen and feel free to comment.  You can send me an email:  Nancy@nancyhugo.comBiophilic Design .Curves Are the New EdgesRetro RenaissanceWarm, Earthy and Cozy Color PalettesMaximalism vs MinimalismThe Rise of the Accent Wall AgainTech integrated spacesDesigning for MultifunctionalityIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.By the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to Nancy@nancyhugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy.  I am your host Nancy Hugo.  This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much more.Today, we’re talking about a design feature that just about everyone has an opinion on — the kitchen island. Some people think it’s essential, others say it’s outdated. It was so common to see peninsulas in kitchens but very few islands when I started designing kitchens.  Matter of fact I had a peninsula in my new house and I could see the negatives right away. I always said that islands were one of the best ideas in kitchen design.Island Pros:Extra counter spaceOrganized storagegathering spotMultifunctionalDesign opportunitiesFlexibilityIsland Cons:Space issuesCost Workflow disruptionsClutter magnetMaintenanceDesign limitationsLet me know your thoughts on this subject by email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.comIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.By the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to Nancy@nancyhugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy.   This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much more.Your roof takes a beating every season—scorching hot summers, heavy snowfalls, and everything in between.  But how do you know if the roof is really holding up? Charlie Holquin, Sales & marketing director for Big Red Roofing, is my guest today.   Charlie will explain what extreme heat does to shingles, how snow and ice can sneak damage into your home, and those little warning signs—like curling shingles, sagging spots, or mysterious water stains—that you don’t want to ignore.He will also share some simple maintenance tips that can save you from a costly repair down the road and keep your roof in good shape no matter the season.Important talking points:How extreme heat affects roofing materialsCommon signs of sun damage, including warping, curling, and fading shinglesWhat heavy snow and ice can do to your roof’s structureRed flags like sagging, leaks, or water stains inside your homePreventative maintenance tips to extend the life of your roof year-roundIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.By the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to Nancy@nancyhugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy.   Every week we explore the latest trends, timeless styles, and practical solutions for creating a home you’ll love. We share expert tips, inspiring ideas, and real conversations with industry pros to help you make smart, stylish choices for your space. Whether you’re planning a full remodel, a quick refresh, or just curious about what’s hot (and what’s not) in design, you’ll find it all right here. Let’s get started!My guest today is Connie Bunyard, owner of Valley Remodeling, a family owned remodeling business in Arizona.Our subject today is Aging in Place which is something that Connie's company focus' on.Our talking points in this podcast are as follows: Common Challenges in Homes as We AgeBathrooms: slippery floors, tubs that are difficult to get in/out of, lack of grab bars.Kitchens: cabinets too high, lack of good lighting, unsafe flooring.Entryways: steps at front doors, narrow doorways not accommodating walkers/wheelchairsRemodeling Solutions that Make a DifferenceBathrooms: walk-in showers, zero-threshold entries, handheld shower heads, slip-resistant flooring, strategically placed grab bars (that can be stylish).Kitchens: pull-down shelving, drawers instead of cabinets, lever handles instead of knobs, task lighting under cabinets.Entrances & Exits: ramps, wider doorways, lever door handles, smart locks.Design with Dignity in MindTalk about avoiding the “hospital look” – aging-in-place features can be beautiful and stylish (e.g., decorative grab bars, modern walk-in showers, seamless design).How Universal Design benefits everyone — from kids to seniors — not just those with mobility issues.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.By the way, you can send me an email at Nancy@nancyhugo.com to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to Nancy@nancyhugo.com This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy.  This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much moreIf you are wanting to do a simple kitchen or bath remodel before the holidays, now is the time.  And by the way we have exactly 3 months til Thanksgiving. I say simple remodel because the major remodels will take time.  So if that’s what you had on your wish list, do your homework now and prepare to start in January after the Holidays.Gil Olachea is back with me.  Today’s subject fits right in with your wishlist for your home remodel.We are going to help you not splurge on items that other homeowners have done and regretted. In this podcast we will give you the comments from homeowners in addition to our comments on each item.Our list includes the following:Built-in Vacuum systemClear glass shower doorsWall-to-wall carpetingOutdoor kitchensGranite CountertopsSkylightsHoneycomb blinds (window treatments)In-ground poolOutdoor deck with glass railingMarble flooringWhirlpool tub for 2Home GymsWine cellarsWood flooringWallpaperHome TheatersGo to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project : ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo⁠Check out ⁠DesignersCircleHQ.com⁠ for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com⁠⁠Please email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about. If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠⁠NancyHugo.com

If you are wanting to do a simple kitchen remodel before the holidays, now is the time –  I said simple because the major remodels will take time so if that’s what you had on your wish list – do your homework now and prepare to start in January—after the holidays.If you are not familiar with the term Kitchen triangle, work triangle or the golden triangle, at the end of this podcast you will know everything about this term.What is the triangleWho invented this design principleWhy use it in a kitchen designDoes it really workKitchen ZonesGo to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project :  https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugoCheck out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠Please email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about. If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com

You have all heard the expression, "Learn from other people's mistakes."  Today my topic is about items homeowners specified but after living with these products, the truth is told.  If you decide, after listening to my podcast, that you still want to use these ideas/products, that's fine, because it's your home.  You make your own choices.  If you have any comments or want to share your experiences, please email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.comHere is a list of items people are sorry they have in their home:Corner SinksBlack plumbing fixturesBoucléBase cabinets with no pull-out shelvingMarble countertopsLuxury laminate flooringGo to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project:   https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugoCheck out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠Please email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about.  If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com

In this episode, I will get into one of the most critical steps in any successful remodel or construction project: hiring the right general contractor. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom upgrade, or a full home renovation, choosing the right GC can make or break your project. I discuss the essential questions to ask, what red flags to avoid, and how to tell if a contractor is the right fit for you.Some of my talking points:Do the preliminary homework (work with a designer & specify finishes/projects)Do get referralsDon’t be afraid to ask questions: is he/she insured, bondedInterview the contractor in personContractor has to communicate by text, phone, emailVisit jobsite of recent work & work in progressIs jobsite cleanIf you are doing a kitchen remodel, you want to see the kitchens the contractor has done.If you are not comfortable with the person--DO NOT HIRE HIM/HERCheck references - you want to know the pros and consQuality of work, I have done many podcasts describing quality of work...listen to themFlexibility of schedule   what time do they start  Does GC have tile setters, electricians, plumbers, finish carpentersIf you plan on doing some work yourself, is GC ok with that  Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of the project I spoke about in this podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugoCheck out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠Please email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about.  If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com