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, 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
Today I am going talking about one of the most important — yet often overlooked — keys to a successful kitchen or bath project: trust and mutual respect between the homeowner and designer.Too often, clients second-guess their designer by consulting salespeople, subcontractors, or even neighbors. But if you've done your homework, checked references, and feel confident in the designer's past work — then trust should naturally follow.I’ll also share a very personal and powerful story: a kitchen remodel that transformed into a full house rebuild after a devastating fire. What started as a simple kitchen design turned into a multi-year journey of trust, collaboration, and creativity with my clients. You’ll hear about:Why clear communication and shared goals matter before any work beginsHow I balanced client wishes with expert recommendationsDesign solutions that resulted in a highly functional, beautiful kitchenThe collaborative process that helped bring unique features to life, such as a custom backsplash, furniture-style refrigeration, and a multifunctional outdoor spaceThis story illustrates the impact of a healthy designer-client relationship — one based on open communication, honesty, and mutual respect.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
In this episode of Home Design Chat with Nancy, Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, Az, talks about everything you need to know regarding the care and maintenance of your tile. Gil is a tile expert with decades of experience and often co-hosts this podcast sharing his knowledge on many subjects.After spending the time and money on tiling your home, either by doing it yourself or by hiring contractors, Gil and I thought it would be important to talk about maintaining your tile on the floor, in the shower and/or your backsplash. Whether your tile is porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, or glass, this episode will help you keep it looking beautiful, safe, and easy to maintain for years to come.Talking points:✔️ The do’s and don’ts of cleaning tile✔️ How to protect grout from staining✔️ Tips for extending the life of your tile✔️ Common mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid themGil suggested the following websites for more information on tile maintenance:Stone Cleaning Tips & Guidewww.stonepeakceramics.comThis podcast is sponsored by Monogram.comGo to DesignersCircleHQ.com to learn more about design.Please 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.comVisit my youtube channel to see my latest project: https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo
In case you haven’t noticed, time is passing quickly and it’s hard to admit that we are all aging.Whether you're planning ahead or have already noticed some day-to-day challenges in mobility, vision and strength for yourself and/or for your loved one, designing your forever home should include smart spaces that are safe, stylish, functional, and comfortable.Today I am going to talk about ideas for your home that will help to keep you independent, comfortable, and safe without compromising your home's aesthetics.If you are listening to this podcast and you are 30-40ish, then you most likely have parents who are of the age where these suggestions could be applied to their home.Safety FirstAccessibilityOpen Floor PlanWork TriangleCabinets & StorageLightingFixtures/AppliancesSince my podcasts are audio I describe what I am talking about especially with guests. When I had my radio show someone told me that radio and I would include podcasts in this is theater of the mind. I took his advice to heart and always try to create a picture for the listener.I am going to talk about one of my projects but I have a surprise at the end.I would appreciate a comment on the video.This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.comGo to DesignersCircleHQ.com to learn more about design.Please 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
Tonisha Turner
Great episode, Nancy! I really like how you cover window coverings and other home design details. If anyone’s looking for quality shutters or custom coverings, JMR Blinds Inc. has excellent options: https://jmrblindsinc.com/
omerexwer
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alisher megga
Design is increasingly recognizing the importance of representing diverse perspectives and experiences. Inclusive design practices aim to create products and spaces that cater to a broad range of users, irrespective of age, ability, or background. This shift towards inclusivity not only addresses social responsibility but also leads to more thoughtful and universally accessible design solutions.