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Main reasons why your bathroom looks outdated:
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 more
If you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.com
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, 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.
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 more
If you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.com
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, 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:
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 more
If you have questions please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.com
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, 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 your host Nancy Hugo.
One of the most popular questions I hear as a kitchen designer is “What are the trends for the new year?”
Kitchens are especially prone to new trends and homeowners typically want the latest and greatest gadgets and to increase their resale value.
We know that generally speaking the kitchen sells the home. I do want to point out that not only are homeowners interested in the resale factor but also they are interested in designing for their forever home. They want to stay in their home longer and feel safe and secure and happy.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show just released the 2026 Kitchen Trends Report based on a survey conducted among the NKBA community including the US and Canada. Did this survey agree with independent designers?
The topics I covered
Did you agree with the surveys? What is your opinion on these topics?
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 more
If you have questions for my guests in this podcast or past podcasts, please send them to Nancy@NancyHugo.com
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, 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 construction
Subjects included:
The Design + Build Process
Because 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.com
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, 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.com
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. 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:
Island Cons:
Let me know your thoughts on this subject by email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com
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 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:
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.
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 Age
Remodeling Solutions that Make a Difference
Design with Dignity in Mind
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 more
If 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:
Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project : https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo
Check 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.com
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
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.
Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project : https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo
Check 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.com
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
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.com
Here is a list of items people are sorry they have in their home:
Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project: https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo
Check 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.com
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
In this episode of Home Design Chat with Nancy, Nancy welcomes back Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, for a lively and candid conversation about today’s most talked-about design trends.
Together, they dissect what the public is loving—or leaving—in home design, and how these choices really play out in function and long-term value.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why the kitchen island sink is both loved and loathed
The necessity (or not) of electrical outlets in islands
The ongoing debate over pedestal sinks in bathrooms
Open floor plans—are we still embracing them?
The pros and cons of the doorless master bathroom
Barn doors—trendy touch or tired cliché?
Why greige paint continues to dominate the color palette
Listener reactions and personal opinions on even more trending design choices
Key Takeaway:
Not every trend is a smart choice. Gil and Nancy explain how some ideas look great on Pinterest but may not be practical for everyday living.
This episode helps homeowners and design lovers think critically before jumping on the trend bandwagon.
Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project : https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo
Check 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.com
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
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:
Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of the project I spoke about in this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo
Check 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.com
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
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 begins
How I balanced client wishes with expert recommendations
Design solutions that resulted in a highly functional, beautiful kitchen
The collaborative process that helped bring unique features to life, such as a custom backsplash, furniture-style refrigeration, and a multifunctional outdoor space
This 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/@NancyHugo
Check 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.com
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
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 them
Gil suggested the following websites for more information on tile maintenance:
www.stonepeakceramics.com
www.stonepeakceramics.com
This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.com
Go 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
Visit 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.
Since 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.com
Go 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
Today, I’m excited to welcome a special guest to the show — Ray Smith, a talented kitchen and bath designer based in Phoenix, Arizona.
Not only is Ray a general contractor & owner of Precision Design & Cabinetry, but he has also built a reputation for creating beautiful, functional spaces that truly reflect his clients’ lifestyles and personalities.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for smart, stylish design, Ray is dedicated to transforming kitchens and bathrooms into spaces his clients not only love to look at — but love to live in.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with expert tips, design insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring dream spaces to life!
Some of the topics we covered in today's show:
This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.com
Go 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
I am excited to have Munir Turunc as our guest today.
Munir is the CEO of Marble Systems which was started in 1982.
Marble systems brings the finest natural stone to the design & architectural community specializing in high-end residential, commercial and hospitality projects.
Munir has led Marble Systems for nearly 40 years, transforming it into one of the most respected and design-forward names in the natural stone industry.
Most recently, the company was recognized by Hospitality + Design with the “Best Flooring” award — a testament to its craftsmanship and innovation in luxury design.
Here are some of the questions I asked Munir:
Listen to this podcast for more interesting information about marble, granite, quartzite and tiles.
Check out Munir's website: https://www.marblesystems.com/
This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.com
Go 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’ve ever dreamed of updating your bathroom and tiling your shower yourself, this episode is for you.
Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, explains the step-by-step process of tiling a shower from a DIY perspective.
Whether you're working on a small stall or a large walk-in, this guide will help you understand what materials and tools you’ll need—and walk you through the job with confidence.
Gil lists what tools and materials you will need for this task. He will also explain the 10 steps to tile the shower.
Tiling a shower is a satisfying DIY project—but it’s not a small job. Take your time, follow each step carefully, and your new shower will not only look amazing—it’ll last for years
This podcast concludes the series, "How to tile like a pro." Hope you enjoyed it and was encouraged to tackle a small tile project.
This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.com
Go 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.
