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Hi everyone, and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy. I’m Nancy. Today’s episode is going to be a little different because, instead of talking about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, design trends or all the other things we normally talk about, I have a little announcement to make. I’ve decided to put Home Design Chat with Nancy on hiatus.  It’s time for me to take a little pause. I’ve been doing this show for quite a while now, and when I started Home Design Chat with Nancy, I never imagined how many conversations we would have or how many people would eventually listen. And I have to tell you — I have loved doing it. I’ve loved talking about design. I’ve loved having guests join me. I’ve loved discussing everything from kitchens and bathrooms to flooring, windows, outdoor spaces, remodeling mistakes, design trends and all those little things homeowners don't always think about until it’s too late. But sometimes, even when you love something, you need to step back and take a breath. This is not goodbye. It’s a pause. I want to take some time to think about what I want the next chapter of Home Design Chat with Nancy to be. Maybe it will come back exactly as it has been. Maybe it will come back a little differently. Maybe there will be some new ideas, new conversations and some subjects I haven’t tackled yet. I’m not going to make any promises about exactly when I’ll be back — because I’ve learned that sometimes the best things happen when you don't put yourself on a deadline. But I do want you to know that I’m not disappearing. There are still plenty of ways to find me and my design ideas. And if you’re new to the show, this is actually a great time to go back and listen to some of the previous episodes. There are a lot of them! You can find Home Design Chat with Nancy and my other design information through NancyHugo.com and Designers Circle. You can also find my list of podcasts on Spotify, iHeart radio and apple to name a few.  And to all of you who have listened over the years — thank you. Thank you for spending part of your day with me. Thank you for listening to my opinions, even when you didn't necessarily agree with me. And thank you for trusting me to talk about something I have been passionate about for a very long time — making homes beautiful, functional and, most importantly, right for the people who live in them. I've always said that good design isn't just about what looks good. It's about how you live. And I hope I’ve helped you look at your home a little differently. So, for now, I’m going to take a little break. I’m going to step away from the microphone, give myself some time to think, and see where this next chapter takes me. And who knows? I may surprise you. So this isn't goodbye to Home Design Chat with Nancy. It’s simply… “See you later.” Until then, keep designing, keep asking questions, and remember — your home should work for you, not the other way around. Thank you for listening. And when I’m ready to start talking design with you again…

Hi everyone, and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy and I’m Nancy! today we're continuing our conversation about something every homeowner has to deal with at some point—window treatments. If you listened to Part 1 of our conversation, you already know there is a lot more to choosing window coverings than simply picking something that looks pretty. We talked about the different types of window treatments, materials, custom versus ready-made, privacy, light control, and some of the choices homeowners need to think about before they make a purchase. Today, we're continuing that conversation with Jack Kim with Arizona Blinds Company, about something I think every homeowner needs to hear about: the mistakes people make when choosing window treatments. Because you can spend a lot of money on beautiful shades, shutters, blinds or draperies—and still end up with something that doesn't work for the room. Maybe the curtains are hung too low. Maybe the rods are too short. Maybe the fabric isn't right for the amount of sunlight coming through the window. Or perhaps nobody thought about privacy, furniture placement, or even how the window treatment is going to look when it's completely open. And then we're going to get into some of the things homeowners are asking for right now—including motorized window treatments, natural materials, new styles and what's beginning to look dated. So if you're thinking about replacing your window coverings, remodeling a room, or building a new home, you're going to want to hear this part. Our topics today are: Top 5 design mistakes homeowners makeWhat's Trending for window treatments in 2027Best choice for a tight budgetDated window treatmentsI hope you enjoyed today’s topic. If you have any questions, email me at [email protected].  And please share these podcasts with your friends.  Everyone can you a little education in design. If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com⁠ You will find DesignersCircleHQ.com on my website as a tab. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more.  In addition, Home Design Chat with Nancy can be found on Spotify, iHeart radio, Apple and many other platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast on the platform you use to listen to podcast.

Hi everyone, and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy..   and I’m Nancy! A our subject today is something that I think every homeowner can relate to.   It’s those little design mistakes that you don't necessarily notice when you're looking at your plans, when you're shopping for your house, or even when your remodel is brand new. But then you start living in the space. And suddenly you think:  “Why did we do that?” What were we thinking?  Have you ever had that happen? But before we begin please subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to my podcasts. As I chat about design mistakes you don't notice until you live in your home,  I want you to think about your own house as we're going through these. You may hear something and say, “Oh my gosh. I have that problem." Common Mistakes: Not thinking about how you really liveNot having enough storagePutting beauty before functionNot thinking about lightingNot having enough outletsDoors that fight with each otherNot thinking about where things goThe wrong size furnitureForgetting about maintenanceDesigning for today and not tomorrowNot paying attention to the kitchen workflowIgnoring the little annoyancesGood design is about creating a home that works. It should support the way you live. It should make everyday activities easier.It should be comfortable.It should be practical.It should be beautiful, too.But beauty and function don't have to compete. The best homes bring the two together. Good design is about creating a home that works. It should support the way you live. I hope you enjoyed today’s topic. If you have any questions, email me at [email protected] And please share these podcasts with your friends.  Everyone can you a little education in design. If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com⁠   You will find DesignersCircleHQ.com on my website as a tab. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more.  In addition, Home Design Chat with Nancy can be found on Spotify, iHeart radio, Apple and many other platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast on the platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Hi everyone, and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, and I'm Nancy.   Before I get started on the topic of the day,  I would really appreciate it if you can you please subscribe to my podcast. As I have said many times, I do podcasts to educate everyone about design & more.  Most people will look at models home, cabinet showrooms or pinterest and quickly notice the cabinet style and color.  The cabinet is more than a pretty door.  Construction is very important and so is the manufacturer who produced the cabinetry. Jeff Hunt, co-owner of Hunt’s Kitchen & Design in Scottsdale, AZ.  is back with me because we have more to discuss about cabinets. Just to summarize the first podcast we did on August 24th, we discussed wood species, face-frame cabinets vs frameless, Custom vs semi-custom vs stock cabinets.  I suggest you go back to listen to that one if you haven’t already. At the end of this podcast, with Jeff’s help, you the homeowner should be able to open the cabinet door and drawer and decide the quality. And what to look for. Topics of discussion: The cabinet mistakes that are expensive to fix after installationCabinet Shelving - what to look forCabinet hardware finishesKnobs vs handlesIs the Kitchen triangle dead? A beautiful kitchen isn't necessarily a functional kitchen. You can have gorgeous cabinets, the perfect hardware, and every appliance you've ever wanted—but if you have to walk around an island three times to make a cup of coffee, something went wrong. Good kitchen design isn't about following one rule or copying a kitchen you saw online. It's about understanding how you live, cook, entertain, and move through your kitchen. Hope you enjoyed learning about cabinetry.  Please share these podcasts with your friends and subscribe on the platform that you use to listen to these podcasts. If you have any questions or suggestions for a topic on the show, please email me at [email protected]. Check out my website, NancyHugo.com to learn more about me and see some of my projects. I have added a tab on this site for DesignersCircleHQ.com on NancyHugo.com  By the way, it is also a website so you can bookmark it and read it anytime.  The subjects are interesting for people are take an interest in design and trends.  The podcast is also on there with a player which can be accessed anytime.

Hi Everyone, Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about the things that make a home look great—but also make it work better. Today the subject is pavers.  If you don’t know what a paver is, you will be glad you listened because pavers are a very interesting product, but before we begin, please subscribe to my podcast on the platform you use to listen. I would really appreciate it. Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, is back with me today.  He will explain everything you should know about pavers. Our topics covered are: What exactly is a paverWere can pavers be usedCan pavers be used in the homeWhat types of pavers are availableThe advantages & disadvantages of using paversWhat is the difference between porcelain & stone paversDoes climate effect paversCan installing pavers be a do-it-yourself project Hope you enjoyed learning about pavers.  As you know, Home Design Chat with Nancy is about educating all things important to the home.  Please share these podcasts with your friends and subscribe on the platform that you use to listen to these podcasts. If you have any questions or suggestions for a topic on the show, please email me at [email protected]. Check out my website, NancyHugo.com to learn more about me and see some of my projects. I have added a tab on NancyHugo.com for DesignersCircleHQ.com which is also a website.  You can bookmark it and read it anytime.  The subjects are interesting for people who take an interest in design and trends.  The podcast is also posted there with a player that can be accessed anytime.

Hi everyone and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy where we talk about the things that make a home look great --but also make it work better. Today we are talking about something that can completely change the look and feel of a room, yet is often one of the last things homeowners think about: window treatments.  And when I say window treatments, I'm talking about a lot more than curtains. My guest today is Jack Kim, the owner of Arizona Blinds Company in Phoenix, Arizona. Jack knows window treatments inside and out. We're going to take a close look at the choices homeowners have, the pros and cons of each, and what you really need to know before you buy. We're also going to talk about something I think is especially important: window treatments aren't just about how a window looks. They can affect privacy, light, energy efficiency, comfort, and even how functional a room is. I think we're going to discover that there is a lot more to choosing a window covering than walking into a store and saying, "I like that one!" Our topics will include: Common types of window coverings and the benefits of each. Custom vs ready-made window treatments Light and privacyLayering window treatmentsMotorizationThere is so much more we wanted to talk about that time did not allow us to cover, so we are going to continue this subject in a few weeks.  Subscribe to Home Design Chat with Nancy so you don't miss everything about design especially if you are remodeling or building new. If you have any questions for Jack or me, email me at [email protected] If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com⁠  You will find DesignersCircleHQ.com on my website or you can bookmark it since it is a website. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more.

Hi everyone and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy.  Before I get started on the topic of the day, can you please subscribe to my podcast.  I would really appreciate it. Today we're talking about an item that most of us probably don't think about very much. Cabinets. There is more to cabinets then the pretty door.  There’s  construction, materials, hardware, finish, storage and much more that you will know  by the end of this podcast. My guest today is Jeff Hunt, co-owner of Hunt’s Kitchen & Design in Scottsdale, AZ.  Jeff & his brother Josh prioritize their business in creativity, quality and personal connection. Some of our talking points today: Wood Species - does it really matter?Is one wood better than the otherWhat is Rift OakFace-frame vs. Frameless - which one is betterCustom vs. semi-custom vs stock/box cabinetsDoes custom cabinetry make your kitchen better?There are more topics about cabinets that time did not allow us to cover so we are going to continue this subject on September 14th when Jeff will be back with me.  Be sure to listen to learn more interesting things about cabinets you should know.  Especially if you are remodeling or building new. If you have any questions on cabinets, email me at [email protected] If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com⁠  You will find DesignersCircleHQ.com on my website. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more.

Hi Everyone and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you are new to this podcast, I am Nancy Hugo, a certified kitchen designer, with a passion for design. Today we're talking about an appliance that most of us probably don't think about very much. The microwave. It's one of those things that's just...there. You put something in it, push a button, and a couple of minutes later, you're eating. But when you're designing or remodeling a kitchen, the microwave can actually create some pretty interesting design questions. The common questions are how big should it be & where should it go.  Here are the thoughts you should have when purchasing a microwave: Do you really need an enormous microwaveWhen did bigger become betterWhat do you use the microwave forCan you get away with a smaller microwaveThe different types of microwavesWhere should the microwave go?Are Microwaves safe?Is smaller better?The microwave mistakesI hope you learned things about microwaves you didn't know. If you have any questions, email me at [email protected] If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com⁠  You will find DesignersCircleHQ.com on my website. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast on the platform you use to listen to podcasts. I look forward to your comments.

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about what’s trending, what’s timeless, and what actually works in your home.  If you are new to this podcast, I am Nancy Hugo, a certified kitchen designer, with a passion for design. Hence the podcast which I have been doing for 12 yrs. My subject today is kitchen renovations for aging in place. This podcast was first published on March 23, 2026, and I am sharing it today because it has great information and had great reviews. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, designing a kitchen that works for you long-term is one of the smartest things you can do. And the worse thing is to have a kitchen that is difficult to work around because you didn’t make these easy alterations.  Aging in place isn’t about getting older… it’s about your home adapting to you. Design your kitchen for the life you want to live—not just the one you’re living today. When you plan ahead, you’re not limiting your future. If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it and subscribe on the platform you use to listen to my podcasts. If you’re planning on a renovation, I would definitely be happy to work with you. You can email me anytime at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you. If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com  You will find DesignersCircleHQ.com on my website. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. I look forward to your comments.

Hi everyone, and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about the ideas, trends, and practical choices that make our homes more beautiful, functional, and livable. Today we're talking about a subject that almost nobody in the design industry wants to discuss.Some of today's most beautiful homes are also some of the most dangerous. I recently saw a bathroom in Veranda magazine featuring a gorgeous tub designed by Gabriela Eisenhart  The topic of the article was about trends for 2027 that improve everyday living, so I thought this would be great to share with you on this podcast. I have described the picture in depth to create an image of this room in your mind's eye.  I came to the conclusion that this is a very dangerous tub design and may look great in a photo but is not safe or practical. The picture on my post is of the bathroom in question. I have to give credit to the photographer:  William Abranowicz. Let me know if I accomplished my objective about this tub design by emailing me your comments. Kitchens also have safety issues which I talk about. Cooktops and stoves with no landing space, over-the-range microwaves, not enough walkway between islands and perimeter countertops and lack of lighting in kitchens are also hazard points discussed in this podcast.  I have pointed out dangerous and bad designs in several podcasts, but it worth reminding people who are looking to remodel that safety and function are as important as aesthetics.  If you enjoyed my podcasts, please subscribe on the platform you use to listen to podcasts.  It’s very easy to do it on your phone.  Go to the podcast app, search for Home Design Chat with Nancy and hit subscribe. Check out my website, NancyHugo.com to learn more about me and see some of my projects.  I have added a tab for Designers Circle where I update the blogs about Design trends, design news and things to know frequently.  Designers Circle was being sent out bi-monthly but instead I have added to my website. Email me at [email protected] if you have an questions or comments.

Welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we help homeowners make smarter design decisions—before they spend a dime.  My subject today is about t one of the hardest-working features in every home, yet one that's often overlooked until it's too late: you has at least one in your home. Actually you have more than one…it’s a sink. Whether you're remodeling your kitchen, updating a bathroom, creating a dream laundry room, or adding a wet bar, choosing the right sink is about much more than looks. The wrong sink can frustrate you every single day. The right sink can make everyday tasks easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable. I'll walk you through the pros and cons of today's most popular sink styles and materials, what's trending in 2026, what's fading away, and the costly mistakes homeowners make when choosing a sink. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what to look for—and what to avoid for your kitchen, prep sink, bathrooms, laundry room, wet bar and powder room. Listen to find out what mistakes people make when choosing a sink and what's hot and what's not for 2026. Whether you're cooking dinner, bathing your dog, washing paint brushes, or getting ready for work, your sink should make those everyday tasks easier. That's what great design is all about—choosing products that work as beautifully as they look. Check out my website, NancyHugo.com to learn more about me and see some of my projects.  I have added a tab for Designers Circle where I update the blogs about Design trends, design news and things to know frequently.   Email me at [email protected] if you have an questions or comments and don't forget to subscribe to my podcast on the platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy!  Last week my topic was the outdoor kitchen,  a luxurious extension of the indoor kitchen. The main topic of discussion was the aesthetic and surface materials for the outdoor kitchen. We broke down exactly what is trending, what materials actually survive the elements, and how to design a spectacular outdoor culinary space.  Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica, Scottsdale, Arizona, is back with me to continue our conversation. Today Gil and I will talk about a very important aspect of cooking on your outdoor kitchen.  The safety factor.   Before we begin I am going to ask you to subscribe on the platform you use to listen to my podcasts Having a beautiful space to prepare and grill your menu is important to most homeowners.  More importantly is the safety factors, which is what we breakdown for your today.  Our topics are: Location of your outdoor kitchen Wind directionProximity to your houseCovered patiosSmoke & fire damage Pros & Cons of different designs  L-shaped designStraight designU-shaped  designCharcoal vs gas grills Health & safety factorThis is the perfect subject for everyone with a backyard.  We emphasized the safety aspects of a backyard kitchen which is so important.  Plan your project as you would your indoor kitchen for function and aesthetics so you can enjoy it throughout the year depending on your climate, of course. Thank you for listening to Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, share it with friends and family, and join us next time as we continue exploring the latest ideas, innovations, and trends shaping the homes we love. You can contact Nancy with any questions or suggestions for the show:  [email protected]      Check out her website:  NancyHugo.com      If you are interested in design-- news, trends and more, check out https://designerscirclehq.com/.

Welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy! I’m Nancy  Before we begin I am going to ask you to subscribe on the platform you use to listen to my podcasts.  Have you noticed that summer is moving quickly so we have the perfect subject – trends for outdoor living. It is not just about a stand-a-lone grill on a concrete slab and a picnic table.  Outdoor living has become a, luxurious extension of the indoor home. To break down exactly what is trending, what materials actually survive the elements, and how to design a spectacular outdoor culinary space, I have the perfect guest today. Joining me is Gil Olachea from Ceramica, Scottsdale, Arizona. The biggest shift we’re seeing in 2026 is the transition to multiple cooking zones and methods or appliances, heavily mimicking how indoor kitchens are designed – something you know a bit about! Instead of just one primary grill doing all the heavy lifting or cooking in a gazebo, pergola or patio, layouts now include distinct zones for prep, cooking, baking, storage and serving. Replacing the traditional grill, utensil cart(s) and fold-up table has become very popular trend.  I’ve seen outdoor kitchens that are better equipped and laid-out than their indoor kitchen. The main topic of discussion was the aesthetic and surface materials for the outdoor kitchen. The materials of choice are, primarily, easy clean & maintenance.  Aesthetic is a close second.  And material manufactures are attune to this so they’re making products that address both of these key aspects!  Such as porcelain, large-format tiles for the floors and complimenting surfaces for island & cabinet fascia.  Regarding color palettes, it becomes personal preference but the trends are leaning toward the warm earth tones. We talked about best, high-performance countertop materials for an outdoor kitchen that won’t fade, crack, or burn someone’s hand when the sun hits it. We broke down the best materials in various parts of the country and what to avoid in each area. We talked in depth about the materials today and wanted to spend enough time on the outdoor kitchen layouts and also the very important safety factors when you are planning your outdoor project.  That is why this topic will be continued on July 20th.  This is so important if you are planning to create an outdoor kitchen area. Thank you for listening to Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, share it with friends and family, and join us next time as we continue exploring the latest ideas, innovations, and trends shaping the homes we love. You can contact Nancy with any questions or suggestions for the show:  [email protected]      Check out her website:  NancyHugo.com      If you are interested in design new, trends and more, check out https://designerscirclehq.com/. Designers Circle is a website that could be accessed anytime.

Hi everyone, and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy. Before I start, I would like you to please subscribe on the platform you use to listen to my podcasts. My subject today is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—projects: a kitchen renovation. Most homeowners who have ideas and plans to remodel their home don’t start the project in the middle of the summer when their kiddos are on summer break or when the family goes on vacation.  Instead, the remodel project starts in September right after summer vacation is over. If you want your project to be completed for your Thanksgiving dinner or for the Christmas holidays, now is the time to start doing research.  The reality is that successful kitchen renovations begin long before demolition day, and definitely before you contract with a kitchen designer and a general contractor. Today I'm going to walk you through the most important things to consider before you start your kitchen renovation so you can avoid costly mistakes, stay on budget, and end up with a kitchen you'll love for years to come. These are questions you should ask yourself before you start your research: Why do you want to remodelWhat are your wants and needsWhat is your realistic budgetDoes your existing layout work for youDo you have enough storageIs your lighting adequateDoes your ventilation workWhat appliances are on your wish listCan you cope with disruptionKnow what to look for in hiring professionalsBefore you start your kitchen renovation, remember this: the best kitchens aren't necessarily the most expensive kitchens. They're the kitchens that work beautifully for the people who use them. A successful kitchen renovation should improve your daily life every single day. That's what great design is all about. Thank you for joining me today on Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to subscribe, share the show with friends and family, and join us next time as we continue exploring ideas, trends, and practical advice for creating homes that are beautiful, functional, and designed for the way we live. You can email me at [email protected] with questions.  Check out my website:  https://nancyhugo.com/  For great design ideas and trends go to https://designerscirclehq.com/

Hi everyone and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy.  Can you believe that ½ the year is gone? Please subscribe & comment on the platform you are using.  I would really appreciate it. I was a little off schedule last week and didn’t get to do a podcast but I’ll make up for that by talking about a very interesting subject that every homeowner, designer, and remodeler has experienced at some point—and that is design regrets. We’ve all had those moments where we look back and think:“What was I thinking?” But here’s the interesting thing about kitchen trends. Most trends aren’t actually bad when they first appear. In fact, many trends solve a problem happening at that specific time. They reflect what homeowners wanted emotionally, culturally, and even financially. The problem starts when trends become extreme. And kitchens are especially vulnerable because they are expensive to remodel. Unlike paint colors or furniture, kitchens are long-term investments. So when a trend burns out quickly, homeowners are often stuck living with outdated choices for years. Today I’m talking about five kitchen design fads we’re actually glad are gone—. Some of these trends completely dominated magazines, television shows, and model homes. Others were pushed heavily on social media. And while some still exist in smaller ways today, they’re no longer controlling kitchen design the way they once did. Every era has trends. Twenty years from now, people may laugh at some of today’s kitchens too. What matters is understanding WHY these trends faded and what lessons we can learn before investing thousands into a remodel. Here are the 5 trends to say good-bye to.  Listen to the entire podcast for my reason for each one: Tiny Mosaic Tile CountertopsThe Over-the-top Tuscan Kitchen EraAppliances GaragesExtreme Open ShelvingAll Gray KitchensThe take-a-way from this podcast is that a beautiful kitchen is not just about appearance. It’s about how it functions for your life. Trends become dangerous when people stop asking practical questions, but the kitchens that survive trends the best are the ones designed around the homeowner—not around what’s currently viral online. Maybe after this episode, you’ll look at old kitchen photos a little differently—and maybe even appreciate how much kitchen design continues to evolve. If you want to learn more about me you can check out my website: NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, just email me at [email protected] Please subscribe to my podcast and don’t forget to share them with your friends.