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Welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about real homes, real projects, and real results. Today’s episode is a little extra special because my daughter is joining me to talk about her kitchen remodel which, of course, I designed and executed.  Tami will describe why she decided to remodel the original kitchen and what the problems were.   Sharing a real experience from the homeowner is incredibly helpful for homeowners.  We also talked about: What problems the original hadWhat was on her wish listHow the new kitchen design fits her lifestyleWhat features are her favoriteThe total remodel experienceIf 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about what’s really happening in today’s homes—and more importantly, how to make smart decisions before you spend a dollar. Today’s episode is one that every homeowner needs to hear before starting a kitchen remodel… kitchen upgrades with the WORST return on investment.  Those things that look amazing, cost a fortune… and don’t give you your money back. Too many times homeowners spend thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, on features that either: don’t add value to your homedon’t function well or worse… actually hurt resaleSome of the topics I will cover: The over the top luxury appliancesFully custom cabinetToo much open shelvingBacksplashes that take over...and much moreThe best kitchens balance: functionlongevityand thoughtful designBefore you spend money… ask yourself: “Is this going to improve how I live in my kitchen… or just how it looks?” Because the kitchens that truly hold their value…Are the ones that work beautifully. 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy! I’m Nancy Hugo, and today we’re diving into a kitchen trend that is quietly—but very powerfully—changing how we think about design. Today is Wednesday, April 8th.  I have always published my podcasts on Monday but somehow Monday & Tuesday disappeared. I had too much on my plate and finally got some stuff accomplished. I think it’s interesting to know some things about the podcasters I listen to so today I am going to share some background about me before I jump into today’s subject. You will have to listen to this podcast to learn about me!!! Today, the subject is the unfitted kitchen. These are my talking points:  Why is it called that?What makes a kitchen unfittedThe furniture pieces to useThe pros & cons of the unfitted kitchenWho should take advantage of this design style 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about everything you need to know before you design, build, or remodel your home. Today we are diving into a trend that is absolutely everywhere right now—and that is Zellige-style tile. You’ve probably seen it all over Instagram, in kitchens, bathrooms, even entire shower walls… that glossy, slightly uneven tile that just glows. But here’s the question— Is it really as great as it looks? And more importantly… is it right for your home? So today, Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, Arizona, is back with me to help break it all down—because this is one of those products that looks simple… but is definitely not simple when it comes to installation. Our topics today are: What is Zellige Tile?Why everyone loves itThe Reality checkCost & expectationsMaintenance & functionWhere to use it & where not to use itSmart alternativesIf 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

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. 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 not have a kitchen that is hard to work around because you didn’t make these easy alterations.  Have you noticed that no one is getting younger.   Aging in place isn’t about getting older… it’s about getting smarter with your design. Here are my talking points: What does Aging in Place really mean?Why are homeowners prioritizing renovations for aging in place now?Floor PlanWork ZonesCabinetry that works for youAppliances that make life easierSafety featuresSmall Changes making a big impactDesign 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’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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Hi everyone and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about everything that makes your home more beautiful, functional, and fun. Today we’re diving into one of the most talked-about topics in home design right now — paint. If you’ve spent even five minutes scrolling online lately, you’ve probably seen conversations about color trends, color drenching, color capping, and bold new ways to use paint in your home. Paint may be one of the least expensive design changes you can make, but when it’s done right, it can completely transform a space. And when it’s done wrong… well… let’s just say we’ve all seen those DIY disasters. That’s why today I invited an expert. My guest is Jaron Cook, owner of Painting Butler, and if that name sounds familiar, it should. In February, his partner Nick Elg owner of the Flooring Butler joined me to talk about flooring trends. Here are the topics we cover in this podcast: Why Paint is Trending Right NowPainting Mistakes Homeowners MakePaint Finishes ExplainedShould You Paint CabinetsHow to Pick the Right ColorHow Long Should a Paint Job Last?Professional vs DIYQuick Painting Tips For more information about Painting Butler check out the website: paintingbutler.com 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy. Picture courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Hello everyone and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about kitchens, baths, remodeling, and all the things that make homes more beautiful and more functional. Today we’re talking about something that every kitchen has, every homeowner obsesses over, and every designer gets a million questions about…Kitchen countertops. And specifically — the biggest countertop trends for 2026.  Some are exploding in popularity…and a few that were huge five years ago are definitely starting to fade. Here are the materials I am covering – and the pros and cons of each: QuartzPorcelainGraniteQuartziteWhy the big shift in color? The popularity of the Traditional Kitchen look   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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about what’s trending, what’s timeless, and what you should absolutely avoid in your home. Today is March 2nd and the topic is one of the most permanent decisions you will ever make in a remodel — TILE. We’re talking Tile Trends for 2026 — what’s hot, what’s fading, what designers are specifying, and what homeowners are requesting. And back with me is Gil Olachea— tile expert, trend watcher, and the man who sees what’s actually selling before the rest of us do. By the way, Gil owns Ceramica, a wholesale tile showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tile topics we explain in this podcast: Tile  Colors for 2026Textures & DimensionsRustic Finishes & Earthy PatinasPatternsNatural & Stone LooksLarge Format Tile & SlabsBath & Shower Tile TrendsKitchen Tile TrendsWhat's Out for 2026If 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about what’s really happening in home design— and what is important to you as a homeowner. Today we’re tackling a topic that’s changing kitchens everywhere — induction cooktops, specifically the next-level of Induction Cooktops by Zepher.  Our guest is kitchen tech expert Andy Welemin.  This episode is perfect for anyone thinking about a kitchen upgrade or curious about modern cooking tech. Our topics are: What is Induction CookingHow is Induction poweredWhat Makes the HyperCore cooktop different?Pros & Cons of InductionHow to cook on HyperCoreCookware compatibilityIf 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about what’s really happening in home design— and what is important to you as a homeowners. Our subject today is a very important one  – everything you should know about LVT vs Hardwood vs Tile. Nick Elg, owner of Flooring Butler in Platte City, Mo. Is my guest today.  Some of our talking points for this podcast are: What is LVT/LVP and why is it so popular right now?What are the pros and cons of this material?Don't go cheap with LVT/LVPWhy hardwood floors are considered a long-term assetWhat are the downsides of hardwoodWhy tile is one of the most cost-effective floors over timeHow homeowners should think about flooring decisionsWe are happy to have Nick as a guest.  He can be reached at [email protected]. His website is www.flooringbutler.com. 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  And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Hi everyone and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy., the place where you learn everything about design for your home. Everyone wants to talk about finishes and colors, but the success of a home starts with decisions you don’t always see. Steve Appolloni, owner of Eurofe Remodeling in Albuquerque & Santa Fe, New Mexico, is back to talk about the elements of your home that people underestimate. Steve is a remodeling expert who has created some amazing designs so please check out his website when you finish listening to this podcast: Eurofe.com Our talking points: FoundationCabinetsWindowsKitchen DesignsThe Value of ExperienceGood design is part creativity, part problem-solving, and part leadershipIf 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. And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we talk about what’s really happening in home design— Today’s subject is "Are we over the open floor plan?" and "Why is the closed kitchen suddenly the biggest home trend of 2026?" Short answer?  The open plan isn’t dead—but it’s definitely being re-designed. And the fully exposed kitchen we’ve lived with for the last 20 years? That era is ending. Let’s start with a little history on floor plans Traditional Floor PlansModern Open Floor PlansOpen Floor Plan ProsConsClosed Kitchen ProsConsHow to decide what's best for you If you’re planning on a renovation, I would definitely be happy to work with you.  I currently have availability in February. You can email me anytime at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you. And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy. Today we’re talking about something that affects every homeowner—whether they realize it or not—and that’s accessible home design. This isn’t about creating a home that looks clinical or institutional. It’s about designing spaces that are safer, smarter, and honestly… just better designed.  I’m so excited to have Erica Sell, owner of Harmony Home Medical Supply in San Diego,  with me today.  Accessibility is one of the most misunderstood areas of home design—and one of the most important. It's about preparing for the worst. It’s about creating a home that supports you—beautifully—through every stage of life. When it’s done right, you don’t notice it. You just feel how well the space works. Smart design, timeless design, accessible design—they’re all the same thing. These are our topics in this podcast:  What accessibility really means today. The European wet room influence. Off-the-shelf products that work.Specialized tubs vs roll-in showers.Cost, funding & realistic planning.If you’re planning on a renovation, I would definitely be happy to work with you.  I currently have availability in February. You can email me anytime at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you. And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy. 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 we talk about smart design, real-world remodeling, and how to make better decisions for your home. Today’s topic is one I hear about all the time—and honestly, it can save you from some very expensive mistakes. I’m joined by Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, and we’re talking about why your general contractor should not be your kitchen designer. Our topics include: Design vs building - What's the difference?Common problemsCostly mistakes bias & product choicesThe best process for kitchen designThe final takeawaysIf you're planning on a kitchen or  renovation, I would definitely be happy to work with you.  I currently have availability in February for kitchen and bathroom design projects. You can email me anytime at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you. And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy.

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy—the podcast where we talk about smart, functional, and beautiful design for your home. Today is January 12th. Last week, my guest was Kirk Bianchi, a landscape design expert. He’ll be joining me again in a few weeks to answer your backyard design questions, so feel free to send those in. Today’s topic is one that continues to spark debate in the design world: the kitchen work triangle. Some designers are quick to say that the work triangle is outdated and no longer relevant for 2026 and beyond. This conversation has been ongoing for years, and it’s one I’ve been part of for a long time as kitchens—and the way we use them—have evolved. Before talking about what may replace the work triangle, I want to step back and talk about where it came from. Most people I speak with have heard of the kitchen work triangle, but few know when, why, and how it originated. That curiosity sent me down a bit of a research rabbit hole. In this episode, you’ll learn when and where the kitchen work triangle began, whose idea it was, and why it became such a foundational concept in kitchen design—as well as how it’s being reinterpreted today. During the podcast, I mentioned that I would share a link about Lillian Gilbreth, whose work had a profound influence on modern kitchen design.   I was truly impressed by her accomplishments and her life, which is why I spent some time discussing her contributions.  I also revisit zone-based kitchen layouts. I’ve talked about kitchen zones in previous episodes, but these concepts are worth repeating, especially as they continue to shape how we design kitchens today. I hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. If you did, please subscribe on your preferred listening platform so you never miss an episode. I currently have availability in February for kitchen and bathroom design projects. You can email me anytime at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you. And finally, visit DesignersCircleHQ.com, a website I started 18 years ago. It covers everything related to design and features updated podcasts, design trends, design news, and more. The site is updated every other week.  Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Home Design Chat with Nancy. If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com  This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com