Happy holidays and welcome to a special Best Of edition of Home Design Chat with Nancy.
While I’m taking a short holiday break, I wanted to leave you with some of my favorite moments from the podcast that I did with Laura Clark of Sherwin-Williams. Laurie shared so much interesting information about the beautiful colors for 2026. Whether you’re decorating, relaxing, or planning future home projects, this episode is the perfect way to enjoy a little design inspiration during the holiday season. So grab a cup of something cozy, sit back, and enjoy this Best Of holiday episode.
Email me anytime at Nancy@NancyHugo.com. I would love to hear from you.
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
Hi everyone, and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy. As we get close to Christmas and the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for listening to my podcasts.
This year marks the end of 10 years of Home Design Chat with Nancy,
When I started this podcast, I was worried about having enough information to share with you but It seems that I never run out of topics to talk about with you.
Over the past decade, we’ve talked about everything from kitchen and bath design to tile trends, safety, wellness, and how homes really function in everyday life.
These podcasts have always been about education — helping you make informed decisions, not just follow trends.
Last January I started to focus more on homeowners and do -it -yourselfers, educating on every aspect of design and how-to’s. We did a series on installing tile yourself. That was interesting. I learned alot although I would not install myself.
Gil Olachea became my co-host squeezing in time to podcast once or twice a month.
I’m really excited about what’s coming up in 2026.
My goal in 2026 is to keep this podcast useful, practical, and grounded in how people actually live.”
I’ll be sharing a few ‘Best of Home Design Chat with Nancy’ episodes over the next few weeks — some of the conversations you’ve loved most and that are still incredibly relevant today.
I’ll be taking a short holiday break, and I’ll be back with great new guests starting January 5th, 2026. I already have some interesting guests lined up, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Happy Holiday
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
Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy!
Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are going to be here before you know it. Whatever you celebrate, I am sure you have a lot to do before the big day or big week.. Decorating, gift shopping, planning the menu for family holiday dinners, and added to this, enough stress for 10 people. I think stress naturally goes with holidays.
I was actually thinking of sharing some of my traditional Italian cookies and pastry recipes but…this is not a cooking show, so I will stick with my subjects for your home.
If you are remodeling any part of your home, or building a new home, or are in the middle of planning a remodel project, now is not the time to think about this. Just relax. Watch Christmas movies, make ornaments & cookies with your kids and have fun.
Several weeks ago I reviewed the walk in tub. I shared my honest opinion on the pros and cons.
Today I am reviewing an interesting product for the kitchen. I really like induction cooktops but this one by Invisacook goes a step further.
I hope today’s episode on the pros and cons of a new product.
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
Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy!
I hope this is not the first time you are listening to my podcasts but if it is you will learn all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more. my passion is about design and to educate….that’s my reason for doing this podcast every week.
Today’s episode is all about giving you design inspiration and helping you decorate safely. We’re going to cover what’s trending in Christmas décor for 2025, what colors and materials designers are loving this year, and the safest way to create a beautiful holiday home without setting off the smoke alarm.
If you want a holiday home that looks magical but is still safe for kids, pets, and your peace of mind, stay with me — this is your guide to safe and stylish decorating this Christmas.
Now for the fun stuff:
I hope today’s episode gave you a mix of inspiration and practical ideas to make your home look beautiful and stay safe this Christmas. Decorating should be fun — and with a little thoughtfulness, it can be magical without becoming dangerous.
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
Hi everyone, welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy.
My podcasts are all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.
As everyone who knows me will attest, my passion is design and educate….that’s my reason for doing this podcast every week.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is what are the new tile trends for 2026.
Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, and a tile expert, is going to answer those questions.
The tile trends are below. Listen to the podcast for descriptions of each trend.
If you have questions for me or for Gil Olachea, 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
Hi everyone, welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy. My podcasts are all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.
When we talk about bathroom design, two themes always seem to show up: safety and luxury.
Homeowners want a space that feels spa-worthy, but they also want it to function comfortably and safely for everyday life.
And right in the middle of that conversation sits the ever-popular freestanding tub. People love it—but is the appeal really about luxury, or is there something deeper going on?
In today’s episode, we’re looking at how they fit into a safe and well-planned layout, and whether they’re the right choice for your next remodel.
Topics of discussion:
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
Hi everyone, I’m Nancy Hugo, and you’re listening to Home Design Chat with Nancy., I am a certified kitchen designer and love remodeling kitchens and bathrooms.
Home Design Chat with Nancy is all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.
The most common question everyone has when they are planning a remodel is "what is the color of the year?"
We know every year there are new colors introduced for fashion, cars and home design, and of course, you don't have to follow that, but it is fun to know what the new colors are.
Laurie Clark with Sherwin-Williams is back with me, as she is every year, to explain the Anthology of color and how it relates the the color forecast for 2026.
2026 Anthology Volume 2” is comprised of 48 hand-selected hues grouped into four palettes.
The four palettes are:
Frosted Tints — airy pastels, milky lavenders, soft greens/blues.
Sunbaked Hues — warm, sun-drenched earthy tones: terracotta, saffron yellow, clay-inspired reds.
Restorative Darks — deep, enveloping tones (plum, burgundy, inky blues) designed for comfort and cocooning.
Foundational Neutrals — modern neutrals with subtle undertones, warm and layered instead of flat.
The 2026 Color of the Year is Universal Khaki SW 6150 — a mid-tone neutral with slight yellow/khaki undertone, described as “warm, grounded, versatile
Go to www.swcolorforecast.com for more information and to see the new colors of the year.
Listen to my weekly podcast to learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much 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 where all the conversations are about your home - how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.
Hiring the right designer can make or break your remodeling project and that’s our subject for today.
Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramic in Scottsdale is back.
Before we start this podcast, I need to apologize for the 1 minute + pause in last week's podcast. I will blame it on technology but it is now fixed.
So if you didn’t listen to the whole podcast which was filled with information about the outdated bathroom, please try it again.
2 weeks ago Gil & I talked about hiring the wrong designer for your project and what you should do when you realize that this happened.
This week we are going to give you the "rules" on hiring a designer so you don't have any regrets.
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.comPicture source: Plumguide.com
Hi everyone, I’m Nancy Hugo, and you’re listening to Home Design Chat with Nancy., I am a certified kitchen designer and love remodeling kitchens and bathrooms.
Home Design Chat with Nancy is all about your home…how to plan, design and execute your remodel and much more.
You use the bathroom several times a day and don’t really look at it with a critical eye, but then you look at magazines and realize your bathroom could use an update. That’s our subject for today.
Main reasons why your bathroom looks outdated:
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