Home Design Chat with Nancy

Nancy Hugo
  • 5.0 (1)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Home Design Chat with Nancy Hugo, certified kitchen designer, covers all aspects of every room in the home. Kitchens, baths and whole-house remodeling, appliances, plumbing fixtures, flooring & countertop materials, and lighting are some of our topics. In addition, we cover aging-in-place, security systems, smart homes, backyard kitchens, window coverings, water treatment units & even wine pairing. Some of the favored topics are trends in kitchens, baths & interior designs, colors of the year & what we think of HGTV's suggestions for your home. View NancyHugo.com for design ideas.

  1. 2026 Kitchen Countertop Trends: What’s In, What’s Out, and What’s Next

    5D AGO

    2026 Kitchen Countertop Trends: What’s In, What’s Out, and What’s Next

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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.

    23 min
  2. Tile Trends 2026: What’s In, What’s Out & What’s Next

    MAR 2

    Tile Trends 2026: What’s In, What’s Out & What’s Next

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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.

    31 min
  3. HyperCore Induction Cooktop Explained: Pros, Cons & Why Induction Is the Future of Kitchens

    FEB 23

    HyperCore Induction Cooktop Explained: Pros, Cons & Why Induction Is the Future of Kitchens

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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.

    27 min
  4. Vinyl vs Hardwood vs Tile: Pros, Cons & Why Cheap Flooring Costs More

    FEB 16

    Vinyl vs Hardwood vs Tile: Pros, Cons & Why Cheap Flooring Costs More

    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 Nick@flooringbutler.com. 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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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.

    37 min
  5. The Most Important Design Decisions Homeowners Get Wrong

    FEB 9

    The Most Important Design Decisions Homeowners Get Wrong

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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

    33 min
  6. Is the Open Floor Plan Over? Why Closed Kitchens Are the Biggest Home Trend of 2026

    FEB 2

    Is the Open Floor Plan Over? Why Closed Kitchens Are the Biggest Home Trend of 2026

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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.

    29 min
  7. Independent Living with Style, Safety & Dignity: Smart Home Design That Works

    JAN 26

    Independent Living with Style, Safety & Dignity: Smart Home Design That Works

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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

    33 min
  8. Kitchen Remodel Mistake #1: Letting Your General Contractor Design Your Kitchen

    JAN 19

    Kitchen Remodel Mistake #1: Letting Your General Contractor Design Your Kitchen

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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.

    28 min
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About

Home Design Chat with Nancy Hugo, certified kitchen designer, covers all aspects of every room in the home. Kitchens, baths and whole-house remodeling, appliances, plumbing fixtures, flooring & countertop materials, and lighting are some of our topics. In addition, we cover aging-in-place, security systems, smart homes, backyard kitchens, window coverings, water treatment units & even wine pairing. Some of the favored topics are trends in kitchens, baths & interior designs, colors of the year & what we think of HGTV's suggestions for your home. View NancyHugo.com for design ideas.

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