Home Design Chat with Nancy

Nancy Hugo
  • 4.6 (12)
  • 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  1. 5 Outdated Kitchen Design Trends We’re Glad Are Gone

    1d ago

    5 Outdated Kitchen Design Trends We’re Glad Are Gone

    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 So when a trend burns out quickly, homeowners are often stuck living with outdated choices for years.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 Nancy@nancyhugo.com Please subscribe to my podcast and don’t forget to share them with your friends.

    21 min
  2. What's Old is New Again... and Then It Quickly Gets Old

    Jun 16

    What's Old is New Again... and Then It Quickly Gets Old

    Hi everyone and welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy. I'm Nancy, and today is June 15th.   First I need to wish my adult kiddos a very happy birthday on June 21st. No, they are not twins, just luck to have the same birthday. It is also Fathers Day on June 21st.  So to all you fathers and grandfathers out there wishing you a very Happy & healthy fathers day. Before I continue please subscribe on the platform you use to listen to this podcast.  Help me get more subscribers and supporters.  If you are wondering if I had more technical problems because I didn’t publish my podcast last week.  No problems I just needed to take a time out, or as they say “I took a pause”  but I’m back. So lets get on with todays subject. If you've been following home design for any length of time, you've probably noticed that trends come and go faster than ever.  One year everyone is painting everything gray. The next year gray is supposedly dead. Then we're told white kitchens are out, only to find thousands of beautiful white kitchens all over social media. My podcast on June 1st was on the white kitchen mystery.  I think in my opinion it was a very interesting podcast. So today, we're going to talk about why trends return, why some disappear just as quickly as they arrive, and how homeowners can avoid spending a fortune chasing design fads. Why Design Trends Repeat ThemselvesWhy Homeowners Get Excited About Old IdeasThe Social Media EffectRemember When Gray Was Everything?Farmhouse Style: The Rise and FallWhite Kitchens: Out of Style or Still Going StrongThe Danger of Chasing Every TrendWhat Actually Makes Something TimelessTrends That Have Survived DecadesTrends That Aged QuicklyWhy Personal Style Matters More Than TrendsHow Designers Balance Trends and TimelessnessLessons Homeowners Can LearnDesign trends come and go. Good design stays. Build your home around quality, comfort, functionality, and personal style, and you'll never have to worry about whether you're in or out of fashion. Remember that the best-designed home isn't the trendiest home—it's the home that works beautifully for the people who live there. If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, share it with friends and family, and join us next time for more conversations about remodeling, design trends, kitchens, baths, aging-in-place ideas, and creating homes you'll love for years to come. If you want to learn more about me, go to my website:  NancyHugo.com If you need my opinion on anything design oriented, email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com

    25 min
  3. If White Kitchens are Out, Why Am I Seeing Them Everywhere?

    Jun 1

    If White Kitchens are Out, Why Am I Seeing Them Everywhere?

    Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy where we tell you the truth about what happening in the design world. I really would appreciate you subscribing to my podcast.  My numbers are going up, but more is better.  Is that even a sentence?  Anyway, please scribe on the platform you listen to my podcasts. The topic for today is the white kitchen.  Why People keep saying white kitchens are outWhite Kitchens are not out of styleWhy are you seeing a lot of white kitchens on the internet, Pinterest and social mediaThe advantages of a white kitchenThe downside of white kitchensWhat is replacing the all white kitchenIf you enjoyed today's podcast, please share it with friends and family who are planning a remodel. And I'd love to hear your thoughts—do you think white kitchens are timeless, or are you ready for something new? Check out my website:  NancyHugo.com to learn more about me and if you are interested in design you can go to DesignersCirclehq.com, a website I started 18 yrs ago for people who enjoy knowing about trends and more.

    26 min
  4. Why Aging Parents are Choosing Family Over Care Centers

    May 20

    Why Aging Parents are Choosing Family Over Care Centers

    Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy where we tell you the truth about what happening in the design world.  If you have been enjoying my podcasts please subscribe on the platform you use to listen to my podcasts. Today is May 20th.  For years I have been publishing this podcast on Mondays but I have been having  Technical problems.  No fun especially since I’m a designer not a computer techy.  I’m crossing my fingers . I hope the problem is solved. This podcast is about something more families are facing than ever before — aging in place and how homeowners are adapting their homes for elderly parents, relatives, and even planning ahead for themselves. Time moves fast and we will all be in situations that we don’t really think about until we’re there. We are seeing people aging and we can remember just yesterday how we were all younger. Families are turning spare bedrooms, first-floor guest suites, converted garages, and mother-in-law suites into comfortable living spaces for aging loved ones. The goal is simple: keep family close while allowing older adults to maintain as much independence, dignity, and safety as possible.   75% to 90% of older adults want to stay in their current homes as they age. They actively want to avoid assisted living. But  90% of U.S. homes are not physically ready to accommodate independent aging. Listen to this podcast to get ideas and suggestions about making your loved ones feel independent and part of the family. 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.

    25 min
  5. The New Rules of Remodeling for Resale Value

    May 11

    The New Rules of Remodeling for Resale Value

    Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy. where we tell you the truth about what’s happening in the design world—what’s worth your money…  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 and what’s just taking up space. Today Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, joins me to continue on the subject of the remodel projects for the best return on your investment. We had so much information to share with you that we decided to have a "part 2" on the subject. Our topics on this podcast include: The rise of functional spacesWhy ROI has changedWhat to avoideThe "Golden Rule" for 2026 ROIWhat to avoid that gives the lowest ROIThe best remodeling projects for ROI today are not the most expensive and they are the most intentional. ✔ Smarter investments ✔ Better functionality ✔ Flexible spaces ✔ And thoughtful, phased upgrades That’s where real value lives. 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

    33 min
  6. Home Remodeling ROI: What Actually Adds Value in 2026

    May 4

    Home Remodeling ROI: What Actually Adds Value in 2026

    Hi everyone, and welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy. where we tell you the truth about what’s happening in the design world—what’s worth your money…  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 and what’s just taking up space. Several weeks ago I did a podcast on the worst ROI upgrades so today Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, joins me on the subject of the remodel projects for the best return on your investment. Our topics on this podcast include: Market projectionsThe Shift in spendingKitchens - how they are changingCost of Minor & Major kitchen & baht remodelingTh best ROI's for the remodel projectsThe best remodeling projects for ROI today are not the most expensive…They are the most intentional. The NKBA data consistently points to:   ✔ Smarter investments  ✔ Better functionality  ✔ Flexible spaces  ✔ And thoughtful, phased upgrades That’s where real value lives. 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

    31 min
  7. KBIS 2026 Kitchen Trends: What’s Worth It, What’s Overhyped & What to Skip

    Apr 28

    KBIS 2026 Kitchen Trends: What’s Worth It, What’s Overhyped & What to Skip

    Welcome to Home Design Chat with Nancy, where we tell you the truth about what’s happening in the design world—what’s worth your money… and what’s just taking up space. Today, I’m going talk about some of the biggest product trends from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2026—in Orlando, Florida. This kitchen show is not open to the public but there are several ways to actually see the products without going. Or you could just listen to me. I am going to give you my honest opinion of some items. Let’s get into it.   Workstation SinksRev-a-shelf cabinet accessoriesOpen Shelving in kitchensCharging CountertopsKohler Dekoda monitoring deviceFree standing tubsWhile innovation is exciting…The smartest designs are still the simplest ones. So before you jump on any of these trends, ask yourself: Will I use this every day?   Workstation sinks, large cooktops and rangesDoes it simplify my life—or complicate it? Are you confused with technologyAnd most importantly… is it worth the cost?  We have talked about the ROI before.  Do your homeworkBecause good design isn’t about having more. It’s about having what actually works. 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.

    26 min
  8. Before You Remodel Your Kitchen, Listen to This Homeowner’s Story

    Apr 20

    Before You Remodel Your Kitchen, Listen to This Homeowner’s Story

    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 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

    29 min
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4.6
out of 5
12 Ratings

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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