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. 2d ago

    Do You Really Need a Big Microwave? 7 Kitchen Microwave Mistakes Homeowners Make

    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 Nancy@nancyhugo.com 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.

    Do You Really Need a Big Microwave? 7 Kitchen Microwave Mistakes Homeowners Make

  2. Aug 12

    Aging in Place Kitchen Design: Smart Renovation Ideas to Stay in Your Home Longer

    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 Nancy@NancyHugo.com—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.

    Aging in Place Kitchen Design: Smart Renovation Ideas to Stay in Your Home Longer

  3. Aug 3

    Dangerous Home Design Trends: When Beautiful Becomes Unsafe

    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 Nancy@nancyhugo.com if you have an questions or comments.

    Dangerous Home Design Trends: When Beautiful Becomes Unsafe

  4. Jul 27

    The Best Sink for Every Room: Pros, Cons & 2026 Design Trends

    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 Nancy@nancyhugo.com 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.

    The Best Sink for Every Room: Pros, Cons & 2026 Design Trends

  5. Jul 20

    The Outdoor Kitchen Mistakes Most Homeowners Don't Think About

    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:  Nancy@nancyhugo.com      Check out her website:  NancyHugo.com      If you are interested in design-- news, trends and more, check out https://designerscirclehq.com/.

    The Outdoor Kitchen Mistakes Most Homeowners Don't Think About

  6. Jul 13

    Planning an Outdoor Kitchen? Important Things to Know Before you Build

    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:  Nancy@nancyhugo.com      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.

    Planning an Outdoor Kitchen? Important Things to Know Before you Build

  7. Jul 7

    Before You Remodel Your Kitchen… Listen to This First

    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 Nancy@nancyhugo.com with questions.  Check out my website:  https://nancyhugo.com/  For great design ideas and trends go to https://designerscirclehq.com/

    Before You Remodel Your Kitchen… Listen to This First

  8. Jun 29

    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.

    5 Outdated Kitchen Design Trends We’re Glad Are Gone
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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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