Home Design Chat with Nancy

By Nancy HugoArts Design

Home Design Chat with Nancy episodes

June 02, 2021Before you buy carpet, listen to this!
Wall-to-wall carpet became popular in the 1950s when it became more affordable for everyday families and not just the wealthy. People used carpeting in those days not knowing the pros and cons. It just looked good and was affordable. Times have changed. The consumers are more educated and want to know about the products they put in their home.
Our guest, John Koslowski, a Flooring Consultant with Healthy Home Flooring, explains everything we want to now about carpet. .
Choosing the Right Carpet for Your Lifestyle
The type of lifestyle you lead and the conditions of your household should greatly influence your carpet choice.

Carpet is usually the best choice for bedrooms
Weight & Density
Amount of pile in the carpet and how close the tufts
Fiber Types
Natural, Wool, Synthetic
Underpad
Your carpet is only as good as your underpad.
Maintaining your Carpet
Vacuum

Professional steam cleaning
Carpet trends for 2021
Colors & styles
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
Listen to Nancy’s other podcast: Hugo Floss
A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son
Topics include everything BUT design.
31 min
May 26, 2021Is your Ceiling Fixture the right Size?
Putting the finishing touches on your design project can either make it or break it! Knowing the right size and shape of the chandelier, and more importantly, how high to hang the fixture is something not everyone is familiar with. Jem Funk, interior designer and lighting designer, is the perfect guest to give tips on choosing light fixtures. Jem has been with us on several occasions and always shares her knowledge with us.
These podcasts are meant to share information but, as always, Jem and Nancy recommend working with a professional on your projects.
ASSESS LIVING ROOM LIGHT DIMENSIONS
A simple light sizing calculation can prove a useful guide to scaling a pendant light to a living room or another space such as a bedroom.

Measure the length and width of the room in feet and add the two figures together.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE LIGHT OVER A DINING TABLE
A light like a chandelier or modern statement pendant that’s one half to two thirds the width of the table below in diameter will be large enough to draw the eye, but won’t verge into overpowering territory.

With light sizing, bear in mind that the height at which the light is hung is important.
SIZE LIGHTING TO A KITCHEN ISLAND
Rather than a single large light, hang a series over an island or a dining table.

Smaller multiple pendants can work well in a kitchen or dining area.
FACTOR IN LIGHTING SHAPE
‘A globe-shaped pendant looks great when oversized.

Round or tiered design has some height as well as width, a pendant light could have appreciable scale width-wise, but be of a relatively modest height.
TAKE MATERIALS INTO ACCOUNT
Glass or wicker pendants can be bigger as there is a transparency to the fitting but usually pendants are constructed of a combination of materials.

It is important to check the dimmability of any pendant you purchase. Some LEDs are embedded so this is key, or if you can add your own bulbs you have more control.
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
Listen to Nancy’s other podcast: Hugo Floss
A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son
Topics include everything BUT design.
32 min
May 19, 20212021 KITCHEN TRENDS TO AVOID
If you’re planning on undertaking a full-on kitchen remodel, the last thing you want to do is pick a trend that are outdated or overdone. Jan Rutgers, founder of Vestabul School of Design, is back with Nancy this week. They chat about the trends to avoid and alternative suggestions to help your design choices withstand the tests of time.
CABINETRY PAINTED DARK COLORS
Dings, bumps, and scratches from everyday use can be more apparent on a darker surface, leading them to be one kitchen trend to avoid.

IT wears very quickly, requiring routine touch-ups.
MONOCHROME COLOR SCHEMES
White continues to be on-trend through 2021, but it can be overdone.

White on white on white is boring.
BULKY SOFFITS AND KITCHEN DESKS
Soffits can make a kitchen look crowded or dated.

Get rid of soffits that aren’t necessary.

Avoid is adding a desk area in your kitchen.
SPECKLED GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
Speckled granite countertops are not as appealing anymore; too busy

Eased edge or bevels edge are cleaner looking than bullnose edges
STAINLESS-STEEL FINISHES
Black stainless are becoming popular. Nancy & Jan agree that Stainless Steel will always be seen in the majority of kitchens.

Stainless is easy to clean if the right product is used.
OPEN-CONCEPT KITCHENS
Might be on its way out according to some designers, but Nancy & Jan agree that it’s here to stay.

This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
Listen to Nancy’s other podcast: Hugo Floss
A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son
Topics include everything BUT design.
35 min
May 12, 2021Is your House Smarter than You?
The best smart home devices are an essential part of a 21st century home, as they ensure you can turn your thermostat up, dim the lights, lock your doors, and play your music with a simple voice command – creating a seamless, smart environment that makes your life easier. Nancy chatted with Chris Diamond about all the smart devices he has installed in his home and what the pros and cons are.
Show notes:
smart speaker

smart lighting

smart plugs and switches

smart thermostat

video doorbells

home security cameras

smart locks

robot vacuums

coffee machines

vacuum cleaners
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
Listen to Nancy's other podcast: Hugo Floss
A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son
Topics include everything BUT design.
38 min
May 05, 2021Beauty In & Out
Our last podcast was all about appliance trends for 2021. This week Nancy chatted with Deron Rensen, senior area sales manager with Monogram. Deron explained why manufacturers offer packages and what new and exciting appliances Monogram has introduced for this year. Specifically we talked about the new Monogram column Refrigerator and Freezer and what the benefits are.
Show Notes:
Products
Special promotions
appliance packages
Finishes
Stainless Steel

Mixing Metals
Monogram Column Refrigeration
Refrigerators (24”,30”) Freezers (18”,24”,30”)

Adjustable Aluminum & Glass Door Bins

LED Illuminated Glass Shelves

Auto-Fill Pitcher

Electronic Temperature Control Drawer

Tower Cooling

Retrofit into existing 42” or 48” refrigerator space easily
Don't forget to listen to my other podcast, Hugo Floss with Dan Hugo, my nerdy son, and his creative mom.
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
33 min
April 28, 20212021 Appliance Highlights
Without question, if you have a kitchen, and who doesn't, you are interested in the newest appliances, even if you are not going to purchase immediately. Our subject today is the newest and greatest appliances for 2021, and who better to chat with Nancy than Steve Ertle with Spencer's Appliances in Arizona. Steve is extremely knowledgeable since he has been in the appliance business for 40 years and keeps up with all brands, makes and models.
Trend #1. On the Rise: Steam Ovens
Steam ovens and convection steam ovens.
Trend #2. Refrigerators are getting a huge upgrade in 2021.
Glass-door refrigerators

Notification

handles a thing of the past.
Trend #3. Everything will be available for you in a touch of a button in 2021.
Wireless Bluetooth devices
Trend #4. Finger Touch Gets Rid Of Knobs
Say goodbye to knobs and controls, and say hello to touch controls!
Trend #95. Technology Is All Around Us
Continued push for incorporation of technology.

Sous Vide method of cooking
Popularity of Stainless Steel
Appliances Delays – a trend of 2021?
A lack of materials and delays in shipping times mean nearly every type of appliance is being impacted.

Other factors for delays

Please be sure to subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and tell a friend.
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
34 min
April 20, 2021What are you Doing for Earth Day - April 22
Nancy's guest this week is Christine Sterling, Client Experience Manager with Image Craft. Christine is an advocate of sustainability and explains how she has encouraged changes at her workplace. These changes can apply to residential as well as commercial.
An environmentally aware business considers more than just profits — it considers its impact on society and the environment. Such a business is sustainable because it contributes to the health of the structure within which it operates, thereby helping construct an environment in which the business can thrive.
Christine's changes at Image Craft to help the environment:
Recycling container for paper, plastics, plastic bags, batteries, ink cartridges

Changed Light bulbs to LED

Compactor – non organic

Added solar panels – incentives

Touch technology faucets and toilets

Motion sensor lights in certain areas

Window tinting/shades and shutters

Plants to improve air quality

Inks & prints low VOC & recycled & recyclable materials

Second hand stores for misc. office equipment – shelving, desks, storage furniture, printers, copiers,etc
Changes most everyone can make:
Make compost

work at home when possible. Commuting accounts for more than a third of all car travel.

Reuse paper bags, envelopes, etc.

Maintain possessions instead of discarding them.

Xeriscape with drought-tolerant native species in your yard.

Install low-flow showerheads.

Buy in bulk, and bring your own reusable containers to eliminate wasteful packaging.

Plant deciduous shade trees to cut summer cooling bills.

Bike, walk, and use public transit.

Install a solar water heater.

Buy efficient appliances with smarter designs.

Use non-toxic cleaners.

Tune up your car.

Separate recyclables, and recycle them.

Caulk and weatherstrip, and insulate walls and ceilings.

Fix leaky pipes.

Install low-flush toilets.
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
29 min
April 14, 2021Is your Outdoor Kitchen safe?
Last February we discussed the need for a vent hood in your kitchen with Doug Elbert is Vice President of Business Development at Trade-Wind Manufacturing, a premier manufacturer of residential kitchen and ventilation projects.
Many people are extending their living and entertaining space, so Nancy invited Doug back to chat about the important things to know before you build your outdoor kitchens.
Do I need a vent hood for outdoor kitchen?

What is a CFG and How many CFMs do I need for an outdoor grill?

Size and Power (CFM)

Trends in Covered Outdoor Kitchen Design with Ventilation -WHEN/WHERE/WHY

Things to Consider when planning your outdoor kitchen

Can you grill under covered patio?

Where should a grill be placed on a patio?

Where should you put the outdoor kitchen

Safety note

8 Tips for Designing an Awesome Outdoor Kitchen

Why Trade-Wind?
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
36 min
April 07, 2021What's in your Drawers?
Nancy welcomed back Jan Rutgers, kitchen designer and founder of Vestabul School of Design, to chat about the ergonomic use of drawers in the kitchen which has become a very important element in kitchen design. You will find this podcast enlightening and very interesting. Find the show notes below:
Refrigeration
The first appliance to really embrace drawers was refrigerators.
Dual Drawers
The upper end of the appliance market took the lower freezer drawer to the next level by developing refrigerators with two freezer drawers.
Convertible Drawers – Ref/Freezer
Another configuration to hit the market was a bottom mount refrigerator with a “convertible” drawer.

For a functional design, refrigerators with bottom freezer drawers was a win!
Undercounter Refrigerator dDawers
Manufacturers produced all freezer drawers, all refrigerator drawers and combination refrigerator/freezer drawers.

This development also opened up opportunities for the Kitchen Designer to place refrigeration in multiple locations within the kitchen.

Refrigeration could now be easily placed on an island or a peninsula.
Warming Drawers
These appliances evolved from the lower drawer that was standard on free-standing ranges.

Specifying one under the cooktop or near the dining table are great spots for this handy appliance.
Cup Warming Drawers
These cup warming drawers are ideally placed under the coffee maker to keep your expresso or latte cup warm, producing a coffee house experience every time.
Dishwashers
Dishwasher Drawers offer an ergonomic alternative to swing down doors – first introduced to the North American market by the New Zealand manufacturer Fisher & Paykel.

A single dishwasher drawer in the beverage bar for easy glass washing is a good example.
Microwaves
one of the best drawer appliance introductions has been the microwave drawer.

The microwave has always been a difficult appliance to place functionally and aesthetically in the Kitchen.

The microwave company Sharpe was the first to introduce the microwave drawer. Held a design contest showing the microwave in a drawer.
Vacuum Seal Drawers
The newest appliance drawer introduction for the Kitchen is the Vacuum Seal Drawer..

A vacuum seal drawer is a chamber-style drawer that can do a variety of things.

It can be used to better preserve frozen foods, it removes air to prepare for sous vide cooking and infuses flavors into proteins, vegetables, and oils.
Appliance drawers are a trend that will continue for Kitchen Appliances. Consumers will not want to give up the convenience of sliding out a drawer to access appliances under the counter.
This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
36 min
March 31, 2021Make your Vision Come True with This.
If you are looking for the unique, custom steel and stone items for your home, you have to listen to Nancy chat with Lane Cook, founder & co-owner of Visionmakers Intl. Here are some of the topics discussed and the questions asked of Lane:
Visionmakers seems to offer a lot of varied products. Stone, steel doors, lighting, and other things. How do you describe Visionmakers to a new client?

How did Visionmakers get its start? How did you arrive here?

You have mentioned that Visionmakers has grown at an incredible pace. As a business owner, what do you feel the keys have been to your growth and success?

You have acquired 2 companies in the last couple years, right? Tell us a little about how those have helped you.

What architectural style products to you sell, is it mostly old world-European type designs or what?

Tell me about your architectural steel doors and entries - These slimline steel doors and windows with thin mullions seem to be all the rage right now. Do you still make the old world iron doors with scrolls or what?

What’s the craziest/most unique steel product you’ve ever made?

What are the Visionmaker's limestone and canterastone products? With the Tuscan look having faded, has your stone business changed much?

What’s an interesting stone project you’ve been involved with lately?

You have worked also in architectural metals…..what exactly do you mean?

Do you work mostly with retails clients or to the trades?

This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances
email comments to [email protected]
33 min

About Home Design Chat with Nancy

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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 &…