Home Design Chat with Nancy

By Nancy HugoArts Design

Home Design Chat with Nancy episodes

October 21, 2020We Don't Agree with the Experts when it comes to the 2021 Design Trends!
The new design trends for 2021 are here and Nancy isn't at all happy with a lot of them. Jem Funk, Interior Designer and Lighting Consultant with Premier Lighting, and a frequent guest on this podcast, chatted with Nancy about what the experts have decided for 2021. You be the judge.
Power of Color
IN: Bright palettes and rich colors in the design of furniture, lamps, accessories.

OUT: Pastel shades, inspired by the Scandinavian style.2021 Colors:

Pantone color institute chose Ultra Violet as the main color of 2021

Violet is a complex, dominant color that is unlikely to become widespread, since it is more like a bohemian one.

Benjamin Moore's 2021 color of the year is Aegean Teal

A rich blend of blue-green and gray, this mid-tone reflects balance and natural harmony. When selecting this year's Color of the Year, the Benjamin Moore team focused on grounded and rooted colors.

Sherwin-Williams has selected four color palettes: bold blues, muddy greens, muted reds, bright pinks, and warm whites are their choices

Every Paint company has their own color of the year.

Brown is coming back strong paired with avocado, orange, and harvest gold

Color psychologists say brown communicates strength, reliability, and stability. It evokes feelings of comfort and safety.

Brown also creates a sense of nostalgia, when life less complicated, more down-to-earth, and common sense prevailed.

Note: Brown gets Nancy depressed.
Harmony with Nature
unpainted wood surfaces, stone textures, living plants, wicker furniture

Decorative elements and prints also gravitate to nature

Images of animals, birds, leaves and flowers

Vivid tropical motifs and an intense floral print. Was popular in 2020 and still hanging on for 2021
Textured Walls
Wallpaper and decorative plaster give way to expensive fabric upholstery
Individualization
the most important trend of 2021 in design calls for just to ignore these very trends,

to personalize the space and adjust the interior primarily for yourself.

The interior is no longer limited to the framework of one style, but follows primarily the needs and preferences of the owners.
24 min
October 14, 2020Don't Believe What you Hear on HGTV
This week Nancy chatted with Jan Rutgers, founder of Vestabul Design School, about the positives and negatives of HGTV and how it affects our clients. Follow the outline on our conversation:
Biggest complaints from the industry
Unrealistic budgets

Unrealistic timelines
Biggest misconceptions from consumers
This is entertainment not representative -A lot of the drama is fabricated

Many of the front people are actors not professional designers

Good on camera with a huge team behind them doing all the work
What are the Positives HGTV has done for the Kitchen Design Industry
They have brought awareness to the kitchen industry as a whole

Showing examples of showpiece kitchen; open concept living

Make a new kitchen highly desirable

They introduce new decor style such as Modern Farmhouse

Makes it easy to access get-the-look products across the nation

The create demand for high end products

Gas ranges, quartz counter, custom hoods, apron front sinks, wine fridges

They introduce unique design solutions: banquettes, using furniture pieces, artisan pieces

Easier to convince consumer to try something different

Some shows experiment with more adventurous color combinations

Shows can’t always repeat the same look show after show so tend to mix it up

Clients can be more willing to break away from the all white kitchen
Changes that are occurring
Not all of the decor shows are following the formula that insists on drama

More realistic timelines and budgets are being discussed
People have been watching a lot of HGTV during the pandemic
Kitchen designers need to be aware of the shows their prospects are watching

Be prepared to take advantage of the buzz.

This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
October 14, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
27 min
October 09, 2020 Good & Bad Tile - Know the Difference
Floor and wall tile have been the rage for the last 15 years, but before you chose your tile, listen to Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, AZ, chat with Nancy about good tile vs. bad tile, and more.
1. A brief history
uses of clay (terra cotta, mosaics) tile date to ancient Egyptian times
2. Size trends
applicable to 'field' tile not mosaics
24" was ever popular & predominant just 5-6 years ago
24" x 48" and greater sizes are, now, ubiquitous
3. What is "Subway" tile
        "I want that tile I see in the subway"!
        Any rectangle tile can be considered "subway"
4.What materials are used to produce tile
        stone, porcelain, glass, metals, wood, coconut, leather
        porcelain technology so excellent, it emulates stone
5. Choosing a tile...
        do some research, price-points, desired quality, uniqueness, value or...
        seek a true professional to assist
        set a budget
        you-Get-What-You-Pay-For
        know the application
6. Applications vs. choosing material-types
        where to use tile; typically, in baths, kitchens, powder
        consideration in choosing material types
        back-splashes in active kitchens
7. Installation
        DIY vs. hiring
        good vs. bad tile installers; handyman vs. craftsman; knowledge vs experience
        thin-set, grout; 'Big Box' vs pro-grade
8."Framing" the wall
        trim, moldings, borders
9. Maintenance
        cleaning stone products do not use popular glass cleaner-type solutions; pH-neutral
        seal ALL stone & natural material produced tile products
This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
October 14, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
33 min
September 30, 2020What is Universal Design and Why do you Need it?
Nancy's guest this week is Jan Rutgers, a professional kitchen designer with more than 25 years experience. Jan is the founder of Vestabul School of Design where she educates and mentors people passionate about the Kitchen Design Industry.
Our topic is Universal Design and how important it is for everyone to use the concept and ideas in their home so aging in place becomes second nature.
What is Universal Design and how useful is it to everyone?
Design for your lifetime, not just your prime time.
Design so that most people can use the space regardless of their ability or their size
Accommodates multi-generations living in the same house.
Design that allows people to safely use the space and comfortably age in place.
Top 6 Universal Design Concepts for Kitchen design:
Concentrate on the work triangle

Plan long expanses of connected countertop

Provide a variety of countertop heights

Include flexible, layered lighting

Plan kitchen color schemes in lighter finishes

Include accessible storage
This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
September 30, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
39 min
September 23, 2020You Can't Work from Home without This
Nancy's guest this week is Sharon Sherman CKD, ASID, CID, an award-winning designer residing in Bergen Country, New Jersey. Sharon has been published in many magazines and newspapers and has appeared on several TV shows.
The pandemic has resulted in many lifestyle changes, one of them being the necessity for a home office. Many of us will most likely continue working from home and having a space to work efficiently is a must.
Sharon and Nancy talk about some basic considerations for a home office that will help you achieve a work space you will enjoy using:
Home Office Location: Where do you want to work? It's very important to consider how you will be using the space to determine the location in the home.
Form Follows Function: A desk sized for the task and a comfortable chair are the first items you will need. If you don’t have a work surface, things tend to pile up..
Storage: Try to have an additional place to keep some of your things other than the desk. Even in a paperless office, there are still documents you will need to keep safe.
Technology: Staying Connected with a wireless hub and a fast connection that will allow you to work on your laptop or tablet from the desk or that comfy chair.
Lighting: . Make sure you have adequate lighting to prevent eye strain and illuminate the tasks at hand. If you are having virtual meetings, make sure there is good lighting in front of you as well as on the sides. The people you are meeting with need to see your face.
Climate Control: It is hard to work when you are too hot or too cold. Make sure you are comfortable so you will want to spend time in the space and be productive.
Some final thoughts:
Keep your space organized no matter the size. A desktop file is perfect for active projects.

Decorate it so you will want to spend time there. Use colors you like to be around.

Keep the office in the office area. Try to not let office items wander.

Add some plants for natural decoration and stress reduction.

Create a chalk board or wipe board with paint. Keep those great ideas and goals where you can see them.
This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
September 23, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
28 min
September 16, 2020 More Mistakes you Shouldn't be Making when Remodeling A Kitchen
In our last podcast Nancy and Les Sturtevant, owner of Designer Dream Kitchen Studio in Scottsdale, Az, discussed the key items to be addressed when planning your kitchen remodel. This week they continued that topic with several more important key points to be considered:
Expanding the Space: Removing non load bearing walls might be a way to open up your floorplan and increase the size of the kitchen. This could create a large open floorplan that would be more inviting giving you more use for the space.
Efficiency is Key: Setting up work zones or task areas will increase the function and efficiency of your space. Think zones when you are planning a bake center, clean up area, prep area and seating area.
Islands are more than Pretty: Islands come in all shapes and sizes. They could have sinks and appliances or just plain work islands. Remember to leave adequate circulation around the island. Most islands are 36 inches above the floor making it convenient as a workspace and seating with bar stools.
Don't follow Trends: Most kitchens are remodeled once every 10 years or more. Add color with accessories or window treatments rather than bright colored appliances or cabinets that you might tire of after a short time.
Ask and Expert: The kitchen is the most complicated and expensive room in the house to design, so paying for a bit of expert advice at the start of a project can take the stress out of the process and save you money in the long run.

This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
September 16, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
30 min
September 09, 2020 Don't make these Mistakes when Remodeling a New Kitchen.
Nancy's guest this week is Les Sturtevant, owner of Designer Dream Kitchen Studio in Scottsdale, AZ. Les and Nancy discussed these key items to be addressed when planning your kitchen remodel:
Forgetting to plan a realistic Your Budget - Do this before you tear out your cabinets!
Plan for the Big Picture - To look professional, chose all the finishes for your project before you start.
Choosing your Appliances First - Your appliances should fit your space, your budget and your lifestyle.
Plumbing is so important - Don't avoid moving the sink if it is important to a functional design.
Turn the Lights On - Think about your general, ambient and task lighting, add enough outlets for all counter appliances.
Don’t forget the Hood - ventilation is one of the most important appliances in addition to it being part of the aesthetics.
Not Asking an Expert - The kitchen is the most complicated – and expensive – room in the house to design, so paying for a bit of expert advice at the start of a project can take the stress out of the process and save you money in the long run.

This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
September 9, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
24 min
September 02, 2020Is it Wine Time yet?
During this Summer time of Covid-19 are you taking the opportunity to relax a little? Some of us might even relax and enjoy a glass of wine to say we made it through the day!
Lori Ann Harnish, Independent Ambassador with Boisset Wines, is Nancy's guest this week. Lori Ann, also a very knowledgeable foodie, talked about the kinds of wines that would be the best for this time of year and what foods and menus to use when pairing with wine.
Get wine knowledgeable and impress your friends . . . and take notes. We will be talking about the following:
Types of wines to sip and enjoy when drinking a glass versus pairing with a meal.

What would go well with a treat or nibble like Popcorn, shrimp ceviche, crab artichoke dip, pasta salads?

What would you pair Nachos, Charcuterie, Cucumber salad, Sushi, Fruit Kabobs?

What wines pair well with Chicken tenders, Buffalo cauliflower, Egg/Spring Rolls, Stuffed tomato salad?

What wines go well with Lollipop Lamb Chops, Salmon dip, Charcuterie, Mini Peppers stuffed with Pimento Cheese

What wines pair with Chocolate mix, Mixed Nuts, Prime Rib or Filet mignon Sliders with horseradish, Pork Kabobs

How about back yard grilling? How would you serve wines during the summer heat?

What other ways are there for using wine versus drinking it?

This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
September 2, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
32 min
August 26, 2020Are you Missing this in your Kitchen?
Brad King, president of B & B Marketing, was Nancy's guest this week. Brad and Nancy chatted about one of the most important areas in your kitchen - the Water Area. Naturally, every kitchen at least one sink, some larger kitchens have 2 sinks and even 3 sinks. Brad explains what a fire clay sink is, specifically the Bocchi sink with accessories.
Added to this wet area, the following items were discussed:
Faucets - So many to chose from.

Everhot Water Dispenser - Hot water for tea, soup, etc. in an instant

Evercold Water Chiller - Yes, cold water at your fingertips

Filtration units - Good water is a must. No more lugging gallons from the water store.

Disposers - What not to put in them.

Air Switches - What are these used for and why you need them.
If you are remodeling or building a new home, this podcast will answer many of your questions.
This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
August 26, 2020
email questions to [email protected]
28 min
August 19, 2020Are you Still Drying Your Dishes?
Monogram appliances introduced some new and interesting products so Nancy invited Deron Rensen, Senior Area Sales Manager with Monogram, to explain why we don't have to dry our dishes after they come out of the dishwasher, how the disposal works and the new pre-steam technology.
New Dishwasher with Max Dry technology
Max Dry dries 2X better than leading DW
Internal LED Lights
Quiet Performance
Over 90 water jets (including bottle jets)
Hard Food Disposer
Steam and Sanitization
We also talked about the Hearth, a built-in oven with no door, that doesn't heat the kitchen while making and roasting like professionals. The hearth comes in several finishes including the new brass to match other items in the kitchen.
Touch of Brass
New Brass Hearth Oven
New Brass Hood
Mixing metals
Deron explained how everyone can get special designer pricing. Now, that is very interesting for the consumer! Listen to learn more about these great appliances.
Special Designer Pricing
Clients who work with Designers receive special pricing
Monogram Trade Partner Program Benefits

This podcast sponsored by Premier Lighting
email questions to [email protected]
27 min

About Home Design Chat with Nancy

From the publisher's feed

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 &…