On this Labor Day Week I continued my podcast from last week (https://designerscirclehq.com/how-the-perfect-project-came-to-be/) on how this perfect project evolved. 

Peggy, the homeowner of the project, is back again this week to chat about her and Dan's resilience and ability to adapt to unforeseen and overwhelming mishaps during this project.

We covered the following talking points:

We talked about doing a video when everything is picture perfect in this home.  It is hard to visualize and appreciate all the beauty of this project by just listening to the podcast, so since I have a You Tube channel, I will post the video as soon as it is completed. The video will show and call out the subcontractors and their work.

Also I will post some of the completed pictures on my Facebook page - Home Design Chat with Nancy

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

Home Design Chat with Nancy is in its 9th season of podcasting. I find it very enjoyable because I can use each episode to share my vast knowledge and experience to homeowners, designers and do-it-yourselfers. 

I cover everything from design to products to trends and then some.  Podcasting is my 2nd passion--my first is the design and execution of a project. 

Following projects from interviewing a potential client to its completion IS my passion. 

I have never had a client on Home Design Chat with Nancy but today I am excited to have Peggy share her experiences from the first meeting about the scope of work and how I came to be her designer. 

This project took longer than anticipated due to some unforeseen situations so, with that being said, this podcast is part 1. 

I hope you enjoy it and look forward to next week when we continue with part 2 of "Peggy's remodel." 

Talking points:

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

Making choices about countertops for your remodel can be very confusing since there are so many materials to chose from, but we will talk about the pros and cons of both Corian© and Quartz. 

These products are manmade and differ from natural stone. FYI:  Quartzite is a natural stone often confused with Quartz.

Nancy chats with Kristin Girard, Spec Development Manager with Hallmark Building Supply.  As a supplier of both Corian© and quartz to the design community, Kristin is well-versed in the characteristics and benefits of both materials.

Talking points:

Corian

Quartz

To conclude: 

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

Good lighting is an important aspect of any kitchen. Not only does it provide the necessary visibility to prepare and cook meals, but it can also set the mood and enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.

It is easy to be overwhelmed when choosing light fixtures for the kitchen so Ken Ross, manager of Premier Lighting in Scottsdale, will chat with Nancy about the different light fixtures available for your kitchen.  What's in for 2024 and how to make the trends timeless.

Talking points:

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

Are you thinking about a bathroom remodel that’s safe, stylish, and perfect for all ages?

Whether you’re designing for young children, elderly family members, or just want a safer space for everyone, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and functional.

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

At the end of the current year and the beginning of the new year we are bombarded with predictions of what the trends will be for colors, kitchens and more. 

We are now in the 7th month of 2024 and we are going to see how those predictions held up. Is subway tile out along with the checkerboard pattern?  Are mosaics still popular?  

Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, is back with Nancy to talk about the tile trends of 2024.  Which tiles are popular and which were not?  Which tile trends didn't catch on and which ones are actually timeless and which ones are hanging on by a tile, so to speak!  

As mentioned on the podcast, both Gil and Nancy are from the Southwest so their comments are based on their experiences in this area. 

Please feel free to email [email protected] to share what the tile trends are in your part of the world.

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

Photo courtesy Coverings

Is the Do-It-Yourselfer, more commonly known know as a DIY, going away? Not according to USA  who wrote that in February 2023, a survey found that 76% of homeowners between the ages of 18 and 24 and 73% of homeowners under 44 were doing DIY projects due to inflation.

The survey also found that homeowners in remote areas may prefer DIY projects because it may be difficult to find nearby professionals.

Nancy talks about the pros and cons of the homeowner doing his or her own projects

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, please contact Nancy ([email protected]) about your experiences.  Were you happy with the results or did you have any mishaps or regrets?

And by the way, I am looking for guest  podcasters to join Nancy and talk about anything having to do with the home.  Remodeling, new construction, lighting, flooring, etc.

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

Minimalist design and open-plan living have been all the rage for the last few years, and I don’t see any signs of it stopping. Who doesn’t love a sleek look and a decluttered space, especially when it comes to the most used space in your home?

An invisible kitchen, also known as a hidden kitchen, is a minimalist design that integrates kitchen appliances and storage into the rest of the home. The goal is to keep conventional kitchen elements out of sight so the room blends in with the rest of the space.

Jan Rutgers, owner of Vestibule Designs and frequent guest on Home Design Chat with Nancy will explain several ideas to achieve the invisible kitchen idea in your home.

Why are these ideas taking off now?

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

In the past 3 weeks I have done podcasts hoping to answer questions for homeowners who are planning a kitchen remodel. 

The topics covered were about planning a dream kitchen, setting a budget, finding a general contractor, avoiding change orders and working with a professional kitchen designer. 

Last week the topic was achieving timeless kitchens.

The topic today is being aware of upgrades that people have regretted.  We all learn from other peoples' mistakes so it's important to know what ideas and items are worth splurging on especially if you are working on a tight budget.

Items to ponder:

Items that should be included in your project:

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

The two main components of a great kitchen remodel are the cabinets and appliances.  These items are the bulk of your budget and should be chosen carefully based on the money to be spent, the function of these items and the given space for your project.  Of course, the countertop material, backsplashes, flooring and lighting will complete the look which will be subjects for future podcasts.

In this podcast Nancy with talk about the most popular cabinet color choices for 2024. 

What is timeless and what finishes go with each design. 

Nancy will also talk about the appliances no longer popular in today's kitchens and what appliances finishes compliment the look of the kitchen.

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]