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:

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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.

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Last week the subject of my podcast was planning for a successful remodel.  The take-a-way from last week was the importance of having a vision for your remodel, having a budget and working with a designer.

This week I talked about:

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Many people look forward to celebrating the holidays with family & friends and showing off their newly remodeled kitchen. If this is your plan, you have to start now if you want it to happen before 2025. 

That sounds so far into the future but it’s not.  The holidays are only 6 months away.  Time is flying faster than it did a few years ago.  I hope I am not the only one who feels that way.   

Planning your remodel

For many homeowners, planning a kitchen renovation is a first time experience is very overwhelming for most.  Kitchens require careful attention to the functional details, your personal needs, you’re your budget.

Whether you’re looking to update or a total remodel, it’s so important to have a plan.  That plan might include you as a do- it-yourselfer or getting a team of people starting with a designer and a general contractor. .

#1 – Have a vision of your dream kitchen. 

#2  Make a list of what you don’t like about your existing kitchen

#3  Create a budget

Why you should contract with a Kitchen Designer

What a Kitchen Designer will do for you

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We've heard of different ways of describing colors:   happy colors, bright colors, trending colors, but never the loneliest color until now. 

Sherwin-Williams has introduced a way to tell the first ever color story of the least tinted color, and perhaps bring it out of the shadows! 

Also, to give homeowners and specifiers the confidence to choose colors that are less than popular, and how to use them!

Laurie Clark, Senior Designer Account Executive with Sherwin-Williams, is back to chat with Nancy about color, of course.

Here is some of the topics Laurie will discuss?

Sherwin-Williams usually has a color forecast, a color of the year and even color of the months.

 Where did the idea of The Loneliest Color come from?

How was The Loneliest Color selected?

Where can consumers see more:

At Sherwinwilliams.com - click  “Explore Color” the can search The Loneliest Color, The Color of The Year, The Most Popular Colors and even order peel and stick samples

This podcast sponsored by

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⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

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Have you ever thought of that perfect kitchen remodel? You spend months planning, budgeting, and picturing your wish list.  Before those demolition hammers start swinging, let's talk about something crucial: your roof.

Your beautiful new kitchen could be overshadowed (literally!) by a leaky, outdated roof. This episode of Home Design Chat with Nancy dives into why your roof deserves just as much attention as your dream kitchen.

Charlie Holquin with Roof King is our roofing expert today and will chat with Nancy about the following:

Because let's face it, your home deserves a roof that's reliable and worry-free. So tune in and ensure your home stays protected for years to come!

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]

Did you know that different colors stir different feelings due to how our brain responds to each tone? 

For example, bright, warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) stimulate energy and happiness while cool, subdued colors (blues, greens, purples) are soothing and calming. 

Sarah Jones, Designer Services Representative with Dunn-Edwards Paint, is back with us to chat about the psychology of color and how it is used in the commercial setting as well as how it should be used in our homes.

Sarah will also explain what color drenching is, trending kitchen and bath finishes and much more.

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

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Everyone loves the look and the coziness of fireplaces and I’m no exception.  I have been including fireplaces in my designs for years.  Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and patios.

Today I am happy to have as my guest Keith Richardson, President at Arizona Fireplaces, a leading player in the hearth industry. Keith's parents founded Arizona Fireplace in 1980 and holds the distinction of being of the the fastest-growing privately held companies in the nation.

Keith explains what sets his company apart from other players in the hearth industry. 

By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the various types of fireplaces, their unique benefits and drawbacks, and practical advice on selecting the perfect fireplace to enhance your home's ambiance. Whether you seek the traditional charm of a wood-burning hearth, the modern convenience of gas, the flexibility of electric, or the sleek design of ethanol, this episode will help you make an informed decision.

Additionally, Keith will answer the following list of common questions:

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Did you ever wonder about those popular renovation shows like the Property Brothers or This Old House and what really goes on behind the camera? 

I came across a situation in Las Vegas where a young couple contracted with the Property Brothers and things went very wrong.  It is now in litigation waiting for a jury trial in October, 2024.  That led me to delve more into what people should know before they think about getting a free, but not so free, renovation.

To be fair, the Property Brothers was using Cineflix as the production company during this unfortunate project, but has since started their own production company.  Whether or not they will be named in the lawsuit, is yet to be seen.

This is a good example of what you should know that you don't know before you do a remodel or renovation.  Most problems can be avoided by using the right people giving you the correct advice. 

Listen to this podcast to learn what you should know before you start your project.

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

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When homeowners decide to remodel their kitchen they can get easily overwhelmed by the many choices in cabinets, appliances, etc. because this is not a project most people do often. 

Since many of the same questions are asked of me when I meet potential clients, I thought I would chose 3 areas and explain the difference and benefits of each. 

Today I am going to explain the differences between frame and frameless cabinets and what the pros and cons are, and how they effect your budget.

Countertops is another area that the homeowner should be aware of and know the benefits of the different materials. Quartz and quartzite are becoming very popular in today's kitchen remodels.  How are these products differ and what you should be aware of when choosing your countertops.

Lastly, one of the most important items in the kitchen is the sink.  Sinks come in a variety of styles, sizes and materials.  Which sink would function in your kitchen is important to know.

Knowing all about the materials for your remodel before you start your project is very important; the decisions should not be left entirely to your contractor.

This podcast sponsored by

⁠⁠Monogram Appliances⁠⁠

⁠⁠Studio 41⁠⁠

email comments & questions to [email protected]