Home Design Chat with Nancy

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy. I am excited to have Chris and Melanie Sparks with Kurk Homes join me today.

They are a third-generation, full-service custom home builders based in Texas, known for blending thoughtful design, family legacy, and top-tier craftsmanship, and they are a brother & sister team.

Kurk Homes is the only Southern Living Custom Builder in the Houston and Texas Hill Country area building to a certified third-party engineering standard, which really sets them apart in quality and trust.

On this podcast we spoke about custom home building and how Kurk Homes guides their clients through design and construction

Subjects included:

The Design + Build Process

• Initial client consultations and expectations
• The process from concept to completion
• Importance of site evaluation and planning
• Construction quality checks and standards
• Role of the homeowner
• How to communicate effectively with your builder

Because time ran out and since Melanie and Chris had so much information to share regarding custom home building, we will continue this podcast with Melanie and Chris in November.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts. You certainly do not want to miss out on Melanie and Chris' next podcast with me.

If you have questions for my guests in this podcast or past podcasts, please send them to [email protected]

By the way, you can send me an email at [email protected] to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, Design News and more. 

DesignersCirclehq.com is a website!

If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com 

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy. This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much more.

Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica, a Scottsdale wholesale tile showroom for designers and their clients is joining me today. 

It's going to be 2026 very soon so our subject today is the new trends for 2026.  Are they really new? 

We will explain what they are and share our opinions on these trends, so listen and feel free to comment. 

You can send me an email:  [email protected]

• Biophilic Design .
• Curves Are the New Edges
• Retro Renaissance
• Warm, Earthy and Cozy Color Palettes
• Maximalism vs Minimalism
• The Rise of the Accent Wall Again
• Tech integrated spaces
• Designing for Multifunctionality

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.

By the way, you can send me an email at [email protected] to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.

If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to [email protected] 

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy.  I am your host Nancy Hugo.  This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much more.

Today, we’re talking about a design feature that just about everyone has an opinion on — the kitchen island. 

Some people think it’s essential, others say it’s outdated. It was so common to see peninsulas in kitchens but very few islands when I started designing kitchens.  Matter of fact I had a peninsula in my new house and I could see the negatives right away. I always said that islands were one of the best ideas in kitchen design.

Island Pros:

• Extra counter space
• Organized storage
• gathering spot
• Multifunctional
• Design opportunities
• Flexibility

Island Cons:

• Space issues
• Cost Workflow disruptions
• Clutter magnet
• Maintenance
• Design limitations

Let me know your thoughts on this subject by email me at [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.

By the way, you can send me an email at [email protected] to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.

If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to [email protected] 

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design Chat with Nancy.   This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much more.

Your roof takes a beating every season—scorching hot summers, heavy snowfalls, and everything in between.  But how do you know if the roof is really holding up? 

Charlie Holquin, Sales & marketing director for Big Red Roofing, is my guest today.   Charlie will explain what extreme heat does to shingles, how snow and ice can sneak damage into your home, and those little warning signs—like curling shingles, sagging spots, or mysterious water stains—that you don’t want to ignore.

He will also share some simple maintenance tips that can save you from a costly repair down the road and keep your roof in good shape no matter the season.

Important talking points:

• How extreme heat affects roofing materials
• Common signs of sun damage, including warping, curling, and fading shingles
• What heavy snow and ice can do to your roof’s structure
• Red flags like sagging, leaks, or water stains inside your home
• Preventative maintenance tips to extend the life of your roof year-round

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.

By the way, you can send me an email at [email protected] to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.

If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to [email protected] 

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy.   

Every week we explore the latest trends, timeless styles, and practical solutions for creating a home you’ll love. 

We share expert tips, inspiring ideas, and real conversations with industry pros to help you make smart, stylish choices for your space.

Whether you’re planning a full remodel, a quick refresh, or just curious about what’s hot (and what’s not) in design, you’ll find it all right here. Let’s get started!

My guest today is Connie Bunyard, owner of Valley Remodeling, a family owned remodeling business in Arizona.

Our subject today is Aging in Place which is something that Connie's company focus' on.

Our talking points in this podcast are as follows:

 Common Challenges in Homes as We Age

• Bathrooms: slippery floors, tubs that are difficult to get in/out of, lack of grab bars.
• Kitchens: cabinets too high, lack of good lighting, unsafe flooring.
• Entryways: steps at front doors, narrow doorways not accommodating walkers/wheelchairs

Remodeling Solutions that Make a Difference

• Bathrooms: walk-in showers, zero-threshold entries, handheld shower heads, slip-resistant flooring, strategically placed grab bars (that can be stylish).
• Kitchens: pull-down shelving, drawers instead of cabinets, lever handles instead of knobs, task lighting under cabinets.
• Entrances & Exits: ramps, wider doorways, lever door handles, smart locks.

Design with Dignity in Mind

• Talk about avoiding the “hospital look” – aging-in-place features can be beautiful and stylish (e.g., decorative grab bars, modern walk-in showers, seamless design).
• How Universal Design benefits everyone — from kids to seniors — not just those with mobility issues.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on the platform you are using to listen to podcasts.

By the way, you can send me an email at [email protected] to get on my email list for DesignersCircleHQ.com.  All the podcasts are posted there as well as Design Trends, news and more.

If you want to learn more about me, go to NancyHugo.com and if you have any questions for me, send an email to [email protected] 

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com

Welcome back to Home Design chat with Nancy.  This is the place where you learn everything about your home, what the current trends are, how to design, plan and execute your remodel and much more

If you are wanting to do a simple kitchen or bath remodel before the holidays, now is the time.  And by the way we have exactly 3 months til Thanksgiving. I say simple remodel because the major remodels will take time. 

 So if that’s what you had on your wish list, do your homework now and prepare to start in January after the Holidays.

Gil Olachea is back with me.  Today’s subject fits right in with your wishlist for your home remodel.

We are going to help you not splurge on items that other homeowners have done and regretted.

In this podcast we will give you the comments from homeowners in addition to our comments on each item.

Our list includes the following:

• Built-in Vacuum system
• Clear glass shower doors
• Wall-to-wall carpeting
• Outdoor kitchens
• Granite Countertops
• Skylights
• Honeycomb blinds (window treatments)
• In-ground pool
• Outdoor deck with glass railing
• Marble flooring
• Whirlpool tub for 2
• Home Gyms
• Wine cellars
• Wood flooring
• Wallpaper
• Home Theaters

Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project : ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo⁠

Check out ⁠DesignersCircleHQ.com⁠ for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Monogram.com⁠⁠

Please email me at [email protected] for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about. 

If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠⁠NancyHugo.com

If you are wanting to do a simple kitchen remodel before the holidays, now is the time –  I said simple because the major remodels will take time so if that’s what you had on your wish list – do your homework now and prepare to start in January—after the holidays.

If you are not familiar with the term Kitchen triangle, work triangle or the golden triangle, at the end of this podcast you will know everything about this term.

• What is the triangle
• Who invented this design principle
• Why use it in a kitchen design
• Does it really work
• Kitchen Zones

Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project :  https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo

Check out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠

Please email me at [email protected] for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about. 

If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com

You have all heard the expression, "Learn from other people's mistakes." 

Today my topic is about items homeowners specified but after living with these products, the truth is told. 

If you decide, after listening to my podcast, that you still want to use these ideas/products, that's fine, because it's your home.  You make your own choices. 

If you have any comments or want to share your experiences, please email me at [email protected]

Here is a list of items people are sorry they have in their home:

• Corner Sinks
• Black plumbing fixtures
• Bouclé
• Base cabinets with no pull-out shelving
• Marble countertops
• Luxury laminate flooring

Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project:   https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo

Check out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠

Please email me at [email protected] for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about. 

If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com

In this episode of Home Design Chat with Nancy, Nancy welcomes back Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, for a lively and candid conversation about today’s most talked-about design trends.

Together, they dissect what the public is loving—or leaving—in home design, and how these choices really play out in function and long-term value.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why the kitchen island sink is both loved and loathed

• The necessity (or not) of electrical outlets in islands

• The ongoing debate over pedestal sinks in bathrooms

• Open floor plans—are we still embracing them?

• The pros and cons of the doorless master bathroom

• Barn doors—trendy touch or tired cliché?

• Why greige paint continues to dominate the color palette

• Listener reactions and personal opinions on even more trending design choices

Key Takeaway:
Not every trend is a smart choice. Gil and Nancy explain how some ideas look great on Pinterest but may not be practical for everyday living.

This episode helps homeowners and design lovers think critically before jumping on the trend bandwagon.

Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of my latest project :  https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo

Check out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com

Please email me at [email protected] for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about.  If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com

In this episode, I will get into one of the most critical steps in any successful remodel or construction project: hiring the right general contractor.

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom upgrade, or a full home renovation, choosing the right GC can make or break your project. I discuss the essential questions to ask, what red flags to avoid, and how to tell if a contractor is the right fit for you.

Some of my talking points:

• Do the preliminary homework (work with a designer & specify finishes/projects)
• Do get referrals
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions: is he/she insured, bonded
• Interview the contractor in person
• Contractor has to communicate by text, phone, email
• Visit jobsite of recent work & work in progress
• Is jobsite clean
• If you are doing a kitchen remodel, you want to see the kitchens the contractor has done.
• If you are not comfortable with the person--DO NOT HIRE HIM/HER
• Check references - you want to know the pros and cons
• Quality of work, I have done many podcasts describing quality of work...listen to them
• Flexibility of schedule   what time do they start  
• Does GC have tile setters, electricians, plumbers, finish carpenters
• If you plan on doing some work yourself, is GC ok with that  

Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of the project I spoke about in this podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugo

Check out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.

This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠

Please email me at [email protected] for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about. 

If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com