Home Design Chat with Nancy

Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, Arizona, is back with me to finish the important subject of budgets.

We began the discussion on April 7th and decided to continue it today since we had so much to cover and didn't want to omit anything.

If you missed the first podcast, I would suggest listening to it before you proceed with today's podcast.    

The budget is an essential subject for anyone who is going to spend money whether it’s for a new car, a new home or a remodeling project, and managing your budget is a crucial part of your project.  

On April 7th we discussed the following:

• Why is a budget important
• How will the project/purchase be financed
• How to establish a budget

Today we will talk about:

• Choosing a quality level of materials, items to be replaced or installed.
• Avoid going cheap on things that matter - you get what you pay for
• The importance of working with a professional interior designer
• Lifestyle vs function

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com 

I am forever getting notices about what's in trend for 2025 which I share on podcasts and Designers Circle. 

Today I am going to share 6 kitchen trends that designers give a thumbs down to for 2025.

Some of these ideas have been on the lists of several designers and most I agree with.  Email me and give me your opinion on these design ideas.  

I will also explain again why I do podcasts and Designers Circle which is to educate the homeowner and DYI. 

Designers Circle is a short one pager giving you the trends, what do know about design and this podcast all noted on the home page.  You can bookmark it or put your name on this list to get it emailed to you twice a month.

This is a short but informative podcast brought to you by Monogram.com appliances.

Welcome back to our Tiling Like a Pro series! In Parts 1 and 2, Tony Scuderi laid the groundwork—literally—by covering tile selection, surface prep, and floor tiling techniques.

Now, it’s time to shift our focus upward to a key design feature that can transform any kitchen or bathroom: the backsplash.

While backsplashes may seem like a smaller tiling project, they pack a big visual punch and require just as much planning and precision as larger installations.

From choosing the right materials to handling tricky outlets and achieving clean lines, this part of the process is where creativity meets craftsmanship.

Today Gil Olachea will walk you through what it takes to tile a backsplash like a pro—whether you're going bold with patterned tiles or keeping it classic with subway. Let’s turn that blank wall into a stunning focal point.

We will cover the following in this podcast and will continue on May 19th with part II of backsplash installation.

• Why do I need a back-splash
• Considerations
• Equipment
• Layout & Focal Point
• Materials

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com 

Who doesn’t like to be organized?  It could be extremely overwhelming to reorganize closets and storage areas but don't give up.

You can have the luxurious master closet you have always dreamed of or the the perfectly organized pantry where everything is easy to find.

Today my guest is Jennifer Q. Williams, owner of  St Louis Closet Company, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jennifer has experience in organizing every room in her clients' homes.

During our interview Jennifer answered lots of questions about organizing.  

• What are the biggest trends in custom closet design right now
• What materials and finishes do you recommend for durability and style?
• How do you approach designing a closet to maximize space and organization?
• What are some common mistakes homeowners make when planning their closets?
• How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in a custom closet?
• Are there any new technologies or innovations in closet design?
• What’s the difference between a custom-built closet and a prefabricated system?
• What’s the typical timeline and budget range for a custom closet project?
• How do you help clients decide between different storage options, like drawers, shelves, and hanging space?
• What advice do you have for homeowners who want to upgrade their closets but don’t know where to start?

If you have questions that weren't answered during this podcast, please feel free to email [email protected] podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com 

Gil Olachea is back with me right on time.  Gil, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, AZ,  joins me the first week of  every month to talk about anything and everything that would be of interest to homeowners. 

Our subject today is your budget.  An essential subject for anyone who going to spend money whether it's a new car, a new home or a remodeling project.  

Our topics today:

• Why is a budget important
• How will the project/purchase be financed
• How to establish a budget

This topic will continue when Gil comes back May 5th.

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com 

Dan Huggins, Monogram's Senior Sales Manager, is back with me to talk about his busy schedule with Monogram. 

He attended two of the biggest events in the design world: Modernism Week 2025 in Palm Springs and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas.

If you have never heard of Modernism week, it's the ultimate celebration of mid-century modern architecture, design, and culture offering many events including bus & walking tours and more open to the public. 

Dan was excited to attend because Monogram Appliances was a sponsor at this event. For more information on this amazing week, click here

Dan then traveled to Las Vegas to attend Design & Construction Week which brings together architects, designers, builders, remodelers, and other pros for an unparalleled gathering highlighting the innovation, trends and opportunities in home and design. 

More than 160,000 registered visitors attended the show, and of course, Monogram had a booth at the kitchen and Bath show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Design & Construction Week is the place where new products are introduced by the manufacturers. 

Monogram showed their new dual zone wine cooler and beverage center and several other products which Dan explains during the podcast.

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com

The big question when talking about appliances is always about the finishes. Stainless Steel remains classic but yet people are embracing bolder, more personalized options.

Andy Welemin with Arizona Appliance and Home, tells me that colorful ranges, hood and refrigerators have been the choice of many who are remodeling their kitchen. Let's just delve into the topics of color:

Neutral tones are taking a backseat to bold, statement-making hues. Kitchen appliances in vibrant colors or custom finishes allow homeowners to express their personality.

Popular Color Trends:

• Matte Black: Sleek and timeless, perfect for modern kitchens & the industrial look
• Bold Jewel Tones: Deep blues, greens, and reds are making waves. A statement piece in the kitchen
• Customizable Panels: Brands like Café Appliances offer interchangeable panels to match your kitchen's aesthetic. One could change the look of a kitchen without replacing it with new appliances. You want custom panels; they make creating a kitchen an accurate reflection of your style adventurous pop of color, or even a staider white finish.
• White appliances are back-big time.  In 2025, white appliances will become a trend and thus become hot favorites again. Matte-finish white appliances can give the space a bright and fresh feel without conflicting with the modern-to-farmhouse kitchen design. This brightens up the space and gives it an airy feel. Thus, it suits even small kitchens.

Minimalist Must-Haves:

• Panel-Ready Appliances: Blend seamlessly with cabinetry.
• Induction Cooktops: Sleek surfaces that deliver precision cooking.
• Undercounter Appliances: Keep essentials out of sight.

The modern kitchen is all about flexibility, making it a hub for family time or just enjoying a cup of coffee in peace. Here’s how you can make your kitchen more multi-functional:

• Dual-Fuel Ranges: Combining gas and electric elements, dual-fuel ranges allow you to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, making them a game-changer for busy kitchens.
• Built-In Coffee Stations: Elevate your morning routine by creating a dedicated space for coffee and tea. A coffee station that’s built into your kitchen not only saves counter space but also brings a touch of luxury.

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com

As I mentioned in the February 16th podcast, tile is a popular choice in home design because it’s durable, stylish, and versatile. From kitchens and bathrooms to living spaces and outdoor patios, tile is everywhere!

Today is the second podcast in a series on everything to know about tile including installation.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to understand the process before hiring a pro, this series will cover everything you need to know.

Tony Scuderi, a Flooring Design and Installation Consultant with Studio S Design Group, joins me again today to continue talking about tile installation.

Today’s Topics:

• How to prepare laying out the tile
• The process of removing old tile and prepping floor
• Measuring the room and where to start laying out the tile

You can email any questions you might have to [email protected]

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com

Thinking about updating your bathroom? In this episode, we explore the top bathroom design trends for 2025—what’s hot, what’s not, and how you can create a stylish and functional space. 

Ryan Young, co-owner of Lux Kitchen & Bath Gallery in Scottsdale, Az is my guest today.  We will talk about everything you need to know before beginning your project.

Some ideas you might consider:

• Freestanding tubs – Statement bathtubs in sculptural shapes for a luxurious feel.
• Wet rooms – Open, seamless shower and tub areas with floor-to-ceiling waterproofing.
• Floating vanities & cabinets – Sleek, modern look that enhances space and easy cleaning.
• Spa-inspired bathrooms – Calming colors, organic materials, and wellness-focused designs.
• Open, airy layouts – Minimal partitions, glass enclosures, and light-enhancing designs.
• 
  

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com

Email any comments or questions you might have to [email protected]

When you are planning a move, you usually have a choice between an older resale home or a new construction home.

Buying your home is an important financial and lifestyle decision, which means you have to do research and planning.

Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, Az, and I will explore the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision.

The choice of a new or used home is ultimately a matter of preference and necessity. Along with location, housing needs and price, a home’s age and state of livability will play a major role in both your immediate homebuying and long-term homeownership experiences.

These are important points to ponder:

•  Lifestyle limits
•  Location of house and condition of support infrastructure
•  Future repairs and upgrading to meet local building codes
•  Efficiency, insulation, heating & cooling... Cost of maintenance
•  New home warranty vs old home warranty purchase
•  Is a remodel necessary?  Major renovations?
•  Mature landscaping – nearing end-of-life?
•  Finishes – window, floor, back-splashes, baths/showers, laundry, etc.
•  Roof – Greater than 10-15 years is a concern
•  Lighting – Incandescent vs. LED
•  Presence of lead paint or asbestos?
•  Aluminum wiring vs. copper
•  Plastic vs. galvanized vs. copper plumbing
•  Plumbing – copper vs. plastic piping?
•  Your lifestyle

This podcast sponsored by Monogram.Com