Everyone has a story about sounds coming through the walls. Whether an apartment, home or business, noisy walls are a problem! Our guest is going to explain how simple and fun it is to soundproof a room in your home. Christine Sterling is with Image Craft, a company that has no boundaries when it comes to creativity.  Learn how to uniquely soundproof your zoom room, your baby's room, your music room and more. Acoustic wallpaper It is not too expensive – more than wallpaper but less than other soundproofing materials. Easy to install – just like wall paper. With digital the designs are endless. Manages rooms acoustics Fire resistant Made from water bottles! Created from 100% Post-Consumer Plastic Bottles. Recycled Solution Dyed Polyester. Fosshield® antimicrobial technology: Unlike antimicrobial agents that are applied via topical chemical coatings or include actual metals, the patented, non-leaching and ion-based antimicrobial technology in Fosshield is blended right into the fabric. NRC rating: .20 Using state-of-the-art manufacturing here in the United States, the ECO-A.R.T. collection of sound absorbing wallcovering utilizes 100% post consumer BPA-free recycled plastic drinking bottles to create a beautiful visual and auditory room experience. 80 plastic bottles = 1 Yard. cutting-edge, sound absorbing product that brings warmth and comfort to every space, inspiring concentration and creativity by allowing you to speak and hear without echo or distraction from ambient noise. Up to .25 NRC depending on pattern, the clarity and articulation of voice and sound improves enormously to enhance the sound quality inside a room and provides dramatic acoustic improvement. This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Home Design Chat with Nancy

Make it Quieter

Purchasing your first couch, or a whole room of furniture, can be overwhelming especially if you are not working with a designer.  Liz Baker, principle of Willis Baker Design, is Nancy’s guest this week.  Liz has years of experience in knowing the good, the bad and the ugly of furniture and will explain how to recognize quality. Listen to this podcast to be aware before you go furniture shopping. Purchasing all new or acquire pieces over time. Mix old and new. Mix cost-effective and expensive. Different types of furniture: Cost-effective – replaceable, “throw away” furniture, trendy Mid-end – big retailers, mixture of quality; some carry good quality manufacturers, but it’s hard to tell what has been contracted High-end – what makes the price so high: craftsmanship, quality; collectible, pass down to family; refinish or reupholster This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Furniture shopping? Get educated first!

Do you have tile anywhere in your home? Of course you do!  Over the last decade or so, tile leads floor covering in popularity offering the most creative shapes, looks, and patterns.   Nancy's guest is Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica tile showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Gil and Nancy will discuss tile trends for 2022, what is losing favor with designers.   You don't want to miss this show.  Our show notes are below. Trends can be expensive Changes in trend may dictate updating living spaces Frequency can vary based upon the degree of installed design elements Floors Stone v. Porcelain Popularity & choice is driven by personal preference Purists like natural products - stone, wood, etc. Practicality prefers easy maintenance - i.e. porcelain 'Looks-like' wood, stone, fabric... Metal tiles Marble Cement tile Trade v. Consumer use & popularity handcrafted encaustic cement tile patterns Walls Predominantly ceramic Can use porcelain, stone... Hand-made vs Automated Volume Products Colors, textures, patterns, decoratives... Sizes What is  "Subway" tile 2"x4" - 12"x36" and larger Backsplashes This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances Email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

2022 Tile Trends - What's In and What's Out!

Indoor plants are important to every interior design, easy to care for (for some) and a great option for those who live in climates with severely cold winters.  Nancy’s guest is Joe Zazzera, owner of Plant Solutions in Scottsdale.  Joe is a guru in the world of plants and chats with Nancy about the topics on the list below.  If you are a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting out with one plant, you don’t want to miss this podcast. Is there any real advantages to having plants in the home How much light do indoor plants need? What are the best indoor plants? What are some of the common reasons indoor plants die? How long do indoor plants typically live? Are indoor plants expensive? What is the best kind of indoor plant fertilizer to use? How do I get rid of bugs on indoor plants? How do I know when to water my indoor plant? This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast: Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

House Plants are Trending

I am on vacation but thought I'd do a short podcast to let you know what's coming up, etc. for Home Design Chat with Nancy. Where's Jan Rutgers?  No, she's not MIA, she will be back soon doing more podcasts on kitchen designs, trends and more. What's going on with kitchen islands? Subjects in the very near future: House Plants Furniture Tile Trends Accoustical Wallcovering This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Stay Tuned, Coming Soon!

Almost everyone has a smart phone but having a smart home is getting very popular.  How do you accomplish this?  Where do you start? The connectivity, the wiring, the equipment can all be very overwhelming unless you have the right people to set it up.  Ben Kayl, System Designer and Jon Van Tussenbroek, Electrical Manager are key people with Desert Valley Audio and Video in Scottsdale.  They make it all happen.  Listen to this podcast for everything you want to know about smart homes. Lets start from the beginning so we don’t confuse anyone. Been Desert Valley AV for quite a while… why the name change? Oasis Luxury Smart Homes Been known as the AV guys… but they do so much more. A Better Experience Aim to make the whole experience better – from Design to completion Supply all the equipment Teaching about equipment 24/7 service Advantages of hardwire over wireless Hardwired audio and video trends AV and electric in a house benefits WiFi vs ethernet - what's the difference More services Wellness options in a home? Circadian rhythm, etc…lighting How custom can you get with lighting options? Works on remodels and retrofits as well as new builds? Works with designers, builders and homeowners? This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Could your Home be Smarter?

Everyone wants to know what is the "new thing" in fashion, in technology and in your home.  Katie Baker, Senior Sales Executive with Kohler - Remodeling & Showrooms.  Katie enlightened us about all the new products and technology in the kitchen and bath.  Our show notes will give you an idea of our conversation, but be sure to listen to this podcast. Trends: technology in the Kitchen and Bath How covid has changed our industry Products that can enhance that experience Color, material and finish trends Has covid changed how we shop? New Kohler Signature Store off Scottsdale Road and Camelback This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Your Kids won't listen to you, but your Shower will!

At the start of 2020, many of us were forced to reconfigure our homes into multi-multi-functional spaces that could accommodate the needs of working parents and home-schooled children.  The novelty of "work from home" has worn off, and we’ve all had a year and a half to adjust to the new normal. Jem Funk, Interior Designer and Lighting Designer, is back with Nancy to talk about trends that designers predict will be huge for last quarter of 2021 into 2022. Jem and Nancy don't name these designers but remember what they always say,  "These ideas are from a few people who want to get published or interviewed so, in our opinion, it’s good to listen to different ideas but form your own opinion.  Some ideas we agree with and some we definitely would not follow." This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Techy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

How our Homes have Changed since 2020

There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops, but 10 materials comprise the majority of countertops in residential kitchens. My intention on the August 4th podcast was to chat about them and review the positive and negative aspects of each.  Unfortunately I reviewed just one material - laminates, then ran out of time, so today I am reviewing the other 9 materials including granite, marble, quartz, and porcelain. Based on the application, budget and function, each has a place.  You decide what is best for you! This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son Topics include everything BUT design --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Listen to the Rest of the Story

Zillow has become an addiction for me and millions of others!  And why not?  We can peek into homes for sale, we can get design ideas, and we can see how other people live. My guest this week is Karen Hockley, Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer and owner of Kitchens by Karen, LLC, located in Enola Pennsylvania. Karen and I have fun chatting about some of the outlandish and ridiculous things people do to their homes. This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son Topics include everything BUT design. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Zillow! Ya Gotta Love It!

The many choices for countertops can be mindboggling, so my intention was to explain all the different materials and include the pros and cons of each one.  Unfortunately I didn't get passed explaining laminates, but on a positive note, this podcast answers all the questions you might have on plastic laminates. Countertop materials Before the 1920's After the 1920's The Winchester House About Countertops Laminate countertop How it came to be Competition Manufacturing Grades Finishes Painting Laminate The Pros of Laminate Budget friendly Easily available to you. Good for people who change decor often Good for low traffic areas Easy to Install The Cons of Laminate Easy to Damage: Undermount sinks are not easy to install so top mount is the common sink application Not good for Resale This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son Topics include everything BUT design. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

LAMINATE OR FORMICA – WHICH IS IT?

It happens after every Olympics!  Kids get excited about sports and want to be the best they can be and parents want to provide what is needed for their little future Olympian.  Nancy's guest is Jay Littman,  Lead salesperson & designer at Desert Tropic Custom Pools and Spas in Peoria, Arizona.  Jay is a champion diver and medal winner who has spent more hours in the water than most people, so he knows all about pools.  Check the show notes and learn  what to ask when you are planning to have a pool in your backyard. What type of pools are available The costs of different pool types (including hidden costs) And advantages/disadvantages of each The construction timeframe and process Size, shape, and design Is tile necessary Cool deck vs other material Landscaping - what kind of vegetation is the best How to find a good pool contractor What kind of maintenance does a pool require How to make a pool kid safe This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son Topics include everything BUT design. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

Do this BEFORE investing in a Swimming Pool

We have done several podcasts about scamming and guarding against being hacked.  Chris Diamond and Nancy are going to do it again!  It seems that these annoying phone calls and scams are are very creative, in addition to catching people off guard. By listening to this podcast you will learn: How to avoid being scammed What to look for or listen for Red flags Who won’t ever call you What to do if you think you fell for the scam This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:  Hugo Floss A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son Topics include everything BUT design. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

HANG UP OR DELETE

Prices of homes are skyrocketing and causing people to remodel instead of relocating. So where do you start?  After working with a designer, finding a general contractor begins the process of your project.  Nancy explains the 10 most important things to look for when finding a contractor. Does the contractor have an office How did you find the contractor? Check references Offered you a discount Contractor required both homeowners at meeting Doesn't require payment in full to start Gives start and completion date Offers warranties, etc. Has current state contractor's license Has proof of insurance & workmen's comp This podcast sponsored by Thermador Appliances & Monogram Appliances email comments to Nancy@NancyHugo.com Listen to Nancy’s other podcast:   Hugo Floss   A conversation with a creative Mom and her Nerdy Son Topics include everything BUT design. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

10 Signs you have a Great Contractor

This is show was prerecorded October 13, 2020 and is one of our more popular shows.  Hope you enjoy it! 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. email questions to Nancy@NancyHugo.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/homedesignchat-with-nancy/support

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Home Design Chat with Nancy

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