Home Design Chat with Nancy

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 d...

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 misconc...

How important is water to you?  Doug Schramm, Co-owner of Exclusively Tankless, is Nancy's guest this week. Doug is all about water - Tankless water heaters and filtration systems and will explain the advantages of these units. Tankless Water Heaters What is a tankless water heater vs a typical water heater? Electric and Gas tankless? Who manufactures these units?  Where are they made? H...

Unless you are a professional painter, knowing what paints and finishes to apply to walls, ceilings, cabinets, etc. can be very confusing.  Laurie Clark, Senior Designer Accounting Executive with Sherwin-Williams covering Arizona and Las Vegas, chatted with Nancy about what we should know regarding paints.  Before you pick up that paint brush, listen to our conversation. Some of the ques...

Why are we waiting so long for appliances to be delivered after they are ordered?  This question is answered by Jacob Bledsoe, District Sales Manager with Thermador. Nancy and Jake also discussed the history of Thermador and some of the appliances they invented and also introduced the new appliances for 2021. Thermador's History and "Firsts" Thermador is part of BSH Home Appliances Corpo...

Just because designers say so, it isn't necessarily true.  Nancy bantered with Jay Shennum, an independent Kitchen Designer, about the different trends some designers are pushing for 2021.  Do we agree with them?  Listen to find out Colored stone countertops Colored stone transitioning from  backsplash countertop. Beige travertine stone, classic white, white or pink. Timeless a...

Wall-to-wall carpet became popular in the 1950s when it became more affordable for everyday families and not just the wealthy.  People used carpeting in those days not knowing the pros and cons.  It just looked good and was affordable.  Times have changed. The consumers are more educated and want to know about the products they put in their home. Our guest, John Koslo...

Putting the finishing touches on your design project can either make it or break it!  Knowing the right size and shape of the chandelier, and more importantly, how high to hang the fixture is something not everyone is familiar with.  Jem Funk, interior designer and lighting designer, is the perfect guest to give tips on choosing light fixtures.  Jem has been with us on several occas...

If you’re planning on undertaking a full-on kitchen remodel, the last thing you want to do is pick a trend that are outdated or overdone. Jan Rutgers, founder of Vestabul School of Design, is back with Nancy this week.  They chat about the trends to avoid and alternative suggestions to help your design choices withstand the tests of time. CABINETRY PAINTED DARK COLORS Dings, bumps, and scratc...

The best smart home devices are an essential part of a 21st century home, as they ensure you can turn your thermostat up, dim the lights, lock your doors, and play your music with a simple voice command – creating a seamless, smart environment that makes your life easier.  Nancy chatted with Chris Diamond about all the smart devices he has installed in his home and what the pros and cons are....

Our last podcast was all about appliance trends for 2021.  This week Nancy chatted with Deron Rensen, senior area sales manager with Monogram.  Deron explained why manufacturers offer packages and what new and exciting appliances Monogram has introduced for this year.  Specifically we talked about the new Monogram column Refrigerator and Freezer and what the benefits are. Show Notes...

Without question, if you have a kitchen, and who doesn't, you are interested in the newest appliances, even if you are not going to purchase immediately.  Our subject today is the newest and greatest appliances for 2021, and who better to chat with Nancy than Steve Ertle with Spencer's Appliances in Arizona. Steve is extremely knowledgeable since he has been in the appliance business for 40 y...

Nancy's guest this week is Christine Sterling, Client Experience Manager with Image Craft. Christine is an advocate of sustainability and explains how she has encouraged changes at her workplace.  These changes can apply to residential as well as commercial. An environmentally aware business considers more than just profits — it considers its impact on society and the environment. S...

Last February we discussed the need for a vent hood in your kitchen with Doug Elbert is Vice President of Business Development at Trade-Wind Manufacturing, a premier manufacturer of residential kitchen and ventilation projects. Many people are extending their living and entertaining space, so Nancy invited Doug back to chat about the important things to know before you build your outdoor kitchens....

Nancy welcomed back Jan Rutgers, kitchen designer and founder of Vestabul School of Design, to chat about the ergonomic use of drawers in the kitchen which has become a very important element in kitchen design.  You will find this podcast enlightening and very interesting.  Find the show notes below: Refrigeration The first appliance to really embrace drawers was refrigerators. Dual Draw...

If you are looking for the unique, custom steel and stone items for your home, you have to listen to Nancy chat with Lane Cook, founder & co-owner of Visionmakers Intl. Here are some of the topics discussed and the questions asked of Lane: Visionmakers seems to offer a lot of varied products. Stone, steel doors, lighting, and other things. How do you describe Visionmakers to a new client? How...

A very large percentage of homes have tile flooring, showers, backsplashes and more.  The question is how to clean the tile and grout. Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, AZ, chatted with Nancy about the do's & don'ts of cleaning all tile.  Share with friends & family who have tile.  Most people are using the wrong products! These are the show notes: > Generally...

Nancy didn't have a guest this week so her conversation is with you, the audience. The home office was a luxury at one time, but now it's a necessity. Pick your spot. Not just any spot. Not the kitchen table or the coffee table Get Creative With Space –  Necessary Items: Your zoom background Don’t work in the bedroom Clean up the clutter Set your schedule so everyone in the house knows when y...

You've heard the phrase, "Make it your own!"  It's easier than you think when you let your imagination run wild.  Listen to Nancy chat with Brent Moncrief, VP, Sales & Marketing with Image Craft, as he explains how easy it is to create a fun & functional space with their products.  After you listen to our conversation, check out their website HERE. Educate to Differentiate:...

What does your website have to do with Home Design? Many listeners are professional designers and builders who have websites for potential clients.  In addition, the suggestions and hints Chris Diamond and Nancy chat about will help anyone who has a website connected to their business or hobby.  By the way, Chris Diamond, owner of Hogfish Studios, designs and maintains all my websites an...

The subject this week is Windows!  Should we cover them or leave them naked?  To answer that question and more, Nancy invited Tracy Doane, Certified Interior Designer specializing in Window Coverings to see what's in and what's out in the world of window treatments. Window Covering Options:  Blinds, Shutters, Shades and Drapery. Shutters - Contemporary, Traditional & Transitiona...

Nancy chatted with Jem Funk, our resident guest who is a lighting and interior designer, about the pros and cons of renovating vs. relocating. Does your home no longer meet your needs? Take into consideration what your current and long-term requirements are that you are looking for in your ideal home. What do you need and want? Consider the following aspects: •size of your home – too big, too smal...

Several weeks ago Jamie Gold, author of Wellness by Design, talked about having a healthy home on our show.  One of the key items to having a healthy home is your kitchen ventilation system. Nancy's guest is Doug Elbert, Vice President of Business Development at Trade-Wind Manufacturing, a premier manufacturer of residential kitchen and ventilation projects. Topics of discussion on this podca...

Nancy welcomes back Jan Rutgers, experienced kitchen designer and owner of Vestabul School of Design .  Jan and Nancy chat about the benefits of having a team work together on a remodel project, specifically a kitchen. Listen to the step by step points on how to build a team will work together to accomplish your dream kitchen. Who to hire to get the kitchen of their dreams. Kitchen Designer,...

This is the time of year when all the manufacturers introduce their new lines to the Design Community.  Deron Rensen, Senior Area Sales Manager for Monogram, is Nancy's guest today.  Deron explains 3 of the fantastic new products Monogram is offering. These products will be shown at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show February 9-11.  This show has been exclusively open to the trade b...