We all love a clean home but I don't know anyone who has the time to spend hours cleaning.

The trick is to design your home with easy maintenance in mind, unless of course you love to clean. Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica, joins me in the topic of high design vs low maintenance.

We will give you ideas on what to substitute for the following high maintenance items:

• Crystal and ornate chandeliers
• High maintenance furniture
• Open shelving
• Cabinets not going to the ceiling
• Complex tile patterns
• Difficult to clean plumbing fixtures
• Porous countertop materials
• High gloss cabinetry
• Gas stoves
• Porous, rough-surfaced tiles

This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.com

Go to DesignersCircleHQ.com to learn more about design trends & more

We’re seeing wallpaper used strategically—in powder rooms, accent walls, ceilings, and even closets. It’s no longer about covering every wall in floral prints. It’s about statement-making, and adding texture, dimension. And personality to your home.

Whether you want a bold statement wall or a subtle touch of elegance, the right wallpaper can completely change the look and feel of your room.

Today I will explore why wallpaper has made a comeback and where it can be used.

Different wallpaper styles:

• Vinyl
• Textured
• Peel & Stick
• Bold Murals
• Geometric & Art Deco
• Metallic & foil papers

Top picks:

• Powder rooms
• entryways
• bedrooms
• ceilings back of shelves

Wallpaper is definitely IN for 2025, but it’s about thoughtful use, quality materials, and pairing with your existing style. Don’t be afraid to experiment, especially in small or unexpected spaces.

This podcast was brought to you by Monogram.com.

Go to DesignersCircleHQ.com to learn more about design.

Welcome back to our special series: Tiling like a Pro.

This podcast explains everything necessary for you to complete your tile backsplash project.

Of course, Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, is back to give the final instructions for your backsplash project.

If you missed previous podcasts on "tiling like a pro, you will find them posted on Designers Circle, Spotify, NancyHugo.com and several other platforms.

Gil will explain the following:

Materials to use

• Thin set
• Grout
• Sealer
• Caulk

The Process

• Preparing the backsplash
• Dry-set tile
• Where to start tiling

The Final Steps

• Grouting
• Sealing

Hope the listeners who learned from these podcasts and decided to install their tile backsplash will take pictures and send them to Nancy@nancyhugo.com. Gil and I would love to see them.

Our next episode of "Tiling like a Pro" will cover the difficult process of tiling a shower. We recommend leaving this job to the pros unless you have had experience in tiling showers.

And of course, we recommend that homeowners know the process even though a professional will be contracted to do the job. This podcast will air June 16th.

Check out Designers Circle for design trends, design news and more.

For more information about Nancy go to NancyHugo.com

Email Nancy@nancyhugo.com for any questions you might have for Gil Olachea or Nancy

This podcast is sponsored by Monogram Appliances.