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