I am excited to have Munir Turunc as our guest today.

Munir is the CEO of Marble Systems which was started in 1982.

Marble systems brings the finest natural stone to the design & architectural community specializing in high-end residential, commercial and hospitality projects.

Munir has led Marble Systems for nearly 40 years, transforming it into one of the most respected and design-forward names in the natural stone industry.

Most recently, the company was recognized by Hospitality + Design with the “Best Flooring” award — a testament to its craftsmanship and innovation in luxury design.

Here are some of the questions I asked Munir:

• How did he get started in the natural stone business
• What countries supplies his natural stone
• What is the most popular natural stone for residential projects

Listen to this podcast for more interesting information about marble, granite, quartzite and tiles.

Check out Munir's website: https://www.marblesystems.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.com

Go to DesignersCircleHQ.com to learn more about design.

Please email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about.

If you’ve ever dreamed of updating your bathroom and tiling your shower yourself, this episode is for you.

Gil Olachea, owner of Ceramica in Scottsdale, explains the step-by-step process of tiling a shower from a DIY perspective.

Whether you're working on a small stall or a large walk-in, this guide will help you understand what materials and tools you’ll need—and walk you through the job with confidence.

Gil lists what tools and materials you will need for this task. He will also explain the 10 steps to tile the shower.

Tiling a shower is a satisfying DIY project—but it’s not a small job. Take your time, follow each step carefully, and your new shower will not only look amazing—it’ll last for years

This podcast concludes the series, "How to tile like a pro." Hope you enjoyed it and was encouraged to tackle a small tile project.

This podcast is sponsored by Monogram.com

Go to DesignersCircleHQ.com to learn more about design.

Please email me at Nancy@nancyhugo.com for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about.

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.

This is being recorded on Mother's Day and as I always say, "Every Day is Mother's Day!"

I thought today would be a day to talk about Aging in Place as all the mothers who are still with us are needing help and attention as they age. (Of course, we're not forgetting about the fathers!)

I have been hearing about "my forever house" as people who are remodeling would like to stay in their home as long as possible before the possibility of moving in with a child or going to a facility.

Reasons for the elderly to move in or near family.

• Be around grandchildren
• Not be lonely
• If they need help going to a doctor's appointment, shopping & cooking
• If they are a fall risk
• Have physical ailments
• Need a safe environment

Tips and ideas that will make it easier and safer to live in the home….theirs or yours:

• Pullout Pantry
• Keep the Sink Close to the Stove
• Shallow Sink
• Place the Microwave at or Below Counter Height
• Limit use of upper cabinets.
• Wall Cabinets on counter
• Make Corners Accessible
• .Choose Drawers, Not Doors
• Focus on Clearance Space
• Floors should be slip-resistant
• More lighting
• Loss of depth perception
• Bar stools hard to use not safe

This informative podcast brought to you by Monogram.com appliances.

If you would like to be included in DesignersCircleHQ.com, please send your email to Nancy@Nancyhugo.com.

If you would like to know more about Nancy, go to NancyHugo.com

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.