What makes California Modern design actually work

If your hardwood floors could talk, would they say, "designer dream" … or "what happened here?" This episode of I AM HOME gets into the grain of it all because wood isn't just a material; it's a mood, a statement and sometimes, a full-blown identity crisis. Tyler and Hilary are joined by special guest host Amy Gottula to break down what's trending in wood finishes for 2026 and how to make it work in your home. From the return of warmer tones like walnut and white oak to the growing love for natural grain, knots and character, they explore why perfectly polished is out and authentic is in. You'll also get a clear, no-stress approach to mixing wood tones (think choosing a dominant finish, staying within the same temperature family, layering in contrast and repeating tones so everything feels intentional, not accidental). Whether you're upgrading your floors, refreshing furniture, or just tired of second-guessing your space, this episode will help you make confident design decisions that feel cohesive, elevated and most importantly, livable.  Resources: nfm.com/podcast

What happens when mid-century design grows up, loosens its collar and moves to the coast? You get California Modern - a style that feels effortless but only works when every detail is doing its job. In this episode of I AM HOME, hosts Tyler, Becca and Hilary sit down with NFM Interior Designer Andrew Breinig to explore what makes this style truly work. Together, they walk through a thoughtfully designed home where mid-century influence meets laid-back sophistication (think warm woods, clean lines, natural textures and spaces designed for real life). From a functional entryway gallery wall to a flexible great room, an entertainer-friendly kitchen and a calming primary bedroom layered with subtle pattern and texture, Andrew shares the design choices that create balance, warmth and flow throughout the home. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

Impact doesn't always start in a boardroom; it often begins in the communities that shape us. On this week's episode of I AM HOME, LaDondra Wilson shares how growing up in South Oak Cliff helped spark a lifelong commitment to service, leadership and creating opportunities for others. Now serving as Vice President of the Dallas Wings and the Executive Director of the Dallas Wings Community Foundation, she's using the platform of sports to drive real change in the communities that need it most. LaDondra offers an honest look at the unseen work behind recognition, the responsibility of opening doors for the next generation, as well as what it truly means to lead with a servant mindset. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

What if the best burnout remedy isn't a vacation… but a dance floor? In this high-energy Women's Month episode of I Am Home, we sit down with professional game-day DJ and former NFL mascot DJ Dawna... the woman behind the music at Sporting KC, the Chiefs, the Royals and the USWNT. From leading crowds in a mascot suit to soundtracking stadiums packed with thousands, Dawna shares how she learned to read a room, move a crowd and create moments people never forget. But this conversation goes deeper than playlists and hype. Dawna opens up about what truly separates a technically good DJ from someone who can shift the energy in a space and why dance might be one of the most underrated forms of stress relief we have. If you've been running on empty, consider this your invitation to turn up the volume. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

What happens when the spotlight fades and you choose intention instead? On this episode of I AM HOME, Tyler, Becca and Hilary sit down with NFL quarterback, girl dad and NFM Partner Will Grier for a conversation that goes far beyond football. Will reflects on the pivots and quiet rebuilding moments that shaped his career, his intentional choice to prioritize privacy in a spotlight-driven profession, as well as how becoming a husband and father redefined what success and "home" mean to him. From creating stability amid constant change to finding value in roles that don't always make headlines, this episode blends honesty, humor and perspective – ending with a lighthearted look at why dad day may be just as demanding as game day. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

What happens when our homes get smarter than ever… while we also crave going totally unplugged? In this episode of I AM HOME, the team explores a major shift shaping home life in 2026: design and lifestyle trends are moving in two very different directions at once. "Bells & Whistles" trends are making homes smarter with AI health tools, pet wearables, beauty gadgets and elevated kitchen upgrades, while "Less Bells & Whistles" is pushing back with fewer screens, more hands-on comfort and retro tech like turntables and CD players. The takeaway? The future of home isn't all high-tech or all unplugged – it's intentional, blending innovation with calm to create spaces that truly support everyday life. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

Looking for the best seat in the house? If your hosting style is effortless but your layout isn't, this episode gets your home ready to win. On this episode of I AM HOME, Tyler, Becca and Hilary break down the small but mighty pieces that make game day, playoff weekends and gold-medal-level marathons easy – no awkward plate balancing required. From swivel chairs and ottomans to C-tables and nesting tables, the team, alongside NFM home life experts Amy Gottula and Kelsey Nosal, shares what actually works when guests sit, snack, shift, mingle and settle in for hours. You'll learn how to upgrade comfort, keep food and drinks within reach, and design a room that moves with the moment instead of fighting it. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

Game-day potlucks are supposed to be fun but somehow, they turn even laid-back hosts into full-on logistics managers. In this episode of I AM HOME, Tyler, Becca and Hilary break down why potlucks feel harder than they should and how to win without overthinking it. Joined by guest expert Maura Vankooten, the team dives into what actually gets eaten, which dishes travel well and the small mistakes that quietly ruin even the best ideas. From finger-food favorites to "real meal" debates, plus the products, tools and simple strategies that save the day, this episode is your stress-free guide to hosting smarter and eating better. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

When winter sets in, comfort and wellness at home matter more than ever. In this episode of I AM HOME, the hosts welcome NFM small-appliance expert Andrew Paulsen to unpack how indoor air quality, seasonal dryness and home cleanliness directly impact mood, sleep and overall well-being during the colder months. From air purifiers and humidifiers to smarter floor care and cleaning robots, this conversation offers practical, cozy solutions to help your home feel healthier, calmer and more livable all winter long. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

January is calling and it wants your clutter gone. In this episode of I AM HOME, the team tackles the post-holiday mess with help from NFM furniture pros Angela Rodriguez and Kelsey Nosal. From storage beds that calm your bedroom to entryway setups that stop the daily pile-up, we're breaking down how furniture can organize your life for good. If your home feels chaotic and your junk drawer is judging you, this reset is for you. Resources: nfm.com/podcast