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    Home & Garden

    Mid Mod Remodel

    Do you live in a Mid-Century Ranch? Are you curious about an MCM house and wondering what it would take to renovate? Or are you just a fan of all things Mid-Century Modern? Mid Mod Remodel is the podcast where you learn how to match a mid-century home to your modern life. Your host, Della Hansmann is an architect who helps people remodel their Mid-century homes and mid mod homeowner fixing up1952 ranch. Learn what makes mid-century homes great, the common elements of MCM homes that nearly always need updating, and how any homeowner can plan the mid-century remodel of their dreams.

    Advertise

    Copyright: © 2024 Mid Mod Remodel

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify
    Latest Episodes:
    Adding Insulation to Your Mid-Century House Nov 21, 2024

    Insulation may be one of the most overlooked aspects of mid-century homes. Does your house tend to get too chilly in winter or too toasty in summer? Let’s talk about improving your home’s energy efficiency without compromising its mid-century charm.
    In today's episode you'll hear:

    • Why insulation matters for your mid-century home.
    • How to identify easy wins for cozy living.
    • When to go big on adding insulation.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1907

    Get your parents' mid-century house ready to sell. Nov 14, 2024

    What should you do to get ready to sell a house built in the mid-century era? Should you rip out a tired kitchen? Quickly tear off that old, beat up siding and replace it with some easy care vinyl? No, please don't.
    Instead, let me make your life easier. Do less. Because there is someone out there searching for your parents’ time capsule house.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1906

    Get Those Good Master Plan Vibes Nov 07, 2024

    The right remodel vibes mean you’ll be prepared to make decisions faster and adapt as needed—without losing sight of your ultimate goal. In this week's episode you'll hear how to:

    • Build your confidence.
    • Focus on clear communication.
    • Stay flexible.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1905

    Best Of Mid Mod Remodel: Can I start planning BEFORE I have a home remodel budget saved up? Oct 31, 2024

    This episode goes out to all the homeowners waiting to plan, or dream about home improvement projects until you’ve saved up the home remodel budget. I hope you’ll take this the right way when I tell you … you’re doing it wrong.

    I know … you’re being responsible. You’re waiting to plan util you’ve got the budget in the bank. But … ACTUALLY it’s more responsible for you to plan your remodel now, before you have the budget for it than to save for years and then start planning. Let’s talk about why.
    Starting to plan when you feel ready to start remodeling is too late for a satisfyingly speedy process. And Saving without a plan is actually pretty unrealistic. So if your question was: Della, how can I plan before I have my home remodel budget saved up?
    I’ll ask you this, how could realistically budget when you don't yet know what you want to do?
    Grab the episode show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/1904
    OR just enroll in Ready to Remodel, right here, right now, and get started planning for an accurate and motivating home remodel budget!

    New Mid-Century House Quick Start Guide Oct 24, 2024

    Do you have a new-to-you mid-century home (…congratulations!) and don’t know where to start? I get it—taking on a new home, especially one with some history, can feel overwhelming. You might be tempted to dive into big projects right away, but I’m here to help you start smart and avoid remodel regrets.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why you need quality time with your new house before you remodel.
    • How to get started even before your get the keys.
    • Where to think big and start small.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1903

    An Architect's Remodeling Regrets Oct 17, 2024

    This week, I share some of my biggest remodeling regrets and lessons learned from my own mid-century home. Biggest take away? Make small, low-risk updates first and then be sure to create a Masterplan for a remodel you’ll love without the regret.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Where your biggest quick "remodeling wins" might be hiding.
    • Why waiting isn’t always the best choice.
    • How to get moving on a stalled project.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1902

    Sanity Saving Strategy to Finish a Remodel Strong Oct 10, 2024

    Finish a remodel strong with thoughtful final choices, course corrects when you need them, and mindset resets to help you bring your cats home…or whatever personal remodel milestone will help YOU stay positive and avoid remodel regret later on.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to finish your remodel and bring your cats home.
    • Why late stage choices and changes can be a good thing for your remodel.
    • Where to find the inner resources you need to get through the final stages of your remodel.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1901

    Who to Hire and When with Exactly Designs Oct 03, 2024

    When is the right time to engage design help for your remodel? The right mix of experts at the right points in the process can transform your mid-century remodeling experience. Elin Walters from Exactly Design is back to share her thoughts on who to call and when to make sure your remodel is a stunner.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why you should start with design…even for small projects.
    • How a slow start can set you up for success.
    • Which experts will help most at different points in your remodel process.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1813.

    Parade of Homes with Atom Stevens Sep 26, 2024

    MCM expert Atom Stevens is back! Tune in for our parade of homes conversation and ideas for how to future proof mid-century homes.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why the Parade of Homes really took off in 1955.
    • How builders advertised in the "housewife" era.
    • What new energy standards might mean for mid-century homes.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1812

    Get to Know Your Home Before You Remodel with Make It Mid-Century Sep 19, 2024

    I know it can be tempting to dive right into remodeling your mid-century house the minute you get the keys, but I’m here to offer a bit of unconventional advice: wait. And I’m not the only one who thinks this! In my latest chat with preservation expert Susan Halla, we explored why it’s crucial to live in your home for a little while before making major decisions about renovations.
    We also get into our list of "Not to Do's" as a mid-century homeowner.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why you should live in your house before you remodel (if you can!)
    • How to spot features that are true to the style your mid-century home.
    • When doing less is likely to add value to your home.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1811.

    Curb Appeal Clinic hosted by Modern House Numbers Sep 12, 2024

    Did you catch the curb appeal clinic last Friday? If not, I've got you covered.
    This free workshop had everything I believe about making smart, stylish, long, lasting update choices for your mid century home on the outside in bite sized, easy steps with a few key design principles and some common upgrade inspiration for mid century homes, you can transform your house without taking on a big remodel. You can do it one weekend, upgrade at a time, or one little handyman hire at a time.
    I had such fun being hosted by Brandi McLean of Modern House members to put this workshop together. I didn't want podcast listeners to miss out.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1810

    Creating Great Mid Mod Interiors with Exactly Designs Sep 05, 2024

    I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Elin Walters from Exactly Design to get her perspective on mid-century interiors. While I spend my days thinking architect-y thoughts, Elin obsesses over mid-century homes as an interior designer and I was curious how our takes might differ.
    We covered everything from essential elements to keep (if you are lucky enough to have them) to the pitfalls you should avoid if you want to stay true to a mid-century aesthetic.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to mix materials like a mid mod master.
    • What we’re begging you not to touch.
    • Where modern touches are just what the mid mods would have wanted.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1809

    House Numbers that Shine with Modern House Numbers Aug 29, 2024

    Brandy McLain from Modern House Numbers is back again with her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for great modern and mcm design!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why you might want to light your house numbers.
    • How to choose colors and materials for maximum house number visibility and style.
    • Where to get playful with your house numbers and other exterior details.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1808

    MCM Dream Team, assemble! (With Mid Mod Colorado) Aug 22, 2024

    Adrian Kinney is one of my favorite mid mod masterminds in real estate! Our most recent conversation covers what you need to know about assembling the right team to help you find and update your mid-century home. There's so much bad advice out there for us people who live in and love mcm houses - we each need our own mcm dream team!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why the right team right from the start matters so much when planning a mid mod remodel.
    • How to find the pros that will be your best allies.
    • When a flip or a time capsule might work well for you…even if it’s not what you think you want.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1807

    Lighting up your MCM landscape with Ginkgo Leaf Design Aug 15, 2024

    Lighting up your mid-century landscape hinges on making the right design choices. Today I'm talking to Jim Drzewiecki about focusing on both lighting and plant selection to create a mid-century modern yard that feels cohesive, inviting, and timeless.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Where to stand when designing your landscape. (Hint - it’s not outside!)
    • Why the quintessential evergreen is still the right choice for your mid-century landscape.
    • How layers in the landscape help highlight what’s great about your house.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1806

    Turning Up the MCM Charm with Atom Stevens Aug 08, 2024

    I’m so excited to dive into the history of design in mid-century homes with none other than Atom Stevens, MCM history buff and Cliff May expert. Whether you’re a homeowner, a potential buyer, or just a mid-century enthusiast, Atom’s insights are a reminder that our homes are more than just places to live – they’re pieces of history, filled with stories waiting to be told.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Which “new” features builders saw as selling points in the early mid-century.
    • How these features have informed home building and selling ever since.
    • When having a “cookie cutter” house is a feature not a bug!

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1805

    House Number Basics with Modern House Numbers Aug 01, 2024

    Today, we have a fantastic chat lined up with Brandy McLain, co-founder and one of the creative geniuses behind Modern House Numbers. Della and Brandy discuss all things house numbers. From current requirements to history, plus tons of great style tips!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why we have house numbers in the first place.
    • How (and how not) to incorporate house numbers into your landscaping.
    • Which creative placement ideas Della and Brandy love.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1804

    Mid-Century vs. Mid Mod with Susan Halla Jul 25, 2024

    When I think about perfecting an original mid-century home by polishing and upgrading its original details, I think of Susan Halla of Make It Mid-Century.

    She has dedicated herself to being the resource people need to make period appropriate choices for their mid-century homes. And she's got an encyclopedic knowledge of all things period appropriate from front doors to Formica. I can't wait to share my chat with her with you today!

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How “mid-century” and “mid-century modern” differ.
    • Where you might find overlapping traditional and modern elements in the most modest mid-century homes.
    • Whether you’re project is a resto or a reno.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1803

    Unicorn Houses and Tight MCM Markets with Adrian Kinney Jul 18, 2024

    In our latest podcast episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the amazing Adrian Kinney. Adrian has joined me on the pod before. He’s a realtor, mid-century modern (MCM) guru and heads up Mid Mod Colorado. Listen for his insights into what makes mcm homes so special and how to navigate today’s tricky market to find a mid-century gem.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • What makes for a “unicorn” of an mcm home.
    • How to adjust your search to find your new mcm home in the tightest market.
    • Why a flipped house might just be the best bet when times are bad for buyers.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1802

    Mid-Century Hardscapes and Feature Elements with Ginkgo Leaf Studio Jul 11, 2024

    Remember the delightful Jim Drzewiecki from Ginkgo Leaf Studio? We barely scratched the surface of all the listener landscaping questions we received last season. So, naturally, I had to bring him back on the podcast to continue our chat! Today, we’re diving in on hardscaping and adding feature elements to your landscape.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why concrete may be the perfect mid-century hardscape.
    • How to work through your mid-century landscape design.
    • Where feature elements can add livability and interest to a simple mid-century yard.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1801

    An Architect Chat - Dream with Della Jun 27, 2024

    When you find yourself in a remodeling time crunch, the most frequently skipped step in the process is actually the most essential part of any well planned and executed remodel.
    Taking time to Dream can mean the difference between your perfect remodel and a remodel that misses the mark.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why you should take time to Dream, even if you don’t have much time.
    • How to Dream up your perfect remodel.
    • Where to find opportunities to see your house with fresh eyes.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1712

    How do I unflip my mid-century house? Jun 20, 2024

    Straight outta the DM’s “Do you have an un-flip quick start guide?” If you're wondering what there might be to salvage about your farmhouse flipped mid-century house, the short answer is there's plenty. And you may even find that the flippers did you a few favors!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to de-farmhouse your fireplace. (Sadly, you probably won’t be able to unpaint the brick.)
    • Strategies for deciding which changes to invest in undoing/redoing and which to work around.
    • Quick changes that will shift you homes’ feel from farmhouse flip to mid mod fab.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1711

    Do you have a spreadsheet to help me manage my remodel? Jun 13, 2024


    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to feel like the boss of your remodel, from the planning phase through the punch list.
    • Which key tools you need to keep your remodel on track.
    • Why spreadsheets are your remodel’s BFF.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1710

    Are skylights and light tubes too modern for a mid-century house? Jun 06, 2024

    Mid-century homes are often kind of light on daylight, so I get a lot of questions about whether skylights and light tubes are appropriate and feasible options. The short answer? Heck yeah!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why your mid-century home may seem lacking in the daylight department.
    • Which products can create a whole new light experience.
    • Suggestions for skylight and light tube placement.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1709

    Should I replace my mid-century windows? May 30, 2024

    Tis the season for window replacement folks to make the rounds in many mid-century neighborhoods, sharing the "good news" of vinyl replacement windows. Or maybe a well meaning neighbor has been extolling the new maintenance free replacement windows they installed?
    Replacement windows may not be any better...and are likely worse...than your home's original windows. Learn how to tell when it's better to keep the OG's and how to make smart window replacement choices for your home.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why your original windows are worth keeping, if possible.
    • How to find the right pros to repair or replace your windows.
    • Which styles to consider if you need to replace or add windows.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1708

    Any tips for mixing mid mod materials? May 23, 2024

    Our season of listener questions continues! Folks ask all the time, "Della, you say a mix of materials is one of the cornerstones of mid-century design. Do you have tips for mixing materials without making a mid mod mess?"
    I sure do!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • A short history of 2x4’s.
    • Guidance on how to mix woods and metals to achieve a cohesive space.
    • Which new materials play best with original materials you want to keep.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1707

    Speedy Strategies for an MCM Remodel You'll Love (in the time you have) May 16, 2024

    30-ish minutes to learn to plan a remodel in 30 days? Believe it! You can check off maintenance, meet a deadline and still get a remodel that enhances your home's MCM charm and suits your life and family!⁠⁠ Listen to my new workshop for all the speedy remodel planning skills.
    In today's episode you'll learn:

    • That it is 100% possible to create a remodel plan in just 30 days.
    • What you MUST DO before reaching out to a professional so that you can work efficiently with any designer or contractor
    • How to get on the same page as your partner and stay there while you plan FAST.
    • How to cut analysis paralysis OUT OF your remodel planning for good (everyone should do this!)
    • Where to focus FIRST, NEXT, and LAST when you're facing a time crunch.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1706

    How do I mix Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style into my ranch? (Part 2) May 09, 2024

    As you plan your ranch remodel, you can absolutely dip into Wright design ideas. Your house is actually already full of them!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to make material choices for a Wright-infused remodel.
    • Which colors to choose to shout about your combined love of mid mod and Prairie style.
    • The simple shape secrets to get the Wright feel.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1705.

    Can I mix Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style into my ranch? (Part 1) May 02, 2024

    Here's a question I get all the time from people who live in mid-century homes. "Hey, Della, I love my mid mod house. BUT I also like Frank Lloyd Wright...the Prairie School...this amazing Usonian place I visited one time. Am I wrong to want to add some Wright to my ranch?"
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How Prairie Style and Mid-Century style relate to each other.
    • Why Usonian houses feel so much like your ranch.
    • When to tune your homes vibe toward (or away) from Wrightian hallmarks.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1704

    Mid-century landscaping…is that a thing? Apr 25, 2024

    So glad you asked! Let's talk landscaping with a certified mid-century landscaping expert - Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to let your house tell you how to design your landscape.
    • Why hardscapes are the hardest (and most important) to get right.
    • Tips for getting started on design.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1703

    What are the best mid-century flooring choices? Apr 18, 2024

    What is the best mid-century flooring for your house?

    My answer to you, to my clients, to my students and to everybody who asks me this is, it depends. Now, when I answer this way, I'm not hedging or hesitating.


    I do have opinions about and experience with many types of flooring in all sorts of applications. And strong personal preferences of my own! But when people ask “What's the best mid-century flooring?”, what they actually mean to ask is, “What's the best mid-century flooring for me and for my house?” And that's where it really does depend.


    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Which homeowners are most likely to strike MCM flooring gold in the form of original hardwood.
    • Why luxury vinyl plank flooring is anything but luxurious and never The Best Flooring choice.
    • Which materials might just be The Best Flooring choice for your home and how decided what to install.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1702

    How long will my remodel take? Apr 11, 2024

    How long will your remodel take? Well that depends on you, my friend.
    This week's episode kicks of a full season of listener questions. First up? Timelines.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • All about the remodel schedule venn diagram.
    • Where it is easiest to exert some control over your remodel timeline.
    • How to get ready to create the remodel schedule you want for your project.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1701

    What we can learn from HGTV. Apr 04, 2024

    In the last episode of our HGTV season we’re talking about what we can learn from looking at other people’s houses. Despite its shortcomings, HGTV offers glimpses into remodeling and design processes and practical lessons for would-be remodelers.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why HGTV might not be all bad.
    • How to use HGTV and mainstream shelter media to your advantage.
    • Where to find more mid-century friendly inspiration.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1613

    White paint. STILL not the answer. Mar 28, 2024

    White paint on wood? Well, that depends.

    Today's episode is going to be a love story to the wooden elements of a mid-century home. The main takeaway? Leave your original mid-century wood alone.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why paneling is not the place for paint - white or otherwise.
    • How mid-century hollow core doors are different than their modern cousins.
    • Where paint can be great!

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1612.

    Painting it white is not the answer. Mar 21, 2024

    Today let's talk about why slapping a coat of white paint on your mid-century brick, stone or concrete block is never the right answer.

    Even if your house is entirely brick or entirely stone, there are still meaningful things you can do to change the feeling of your house without large quantities of white paint.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why painting it white is so tempting.
    • Who that white paint is for. (*hint*, it's not for the homeowner)
    • The first three materials you should NEVER paint.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1611

    A ranch is not a cottage (and it never will be). Mar 14, 2024

    There are key difference between cottages and mid-century ranch homes. Your ranch is not a cottage, so steer clear of cottage style updates.

    In many ways American homes changed more between 1930 and 1950 than they have since. Part of the reason I find ranches so interesting is how modern they are in their essential nature. Dated fixtures and finishes aside, a ranch built in 1952 is essentially a modern home.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How ranches and cottages are related.
    • Where the two styles came from.
    • The hallmarks of cottage design that do not belong in your mid-century ranch.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1610

    Change your home, change your life. Mar 07, 2024

    The culture we live in is selling us doublespeak that you must remodel your home to make it your home. You can't just take a house as it is. And there's only one right way to improve your home.
    Let's interrogate this modern urge to change your life by changing your home.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • When a tiny tweak can feel transformative.
    • Why you and your house are great, as you are.
    • How to plan a remodel that can actually change your life.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1609.

    Master Plan your...clutter? Feb 29, 2024

    Do you have objects in your life in your house that you would categorize as clutter? Probably you do. I know I do. Decluttering sometimes feels like our national pastime, or problem. And HGTV has multiple shows devoted to the topic. Or if you prefer your Marie Kondo straight from the source her show is on Netflix.

    I've talked in the past about how to manage clutter in your life with design. And that's all well and good. But today, I want to talk about this from another angle. First, is the so-called clutter in your life, actually a problem you want to solve? And if and only if it is, what is step one, to solving it?

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why we feel so bad about our clutter.
    • How to reframe decluttering and the items that fill your life and home.
    • Ways to apply master plan thinking to almost any project…even decluttering.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1608.

    Your remodel should not be a surprise. Feb 22, 2024

    A surprise reveal is a mainstay of remodeling TV shows and it's basically a jumpscare. Your ideal remodel should include few to no surprises.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why a surprise remodel reveal is worse than your average jumpscare.
    • When remodeling related surprises are a GOOD thing (hint, it’s way before construction begins)!
    • How to avoid remodeling surprises and love everything about your remodel.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1607

    Trends are not your friend. Feb 15, 2024

    Today I am future you’s best friend.
    Do you know who is not future you’s best friend? HGTV.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why trendy remodels mean more waste and less joy.
    • How to stand strong in the face of before and after photos.
    • Where to embrace trends you love for a remodel that will stand the test of time.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1606

    How to have a big remodeling fight with your partner Feb 08, 2024

    Want to know how to have a BIG fight with your partner about your remodel? Or even a series of many smaller fights that blur into each other and become frustration and resentment?
    Welcome to the Valentine’s Day episode of Mid Mod Remodel!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why all those couples on HGTV seem so MAD.
    • How to design your drama free dream remodel.
    • Which tools will help you create the most remodeling harmony along with the best results.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1605.

    The modern "mid-century" dream kitchen Feb 01, 2024

    The modern mid-century dream kitchen isn’t the kitchen that Lucy Arnez or Donna Reed or Carol Brady had. It also isn’t the kitchen you might find in vintage kitchen ads. And it certainly isn’t the kitchen you’ll find in most builder grade ranches.

    So what exactly is it then?
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why you are the most important design element of your dream kitchen.
    • The (very few) universals of good kitchen design.
    • Quick kitchen fixes to try if your big remodel is still a ways off.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1604

    Why are mid-century kitchens? Jan 25, 2024

    Aspirational mid-century kitchens influenced the kitchens we live in and love today. The kitchens that served as backdrops for our favorite mid-century TV families often included features missing for the builder basic kitchens of the time (and still missing in many of our ranches!).
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • When the kitchen shifted from work zone to social space.
    • All about features of some of the OG aspirational mid-century kitchens.
    • How aspirational kitchens of the past can inform your kitchen remodel.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1603

    Cooking with gas...ads and sponcon in remodeling "reality" shows. Jan 18, 2024

    Want the most reliably biased remodeling advice around? Head for HGTV. In fact, pick up or turn on any mainstream piece of home and garden media. Now, try to separate expert advice from paid content.

    What you’ll find is a strong push toward well funded trends that dominate the industry. Certain elements seem to make it into every renovation. Think gas stoves, stainless steel finishes, professional grade appliances, countertop materials like granite and marble, luxury vinyl flooring.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How gas (and granite and stainless steel) came to seem like our only options.
    • The question to ask every time someone shares THE solution for your remodel.
    • Tips for bucking trends and designing a timeless remodel.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1602

    The (main) problem with HGTV. Jan 11, 2024

    This season, I'm pushing back on the default remodeling advice that we all encounter on television and in online magazines, see manifested in big box home improvement stores and hear echoed in the mouths of run-of-the-mill general contractors.

    But you know I'm not about negativity!

    Instead, you are going to get all the positive, encouraging, actionable advice to help you make timeless choices tailored to your home.

    In short, this season's theme is "The remodel advice you will never get from HGTV."

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why HGTV’s universal advice isn’t for us (mid-century homeowners).
    • The motivations behind many HGTV design recommendations.
    • How to forgive ourselves for past HGTV influenced design choices.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1601

    Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design: Applying the Cornerstones Jan 04, 2024

    If you've been following along this month you know the four cornerstones of a great Mid Mod design ... but how do you make sure that you're going to bake them into your own home and plans? Before you start calling contractors and deciding what to do first ... I want you to hit pause for just a moment.

    The best way to make the most of your mid-century remodel is to use the Master Plan method!
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1505.

    Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design: Flow Between Spaces Dec 28, 2023

    When we think about gorgeous mid-century homes, many of us picture a glass wall separating the living room from a patio and lush backyard. Or a sunken living room that flows from the formal entry. Glass. Open spaces with exposed structure. Screens that allow a peek through to the next space. Stone that seems to continue seamlessly from the exterior through to the central fireplace.

    This amazing flow from one space to the next and out into the yard is definitely a feature of high-end mid-century homes. But it can also be a feature of your (and my!) simple, builder-grade ranch.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to improve flow without blowing out a wall.
    • Why it’s important to bring the outside in.
    • Where materials can make the difference.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1504

    Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design - Mix of Materials Dec 21, 2023

    Your material and finish choices can make or break a mid mod remodel. Choose correctly and you'll enhance your home with lovely, long-lasting materials that feel period-appropriate and yet somehow timeless…and don't break your budget.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • When to save original materials.
    • How to combine mid-century and modern materials in your remodel.
    • The secret to making every material choice easier.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1503

    Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design - Simple Shapes Dec 14, 2023

    You'll find simple shapes everywhere in a mid-mod design - from the basic triangle of a gable roof to the gentle curve of a kidney shaped swimming pool. The simple playful shapes of mid-century design put the focus back on the materials they're made from and the overall balance (the asymmetry) of the design.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why simple shapes became possible in the mid 20th century.
    • How simple shapes actually make life easier.
    • When using shapes that date your house is a big yes, instead of a no-no.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1502

    Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design - Asymmetry Dec 07, 2023

    Asymmetry, in a nutshell, is about balance...instead of matching.

    In previous eras, impressive home design showed its classiness with repeating, matching elements along a central line. These elements feel formal, weighty and grand.
    The mid-century aesthetic challenged this formality. Mid-century design is about being off-center and less structured, but still balanced.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why asymmetry is a cornerstone of mid mod design.
    • How balance can be more inviting than uniformity.
    • Where symmetry makes sense.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1501

    Letting cycles of life guide your remodel.  Nov 30, 2023

    Let’s talk about a revelation I recently had about planning your remodel - the importance of the cycles in your life as you tailor your home to match your lifestyle.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why laundry may be the best allegory for cycles of life.
    • How to plan for now and also make great choices for future you.
    • And why catering to the messy, chaos-ridden parts of your life might make your remodel better than you could have imagined.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1413

    Best Of Mid Mod Remodel - Episode 1009: Use the Holidays to Focus Your Remodel Plans. Nov 23, 2023

    This episode originally aired on December 8, 2022.
    I want you to use your holiday prep time to plan your remodel.

    Okay, Before you tell me, Della, that's crazy. The holidays are when I'm busiest. I can't be picking out tiles and solving problems and calling contractors during this period. You're right. Of course you can't. You know me. I wouldn't ask you to make your life harder when it's already full. Instead, make your future life easier by harnessing all of the satisfactions (and frustrations) that are part and parcel of the celebratory times in your house during this season of madness and fun.
    Get the episode and show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1412

    A Very Mid-Century Holiday Chat with Make It Mid-Century Nov 16, 2023

    In the chat you've all been waiting for...Susan Halla of Make It Mid-Century and Della dish on mid-century design.

    Listen in as the creator of the Master Plan Method meets the creator of Sparkle Lam to talk about architecture, how to listen to your house and why you should NEVER paint your brick. It's a meeting of similar, mid-century loving minds full of great advice, retro and modern resources, and holiday gift ideas.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • About the crime lab/mid-century kitchen connection.
    • How to deck out your door for all seasons.
    • Sources for great gifts for the mid-century stans in your life. (Yes, that includes yourself!)

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1411

    Get Your Remodel On Track Nov 09, 2023

    I know you've been daydreaming about your perfect mid-century remodel for months (years?), but somehow reality just hasn’t caught up to your Pinterest board. Sometimes it can feel like your remodel planning has gone completely off the rails. Or at least dropped off your radar.
    So, how do you get your remodel on track once it feels off?

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • When the fluffy fun part of a process is also the most valuable.
    • Why the secret to getting your remodel back on track is simple.
    • How to stay calm in the face of rapid-fire decision making.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1410.

    Master Plan in a Month Nov 02, 2023

    Think your remodeling timeline is too tight for a master plan? Think again! You can get (most of) the benefits of a master plan in just 30 days of planning.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why some things are worth half-assing.
    • The one thing that is sure to slow you down…and fast!
    • Why you don’t have to pick no planning or all the planning.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1409

    Spooky Season Part 2 - Other Common Hazards (Asbestos, Radon and Mold …Oh My!) Oct 26, 2023

    Last week I dove deep into risks related to lead lurking in your mid-century home and talked a bit about vile VOC’s off-gassing into the air. This week I’m exploring other common hazards that you may come across in your mid century home.
    In Today's Episode You'll Learn:

    • All about some scary stuff that could be hiding in you mid-century charmer!
    • The history of an (almost) undetectable basement lurker…and why you might want to test your home.
    • Why it’s important to check your closets and corners for a common menace.

    Get the full show notes, plus all the gory details at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1408

    Spooky Season Part 1 - Lead Paint and Other Hazards Oct 19, 2023

    Let's celebrate spooky season with a pair of episodes covering some common mid-century house hazards to be aware of.
    Part one? Lead paint and other panic-producing paint by products...vile VOC's.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • All about the USA’s weird relationship with lead.
    • When to worry about the potential for lead exposure.
    • How to stay calm and remodel on SAFELY if you find some lead lurking in your mid-century home.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1407

    Do You Need a Mid-Century Contractor? Oct 12, 2023

    So, you are ready to kick off your remodel. (are you, though?)
    The last big question (is it, though?)...how to find an experienced, qualified mid-century contractor.
    Don't worry! In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • What makes for a great mid-century contractor.
    • How to find the best contractor for you!
    • The secret to making sure your contractor keeps mid-century in mind.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1406

    Your Mid-Century House was Built for an Addition Oct 05, 2023

    Are you preoccupied with space? Obsessing about vast expanses and endless horizons?
    Do you just need a little more room? Or maybe just another little room?

    Mid-century homes are often the right size for modern living. Until they aren’t. An addition may be just what you need to fit your modern life into you mid-century home.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to decide if an addition is the right solution for your home.
    • What you need to know BEFORE you start planning.
    • Tricks to simplify construction and save you money on an addition.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1405

    The How and Why of (This) Residential Architect Sep 28, 2023

    Did you know that average cost to hire a residential architect to design a remodel is $47,000.

    Isn’t that crazy?

    I used to work on projects with price tags just like that and … now I don’t. But I do still believe that design makes all the difference!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • A summary of the “usual” residential architecture process.
    • Which pieces of this process are must haves for any mid-century homeowner planning a remodel.
    • How to get just the “architecture” you need for a remodel you’ll love!

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1404

    Keep Your Remodel Out of the Landfill Sep 21, 2023

    Do you ever think of your home as destined for the landfill? This is dark, I know. But all things are…eventually. Every part and piece of your home has a useful life, a finite number of years to serve as a dwelling.
    So how can you plan an upgrade for your house that will keep it out of the landfill for as long as possible? I’m so glad you asked!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why gutters may be the greenest technology around.
    • Making sure your modern materials will be in it for the long haul.
    • How we design to avoid waste.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1403

    Remodels By, With and For Women Sep 14, 2023

    How did I become so invested in empowering women to be strong leaders in their own home improvement projects?

    As a young female architect, I've faced skepticism and dismissal from male colleagues and contractors throughout my career. But over many years and many projects I've learned to push back confidently and achieve the results I believe in. Not everyone has the luxury of building this confidence over time, especially women homeowners who may only go through one or two remodels in their lifetime.

    I created the Master Plan method as a direct response to my experience in residential architecture. The process is designed to help anyone, but especially women, quickly build the confidence and clarity needed to lead their remodeling projects effectively.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1402

    How to actually enjoy your remodel Sep 07, 2023

    I bet you can’t wait to tuck into your new banquette with your morning coffee or to slip into your Onsen tub…once your remodel is finished.

    But I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to wait until everything is finished to enjoy your remodel. You can enjoy every phase of your remodel, from planning to leading to living in your finished home!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • The Remodel Serenity Prayer…well, sort of.
    • How to approach your remodel like an adventure!
    • Where to focus to make sure you accomplish what matters most.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1401

    Build that guest room in your basement Aug 31, 2023

    Basements are the best. Bonus space for creating cozy guest suites, great game rooms or awesome home offices without the expense of an addition right under your feet. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a basement go ahead and make the most of it!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Strategies for maximizing natural light, even if you don’t have a walkout.
    • How to reimagine layout and flow down below.
    • When a basement is like a bathtub. (And what to do if this is you!)

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1313

    Best Of Mid Mod Remodel - The Style Guide System (will save your sanity) Aug 24, 2023

    This best of episode is essential listenting!
    You need a masterplan approach to be able to a) get started in the first place , b) keep going with a minimum of unpleasant expensive surprises and c) end up with a home that looks and works the way you want and need it to. Making changes to your home’s layout and flow is how you make sure it is going to work the way you want. The style guide is the lever by which you can easily control the way your home looks.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How using the style guide is like using a dishwasher
    • Why the style guide system make your whole life easier AND…
    • Will help make your home feel cohesive and snazzy, as if it were planned by a professional.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1312

    How to make your remodel more expensive (or cheaper) Aug 17, 2023

    Are you hoping to make your remodel more expensive? I bet you aren't.

    But so.many.people make the same remodel planning mistakes that are pretty much guaranteed to make your remodel more expensive than it needs to be! Plus they won’t add any value to the remodeling process, the life you'll lead in the house when it's done, or how much you like the look of your finished project.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • The four choices you can make to guarantee a MORE expensive remodel.
    • How to avoid adding expense to you project.
    • Why some standard money saving advice might actually add cost to your remodel.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1310

    How to Measure Your House Aug 10, 2023

    Mid-century homes aren't just livable, cute and in style right now. They were actually built in a way that is easier to document, measure and understand. Which means measuring for any remodeling project is (almost) a breeze for a remote design team like Mid Mod Midwest or a homeowner like you!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why mid-century homes are a dream for DIY documenters.
    • How to measure your house as you plan your renovation.
    • Some tools of the trade and documentation tips.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1309

    A basement owners’ suite - the upside of upside down living Aug 03, 2023

    Could you be overlooking the perfect spot for your dream owners’ suite? If your mcm home has a basement you might be!

    Adding a dreamy bedroom with an amazing en suite in the basement (or on a lower level) offers some real advantages…even if your only views are of the other adorable mid-century homes in your neighborhood.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why your basement might just be the perfect spot for your owners’ suite.
    • How to ensure your basement bedroom is up to code.
    • The true story of one of our favorite upside down floorplans!

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://midmod-midwest.com/1308

    Talking MCM Beds and Baths with Della and Sarah Jul 27, 2023

    Do you ever wish you could just sit down and chat with an experienced friend about how to make the right choices for your mid-century home?

    Well, that's what Sarah Yearout, a realtor with Mid-Century Homes in Boise, and I do every week over on Instagram.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why Della encourages caution if you’re considering wallpaper in a bathroom.
    • How Sarah made a barn door work in her mcm bedroom.
    • One of the best tile resources around for vintage mid-century lovers…as well as a few for you folks who lean more mod.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/1307

    Mid-Century Bath Design Basics Jul 20, 2023

    Most mid-century bathrooms are pretty modest by modern standards. They tend to be small and there often are too few of them in the house. Upgrading or restoring the mid-century charm in a bathroom while making it work better is one of the most consistent requests from both design clients and Ready to Remodel students.

    So, how can you give yourself a serious bathroom upgrade while remaining true to the mcm feel of you home? The right choices for you are going to depend on your family and your taste and the home you’re working with.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why you should kick-off your mid-century bath design using the master plan framework.
    • How to plan a timeless, not trendy, update that’s perfect for your mid-century bath.
    • The seven design essentials of a great mid-century bath update.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/1306

    Easy Owners’ Suite Space Steals Jul 13, 2023

    Don't have an owners’ suite in your modest mid-century home? Want one? Let's talk about how to make that happen.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Where to snag the space you need for the owners’ suite you want.
    • How to design a cost conscious addition.
    • Some surprising ways to find space in even the snuggest homes.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1305

    Bedroom Storage Secrets Jul 06, 2023

    Looking for clever bedroom storage solutions designed to fit into to your (modest) mid-century bedroom? These bedroom storage secrets will help you create a mid mod inspired space that meets your modern storage needs.
    In today's episode you'll hear:

    • How to maximize storage in a mini mid-century bedroom.
    • Why you don't want a walk-in closet.
    • The power of personalized storage.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest/1304

    Why the perfect first project is a small bath remodel Jun 29, 2023

    If you are stuck in neutral on your remodel, the best way kickstart the work is to find a perfect first project. I hear you out there yelling, “Della! I don’t know which project is the perfect first project!!! If I knew, I’d start already.” I have good news for you. I know exactly which project is your perfect first project. In fact, it’s the perfect first project for almost any remodeler.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why the “perfect first project” is a small bathroom update.
    • The tale of my bathroom remodel regret!
    • How to make your small bathroom the perfect first project - no regret required.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1303

    Pivot With a Master Plan Jun 22, 2023

    Discover how being prepared to pivot can save your remodel and your sanity.
    Every remodeling project gets stuck at some point. Life is chock-full of surprises, setbacks, and unexpected twists - work or family obligations change, supply chain snags mean choosing different materials, shifts in the economy make scope or schedule changes a must.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • All about the ideal architect-lead home remodel…and why you (or I) probably won’t be doing that, tysm!
    • Why the best plans are the plans with a smaller chance of not working.
    • How to plan a remodel that’s ready to pivot on a dime when something changes.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1302

    The Owners' Suite - A Quick History Jun 15, 2023

    Does the primary bed/bed configuration in your modest ranch leave a lot to be desired? You may just have one hall bath. Or (upgrade alert!!!) a sort-of-sad powder room off the owners’ bedroom.
    An owners’ suite has become a must have in modern homes, but less than a generation ago almost half of U.S. homes were still without indoor plumbing. So how did our bathroom expectations change so drastically in such a short time? And more importantly, how the heck do you fit an owners’ suite into a modest mid-century ranch?
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How the 1918 flu pandemic made subway tile happen.
    • When owners’ suites started popping up in US homes.
    • Why you shouldn’t compromise on your bathroom!

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1301

    The Power of Sketches Jun 08, 2023

    Sketching is the most important visual thinking tool you can use to plan your remodel. Sketches help you generate ideas quickly, explore alternatives without risk and avoid getting bogged down in the details too soon. And YOU CAN Sketch…even if you have kindergarten-level drawing skills.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1212

    Easy Summer Projects to Tackle This Weekend Jun 01, 2023

    What feels like the true beginning of summer to you? Memorial Day weekend? The first lightning bugs of the year? The last day of school? For me, my birthday in early June is the real start of summer!

    It kind of feels like we just dived into the middle of summer in the last week or two and I have a feeling you might be in exactly the right headspace to take on some easy summer projects to make your mid-century home a little more your own.

    So, grab your lemonade and a lawn chair and listen in for a few fun (and, okay some less fun but more necessary) summer projects you can tackle right now to kick off your mid-century home improvement season!
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1211.

    Ready to Remodel Student Interviews May 25, 2023

    I LOVE updates from our homeowners, both design clients and Ready to Remodel students! Photos in the Facebook group are great. Emails with project pictures? A delight!

    I bet YOU like to peek inside other people's remodeling process, too!

    I recently reached out to see if some of my Ready to Remodel students had a few minutes to spend catching me up on their remodels and their experience in the program. We chatted on Zoom and edited those convos into a podcast for you!
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1210.

    Plan your remodel like your last perfect vacation May 18, 2023

    I'm often asked, "What does it cost to remodel a kitchen right now?"

    Wow! That depends on so many factors.

    I might as well ask you, "What does it cost to go on vacation?"
    There are as many types of home remodels, as there are different ways to travel away from home! But there are shortcuts and ways to simplify planning a remodel…just as there are ways to plan an easier vacation. You can make it simple when you go in the right order. So, grab your Mai Thai and let’s break it down!
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1209

    Ask Me Anything (Mid-Century) May 11, 2023

    How can you make sure the choices you make for your mid-century home RIGHT NOW will be ones you don’t regret in the future? Ask the right questions!
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to roll back remodeling choices you made in the past to get a home you’ll love for decades to come.
    • Plus, can a mid-century door that’s been languishing in a shed for 16 years be salvaged?
    • How to make sure replacement windows (or more) fit in well with the character of a mid-century house.
    • Whether SolaTube lights are appropriate for MCM homes.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1208

    What Happens After the Master Plan? May 04, 2023

    We created the Mid-Century Master Plan Package to get you from “I want to remodel” to “let’s call up contractors.”
    The masterplans we create for our clients include floor plans and images to help clients visualize the remodeling possibilities. We also share a style guide with project specific recommendations and our general design guidance. One they review these documents, we integrate their feedback into a set of final schematic designs they can use to guide their remodel.
    But what if you have a question after the master plan? We're always here to help! Listen in to hear more about how that works.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1207

    Architect Office Hours: pendant lights, mid-century doors, and how to focus your plans Apr 27, 2023

    Movies love to show architects creating away at a drafting table or sitting picturesquely at a cafe, sketchbook in hand. It’s romantic, this vision of a endlessly creative mind conjuring beautiful buildings from some eternal, internal well. But *SPOILER ALERT* no one uses a drafting table anymore (except throwbacks and nostalgia lovers). In fact, I do all my sketching on a tablet. But there is another thing we do all the time...

    We spend A LOT of time answering questions. And that's why the next three episodes are going to focus on the questions I answer for clients, Ready to Remodel students…and you!
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1206

    Micro-Spaces Make the Most of Your Home Apr 20, 2023

    What is a micro space?

    A micro space (also know as a "nook") is an area within a room that does one specific job. A few examples: a reading chair in the corner of a larger living room, an eat in area in the kitchen, a closet repurposed as an office or crafting space.

    Today I’m going to teach you to capitalize on the micro space idea to improve on your home…without moving a single wall. And, great news! This works for both large and small spaces.


    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1205.

    The Style Guide System (will save your sanity.) Apr 13, 2023

    You need a masterplan approach to be able to a) get started in the first place , b) keep going with a minimum of unpleasant expensive surprises and c) end up with a home that looks and works the way you want and need it to. Making changes to your home’s layout and flow is how you make sure it is going to work the way you want. The style guide is the lever by which you can easily control the way your home looks.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How using the style guide is like using a dishwasher
    • Why the style guide system make your whole life easier AND…
    • Will help make your home feel cohesive and snazzy, as if it were planned by a professional.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1204

    You Don’t Need a Mid Century Mood Board Apr 06, 2023

    You don’t need a mid century mood board…but feel free to make one, if it feels like fun to you. It's just not the tool that is going to destress and simplify your remodel decision making. For that, you’re gonna need a style guide.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why a mid century mood board won’t cut it for your remodel.
    • How a style guide is different and better (for our purposes) than a mood board.
    • Tips for creating a style guide that will simplify all your remodeling decisions.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1203

    Steal Your Mid Century Style Mar 30, 2023

    Today let’s talk about the right way to steal mid-century style ideas. There is actually a right way and a wrong way to find your mid mod home improvement inspiration. Done right, you can light up your mind with great ideas. You can connect with mid-century homeowners who have walked the path you’re on to find out what they learned. But done wrong, your search for ideas can lead you into overwhelm. Or terminal house envy.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1202

    Name Your Mid Century Remodel Era Mar 23, 2023

    What's your mid century remodel era? Do you love 40's fab or 50's sputnik-space-race or sunny, earthy late 60's vibes?
    Today's episode is all about naming your favorite mid century era, then using that information to create the perfect style guide for your remodel!
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1201

    Modern House Numbers for an MCM house – Interview with Brandy McLain Mar 16, 2023

    One of the easiest ways to make your front door shine is to upgrade your house numbers. I've been a big fan of one particular company, Modern House Numbers, for quite a while. I've got their numbers on my house, and I recommend them to a lot of my clients. But I didn't even know how much I love this company until I sat down with owner, Brandy McLain, recently.

    Brandy and I talk about how one comes to run a house number company (hint - a DIY project taken to the max) and review some exterior design tips. We also cover curb appeal trends and the quickest ways to add some panache to your home.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1111

    Your Perfect Mid Century Front Door 3 Ways Mar 09, 2023

    Mid-century modern is so in right now, people are popping neutra type house numbers and modbox mailboxes onto just about any house type. You are in luck, Ranch Owner, because the mid-century front door was made for your house. I'll break down how you can get or make your own perfect mid century front door. This works whether you are simply aiming for a spin through Etsy or planning major renovation.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to take your door from drab to dramatic in a weekend.
    • The trick to determining which remodeling level is right for you.
    • Which products will help bring out the mid mod in your mid century ranch.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1110

    Modern Mudrooms for Mid-Century Homes Mar 02, 2023

    One thing most mid century homes lack is a modern mudroom…or any practical dedicated entry/exit space designed to catch those things that belong to the outside edge of your life. If this sounds like your home, you're not alone!

    Helping our one-to-one design clients to solve this challenge is part of nearly every mid century master plan here at Mid Mod Midwest. And solving this problem doesn't have to be that complicated! So today, we’re talking about what your entry areas need and how to make that happen for your home.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1109

    Best of: What’s the Right Color for My Mid-Century House? Feb 23, 2023

    This week we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes!

    Choosing a color scheme for your home is one of the most effective ways to put your stamp on a house and start the process of making it your home. But before you “pick” the “right” color for your home … I want you to ask yourself a few more questions about what you’re trying to make happen here.

    Don’t panic. This is part of the fun, I promise! Because today we’re going to talk about how to apply the Master Plan Method to help you confidently update your mid-century house color scheme.


    IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR:

    • Why the right color for MY mid-century house isn’t necessarily the right color for YOUR mid-century house.
    • Strategies for using color to highlight the elements you love about your house.
    • How to apply the Master Plan Method to choose an exterior palette that’s a perfect fit for your style and your home.

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/1108

    TV vs Fireplace (AKA: how to fit your flat screen TV in a mid-century living room) Feb 16, 2023

    Where are you supposed to fit your flat screen TV in a mid-century living room? Especially is you also have a lovely fireplace! Here's what the internet generally recommends: that you plop your TV on the wall right over the fireplace opening.
    And here's what I have to say to that ... nope.
    Instead follow the key principles in today's episode for a well placed TV in a mid-century living room.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1107

    Please Don’t Paint Your Mid Century Brick Feb 09, 2023

    Brick has been used as a building material since long before the three little pigs. But mid-century brick is particularly well suited to the ethos of modernist designers: it is humble, honest, tactile and capable of both great simplicity and great variety.

    There are a number of problems with painting mid-century brick, including aesthetics, technical issues and maintenance headaches.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1106

    Find Your Mid Mod ReMod Squad Feb 02, 2023

    What is a mid mod ReMod Squad and what can it do for you?

    Your ReMod Squad is the team you rely on to give you advice specific to your love of mid century style.

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • Why it’s so important to find you mid mod folks.
    • How big a difference finding the right experts can make for your mid century home and remodeling experience.
    • How a mid mod ReMod Squad can support your remodel planning.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at midmod-midwest.com/1105.
    Want to join the squad that's about to start inside of Ready to Remodel NEXT MONDAY? Watch my FREE masterclass: "How to Plan a Mid-Century Remodel to Fit your Life (and budget)" to get started

    Become Your Home’s Historian - Interview with Atom Stevens Jan 26, 2023

    Every home has a story and every homeowner can benefit from becoming their home’s resident expert! When Atom Stevens bought his house in Harvey Park, he had no idea it would lead him on a journey to becoming a local Cliff May historian and advocate for mid-century preservation. Not only did Atom find a vocation, he also found a great value!
    Part 2 of Della’s conversation with Denver area mid-century Realtor, photographer, designer, and advocate Atom Stevens about how to become your own home’s historian.

    What secrets does your house hold and how can you go about uncovering them? Learning about your home’s history may lead you to information about structure, mechanicals, and materials that can help you as you remodel plan. So, where do you start?

    Atom shares his expert tips on uncovering your home’s history and a lot more fascinating history of Cliff May and the homes he designed!

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://midmod-midwest.com/1104

    Cliff May Homes - Interview with Atom Stevens Jan 19, 2023

    Della chats with Denver area mid-century realtor, photographer, designer, and advocate Atom Stevens about becoming an enthusiast and then an expert on Cliff May homes in Denver ... and across the country.

    When Atom Stevens bought his house in Harvey Park, he had no idea it would lead him on a journey to becoming a local Cliff May historian and advocate for mid-century preservation. Stevens spent years researching the origins of his and his neighborhood’s mid-century modern homes, discovering famous California designer Cliff May.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/1103

    Micro-masterplan Your Way to Your Perfect Kitchen Jan 12, 2023

    My masterplan process was created as a path to managing a full house (or at least very significant) remodel. You begin by dreaming about your ideal home and the life you envision in it and move through each step until you have a full vision for your home. The five steps follow in order and you are able to plan until you feel ready to tackle your renovation. Sounds just like real life, right?

    At this point, I’m sure you are laughing hysterically and wiping away tears as you try to close that stuck drawer AGAIN or assess how much longer your family can survive without a microwave. You need to get your kitchen reno moving…and fast. Too fast to masterplan!
    But wait! You can still use the five D’s - dream, discover, distill, draft, and develop to micro-masterplan your kitchen (or bath or basement or…well you get the picture). The Master Plan Framework is scalable and can help you feel ready for and in control of any size project.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1102

    The Lazy Genius Kitchen Jan 05, 2023

    In her fantastic new book, The Lazy Genius Kitchen, Kendra Adachi lays out a system for creating a kitchen that has and does everything you need. The lazy genius kitchen isn't really a book about remodeling. Nor is it explicitly a cookbook or an organizing book or a lifestyle guide. It's some of all of those things. And, perhaps, it's better than any of them could be on their own.

    Adachi's advice is to think about the way you want to live in your home. And if you know me at all, you know this is absolutely where I believe every project in architecture should begin. So, let's talk about how you can be a lazy genius about your kitchen update. And create the kitchen that's perfect for YOU.


    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1101
    And sign up RIGHT NOW for the Mid-Century Kitchen Clinic to get the early bird price on the live, two hour workshop happening January 14th at 2pm central!

    Mid Mod Kitchen Update Essentials Dec 29, 2022

    The five Mid Mod Kitchen Update Essentials are key to creating a fabulous and functional kitchen regardless of style, but are extra important when updating a mid century kitchen.

    We love mid century homes for many reasons - they are right sized, they were made with quality materials, they tend to have a simple beauty, and they still function pretty well for modern families.
    But often mid century kitchens are missing important design elements necessary for a functional modern kitchen. Understanding and incorporating these elements into your kitchen remodel will transform your space and ensure you end up with a mid mod kitchen you love.
    Find the full episode with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/1012.

    New Year, New Remodel Philosophy Dec 22, 2022

    Find a new, lazier remodel philosophy in 2023. One that understands perfectionism is a perfect way to prevent yourself from making remodel progress. Real talk folks…it's more important to begin than to do it perfectly.
    Today’s episode is an end-of-year pep talk about setting yourself up for success with reasonable and realistic expectations for yourself around remodel planning. All of the pressure of the holidays and the new year can add up to stress and overwhelm instead of comfort and joy.
    Find the full episode with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/1011.

    Best of Our 25 Days of Design Dec 15, 2022

    This week we’re revisiting the best of our 25 days of design in hopes of sparking your sense of wonder about your home, boosting your remodel confidence and providing concrete advice on making your 2023 remodeling dreams come true.

    'Tis the season! Around the holidays, everyone likes to add a little charm to their home. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy inside. Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend our days and share holiday traditions. As well it should – we need a recurring chance to reevaluate how well our homes suit our lives!

    This season of revelry and reflection is a great opportunity to dream a little bigger than holiday decor. While you’re thinking about how to make your house merry and bright for the season, let’s also think about how to improve it in the medium and long term!
    Get the full episode with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest/1010

    Use the Holidays to Focus Your Remodel Plans. Yes, really! Dec 08, 2022

    I want you to use your holiday prep time to plan your remodel.

    Okay, Before you tell me, Della, that's crazy. The holidays are when I'm busiest. I can't be picking out tiles and solving problems and calling contractors during this period. You're right. Of course you can't. You know me. I wouldn't ask you to make your life harder when it's already full. Instead, make your future life easier by harnessing all of the satisfactions (and frustrations) that are part and parcel of the celebratory times in your house during this season of madness and fun.
    Get the episode and show notes with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/1009

    Double Your Remodel Dollar with Design Dec 01, 2022

    Design used properly can double your remodel dollar. Focusing on design can make every purchase more effective and every change more magical.
    Using design means considering everything you could do as part of an update or project that might improve your home down the line, bring it back to into alignment with its original style, or provide economies of scale for layout tweaks or other changes. Whether you're hiring design help or just taking the time to think through updates a little more carefully, give yourself (and your home) the gift of design.
    Get the full show notes for today's episode with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/1008

    Support Mid-Century Small Business this holiday season ... and all year long Nov 24, 2022

    Buying from small businesses is about more than just making yourself feel good about yourself to support small businesses, to keep jobs and dollars local.

    It’s straight up fun, but it also comes with the real benefit of building your community of design resources.

    So while you’re hunting for great reproductions from modern craftsmen who care or amazing vintage pieces that come with a story, the support you get out of those purchases is becoming a greater part of the community of mid-century obsessives.

    Check out some of my favorite Mid Mod Small Businesses to seek out great pieces for your MCM home update! Listen to the episode to hear me sing their praises ... or just click through to their charming websites and see what's on offer!
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1007
    ⁠⁠✨ BIG NEWS: You can now jump into Ready to Remodel whenever you, yourself, are ready. If you join us before Cyber Monday ends, you'll get a super bonus (two free design calls with Della! ✨✨✨The Ready to Remodel program pulls together EVERYTHING YOU NEED to plan a remodel that will perfectly suit your life … and then lead it with confidence. ⁠⁠ ✨ Find out all the details right here!

    Best Of Mid Mod Remodel: Why You Need a Design Before You Make a Budget Nov 17, 2022

    This week's episode is a classic from the Mid Mod Remodel archive.
    The common wisdom is that you should save up money for a remodel and then plan one that fits your budget. Wrong.

    I want to pitch an alternate plan. It os better to let the design drive the budget, rather than the other way around. Let's talk about diving into your master plan before you decide what your home update should cost.

    Look, your Home Remodel can be:

    • Fast
    • Cheap
    • Good

    You may pick two. Seriously.
    And while I totally appreciate the desire to keep costs down, I never want to encourage anyone to pick Fast and Cheap as their priorities over GOOD. I’m not saying you should make a Sky’s the Limit design and then wonder what it will cost you. I like a hybrid approach. Keep your ballpark budget in mind. But rather than asking “How much kitchen can I get for $XXX?", spend the time to think about what you really want from your home.
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1006

    What You Can Decide in an Hour Nov 10, 2022

    In just one hour you really can make big or small decisions that put your remodel on the path for success.

    Taking a whole remodel from start to finish is a big undertaking. Just planning to start your remodel sometimes feels like it's taking forever…and it really can be a black hole that seems to absorb as much time and energy as you have to put into it.
    However, it is possible to set yourself up for one hour of decision-making that shifts the momentum in your process.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How to focus an hour of decision-making by applying a mini-master plan process to a question or problem.
    • What kinds of questions a one hour design consult call can help you answer.
    • Which tools can help you gather insight and information to make the most of your remodel planning power hour.

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1005

    Interview with Adrian Kinney: Why MCM Homes “Live so Well.” Nov 03, 2022

    Today’s podcast is a chat with Denver Area mid-century Realtor, designer and advocate, Adrian Kinney, on what he’s learned restoring SEVEN Cliff May Homes and helping match mcm homeowners to so many more.
    Adrian shares his mcm origin story, all the deets on his favorite projects and some surprising insights from a decade of mcm remodeling.
    Listen along as two true mid-century super fans dish about the value of design, detail the features that make mid century homes a great fit for modern lives, and get real about square footage. Adrian also shares insights about a hot housing market and why today’s pickier buyers are excited about mid century homes (hint: they want to make sure they are buying something that is worth the $$$).
    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1004.

    Lead a Stress Free Remodel Oct 27, 2022

    Stress-free is a big promise.

    Of course, there will be some stress in a remodel. You can worry about labor and material costs. You will feel the pressure of timing. You might rack yourself over design details.

    But you can cut stress out of the remodeling process in as many places as possible!

    Today we're talking about the value of the (often overlooked) pre-design phases to help you avoid the stress of remodeler's regret. Ask yourself the right questions at the start of the design process to get the right answers ... for you.
    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • What I mean by "remodeler's regret".
    • How to identify your remodel leadership style.
    • And methods for leading all the folks involved through your remodel unscathed... including you!

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1003

    Best of Mid Mod Remodel: The Style Guide You Need Oct 20, 2022

    This week, I've been talking about style guides inside the Ready to Remodel program. On our architect office hours call on Monday, I talked this cohort of homeowners through the value of distilling your personal style.
    Everyone starts with a fuzzy big picture concept like time capsule cute versus mid-mod contemporary, and then we gather ideas through the process of collecting design inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and the real world. Talking to the Ready to Remodel community about this made me remember that I needed to tell you about it too!

    The rest of today's episode is a throwback to season four of Mid Mod Remodel.
    I recorded this nearly exactly two years ago and it is just as true today as it was then. So sit back or carry on running errands, walking the dog, or doing the dishes and get inspired to start creating a style guide for your remodel…


    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How a Style Guide is really just a masterplan for all the little details of your home remodel project (and just as useful) [2:05]
    • Why brushed nickel handles are a Mid Mod no-no and how to avoid using them and instantly dating your home update! [4:15]
    • The difference between a fully bespoke custom designed remodel led by an architect and one managed by Joe Contractor ... but how you can get the best of both worlds (hint it involves a Style Guide) [5:05]
    • How to get started [9:05]
    • Metals for your Mid-Century home [9:55]
    • How to make sure all the wood in your floors, cabinets, walls, trim, and furniture plays nicely together [12:10]
    • How to have fun with color in an MCM update [15:25]

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1002

    Mid Mod Midwest is Hiring! Oct 13, 2022

    Mid Mod Midwest has a LOT of news to share! From format changes to new faces, we’ll cover everything you need to know in this tiny but mighty mini-sode!

    First up - our team is growing! Mid Mod Midwest is hiring a designer to create amazing schematic designs for mid-century remodels.

    This was going to be Mid Mod Remodel Season 10 (!) but instead, we've decided to be all podcast all the time, and no more waiting between seasons.
    As we transition to a weekly podcast format, we're eager to hear your thoughts on the "new" show. Let us know if there are topics you'd like to hear! Would you like the episode to be shorter, or longer? Would you like more interviews (I have a few planned!)? What topics have you been waiting for me to dig into?
    Finally, we take a quick trip through our Masterplan Process from two perspectives - client and designer! Whether you’re curious about working at Mid Mod Midwest or with our team as you plan your remodel, this episode includes all the must-have deets on how we create a Masterplan!
    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest/1001.

    Can I plan BEFORE I've got my home remodel budget saved? Aug 29, 2022

    This episode goes out to all the homeowners waiting to plan, or dream about home improvement projects until you’ve saved up the home remodel budget. I hope you’ll take this the right way when I tell you … you’re doing it wrong.

    I know … you’re being responsible. You’re waiting to plan util you’ve got the budget in the bank. But … ACTUALLY it’s more responsible for you to plan your remodel now, before you have the budget for it than to save for years and then start planning. Let’s talk about why.
    Starting to plan when you feel ready to start remodeling is too late for a satisfyingly speedy process. And Saving without a plan is actually pretty unrealistic. So if your question was: Della, how can I plan before I have my home remodel budget saved up?
    I’ll ask you this, how could realistically budget when you don't yet know what you want to do?
    Grab the episode show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/909
    OR just enroll in Ready to Remodel, right here, right now, and get started planning for an accurate and motivating home remodel budget!

    How Do I Pick a Mid-Century Faucet? (Or any other finish material for my remodel?) Aug 25, 2022

    What should you do when you can’t make up your mind? When finding a mid-century faucet seems impossible?

    The abundance of choice is a HUGE factor in getting in over your head when you are trying to choose finishes for your home update. With the entire internet at your fingertips … or even the plumbing supply showroom that your plumber directed you to … you can feel like anything is possible and nothing is certain.
    Let's talk about how to set up a process for making all of those choices, decisively! That's great … but this is just one step of the master plan method.

    If you want to learn ALL the steps to plan a regret-proof remodel then show up on Saturday for my Masterclass, “Planning an MCM Remodel to Fit Your Life(and Budget)” and I’ll show you how to plan a regret-proof remodel for your mid-century home!
    Get the show notes at midmod-midwest.com/908/

    Am I Wrong to Love Mid Century? Aug 18, 2022

    First, are you signed up for the Free Mid-Century Master Planning Masterclass on August 27th? If not? Why not!? Hope to see you there!
    When HGTV Home Depot every contractor you’ve spoken to so far and some of your friends and family are all questioning why you like that feature of your mid-century house, it can feel like maybe they’re right and you’re not. You can ask yourself, am I wrong to love mid-century?

    No, of course not! Your mid-mod home is great!

    How can you find other people besides me to support you in your love of mid-century design. You need a community of people who can share war stories, advice, and wins from their experience and updating, repairing, and maintaining mid-century homes.

    So today we’re going to talk about how to make that happen!

    You can find the show notes and all the resources at www.midmod-midwest.com/907.

    Can I open up a wall?  And other questions about shifting structure in your remodel! Aug 11, 2022

    Do you worry that you could never cut a hole in your house or expand an opening without consulting a design expert? Today’s episode is for you!
    If you’re afraid to move a wall in your home … or to put a new hole in one, I hope you’ll feel less so at the end of this episode!

    True, there are some areas of your house you don’t want to carelessly change - for fear of bringing down the whole house! You sure do need to know where your bearing walls are.
    But once you know where your home’s structure is … and isn’t … you’ll be better able to “see through the walls” and open up some great flow in your home!

    Tune in for some rules of thumb for identifying structure AND some easy design cheats to open up space in the structure you have without costly re-engineering!
    Grab the show notes and find links here.

    How Do I Get the Best Value in a Remodel? Aug 04, 2022

    Here’s how you can get the best value in a remodel … you can supercharge any remodel using adjustments to your home’s layout.
    By the way ... this episode is the PERFECT preamble to this weekend's Mid-Century Design Clinic. Listen up here and then go save your seat for the Workshop!


    Look, beautiful finishes can make your life so shiny and pretty.

    • You can wake up in the morning and smile because of the color of your bedroom wall.
    • Touching the surfaces of your kitchen cabinets can bring you genuine joy multiple times a day.
    • The perfect paver stones under your feet on the patio can be warm, smooth, and classy.

    But just changing the surfaces of things doesn’t have a power to change your life the way adjusting your layout can-do.


    Grab the show notes and find links here.

    What if I need to do Maintenance Before I Remodel Plan? Jul 28, 2022

    Make sure you sign up for the Mid-Century Design Clinic by July 31st to grab the early bird pricing! See you there!
    Today’s question is actually one I don’t get asked often enough. Here it goes: How can I get started now on my fun mid-century home update plans when I have this feeling I should do maintenance before I remodel?

    I don’t get asked because way too many people assume it’s the wrong question to ask! Is this you? Do you think you have to take care of some maintenance and repair work first. You should replace the furnace, get a new roof on, repair that rotted deck – before you can do the fun things. Before you can start making your house into your home.

    I understand the logic of this. And if you are someone who likes to work before they play, eat a good dinner before desert or just generally earn their fun … I get it. It sounds adulting and responsible home-owning 101.

    But it this case, it’s the absolutely wrong idea.

    Here’s the short version of today’s episode: Don’t let your maintenance to do list stop you from dreaming big dreams for your home. All those inspection check list items are design opportunities in disguise!
    Grab the show notes for the episode at www.midmod-midwest.com/904/

    How do I Keep My Remodel Mid-Century? Jul 21, 2022

    Last week was all about starting small. This week we’re talking about how you can plan dramatic changes for your home without erasing its mid-century character. This episode is for people asking, how do I keep my BIG remodel Mid-Century while I tweak ... or transform? My friends, I've got the answer for you
    Today, I'm introducing a new framework I've been working on for a while: the four cornerstones of mid-century design. Grab the Cornerstones Workbook here!

    These are design principles that were common in the mid-century era and are found in virtually every home built in that era - even the most modest ranch.

    We’re going to talk about how to incorporate these design cornerstones throughout the remodel process to help you maintain, replace, or improve on the mid-century features of your home.

    These design principles can help guide decisions as you go through the steps of dreaming, discovering, distilling, drafting, and developing your master plan. They will help you create your very own mid-century masterpiece, that both reflects its roots and is perfectly suited to your modern life!
    Plus ... you can now sign up for the August 6th Mid-Century Design Clinic! Get your ticket right here to save your seat!

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • How to make the most of (or revive) your home’s mid-century charm, even if someone has already erased it.
    • A bit about each of the four cornerstone concepts of mid-century design.
    • How to incorporate these design concepts into your remodel Master Plan.

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/903

    I Want to Update My Mid-Century Home. Where do I Start? Jul 14, 2022

    How can you start the remodel process without getting in completely over your head?

    Today, let’s talk about how to stick your toe into the kidney-shaped pool of mid-century home updates.

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • How to get started on making your mid-century house into your home EVEN if you don’t know where to start.
    • What levels of a home update might be right for you (now and in the future).
    • How to tackle a curb appeal upgrade or an indoor tune-up project THIS WEEKEND and break your deadlock.
    • The benefits of a slow start - and the risks of jumping in too hard too fast.
    • And a tease of next week’s episode aimed to keep your remodel on its mid-century path no matter how fast you want to take it!


    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/902

    What’s the Right Color for My Mid-Century House? Jul 07, 2022

    The right color isn’t one that’s specific to the period or style of your house. It isn’t the color that looks so great on the house down the street. It’s the color that expresses the feeling you want your home to create in you and in others.

    Choosing a color scheme for your home is one of the most effective ways to put your stamp on a house and start the process of making it your home. But before you “pick” the “right” color for your home … I want you to ask yourself a few more questions about what you’re trying to make happen here.

    Don’t panic. This is part of the fun, I promise! Because today we’re going to talk about how to apply the Master Plan Method to help you confidently update your mid-century house color scheme.

    IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR:

    • Why the right color for MY mid-century house isn’t necessarily the right color for YOUR mid-century house.
    • Strategies for using color to highlight the elements you love about your house.
    • How to apply the Master Plan Method to choose an exterior palette that’s a perfect fit for your style and your home.

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/901

    Set your Remodeling Goals, the Right Way! Mar 14, 2022

    Bonus Episode!
    Keeping a home update on track from start to finish is no easy task. It’s so personal, expensive, long term and generally overwhelming that you’re sure feel stressed about it from time to time. But you can push back on those feelings if you are anchored to strong remodeling goals.


    Let’s talk about how to set your mid-century remodel on the right course, right from the start with a simple remodeling goals planning exercise.

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • This is it! Your big chance to join the next cohort of Ready to Remodel! Jump in now to get hands on help to streamline your remodel, access to a wonderful community of fellow home owners, oodles of bonus help like the indecision-busting Design-o-matic flow chart, super useful contractor management spreadsheets, and remodel budgeting advice, plus weekly support in live remodel coaching calls from yours truly, Della Hansmann, architect and mid-century enthusiast. WILL I SEE YOU IN THE CLASS!?!
    • How to set your remodeling goals the right way. Simple and easy … listen up!
    • And since the season is ending with this episode, take a spin through our back catalog with the mid mod remodel advice you need: broken down season by season!

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/807

    Skip Remodel Overwhelm … Like this! Mar 10, 2022

    Baby steps, my friend. Take your remodel one step at a time and just skip right past the classic remodel overwhelm - that moment when it all becomes too much. Planning a whole remodel at once - deciding on every detail - is crazy difficult. But if you focus your planning on one step at a time, you can cut the crazy in half.

    Sign up now for the “Plan an MCM Remodel to Fit your Life(and budget)” Masterclass!

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • That you’re not alone - nearly all homeowners experience remodel overwhelm at some point but the Master Plan Method is designed to cut down on that chaos
    • How planning “in the wrong order” can really turn up the volume on your stress
    • Why I know that Dream, Discover, Distill is the right order for your home update plan and why all three of those phases come before you can start to Draft solutions to your home improvement challenges.
    • And one more time that THIS WEEKEND is the free “Plan an MCM Remodel to Fit your Life(and budget)” Masterclass. I hope you’ll be there!!

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/806

    Make a Plan so you can Remodel Right Now Mar 03, 2022

    Don’t sit around waiting to be ready to plan the perfect remodel for your home … remodel right now now. Meet yourself where you are and plan a home update that fits your life today!
    There’s a right scale for your remodel. Let’s figure it out together!

    There are simple and fool-proof ideas you can use to make any mid-century home feel spiffier, brighter and more like the place you want to spend your days.

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • Why its so important to start with a satisfying, SMALL, project to kickstart your remodel energy
    • The three levels that all home remodels cover - and which one is most suited to your life
    • How to update your front door a little, a bit more or a lot in ways that will change your whole relationship with your house.
    • Why you need a big picture plan - a master plan - for your remodel no matter what level or scale you are ready for.

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/805

    Essential Remodel Planning Spreadsheets Feb 24, 2022

    Once you’ve got your style plan in place, you’re ready to graduate to tracking the items you want for your home in a set of remodel planning spreadsheets. These are going to make everything easier, and may even save you money!

    There are so many moving parts in a home remodel. The master plan method is all about taking your planning in the right order and putting the right level of detail into your thinking to avoid getting totally overwhelmed. That’s why start by building a visual style guide rather than picking specific products. If you want to dig into the style guide concept, you want to check out this episode.

    Episode: The Style Guide you Need to Keep your Remodel on Track

    Once you’ve got your style guide set, though … it’s time to take your planning to the next level with some key remodel planning spreadsheets.

    I’ve got spreadsheets that track my business, log movies and shows I want to check out, record budget information for past travels, I once made a list of the chronological date the birth and death dates of all my favorite fictional characters so I could see if they overlapped. I’m sorry, did you not know you were listening to a SUPER NERD?

    Not everyone is a “spreadsheet person.” I know this. But even if you aren’t … your home update is one of the times it is worth it to make up a couple of essential remodel planning spreadsheets. Let’s talk about what should go into them …

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • The resource of the week is a two for one: The Idaho Modern Field Guide is a super helpful pdf resource that walks your though “the history, are and keeping of your mid-century home,” and is shared by my super followable friend and mcm realtor, TJ, over at Mid-Century Homes in Boise. Grab the download and follow TJ using the links in my resources list!
    • Why you need to START with your style guide before you graduate to planning spreadsheets (seriously, I’m not kidding. The entire internet has too many options to pick from before you lock down your “look.”)
    • How I use spreadsheets to compare apples to apples when looking at remodel bids, to log my contractor calls so I don’t forget who is asking me what, and to compare and track the prices and specifications of all the finishes, fixture and appliances I want to use in my remodel!
    • Exactly what info to keep in your remodel finish tracking spreadsheet.

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/804

    The perfect Mid-Century Kitchen Update … for YOU Feb 17, 2022

    Here’s the kicker. I can’t tell you the right way to update your MCM kitchen; the right choices you make in a mid-century kitchen update are going to be based on your life, your home, your needs. So … are you ready to make those calls for yourself?

    Today I’m sharing some quick background on mid-century kitchens and how they came to be the way they are and then my go to design strategies for improving the layout and functionality of this kind of kitchen for my one-to-one design clients.

    Listen in on this snippet of the Mid-Century Kitchen Clinic workshop recorded last month!

    Wish you'd been there? Get your name on the waitlist for Ready to Remodel ... reopening SOON!

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • The resource of the week: Sarah Archer’s The Mid-Century Kitchen. Collect all 89 right here!
    • What they were thinking when they built the kitchens we live in today (hint: it was “hurry, we have to get this one finished and do 15 million more just like it!”)
    • Why it doesn’t really matter if the mom-focused mid-century kitchen is popular with contemporary thinking or out of fashion.
    • My go-to kitchen design tips rattled off so fast you’re going to want to take notes!

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/803

    Have fun doing your MCM research Feb 10, 2022

    Undertaking a home remodel can be stressful, but dreaming and planning for one shouldn’t have to be. Today let’s talk about some really fun ways to learn about Mid-Century design. Dip your toe into our favorite era … and get home improvement ideas at the same time!

    We all like to absorb new information in different ways. You might learn about mid-century history best from a book or maybe you learn by seeing a building in person. I’ve got a fun starting point for every learning style in my UPDATED Mid-Century Ranch Resources list.
    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • A few of my favorite movies and TV shows for MCM design
    • The Instagram accounts you SHOULD BE following to learn mid-century architecture history and get fun DIY tips
    • Where to go on vacation to see the best of MCM all around you
    • And how to spot and learn about mid-century buildings from your own neighborhood

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/802

    How to Choose the Right Mid-Century Tile for your remodel Feb 03, 2022

    Here's the bottom line, my friend: No one else can tell you what's right for your home. It's yours and it's your families. So what I really want you to know here is that you can make right choices yourself.
    For example, you can choose mid-century tile that's perfect for YOU!

    Alright, let's talk about how to make that happen.

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • Why the choices you make confidently will always be right for your home so you should choose mid-century tile YOU love.
    • How to simplify the process of making finish choices by narrowing the list of possibilities
    • Choose Mid-Century tile from some of my favorite tile sources
    • About the easy three minute Mid-Century Style quiz. Take it right now!

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/801

    Dec 25: What Shall we Talk about Next Dec 25, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 24: Your Home Update Progress in 2021 … and 2022 Dec 24, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 23: What part of your house most needs and update … Dec 23, 2021

    Get your name on the waitlist to make sure you hear about the workshop.
    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 22: The Hardest Thing about a Remodel … Made Easier Dec 22, 2021

    Grab your guide Style Guides right here.
    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 21: Learn your Home’s History for Fun and Profit Dec 21, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 20: How to See Beyond what you Have and Imagine your Dream Home Dec 20, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 19: What you Can Do During a Remodel for a More Sustainable Home Dec 19, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 18: Your Home is Already Green and Here's Why Dec 18, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 17: Ten Tips to Save Big Money when you Remodel Dec 17, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 16th: Communicating Well with your Designer Dec 16, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 15th: Where to Add Parking and Car Space around an MCM home Dec 15, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 14th: Give the Gift of Design this Year Dec 14, 2021

    Is there's an MCM homeowner on your holiday list that you just can't buy for? Why not give them the gift of design?
    The perfect gift for your spouse, your house, or ... yourself!
    Make their year! Give them a One Hour MCM Design Consultation with an architect OBSESSED with mid-century design (that's me)!
    A one hour call could be all you need to get the answers and confidence to move forward on your next home improvement project. I've had clients go on to:

    • transform their front entry,
    • game out an entire exterior update
    • decide on all the materials for their kitchen over haul,
    • firm up their plans for the next year,
    • and settle the details for their garage addition and front deck

    ... all in a one hour call. (If you need more help than that ... check out our other Mid-Century Design Packages!
    Schedule your MCM Design Consultation call now for the new year and let your loved one know what's coming at gift-opening time! Or just treat yourself right now.
    Bonus, there are absolutely no supply line issues with this gift.
    Oh ... and I want to let you know that I'm raising the price of these SUPER HELPFUL consultation calls in the new year. ✨✨ This is your last chance to get access to an insanely valuable hour of MCM Home Improvement Answers for just $250. ✨✨

    Dec 13: How to spice your love for Modernism with a little Mid-Century Dec 13, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 12: When you love Mid-century style but know it needs a few tweaks to fit your modern life Dec 12, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 11: What Not to Do - Fake Shutters Dec 11, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 10: Shout out to my Vintage Mid-Century Purists! Dec 10, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 9: What does MCM mean to you? Dec 09, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 8: Q&A How to Replace things in your MCM Home Dec 08, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Dec 7: When to SPEND in your Remodel Dec 07, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Day 6: Make Design Choices Easier (with the Rule of Three) Dec 06, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!


    Day 5: What you NEED to know if you plan a Contractor Led Remodel Dec 05, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Day 4: My (Secret) Favorite Kind of Remodel Dec 04, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Day 3: Let your Home Improvement be Easy Dec 03, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Day 2: I Already Love your MCM Home Dec 02, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    25 Days of Design: An Audio Advent Calendar of MCM Design Advice! Dec 01, 2021

    Everyone likes to add a little extra charm around the holidays to their home.

    Bringing out seasonal decorations makes us take a fresh look at the space where we spend all of our days. Shortening daylight makes us think about how to maximize the comfort and joy in our homes. As well it should - we need a recurring chance to reevaluate our homes are doing for us

    To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
    While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

    I’m going to spend the next twenty five days sharing design insights in a short video every day. The first one is already up on @midmodmidwest. Or, if you prefer, you can get it on the podcast.
    Catch them all right here!

    Who needs a Master Plan ... I bet YOU do! Oct 14, 2021

    I work with three distinct types of mid century homeowners.

    Which one are you?

    ✨ Are you a brand new mid century homeowner still unpacking your boxes?

    ✨ Have you had your house a couple years now with a number of DIY projects under your belt?

    ✨ Or have you lived in your ranch for decades making do with what it is and learning to live with its challenges?

    Short answer: It doesn’t matter which one you are, the master plan model is still what you need to make the most of your home.
    If you want to create a Perfect Remodel for your mid century home but you’re not sure where to start.
    I get it!

    Want to know the good news? The Master Plan method will work for you no matter which one you are.

    Listen in to see why it is the right answer for each of the classic MCM homeowner types!

    Grab the show notes right here: www.midmod-midwest.com/608/


    ARE YOU READY TO START PLANNING??
    If you’re ready to dive in and get started on master planning, THIS is the week to take action because enrollment for the ready to remodel program is open right now … but only until 5pm on Friday - that’s tomorrow if you’re listening to this fresh off the press on Thursday morning.
    Join us on the inside of Ready to Remodel to get step by step guidance to making mid-century master plan for your remodel dreams. You get:

    • video (and audio lessons)
    • workbooks to take you through each phase
    • a community of like minded remodelers on the same journey
    • seven week of group coaching from me

    Plus tons of bonus materials including:

    • coaching on where to find the TIME to plan
    • the Design-O-Matic flow chart to simplify picking your finishes and fixtures
    • the contractor selection system I use
    • my mid-century design guides - basically a download of everything I’ve learned in my work as an architect - in a series of videos and workbooks.

    You can join this fall cohort of Mid -Century Remodelers until 5pm Friday.

    Here’s the link: https://midmod-midwest.com/replay/


    How a Master Plan Saves Remodeling Time and Money Oct 07, 2021

    Nothing is more expensive in a remodel than changing your mind after construction is underway. It will tank your timeline too. The best way I know to avoid both of those problems - to save time and money as you remodel - well (Surprise) it’s a master plan.

    The cost of construction has rarely been higher. Everyone wants to remodel and there aren't enough skilled tradespeople or (boards of cedar) to go around. Delays and high costs are somewhat inevitable.

    BUT there is one lever that the homeowner can still control - how much of a decision making bottle neck, crisis generator or way smoother YOU are in the process. Some chaos is inevitable, sure. But you as a homeowner can pull your self back out of the equation and save time and money with a good master plan.
    Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/607/
    Want to know more about making a Master Plan for your remodel? For the past 5 years I’ve been working with Mid-Century Homeowners to plan home updates they LOVE using my Master Plan Method framework.⁠⁠

    I’m teaching this framework in a FREE MASTERCLASS next TUESDAY. Want to be there? Sign up today!!

    https://midmod-midwest.com/signup/

    Where to find Great MCM Remodeling Ideas Sep 30, 2021

    When you’re at a loss for how to solve some particular problem area of your mid-century house, your go-to resource should not be HGTV, and it should not be whatever they are pushing this week at Home Depot might be. Those are solutions for non-ranch houses.

    The key is to play to your home’s strengths. Mid-Century Houses are great! They don’t need much to take them from a bit tired and looking their age to the very peak of retro modern vogue.
    But there are some ways that homes built for mid-century people don’t fit our modern lives. If you need some MCM remodeling ideas to solve your style or layout problems, you’ve got two great resources at your finger tips.

    You can dive back into the origins for MCM design or you can just check out what other people have done to solve the same problem in their Mid mod houses.
    Listen in for more!

    Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/606.


    Want more Great MCM Remodeling Ideas

    Get on the wait list for the free MCM remodel Planning class on October 12th!!

    Turn Scrolling MCM Instagram into a Remodeling Action Plan Sep 23, 2021

    I suspect you might be a little like me, and find yourself scrolling on social media more than you mean to these days! This is where we catch up on news from our friends, check out all the latest pictures of the little ones in our lives, and … bask in beautiful midcentury imagery!

    But if you’re thinking about any home update projects, you could be putting some of that social media scroll time to really good use by using it to effectively plan and brainstorm for your remodel.

    Wouldn’t that be nice?

    To make this happen you really don’t have a change to current behavior. You just need to make sure that in addition to seeing and liking beautiful things for homes on social media you’re also capturing those ideas in a way that will allow you to come back and find them again.

    Tune in for some practical tips and tricks to turn your scroll time into concrete, actionable remodel planning. I’m serious!

    Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/605.

    Want more help thinking about your Remodel Budget

    Get on the wait list for this fall’s Ready to Remodel course!!

    Design your Remodel BEFORE you set the Budget Sep 16, 2021

    The common wisdom is that you should save up money for a remodel and then plan one that fits your budget.

    I want to pitch an alternate plan. It can be better to let the design drive the budget, rather than the other way around.

    Let's talk about diving into your master plan before you decide what your home update should cost.

    Try a hybrid approach. Keep your ballpark budget in mind. But rather than asking “How much kitchen can I get for $XXX, spend the time to think about what you really want from your home. Then you can set out accomplish that WITHIN YOUR SCALE and discover out what that will realistically cost. It’s a cycle of design, budget, design, with multiple opportunities to assess.

    Grab the show notes at midmod-midwest.com/604.

    Want more help thinking about your Remodel Budget? Get on the wait list for this fall’s Ready to Remodel course!!

    Smash the Patriarchy: Take the Lead on Your Remodel Like a Woman Sep 09, 2021

    While today’s episode is all about how lead your remodel like a woman, it is also universally good advice for anyone planning to take on a home update. If you want clarity and confidence to direct how your remodel can go … this is what you need to do!

    Knowledge is power. Empower yourself to lead your home remodel by gathering as much information as you can about your house and focusing your plans for it.

    If this all sounds like the advice I give about building a Master Plan for your project … it IS!

    All the parts of the Master Plan Method are designed to empower you to lead with confidence. Plan your work and then work your plan. You’ve got this!
    Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/603.

    It's your House - Now make it your Home Sep 02, 2021

    What do you think of when I tell you that you can personalize your home?

    Does it call to mind choosing furniture, painting the front door, and perhaps eradicating the color "mint-green" from a house that still feels a bit like it belongs to the previous owner? Those are all great things to do.

    But I’m what I'm talking about here is adjusting the house - sometimes its very layout and structure - to meet YOUR family's particular needs. So much of what you see on HGTV and in shelter magazines is just cookie cutter updates. They focus on making a standard house more luxurious or bringing up to date in cookie cutter ways.

    If you are going to take the time, and spent the money and live through the stress of a home remodel, I want you to end up with a house that makes your home dreams come true.

    For a perfect example of what I mean by that, today I’m going to chat with my little sister who’s been busily customizing her new home ALMOST since the last time we spoke to her on the podcast last fall.
    Grab the show notes to see plans of her remodel, pics of her adventurous painting projects and to learn more about how you can personalize your house int a home that's just for you!
    Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/602.

    Your Remodel needs a Master Plan not a Floor Plan Aug 26, 2021

    A great home remodel needs more than a good floor plan. It needs a master plan.

    Having a master plan is more than pinning a bunch of things you like. It's more than having the furnace guy or the roofing guy come out and say, 'Oh yep. Your home inspector was right. Plan for a remodel.' And it's more than having a perfectly tidy, organized blueprint for your house.

    A master plan is your guide for the entire remodeling journey. It's a travel book you create for yourself to set the home update on the right track.

    I believe no homeowner should remodel without one. I create a master plan for every one of my clients with my Mid-Century Master Plan Package.

    It's also what I teach people to create for themselves in my Ready to Remodel program. This online course takes people through every step they need to plan a perfect MCM remodel. The community we create around the process is made up of homeowners all working through the same steps.
    So sit back and close your eyes or grab a notebook. Because today we're going to talk about the hows, the whys and the whats of the master planning process.
    Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/601/.

    Quick Kitchen Update Ideas to try Right Now Jun 24, 2021

    Don't have time or the budget to plan something really big for your kitchen right now? You can still have a kitchen you love with a Level One quick kitchen update.

    This week we’ll be discussing quick fix, small budget, DIY solutions that turn your house into one you can live with while you wait to remodel. And sometimes, this is all you need if your house is pretty close to what you want. This week’s quick kitchen update ideas are the most budget and time friendly option. So, if you can't afford to do more, rather than do nothing, do just a little bit of the right thing and with planning, you can still achieve a great result.

    A quick kitchen update is the best option for anyone who's planning to do a big remodel later. Don't live with a house you don't love while you budget and save for a big change; take a few concrete steps to make the place your own and love it while you wait.

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • A recap of the three levels of a kitchen remodel [0:50]
    • The concept of a Level One Remodel and how your home may benefit from small changes [2:45]
    • Mistakes I made in my own remodel and what you can do instead [4:00]
    • Clever ways to paint your way to a kitchen you love [7:20]
    • How to alter your cabinets to increase the sense of space in your kitchen [9:20]
    • Easy solutions for changing your kitchen floor to something beautiful [11:05]
    • Purchases you can make right now to transform the look and function of your kitchen [11:30]

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/508

    Spot Your REAL Kitchen Problems … then use Design to Solve Them in a Mid-sized Remodel Jun 17, 2021

    Is your kitchen actually too small or does it just feel too small? What Kitchen problems are you really trying to solve with your remodel? Let’s make sure you know the answer!

    A crucial step in planning a successful remodel is understanding the scale that you are looking to take on and knowing what kitchen problems you are really trying to solve. Once you know those two things you can find a solution that works for your budget and home.

    This week, we will be exploring the difference between a level 2 and level 3 kitchen remodel and importance of solving the underlying issue, not just the surface problem.

    The difference between a level two and a level three remodel is not necessarily the scale of the finished result or even how well it turns out, but the difference of priority between cost and time. While you're carrying out one of these two kinds of remodels you'll feel the difference very distinctly, but once they're completed, they can both have accomplished the same sort of dramatic, even magical transformation of your home.

    Identifying the real layout kitchen problems you need to solve with your remodel often comes down to asking yourself what you don’t like about the kitchen you have … and then calling on your inner three year old to ask ‘but why is ___?” two or three more times. Have a listen to learn more!

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • Why and when you should lockdown and finalize the scale of your kitchen remodel [0:45]
    • The logic of picking apart a problem to discover the underlying issues in your home [3:00]
    • Ways of creating the feeling of spaciousness without adding square footage [4:20]
    • Reasons you may need to reduce the number of tasks your kitchen is trying to carry out [7:35]
    • The big benefits of a tiny bump-out addition [9:00]
    • Why you might reduce the pathways to increase circulation [10:05]
    • The unusual issue of a kitchen that is too big [11:35]
    • When to move the kitchen around the house or the house around the kitchen [12:15]
    • Things to consider and goals to have for your kitchen remodel [14:20]

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/507

    Yes! Your Kitchen Remodel DOES Need a Master Plan Jun 10, 2021

    A good kitchen remodel is more than pretty new appliances and tile. It really needs to work on a number of levels - it needs to be sturdy and safe, it needs to be practical and it still needs to look lovely. That’s a lot to keep track of which is why - like every home remodeler - you need a master plan to get the kitchen planned the right way!

    Today we discuss how to put together a master plan for your remodel, what it is good for along the way and what it needs to include to do the job right!

    Want our help to Master Plan your whole Remodel? Click HERE!

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • The three elements needed for good design and their origin [0:45]
    • The making of a kitchen personalized to you lifestyle [1:45]
    • The benefit of a master plan to organize and achieve your goals [2:30]
    • A masterplan is an ongoing and living document that can change with your changing preferences [3:40]
    • A masterplan is a powerful communication tool when meeting with contractors [4:35]
    • A masterplan helps document the assets and shortcomings of your home and create a clearer vision of the final goal [5:00]
    • A masterplan helps focus the scale and budget of your remodel [7:45]
    • The importance of showing your ideas to others and getting multiple perspectives [10:45]
    • The kitchen specific components of our Master Plan Package [15:30]

    Get the show notes with all the extras at www.midmod-midwest.com/506

    How to Choose Mid-century Materials for your Kitchen Remodel Jun 03, 2021

    Will your kitchen remodel stand the test of time or look dated in five short years? One of the best ways to make sure that your kitchen update won’t feel immediately out of date is to seed it with ideas from the original idea. If your house was built in the MCM era, looking to mid-century materials for inspiration is the way to go!

    Today’s episode breaks down what you need to consider when you plan for the finished and fittings of your kitchen update, how to organize your plans for easy use and why you need to construct a Style Guide for the remodel to keep everything running smoothly.

    To keep your the mid-century materials for your remodel cohesive, make sure you are working with a style guide for the project. Grab my free workbook to help you create a style guide for your own remodel right here!

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • How to set your remodel plans by aligning them with the house’s origin story [1:05]
    • Why it may be impossible to fully trend-proof your remodel but why you should try [3:25]
    • How to use a style guide to simplify and streamline your mid-century material choices [5:25]
    • A run down of good material choices for the kitchen [6:40]
    • The “pick two” rule for making beautifully designed mid-century material choices [10:20]
    • When to make bold choices for your remodel [11:55]
    • Where to find ideas and how to organize them [12:45]

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/505

    Kitchen Building Code Issues You Should Know About before you Remodel May 27, 2021

    Let’s talk about our friend the building code.
    Why am I so excited about this topic that usually elicits a set of grumpy complaints? Because the kitchen building code and the inspectors who enforce it are meant to keep us safe and secure.
    Following code needn’t be a hassle or make you tie your design process into knots. As long as you can see potential kitchen code issues coming you can address them with ease. So let’s pay close attention to some kitchen building code issues today. With a little knowledge in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to confidently talk to designers, installers, sub contractors and city officials about what you plan for your kitchen building code compliant home update!
    My goal isn’t to make you an expert on the building code. You don’t need to be one. But if you know what to expect before you pick up the phone to solicit a contractor's bid, you’ll be better prepared for the advice they give and the cost they quote for the work.

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • Why knowing some of the details about the kitchen building code can be important to you … even if you are hiring professionals to do all of the work [1:40]
    • What to ask about in a call with your friendly neighborhood building inspector [2:50]
    • Some history of how building codes came to exist in America and their pervasive influence on our built environment [5:00]
    • Electrical Building Code for kitchens [9:00]
    • Exhaust and venting needs for modern kitchens [11:00]
    • Structural Code issues that might come up with a kitchen remodel [11:15]
    • Zoning Code adjacent issues (if you plan to add on with your kitchen update) [12:00]
    • Fire Safety Code that comes up for Mid-Century Kitchen Projects [12:20]

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/504

    Solving Mid-century Kitchen Layout Problems May 20, 2021

    Today we are going to talk about mid-century kitchen layout problems. Nearly every ranch kitchen has a layout that can be problematic for the way a modern family likes to use their cooking and eating space.

    When it comes to kitchen layout changes you want to weigh a number of factors. If your layout is close to being workable and you are blessed with your original cabinets, I encourage you to consider keeping them. You likely can’t find or buy anything more sturdy.

    But if you do need to update your mid-century kitchen layout, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go over all the pros and cons of the common layouts and discuss some ways to improve on them. Stay tuned for more on total kitchen remodels that change entire layouts in the upcoming episode on how to choose the right Level of Kitchen remodel for your life and budget.

    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • How life has changed but kitchens have generally not kept up since the MCM era [1:20]
    • Common mid-century kitchen layout scenarios including the (rare) Single Wall Kitchen [2:55]
    • The Galley style Mid-Century Kitchen [4:35]
    • The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout [6:30]
    • The U-Shaped Kitchen Layout [8:35]
    • The (rare) Island Centered Mid-Century Kitchen [10:10]]
    • Design Guidelines for MCM Kitchens [12:35]

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/503

    The History of the Mid-Century Kitchen with Sarah Archer May 13, 2021

    Today’s episode is an interview with Sarah Archer, author of the Mid-century Kitchen. I’m so excited to share this conversation about the history of the mid-century kitchen we all love so much.

    We are going to talk about how the mid-century kitchen came about - the influence advertising, war time deprivations, the great depression, freezer goods, keeping up with the Jones and our cold war race to make Russia jealous of capitalism all contributed to the kitchens we pretty much all live in today.

    If you don't have a copy of her book, I highly recommend you get your hands on it! It's filled with interesting history and drool worthy advertising from the era.
    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • Why the mid-century kitchen represents peak American consumerist achievement [1:20]
    • An overview of how the modern kitchen evolved over time [2:30]
    • How MCM kitchens went hand in hand with early planned obsolescence with high style appliances [4:10]
    • Learn how MCM kitchens were supposed to “save your beauty” by saving steps [8:10]
    • The logic of the labor saving kitchen … for stay at homes moms [9:25]
    • When the kitchen began to open up for entertaining and hanging out [17:00]
    • We all live in mid-century kitchens … even if we don’t. Here’s why [23:45]
    • How do we live today in a Mid-Century Kitchen [25:55]

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/502

    Get What You Really Want out of your Kitchen Update May 06, 2021

    There's a saying that the kitchen is the heart of your home.
    That’s a little trite but still true. The kitchen update is THE first element that I hear about from new clients wanting to plan a remodel. In any house, of any era, the kitchen is one of the most complex, expensive, and personally specific parts of the home.

    So ... your kitchen update serves as a microcosm of your whole home remodel. It is just as complicated and important alone as a whole house overhaul can be.

    That means we can approach it in much the same way that I would approach any full remodel plan for a mid-century house. If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while … you know that means I’m going to say we should have a masterplan to do it well.

    So here’s my advice. Planning for a kitchen update doesn’t really start with Pinterest or Instagram or Shelter magazines showing you what other people have done.

    It starts with you, your family and your current kitchen.


    If you’d like to grab a Roadmap of the 10 Steps along the way of planning a remodel you’ll love … get it here.


    In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

    • What’s coming up in this season - it will be all kitchen updates all the time around here for the next few weeks [0:50]
    • Why we can also use a Kitchen update as a microcosm of the entire remodel process [2:45]
    • A quick spin through the ten steps any smart home remodel process will include as applied to your kitchen update [4:35]
    • Focus on the first phase of the process (this one gets skipped entirely WAY too often). You need to start from what you WANT out of a remodel and where you are starting from - the house you have right now [7:20]
    • Three through exercises you can use to help get clear on what you want your remodel to do for you (as opposed to just what you want it to look like) [9:15]
    • News from Mid Mod Midwest: we are a team of three now! [13:20]
    • Recent updates to our custom Midcentury Masterplan Package process. If you’re planning to give us a call listen to this [14:40]

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/501

    The Style Guide you Need to Keep your Remodel on Track Oct 15, 2020

    I’ve talked about the value of design planning SO MUCH you might be sick of it. If so, sorry, not sorry. Your remodel is your home. It's important! Creating a master plan for your home update will help you prioritize what you and your home need most ... then make it happen! But you also need to keep an eye on the details. Creating a Style Guide for your project works to keep those "little" things on track the same way.

    First, a word of caution. I’m not saying that when you’ve done this work, you’ll be done. This not a matter of Making a choice once and never have to make it again. That is an over simplification. But you CAN make a choice once and then only have to tweak it for each new scenario that comes up.

    Trust me, this helps!

    Want some help with this? Give the episode a listen while you download your this easy Style Guide workbook to walk you through some of the decisions you're about to make. It's as easy as filling in the blanks (with the right answers) and a lot of fun too!
    Grab the guide right here!

    In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

    • How a Style Guide is really just a masterplan for all the little details of your home remodel project (and just as useful) [2:05]
    • Why brushed nickel handles are a Mid Mod no-no and how to avoid using them and instantly dating your home update! [4:15]
    • The difference between a fully bespoke custom designed remodel led by an architect and one managed by Joe Contractor ... but how you can get the best of both worlds (hint it involves a Style Guide) [5:05]
    • How to get started [9:05]
    • Metals for your Mid-Century home [9:55]
    • How to make sure all the wood in your floors, cabinets, walls, trim and furniture plays nicely together [12:10]
    • How to have fun with color in an MCM update [15:25]

    Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/407

    Landscaping for Your Mid-Century Home Oct 08, 2020

    Today, I call on another expert to help explain landscaping for your mid-century home. Listen in while I chat with Sara A. Meier, aka Green Thumb SAM, about how to bring a mid mod vibe ... to your yard!
    Sara is a freelance landscape and garden designer who helps homeowners create a road map for their landscape that they can implement or give to a qualified landscape contractor to install. I became fascinated with her work by following her super instagram account @GreenThumbSAM where she documents her design projects and gives helpful tips about plants and how to arrange them.

    Sara's home base in Boise Idaho has a lot of Mid-Century homes and she's become an expert in designing "outdoor rooms" which complement and highlight the MCM houses of her clients.

    I know you'll enjoy our chat chat. We talk about how her childhood in the landscapes of her grandparents' yards made her want to grow up to design tree houses for grownups. She'll share what she learned from years curating a Japanese garden that she applies to her work today

    And she explains EXACTLY where to start yourself when you plan the landscaping for your mid-century home. As I was editing our chat for the podcast I kept wanting to stop and listen from the start to take notes!

    Grab the links and show notes at midmod-midwest.com/406

    Add Accessibility when you Remodel your Ranch Oct 01, 2020


    Mid-Century ranch houses appeal to just about everyone. They are great starter homes for young families and just as great for couples looking to age in place over time. They also work well for people with disabilities … especially with a few essential updates. Today let’s talk about how to make sure your remodel improves your home’s accessibility!
    IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR …

    • A quick over view of the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA [2:35]
    • Some history of how Americans have planned for people with disabilities in the past (spoiler: it wasn’t great) [3:30]
    • A guess as to why MCM homes are so much more accessible than earlier eras’ homes [6:40]
    • How to bring added accessibility into your remodel plans [8:30]

    Get show notes (with diagrams) at www.midmod-midwest.com/405

    Make Sure your Mid-Century Remodel is Green Sep 24, 2020

    Do you ever think of remodeling your ranch as a strike for sustainability? I do. There are so many ranches across America waiting to be someone's dream home ... and choosing one to remodel is green - as in sustainable - compared to any new construction except maybe the most dramatic of Passivhaus or LEED Certified new homes.

    Why? Because the choice to remodel is green, inherently. You are protecting undeveloped space, cutting down on building materials and waste, and keeping your home smaller. Good on you!

    But you can still plan your remodel to be even more sustainable by keeping a few key concepts in mind.

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • Jump right to why remodeling can be greener than any kind of new building [2:10]
    • Why good designers love "problems" and "constraints" and how they can make your home better [6:00]
    • How to make any remodel more sustainable [6:45]
    • Add natural light as much as possible [7:05]
    • Plan for passive solar [8:25]
    • Embrace Thermal Delight instead of controlling for perfect temperatures [10:10}
    • Remember that small is beautiful [11:30]
    • Choose your materials and other finishes carefully [13:00]
    • Avoid trendiness [14:20]
    • Remember that good design takes time. Try to give yourself time to discover what will matter most to you in your remodel [16:05]

    Find links and detailed show notes at midmod-midwest.com/404.

    Remodel your MCM Time Capsule or Flip (with Love) Sep 17, 2020

    In the 70 plus years since mid century ranches were built, these homes have had a lot of different stories, different owners, and different histories. Some have changed hands many time; some have been in a single family since the day they were built. Whether your ranch is an MCM time capsule or flip, I can help you figure out how to make it your own..

    What's the diff: MCM time capsule or flip

    I’ll discuss these as opposites, the extremes question today to give you a sense of the most intense cases. However, odds are your own mid century ranch fall somewhere in the middle.

    Just maybe though, I'll be speaking straight to you when I describe what it’s like to move into a single-owner ranch that’s been well-maintained and never really changed since the era in which it was built.

    Or I might be talking to YOU about the special challenge of buying a house because it’s in the right place at the right time for you, even though it’s been flipped and stripped of its most or all of its original MCM character. If you love mid century houses you’ll be looking for a way to reset the house to match its origins

    I’m kind of a remodeling optimist so we are going to talk about the positive either way.

    So ... which kind of house do you have?

    On which end of that spectrum does your house fall? Send me an instagram DM or drop an email to let me know.

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • How to figure out your Mid Century Style with my easy and fun quiz. TAKE IT HERE to find your style and get my customized style guide [1:15]
    • What I mean by "chipped and flipped:" I'm looking at YOU Chip and Joanna Gaines with your painted brick, white everything, and shaker cabinet doors! [2:45]
    • An overview of the MCM time capsule or flip dichotomy [3:45]
    • Why I'm a remodeling optimist. There are pros (and cons) to either situation [5:05]
    • Jump straight to the vintage time capsule style house and what to do in it [6:00]
    • The upside of a flip ... and what to do with yours [11:00]

    Grab the links and show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/403

    Find (and Buy) your Mid Mod Fixer Upper Sep 10, 2020

    Some people are looking for their turn key dream house but others want a fixer upper they can make their own. Fixing up modest little ranch houses into mid mod show pieces is kind of my jam. I have some THOUGHTS on how to choose a house that you can remodel well.
    Here are this architect's ideas for how to win at the house hunting game.
    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • Skip to the short version of my house hunting (for a fixer upper) tips right here [1:35]
    • Advice from a few of my favorite local realtors on the Madison housing market [4:25]
    • How (and why ) to assemble a home buying team [6:00]
    • Prepare for a hot market ... even in or maybe because of the pandemic [9:30]
    • Zero in on the right location and site orientation [11:00]
    • How to Goldilocks your way to the right level of rundown. ID the difference between maintenance issues and big expensive problems [13:25]
    • How to look for secret spaces inside a house [15:35]
    • Embrace the weird and dated finishes ... and a bad layout for a best buy [16:15]

    Find links and the longer show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/402/

    Using the Zillow Phase of your House Hunt to Plan for your Dream Home Sep 03, 2020


    Finding the right Mid-Century home to make your own is an exciting challenge for a first time home buyer. To kick off Season Four of Mid Mod Remodel, this week I chat with my sister, KJ Hansmann. She is in the earliest “Zillow” phase of planning to buy a modest MCM ranch to fix up with her partner.

    We’ve been talking about her house hunt process so much in recent weeks. Finally, I realized that I should capture it for the podcast. Listen in as we dish on some family history, chat about why she’s choosing to live near her work place and have some fun discussing this essential phase of any millennial’s house hunt!


    In Today's Episode, you'll hear:

    • An Invite to come ask me for design advice. I'm really booked up at the moment but that just means you should jump in the queue. Use the form on my services page to reach out [1:15]
    • My intro to Season FOUR of Mid Mod Remodel and what's coming up [2:10]
    • Our chat starting with how my sister believed she would never be a homeowner but how COVID changed her mind [4:10]
    • How she, her boyfriend and two high energy cats have kept up two full time jobs and the kick off of her PhD within the four walls of their ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT [5:00]
    • The great triumph of her quarantine house updating: when I talked her through mounting a black out shade using a power drill via zoom [7:15]
    • The AMAZING murals of Banyan Bridges and how KJ is absolutely planning to get one created for her new home as soon as its hers. [8:40]
    • Using my Ready To Remodel course content to workshop what it is they really want and identify their key deal-breakers before they even find a realtor [9:40]
    • Various Apartment Update rules we've broken and bent in the past and howe well that's gone for us in the past. [13:00]
    • How the "Super into Zillow" phase can help you identify what can be updated in a fixer upper and what can't be easily remodeled [13:50]
    • One of which is the neighborhood. A little rant from both of us on the importance of walkable, well connected, socially varied neighborhoods and living where you work [17:20]

    Find the show notes with all links at www.midmod-midwest.com/401

    Find Madison Mid-Century Neighborhoods To Explore Jul 09, 2020


    If you, like me, LOVE walking around looking at MCM houses, you've probably been relying on that as a primary source of out-of-the-house fun during the last few months. Today, I'm going to share my top tips for seeking out the hidden mid-century areas in your town and some Madison mid-century neighborhoods that I particularly love!
    Check the show notes for a fun infographic to help you plan your search.
    Find them at midmod-midwest.com/314
    In Today's Episode you'll Hear ...

    • All about why I love MCM houses but DESPISE urban planning from the same era. (The short version: this topic deserves an episode of its own) [2:00]
    • Five easy ways to hunt down MCM areas in your home down using common sense and a little googling [4:05]
    • An abridged list of my favorite Madison Mid-century Neighborhoods: Radio Park, Hill Farms, Crestwood, Orchard Ridge, Eken Park, Mendota Hills, Brentwood Village, Sherman and Berkley Oaks. [8:45]
    • Some demographics nerdiness on how the population boom affected Madison more than most places during the MCM period [14:20]

    Season three concludes today

    Heads up: this is the final episode of Season 3. I'll be back after a few week hiatus with more ideas and design tips for you, Mid Mod Remodelers.
    In the mean time, don't hesitate to leave a review that lets me know what you'd like to hear more of in the upcoming season!

    Interview with George Smart of US Modernist Radio Jul 02, 2020

    Today, Mid Mod Remodel Podcast has … a GUEST! I am so excited to share my chat with George Smart, AKA Mr. Modernism of US Modernist Radio.

    He is the founder and executive director of the UsModernist organization – which, among other things, is the largest open digital archive of midcentury Modernist houses in the the world – THIS IS A RESOURCE CHECK IT OUT. George is an archivist of and advocate for modern architecture both in the past an the present. He’s an inveterate networker who connects people who love MCM design with each other all over the country and the world. You may already know him as the host of THE modern architecture podcast US Modernist Radio.

    We sat down in our respective offices this week to chat about why modern architecture and houses are so great, and how to dig more deeply into the modern history of your home town.

    To set the scene, I should tell you that his Zoom background is the pool of Frank Sinatra’s house!


    Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/313

    Plan a Doable DIYable Remodel Jun 25, 2020

    You’ve had plenty of time to consider closely how your house is or isn’t meeting your family's needs right now. It is clear that your home might need a few updates. But there are some new challenges tacked on to the process of a remodel at the moment. Still, I don’t want you to loose hope that you can make the changes you need. This is where the doable DIY remodel comes in.
    You CAN plan to take on the remodel your family needs right now. But current challenges may mean you need to adjust your plans:

    • Tweak the timing
    • Adjust the scope
    • Modify the the budget
    • And, rather than planning a full contractor led overhaul to happen all at once this year … you might choose to re-focus on a Level Two remodel.

    In Today's Episode, you'll hear ...

    • A quick recap of my Three Levels Theory of home remodel planning - from Easy one off DIY projects (Level One) through fully contractor led home overhaul (Level Three) [1:05]
    • Just why A Level Two remodel - A Doable DIYable remodel - is a great choice to meet the current moment [4:10]
    • How to plan a remodel like this with confidence [5:25]
    • Five reasons why I love a self-directed, phased remodel so much [4:45]
    • The Level Two remodel is a bit of a neglected middle child from a design perspective ... and how I am to change that [10:30]
    • A rant: Design 👏 Should 👏 Always 👏 Come 👏 Before 👏 Construction no matter what scale your project is [11:45]
    • ... with a shout out to my Instagram friend Elin Walters of @exactlydesigns and her recent story of homeowners who unfortunately missed this message [13:00]
    • And how choosing a Doable DIYable remodel for your home means you'll never accidentally skip the design phase. Huzzah [14:40]

    Get links to more resources AND the Roadmap at www.midmod-midwest.com/312!
    One more thing ...
    Do you need more help pivoting from your remodel plans in the before times to a remodel that can actually help you and your family feel comfortable at home in the new normal? I'm giving a masterclass on JUST THAT TOPIC this Sunday and Monday: How to Remodel Right Now: Retrofit your Priorities for the New Normal
    At the end of this free Masterclass you'll know:

    • WHY now really is the time to tackle your home update, even if you don't feel quite "ready" or know where to start.
    • HOW the time you have spent with your family during #stayhome has ALREADY shown you exactly what your remodeling priorities should be, and
    • WHERE to look in your home for the extra space you can turn into much needed elbow room so you can plan a reno that fits your budget.

    Sign up here to save your seat in the free live masterclass!

    Your Roadmap Through a Mid Mod Remodel Jun 18, 2020

    I thought about calling calling this weeks episode a guide to get you to your ideal remodel but in actual fact … its much more a roadmap through the remodel process. Today I want to share with you the steps I see as absolutely essential when you’re planning an update for your mid-century ranch.

    This is going to be a lot. Here's a quick outline of the roadmap for orientation ... but if you want the goods, I made a special pdf download to get you all the details in one spot.
    Grab your Roadmap RIGHT HERE!

    Ten stops (steps) on your Remodel Roadmap

    Step 1: Figure out if you ready for a remodel.

    Step 2: Clear the decks (this means banish clutter).

    Step 3: Determine what you really NEED from your update (and what you want as well).

    Step 4: Become the ultimate expert in the house you have right now so you know where you're starting.

    Step 5: Get smart about how the building and zoning codes in your area affect your plans so you can avoid surprises.

    Step 6: Hopscotch the common Mid-century house problems by standing on the shoulders of the Mid mod remodelers who’ve come before you.

    Step 7: Gather Ideas & Inspiration - and keep them organized in a way that works for you (phone, computer, paper or a combination).

    Step 8: Pull all of that create your master plan (the giant wish list of everything you could do).

    Step 9: Figure out your remodel scale; is this happening all at once, in phases? Is it large small, DIY or hired out?
    Step 10: Coordinate and carry out the work, at your own pace, in your own way.

    Get links to more resources AND the Roadmap at www.midmod-midwest.com/311!
    Hey do you need help pivoting from your remodel plans in the before times to a remodel that can actually help you and your family feel comfortable at home in the new normal? I'm giving a masterclass on JUST THAT TOPIC coming up soon. Sign up here to get an invitation to the free live class as soon as it opens!

    Collier Heights: Vintage MCM by and for Black Americans Jun 11, 2020

    Today, let's chat about the gorgeous mid-century modern neighborhood of Collier Heights in Atlanta, Georgia which was planned for, built by, and lived in by Black Atlantans.

    Note: This isn't a story about a silver lining to the bad situation that is racism. Nor is it any kind of an example of solutions that point the a way forward today. (We will not make America better by building better quality segregated spaces.) Instead, I see the history of Collier Heights and the dedicated citizens who built it as example of making lemonade out of some pretty sour lemons.

    Hey friends. I’m still thinking a lot about race and housing in the US this week … so that’s what you’re going to hear about from me. Last week I dug into some the factors that have prevented black families in america from owning their own homes and there were many. But that doesn’t mean that no black people lived in, designed or loved mid-century style houses.

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • How the movie Hidden Figures tells the story of talented black women working to contribute to the early years of NASA and and was shot in the real homes of talented black citizens who lived outside of Atlanta during the same era. [2:00]
    • How to go check out some amazing photographs and oral history of Collier Heights in the 2016 photo essay prepared by Lydia A harris for Southern Spaces and why they were built with such astonishing social spaces hidden in their basements [3:15]
    • An abbreviated history of how Atlanta (and really cities across America) used official planning policies and government created committees to facilitate racially segregated communities during the MCM period [4:40]
    • More Atlanta context via the excellent history podcast Archive Atlanta [7:35]
    • Mini Bios of two talented Black Atlanta architects: J.W. Robinson and Edward Miller who helped build both Collier Heights and a safe space for another generation of Black architects in Georgia [9:15]

    Get all the links and more at www.midmod-midwest.com/310/

    Housing Discrimination and Racism in America Jun 04, 2020

    If your parents or grandparents bought a house in America during the post war boom years … they and you benefited from a system of racial oppression that encouraged white wealth building through home ownership with one hand … and held back black families with the other.

    Mine did and I do.
    This isn’t the episode I was planning to record this week but I hope you’ll stick around to think about how the history of housing discrimination in this country affects the mid-century houses we love and the world we all live in.

    I'm using this week's podcast to talk about how systemic racism was literally built right into the Mid-Century neighborhoods that I otherwise love. We all need to acknowledge that part of our history and start talking more about what we can do to make positive, anti-racist changes in our own lives and communities.

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • Why I think it is important to stop what I'm doing and address the systemic racism that is embedded in American culture and in the history of the Mid-Century era I otherwise love so much.
    • How the wealth gap between black and white families in America holds people back [4:28]
    • A quick history of the Great Migration that Black Americans undertook to escape Jim Crow ... [5:15]
    • But how what they found here in the North was systematic Housing Discrimination and how that worked against black homeownership in many ways [6:05]
    • How the Fair Housing Act (1968) didn't really fix things ... it couldn't. [8:35]
    • And how blue states like mine and liberal cities like Madison use subtle racism to keep black and white families segregated to this day [9:42]
    • A few ideas about what we can to today to be more anti-racist in our lives and our homes [11:38]

    Get all the resources I mention in the episode at www.midmod-midwest.com/309/

    Design Tips to Help you Fight Clutter! May 28, 2020


    So how has the battle to fight clutter been going at your house lately?

    For me, housekeeping isn't my strongest suit at the best of times but I do know that I feel better about life and myself when I'm not looking at to-do lists (in pile form) all over the dining table.

    Some amount of clutter-busting will always be a form of #adulting but we can make the job harder or easier when the house we live in is designed a certain way. How can you design updates for your house that will help you stop clutter before it can start.


    IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR …

    • A story about the excellent advice I give my BFF (and vice versa) [0:58]
    • Permission to let things go when you have to … but a little gentle encouragement that you (and I) can benefit from our efforts to fight clutter! [3:50]
    • I’m sharing a quick run down of the cow path theory landscape architecture and how you can use it run a mild social experiment on your own household to ID key clutter hotspots. [5:01]
    • Four ways you can fight clutter – from hardest to easiest. Spoiler: the easy one is after you’ve mitigated your clutter problem with a design solution. [7:00]
    • How filtering out the clutter RIGHT AT THE DOOR can make the whole house easier to tidy – with tips from the creator of Apartment Therapy [8:32]
    • Some history of storage in MCM ranches (and the houses that came before). We actually have it pretty good! [10:10]
    • And why it doesn’t feel like enough. Volume isn’t the answer. We need WELL ORGANIZED storage to fight clutter well. [12:04]
    • A fun tip for how to improve on walk in closets if you plan a new master suite! [15:18]
    • Be real with yourself. I’m not Marie Kondo and you probably aren’t either. So design in the amount of storage you’ll ACTUALLY need to keep down clutter! [16:15]

    Hey do you need help pivoting from your remodel plans in the before times to a remodel that can actually help you and your family feel comfortable at home in the new normal? I’m giving a masterclass on JUST THAT TOPIC coming up soon. Sign up here to get an invitation to the free live class as soon as it opens!


    Grab the show notes at midmod-midwest.com/308.

    Love yourself? Love your house! May 21, 2020

    If planning a remodel seems like a superficial thing to be discussing right now, I want to tell you that I believe it is ANYTHING BUT. The space we live in defines our experience of life. Why not help that space be its best so that it can help us in turn. If you love yourself, you should love your home too.

    It will love you back!
    I listened to this interview with architecture critic Sarah Williams Godlhagen this weekend, while walking my pup, and it literally stopped me in my tracks. It was such a powerful reminder of the many ways that the places where we spend time influence our mood, our focus, and our very happiness.
    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • Some Grade-A snarkiness about Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright [2:05]
    • How in more normal times, we "vote with our feet" to choose public spaces that are designed to our liking. Now that we are all stuck at home, we can't leave ... but we CAN make changes for the better [5:10]
    • Why (in my opinion) people strive for the corner office [5:49]
    • A call to arms: you get to design your home for yourself! DO SO! [6:05]
    • The science of how the built-environment (our homes, especially) affects human beings psychologically and physiologically. For real! [9:10]
    • Six design concepts to consider before "finalizing" your remodeling plans. [12:05]
    • That the Ready To Remodel course is coming back, again! Sign up on the waitlist to make sure you get first notice when I open enrollment! [16:05]

    Pop over to the show notes to get those six Design Tips to make a more lovable, livable space out of your home! Grab the show notes at midmod-midwest.com/307.

    Basement Transformation for any Budget May 14, 2020

    Need more space (desperately) but don't want to plan an addition? What if I told you you're sitting on top of doubling-your-square-footage right now. No, I'm not a Wizard. I'm just talking about your basement! Pretty much every midwestern house has got one and in a one story ranch they are the same shape as the house up above. Is a basement transformation in your future?

    I’ll ask you this … are you making the best use of your basement right now?

    Plus, the thing you need to create a super hangout spot - or a variety of necessary new spaces in your home - isn’t money or even necessary your time and labor … it's design.
    Let's get into the qualities of a great finished basement and then workshop how you can transform yours at any budget or skill level - from simply DIY to full General Contractor led renovation.
    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • That the Ready To Remodel course is coming back, again! Sign up on the waitlist to make sure you get first notice when I open enrollment! [1:25]
    • GOOD NEWS! Great design doesn't always mean high end finishes. You can hyper charge your remodel with good design ideas and get a lot for a small budget! [5:12]
    • Common problems with basements you need to fix [7:59 ]
    • Qualities of great finished basement to shoot for ... regardless of your budget. [9:28]
    • DIY fixes for a basement on a budget [13:01]
    • More involved remodeling projects you can take on yourself [14:36]
    • How to plan for a contractor led remodel [18:03]

    Get all the links and resources mentioned in the show at midmod-midwest.com/306!

    Help your House Multitask with Nooks and Alcoves May 07, 2020
    So ... it looks like we may be social distancing for a lot longer than we initially signed up for while we wait for our public health apparatus to catch up with the virus.
    That means, its time to make sure we have some good systems in place. Here's how you can make your home multitask for you to fill the functions of office, school, play area and its regular daily uses!
    I've been giving a lot of thought to how we can make small space work overtime to serve many purposes.
    Today, learn some design tricks to make more different types of space in your next remodel including: oriel bay widows, lower ceiling heights over side alcoves, and how to plan "S" shaped walls to make a private niche for the room on each side.
    OR, if you need some ideas you can put in place TOMORROW to make your home multitask for all the needs of your whole family then I've got some practical advice for that too!
    Grab the free handy pdf guide right here for more sketches and ideas.
    In today's episode you'll hear ...
    • That the Ready To Remodel course is coming back, again! Sign up on the waitlist to make sure you get first notice when I open enrollment! [1:25]
    • A preview of what's coming up on the podcast in the next few weeks [2:25]
    • A run down of Alexander, Ishikawa and Silverstein's A Pattern Language and how it can guide us to create human centered spaces [5:15]
    • What you need to really make your home multitask for you by creating nooks and alcoves with things you already have around the house [9:25]
    • How to create an creative evening cuddle-up space out of light [10:56]
    • What to consider when planning a remodel or addition to make sure that you have a variety of spaces to make the most of your square footage [13:17]
    Find show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/305
    Planning a Successful Remodel for (and with) Kids Apr 30, 2020

    Today, we talk about how to plan for a remodel that can grow with your family. One of the things we can still do while we all #stayhome to flatten the curve is dream about and plan for the future. So let's get into the details of planning a great remodel for (and with) your kids!
    Grab my Free Download: How to Make Extra Space in your house Right Now with Nooks Right Here!
    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • The three best ways we can engage with design while we are all stuck at home during #shelterinplace [1:19]
    • What makes designing for families with kids different than designing for anyone else (hint: its that parent's are working harder than the rest of us and need their homes to pull serious weight) [2:59]
    • My little rant about how you don't need a formal living room (ever) but you might want a living room and a den in a household with kids or teen [5:05]
    • How ... and why ... to plan for change when you design a remodel for a household with children [7:36]
    • The ideal bedroom to kid ratio for your lifestyle. This might surprise you [9:05]
    • How having your kids help you with design uses one of my favorite green remodeling principles (go bold with the easily changed things) [15:40]
    • Why painting is the best DIY remodeling activity to get your kids engaged with ... or try yourself ... and how it may have turned me into an architect! [16:35]

    Don't miss my interview with Wisconsin Public Radio! Check out the podcast re-broadcast here!
    Find show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/304

    Creative Kid Spaces and Activities for the Stay Home Era Apr 23, 2020

    One of the many weird side effects of our collective corona virus precautions is that almost every kid in the country is home from school right now. Families are having to come up with new routines, creative kid spaces, and fresh inspiration to keep everyone active, happy and stimulated (and hang on to parental sanity if possible).

    This week I share some kid-focused advice that could come in handy for parents who are working to keep their kids happy and engaged right now.

    Your kids needs have likely changed during the Covid-19 quarantine. Working parents with kids in school may have had a smooth nightly parade of dinner, baths, reading and bed time. But when you have all day every day with your kids in the house you need to rethink the routine. It can help to have multiple areas or stations around the house to move to during the course of the day.
    Grab my Free Download: How to Make Extra Space in your house Right Now with Nooks Right Here!
    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • What we can learn from Montessori classrooms about setting up great spaces for child exploration and self directed learning in our homes [3:14]
    • By the way this totally ties in with my episode of last week - how our home need more "away spaces" or "nooks" in each room to allow for plenty of together time and apart time.
    • Gather some ideas for how to surprise and delight your stay home kids. They love ideas that are outrageous or subversive like breakfast for dinner and camping in the living room! [4:56]
    • Learn how you can help your child set up a "feel good place" for positive discipline time outs that can help sooth high tempers or overtired outbursts [6:53]
    • Age appropriate design thinking activities for your kids ranging from toddler to teenager [9:08]
    • Use the Design Thinking framework created by the Stanford D-School to help your child go through a great design process from start to finish [13:15]
    • How to involve your whole family in a good home improvement project [14:04]

    Don't miss my interview with Wisconsin Public Radio! Check out the podcast re-broadcast here!
    Find show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/303

    Space to be Together and Apart in your Home Apr 16, 2020

    This week's episode gets into the why of our homes' need for places to gather and places to spread out and get away from each other.
    Typical American homes were designed around the idea that we'd leave them for part of every day to go to work and to meet our social needs in the community at large. Right now ... we can't. So the house needs to do all the work that we typically outsource.
    Tune in to learn about how to make an open concept home work for you, why we need "away" rooms to keep certain activities separate from the whole household and how you can find or make places like that in your home right now!
    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • How everyone loves to hate on the open plan concept for houses - but they're actually way less common than we think [1:58]
    • The importance of the Third Place in our lives - somewhere that is neither home nor work - and how our houses have to fill in that gap right now. [4:58]
    • Some cool MCM and African American history - Learn the background on Collier Heights, a historically black neighborhood of super cool modernist homes outside Atlanta, Georgia [6:08]
    • What Sarah Susanka can teach us about having not so much more space but the RIGHT space in our homes, especially an away room! [8:33]
    • How to create an Away Room as part of your remodeling masterplan OR just make one out of the spaces you already have in your home! [10:32]
    • Plus, I'M GOING TO BE ON THE RADIO NEXT WEEK. Details at [18:15]

    Find show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/302


    Remodeling Dreams and DIY while you #stayhome Apr 09, 2020

    Whether you are sheltering in place, safer at home, or just staying home, you might be starting (continuing) to feel little stir crazy. I have too. Here are some prompts to help you imagine improvements to your MCM house and some ideas for manageable DIY while you #stayhome!

    I want to make this clear. I am NOT trying to productivity shame you right now.

    But if you're looking for some non-scary ways to keep your mind and hands occupied right now, Season 3 of the Mid Mod Remodel podcast is for you.
    Jump straight to the three step MCM Room Recipe cheat sheet right here.

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • Why this season is going to be all about what you can contemplate or DO to improve your MCM home while you stay put [1:19]
    • Disclaimer: this is not about productivity shaming you! I'm just offering some pleasant MCM remodel distractions ... if you happen to be in need of such a thing [3:34]
    • How to use this time to think about your big picture goals for your home - you'll never have more insight into if your house can fulfill all your needs than right now! [5:18]
    • The Mid Mod hack DIY project I'm working on right now [7:38]
    • An overview of this coming season and what you can expect: advice on making space in your house for togetherness and apartness; design with and for your kids; Office spaces and Mudrooms in MCM homes; DIY projects to tackle in this #stayhome season and how to pick your next project! [9:32]
    • Some bonus resources for navigating your new at-home life. It includes [12:20]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/301!

    Tale of Two Remodelers: Who will you be? Feb 27, 2020

    In all my years of helping homeowners plan remodels, I've seen two factors that really determine whether someone will feel happy with a remodel during and after it's done.
    You need a can-do, positive attitude, and you need real clarity about what you want to get out of your remodel.
    Today, I'm telling the tales of two clients. One couple who was (in my opinion) not really ready to remodel, because they just couldn't agree about what their future home should be. The other is a couple who had one of the best remodel design processes I've helped with ... because they knew what they wanted - and what the house would need - right from the start.

    Which remodel story would you rather be?
    This wrap up season two of Mid Mod Remodel. But I'm not leaving you hanging! Don't miss the free, hour-long masterclass THIS WEEK to learn my step-by-step formula for planning a winning MCM home update. Sign up for your time slot here!

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/208!


    Use Pinterest (the right way) to plan your MCM remodel Feb 20, 2020

    Wait. You do use Pinterest to strategize your remodel plans, right?

    Here's the thing: Pinterest can be your best friend, or your most stressful frenemy when you are planning a remodel. It all depends on how you use it. Here are some quick and easy tips for how (and when) to use Pinterest to plan your mid-century home update the right way!


    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • Pinterest is more than a fun way to kill time on your phone ... it is serious business for professional designers. Learn from the pros and use Pinterest to mastermind your remodel [3:29]
    • Use the smart feed to your advantage and teach Pinterest to go find you great inspiration around the internet by following accounts that pin things you want to see more of [5:33]
    • Don't forget to ORGANIZE your boards. Putting anything you like into a rando board called "house ideas" is a recipe to never remember that good idea again! [7:16]
    • Don't get ahead of yourself. It's fine to de-stress by pinning kitchen backsplash tile while you wait in line but keep your eye on the ball and START the remodel process by looking at the big picture - your "why" - Pinterest will remember your good detail ideas for you until its time to really get into the nitty gritty! [10:38]

    WAIT, ONE MORE THING!

    • READY TO REMODEL is about to be a real, live boy/course. I invite every single one of you to get the goods by coming to a free, hour-long masterclass next weekend to learn my step-by-step formula for planning a winning MCM home update. Sign up to get the (four) time slots as soon as they are nailed down!

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/207!


    Why Decluttering should be Step ZERO of your Remodeling Plan Feb 13, 2020

    Someone once said that a really good declutter of your life is as good as a remodel (and so much easier and cheaper).

    Now as an architect, I don't know that I totally agree with that.

    A remodel can improve your layout, add natural light, introduce in beautiful new surfaces and generally custom fit your home to your life. A solid decluttering job can't do any of those things.

    However, sometimes a serious declutter is as good as an addition.

    Pare down your stuff BEFORE you plan your remodel so you don't waste valuable time, effort, and MONEY making more room for your things instead of creating a home you love.
    In Today's Episode you'll hear ...

    • Real talk: you're going to need to declutter before your remodel anyway ... you'll have to get ALL of your stuff out of the way before you can start swinging a hammer for demolition! [1:45]
    • Two fun stories of my rolling stone past: that time I lived in a tent for five months, AND that time I lived in hostels along the Mediterranean coast for five months ... and what both adventures taught me about living with less [2:37]
    • Parkinson's Law applied to stuff in your house [4:45]
    • Two quick tips to make your kitchen bigger ... overnight! [6:31]
    • A little shout out to all our friend, Marie Kondo, with my thoughts on why her methods don't always work for Americans [9:17]
    • My personal decluttering hero: Marla Cilley, aka FlyLady and her magical 15 minute burst theory of doing everything [9:53]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/206!

    The Bullet Journal Method for keeping your Remodel On Track! Feb 06, 2020


    Today I want to share a really powerful organizing tool with you: the bullet journal method!

    Earlier this week I asked the Mid Mod Remodel Community how they stay organized and on track of their home updates. What I heard back is that mostly they feel like they don't.

    I get it.

    Planning a home remodel ... on top of everything else you have going on in your life ... can seem like a lot. Keeping track of your progress and moving forward consistently is even harder.

    I make this so much easier on myself with the bullet journal method. You can, too!


    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • When I asked my community of mid mod remodelers how they stay organized and on top of their home update projects ... they mostly said they don't. If that's you too, you're not alone! [0:55]
    • Don't worry you do NOT need to be a great artist, or have infinite time to curate your work, in order to get the best out of a bullet journal ... stick to "minimalist bullet journal" for your inspo searches. [2:30]
    • The basics of the system and philosophy, developed by Ryder Carroll [3:13]
    • A quick overview of how to set up and use your bullet journal [4:31]
    • How I plan my life (and home remodeling goals) with quarterly plans and daily/weekly "big three" lists a la Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner [7:24]
    • How to get started planning any home update by taking a survey of your home. Use my DIY Home Assessment workbook to get all the important info in one place [9:25]
    • A whole host of ideas for how to organize a remodel with a bullet journal [10:21]
    • TEASER: I'll be including a mini training on exactly how to use a bullet journal as one component of my upcoming Ready to Remodel Course. If you want to be notified about all the updates ... get on the waiting list here!


    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/205!

    My Mission: Save the World by reviving MCM Ranches Jan 30, 2020

    Loving and reviving MCM ranches is more than my job. It's a personal crusade. I'm on a mission to help as many new homeowners as I can with the process of moving into, and adapting, an existing mid-century ranch to suit their lifetime needs.
    The saddest thing that can happen to a recently sold MCM home is to be bulldozed to make way for something bigger, newer, and worse. But it's ALSO really tragic (to me) when ranches are viewed as nothing more than starter homes. After all, many ranch houses are still home to their ORIGINAL BUYERS.
    With a little love and careful updating, they can be the forever homes of the millennial generation too.
    The more mid-century ranches - and ranch owners - I can help, the more that impact resonates through American housing.
    Let's make it happen!

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • How I moved backed to Madison, WI to reunite with my hometown ... and fell in love with the idea of reviving an MCM ranch. [1:58]
    • What happened when I went looking for the book on how to update a modest mid-century ranch (spoiler alert: it didn't exist) [4:11]
    • Why MCM ranches are are a key component of US housing stock [6:48]
    • The story of how I came full circle from swearing off anything to do with suburban housing based on my youth in mcmansion central on the north side of Chicago to committing myself to a crusade on behalf of reviving MCM ranches. [8:24]
    • The worst thing that can happen when a mid-century house is sold ... and the best [12:51]
    • A tease for my new Digital Course: get ready to clarify your desires, analyze your house, find the resources you need, and put it all together into a laser-focused vision to help you get the remodel you want with the budget you have. Find the waiting list below [14:59]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/204!

    The Mid-century Room Upgrade Recipe you can use Anywhere Jan 23, 2020

    Remodeling a house isn’t your day job. So how do you get the energy to take on a huge project like a remodel in on top of all your other commitments? Set yourself up for SUCCESS by giving yourself the satisfaction of an early, easy win with the Mid-Century Room Upgrade recipe.

    Today, get the formula for an easy mid-century room upgrade for any space in your house.

    I’m going to focus on updating a living room as a handy example, but stick with me to the end and we’ll see how this recipe can be applied anywhere with a little creativity. After we talk about the living room specifically, I’ll extend the idea so you can find out how to go wild with it in your own home.

    If you want an easy PDF to walk you through this recipe as it applies to the Living room, PLUS two additional rooms, grab it from midmod-midwest.com/roomrecipe!

    IN TODAY’S EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR …

    • Remodeling is a long haul endeavor. Here’s why you need to give yourself a couple of satisfying and easy “wins” at the start of the process. [0:45]
    • The basic mid-century room upgrade recipe [3:38]
    • Why I like to start with the coffee table. (Hint: its the focal point of the living room which is the focal point of your home) [3:51]
    • A little digression into mid-century modern color history. Basically it means you get to cherry pick your favorite micro era! [5:15]
    • How to pick a great conversation piece to round out your room [7:06]
    • Apply this recipe to any space in your house with just a little tweaking. Once you have the basics in place, start to elaborate and grow it! [7:57]
    • Takeaway: you don’t have to make a vocation out of remodeling to find it fun and satisfying. Use the mid-century room upgrade recipe to break the ice on any project! [9:44]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/203!

    11 Essential Mid-Century Resources to Get You Started! Jan 16, 2020

    I don't know about you, but when I get into a topic, I really go down the rabbit hole. So, of course, I love to stay up on my reading regarding Mid-Century Resources.

    Knowing the context of the time period and design thinking that created our favorite mid mod looks helps us figure out how to recreate them or update them for ourselves, but I'm not just sending you to visit Amazon or your local library. I mean ... yes, there will be books - there will be books on design and history and some are amazingly fun reads.

    However, if you're in the mood for something a little more skimmable or more basic how-to's, I've got you covered there as well. I'll even throw in two of my favorite sources for finding and making cool MCM stuff for your house. So, this is a list for shoppers as well. So strap in, and enjoy the ride.

    I've broken my recommendations down into five categories: quick overviews, best design books, best history books, remodeling, how to advice, and sources of cool MCM stuff.

    In today's Episode, you'll hear ...

    • That the Mid Mod Remodel Podcast now has its own dedicated instagram account! (Check it out @midmodremodelpodcast) [2:20]
    • My favorite introductions to MCM style [3:30]
    • The best books to check out if you want to give yourself a thorough overview of mid-century design and the way to remodel a ranch [5:08]
    • Plus a bonus ... if you're going to remodel ... ANYTHING ... you need to read Sarah Susanka's Not So Big Remodel. [7:24]
    • Two really excellent MCM history books to let you broaden your expertise in the mid-century period [8:47]
    • A pair of absolutely necessary online reference tools for anyone who wants to DIY their mid-century home update [11:20]
    • And two (out of an easy dozen off the top of my head) super places to go look for tools and supplies to buy and use on your MCM house. Let's take your Mid-Century Cool Factor up several notches [13:17]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/202

    Are You Ready to Remodel in 2020? Jan 09, 2020

    When we talk about if 2020 is going to be the year you remodel, let's start with WHY. Because my answer is that if you have good reasons for wanting to tweak your house to better suit your lifestyle ...
    ... you ARE ready.
    Take a deep breath. You've got this. Stay tuned for more help on the question of how to PRE-plan your remodel in the next few weeks!

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • The story of Joe and Jane First Time Homeowner - how they can make a really big mistake before they even start a remodel - and how you can be so much smarter! [1:30]
    • What we can learn from Derek Zoolander [3:00]
    • Four ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE REASONS to plan a remodel based on common wisdom from the home improvement industry. Here's a hint: if you are renovating your house as an investment in its resale value, you're doing homeownership wrong. [4:30]
    • How to flip that advice on its head and choose to remodel for the right reasons - because the spirit moves you, because you want to make your house a home and take care of it, because you want your house to better suit your lifestyle, and because you want to add to its character. [6:30]
    • The shortest possible answer to the question of whether you are ready to remodel in 2020 ... its probably "yes." [11:15]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/201
    Learn about the Mid-Century Solutions Package at midmod-midwest.com/solutions

    How to Plan a Mid-Century Renovation Dec 26, 2019

    It is so easy to get overwhelmed at the start of a big, planned renovation, especially if you're a first time home buyer. Adding the stress of a home renovation can be a lot. You CAN do this, though. Sit down and plan a mid-century renovation that SUITS you. Your masterplan will clarify what you want, and steer the path to your ideal future home.

    Today's episode is devoted to walking you through the crucial elements you need to address when you plan a mid-century renovation. Do this ... and set yourself up for success.

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • Why it is even more than usually essential to plan a mid-century renovation (hint: avoid making [3:02]
    • What you need for a great mid mod master plan [4:42]
    • Know your home [5:46]
    • Develop a vision for the direction of your reno [8:33]
    • Prioritize - before someone else does it for you [9:22]
    • Gather ideas and inspiration from the world around you ... and the internet. Document and annotate like CRAZY [11:59]
    • Start pulling together the design in rough floor plans and sketches [12:34]
    • Boil it all down to a mantra you can repeat to keep yourself on track through the whole process. You'll need it! [13:12]
    • Do you need help with more than an outline for your plan ... I'm here for you? Reach out with your design questions and lets see if you need a Mid-Century Master Plan from Mid Mod Midwest! At a reduced price through the end of 2019 [14:28]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/107
    Learn about the Mid-Century Solutions Package at midmod-midwest.com/solutions


    Establish the Remodeling Level that suits you Dec 19, 2019

    Do you know your own ideal remodeling level? It’s important to figure out how involved of a renovation you really want to take on long before you start! Consider your home’s condition, your lifestyle needs, your budget, and your willingness to deal with chaos.

    Are you looking for a few bite-sized updates, a list of semi-involved DIY overhauls, or a gut remodel that changes the layout, reconfigures spaces and generally involves months of work by a general contractor and you evacuating the area for the duration?

    As always, there’s a spectrum, and you’re on at somewhere.

    Your preferred remodeling level is something you want to be aware of from a very early stage in your design thinking. Once you know how deep down the remodeling rabbit hole you plan to tunnel, you can start to tailor the kind of inspiration you’re looking for in the world and on the internet, the list of professionals you want to engage with, and the budget you’re keeping.

    So let’s figure out where you fit!


    IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR …

    • Not all MCM updates work the same way. It depends on you and on your house. Being aware – right from the start – of how in depth you want to go with your mid-century house remodel will help you calibrate your whole design and remodel process! [1:09]
    • Get access to a special offer – the newly improved Mid-Century Solutions design package available at the old price. Only until the end of 2019 [2:57]
    • Level One remodels – what they are, why you might want to choose one and how to make this a strategic first step to later work! [4:07]
    • Sometimes that’s all you need to make a vintage MCM house into your modern home. Or sometimes you want to take on some Level One work while you plan and prepare for more dramatic changes in the future. In that case your remodeling level might be either a Level Two or a Level Three update. [7:42]
    • Get inspired by this great renovation documented by the instagram account @a_renovation_story! [12:10]

    Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/106

    Use this Simple Remodeling Framework to Plan an Ideal MCM update Dec 12, 2019

    Want to make sure you've thought of everything when you design a ranch remodel? This easy three part remodeling framework will make sure you are covering all the bases in your MCM home update!

    People remodel for many reasons. Some homes need pressing maintenance, others just aren't working right for their owners and still others might need an aesthetic overhaul.

    Whatever YOUR reason, it is easy to fixate on that initial impulse. Don't let that be the driver of the whole remodel project.

    If you're going to invest your time, money and enthusiasm into a remodel, you might as well get as much out of it as possible. This simple framework will help you make sure you've covered all your bases before you get started!

    IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR …

    • How the ideas of Roman architect Vitruvius still guide designers in our analysis of good buildings. The Vitruvian triad of firmitas, utilitas and venustas reminds us to consider buildings qualities of structure, usefulness and beauty. [2:59]
    • Learn how this three part framework - structure, layout, and aesthetic - helps you plan your own perfect remodel [5:09]
    • A side step into more theory with a great book recommendation: ABC of Architecture by John O'Gorman. Seriously its a favorite and its only 107 pages long! [6:01]
    • STRUCTURE: make sure you're planning for nuts and bolts of your remodel, not just the shiny finish! [7:15]
    • USEFULNESS: a remodel should be about more than instagram pictures - take the opportunity to design a house that improves your life [8:20]
    • Check out three handy visualization exercises to help you make sure your remodel goes below the surface of things! [9:34]
    • BEAUTY: and a remodeled home should also be stunning. Quick tips on how to search out and catalog the best design inspo for your remodel [12:38]

    Get detailed show notes (with pics and links) at midmod-midwest.com/105

    Features of a Midwestern Ranch You Should Recognize Dec 05, 2019

    Understanding what's unusual about some of those original features - and also the history and the reasoning behind how they were built - will help you identify what's rare, cool, quirky, or valuable about your home. And in other cases, it will help you know when something about your home isn't that important to its overall character and you can modify it with a clean conscience.

    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • The basic form of a ranch: garage, living space, and sleeping area all tucked under one continuous roofline. Plus, why the original MCM builders chose gable roofs over hip roofs and vice versa. [3:40]
    • How to check your own neighborhood for interesting additions using google maps [4:45]
    • Common cladding types: wood siding, brick and stone (spoiler alert: its mostly wood around here). [6:29]
    • Window shapes [7:12]
    • Mid-century front doors and what to do if yours has been replaced [9:05]
    • Materials that tie in from outside to inside the house ... and why [10:37]
    • WOOD ... structure, trim, flooring, panel and built ins [11:25]
    • Built ins and privacy panels [12:55]
    • Picking MCM appropriate paint colors [13:23]
    • Why you might like to use my DIY Home Assessment Workbook to get to know the great features of your own MCM home and record all of it's key data points in one place. Become the expert in your own house! [14:53]

    Find full show notes and links to resources mentioned at midmod-midwest.com/104

    Know This before Updating an MCM Home Nov 28, 2019

    We aren't the same people our parents and grandparents were, so we need to tweak their homes a bit to make them facilitate a modern lifestyle.
    In today's episode you'll hear ...

    • What some of my Mid Mod Instagram community has done to upgrade their mid mod homes. [02:31]
    • Some people are more interested in preserving their mid-century homes and others want to update them. Learn more about where you fall on the preservation - update spectrum by taking the Mid-Century Style Quiz to find your personal style! [04:50]
    • Kitchens! [06:21]
    • Garages and mudrooms [10:00]
    • Bathrooms [12:01]
    • The secret weapon of a midwestern MCM home ... the unfinished basement. [13:44]
    • Common hazards of older homes: Asbestos, Lead and older wiring [16:08]
    • General building technology has also improved. Consider upgrading your windows and improving your insulation any time you are doing other work on an MCM home [17:39]

    Find full show notes and links to resources mentioned at midmod-midwest.com/003

    The History of Mid-Century Ranches in Middle America Nov 21, 2019

    This week, lets get into the history of mid-century ranches in the midwest. After all, it helps to know where we’re coming from before we plan where to go next.
    The main message here is that history happens in a context. The materials, style, choices, and culture that add up to a mid-century ranch all come from somewhere.

    We'll cover:

    • Why MCM history matters to a Mid Mod Remodeler
    • Where the term "Mid-Century Modern" comes from
    • How International Modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright set up the style
    • The basics of the Post War Building Boom
    • The dark side of MCM history (it's racism)
    • The culture war of modernist vs traditional designs in the Mid-Century mind
    • Cliff May and the California ranch
    • The basics of any early Mid Mod home
    • How to learn the history of your home and region

    Knowing the history, helps us recognize what’s still important about our homes (and what might not be). Knowing what’s important to you will help you streamline decisions about remodeling your house.

    Find full show notes and links to resources mentioned at midmod-midwest.com/002.

    Why you should remodel a Mid-Century Ranch Nov 14, 2019

    Remodeling a ranch or other mid century home can be so rewarding but it IS a bit of a challenge.
    Today, I introduce Mid Mod Remodel - the podcast. We'll uncover why MCM remodels can be an up hill slog and end with a pep talk about why I find your mid-century ranch to be so darn lovable!

    Key takeaways

    • Mid Mod remodeling is EVEN HARDER than regular old remodeling. But don't let that stop you. You're a champ for taking it on and I've got your back.
    • The home remodeling industry, in general, is marching to a different drummer than we Mid Mod aficionados are (and than most homeowners, really) but with planning and preparation we CAN get achieve a dream remodel.
    • Ranches, and other MCM homes, are the best! Ranches are the right size and so livable. They're often located in walkable near-center locations. They are well-built and easy to add onto. Plus, even the most modest ranch has some MCM charm we can build on. Let's get started!

    Find detailed show notes at midmod-midwest.com/001

    Introducing Mid Mod Remodel Nov 08, 2019

    Mid Mod Remodel, the podcast to help you match a mid-century home from your modern life starts November 14. Join architect Della Hansmann, weekly. Don't forget to subscribe!

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