Shows
Mid Mod RemodelBest Of Mid Mod Remodel: Can I start planning BEFORE I have a home remodel budget saved up?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....
2024-10-3121 minMid Mod RemodelHouse Number Basics with Modern House NumbersToday, 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/1804Like and subscribe at Apple | Sp...
2024-08-0129 minMid Mod RemodelAn Architect Chat - Dream with DellaWhen 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...
2024-06-2738 minMid Mod RemodelAny tips for mixing mid mod materials?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.midmo...
2024-05-2340 minMid Mod RemodelCan I mix Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style into my ranch? (Part 1)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 not...
2024-05-0236 minMid Mod RemodelBest Of Mid Mod Remodel - Episode 1009: Use the Holidays to Focus Your Remodel Plans.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 ho...
2023-11-2323 minMid Mod RemodelA Very Mid-Century Holiday Chat with Make It Mid-CenturyIn 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 se...
2023-11-1644 minMid Mod RemodelTalking MCM Beds and Baths with Della and SarahDo 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 mo...
2023-07-2741 minMid Mod RemodelWhy the perfect first project is a small bath remodelIf 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 ma...
2023-06-2919 minMid Mod RemodelBecome Your Home’s Historian - Interview with Atom StevensEvery 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...
2023-01-2632 minMid Mod RemodelCliff May Homes - Interview with Atom StevensDella 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...
2023-01-1935 minMid Mod RemodelUse the Holidays to Focus Your Remodel Plans. Yes, really!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.
2022-12-0817 minMid Mod RemodelSupport Mid-Century Small Business this holiday season ... and all year longBuying 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 Sma...
2022-11-2419 minMid Mod RemodelCan I plan BEFORE I've got my home remodel budget saved?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.Start...
2022-08-2912 minMid Mod RemodelSet your Remodeling Goals, the Right Way!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...
2022-03-1417 minMid Mod RemodelSkip Remodel Overwhelm … Like this!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 homeo...
2022-03-1014 minMid Mod RemodelMake a Plan so you can Remodel Right NowDon’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 s...
2022-03-0314 minMid Mod RemodelEssential Remodel Planning SpreadsheetsOnce 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 wan...
2022-02-2421 minMid Mod RemodelThe perfect Mid-Century Kitchen Update … for YOUHere’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...
2022-02-1720 minMid Mod RemodelHave fun doing your MCM researchUndertaking 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 To...
2022-02-1016 minMid Mod RemodelHow to Choose the Right Mid-Century Tile for your remodelHere'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 simplif...
2022-02-0316 minMid Mod RemodelDec 25: What Shall we Talk about NextEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-2501 minMid Mod RemodelDec 24: Your Home Update Progress in 2021 … and 2022Everyone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-2403 minMid Mod RemodelDec 23: What part of your house most needs and update …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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to d...
2021-12-2304 minMid Mod RemodelDec 22: The Hardest Thing about a Remodel … Made EasierGrab 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor!
2021-12-2205 minMid Mod RemodelDec 21: Learn your Home’s History for Fun and ProfitEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-2106 minMid Mod RemodelDec 20: How to See Beyond what you Have and Imagine your Dream HomeEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-2005 minMid Mod RemodelDec 19: What you Can Do During a Remodel for a More Sustainable HomeEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1906 minMid Mod RemodelDec 18: Your Home is Already Green and Here's WhyEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1807 minMid Mod RemodelDec 17: Ten Tips to Save Big Money when you RemodelEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1706 minMid Mod RemodelDec 16th: Communicating Well with your DesignerEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1606 minMid Mod RemodelDec 15th: Where to Add Parking and Car Space around an MCM homeEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1504 minMid Mod RemodelDec 14th: Give the Gift of Design this YearIs 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 ent...
2021-12-1403 minMid Mod RemodelDec 13: How to spice your love for Modernism with a little Mid-CenturyEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1305 minMid Mod RemodelDec 12: When you love Mid-century style but know it needs a few tweaks to fit your modern lifeEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1205 minMid Mod RemodelDec 11: What Not to Do - Fake ShuttersEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1104 minMid Mod RemodelDec 10: Shout out to my Vintage Mid-Century Purists!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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-1005 minMid Mod RemodelDec 9: What does MCM mean to you?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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0906 minMid Mod RemodelDec 8: Q&A How to Replace things in your MCM HomeEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0805 minMid Mod RemodelDec 7: When to SPEND in your RemodelEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0706 minMid Mod RemodelDay 6: Make Design Choices Easier (with the Rule of Three)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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0603 minMid Mod RemodelDay 5: What you NEED to know if you plan a Contractor Led RemodelEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0506 minMid Mod RemodelDay 4: My (Secret) Favorite Kind of RemodelEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0406 minMid Mod RemodelDay 3: Let your Home Improvement be EasyEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0305 minMid Mod RemodelDay 2: I Already Love your MCM HomeEveryone 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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0206 minMid Mod Remodel25 Days of Design: An Audio Advent Calendar of MCM Design Advice!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 usTo me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! While you’re thinking about how to bri...
2021-12-0106 minMid Mod RemodelWho needs a Master Plan ... I bet YOU do!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 ho...
2021-10-1416 minMid Mod RemodelHow a Master Plan Saves Remodeling Time and MoneyNothing 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 dec...
2021-10-0716 minMid Mod RemodelWhere to find Great MCM Remodeling IdeasWhen 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...
2021-09-3016 minMid Mod RemodelTurn Scrolling MCM Instagram into a Remodeling Action PlanI 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 ma...
2021-09-2320 minMid Mod RemodelDesign your Remodel BEFORE you set the BudgetThe 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 f...
2021-09-1613 minMid Mod RemodelSmash the Patriarchy: Take the Lead on Your Remodel Like a WomanWhile 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...
2021-09-0920 minMid Mod RemodelIt's your House - Now make it your HomeWhat 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 cutte...
2021-09-0220 minMid Mod RemodelYour Remodel needs a Master Plan not a Floor PlanA 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 t...
2021-08-2616 minMid Mod RemodelQuick Kitchen Update Ideas to try Right NowDon'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...
2021-06-2417 minMid Mod RemodelSpot Your REAL Kitchen Problems … then use Design to Solve Them in a Mid-sized RemodelIs 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 remode...
2021-06-1718 minMid Mod RemodelYes! Your Kitchen Remodel DOES Need a Master PlanA 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 in...
2021-06-1020 minMid Mod RemodelHow to Choose Mid-century Materials for your Kitchen RemodelWill 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 ne...
2021-06-0315 minMid Mod RemodelKitchen Building Code Issues You Should Know About before you RemodelLet’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 pock...
2021-05-2716 minMid Mod RemodelSolving Mid-century Kitchen Layout ProblemsToday 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...
2021-05-2019 minMid Mod RemodelThe History of the Mid-Century Kitchen with Sarah ArcherToday’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 hig...
2021-05-1330 minMid Mod RemodelGet What You Really Want out of your Kitchen UpdateThere'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...
2021-05-0618 min
USModernist Radio - Architecture You Love#166/Architecture Podcast Hosts Della Hansmann + Catherine MengIn our ongoing quest to seek out and visit other architecture podcasts, we've had wonderful conversations with hosts Frances Anderton, Donna Sink, Steve Chung, Josh Cooperman, David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, Bob Borson, and Debbie Millman. And hey, Roman Mars, you're next - so how about getting 99% visible with us? Today on the show, two talented architect podcasters from different ends of the country: Della Hansmann of the Mid Mod Remodel Podcast in Wisconsin and Catherine Meng of the Design Voice Podcast in California. Later on, a few minutes with Frank Harmon, reading from his book Native Places.
2020-10-1939 minMid Mod RemodelThe Style Guide you Need to Keep your Remodel on TrackI’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 d...
2020-10-1519 minMid Mod RemodelLandscaping for Your Mid-Century HomeToday, 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 a...
2020-10-0824 minMid Mod RemodelAdd Accessibility when you Remodel your RanchMid-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 gr...
2020-10-0114 minMid Mod RemodelMake Sure your Mid-Century Remodel is GreenDo 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 e...
2020-09-2418 minMid Mod RemodelRemodel your MCM Time Capsule or Flip (with Love)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 flipI’ll discuss these as opposites, the extremes question today to give you a sense of the most intense cases. Howe...
2020-09-1716 minMid Mod RemodelFind (and Buy) your Mid Mod Fixer UpperSome 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 m...
2020-09-1019 minMid Mod RemodelUsing the Zillow Phase of your House Hunt to Plan for your Dream HomeFinding 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 choosi...
2020-09-0321 minMid Mod RemodelFind Madison Mid-Century Neighborhoods To ExploreIf 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/314In Today's Episode you'll Hear ...All about why I love MCM houses but DESPISE u...
2020-07-0918 minMid Mod RemodelInterview with George Smart of US Modernist RadioToday, 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...
2020-07-0224 minMid Mod RemodelPlan a Doable DIYable RemodelYou’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 yo...
2020-06-2519 minMid Mod RemodelYour Roadmap Through a Mid Mod RemodelI 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!
2020-06-1816 minMid Mod RemodelCollier Heights: Vintage MCM by and for Black Americans 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 lem...
2020-06-1113 minMid Mod RemodelHousing Discrimination and Racism in AmericaIf 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 usin...
2020-06-0416 minMid Mod RemodelDesign Tips to Help you Fight Clutter!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 he...
2020-05-2820 minMid Mod RemodelLove yourself? Love your house!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 pow...
2020-05-2119 minMid Mod RemodelBasement Transformation for any BudgetNeed 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...
2020-05-1423 minMid Mod RemodelHelp your House Multitask with Nooks and AlcovesSo ... 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 des...
2020-05-0718 minMid Mod RemodelPlanning a Successful Remodel for (and with) KidsToday, 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 stu...
2020-04-3021 minMid Mod RemodelCreative Kid Spaces and Activities for the Stay Home EraOne 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 wit...
2020-04-2317 minMid Mod RemodelSpace to be Together and Apart in your HomeThis 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 k...
2020-04-1619 minMid Mod RemodelRemodeling Dreams and DIY while you #stayhomeWhether 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...
2020-04-0915 minMid Mod RemodelTale of Two Remodelers: Who will you be?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 proc...
2020-02-2707 minMid Mod RemodelUse Pinterest (the right way) to plan your MCM remodelWait. 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...
2020-02-2016 minMid Mod RemodelWhy Decluttering should be Step ZERO of your Remodeling PlanSomeone 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...
2020-02-1313 minMid Mod RemodelThe Bullet Journal Method for keeping your Remodel On Track!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 ea...
2020-02-0617 minMid Mod RemodelMy Mission: Save the World by reviving MCM RanchesLoving 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 B...
2020-01-3017 minMid Mod RemodelThe Mid-century Room Upgrade Recipe you can use AnywhereRemodeling 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 r...
2020-01-2311 minMid Mod Remodel11 Essential Mid-Century Resources to Get You Started!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 r...
2020-01-1618 minMid Mod RemodelAre You Ready to Remodel in 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 befo...
2020-01-0913 minMid Mod RemodelHow to Plan a Mid-Century RenovationIt 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....
2019-12-2617 minMid Mod RemodelEstablish the Remodeling Level that suits youDo 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...
2019-12-1916 minMid Mod RemodelUse this Simple Remodeling Framework to Plan an Ideal MCM updateWant 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...
2019-12-1215 minMid Mod RemodelFeatures of a Midwestern Ranch You Should RecognizeUnderstanding 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 b...
2019-12-0517 minMid Mod RemodelKnow This before Updating an MCM HomeWe 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 mid...
2019-11-2820 minMid Mod RemodelThe History of Mid-Century Ranches in Middle AmericaThis 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 RemodelerWhere the term "Mid-Century Modern" comes fromHow International Modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright set up the styleThe basics of the Post War Building Bo...
2019-11-2128 minMid Mod RemodelWhy you should remodel a Mid-Century RanchRemodeling 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 takeawaysMid 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...
2019-11-1414 minMid Mod RemodelIntroducing Mid Mod RemodelMid 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!Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
2019-11-0801 min