Mid Mod Remodel

Any Pinterest or web search on “mid-century kitchen” is going to yield a plethora of open plan kitchens featuring a central island. But as we learned a couple of weeks ago from friend of the pod (and mid-century houses everywhere), Atom Stevens, a mid-century kitchen is a room with four walls.So where did this “open mid-century kitchen” myth come from?I’m wrapping up our kitchen season with a deep dive into one of my all-time favorite open kitchen plans - it’s also very likely THE OG island kitchen - The Stahl House (Case Study House 22), designed by California architect Pierre Koenig.In today’s episode you’ll hear:Why this open kitchen is actually defined by constraints. Which elements make this dramatic kitchen eminently useable.  How to adapt Koenig’s creative design moves to work in even the most modest mid-century ranch.  Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2407 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Do you ever find yourself wishing that someone would just tell you the right choice for every finish in your remodel? Between the tile, the fixtures, and the endless cabinet options, the sheer volume of decisions is EXHAUSTING.I tell my clients that there isn't one "right" answer. I tell my students that there isn’t one “right answer. Because your perfect mid-century update depends on your taste, your house, and your budget. But honestly? I have opinions. Today, I’m putting aside the "it depends" caveats and giving you my unvarnished hot takes on the correct choices for a mid-century kitchen update.In today’s episode you’ll hear:Why slab doors are the only way to go for kitchen cabinets.Which metal finish that will save you a lifetime of matching headaches.All about a "cat-magnet" flooring solution that is as durable as it is adorable.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2406 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Does your garbage disposal give you a thrill? Maybe you take it for granted. But you know who did not? The folks writing ad copy to sell our grandparents their new build mid-century homes. That's just one weird, wonderful detail that came up in my kitchen conversation with Atom Stevens. Atom is a Mid Mod Remodel regular and real estate agent who specializes in mid-century and modern homes in the Denver area. Atom works with lots of time capsule loving clients. I've talked a lot about the time capsule kitchen, the original mid-century kitchen on the podcast, but I think Atom has a particularly interesting perspective on this as a lover of historical specificity and someone who works with a lot of clients who share that love. So, the big question is does that love always extend to an original kitchen?In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why even folks who love original mid-century homes often want an updated kitchen. What defined the Cliff May Kitchen - hint, it’s walls. When open plan kitchens became the rule, rather than the exception. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2405 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

What’s a mid mod remodeler with a small kitchen to do? If you’re living in a home built in the early part of the era—or even a more "generous" late-60s ranch—you’ve likely realized that mid-century kitchens were designed for a different way of living. But you don't always have to knock down walls or build a massive addition to find relief.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:How to organize a small kitchen.When to go low…and high.Where to find extra space when adding on is a no-go. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2404 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Join me on a journey through kitchen trend trends over the last 30 years, from the classic maximalist Nancy Meyers kitchen of yesteryear to the sleek, modern minimalism of today’s invisible kitchen. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Which kitchen trends we’re seeing right now.  What pop culture kitchen are saying about culture. How (or if) trends might fit into your mid-century kitchen. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2403 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Kitchen design is a hands-on endeavor. That's why my friend mid-century Kitchen Designer Aletha VanderMaas takes every one of her clients on a field trip as part of her design process. And while my virtual process doesn't allow for IRL shopping trips, I encourage every client to collect physical samples and "meet" their finishes before choosing them. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you need to experience your finishes as part of the design process. Which elements will ensure your kitchen feels “mid-century”.When, according to Aletha, bigger might be better in a kitchen. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2402 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Do you need a better kitchen work triangle? Maybe…or maybe it's completely wrong for you and already the cause of your problems.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:How the kitchen work triangle became a thing. Why it could be the source of your kitchen flow woes. When a traditional kitchen work triangle might just solve your problems. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2401 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Spring is officially here, so you should be getting outside and right down to it with some yard tune ups! Or, no, maybe you should not? Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio is going to walk us through what should happen when for a Midwestern landscape. And this news, as always, is what I can personally use.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you should let nature guide your spring gardening activities. What to get an early start on (hint: it MIGHT be planning). When to give up on a struggling plant.  Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2313 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

If you adore the yards that get featured on the cover of atomic Ranch, but you don't live in Palm Springs, are you just out of luck? No, you can still have striking plant structures and beautifully composed outdoor spaces. Listen to my most recent conversation with Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio for some great strategies. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why Jim doesn’t generally recommend Palm Springs landscapes in the Midwest. How to translate what you love from Atomic Ranch to your (not in California) yard. Which plants do as well in Wisconsin as they do in the desert. (Yes, there are some!)Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2312. Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

If you are not already a huge fan of the Instagram account, Homes with Max, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you that you've been doing your algorithm wrong. Let's fix it. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Which house(s) Max loves most.Why wall to wall carpet is going to make a comeback.How to find and tour great time capsule homes. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2311 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Planning the right update for a mid-century bathroom is about space planning and the right product picks, sure. But it's also about your lifestyle, your morning routine and your five-year plan. So let's talk through some of the most pressing issues you can nail down to create a good mid-century bath update for you and for your house and for your style. 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/2310 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

As a designer, it's so hard to pick a favorite project, but one I'm talking about today has certainly got to be at the top of my list. I recently covered this house on the YouTube channel, because it's a perfect case study of getting the 90s out of a perfectly nice mid-century home.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why a master plan was the right choice for Michelle.  How a house can be both in great shape…and in need of an update. Where we were able to integrate Michelle’s original vision with complementary design ideas. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2309 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Are you familiar with Kerf Design kitchens or bathrooms or wall mounted shelving units? If you've ever been on mid-century Pinterest, the odds are that you are. And if not, close your eyes and imagine the world's most elegant and simple, yet playful modern plywood box built-ins.To quote Kerf’s website, “Good joints should be admired. Construction should be simple and honest. We tinker, we improve, and we consider every detail. We love plywood.”  Well, I do too. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:What a “kerf” is exactly. How Nathan got his start. When is the best time to start on design (hint…it’s early!)Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2308 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

A bit about me. I love answering questions and I truly don’t mind answering the same questions a bunch of times. BUT I’d much rather talk about your mid-century house. And your life. And your hopes for your remodel. I hate going into a conversation about a significant purchase without enough information to feel prepared. And I suspect many of you are like, “Yes. Same.”  This one is for you.  In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why it’s never too early to start designing. How much your Mid-Century Master Plan will cost. (Yes, we can tell you that up front.)When we’ll need you to move the process forward - and how much time that will take. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2307 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

So much of the advice out there about home improvements is focused on the bottom line, treating your home as a commodity.  And sure, remodeling always has a cost. There are financial factors involved. But I firmly believe that return on investment and resale value are the absolute last things you should be thinking about when you plan a change to your home. Hear me out. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:- Why you should remove the tub…if you want to!- How to treat your house like a home instead of a commodity. - Which investments really matter when you remodel.  Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2306 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

How a master plan can help you plan your remodel depends on your house. And how you want to live in it. But there are some common benefits that I see over and over. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why doing the most won’t always get you the best outcome. When to dream big in order to right size your choices. How the process of design can get everyone on the same page. For BuzzsproutGet the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2305 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

You may be already using AI to get input on many areas of your life. And you may feel like the convenience outweigh its many negatives. Maybe. But here on this podcast where we talk about making right choices for your home, let me assure you, you will not get good advice or even peace of mind about your options by asking AI.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why I’m so irked with AI.How AI will lead you astray on your remodeling journey. Where to find better answers for your home and your life. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2304 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

The neo-mansard roof is as polarizing as an architectural feature can be. Mansard roofs belong along a street in Paris or maybe on an 80’s vintage Burger King, right? Yet, a slew of mid-century architects seemed to independently decide to give them a try in residential design during our favorite decades. Why, though? Why?Today, I'm talking that over with our favorite mid mod house historian, Atom Stevens. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:What exactly IS a neo-mansard roof? Who made the mansard roof a thing?Why was there a neo-mansard moment in the mid-century? Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2303 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

The University Hill Farms neighborhood is one of my favorite parts of my home town and in today’s episode I’ll be your tour guide! It's on the national historic register and boasts a concentration of great mid-century including one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. And, while I love the homes, there are a whole bunch of elements that make the neighborhood great. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why mid-century neighborhoods are sometimes less great than the houses located there. How University Hill Farms has stayed great over time. Which elements make University Hill Farms, and neighborhoods like it, great.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2302 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Do you think of your mid-century home as historic? Maybe you don't. After all, MCM stands for mid-century MODERN. But these houses are all 50 to 75 years old at this point. That's getting up there! Because of that, I am bringing you a conversation with my favorite expert on caring for historic homes, Scott Sidler, the historic window whisperer. In his opinion, mid-century homes and our original windows may or may not be obviously historic.And we are really on the same page about the intended permanence of mid-century houses and everything built before. They were meant to be repaired and maintained for long periods of time. As far as Scott and I are concerned, this is where historic and mid-century are perfectly aligned. I wasn't halfway through this conversation before I started to wonder to myself, did we just become best friends?In Today's Episode You'll Hear:How Scott went from Disney performer to historic window wizard. Why your windows might be experimental rather than historic. Where to find the right methods and materials to keep your original windows in service for years to come. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2301 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

What makes mid-century furniture so great? And which pieces might you want to hunt down for your house? Whether you are looking for high quality comfort or something to your mid-century cool factor, your dream mid-century furniture piece is out there…no matter your budget. In Today's Episode You'll Learn:All about some classic MCM pieces. Where to find originals and licenced reproductions. How to get the right vibe with modern designs. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2223 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Arranging furniture in a mid-century home is about more than just fitting pieces into a room. It’s about creating flow, function, and style.In today's episode you'll learn:Where furniture might solve your layout challenges. How to use furniture to create inviting spaces.Why (furniture) size matters in your mid-century home. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2222 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Let's talk mid-century light fixtures. Here’s my best advice on choosing great mid-century light fixtures, identifying classic mid-century lighting designs, and sourcing fixtures from estate sales, vintage shops, and modern reproduction stores.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why lighting is a key element of your style guide. How to choose the right fixtures for your home and style. Where to source vintage and new “old” light fixtures. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2221.  Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Lighting in a mid-century home was part of personalizing the house. Choosing your lights went along with choosing your furniture or art. Which means there are often few wired in lights in homes built in that era. So, what’s a modern mid-century homeowner to do about lighting?In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you don’t need all those can lights.Which lighting you need in a given area.Where to start applying lighting theory in you mid-century home. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2220 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

I have to admit being a reluctant provider of gift guides. The “check your inbox”, “must have gift lists” and “buying guides” kind of give me the ick. Especially since we've just been hounded by all of this Black Friday Energy, all of this “buy right now energy”. Today I'm going to take a slightly different approach to the nature of a gift guide, and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say, that you already know you can gift someone more than an object. But sometimes the “what” of it all is the challenge. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:When a movie night might be the perfect mid-century gift. How to ensure you get your picky mid mod connoisseur the perfect vintage find. Where to find great mid mod inspired stuff for when gifting stuff is the right move.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2219.  Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Thanksgiving is here! And while the holidays bring their fair share of chaos, they’re also the perfect opportunity to rethink how your home works for you. From design tips to thoughtful additions, here’s how to turn the hustle and bustle of the holidays into a launchpad for your dream mid-century home.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2218 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

I love a good Q&A session! During the masterclass and design clinics I make (and honor!) a promise to answer every attendee question. This last session lasted AS LONG AS THE CLASS. And everyone stayed up to the end.  It was a great Q & A. So, I'm going to share it with you!This episode is packed with answers to some of the most frequent questions I get, including:Which tile patterns are appropriate in MCM kitchens? Which types of flooring work for mid-century homes? Where to source wood paneling? Catch the most recent masterclass right here! Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Let's get the scary part out of the way first. Your mid-century house, the one you love for its charm and quirks, does not comply with the modern building code. Now, no one is going to knock on your door tomorrow demanding you rewire every outlet in the house. Your home is currently grandfathered into every code statute written and approved after the day it was built. This status is a free pass for your house to just exist ... until you decide it's time to actually start remodeling.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why your home's grandfathered status ends the moment you start remodeling.What the building code is really for (hint: the answer is not “making your life difficult”).How code compliance requirements create design opportunities.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2216 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Where are all my history nerds? Raise your hands. This week is for you. I’m talking historic maps, digitized collections and crowd-sourced cartography projects. I KNOW! Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are large-scale maps created to help fire insurance agents determine the risk associated with properties. They contain a surprising amount of detail about a building's size, shape, construction materials, and fire protection systems that might just help you plan a great remodel. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:What old insurance maps can tell you about your home and neighborhood. How old maps might save your garage.Other surprising places to look to learn about your home’s history. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2215 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

In honor of spooky season, let's talk nightmare mid-century remodel scenarios. Can you picture it? You can file this under schadenfreude if none of it applies to your house. Or it can serve as a what not to do guide to help you avoid mistakes. If you're already living one of the nightmare mid-century remodel scenarios I'm about to describe, then let's focus on the fact that you're far from alone. And I really believe that a good, solid master plan can bring any mid-century house back from the brink of horror.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why a nightmare remodel scenario is absolutely coming for you. How to outsmart terrifying trends. Where you can find mid-century safe zones. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2214 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Today, some more excellent advice on planning the landscape the yard of your mid-century home from Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio. I bet you're wondering why mid-October is a good time to talk more about landscaping. Aren't Jim and I in the Midwest? Isn't this the time of year when there's less to do and less beautiful growth happening outside? Well that's exactly today's subject. We are talking about how to winterize your mid-century yard, both what you can and should do outside in these weekends and late fall, and how to plan a yard that's lovely in all seasons, including the winter.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why a critter friendly yard is also a winter friendly yard.  How worried you should be about drunk robins. Where to invest in the spring for an interesting garden year round. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2213 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

So many of our sweet ranches were sadly re-wrapped in narrow strip beige vinyl during the 80s and 90s, when appreciation for MCM was at a low ebb, covering up their original colors and patterns. If you've been dealing with that kind of generic cover-up, or if your siding is simply damaged or in poor repair, you might be considering a replacement. Before you call a contractor or pick a sample, let’s talk about what mid-century siding is and how to make good choices for your home.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why vinyl siding is always a bad idea. Who to talk to before you decide to replace original wood siding.  How to pick a replacement siding with the most mid mod flavor.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2212  Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

We all know the story. You find an MCM ranch in your desired neighborhood, only to click further into the listing to discover a flipper has been there first. They’ve ripped out the character and replaced it with trendy, generic finishes. But what if I told you that it’s not impossible to reverse the damage done in a flip? I was thrilled to chat with Dana Jenkins and Colin Davis of the Instagram account @un.flipping (who may have coined the phrase!) and have blown up online sharing their five-year journey to add the soul back into their thoroughly flipped mid-century home.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:How to see past a flip to what might be your dream home. Why taking your time unflipping makes sense.Where you can add charm back on a budget before tackling bigger projects.  Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

You’re thinking about a remodel. You have a budget in mind, a Pinterest board full of perfect tile, and a list of things in your house that just aren’t working. But stop right there. Before you hire a contractor or pick out a single fixture, I need you to answer the single most important question you will ask in this entire process.Why does your house need a remodel? I mean, does it? Seriously?In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why your why is the most important element of your remodel. How to get from your surface level reasons to a deeper understanding of your why. Where to invest based on your why…and not where the remodeling industrial complex tells you to. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2210 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

If you listen to the Mid Mod Remodel Podcast regularly, you hear lots about the tips and tools I recommend to help you plan and lead your perfect MCM remodel. And once or twice a year I boil down the most helpful of those tips and tools into a free masterclass that I offer live.  In the past that session was only available to the folks who signed up and attended the live event, but now you can listen on the go! In Today's Episode You'll Learn:The three biggest mistakes other homeowners are making on their remodels (that ALWAYS result in a remodel that costs more, takes longer and … doesn’t do end up how they want)My five step process for planning a remodel YOU CAN LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE: one that will turn the house you have into a home you’ll loveHow to cut the chaos of remodeling in HALF with one simple maneuver (seriously, everyone should do this!)Learn more about my master plan process and Ready to Remodel right here! Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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. At this week's open office hours I answered questions about: How to tune your remodel to a house built and expanded over eras. Ways to upgrade a fireplace facade. When to call an engineer. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2208 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

You’ve heard of the military-industrial complex, and maybe even the wedding-industrial complex, but what about the kitchen renovation industrial complex? A truly timeless kitchen renovation isn't about creating a time capsule (unless that is your dream!). It’s about making choices that serve your family, your budget, and the unique character of your home. So, how do you stay true to your home and your life when planning a kitchen renovation? In Today's Episode You'll Hear:What I mean by the “kitchen renovation industrial complex”. How to set your priorities and a timeless style for your kitchen. Where to include trends you love. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2207 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Designing accessibility into your mid-century home is easier than you think. Mid-century houses have enormous potential to fit every stage of life. They make great first homes for  young couples and singles, were built for and are adaptable to the needs of growing families, and serve owners who choose to age in place. Let’s talk about how to design accessibility into your mid-century home to fit your life and the lives of the people you love.This week you’ll learn:The difference between accessibility and universal design.Where big accessibility wins are easiest…if you plan for them. What makes mid-century homes great for aging in place. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2206 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

I get asked about landscaping a lot and I always turn to our favorite mid-century landscaping expert, Jim Drzewiecki. Jim is an APLD, award-winning principal designer and the founder and owner of Ginkgo Leaf Studio where he and Hannah Paulson design beautiful landscapes for all kind of homes. Now, not everyone can afford to hire a landscape designer for their project. Others just love gardening and planning for their own yard. And Ginkgo Leaf Studio usually has a waiting list. So, this week Jim is back with his best tips for DIY landscape designers. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why a plan is a must.  How to let your house tell you how to design your landscape. When starting small is smart.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2205 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Temperature and moisture control in mid-century houses is one of those topics that seems less exciting and relevant until suddenly…it is. And while our mid-century houses have the potential be properly snug without being too sealed up. They also sometimes need a tune up. Plus a number of trendy, seemingly “esthetic” changes to your house - siding, soffit, or roof changes - can create problems that didn't exist before. We’ll definitely cover the moisture consequences (yes, that sounds icky) of painting brick and adding vinyl siding.This catchall episode contains a number of lessons in building technology and the broader concept of thermodynamics that have me both reaching back to my graduate school architecture education and sharing some of the most important considerations about moisture control in mid-century homes.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you should be on the lookout for evidence of moisture issues.  How to tell if you have a “warm” or “cold” roof. Who to call for testing and answers related to temperature and moisture control. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2204 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Your master plan both a process and a document. Today, we're talking about how to use that document to navigate your remodel, from getting bids from contractors to working with the city. But when it comes down to it, your master plan is for YOU. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why a master plan is so much more than a bunch of pretty drawings. How to curate sections of a master plan for different pros.  When to share your master plan. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2203 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

We love our mid-century houses for many reasons - their enduring design, clean lines and great indoor/outdoor connections. But MANY mid-century homes, both modest and high end, share one glaring omission. They lack of a proper mudroom. This design flaw often vexes my clients and students. Our families and pets come with a whole lot more "stuff" than they did in the 50s and 60s! Let’s explore how Mid Mod Midwest has solved the "garage to house” transition problem to offer options for a functional entry that truly works. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Which entry spot is always the WORST…and is super common in mid-century ranch homes.  How to tuck the storage you need into a modest footprint. When you might want more than one mini-mudroom. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2202 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Mid-century homes often have a poor connection to the garage. This is largely due to early building codes and a very real fear of fire and chemicals, which led to a deliberate separation between the living space and the garage. Breezeways, covered but open-air spaces, were one solution to provide a covered path from house to garage. Today, however, our need for convenience and a dedicated space for daily clutter has made the breezeway to mudroom conversion a hugely popular project.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why your mid-century ranch was probably not originally connected to your garage. What to consider before you decide to convert your breezeway into a mudroom.  How to determine which type of breezeway conversion could work best for you.  Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2201 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Documenting what you've designed is a key element to bringing a remodel to fruition.  I could have called the last stage of the master plan method Document.  But I didn’t.  I called it Develop.  And that’s because your vision is subject to change until the last bit of construction dust has been cleaned away.  I’m taking July off from recording the podcast this summer but that doesn’t mean YOU have to. In fact, I’m actually pretty excited about what I’ve got planned for you.  I took a dip through our deep archives  (did you know we have over 250 episodes recorded) and pulled together some throwback episodes that have great content but may be SO FAR BACK in your podcast feed that you’re unlikely ever to hit them. For these four weeks  I’ve chosen some fun episode pairings from the past that will take us on a little spin through the master plan method. So sit back and relax and get read to get inspired to do little more for your home and for yourself. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2123 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

If you don’t remember to plan a remodel that fits the mid-century era of your home … your too-trendy choices will rapidly become dated ones.  To help you plan a timeless remodel, This week I'm sharing two episodes that encapsulate some of my core beliefs and strategies around making a strong mid-century choices to update your mid-century house. I’m taking July off from recording the podcast this summer but that doesn’t mean YOU have to. In fact, I’m actually pretty excited about what I’ve got planned for you.  I took a dip through our deep archives  (did you know we have over 250 episodes recorded) and pulled together some throwback episodes that have great content but may be SO FAR BACK in your podcast feed that you’re unlikely ever to hit them. For these four weeks  I’ve chosen some fun episode pairings from the past that will take us on a little spin through the master plan method. So sit back and relax and get read to get inspired to do little more for your home and for yourself.  Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

I want you to become an expert in your home before your remodel.  Note, I did not say that you need to become an expert in remodeling … just in your house.  Taking a few of your own measurements, skimming an inspection report, or digging into some MCM history by chatting with elderly neighbors will set you up for clever design ideas for your remodel. These activities will also make YOU feel like the expert in your house so you can confidently lead your remodel!I’m taking July off from recording the podcast this summer but that doesn’t mean YOU have to. In fact, I’m actually pretty excited about what I’ve got planned for you.  I took a dip through our deep archives  (did you know we have over 250 episodes recorded) and pulled together some throwback episodes that have great content but may be SO FAR BACK in your podcast feed that you’re unlikely ever to hit them. For these four weeks  I’ve chosen some fun episode pairings from the past that will take us on a little spin through the master plan method. So sit back and relax and get read to get inspired to do little more for your home and for yourself. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2121 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Let’s talk about starting your remodel plan from the right place - your own life.  Your choices. Your priorities. If you start your remodel planning anywhere other than HERE it will take longer, feel more chaotic, be more stressful and likely end up more expensive.  I’m taking July off from recording the podcast this summer but that doesn’t mean YOU have to. In fact, I’m actually pretty excited about what I’ve got planned for you.  I took a dip through our deep archives  (did you know we have over 250 episodes recorded) and pulled together some throwback episodes that have great content but may be SO FAR BACK in your podcast feed that you’re unlikely ever to hit them. For these four weeks  I’ve chosen some fun episode pairings from the past that will take us on a little spin through the master plan method. So sit back and relax and get read to get inspired to do little more for your home and for yourself. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2120 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Is your house a (mostly) mid-century gem? The “mostly means that your house that has some really great, intact mid-century features…and then an area or two where a maintenance failure or unfortunate remodel has wreaked havoc on the charm. This week, I'm taking you for a spin through three recent Mid Mod Midwest master plan projects to share some fun history, common design challenges and my favorite approaches to upgrading mid-century homes that are in (mostly) great shape. With a big focus on putting back the appropriate mid-century materials in those not-so-great spots.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why homes with just a few problem areas need a master plan, too.  How to approach right sizing a space post remuddle. Where to consider if “decorative” mcm elements might be much more. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2113 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Susan Halla, founder of Make It Mid-Century and mid-century enthusiast, joins me this week to dish about her own recent house hunt. If anyone knows what they’re looking for in a mid-century home, it’s Susan who has spent the last decade making retro-focused DIY doable for mid-century lovers of all stripes. Her multi-city search was laser focused on finding a relatively untouched, not too high end mid-century home. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:What matters most when deciding which realtor to work with. How to recognize the value in “original charm”.Which compromises you can make and still get the right house for you.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2112 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

You’ll need to answer just five questions to make timeless choices that are right for you and your house when replacing mid-century kitchen cabinets. Easy peasy, right? Well...it will be after listening!In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Five questions any cabinet company (worth their salt) will ask.The only two door styles you need to know. How to decide on YOUR right answers for a kitchen you’ll love.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2111 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.