Brandy McLain from Modern House Numbers is back again with her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for great modern and mcm design!

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

First, are you signed up for the Free Mid-Century Master Planning Masterclass on August 27th?  If not?  Why not!?  Hope to see you there!

When HGTV Home Depot every contractor you’ve spoken to so far and some of your friends and family are all questioning why you like that feature of your mid-century house, it can feel like maybe they’re right and you’re not. You can ask yourself,  am I wrong to love mid-century?

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

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

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

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

Do you worry that you could never cut a hole in your house or expand an opening without consulting a design expert?  Today’s episode is for you! 

If you’re afraid to move a wall in your home … or to put a new hole in one, I hope you’ll feel less so at the end of this episode!

True, there are some areas of your house you don’t want to carelessly change - for fear of bringing down the whole house!  You sure do need to know where your bearing walls are.  

But once you know where your home’s structure is … and isn’t … you’ll be better able to “see through the walls” and open up some great flow in your home!  

Tune in for some rules of thumb for identifying structure AND some easy design cheats to open up space in the structure you have without costly re-engineering! 

Grab the show notes and find links here.

Here’s how you can get the best value in a remodel … you can supercharge any remodel using adjustments to your home’s layout. 

By the way ... this episode is the PERFECT preamble to this weekend's Mid-Century Design Clinic. Listen up here and then go save your seat for the Workshop!

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

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

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

Grab the show notes and find links here.

Make sure you sign up for the Mid-Century Design Clinic by July 31st to grab the early bird pricing!  See you there!

Today’s question is actually one I don’t get asked often enough. Here it goes: How can I get started now on my fun mid-century home update plans when I have this feeling I should do maintenance before I remodel?

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

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

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

Here’s the short version of today’s episode: Don’t let your maintenance to do list stop you from dreaming big dreams for your home.  All those inspection check list items are design opportunities in disguise!

Grab the show notes for the episode at www.midmod-midwest.com/904/

Last week was all about starting small. This week we’re talking about how you can plan dramatic changes for your home without erasing its mid-century character. This episode is for people asking, how do I keep my BIG remodel Mid-Century while I tweak ... or transform? My friends, I've got the answer for you

Today, I'm introducing a new framework I've been working on for a while: the four cornerstones of mid-century design.  Grab the Cornerstones Workbook here! 

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

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

These design principles can help guide decisions as you go through the steps of dreaming, discovering, distilling, drafting, and developing your master plan. They will help you create your very own mid-century masterpiece, that both reflects its roots and is perfectly suited to your modern life!

Plus ... you can now sign up for the August 6th Mid-Century Design Clinic!  Get your ticket right here to save your seat!

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

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

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

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

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

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

IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR:

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

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

Bonus Episode!

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

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

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

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

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

There’s a right scale for your remodel.  Let’s figure it out together! 

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

Mid-century homes are often kind of light on daylight, so I get a lot of questions about whether skylights and light tubes are appropriate and feasible options. The short answer? Heck yeah!


In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

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

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

Here's the bottom line, my friend: No one else can tell you what's right for your home. It's yours and it's your families. So what I really want you to know here is that you can make right choices yourself. 

For example, you can choose mid-century tile that's perfect for YOU! 

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

In Today’s Episode You’ll Hear:

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

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

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

Get your name on the waitlist to make sure you hear about the workshop. 


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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

Grab your guide Style Guides right here. 

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

Tis the season for window replacement folks to make the rounds in many mid-century neighborhoods, sharing the "good news" of vinyl replacement windows.  Or maybe a well meaning neighbor has been extolling the new maintenance free replacement windows they installed?

Replacement windows may not be any better...and are likely worse...than your home's original windows. Learn how to tell when it's better to keep the OG's and how to make smart window replacement choices for your home. 

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

Is there's an MCM homeowner on your holiday list that you just can't buy for?  Why not give them the gift of design?

The perfect gift for your spouse, your house, or ... yourself!

Make their year!  Give them a One Hour MCM Design Consultation with an architect OBSESSED with mid-century design (that's me)!

A one hour call could be all you need to get the answers and confidence to move forward on your next home improvement project.  I've had clients go on to:

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

... all in a one hour call.  (If you need more help than that ... check out our other Mid-Century Design Packages!

Schedule your MCM Design Consultation call now for the new year and let your loved one know what's coming at gift-opening time!  Or just treat yourself right now.

Bonus, there are absolutely no supply line issues with this gift. 

 Oh ... and I want to let you know that I'm raising the price of these SUPER HELPFUL consultation calls in the new year.   ✨✨ This is your last chance to get access to an insanely valuable hour of MCM Home Improvement Answers for just $250.  ✨✨

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

Our season of listener questions continues! Folks ask all the time, "Della, you say a mix of materials is one of the cornerstones of mid-century design. Do you have tips for mixing materials without making a mid mod mess?"

I sure do!


In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

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

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

To me, this seems like a great time to dream a little bigger than holiday decor! 

While you’re thinking about how to bring a little brightness and cheer to your house for the season, let’s also think about how improve it in the medium and long-term!

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

Catch them all right here!

I work with three distinct types of mid century homeowners.

Which one are you?

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

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

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

Short answer: It doesn’t matter which one you are, the master plan model is still what you need to make the most of your home.  

If you want to create a Perfect Remodel for your mid century home but you’re not sure where to start.  

I get it!  

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

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

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

ARE YOU READY TO START PLANNING??

If you’re ready to dive in and get started on master planning, THIS is the week to take action because enrollment for the ready to remodel program is open right now … but only until 5pm on Friday - that’s tomorrow if you’re listening to this fresh off the press on Thursday morning.  

Join us on the inside of Ready to Remodel to get step by step guidance to making mid-century master plan for your remodel dreams.  You get: 

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

Plus tons of bonus materials including:

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

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

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

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

In today's episode you'll learn:

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

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

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

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

BUT there is one lever that the homeowner can still control - how much of a decision making bottle neck, crisis generator or way smoother YOU are in the process.  Some chaos is inevitable, sure.  But you as a homeowner can pull your self back out of the equation and save time and money with a good master plan.

Grab the show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/607/

Want to know more about making a Master Plan for your remodel?  For the past 5 years I’ve been working with Mid-Century Homeowners to plan home updates they LOVE using my Master Plan Method framework.⁠⁠  

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

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

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

The key is to play to your home’s strengths.  Mid-Century Houses are great!  They don’t need much to take them from a bit tired and looking their age to the very peak of retro modern vogue. 

But there are some ways that homes built for mid-century people don’t fit our modern lives.  If you need some MCM remodeling ideas to solve your style or layout problems, you’ve got two great resources at your finger tips.

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


Listen in for more!

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

Want more Great MCM Remodeling Ideas

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

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

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

Wouldn’t that be nice?

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

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

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

Want more help thinking about your Remodel Budget

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