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

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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

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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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

So, how do you get your remodel on track once it feels off? 

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Think your remodeling timeline is too tight for a master plan? Think again! You can get (most of) the benefits of a master plan in just 30 days of planning. 

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

• Why some things are worth half-assing. 
• The one thing that is sure to slow you down…and fast!
• Why you don’t have to pick no planning or all the planning. 

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

In Today's Episode You'll Learn:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Let's celebrate spooky season with a pair of episodes covering some common mid-century house hazards to be aware of. 

Part one? Lead paint and other panic-producing paint by products...vile VOC's.

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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, you are ready to kick off your remodel. (are you, though?) 

The last big question (is it, though?)...how to find an experienced, qualified mid-century contractor. 

Don't worry! In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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 preoccupied with space? Obsessing about vast expanses and endless horizons? 

Do you just need a little more room? Or maybe just another little room?  

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

Isn’t that crazy?

I used to work on projects with price tags just like that and … now I don’t.  But I do still believe that design makes all the difference! 

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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 think of your home as destined for the landfill? This is dark, I know. But all things are…eventually. Every part and piece of your home has a useful life, a finite number of years to serve as a dwelling.

So how can you plan an upgrade for your house that will keep it out of the landfill for as long as possible? I’m so glad you asked! 

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

I created the Master Plan method as a direct response to my experience in residential architecture. The process is designed to help anyone, but especially women, quickly build the confidence and clarity needed to lead their remodeling projects effectively.

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1402

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

This best of episode is essential listenting!

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

Well, that's what Sarah Yearout, a realtor with Mid-Century Homes in Boise, and I do every week over on Instagram. 

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

In today's episode you'll hear:

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

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

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.

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify 

Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Discover how being prepared to pivot can save your remodel and your sanity. 

Every remodeling project gets stuck at some point. Life is chock-full of surprises, setbacks, and unexpected twists - work or family obligations change, supply chain snags mean choosing different materials, shifts in the economy make scope or schedule changes a must.  

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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 the primary bed/bed configuration in your modest ranch leave a lot to be desired? You may just have one hall bath. Or (upgrade alert!!!) a sort-of-sad powder room off the owners’ bedroom.

An owners’ suite has become a must have in modern homes, but less than a generation ago almost half of U.S. homes were still without indoor plumbing. So how did our bathroom expectations change so drastically in such a short time? And more importantly, how the heck do you fit an owners’ suite into a modest mid-century ranch?

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Sketching is the most important visual thinking tool you can use to plan your remodel. Sketches help you generate ideas quickly, explore alternatives without risk and avoid getting bogged down in the details too soon. And YOU CAN Sketch…even if you have kindergarten-level drawing skills.


Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at www.midmod-midwest.com/1212

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

So, grab your lemonade and a lawn chair and listen in for a few fun (and, okay some less fun but more necessary) summer projects you can tackle right now to kick off your mid-century home improvement season!

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1211. 

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

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

I recently reached out to see if some of my Ready to Remodel students had a few minutes to spend catching me up on their remodels and their experience in the program. We chatted on Zoom and edited those convos into a podcast for you!

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1210. 

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

Wow! That depends on so many factors. 

I might as well ask you, "What does it cost to go on vacation?"

There are as many types of home remodels, as there are different ways to travel away from home! But there are shortcuts and ways to simplify planning a remodel…just as there are ways to plan an easier vacation. You can make it simple when you go in the right order.  So, grab your Mai Thai and let’s break it down!

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1209

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 can you make sure the choices you make for your mid-century home RIGHT NOW will be ones you don’t regret in the future?  Ask the right questions!

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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 created the Mid-Century Master Plan Package to get you from “I want to remodel” to “let’s call up contractors.” 

The masterplans we create for our clients include floor plans and images to help clients visualize the remodeling possibilities. We also share a style guide with project specific recommendations and our general design guidance. One they review these documents, we integrate their feedback into a set of final schematic designs they can use to  guide their remodel.

But what if you have a question after the master plan?  We're always here to help! Listen in to hear more about how that works.


Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1207

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. And that's why the next three episodes are going to focus on the questions I answer for clients, Ready to Remodel students…and you!

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1206

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.

What is a micro space? 

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

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

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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 let’s talk about the right way to steal mid-century style ideas. There is actually a right way and a wrong way to find your mid mod home improvement inspiration.  Done right, you can light up your mind with great ideas. You can connect with mid-century homeowners who have walked the path you’re on to find out what they learned.  But done wrong, your search for ideas can lead you into overwhelm. Or terminal house envy.

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1202

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

What's your mid century remodel era? Do you love 40's fab or 50's sputnik-space-race or sunny, earthy late 60's vibes? 

Today's episode is all about naming your favorite mid century era, then using that information to create the perfect style guide for your remodel!

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1201

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

Brandy and I talk about how one comes to run a house number company (hint - a DIY project taken to the max) and review some exterior design tips. We also cover curb appeal trends and the quickest ways to add some panache to your home.

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1111

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

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

IN TODAY’S EPISODE YOU’LL HEAR:

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Where are you supposed to fit your flat screen TV in a mid-century living room? Especially is you also have a lovely fireplace! Here's what the internet generally recommends: that you plop your TV on the wall right over the fireplace opening. 

And here's what I have to say to that ... nope. 

Instead follow the key principles in today's episode for a well placed TV in a mid-century living room. 

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1107

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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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

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

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

In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

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

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at midmod-midwest.com/1105.

Want to join the squad that's about to start inside of Ready to Remodel NEXT MONDAY?  Watch my FREE masterclass: "How to Plan a Mid-Century Remodel to Fit your Life (and budget)" to get started

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Every home has a story and every homeowner can benefit from becoming their home’s resident expert! When Atom Stevens bought his house in Harvey Park, he had no idea it would lead him on a journey to becoming a local Cliff May historian and advocate for mid-century preservation. Not only did Atom find a vocation, he also found a great value!

Part 2 of Della’s conversation with Denver area mid-century Realtor, photographer, designer, and advocate Atom Stevens about how to become your own home’s historian. 

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

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

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

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Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.