Best Remodel A Midcentury House Podcasts (2024)

1
Get Those Good Master Plan Vibes 27:39

6h ago27:39

27:39

The right remodel vibes mean you’ll be prepared to make decisions faster and adapt as needed—without losing sight of your ultimate goal. In this week's episode you'll hear how to: Build your confidence. Focus on clear communication. Stay flexible. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1905…

1
Best Of Mid Mod Remodel: Can I start planning BEFORE I have a home remodel budget saved up? 21:16

8h ago21:16

21:16

This episode goes out to all the homeowners waiting to plan, or dream about home improvement projects until you’ve saved up the home remodel budget. I hope you’ll take this the right way when I tell you … you’re doing it wrong. I know … you’re being responsible. You’re waiting to plan util you’ve got the budget in the bank. But … ACTUALLY it’s more…

1
New Mid-Century House Quick Start Guide 37:29

12d ago37:29

37:29

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

1
An Architect's Remodeling Regrets 40:25

13d ago40:25

40:25

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

1
Sanity Saving Strategy to Finish a Remodel Strong 38:47

20d ago38:47

38:47

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

1
Who to Hire and When with Exactly Designs 27:23

27d ago27:23

27:23

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

1
Parade of Homes with Atom Stevens 28:14

1M ago28:14

28:14

MCM expert Atom Stevens is back! Tune in for our parade of homes conversation and ideas for how to future proof mid-century homes. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why the Parade of Homes really took off in 1955. How builders advertised in the "housewife" era. What new energy standards might mean for mid-century homes. Get the full show notes with a…

1
Get to Know Your Home Before You Remodel with Make It Mid-Century 31:00

1M ago31:00

31:00

I know it can be tempting to dive right into remodeling your mid-century house the minute you get the keys, but I’m here to offer a bit of unconventional advice: wait. And I’m not the only one who thinks this! In my latest chat with preservation expert Susan Halla, we explored why it’s crucial to live in your home for a little while before making m…

1
Curb Appeal Clinic hosted by Modern House Numbers 30:17

2M ago30:17

30:17

Did you catch the curb appeal clinic last Friday? If not, I've got you covered. This free workshop had everything I believe about making smart, stylish, long, lasting update choices for your mid century home on the outside in bite sized, easy steps with a few key design principles and some common upgrade inspiration for mid century homes, you can t…

1
Creating Great Mid Mod Interiors with Exactly Designs 28:33

2M ago28:33

28:33

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Elin Walters from Exactly Design to get her perspective on mid-century interiors. While I spend my days thinking architect-y thoughts, Elin obsesses over mid-century homes as an interior designer and I was curious how our takes might differ. We covered everything from essential elements to keep (if y…

1
House Numbers that Shine with Modern House Numbers 26:16

2M ago26:16

26:16

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 ex…

1
MCM Dream Team, assemble! (With Mid Mod Colorado) 30:02

2M ago30:02

30:02

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 Epis…

1
Lighting up your MCM landscape with Ginkgo Leaf Design 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

Lighting up your mid-century landscape hinges on making the right design choices. Today I'm talking to Jim Drzewiecki about focusing on both lighting and plant selection to create a mid-century modern yard that feels cohesive, inviting, and timeless. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Where to stand when designing your landscape. (Hint - it’s not outs…

1
Turning Up the MCM Charm with Atom Stevens 24:26

3M ago24:26

24:26

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

1
House Number Basics with Modern House Numbers 28:49

3M ago28:49

28:49

Today, we have a fantastic chat lined up with Brandy McLain, co-founder and one of the creative geniuses behind Modern House Numbers. Della and Brandy discuss all things house numbers. From current requirements to history, plus tons of great style tips! In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why we have house numbers in the first place. How (and how not) …

1
Mid-Century vs. Mid Mod with Susan Halla 25:21

3M ago25:21

25:21

When I think about perfecting an original mid-century home by polishing and upgrading its original details, I think of Susan Halla of Make It Mid-Century. She has dedicated herself to being the resource people need to make period appropriate choices for their mid-century homes. And she's got an encyclopedic knowledge of all things period appropriat…

1
Unicorn Houses and Tight MCM Markets with Adrian Kinney 23:24

3M ago23:24

23:24

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

1
Mid-Century Hardscapes and Feature Elements with Ginkgo Leaf Studio 38:20

4M ago38:20

38:20

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

1
An Architect Chat - Dream with Della 37:34

4M ago37:34

37:34

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

1
How do I unflip my mid-century house? 35:05

5M ago35:05

35:05

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

1
Do you have a spreadsheet to help me manage my remodel? 32:01

5M ago32:01

32:01

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…

1
Are skylights and light tubes too modern for a mid-century house? 35:16

5M ago35:16

35:16

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. S…

1
Should I replace my mid-century windows? 32:08

5M ago32:08

32:08

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 o…

1
Any tips for mixing mid mod materials? 40:08

6M ago40:08

40:08

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 cohes…

1
Speedy Strategies for an MCM Remodel You'll Love (in the time you have) 53:19

6M ago53:19

53:19

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 rem…

1
How do I mix Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style into my ranch? (Part 2) 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

As you plan your ranch remodel, you can absolutely dip into Wright design ideas. Your house is actually already full of them! In Today's Episode You'll Hear: How to make material choices for a Wright-infused remodel. Which colors to choose to shout about your combined love of mid mod and Prairie style. The simple shape secrets to get the Wright fee…

1
Can I mix Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style into my ranch? (Part 1) 36:00

6M ago36:00

36:00

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

1
Mid-century landscaping…is that a thing? 1:08:58

7M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

So glad you asked! Let's talk landscaping with a certified mid-century landscaping expert - Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: How to let your house tell you how to design your landscape. Why hardscapes are the hardest (and most important) to get right. Tips for getting started on design. Get the full show notes w…

1
What are the best mid-century flooring choices? 38:56

7M ago38:56

38:56

What is the best mid-century flooring for your house? My answer to you, to my clients, to my students and to everybody who asks me this is, it depends. Now, when I answer this way, I'm not hedging or hesitating. I do have opinions about and experience with many types of flooring in all sorts of applications. And strong personal preferences of my ow…

1
How long will my remodel take? 33:41

7M ago33:41

33:41

How long will your remodel take? Well that depends on you, my friend. This week's episode kicks of a full season of listener questions. First up? Timelines. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: All about the remodel schedule venn diagram. Where it is easiest to exert some control over your remodel timeline. How to get ready to create the remodel schedul…

1
What we can learn from HGTV. 31:22

7M ago31:22

31:22

In the last episode of our HGTV season we’re talking about what we can learn from looking at other people’s houses. Despite its shortcomings, HGTV offers glimpses into remodeling and design processes and practical lessons for would-be remodelers. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why HGTV might not be all bad. How to use HGTV and mainstream shelter m…

1
White paint. STILL not the answer. 41:41

7M ago41:41

41:41

White paint on wood? Well, that depends. Today's episode is going to be a love story to the wooden elements of a mid-century home. The main takeaway? Leave your original mid-century wood alone. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why paneling is not the place for paint - white or otherwise. How mid-century hollow core doors are different than their mod…

1
Painting it white is not the answer. 31:34

7M ago31:34

31:34

Today let's talk about why slapping a coat of white paint on your mid-century brick, stone or concrete block is never the right answer. Even if your house is entirely brick or entirely stone, there are still meaningful things you can do to change the feeling of your house without large quantities of white paint. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why …

1
A ranch is not a cottage (and it never will be). 26:36

8M ago26:36

26:36

There are key difference between cottages and mid-century ranch homes. Your ranch is not a cottage, so steer clear of cottage style updates. In many ways American homes changed more between 1930 and 1950 than they have since. Part of the reason I find ranches so interesting is how modern they are in their essential nature. Dated fixtures and finish…

1
Change your home, change your life. 27:29

8M ago27:29

27:29

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

1
Master Plan your...clutter? 28:26

9M ago28:26

28:26

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

1
Your remodel should not be a surprise. 26:46

9M ago26:46

26:46

A surprise reveal is a mainstay of remodeling TV shows and it's basically a jumpscare. Your ideal remodel should include few to no surprises. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why a surprise remodel reveal is worse than your average jumpscare. When remodeling related surprises are a GOOD thing (hint, it’s way before construction begins)! How to avoid…

1
Trends are not your friend. 28:45

9M ago28:45

28:45

Today I am future you’s best friend. Do you know who is not future you’s best friend? HGTV. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why trendy remodels mean more waste and less joy. How to stand strong in the face of before and after photos. Where to embrace trends you love for a remodel that will stand the test of time. Get the full show notes with all th…

1
How to have a big remodeling fight with your partner 26:42

9M ago26:42

26:42

Want to know how to have a BIG fight with your partner about your remodel? Or even a series of many smaller fights that blur into each other and become frustration and resentment? Welcome to the Valentine’s Day episode of Mid Mod Remodel! In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why all those couples on HGTV seem so MAD. How to design your drama free dream …

1
The modern "mid-century" dream kitchen 29:18

10M ago29:18

29:18

The modern mid-century dream kitchen isn’t the kitchen that Lucy Arnez or Donna Reed or Carol Brady had. It also isn’t the kitchen you might find in vintage kitchen ads. And it certainly isn’t the kitchen you’ll find in most builder grade ranches. So what exactly is it then? In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why you are the most important design elem…

1
Why are mid-century kitchens? 20:46

10M ago20:46

20:46

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

1
Cooking with gas...ads and sponcon in remodeling "reality" shows. 29:07

10M ago29:07

29:07

Want the most reliably biased remodeling advice around? Head for HGTV. In fact, pick up or turn on any mainstream piece of home and garden media. Now, try to separate expert advice from paid content. What you’ll find is a strong push toward well funded trends that dominate the industry. Certain elements seem to make it into every renovation. Think …

1
The (main) problem with HGTV. 27:14

10M ago27:14

27:14

This season, I'm pushing back on the default remodeling advice that we all encounter on television and in online magazines, see manifested in big box home improvement stores and hear echoed in the mouths of run-of-the-mill general contractors. But you know I'm not about negativity! Instead, you are going to get all the positive, encouraging, action…

1
Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design: Applying the Cornerstones 28:52

10M ago28:52

28:52

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

1
Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design: Flow Between Spaces 28:48

11M ago28:48

28:48

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

1
Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design - Mix of Materials 27:54

11M ago27:54

27:54

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

1
Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design - Simple Shapes 21:50

11M ago21:50

21:50

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

1
Cornerstones of Mid-Century Design - Asymmetry 17:38

11M ago17:38

17:38

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

1
Letting cycles of life guide your remodel. 21:28

12M ago21:28

21:28

Let’s talk about a revelation I recently had about planning your remodel - the importance of the cycles in your life as you tailor your home to match your lifestyle. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why laundry may be the best allegory for cycles of life. How to plan for now and also make great choices for future you. And why catering to the messy, …

1
Best Of Mid Mod Remodel - Episode 1009: Use the Holidays to Focus Your Remodel Plans. 23:10

12M ago23:10

23:10

This episode originally aired on December 8, 2022. I want you to use your holiday prep time to plan your remodel. Okay, Before you tell me, Della, that's crazy. The holidays are when I'm busiest. I can't be picking out tiles and solving problems and calling contractors during this period. You're right. Of course you can't. You know me. I wouldn't a…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Remodel A Midcentury House Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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