Best Midcentury Modern Podcasts (2024)

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

4h 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

6h 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

6d 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

17d 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

24d 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

1M 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
#23 Midcentury Modern Deep Dive 24:14

1M ago24:14

24:14

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: the popularity of midcentury design misnomers in midcentury design origins of midcentury design fabrics, materials, profiles of midcentury furniture how to make midcentury work for you Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:30 What I’m loving lately 4:19 Popularity of midcentury modern design 6:30 History of midcen…

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

1M 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
#22 Mastering the Basics: Kitchen Countertop Materials 22:38

1M ago22:38

22:38

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: what we look for in a kitchen countertop material countertop thicknesses countertop edges pros and cons of different kitchen countertop materials Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:10 What I’ve been loving lately 4:04 The stress of choosing a kitchen countertop 6:00 What we look for in a countertop material 7:3…

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

2M 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
#21 Five Interior Design Rules to KEEP 15:11

2M ago15:11

15:11

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: basic principles of interior design interior design as an art and a science design rules to keep why we follow certain design “rules” Episode 0:00 Introduction 0:49 What I’m loving lately 2:33 Interior design basics 3:49 Always measure your space 5:59 Use the bigger rug 7:43 Curtains should be full enoug…

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

2M 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
#20 Five Interior Design Rules to BREAK 15:36

2M ago15:36

15:36

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: common interior design “rules” that I see why I encourage you to break them permission to think outside the box how to break these rules Episode 0:00 Introduction 0:47 What I’ve been loving lately 3:47 Interior design “rules” 4:42 Painting small rooms only light colors 6:40 All woods must match 8:41 Ceil…

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

2M 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
#19 Mastering the Basics: Window Treatments 23:14

2M ago23:14

23:14

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: the best window treatments for different rooms advice on different light-filtering curtains layering different window treatments pros + cons of the most popular options window treatment vocab words Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:35 What I’m loving lately 3:19 Why you should be informed about window treatmen…

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

2M 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
#18 Womb to Room: Designing a Fun Nursery 20:36

2M ago20:36

20:36

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: my personal struggle designing our baby’s nursery creating a nursery that grows with your baby how to narrow your options my favorite design elements in nurseries preventing a theme-y nursery practical tips Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:03 What I’ve been loving 3:40 My nursery struggles 4:03 Amping up the …

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

3M 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
#17 Easy Tips for Unveiling Your Design Style 11:54

3M ago11:54

11:54

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: why people get so overwhelmed clothes vs interiors patterns, textures and colors in your closet and your home how clothing silhouettes influence your design style how to use TV and movie sets to figure out what you love my favorite TV sets using your travels in your home avoiding your home looking like a…

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

3M 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
#16 Eight Iconic Chairs Through History 17:18

3M ago17:18

17:18

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: how to identify authentic iconic chairs the history of eight iconic chairs the design impact of these chairs how to purchase reproductions of the eight chairs Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:59 What I’m loving this week 3:27 A case for knowing your design history 4:47 Eames lounge chair and ottoman 6:11 Wass…

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

3M 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
#15: Look Up: Adding Interest to Your Ceilings 19:19

3M ago19:19

19:19

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: how much a ceiling can impact a room architectural options to incorporate beam recommendations painting your ceiling a color other than white wallpapering your ceiling Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:12 What I’m loving lately 2:42 The impact of a good ceiling 4:49 Vaulted ceilings 5:45 Arched ceilings 6:36 S…

1
How long will my remodel take? 33:41

3M 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
#14 Small Spaces, Big Design 20:49

3M ago20:49

20:49

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: why I love designing small spaces visual continuity determining what you truly love shelving recommendations lighting options rental tips art + mirrors storage solutions Episode 0:00 Introduction 0:49 What I’m loving lately 4:48 Designing small spaces 6:28 Visual continuity 8:23 Essentialize and declutte…

1
What we can learn from HGTV. 31:22

4M 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
#13 Tools + Resources I Use on a Daily Basis as an Interior Designer 17:11

4M ago17:11

17:11

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: how we ensure fewer mistakes processes for a smooth construction process softwares that we use to create floor plans and construction documents 3-D renderings project management my favorite reference books tools and softwares we use for project management interior design tools Episode 0:00 Introduction 0…

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

4M 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
#12 Creating Bedrooms that Feel Like a Retreat 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: how to create a relaxing bedroom moody bedrooms playful bedrooms choosing a sophisticated color scheme rug recommendations incorporating luxurious textiles creating a big, fluffy bed cozy window treatments in the bedroom advice for choosing furniture layering lighting maximizing storage Episode 0:00 Intr…

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

4M 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
#11 Smart House: Where Tech Meets Interiors 14:25

4M ago14:25

14:25

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: the right amount of tech for YOUR home my advice for planning out the tech smart lighting AV equipment my favorite television recommendation climate control and thermostats smart appliances home security and technology how technology can help your wallet and the environment Episode 0:00 Introduction 0:49…

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

4M 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
#10 First Impressions Matter: Amping Up Your Curb Appeal 17:50

5M ago17:50

17:50

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: the importance of curb appeal symmetrical vs. asymmetrical balance layering in landscaping a few types of exterior finishes how to balance the amount of architectural features choosing a sophisticated color palette how to give your house an identity adding different types of lighting adding “jewelry” to …

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

4M 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
#9 How to Do Trim and Millwork Correctly 15:21

5M ago15:21

15:21

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: my latest shoe obsession the impact millwork can make in your home types of trim and millwork you see nowadays how different profiles have different meanings what is appropriate for certain historical styles “feminine” vs. “masculine” trim three pieces of advice for choosing trim for your home Episode 0:…

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

5M 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
#8 Easy Things to Do to Love Your Home NOW! 14:35

5M ago14:35

14:35

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: my goal for how you feel in your home a case for decluttering your home how clutter is procrastinating advice on space planning how to choose a color palette suggestions on how to layer in your lighting how to add joy and romance to your daily life Episode 0:00 Introduction 0:59 My latest obsession 2:58 …

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

5M 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
#7 The Design Process at Caroline Klein Design 22:42

5M ago22:42

22:42

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: why people typically hire an interior designer how we kick off a design project at Caroline Klein Design what happens during a discovery phone call the basics of a design consultation the process to discover your dream style how we infuse your personality what happens during the design phase and a design…

1
Trends are not your friend. 28:45

5M 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
#6: Creating a Kid and Pet Friendly Home, Part 2 20:51

6M ago20:51

20:51

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: my top tips for creating a family friendly home how to create spaces that you kids want to romp in advice for a home with pets storage options to hide the “crazy” ways to code-switch between styled moments and playtime Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:12 What I’m loving this week 2:18 Kid and pet friendly hom…

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

5M 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
#5 Creating a Kid and Pet Friendly Home, Part 1 17:54

6M ago17:54

17:54

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: what I look for in materials that go in family-friendly homes my favorite fabric types for areas with kids my favorite fabric types for areas with pets pros and cons of different upholstery options alternatives to what you normally think of as “family-friendly” flooring/rug options that work well in fami…

1
Nick Ferrell with Modeline | Episode 12 45:16

5M ago45:16

45:16

Welcome back to The Perspecta & and into an illuminating conversation about the world of mid-century modern lighting, specifically its darling Modeline of California. Did you know there were 27+ different designers who crafted for Modeline? We switched on to discuss a few of them, the company’s founder, his relevance to the entertainment world, hot…

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

6M 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
#4 All About Flooring 18:10

6M ago18:10

18:10

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: the importance of choosing the right flooring for your home the pros of the most popular types of flooring some things to consider with the most popular types of flooring cleaning and maintenance of certain types of flooring a few quick mentions of some less-popular but still great flooring options the b…

1
Why are mid-century kitchens? 20:46

6M 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
#3 Adding Charm and Personality to a Tract Home 17:27

6M ago17:27

17:27

In the this episode of House Call, we cover: what are tract homes the history of tract homes how to incorporate more charm and personality in your tract home how to layer in texture and color to create a more cozy home what builder-grade fixtures to swap to make the biggest impact my advice on changing out lights, hardware, countertops and tiles 0:…

1
Pete Barbrook-Johnson and Alexandra S. Penn, "Systems Mapping: How to Build and Use Causal Models of Systems" (Palgrave MacMillan, 2022) 49:58

6M ago49:58

49:58

There is a growing need across social, environmental, and policy challenges for richer, more nuanced, yet actionable and participatory understanding of the world. Complexity science and systems thinking offer hope in meeting this need. But in their 2022 book Systems Mapping: How to Build and Use Causal Models of Systems (Palgrave MacMillan, 2022), …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Midcentury Modern Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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