Best Della Hansmann Mid Mod Midwest Podcasts (2024)

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

10h 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

7d 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

14d 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

21d 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

28d 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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…

1
A Very Mid-Century Holiday Chat with Make It Mid-Century 43:50

6M ago43:50

43:50

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 …

1
Get Your Remodel On Track 21:44

6M ago21:44

21:44

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 E…

1
Master Plan in a Month 17:23

6M ago17:23

17:23

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. Get the …

1
Spooky Season Part 2 - Other Common Hazards (Asbestos, Radon and Mold …Oh My!) 25:17

6M ago25:17

25:17

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…

1
Spooky Season Part 1 - Lead Paint and Other Hazards 25:24

7M ago25:24

25:24

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 an…

1
Do You Need a Mid-Century Contractor? 24:50

7M ago24:50

24:50

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…

1
Your Mid-Century House was Built for an Addition 26:58

7M ago26:58

26:58

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'l…

1
The How and Why of (This) Residential Architect 20:51

7M ago20:51

20:51

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 pi…

1
Keep Your Remodel Out of the Landfill 25:48

7M ago25:48

25:48

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…

1
Remodels By, With and For Women 23:46

8M ago23:46

23:46

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. No…

1
How to actually enjoy your remodel 19:02

8M ago19:02

19:02

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 T…

1
Build that guest room in your basement 23:28

8M ago23:28

23:28

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 walko…

1
Best Of Mid Mod Remodel - The Style Guide System (will save your sanity) 24:41

8M ago24:41

24:41

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 t…

1
How to make your remodel more expensive (or cheaper) 18:43

9M ago18:43

18:43

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 …

1
How to Measure Your House 24:11

9M ago24:11

24:11

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 a…

1
A basement owners’ suite - the upside of upside down living 27:57

9M ago27:57

27:57

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 H…

1
Talking MCM Beds and Baths with Della and Sarah 40:38

9M ago40:38

40:38

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…

1
Mid-Century Bath Design Basics 26:09

10M ago26:09

26:09

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 …

1
Easy Owners’ Suite Space Steals 16:50

10M ago16:50

16:50

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…

1
Bedroom Storage Secrets 21:56

10M ago21:56

21:56

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 powe…

1
Why the perfect first project is a small bath remodel 19:01

10M ago19:01

19:01

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 perfe…

1
Pivot With a Master Plan 21:50

11M ago21:50

21:50

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 Tod…

1
The Owners' Suite - A Quick History 21:38

11M ago21:38

21:38

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 …

1
The Power of Sketches 29:44

11M ago29:44

29:44

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-…

1
Easy Summer Projects to Tackle This Weekend 20:00

11M ago20:00

20:00

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…

1
Ready to Remodel Student Interviews 50:56

11M ago50:56

50:56

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 …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Della Hansmann Mid Mod Midwest Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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