Mid Mod 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 fo...

Documenting what you've designed is a key element to bringing a remodel to fruition.  I could have called the last stage of the master plan method Document.   But I didn’t.  I called it Develop.  And that’s because your vision is subject to change until the last bit of construction dust has been cleaned away.  I’m taking  July off from recording the podcast this summer but that doesn’t mean Y...

If you don’t remember to plan a remodel that fits the mid-century era of your home … your too-trendy choices will rapidly become dated ones.   To help you plan a timeless remodel, This week I'm sharing two episodes that encapsulate some of my core beliefs and strategies around making a strong mid-century choices to update your mid-century house.  I’m taking July off from recording the podcast...

I want you to become an expert in your home before your remodel.  Note, I did not say that you need to become an expert in remodeling … just in your house.  Taking a few of your own measurements, skimming an inspection report, or digging into some MCM history by chatting with elderly neighbors will set you up for clever design ideas for your remodel.  These activities will also make YOU feel like...

Let’s talk about starting your remodel plan from the right place - your own life.  Your choices. Your priorities. If you start your remodel planning anywhere other than HERE it will take longer, feel more chaotic, be more stressful and likely end up more expensive.   I’m taking July off from recording the podcast this summer but that doesn’t mean YOU have to. In fact, I’m actually pretty excited a...

Is your house a (mostly) mid-century gem? The “mostly means that your house that has some really great, intact mid-century features…and then an area or two where a maintenance failure or unfortunate remodel has wreaked havoc on the charm.  This week, I'm taking you for a spin through three recent Mid Mod Midwest master plan projects to share some fun history, common design challenges and my f...

Susan Halla, founder of Make It Mid-Century and mid-century enthusiast, joins me this week to dish about her own recent house hunt.  If anyone knows what they’re looking for in a mid-century home, it’s Susan who has spent the last decade making retro-focused DIY doable for mid-century lovers of all stripes. Her multi-city search was laser focused on finding a relatively untouched, not too high end...

You’ll need to answer just five questions to make timeless choices that are right for you and your house when replacing mid-century kitchen cabinets. Easy peasy, right? Well...it will be after listening! In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Five questions any cabinet company (worth their salt) will ask. The only two door styles you need to know.  How to decide on YOUR right answers for a kitc...

Adrian Kinney is back to talk all my latest obsessions - housing history, passive solar and planning YOUR perfect remodel. Adrian has joined me on the pod before. He’s a realtor, mid-century modern (MCM) guru and heads up Mid Mod Colorado. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: How post and beam construction is especially suited to Denver’s climate.  When a “swamp cooler” is the ticket for comf...

Your mid-century house, and mine - just like  13 million solid ranches, tidy Levit cottages and charming post and beam homes built across the US between 1945 and 65 - might not strike you as "public housing." But they ARE our country’s solution to a housing crisis.  Post-war Britain, profoundly affected by the German Blitz and widespread destruction,  embarked on a different path. Their...

Passive solar design has been around since forever. It just means that a builder makes siting and design choices that use the sun and shade to keep a building warm or cool.  What were these choices? In modern times, but pre-HVAC systems, they included locating windows for heat gain or cooling, creating opportunities for air flow, and using the natural environment to shade or shelter homes. Our mod...

Do you remember the first person you encountered who validated that your mid-century house was great and that you should LEAN INTO its charm when updating it to suit your own life?   That’s such a magical feeling. To realize that you’re not alone in wanting to steer clear of the HGTV “paint it white” world.  Today I want to introduce you to one of MY OWN first sources of great Mid Mod inspiration....

Did you catch the curb appeal clinic yesterday? 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 transform your house without taking on a big rem...

Field trip time! No permission slip needed.  This week I'm sharing my recent tour of the Barbican Estate in London. In this episode we're going to cover:  How the US and UK approach to housing supply differed during the mid-century.  What that means for our national philosophies on homeownership.  Why these differing approaches led to such vastly different landscapes, economic patterns,...

Real talk, Mid Mod Remodeler. There comes a point in any significant home renovation where the project feels like it's boiling over. You might be behind schedule…like waaaay behind. Or what seemed like straightforward work has suddenly become more expensive and complicated than you ever imagined.  If this sounds familiar, know that you are not alone! This happens on literally.every.remodel. I...

Let's talk about tile for a mid-century update. You've got options. You can go with bold custom color in your favorite shade or recreate a bathroom in powder blue or Mamie pink. You can get playful with shapes and even textures. But remember, tile choice also runs the risk of tipping into a trend that will ultimately put a timestamp on your whole remodel.  In Today's Episode You&apo...

Open floor plans are a hallmark of modern living. But do they always work in mid-century homes? In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why completely open may be less than ideal.  How to decide how much to open up your floor plan.  Where open floor plans work best. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2102 . Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify   Wan...

Choosing window treatments for your mid-century home can be a challenge. The good news is, when it comes to window coverings less is (usually) more. Let me help narrow down your options! In Today's Episode You'll Hear: The history of pinch pleat curtains.  Why there are only two right choices for window treatments in your mid-century home.  How to create a great mid-century look with mod...

Spring has sprung and your yard may be calling you...even if you have less than ideal outdoor space. An outdoor room could be just what you need to love your yard without taking on a huge project. An outdoor room lets you extend your enjoyable living areas with just a few simple tweaks! In Today's Episode You'll Learn: Why an outdoor room is a perfect addition to your mid-century home. W...

What makes mid-century furniture so great? And which pieces might you want to hunt down for your house? Whether you are looking for high quality comfort or something to your mid-century cool factor, your dream mid-century furniture piece is out there…no matter your budget.  In Today's Episode You'll Learn: All about some classic MCM pieces.  Where to find originals and licenced reproduct...

Being flexible is key if you want a feel good remodel process. Taking the time to set a big picture vision gives you a starting point to edit along the way and will pay off at every stage. No matter how big or small your project is, planning ahead will actually make for a more flexible remodel you can feel good about.  Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.co...

Arranging furniture in a mid-century home is about more than just fitting pieces into a room. It’s about creating flow, function, and style. In today's episode you'll learn: Where furniture might solve your layout challenges.  How to use furniture to create inviting spaces. Why (furniture) size matters in your mid-century home.  Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://w...

I love a good Q&A session and spend a lot of time during the masterclass and design clinics on attendee questions. That then get lost to time. So this time i grabbed some great questions to share. This episode is packed with answers to some of the most frequent questions I get, including: What’s the Right Color for My Exterior? How Do I Bring Mid-Century Charm Back to a “Wiped Clean” House? Sh...

Your remodel plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Today, I’ll walk you through what goes into a good remodel plan and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to remodeler's regret.  Today you'll learn: What it means to have a master plan.  Which questions to ask to get to the essentials of your remodel.  How to put it all together for clear remodeling communication. Get the full show...

Let's talk mid-century light fixtures. Here’s my best advice on choosing great mid-century light fixtures, identifying classic mid-century lighting designs, and sourcing fixtures from estate sales, vintage shops, and modern reproduction stores. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why lighting is a key element of your style guide.  How to choose the right fixtures for your home and style...