Mid Mod Remodel
Do you live in a mid-century house? Are you curious about mid-century homes and wonder what it would take to renovate? Or are you just a fan of all things mid-century modern? Mid Mod Remodel is the podcast where you learn how to match a mid-century home to your modern life.
I'm your host, Della Hansmann, an architect and the owner of Mid Mod Midwest. I help people remodel their mid-century homes and I'm a mid mod homeowner fixing up my 1952 ranch. Learn what makes mid-century homes great, the common elements of MCM homes that nearly always need updating, and how any homeowner can plan the mid-century renovation of their dreams.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 25 minutes
- Episodes
- 244
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
An Architect Chat - Dream with Della
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 …
How do I unflip my mid-century house?
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 plen…
Do you have a spreadsheet to help me manage my remodel?
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 y…
Are skylights and light tubes too modern for a mid-century house?
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…
Should I replace my mid-century windows?
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 exto…
Any tips for mixing mid mod materials?
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 …
Speedy Strategies for an MCM Remodel You'll Love (in the time you have)
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 f…
How do I mix Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style into my ranch? (Part 2)
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-i…
Can I mix Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style into my ranch? (Part 1)
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 pl…
Mid-century landscaping…is that a thing?
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 …
What are the best mid-century flooring choices?
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 …
How long will my remodel take?
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 t…
What we can learn from HGTV.
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 processe…
White paint. STILL not the answer.
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 To…
Painting it white is not the answer.
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 ar…
A ranch is not a cottage (and it never will be).
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 1…
Change your home, change your life.
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…
Master Plan your...clutter?
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 mul…
Your remodel should not be a surprise.
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 rev…
Trends are not your friend.
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…