Mid Mod Remodel

Della Hansmann | Mid-Century Design Expert and owner of Mid Mod Midwest

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.

Subscribe Listen in podnodRSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes20

Newest first

Yesterday · 27 min
Practical Strategies for an Accessible Bathroom
Even if you are currently a hale and hearty person with zero mobility issues, planning for universal functionality in your bathroom is a massive win. Anyone can break a bone and age is coming for all of us. Unfortunately, when most of us dream about updating a mid-century bathroom, we jump straight to gorgeous tile, sleek lighting, and the ultimate vintage aesthetic. And accessibility or other concerns about aging in place take a backseat…if they make it in at all. In today’s episode you’ll hear: The right time start thinking about accessibility in your bathroom. How to design a future-ready bath you love today. Simple accessibility upgrades everyone should include in a bath remodel. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2504 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
July 30 · 48 min
The Highest Bathroom Remodel Compliment with un.flipping
Sometimes people yelling "DO NOT ruin that vintage bathroom" at you on the internet brings a smile to your face. Especially if, like Dana and Colin of un.flipping, you just finished remodeling that bathroom. Listen in today for all the details on how they unflipped their teeny, tiny en suite and replaced it with a woodsy Usonian dream bath. In today’s episode you’ll hear: How to unlock hidden bathroom space by rethinking surrounding areas. The products you need to make wood work in wet spaces. Which affordable custom details can help create a vintage aesthetic. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2503 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
July 23 · 1 hr 10 min
The Bathroom Saga with Aletha VanderMaas
Even those of us who are now professional mid-century designers have skeletons in our closets (and in my case, basements). My fellow designer, Aletha Van der Mass of True Home Restorations, and I have both walked the design regret path. And now we both spend our time helping others avoid making the same mistakes. So today, in the interest of community (and laughter through tears) we are both sharing our shameful home renovation stories. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2502 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
July 16 · 28 min
Why are you updating your bathroom?
Welcome to Season 25…all about bathrooms! If you’re craving a tactical, "do-this-then-that" checklist, hold tight. We’ll get there. But before I talk about materials, layouts, or fixtures, I want to start with something more fundamental. Philosophy. Today I’m challenging you to stop asking how and start asking why. In today’s episode you’ll hear: Why asking the right questions about your bath remodel is so important. How to plan a regret-proof bath remodel. All the reasons you should slow roll your bath remodel. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2501 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
June 4 · 28 min
The OG open plan kitchen
Any Pinterest or web search on “mid-century kitchen” is going to yield a plethora of open plan kitchens featuring a central island. But as we learned a couple of weeks ago from friend of the pod (and mid-century houses everywhere), Atom Stevens, a mid-century kitchen is a room with four walls. So where did this “open mid-century kitchen” myth come from? I’m wrapping up our kitchen season with a deep dive into one of my all-time favorite open kitchen plans - it’s also very likely THE OG island kitchen - The Stahl House (Case Study House 22), designed by California architect Pierre Koenig. In today’s episode you’ll hear: Why this open kitchen is actually defined by constraints. Which elements make this dramatic kitchen eminently useable. How to adapt Koenig’s creative design moves to work in even the most modest mid-century ranch. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2407 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
May 28 · 19 min
The right choices for a timeless mid-century kitchen
Do you ever find yourself wishing that someone would just tell you the right choice for every finish in your remodel? Between the tile, the fixtures, and the endless cabinet options, the sheer volume of decisions is EXHAUSTING. I tell my clients that there isn't one "right" answer. I tell my students that there isn’t one “right answer. Because your perfect mid-century update depends on your taste, your house, and your budget. But honestly? I have opinions. Today, I’m putting aside the "it depends" caveats and giving you my unvarnished hot takes on the correct choices for a mid-century kitchen update. In today’s episode you’ll hear: Why slab doors are the only way to go for kitchen cabinets. Which metal finish that will save you a lifetime of matching headaches. All about a "cat-magnet" flooring solution that is as durable as it is adorable. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2406 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
May 21 · 54 min
A mid-century kitchen is a room with four walls with Atom Stevens
Does your garbage disposal give you a thrill? Maybe you take it for granted. But you know who did not? The folks writing ad copy to sell our grandparents their new build mid-century homes. That's just one weird, wonderful detail that came up in my kitchen conversation with Atom Stevens. Atom is a Mid Mod Remodel regular and real estate agent who specializes in mid-century and modern homes in the Denver area. Atom works with lots of time capsule loving clients. I've talked a lot about the time capsule kitchen, the original mid-century kitchen on the podcast, but I think Atom has a particularly interesting perspective on this as a lover of historical specificity and someone who works with a lot of clients who share that love. So, the big question is does that love always extend to an original kitchen? In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why even folks who love original mid-century homes often want an updated kitchen. What defined the Cliff May Kitchen - hint, it’s walls. When open plan kitchens became the rule, rather than the exception. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2405 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
May 14 · 31 min
Small Kitchen Secrets
What’s a mid mod remodeler with a small kitchen to do? If you’re living in a home built in the early part of the era—or even a more "generous" late-60s ranch—you’ve likely realized that mid-century kitchens were designed for a different way of living. But you don't always have to knock down walls or build a massive addition to find relief. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: How to organize a small kitchen. When to go low…and high. Where to find extra space when adding on is a no-go. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2404 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
May 7 · 29 min
Nancy Meyers vs the Invisible Kitchen ... and YOU
Join me on a journey through kitchen trend trends over the last 30 years, from the classic maximalist Nancy Meyers kitchen of yesteryear to the sleek, modern minimalism of today’s invisible kitchen. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Which kitchen trends we’re seeing right now. What pop culture kitchen are saying about culture. How (or if) trends might fit into your mid-century kitchen. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2403 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
April 30 · 42 min
Hands-On Kitchen Design with Aletha VanderMaas
Kitchen design is a hands-on endeavor. That's why my friend mid-century Kitchen Designer Aletha VanderMaas takes every one of her clients on a field trip as part of her design process. And while my virtual process doesn't allow for IRL shopping trips, I encourage every client to collect physical samples and "meet" their finishes before choosing them. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why you need to experience your finishes as part of the design process. Which elements will ensure your kitchen feels “mid-century”. When, according to Aletha, bigger might be better in a kitchen. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2402 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
April 23 · 26 min
Is the kitchen work triangle complete nonsense?
Do you need a better kitchen work triangle? Maybe…or maybe it's completely wrong for you and already the cause of your problems. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: How the kitchen work triangle became a thing. Why it could be the source of your kitchen flow woes. When a traditional kitchen work triangle might just solve your problems. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2401 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
April 2 · 43 min
Your (Yard's) Spring Cleaning Checklist with Ginkgo Leaf Studio
Spring is officially here, so you should be getting outside and right down to it with some yard tune ups! Or, no, maybe you should not? Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio is going to walk us through what should happen when for a Midwestern landscape. And this news, as always, is what I can personally use. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why you should let nature guide your spring gardening activities. What to get an early start on (hint: it MIGHT be planning). When to give up on a struggling plant. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2313 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
March 26 · 41 min
A Palm Springs Landscape in Spring Valley (WI)? With Ginkgo Leaf Studio
If you adore the yards that get featured on the cover of atomic Ranch, but you don't live in Palm Springs, are you just out of luck? No, you can still have striking plant structures and beautifully composed outdoor spaces. Listen to my most recent conversation with Jim Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio for some great strategies. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why Jim doesn’t generally recommend Palm Springs landscapes in the Midwest. How to translate what you love from Atomic Ranch to your (not in California) yard. Which plants do as well in Wisconsin as they do in the desert. (Yes, there are some!) Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2312. Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
March 19 · 58 min
Wall to Wall Carpet is back with Homes with Max
If you are not already a huge fan of the Instagram account, Homes with Max, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you that you've been doing your algorithm wrong. Let's fix it. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Which house(s) Max loves most. Why wall to wall carpet is going to make a comeback. How to find and tour great time capsule homes. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2311 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
March 12 · 41 min
Mid-Century Bathroom Advice Roundup
Planning the right update for a mid-century bathroom is about space planning and the right product picks, sure. But it's also about your lifestyle, your morning routine and your five-year plan. So let's talk through some of the most pressing issues you can nail down to create a good mid-century bath update for you and for your house and for your style. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why you should kick-off your mid-century bath design using the master plan framework. How to plan a timeless, not trendy, update that’s perfect for your mid-century bath. The seven design essentials of a great mid-century bath update. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at http://www.midmod-midwest.com/2310 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
March 5 · 50 min
Rolling Back a 90's Remodel (with my recent client Michelle)
As a designer, it's so hard to pick a favorite project, but one I'm talking about today has certainly got to be at the top of my list. I recently covered this house on the YouTube channel, because it's a perfect case study of getting the 90s out of a perfectly nice mid-century home. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why a master plan was the right choice for Michelle. How a house can be both in great shape…and in need of an update. Where we were able to integrate Michelle’s original vision with complementary design ideas. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2309 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
February 26 · 1 hr 12 min
A Conversation with Kerf Design
Are you familiar with Kerf Design kitchens or bathrooms or wall mounted shelving units? If you've ever been on mid-century Pinterest, the odds are that you are. And if not, close your eyes and imagine the world's most elegant and simple, yet playful modern plywood box built-ins. To quote Kerf’s website, “Good joints should be admired. Construction should be simple and honest. We tinker, we improve, and we consider every detail. We love plywood.” Well, I do too. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: What a “kerf” is exactly. How Nathan got his start. When is the best time to start on design (hint…it’s early!) Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2308 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
February 19 · 37 min
Master Plan FAQ
A bit about me. I love answering questions and I truly don’t mind answering the same questions a bunch of times. BUT I’d much rather talk about your mid-century house. And your life. And your hopes for your remodel. I hate going into a conversation about a significant purchase without enough information to feel prepared. And I suspect many of you are like, “Yes. Same.” This one is for you. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why it’s never too early to start designing. How much your Mid-Century Master Plan will cost. (Yes, we can tell you that up front.) When we’ll need you to move the process forward - and how much time that will take. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2307 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
February 12 · 40 min
You don't need to keep a tub for resale value.
So much of the advice out there about home improvements is focused on the bottom line, treating your home as a commodity. And sure, remodeling always has a cost. There are financial factors involved. But I firmly believe that return on investment and resale value are the absolute last things you should be thinking about when you plan a change to your home. Hear me out. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: - Why you should remove the tub…if you want to! - How to treat your house like a home instead of a commodity. - Which investments really matter when you remodel. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2306 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.
February 5 · 36 min
INVISIBLE benefits of design: it's more than tips and tricks
How a master plan can help you plan your remodel depends on your house. And how you want to live in it. But there are some common benefits that I see over and over. In Today's Episode You'll Hear: Why doing the most won’t always get you the best outcome. When to dream big in order to right size your choices. How the process of design can get everyone on the same page. For Buzzsprout Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2305 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.