Mid Mod Remodel

✨ We are HIRING!

Mid Mod Midwest is hiring a designer. We're looking for a creative, practical, and mcm-obsessed architect or architectural designer to join Mid Mod Midwest as we grow. This is an asynchronous, fully remote, part time (to potentially future full time) position, perfect for someone who wants more flexibility than a traditional firm can offer but wants to leave their (Mid-Century Style) mark on the world. If you think you know this person, PLEASE, forward them this email. If you think you ARE this person, go right to our Careers page to learn more about the job and then reach out to tell us all about yourself. Watch the video on our YouTube channel! Curious to see what we'd suggest to change your mid-century ranch layout for the better? Pop over to our Work With Us page to find out more! Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.

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My Must Have Mid-Century Bath Resources

Let's wrap up the bathroom season with all my best advice! In today’s episode you’ll hear: Where to find all my best bathroom related content. Which questions to answer before you begin a bath remodel. The three reasons to remodel a bathroom. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2507 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.

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The light, the heat (and humidity) in your bath

Mid-Century bathrooms are pretty dramatic. They are complicated spaces with bunch needs jammed into a very small footprint. A bathroom has to have storage, work surfaces, multiple plumbing fixtures, a variety of lighting…and it all has to look beautiful. PLUS it has house all of that in a space with fluctuating levels of humidity and temperature changes. Today I’m pulling back the curtain on how to create a comfortable, healthy, code compliant bathroom without sacrificing the character of your mid-century home. In today’s episode you’ll hear: Why you should keep that window in your shower. The right way to vent and light your bathroom. Which types of lighting every bathroom needs. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2506 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.

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The ideal number of bathrooms in a mid-century home

So, how many bathrooms does your mid-century house really need? Let’s start with some history. (You knew that was coming, didn’t you?) In today’s episode you’ll hear: When did indoor bathrooms become a thing? How did we get to SO MANY BATHROOMS in new homes? Why mid-century houses are a perfect for a “less is more” bathroom philosophy. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2505 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course, Ready to Remodel.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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