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Do you live in a Mid-Century Ranch? Are you curious about an MCM house and wondering 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. Your host, Della Hansmann is an architect who helps people remodel their Mid-century homes and mid mod homeowner fixing up1952 ranch. Learn what makes mid-century homes great, the common elements of MCM homes that nearly al ...
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Modernist and real estate broker, Monique Anton, educates the masses on the wonderful world of mid-century modernism. This isn’t just a style of architecture, it’s a way of being and thinking about the world. Listen in and join others who want to learn about and live in a work of art! If you're interested in buying or selling a modern home, head over to www.modernhomesrealty.com to learn more. Let's Connect! www.mcmwithmonique.com
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Modernist design: it is timeless, clean, functional, and often familiar. The more you learn, the more you recognize… it is all around us. Upon reflection, admiration grows. The Perspecta aims to expand your knowledge, through tastefully interviewing the most interesting, conversant, and influential members of our community. Come listen, subscribe, and start discovering your next mid-century modern obsession right now.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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Welcome back to The Perspecta & and into an illuminating conversation about the world of mid-century modern lighting, specifically its darling Modeline of California. Did you know there were 27+ different designers who crafted for Modeline? We switched on to discuss a few of them, the company’s founder, his relevance to the entertainment world, hot…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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Monique welcomes Chad Dewitt, an accomplished architectural designer and the creative force behind Framestudio, to the show. With features in Dwell, California Home and Design, and many more, Chad shares what inspires him about mid-century modern homes, delves into his personal restoration projects (including an interesting take on why Eichlers are…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Monique welcomes to the show esteemed architect Bruce Avico, a living encyclopedia of mid-century modern history. In this episode, Bruce unveils his journey, from joining the world of Buff and Hensman to pivotal moments that shaped his career. Join the conversation as they explore the backgrounds of Conrad Buff, Don Hensman, and the influential Cal…
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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…
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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,…
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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, …
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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Monique welcomes Joanne Koch, the founder and principal of Koch Architects, renowned for her work in organic architecture and mid-century modern restoration. In this episode, you'll delve into Joanne's soulful approach to organic architecture, inspired by the mass housing design and vision of the post-war era. Explore the concept of 'rustic modern'…
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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 …
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Monique's producer, Jacki Mercer, switches roles and interviews Monique about her journey into the world of mid-century modern design. Monique reveals her personal connection to the style, shares the joys of living in a mid-century modern home, and highlights the features that make these homes irresistible to potential buyers. She dives into the in…
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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…
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Monique invites you to a fun episode recorded at the Eichler Home Tour VIP party just outside the San Mateo Highlands. She interviews eight passionate Eichler home owners and enthusiasts, who share their love for these iconic mid-century modern homes. They explain what makes Eichler homes special and you'll hear from the organizers who've made this…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Monique welcomes her friend, Hannah Simonson, to the show—an architectural historian and cultural resources planner at Page and Turnbull in San Francisco. As the current president of Docomomo US Northern California Chapter, Hannah shares her history with Docomomo and her fascination with the Diamond Heights community. This episode also offers pract…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Monique welcomes her friend Danny Heller to the show, a globally exhibited artist renowned for his mid-century modern artistry. From his roots in Los Angeles' suburbs to prestigious features in publications like Architectural Digest Spain and California Home and Design, he shares the stories behind his vibrant paintings that capture the essence of …
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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…
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Monique invites Karen Nepacena, the visionary behind DestinationEichler.com, to the show. From viral blogs on Eichler restoration to features in Dwell, HGTV, and Atomic Ranch, Karen has left an indelible mark as a designer. Join their conversation as Karen delves into the challenges of Eichler restoration, her newly completed book "Midcentury Moder…
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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 …
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Monique chats with the brilliant Alan Hess, an architect, historian, and author of 21 books on Modernism. In this episode, they explore Frank Lloyd Wright's impact on modern architecture, along with the intriguing world of "Googie" design and the way they were able to bring ordinary life into the realm of these mid-century modern designs. They also…
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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…
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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…
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Monique sits down with Vince Bravo, an art and furniture collector, artist, and expert on Alexander Girard, with an impressive 30-years experience in vintage furnishings and mid-century decorative arts. Tune in as he shares the origins of his art collection, his restoration of mid-century furniture, and the stories of the unique pieces he's acquire…
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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…
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