Mid Mod Remodel

The mid-century was THE era of techno optimism and high-end homes were full of gizmos and gadgets. Sound familiar? We are living through another era of intense smart home technology. So, which updates are worth the investment, and which might age out faster than avocado-green appliances?
Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1909

One of the many weird side effects of our collective corona virus precautions is that almost every kid in the country is home from school right now. Families are having to come up with new routines, creative kid spaces, and fresh inspiration to keep everyone active, happy and stimulated (and hang on to parental sanity if possible).

This week I share some kid-focused advice that could come in handy for parents who are working to keep their kids happy and engaged right now.

Your kids needs have likely changed during the Covid-19 quarantine. Working parents with kids in school may have had a smooth nightly parade of dinner, baths, reading and bed time. But when you have all day every day with your kids in the house you need to rethink the routine. It can help to have multiple areas or stations around the house to move to during the course of the day.
Grab my Free Download: How to Make Extra Space in your house Right Now with Nooks Right Here!
In today's episode you'll hear ...

• What we can learn from Montessori classrooms about setting up great spaces for child exploration and self directed learning in our homes [3:14]
• By the way this totally ties in with my episode of last week - how our home need more "away spaces" or "nooks" in each room to allow for plenty of together time and apart time.
• Gather some ideas for how to surprise and delight your stay home kids. They love ideas that are outrageous or subversive like breakfast for dinner and camping in the living room! [4:56]
• Learn how you can help your child set up a "feel good place" for positive discipline time outs that can help sooth high tempers or overtired outbursts [6:53]
• Age appropriate design thinking activities for your kids ranging from toddler to teenager [9:08]
• Use the Design Thinking framework created by the Stanford D-School to help your child go through a great design process from start to finish [13:15]
• How to involve your whole family in a good home improvement project [14:04]

Don't miss my interview with Wisconsin Public Radio! Check out the podcast re-broadcast here!
Find show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/303

I don't know about you, but when I get into a topic, I really go down the rabbit hole. So, of course, I love to stay up on my reading regarding Mid-Century Resources.

Knowing the context of the time period and design thinking that created our favorite mid mod looks helps us figure out how to recreate them or update them for ourselves, but I'm not just sending you to visit Amazon or your local library. I mean ... yes, there will be books - there will be books on design and history and some are amazingly fun reads.

However, if you're in the mood for something a little more skimmable or more basic how-to's, I've got you covered there as well. I'll even throw in two of my favorite sources for finding and making cool MCM stuff for your house. So, this is a list for shoppers as well. So strap in, and enjoy the ride.

I've broken my recommendations down into five categories: quick overviews, best design books, best history books, remodeling, how to advice, and sources of cool MCM stuff.

In today's Episode, you'll hear ...

• That the Mid Mod Remodel Podcast now has its own dedicated instagram account! (Check it out @midmodremodelpodcast) [2:20]
• My favorite introductions to MCM style [3:30]
• The best books to check out if you want to give yourself a thorough overview of mid-century design and the way to remodel a ranch [5:08]
• Plus a bonus ... if you're going to remodel ... ANYTHING ... you need to read Sarah Susanka's Not So Big Remodel. [7:24]
• Two really excellent MCM history books to let you broaden your expertise in the mid-century period [8:47]
• A pair of absolutely necessary online reference tools for anyone who wants to DIY their mid-century home update [11:20]
• And two (out of an easy dozen off the top of my head) super places to go look for tools and supplies to buy and use on your MCM house. Let's take your Mid-Century Cool Factor up several notches [13:17]

Find links and complete show notes at midmod-midwest.com/202

When is the right time to engage design help for your remodel? The right mix of experts at the right points in the process can transform your mid-century remodeling experience. Elin Walters from Exactly Design is back to share her thoughts on who to call and when to make sure your remodel is a stunner.
In Today's Episode You'll Hear:

• Why you should start with design...even for small projects.
• How a slow start can set you up for success.
• Which experts will help most at different points in your remodel process.

Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1813.

What should you do to get ready to sell a house built in the mid-century era? Should you rip out a tired kitchen? Quickly tear off that old, beat up siding and replace it with some easy care vinyl? No, please don't.
Instead, let me make your life easier. Do less. Because there is someone out there searching for your parents’ time capsule house.
Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1906