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I’ve been thinking about Heidi Gardner a lot lately. The Saturday Night Live alum just announced she’d be stepping down ahead of the show’s 51st season, and while I’m so sad I won’t see her on my screen every Saturday night, I’m more curious to know if I’ll ever be able to get more glimpses of her absolutely astounding mid-century modern home in Kansas City, Missouri.
Gardner opened up her home toArchitectural Digest, and I’m genuinely obsessed with it. “This house is both a Kansas City labor of love and a New York labor of love, which is kind of like me, my two favorite places in the world,” Gardner said in the YouTube video. For the design build, she worked with Cicada Company in Kansas City, and for the interior design, she chose the New York-based Madeline Hudson Interiors.
“It was really important to me to keep the vibes that I originally saw when I walked in this house with the wood walls and the stone,” Gardner says. “I was like, ‘I’m in the Boogie Nights house.’” (This is one of my all-time favorite movies, and she is spot-on with the reference.)
Why Heidi Gardner’s MCM Home Is a True Gem
It is both my opinion and the pro opinion that all new owners of MCM homes should approach renovation with the idea of keeping those OG vibes, says Ashley Kendrick of Ashley Kendrick Real Estate in Kansas City. “[An MCM home] is a piece of art; it’s an artifact,” she explains. “And I think knowing what belongs in that house to preserve is key.”
MCM homes are “the emotional buy here,” especially when they are redone well. “There’s a limited supply of them in Kansas City, so you get a lot of people willing to pay, I would say, more than market value.” Kendrick says that MCM homes in the Kansas City area can range from $400,000 to upwards of several million dollars.
There’s a good reason that homebuyers are willing to stretch their budgets for MCM homes. “Architecturally, they’re their own animal,” Kendrick says. She notes the wood and stone elements give these homes a “warm Japanese feel.” She cites Don Drummond as one of the key architects who brought MCM to Kansas City; Bob Wendt, David Runnels, and Bruce Goff are among other noted MCM pioneers in the area.
Unless an MCM home has been recently updated, buyers can expect to pay more — sometimes a lot more — for energy-efficient enhancements. Andrew Bash of Sage Sotheby’s International in Kansas City says that the original homes were constructed with single-pane windows. And because MCM homes have no lack of natural light pouring in, it’s a hefty investment to replace the many windows and glass doors.
But don’t dare call an MCM a money pit. “I would liken them to a really nice, amazing sports car that you’re going to probably have to tweak to keep running, as opposed to it just being super efficient right out of the gate,” Bash says.
The Features I’m Most Obsessed with in Gardner’s MCM Home
My favorite things about the home? The over-the-top touches (her disco-ball range hood is beyond cool) and how much original features were preserved. Gardner and her design teams kept much of the wood accents in the home, including the wood paneled walls.
Some might want to tear down wood panel walls in just about any other type of home, but in an MCM home, you’ll actually want more of them. In fact, most of the walls in the home feature light wood, with two notable exceptions: the gorgeous stone fireplace and an office/media room decorated in Gucci wallpaper. “It’s not reasonably priced,” Gardner admits, although she is thrilled with her splurge.
Gardner actually calls this wallpapered room a “snug,” which is a new-to-me term. But I got the vibe as soon as I saw it. It’s a luxurious yet comfortable retreat where she can write, hang with her cats — seriously, she also splurged on the most incredible cat tree you’ll ever see — and even host tailgating parties. (She’s a huge Chiefs and Royals fan.) There are two glass doors that open to the outside, offering easy access to the barbecue and smoker on game days.
If you saw Gardner’s incredible backyard and pool without knowing that she lived in Kansas City, it would be very easy to assume she purchased a home in Palm Springs. It’s amazing to see that it’s possible to blend a coastal vibe into the Midwest. But indoor/outdoor living is one of the hallmarks of MCM homes, no matter the location, although the Kansas City climate allows plenty of time to enjoy it. “[The weather] is amazing from March through November,” Kendrick says.
Many Kansas City homes have pools, some of which were added during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people relocated back to the area, according to Kendrick. Unlike other geographical areas where pools might detract value from the home, pools add value to Kansas City homes, especially with that extended swim season.
As much as I adore my Cape Cod-style house, my new goal in life is to own an MCM home. And while I’m sad to see that Gardner won’t be returning for Season 51 of Saturday Night Live, I can’t help but be glad that it’s a great opportunity for her to spend more time in her glorious new digs.
Style needs to deliver when it comes to refreshing your living space. Buyers notice this, too. They see the scuffed baseboards, a humming vent, and a water ring faster than bold paint. That reaction shapes the offers if you decide to sell. The solution is not a shopping haul but a well-planned upgrade.
Start at the Top: Roofs and Their Role in Resale
Credit: AdobeStock
A healthy roof sets the tone before the lock turns. Missing shingles or soft decking hint at headaches and invite bargain hunting. Order a roof inspection, clear debris, and repair flashing that misdirects water. Replace brittle underlayment where age shows. Keep receipts and photos so buyers see evidence, not promises.
Addressing issues early prevents leaks that creep into drywall and insulation. Inspect after heavy storms. That is also why investing in expert roofing solutions becomes a brilliant play that protects home value without drama.
Plumbing and Electrical Systems: The Unseen Selling Points
Wiring and plumbing rarely appear in listing photos, yet they make or break the deal. Old panels without space, missing GFCI protection, and brittle supply lines raise flags during inspections.
Replace outlets in wet spaces, replace stuck shutoff valves, and replace loud fans that deposit steam. Perform a pressure test and inspect slow leaks in the bathroom and kitchen. Replace noisy supply hoses. Label the panel and save permits.
These repairs contribute to safety and dependability. It also reduces the risks for the future owner.
Kitchen and Bathroom Maintenance Upgrades
Image: Archi_Viz, via Shutterstock
The minor defects in the kitchen and bathroom should not be overlooked. Mildew on a tub rim or a creaking cabinet door indicates a degree of neglect. Recaulk with silicone, clean the grout until it shines, and replace cracked tiles that catch your eye.
Add soft-close hinges, update the hardware, and choose lighting that reads surfaces without glare. Stop drips, because a metronome faucet turns a showing into a countdown. Consider a solid composite sink or a low-flow shower head where practical.
These targeted repairs provide a cleaner picture of how the house has been maintained.
Energy Efficiency as a Selling Feature
Energy performance ranks beside location for many buyers. Begin with a tune-up of your heating and cooling system, along with a new filter that is specifically designed for your system.
Seal attic penetrations, add insulation to reach guidance, and weatherstrip doors that leak conditioned air. If windows stick or fog, repair the seals so rooms feel steady throughout the seasons.
Smart thermostats help, yet comfort sells best. Lower bills matter, but the real win is a home that maintains a consistent temperature without hot and cold pockets from room to room.
Curb Appeal Beyond Landscaping
Curb appeal is the handshake that sets expectations. Power wash siding, brighten trim, and clear gutters that spill during rain. Patch driveway cracks before weeds make a statement.
Replace damaged mailboxes and worn-out house numbers with simple, modern ones. At 6:00 p.m., when the majority of buyers are expected to drive by, check the exterior lights and set timers to make the house look welcoming.
A functional doorbell and a smoothly operating latching door might not seem like much, but taken together, they drive the entire walkthrough.
Conclusion
Maintenance upgrades rarely steal attention, yet they move the needle where it counts. A snug roof, reliable systems, new kitchens and baths, strong efficiency, and clean curb appeal sum up to trust.
Prioritize essentials, track progress, and achieve quick wins around major tasks. When photos go live, the home reads cared for and ready. Buyers pay for certainty. Offer fewer reasons to hesitate and confidently position the property to sell quickly at a stronger price.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
When I went away to college, one of the first dorm gifts I received was a storage ottoman to spruce up my new space. Granted, extra storage wasn’t as thrilling to freshman-me as it most definitely is now, but it was obviously the start of something special, because I’ve refused to go without one ever since. Whether you live in a dorm room or a tiny apartment like I do, I’m telling you — storage ottomans are the multi-taskers your small space has been missing.
When closets and floor-space are scarce, storage ottomans keep clutter out of sight as a much-needed catch-all for blankets, towels, you name it. Plus, they function as extra seats and surfaces (like a side or coffee table) when every piece of furniture counts. It’s the one home accent that does the absolute most, if you ask me. You don’t have to spend a lot to snag a stylish one, either; Walmart has tons of budget-friendly options that complement any space. So kick back and relax, and shop these Walmart storage ottomans for under $100.
Garden centre giant Dobbies has partnered with Alzheimer’s Research UK to raise £10,000 for vital research by curating and selling a Sensory Garden Bulb collection.
Most gardeners will know that autumn is the best time to plant your spring bulbs, and if you want a garden that is bursting with colour, while contributing to a great cause, this charity collaboration has arrived just in time.
The sensory garden bulb collection is £15 from Dobbies and features tulips, alliums and narcissus. These garden favourites are popular since they brighten any garden ideas with ease. And now, Dobbies and Alzheimer’s research have revealed another reason why these blooms are so special.
Dobbies Signature Collection
Spring Sensory Garden for Alzheimer’s Research Uk
Retailing at £15 per pack of 15, £5 from every sale goes straight to Alzheimer’s Research UK to fund vital research into the disease.
An estimated 982,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. The UK’s biggest killer, one in three people born in the UK will develop dementia in their lifetime.
Dobbies and Alzheimer’s Research UK’s goal of £10,000 will fund up to 278 hours of scientists’ lab time to help find a cure. Since 1 March this year, Dobbies has raised £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK via events, charity walks and in-store donations.
Alongside fundraising to find a cure for dementia, Dobbies and Alzheimer’s Research UK have partnered to show how gardening can have a positive impact on brain health. The Sensory Garden 15 Bulbs Collection has been carefully picked to help engage the senses and provide positive stimulation.
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Sensory garden ideas can serve as a therapeutic space for all, containing plants and objects that appeal to our senses and make us happy. Sensory plants are incredibly helpful for those with dementia as their colour, touch, and scent can help calm and ground, and even encourage the recollection of memories, according to NHS Forests.
The Sensory Garden Bulb Collection contains the striking Allium Purple Rain that engages the senses of sight and touch; Narcissus Bridal Crown, known for its bright and scented blooms; Tulip Blushing Apeldoorn, with its colourful bobbing flowers; and Tulip Purple Rain, adding a bold and dramatic finish to displays. These stunning blooms are also best planted in September, which is also World Alzheimer’s Month.
‘If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we’re committed to finding a cure for dementia, and Dobbies is helping us achieve this by raising vital funds for research,’ says Paul Glazier, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
‘This beautiful bulb collection is doing just that, with money from each pack being donated to our cause. Gardening is also a great way to show our brains some love and potentially reduce our risk of developing dementia. Being active in the garden, learning new skills, connecting with others and planting these bulbs are great ways to show our brain some love while supporting life-changing dementia research.
‘We’re incredibly grateful to Dobbies for standing with us, and we want to say thank you to everyone who buys a pack. We hope the bulbs bring colour and joy to gardens across the country.’
The Sensory Garden Bulb Collection is available to buy in-store and online now.
WESTWOOD FOX
Westwood Fox Leather Gardening Gloves
Wearing gardening gloves will help protect your hands from some irritants found in spring bulbs such as Narcissus.
Crocus
Bulb Planting Auger – Long
A bulb planter means you can plant bulbs from standing without kneeling or crouching. It’s also handy to use if you have heavy or dense soil.
Spear & Jackson
Spear & Jackson 4813bp Traditional Stainless Long Handled Bulb Planter
This bulb planter has imperical and metric measurements so you can accurately see how far down you have planted.
The Sensory Garden Bulb Collection is available to buy in-store and online now.
One of the debates when mulling over buying a pizza oven is the six (or more) months of the year when a British back garden isn’t the ideal place for hosting an outdoor cooking event.
That’s where the appeal of the Ooni Volt comes in, which is an the electric pizza oven that you can use all winter long indoors. While the original Volt came out in 2023, its now undergone a redesign with a slimmed down footprint and a more affordable RRP to compete with the best pizza ovens on the market.
Kitted out with ‘Pizza Intelligence’ programs, this new and improved oven has a huge range of temperatures for proving your dough and firing up your pizzas.
Ooni
Volt 12
The original indoor oven from Ooni, the Volt proved very popular with its release in 2023.
So what’s different here? The first thing I noticed was the new smaller size. Where the original Volt was pretty ungainly, this 2.0 version is 30% slimmer and according to the brand, ‘can fit in a standard kitchen cupboard when not in use’. You can still fire up 13-inch pizzas with it, but it’ll take up far less space on your kitchen worktop.
It also features a sleeker look, with contrast colours, a more refined digital interface and a viewing window that’s much larger, so you can watch how your pizza is getting on.
(Image credit: Ooni)
But what will be most exciting to home pizza chefs is the new ‘Pizza Intelligence’ presets, which allow you to try out Neopolitan, Thin & Crispy and Pan Pizzas at the touch of a button.
Once you’ve selected one of these settings, the oven will automatically adjust the temperature of the oven for you, as well as ‘balance heat between the top and base heating elements’ and ‘minimise temperature fluctuations and cold spots’, according to Ooni.
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(Image credit: Future/Ooni)
There’s a huge range of temperatures with this oven too, from 20 to 450°C. You can use the lowest setting for proving your pizza dough or other breads and then fire up to the highest temperature quickly (in 20 minutes according to Ooni) in order to get the heat you need for a crispy base.
As someone who has tried the orignal Volt, I recognise the need for a lot of these tweaks to the design. While I love using my oven to host winter time pizza parties, storing such a large indoor oven is sometimes a headache and the interface could be a lot more intuitive for beginners.
Using my original Volt 12 to host a winter-time pizza party.
(Image credit: Future)
One of the only kickers with the Volt 2.0 is that it can only be used indoors, so when the sun does shine, your pizza party chef will be running those pizzas through to your guests outside.
What do you make of this new and improved indoor oven?
