Clever Home Design Hacks (for any space & budget)
Does your home still feel cluttered even after ruthlessly decluttering? Have you ever wondered why your home doesn’t look like the Pinterest rooms you love?
Today, Dawn is joined by Myquillyn Smith. Listen in as Myquillyn shares several tips, from “house hushing” to designing on a budget, and more!
ABOUT MYQUILLYN:
For the past ten years, Myquillyn Smith, also known as “The Nester,” has been encouraging women to embrace their homes-imperfections and all. Her lived-in, loved-on home has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal and Cottages & Bungalows. Myquillyn is the author of The Nesting Place and Cozy Minimalist Home and was chosen by Christianity Today as one of the top twenty creatives in 2016. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three boys.
Website: www.thenester.com
Instagram: @thenester
IN THIS EPISODE:
1:30 Let’s talk house hushing.
7:55 What is cozy minimalism?
12:35 How can we test out design changes on a budget?
15:53 Navigating home changes with others
21:19 Myquillin’s new book, House Rules
32:20 Myquillin’s opinion on color
BOOKS MENTIONED:
NEW: House Rules amzn.to/49Pjwq1
Welcome Home amzn.to/3WhmOiz
The Nesting Place amzn.to/3wa4YmU
Cozy Minimalist home amzn.to/3UfHg0K
Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast channel. If you'd like to hear previous episodes, you can find them on all podcasting apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iTunes.
Thank you so much for listening and could I ask a favor? Would you mind subscribing? It helps KZread recommend this podcast to more friends. Thank you! Dawn
ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM:
Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT!
If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my other channel @theminimalmom
Пікірлер: 160
I’m only 16 min. into this but have to comment. When I was growing up my mother periodically changed the furniture around in the living room. We kids loved it. There were 6 of us. She would say that it was like going on vacation, and because we didn’t, it felt like a new place and my father didn’t complain so long as his chair was lined up with the tv! My sisters and I (3) had two small bedrooms, one the size of a small walk in closet(!) and we would switch back and forth, moving our small possessions back and forth between the rooms. I do this now in my own home. My two girls are gone now with homes of their own and do the same thing. The “tradition” was passed down to them. My husband and son do not mind. 😊
@NLY1WAY4U
18 күн бұрын
My Mom did the same thing with living room furniture and our bedrooms. My Dad worked afternoon shifts quite a bit and bumped into them a lot. For the kids bedrooms were a way to give the 4 of us new bedroom partners for no arguing or nighttime talking!
Dawn, rose is your color
The plant talk honestly brought me SO MUCH FREEDOM! I currently have 2 plants that are slowly dying, and mocking me while they do so. I think it’s time for new plants! I’ve got my money’s worth out of these ones. Seriously, thank you.
@Ciao_Bella
15 күн бұрын
How do you get them to die? 😂😂 We have one plant that's hitting the ceiling. Let's be honest, it's a sapling now. I don't even really like plants, but I can't give up on living things, sigh.
Great podcast. I don't love the cheesy intro guy though 😂 I think you could save yourself some money and just tell us yourself a short intro, as most of us prefer to listen to you! Or get Tom to do it? Does he have a 'radio infomercial voice'?? 😂
@adenafritz9547
21 күн бұрын
Yess! Sorry intro guy - but we’d rather hear Dawn!
@stuartfamily6495
21 күн бұрын
I love the voice of the intro guy 😊
@lenafreeze7131
20 күн бұрын
Was gonna say exactly that!
@Kurodarkness
20 күн бұрын
The intro guy voice bothers me enough that I honestly skip thru it cuz something just grates me about it.
@ashleynichols3010
20 күн бұрын
I love the intro guy!!😅
Great video! Dawn, you make your podcasts so exciting because YOU are interested in your guests! Some Podcasters look as if they are not listening to their guests at all and just want it to be over!!
As I listened to this podcast, I looked around my house, with a critical eye. I have been on the decluttering journey for about 8 years. Every season I change things up, and only keep a small canvas cube of decor. I have not bought anything extra in years. I am an artist and have gallery walls, curated and they make me happy. The seasonal things I put out are less and less every time. No new pillows, but I do buy seasonal pillow covers. I feel minimalist, and comfortable in my space, thanks to your continued inspiration. I have white walls and neutral furniture and accessories, the art is all the color I need. This was a great podcast. I always look forward to your posts.
@jessicarobertson6401
16 күн бұрын
Me too❤!!!! Except photographer. Natural pallete with woods and stones and greenery and photography
Isn't it interesting that we feel the need to get others approval for decor? Her attitude was fab, design for your own like but gives us tips when we feel something is not quite right. Great interview for us simple design people.
Great interview! I like the idea of being more minimalistic in my decor, but not at the cost of “coziness”! However, the tips/wisdom that Myquillyn shares helps me see it differently! 😊P.S…. I love your channel Dawn!!
A lot of "hushing" is fixin' to happen! Great podcast.
You are so right that what worked in one house doesn't always move into another house well!! We had a small house where each room was distinct. Then we moved into a big house with an open floor plan. All of my small decor, curtains with small print, and small area rugs did NOT work in this house. Now I do big decor, big rugs, big prints or solids. It's a really weird mindset shift.
Great podcast. I replaced all my nicely framed photos with a single digital photo frame linked to a Google photos album and absolutely love it. Visitors will sit and watch the photos flip by. So people are actually more engaged with the digital frame than all of the framed photos I had around the house.
@Alextodd007
13 күн бұрын
Hello kim
@tatyanalukov5350
7 күн бұрын
Same here! We love our digital photo frame!
I love Dawn’s home! We move every few years for work, and I find if we leave our rooms really simple, it feels like we just moved in or are moving out, which is weirdly sad for me. So we are more “cozy minimalist” Because for this time of our lives, I need the cozy.
@Alextodd007
13 күн бұрын
Hello heather
I just “hushed” my “living room” space. I can not believe the effect! I can breathe!!! I am getting more pleasure from the correct scale than I was from my now removed 11 decor items and 1 piece of furniture. Thank you BIG TIME!
Great advice! In Denmark (which I don't live there) but they call call it hygge. Diane in Denmark coaches the Fly Lady system and the cozy (hygge) minimalist.
@pamelafoster
20 күн бұрын
Would love to hear Dawn do a podcast with Diane In Denmark ❤❤❤
Regarding family photos: I have none in my house. As my mom said once, 'I don't need photos of people I see all the time." So if you don't have any, don't feel guilty.
@josi4381
20 күн бұрын
That is actually something we also don't have. Neither do my and hubby's parents.
@keener57
19 күн бұрын
I agree!
@andreawales1938
12 күн бұрын
Photos of family members help us see them at their best and evoke memories. I always bring out a professional family-portrait collage at Christmastime. (I rotate the three that we have, one per year.) I also have small framed photos in my glass-front secretary. When someone comes to visit, the guest loves that a photo of that guest and the host is displayed in the guest room.
@tatyanalukov5350
7 күн бұрын
We got a digital photo frame and we totally love it. It brings up beautiful memories all day long without cluttering our space.
Pintesrest being made for men to share car photos blew my mind!!! I love Pinterest so much.
@brittanyk3241
18 күн бұрын
I looked that up and didn’t see anything to confirm it. Weird 😅
@bumblebee_mrs
18 күн бұрын
@@brittanyk3241 I didn't know about it either until Dawn said it in this video. Maybe they don't make it public for some reason, who knows.
chrome is classic and looks clean in kitchens and bathrooms; things are moving into the warms again; I think, in terms of hardware and fixtures, you should just choose what you love as trends change...
This feels like just moving into a new space ….but without the boxes ♥️
I can't even express how much I enjoyed this podcast. I love her, read two of her books and still find her so clever. I'm going to buy the next one for sure. The idea of a cosy minimalism is key, with the scale point. Well done, you two are so much value !
Two of my fav influencers in one podcast! I can’t wait to read House Rules. I loved Cozy Minimalism but her book Welcome Home is a minimalists dream because she talks about getting ready for each season with the five senses and not just relying on chochkies for welcoming fall or Christmas or whatever. Love her stuff so much. I have more confidence in my decorating because of Myquillin. 💕
@maeb7723
21 күн бұрын
Ditto!!!
Loved this video! So many similar ideas and learned new things as well. The first other person I've ever heard say, "I love a white wall, I love empty walls"! Thank you!
For people who want to add real plants but feel that you might forget to water them, many succulent plants are very forgiving and super easy care. Keep in mind that plants, the leafier, the better, add benefits to healthy air.
Dawn, I like the black hardware in your kitchen.
I think that one of the reasons I love your channel is because you are so real and authentic. Of course, it is also because you share such life-changing ideas. Your new announcer diminishes the authentic vibe. I really have a strong reaction to him.
WOW, Dawn! you look so radiant and cheerful with this colour! And, as always, you bring the best guests to help us improve our day to day lives :) Thank you! And keep that colour on! Great choice!
Awesome podcast video! Two of my favorites together! First time I’ve ever “heard” Myquillin!! I’ve only read her! What a treat!! Thanks Dawn! Will be ordering her newest book!!
I love the idea of hushing your house! What a great idea!! 🙌🏼 I'm going to try it! Thanks for bringing us these new experts and experiences Dawn!
😊 Thank you for sharing/introducing. Enlightening.
Loved this episode!❤
Chrome is CLASSIC.❤
To quote the great William Morris: “Have nothing in your home which is not beautiful nor useful”! 👍
Dawn! Loving the red hair! And the deep pink top is perfect for your coloring. 💗
I was so excited to see that you had Myquillin on your podcast! I’ve listened to her books on my Evermore app! I love both of you gals!❤
Fantastic podcast!! Thank you, getting the new book. 😄
I love plants in a room. A moisture meter was a game changer for keeping them healthy. My plant math is no more than 3 per room. And some rooms have none.
I enjoyed this! It was motivational! 😊
Great interview! Thanks for sharing such interesting and practical tips and information.
Love how we decorate storage shelves. Senseless.
Hushing is genius!
Thanks for buddying up with her. I just got her new book. So fun. I always love her Ribbon, that's behind her. I've seen it in several of her houses. i think I have her other book that you showed. You two make a great pair.
Dawn, I just love your videos!! I loved Myquilin when I read her first book. It gave me pride in being a renter, when most designers made renters feel less-than. I signed up for her email newsletters and preordered her 2nd book, that I also loved. As time has passed, she seems to have become more like the over eccentric and obscure loving wealthy designers, no longer resonating with the regular folks like me. Come back down to Earth Myquilin! We miss you!
Appreciated this. I have an appreciation for handmade art but I am very selective about it.
Great podcast. Thanks!
@Alextodd007
13 күн бұрын
Hello Cynthia
Wait a minute...Dawn, is it a new hair color? You're blooming lady! ☺ Well..."she's a lady..." 😁
Plants: I have an oxalis that has been in my family for 103 years. No lie
@countryfrau8328
16 күн бұрын
Wow!!!
Wow Dawn this hair color on you is so beautiful
This is so good. I'm a total novice in this area, but I'm keen to learn more since my boyfriend and I are moving towards engagement. If we get married, I do want our home to be a nice refuge
Great video! Love Myquillyn!! Please do a podcast with KZreadr Diane in Denmark!
Another Excellent interview, Dawn. mahalo nui / tfs I really like Myquillyn's attitude and approach!
@rw7806
21 күн бұрын
Mahalo nui loa, makes me homesick for Hawai’i❤. “Many thanks” for anyone wondering 🏝️🌺
@_JanetLouise
20 күн бұрын
@@rw7806 Aloha from Puna on the Big Island
I love chrome too! I’m not alone lol😂
Thank you.
I agree with the idea of loving your home and it being easy to live in. It’s funny, my island is gray and my cabinets white, and I wanted gray bar stools. I used bold colors for my kitchen decor, but for some reason it was important for me to have that particular aspect be more monochrome.
@Alextodd007
13 күн бұрын
Hi there
I use large mults to turn multiple photographs into a single large piece of 'art' ...i find this visually less overwhelming than a gallery wall.
Yes! We should go with what we like. Why do we let others dictate what our personal space should look like????
Less is more & bigger is better.😊
I love the plant math
I love the bling knobs! My husband thinks it is too girly.
Hey Dawn! I have been following you since 2020 when we found out we were moving to California from our large Florida home. I knew I needed to get rid of a ton of stuff for the move, and I needed help and inspiration. I loved your videos. I have decluttered so much stuff, but still struggle with too much. My husband is very much not a minimalist and that has been a struggle as well. During this video, I couldn’t stop thinking, “What about us military families who have to change houses every 3 years?” I think that might be my issue. Trying to get our things to fit in a completely different setting and making it all work without having the time to really experiment and settle in. I had finally gotten our California house to where I liked it (for the most part), when we had to move overseas to Japan. Now, I am 8 months in, and still feeling unsettled in our military housing that I don’t love anyway. My friend has gone super far into minimalism that the house feels empty and boring and very institutional. She can fit her things into our cramped quarters easily, but it’s not cozy. I’d love to hear your advice about that. There may not be a great answer to that question. It’s just a fact of military life. It seems like we get rid of a bunch of things around a move and then have to buy more to make life easier in a space because each house with storage and wall space and things like that are so different. Just some thoughts. Sorry about the novel! 😅
@kristieshoemake7343
23 сағат бұрын
That WOULD be a difficult situation!
@kristieshoemake7343
23 сағат бұрын
My initial thoughts are to use mostly neutrals, use smaller scale furniture, accent primarily with plants, and use smaller organizer trays. You can add more to bigger drawers but can’t use the large trays in small drawers. Mid size rugs.
I move my furniture ALL the time. One time, my husband came home in the middle of the night from OTR trucking. All the lights were off, and he came in and ran into a chair that I had moved. We still laugh about that.
The idea of my husband creating a Pinterest board to compare for home design is so foreign to me 😅
Loved this episode so much, thanks to both of you! 🩶
It's great for you but to me it is stark and bare. I definitely like my appliances on my counter. I have plenty of space. I They match and I use most everyday. It each his own.
Andrew Peterson? As in The Wingfeather Saga Author and Songwriter? Love that guy.
@Alextodd007
13 күн бұрын
Hello Bethany
Dawn, I agree with you that the warmer metals are in, but I think the style of those particular handles are not the best for your space. Maybe that's what your family was referring to!
Really fun podcast. One thing that always bemuses me is how people shop for ‘decor’ or ‘art’. We have always picked up pieces that have been meaningful or fun not to have a pintressed or insta house but to have a house full of memories. We will pick up something on a holiday (even plants) or go to an art fair. I find the idea of going to a decor shop and buying generic decor a strange concept as I would be buying meaningless items. This is not a judgement. Get what makes you happy. ❤
Which of these books do you recommend to read first?
I have seasonal textiles: throws, cushions and lampshades that l can switch out. My weak spot is my loungeroom which is part of an open floorplan. My large pieces of furniture act as dividers /zones, so l'm unable to move the furniture around. To satisfy my urge for change / refresh, wall art can be swapped between rooms. This is the only space in my home where l crave variety. I do feel obligated to display gifted items because l know my family and friends notice. Fortunately, l do like 99% of the sentimental items
❤
My design challenge is that because of limited space, I have to double up my dining space as a homeschool space. My walls feel overwhelming and crowded but I need a good combination of practical and beautiful.
If you want ultimate visual simplicity follow what I’ve coined the “3 P’s” of decorating: Purpose, Plants & Photos. Quiet your home by letting go of all the other odd balls.
For me cozy minimalism is also color ! Less items but don’t go white washed… that is why I like Dawn a lot with the blue tones… I still wish she kept the colorful plates 😢
My cat eat my plants.. and I always need to watch out, because some of plans are toxic for cats.. Sooo I have now only grass for my cat 😁 and they look lovely and he can eat them all and be a little happy cat haha 😊
I live in an apartment and all walls are white. I'm not allowed to paint the walls, do I do the decorating with pictures, artwork and shelves. My kitchen is very small. My entire apartment is 600 square feet. I dont really have much to work with 😢.
@mariastathopoulos744
15 күн бұрын
My suggestion is to focus on statement pieces: large wall art, large vase, kettle, lighting and textures.
A bamboo stalk is so cheap and will live and even leaf out in a low lit (ambient light from windows in rooms across the hall) bathroom in only a vase of water for years. No need to go fake.
Is intro guy from WBGL??
Oh Dawn, how I wish you would have asked her about throw pillows. Haha…Especially for me, on the bed? Yes or No?
You can't ruin something you already hate! 😂
Real plants also clean the air.
Why not spray paint the barstools bronze?🤔
Fake plants do nothing for us Real plants oxygen… it’s nice to have life in ur house
I think you should have what you want in your kitchen but I'm with Adeline. The black looks so much better. I noticed it in your last video (or the one with Diana). I wouldn't have it but it's YOUR kitchen so have gold if you like it.
Hey Dawn, I have question about your dining room: Why are there only four seats when there are six of you? 🤔
@plushymom
17 күн бұрын
Kids sit at the table mom and dad eat at the bar stools maybe
@cindybutler1413
15 күн бұрын
@@plushymom i believe it is the opposite
@plushymom
15 күн бұрын
@@cindybutler1413 cool, thanks 😀
I keep getting distracted by the ribbon in an R shape and I thought it was representing her last name but no there's not an R at the beginning of either of her names! And that bothers me lol
@jasminvandugteren1391
4 күн бұрын
Maybe r for ribbon. Haha 🤪🤷♀️
What happens if you just need to paint and fix things up you don’t have time or money to do it?
Love all your videos and have subscribed for years. The reason I watch you is because you’re so authentic and honest. However, the new intro with the cheezy guy is awful. It makes you seem less relatable and “real” now! Please go back to “if you don’t know me, I’m Dawn and I’m married to Tom and we have 4 kids age (insert current ages here). Miss that sweet intro!
@luciareynolds4201
20 күн бұрын
She still does that for her channel. This is her podcast video. Separate account.
The intro voice reminds me of the male voice that introduces Joyce Meyer. I don't lime it. I'm waiting to hear "We pray you find this video helpful...". Its not a super negative but it isn't a plus.
Im with your family, Please No Gold !!!!
@ginabess619
20 күн бұрын
I’m thinking gold is more of a trend still think chrome or brushed silver is timeless shinny gold a big no no, again I think the brushed gold is a trend or a fad even bronze reminds me of the old Tuscan vibe that used to be around.
No gold! It goes out of style too fast, so keep the old stuff for a year. You will want to change it so soon.
I love Danne but i just want to suggest that you don’t shake your head so often during a podcast when the guest is talk. I hope i not offending you with my opinion.
This intro man is so phoney!
I’m not going to get to the actual content because you have a male announcer who, I’m sorry to say, is annoying and otherwise off-putting. You don’t need *any* announcer! I think you must be required to have one in this venue because numerous people have commented that he is taking away from your message. However, I remember you saying once that you rarely read comments that appear to be negative. That is such a shame because, by heeding those comments, you could improve your channel.
All the constant head nodding is phoney
@jackieo2403
21 күн бұрын
IT is a bit distracting but could just be her mannerism - or maybe anxiety ? No everyone is at ease in front of a camera.
@AndreaonKCisland
21 күн бұрын
Hi Cindytil, where is the content u r creating, id love to check it out? Have a little more kindness, this woman has inspired me & keeps it real & i doubt u would say that to someone if they were right in front of you.
@bonnierainwater4484
21 күн бұрын
It’s a podcast. So don’t watch, just listen and learn.👍🏼
@m0503893
21 күн бұрын
It’s not phony; it’s to indicate active listening.
@karennealy1857
20 күн бұрын
I love love Dawn’s authentic reactions including her enthusiasm and various ways of expressing affirmation!! One of the best things about her podcast, that and her great questions!!