We recently embarked on a fascinating journey to integrate the principles of “Cozy Minimalism” within our own home, and the transformative results have been nothing short of delightful. This experience has led us straight to the source, as we delve into an insightful conversation with Myquillyn Smith, the acclaimed author of Cozy Minimalist Home. Myquillyn shares the profound realizations that enabled her to masterfully blend these two seemingly divergent concepts – coziness and minimalism – into a practical, step-by-step methodology for anyone to apply in their personal living spaces. During our chat, she reveals invaluable strategies for discerning and stopping the cycle of buying ill-fitting accessories, elucidates the crucial “right” sequence for decorating any room, and passionately underscores what items should unequivocally be avoided during trips to popular retailers like Target. Beyond this enriching discussion, we also provide an in-depth account of our more strategic approach to tiling the duplex, highlighting a specific technique we employed this time that significantly streamlined the entire process. And for those wondering, Sherry may have finally embraced the cozy spirit of the autumn season.

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Embracing Cozy Minimalism: An Interview with Myquillyn Smith

In this illuminating episode, we explore the revolutionary concept of “Cozy Minimalism” – a design philosophy that champions a home that is both simple and serene, yet rich with warmth and personality. Far from the stark, often intimidating aesthetic of traditional minimalism, Cozy Minimalism offers a welcoming alternative, proving that less can indeed be more, especially when that “less” is carefully curated to evoke comfort and joy. Our journey into this philosophy began with testing its principles within our own dwelling, and the positive transformation we witnessed compelled us to seek out the visionary behind it: Myquillyn Smith, widely known as “The Nester.”

Myquillyn’s insights are particularly valuable for anyone feeling overwhelmed by home decor choices or struggling to create a space that truly reflects their authentic self. She expertly guides us through the pitfalls of impulsive accessory purchases, offering a clear framework for making intentional decisions that contribute to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. She also stresses the importance of a logical progression when decorating a room, arguing that there is, in fact, an optimal order to tasks that can save time, money, and frustration. And for a truly memorable moment, Myquillyn passionately reveals her definitive list of items we should all think twice about – or simply avoid altogether – when browsing the aisles of popular big-box stores. This practical advice is not just about decluttering; it’s about investing in pieces that truly enhance your living experience and align with your personal style.

What’s New: Duplex Tiling Adventures and Breakthroughs

Our recent endeavors have centered on the significant undertaking of tiling the duplex, and we’re thrilled to share our initial progress and some valuable lessons learned. The photograph above captures the exciting start to our tiling marathon, marking a pivotal moment as our carefully selected tile choices began to materialize into tangible improvements for the duplex. Witnessing the transformation of plain subfloors into beautifully patterned surfaces was incredibly gratifying. While there’s still work to be done – specifically the crucial steps of grouting all the installed tiles and adding quarter round trim around the baseboards – we are eagerly anticipating sharing a comprehensive collection of updated pictures as soon as these finishing touches are complete.

• Mudroom Magic: The tiling process commenced with the mudroom, a space where functionality meets aesthetic appeal. We previously detailed our tile selection process, and seeing our vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding. The mudroom tile, specifically chosen for its impressive scale (each piece measuring nearly 1.5 feet by 3 feet!), proved to be a real game-changer. Its generous dimensions allowed for a surprisingly swift installation, reducing the number of individual tiles to lay and consequently accelerating our progress significantly. This efficiency was a pleasant surprise and a testament to the impact of smart material selection.
• Upstairs Bathroom Challenge: Conversely, the upstairs bathroom presented its own unique set of challenges. This is where we encountered a minor setback, running out of the chosen tile – a classic DIY “womp-womp” moment! The intricate tile pattern selected for this space, while visually stunning, proved to be far less forgiving during installation than anticipated. Its complex design demanded meticulous attention to detail; even a slight miscalculation in cutting could lead to wasted material and a disrupted pattern. We quickly learned the importance of extreme vigilance to avoid cutting along the wrong edge by accident. Thankfully, the additional tile needed to complete the bathroom has already arrived, and by the time you read this update, we fully expect it to be perfectly installed, bringing us closer to the finish line for this space.

For those eager to get a sneak peek at the full spectrum of our tile selections for both sides of the duplex, we invite you to revisit our detailed breakdown from a few weeks ago. In that post, we outlined all of our original choices. Interestingly, as projects often evolve, we did make a couple of last-minute switches to optimize the final look and feel of certain areas, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability required in home renovation projects.

Myquillyn Smith and the Philosophy of Cozy Minimalist Home

Our conversation with Myquillyn Smith, the brilliant mind behind the Cozy Minimalist Home, delves into a revolutionary approach to interior design that challenges conventional notions of both coziness and minimalism. Myquillyn, affectionately known online as “The Nester,” has carved out a unique niche by advocating for spaces that are uncluttered and serene, yet undeniably warm, inviting, and reflective of the people who live in them. This isn’t about stark white walls and sparse furniture; it’s about intentionality, purpose, and comfort.

• Our Prior Dive into Cozy Minimalism: If you’re new to the concept or missed our initial foray into Myquillyn’s groundbreaking ideas, we highly recommend revisiting Episode #111. In that installment, Sherry shared her personal experience of applying Myquillyn’s principles in our own home, detailing the process and the immensely satisfying results. It was this hands-on application that truly solidified our appreciation for the Cozy Minimalist philosophy.
• Get Your Copy Now: The much-anticipated book, Cozy Minimalist Home, is officially available this week! Now is the perfect opportunity to secure your own copy and embark on your journey towards creating a home that feels both peaceful and profoundly welcoming. Myquillyn’s step-by-step guidance is accessible and empowering, designed to help you transform your space without overwhelming you.
• Connect with The Nester: Beyond the book, you can further immerse yourself in Myquillyn’s world by following her incredibly popular blog, The Nesting Place. This platform is a treasure trove of additional insights, practical tips, and even exclusive freebies designed to support your cozy minimalist endeavors. We’ve also had the pleasure of speaking with her previously in Episode #58, where we explored a different but equally compelling topic: the delicate balance of sharing aspects of one’s children’s lives online.
• Principles in Practice: To give you a taste of Myquillyn’s aesthetic, we’ve included one of the beautiful photographs from her book, showcasing her own kitchen. This image vividly illustrates some of the core principles she champions, such as maintaining clear, uncluttered surfaces and strategically incorporating large, impactful accessories rather than numerous small ones. This approach fosters a sense of calm and visual breathing room, even in a functional space like a kitchen. However, this is just a glimpse; the book itself is packed with countless more examples and detailed explanations that will inspire and guide you.

• Navigating Sentimental Clutter: One of the most common dilemmas in home organization involves sentimental items – gifts received that, while well-intentioned, may not align with your style or needs. This can be an incredibly tricky situation to navigate! For a more extensive and empathetic discussion on how to respectfully handle home items that have been given to you but you don’t wish to keep, we dedicated a significant portion of Episode #35 to this very topic. It’s a conversation that offers practical advice and emotional support for a challenge many homeowners face.

We’re Digging: Fall-Inspired Finds & Artistic Inspirations

This segment is dedicated to sharing some of our current obsessions – things that are sparking joy, creativity, or simply making life a little more pleasant. From seasonal beauty picks to captivating artistry, these are the discoveries that have captured our attention lately.

• Sherry’s Autumn Nail Palette: As the seasons shift, Sherry has found a delightful way to “soften the blow of the season” (as she charmingly puts it) without resorting to traditional, overly decorative “doodly tootlies.” Her secret? A carefully curated selection of fall-adjacent nail colors that perfectly encapsulate the cozy, sophisticated vibe of autumn. These shades offer a subtle nod to the season, providing warmth and elegance without being overtly themed. They are:
  • Worth A Pretty Penne – A rich, coppery hue reminiscent of changing leaves.
  • Berlin There Done That – A sophisticated, muted gray that brings a touch of urban chic to fall.
  • Chicago Champagne Toast – A delicate, shimmering beige, perfect for understated glamour.
  • You Don’t Know Jacques – A deep, intriguing taupe that embodies the mystery and warmth of cooler days.

  These colors prove that embracing a new season doesn’t mean sacrificing personal style; it’s about finding subtle, beautiful ways to adapt and enjoy.

• Becca Clason’s Typographic Artistry: John has been captivated by the incredible work of typography artist Becca Clason, whose Instagram account (@beccaclason) is a constant source of wonder. Becca’s unique talent lies in her ability to craft intricate lettering and designs using an astonishing array of everyday objects. The images below offer a glimpse into her meticulous process, showing her working with black beans, shiny pennies, aromatic spices, and various grains. Her work transcends simple craft; it’s a testament to patience, precision, and an extraordinary eye for detail. One can only marvel at the sheer dedication and steady hand required to arrange thousands of tiny objects into perfectly formed words and captivating illustrations. It’s truly inspiring and makes you rethink the potential of materials around us.

Becca’s distinctive style, characterized by its intricate detail and resourceful use of materials, bears a fascinating resemblance to another Instagrammer John previously highlighted: @kmsalvagedesign. Both artists demonstrate an incredible ability to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art, offering endless inspiration for those looking to find beauty and creativity in unexpected places.

Explore More of Our Favorites

If you’re ever searching for something we’ve raved about in a previous episode but can’t quite recall which show notes to delve into, we’ve got you covered! We’ve meticulously compiled a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all our past episodes. This comprehensive resource is designed to make it easy for you to rediscover our top recommendations and hidden gems. Furthermore, for all the avid readers out there, you can find a complete listing of every book we’ve ever recommended on our dedicated Book Club page.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Revel Woods

Finally, we extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to Revel Woods for their generous sponsorship of this episode. Finding the perfect hardwood floor for your home can be a daunting task, but Revel Woods simplifies the process with their expert guidance and extensive selection. They offer a personalized approach, helping you navigate the myriad of options to choose flooring that not only looks stunning but also perfectly suits your lifestyle and budget.

We encourage you to visit RevelWoods.com/YHL to begin your journey towards finding the ideal hardwood floor that will elevate the beauty and functionality of your home. As a special token of our appreciation, don’t forget to enter the exclusive code YHL10 at checkout to receive $10 off your first sample box! This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the quality and beauty of Revel Woods flooring firsthand before making your final decision.

Thanks for tuning in and listening, guys! We appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm for our home adventures and design discussions.

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