356: House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home (with Myquillyn Smith)
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Have you ever walked into your house and felt overwhelmed by all the stuff staring back at you or felt guilty about the books that you haven’t read, the hobbies that you haven’t pursued, or the projects that you haven’t finished? If so, then this conversation is for you!
I am so excited to have today’s guest in the studio again, especially since she was actually my first ever guest on this podcast! Listen in as I welcome Myquillyn Smith to The Crystal Paine Show. She is the author of House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home, and I relate to SO much of what she shares in her book and in this episode! We talk about how our homes can become visually overwhelming without us even realizing it and how all that visual noise can leave us feeling exhausted instead of refreshed. With six kids and a baby in our care three days a week, I know what it’s like to have a gloriously full life, and I love the idea that our homes don’t have to add to the noise!
Hear Myquillyn share her brilliant backwards decluttering method, which takes about twelve minutes and allows you to experience a room with less stuff before deciding what to keep or let go. We also talk about quiet decorating and how to make a space feel cozy without adding more clutter. We also explore soulful styling, or displaying sentimental items in ways that give them the attention they deserve, and creating boundaries around collecting things so that not everything competes for our attention. Plus, Myquillyn shares her approach to living seasonally, including how to evaluate what matters most in each season of life instead of feeling obligated to repeat traditions just because that’s what you’ve always done.
This conversation gives me so much to think about, especially how our homes need to change as our families and lives change, and it will surely leave you thinking about this as well, so if you’re ready to create a more peaceful, welcoming home without feeling like you have to tackle everything at once, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Also, don’t forget that my new book The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women comes out very soon on October 27th, so be sure to preorder yourself a copy to get yourself access to free goodies such as the money toolkit, resources for having conversations about finances with your spouse, and my five-lesson 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You course!
In This Episode
[0:36] – Welcome back to the podcast, Myquillyn Smith!
[2:42] – Hear how Myquillyn helps women make their homes feel better so they can enjoy them and welcome others in.
[4:25] – Too much visual clutter can quietly exhaust us, but we can change how our homes make us feel.
[7:59] – Myquillyn recommends trying to hide distracting items behind closed doors or moving shelves to create a calmer, more restful space.
[11:08] – I realize that my bookshelves are adding stress, and I wonder how to tackle clutter without unlimited time.
[12:14] – Listen as MyQuillyn discusses what she calls “backwards decluttering.”
[15:02] – Experience a decluttered room for 24 hours before deciding what belongs, making it easier to let go of excess.
[17:49] – Myquillyn introduces the concept of “quiet decorating,” using color, contrast, texture, and scale to adjust a room’s visual volume.
[19:18] – Myquillyn encourages us to add coziness without clutter via patterned drapes, textured rugs, and thoughtful contrast that changes a room’s visual feel.
[21:57] – Myquillyn recommends slowly refreshing each room annually, listening to what your home and changing life need.
[24:18] – Hear how hushing rooms creates a fresher feel and helps families display meaningful treasures without overwhelming visual clutter.
[27:57] – Curio cabinets and designated spaces celebrate treasured collections while teaching that even special things need limits.
[30:04] – Myquillyn suggests reviewing each season’s experiences, upcoming needs, and family plans before decorating or hosting.
[32:17] – Choose three seasonal words to guide decisions about decorating, activities, purchases, and what truly matters!
[34:03] – I share how family bucket lists make seasonal traditions more meaningful, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone!
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
The Crystal Paine Show – 12. How to Create a Home That Serves Your Family (with Myquillyn Smith)
The Crystal Paine Show – 260. Simple Rules to Decorate Your Home No Matter Your Style or Budget (with Myquillyn Smith)
Money Reset Toolkit
5 Days to a Financially Healthier You
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Crystal Paine on LinkedIn
Crystal Paine on Twitter
Crystal Paine on Goodreads
Money Saving Mom
Money Saving Mom on Facebook
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
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