Cheap and Easy Design Tips for a Bright and Cheery Home

[@CindyClough]

Dawn, THANK YOU! I so appreciate your interview with Melanie! I finished my consultation with her last week & I had so much fun! I was a little nervous before contacting her, but she immediately put me at ease with a questionnaire about my style, my wants, and my space. It was all about how we use our space - not about her selling me furnishings or her style. After a "tour" of my great room, she immediately saw my frustration with balance and cohesion! She gave us several suggestions/corrections for us to consider - she actually blew my mind with simple placement changes! Thank you again for changing how we live in our home - not just encouraging us to declutter, but going to the next level and giving your listeners solutions to how to live in our space after decluttering! THANK YOU!!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Cindy! Thank you so much for taking the leap and having me help you! 😊

[@tammyc1812]

I have always hated overhead lighting, it may sound odd, but it actually depresses me to be in a room where the only source of light is on the ceiling. I have lamps everywhere and I love it

[@sl9906]

Same!

[@pamelaparham5489]

You are not alone

[@AmyHood-Davis]

❤❤❤

[@janetstraw191]

OH, YES! Me too! It’s so unflattering and ‘clinical.’ I have soft lighting (soft pink bulbs) and pretty lamps in each room. I have dimmer switches on the ceiling lights for whenever I need bright lights, but dim them down most of the time.🥰

[@jcatherinegatzke5732]

Me too. Fluorescent overhead lights trigger migraines

[@charisedaniels1237]

I can't live without my lamps! I don't use overhead lighting unless we need it. Even in my kitchen, the hood light above the stove is what I use most of the time and turn on overhead lighting when I cook or we just need better lighting. Love the podcast!

[@anabeliagarza1805]

I’m with you Dawn about the down lights being visual clutter.

[@tammyc1812]

Thanks Dawn, I would love it if could have more content like this!

[@bellaluce7088]

Yes! Love interior design content! : - )

[@winerock]

We converted our living room to a ballroom for dancing, but I put a beautiful armchair in the corner and an upholstered bench along the wall next to it, so the part of the ballroom you see when you come into the house looks cozy and inviting rather than empty, yet there's still plenty of open space for dancing. Plus some seating is nice for parties so people can take turns dancing and chatting.

[@purposeinmind]

Dawn, thank you for this interview with Melanie. I learned a lot in such a short time. We are currently building our home and the lighting has been on my mind. My daughter(19) has been saying she wants more lamps and softer lighting at night. It made perfect sense, I used to dim the lights when she was tiny to help signify getting closer to bed time and then we moved on as she got older. Melanie's tip for lights in each corner, having standing height lights as well as sitting height lights made so much sense.

[@MamaCrazyCakes]

Melanie is awesome! I loved her calm cadence and her down-to-earth approach to design. A truly beautiful soul ❣

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Awwww! Thank you so much!

[@sarahburke8955]

What a cool lady! I like her approach with helping people figure out what they REALLY want in their homes.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you!!! Our homes should be as individual as we are. ❤

[@dollyjohnston561]

I'm keeping the white in 2 rooms. I love it! I also love that I removed all of the blinds off the windows. Game changer. My mom struggles to see, doing white paint and removing blinds, allowed for such a brighter home. She actually stopped turning on the lights during the day. I'm n ot a fan of end tables due to clutter, but the 3 lamps in the living room make the space feel so homey and welcoming. Decluttering helped me to get to the point where I could truly see my space and was able to freshen it up with just the cost of paint. I love these design episodes. Thank you! Now to narrow down the art decor. I don't hang family photos except 3 that are old black and white photos. I'm ok with blank, open walls as I am extremely intentional when hanging anything. I wish I could send a picture and get advice.

[@patpalmer1337]

I normally don't have the patience for whole podcasts, but, this is very good! I enjoyed every minute...💕

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you!!😊

[@jillrector6968]

Wonderful information. I recently added lamps on a sofa table because I didn’t really want end tables and it’s just enough to add interest and coziness but still simple

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Lamps on a sofa table us a great solution!

[@Christina-wb6sg]

I might have to disagree here :) I had lamps everywhere, no overhead lights and I hated it, but then I married an electrician. :) Recessed, overhead lights that can dim but are in the corners, under cabinet lighting that also dims everywhere, now we’re bright when we want and not when we don’t. I love it way more than my lamps!

[@beckylewis8116]

Same!

[@cindygagnebin3253]

Thank you Dawn this was very interesting. I live in TX & right now I use my blinds to shut out or redirect the heat, but yes when the colder weather hits I want the sunshine & warmth to come in. I have wood countertops in kitchen & white walls throughout the house. I’ve only been in my house for a little over a year. Recessed lighting in several rooms in the house & also a few lamps. 1 live snake plant. And 2 other fake plants. Soon to have all brand new double pained windows, the house has old single pained. The idea that stuff adds energy to a room was an eye opener for me. I want to add a back splash to my bathroom sink wall it already has plenty of white subway tile for the shower even on the ceiling. Maybe I will try the peal & stick wall paper? For cost effectiveness. Hugs

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

You might want to look into solar shades for the heat control on your windows. They also help prevent fading or damage to furniture and floors- but also allow to have a view. Have fun with the backsplash!

[@gigib4076]

Great conversation!! Melanie was a joy to listen to 👏👏

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

😊 Thank you!!

[@janetstraw191]

I don’t concern myself with trends. My home is eclectic - filled with antiques, art, and treasures collected from my travels. I think it’s cosy - I use vintage textiles to layer with Oriental rugs, soft lighting with vintage lamps - it is ‘me.’🥰

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

And I bet your home is beautiful, a story piece of you. ❤ I think all homes should truly reflect the person or family rather than trends.

[@janetstraw191]

@@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z Thank you so very much!🙋‍♀️🥰

[@tammyc1812]

We're redoing our house and have yet to figure out what kind of light fixtures to put in the ceiling, so thank you for this

[@mjgriffin49]

I am so stuck over a kitchen redesign. You two gave me great ideas!!

[@Sahmgirl]

When we moved into our house, there were only blinds. I thought it was too stark. I replaced the front facing ones with lined curtains. I discovered I preferred the blinds. You can open them fully or partially. Sometimes I want light, but not heat, and also, I don't like feeling like my neighbors can see straight into my house. Blinds are perfect for turning partially & letting in light, but keeping your privacy. When I finally had the funds for lined curtains in the kitchen & family room, I added them, but left the blinds. So, now I have both. Closed at night, partially open in the day, fully open in the winter. Don't diss the blinds.

[@CindyClough]

Dawn, this is a refreshing and interesting interview! Melanie makes decorating & design feel approachable. Thank you! Ill definitely be thinking/seeing my home differently - hopefully making a few subtle changes.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you!

[@lindagarrett4368]

Great podcast today! Very informative. Melanie is terrific! I will definitely watch this video again. Melanie makes you feel like we can actually do this on our own. Thank you!!!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you! And you can 🙌

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

I have a small table lamp and a salt lamp in my sunroom. When the sun goes down, i put them on. When I'm winding down for sleep, I switch off the lamp. The salt lamp is just enough light, and it's pretty.

[@brendaputnam4675]

My home is about to come into style again!! lol

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

I’m assuming you skipped the gray and white phase!!

[@VS-fo9py]

Haha, I was thinking the same thing, my dark wood tone cabinets might come around again lol😂 but I’m not one to follow trends, I don’t care to spend money mini makeovers, I’d be broke every so years, as often as trends change lol

[@amysamin]

Very interesting discussion. I wish you had put her full name and website in the show notes.

[@beckylewis8116]

Im with Dawn. No lamps, flush mount over island. I like flat lines

[@lisam5744]

I totally agree about the window treatments. I took the valances and blinds off my living room windows, put up some off white sheers and curtains that are close to the light grey wall color and O...M...G...it opened everything up and lets in so much more light. I love it.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

👏👏👏

[@_JanetLouise]

Thank you Dawn .... another GREAT interview!! ..... I'm glad to know lots of people like warm & cozy & lively & personal ...

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Definitely! I rarely have people wanting their homes to look like Insta or Pinterest, which is kind of surprising. Because we see so much of it, you’d think everyone would want it. 🤷‍♀️

[@jwuertz7101]

I have smart timer plugs I can program. Useful for interior holiday lights too. 😊

[@SusanL-ds6lc]

I LOVED that Melanie said you get as many health benefits from fake plants as you do from real ones! I'm not great @ keeping indoor plants alive. As a result I have several fake plants & flowers throughout my home. I love them. They look the same as real - with no care & very frugal as well :) Buy once, enjoy forever. Thanks for your encouragement to cherish our fake plants!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Fake plants are fabulous! Fake plants mimic nature, which is what our bodies and minds crave.

[@bshows14]

I love this idea! My problem is I have a lot of allergies and dust is a big one. I used to have fake greenery and just found it to be a major dust collector.:/

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

@@bshows14 I get it! My husband has severe allergies too. I would check and see the last time your vents were cleaned. When they're cleaned regularly (once a year or so), dust is way less of an issue.

[@bshows14]

@@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z Professionally?

[@the.organized.designer]

Watching while cleaning, as usual and what a fun episode! Yes! Simplify!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you!!!

[@Shiryone]

This was very enjoyable. I do no follow trends at all, home or fashion. Very freeing.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Excellent! Being you is the best way to be.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

🙌

[@VS-fo9py]

Thank you for the tip about pulling up the blinds instead of just opening them! 🤯. Such a simple duh moment, but I had never thought of that, I will definitely be doing that now.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

You are not alone! It’s SO common!

[@jengenx7729]

Yes to lamps! I have two lamp that go on and off automatically and it’s great!

[@kaykareem6922]

This episode is awesome 💯

[@tracil7493]

Awesome podcast! Thank you! Melanie has enlightened me to think about my decor style, thank you! Dawn, you have helped me create a wonderful foundation! It takes a village!

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

I do lamps and plants!! Yay me!!❤

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

🎉🎉🎉

[@sharonsomers5513]

This was a very good podcast. I love listening to her ideas.

[@liztefft5312]

Thank you, Dawn and Melanie! I've learned a lot here 😊.

[@rosiehelminiak2947]

I very much enjoyed this! Thank you so much!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you!!

[@mquinn5186]

Dawn you have wall sconce above your sink area. That counts as a lamp! 😊

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Yes it does!! Wall sconces are a great way to bring in a lamp, without bringing in a lamp.

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

No overhead lights! Unless I'm cleaning (hope not!) or trying to find something!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

🙌

[@JTA1855]

Great podcast!!

[@shilohsimage2537]

Love this!! THANKS to you both!!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you!

[@glendaw5221]

Where can we find Melanie? Maybe I missed it.

[@dianasimplifies]

Click on "more" and scroll down to where it says "About Melanie"

[@emilycameron4024]

Her site is linked in the video description

[@glendaw5221]

Ohhhhhhh

[@deborahhalcomb4562]

This is eye opening for me. I do not like those pot lights either, to harsh. It is sad to hear that those beiges and browns are coming back, they depress me. My style is definitely Bright and sunny. My favorite wall color is Linen by Sherwin Williams. However I am living with gray walls because that is the color that was popular when I bought it. This was very informative.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Hi Deborah! Beiges and browns are not coming back in the way they were used before. Much lighter. Sherwin Williams Linen is a great example of a “current” color as it is a light and warm colot. It’s a focus on balancing the warms and cools.

[@bshows14]

I love sherwin williams paint. We are moving into our home soon and I need to pick out a good neutral. I will look into this!

[@bshows14]

@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z I'm so glad you mentioned this. I'm struggling to find that perfect neutral for our home. Any other SW favorites?

[@KSprague2024]

Great information!!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@carolinepierson6776]

Fantastic. Is Melanie going to have a book soon?

[@SkywayKate]

I wish she would!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Funny you should ask! I’m working on an ebook now. It should be ready in a month or so. 😊

[@SeatoSky1111]

The problem with Smart Light Bulbs is that they mess up your Melatonin cues. So the brain makes melatonin as the sun goes down aka why you want low light as u get ready for bed and the brain can't turn that switch on with LED lights so it affects your sleep/wake patterns and worse of all without that it can affect your Cortisol schedule and increase you weight over time cuz u aren't going thru all the sleep cycles properly.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Smart bulbs can be custom set to color temperature and brightness to work with your body. Some even can be programmed to follow the sun and change color and brightness on their own. This helps our body’s rhythm.

[@marasofianos3903]

What about blinds for privacy?

[@lindarivera584]

Watch out Dawn lamps plants oh my ! You might be becming a minimalist lol

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

😂

[@cindyslone4265]

I did not hear what her last name. Does she have a you tube channel? Also I didn’t see any info in description how to contact her. Please send me her info.

[@lauramac2271]

Zaelich

[@dianasimplifies]

Click on "more" and scroll down to where it says "about Melanie"

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

For a KZbin Channel, I’m working on setting one up! Just need to record the content. Stay tuned!

[@SaraRios-l2b]

Lamps more stuff to clean - lol

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

😂 Well… there is that! But there is some cool minimal wall sconces that wouldn’t really require cleaning… but they’re modern looking, so that depends on what you like.

[@lindsaynichols3175]

Too much sunlight bothers me too. And my eyes are too sensitive to the light.

[@AmyHood-Davis]

❤❤❤❤

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

😊

[@Scottie_Girl]

It always confuses me when people always have the curtains drawn. Letting the light in (if you can) makes a world of difference for looks and mood!

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

I agree! Bring in the light!

[@michelleb.7181]

9:03 with a lamp behind you 😘

[@heiditonseth7788]

The lighting problem confuses me. We do not have recessed lights. Most of our house has absolutely no over head lighting. The house is dark even with lamps. It drives me nuts. I hate lamps as a general concept. I like having them here and there, but usually they don't provide enough light to see what you're doing. You either have to have furniture for them to sit on or you have to have floor lamps that won't stay upright and are constantly getting knocked down. We have three lamps in our living room and probably need more so it doesn't feel like a dungeon, but we also have a small house, lots off kids, and 4 dogs and we live farther north where about half the year we only get sun about 9 hours and most of the time during the day we have cloud cover. Natural light almost doesn't happen in winter. Also, its an old house, so we don't have hardly any outlets, so how to you plug in lamps? And to add anything electrical has to go through lath and plaster. It's an impossible problem. I would love some overhead lighting...but to even add that between trying to fish wires, go through the lath and plaster, and get something that doesn't hit heads with low ceilings...it's impossible.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Bless you, Heidi! I know what it feels like to live in a dark house that feels depressing. The following points occur to me (I don't know if any will be of help): Magnolia/ivory (not harsh white) is a great wall colour, even in every room. Then pick a different (pale) accent colour for the different rooms. Shades of cream and beige or warm lemon and mustard add brightness and warmth. Hang your curtain rails as high as you dare, choosing the longest ones you can - this means that the maximum light gets in. Invest in large mirrors and them near the windows to reflect the light. Try to have "sand coloured" floors - they will keep everything bright and not 'kill' the light. Choose ikea kitchen doors that are classic white and shiny. (And declutter as much as possible). Light from a stable standing lamp is worth considering. ... Just a few random ideas. XG Ire

[@heiditonseth7788]

@@SF-ru3lp We're working on repainting. When we bought this place the seller painted everything a dark mustardy off-white and it's awful. We have done the dining room and are working on the kitchen. I don't have curtains at all, just lace valances. The kitchen is all built in cupboards. Old built ins, as in built in place 110 years ago. The living room is the hardest one. It is super long and extra narrow. Narrow enough that a full size couch will set width wise in the room only leaves a 3 foot space to pass it, but the room is 3 times that in length. It has a stairway, bedroom door, front door and kitchen door taken out of it and has 3 outlets for the entire space. The flooring with eventually change, for now it is a faded almost lt. brown carpet, that badly needs replacing, but the hardwoods under need refinishing and when the house was remodeled they messed up a section. I keep looking for a better lighting solution, but there doesn't seem to be a good option. I can eventually come up with money to do these projects but it took us 7 years just to save enough to start working on the kitchen.

[@SF-ru3lp]

@heiditonseth7788 Bless you Heidi! Yes.... I see the complexities. Initial thoughts... extension cords and attach the wires to the baseboards... They say to divide long rooms into zones (you may wish to take down a wall or put on an extension later). Are you a praying lady? I remember a testimony of a family in very tight financial circumstances who listened yo the 700 Club, were prompted to tithe 1dollar a week... and it turned their whole situation around. May you be filled with peace and calmness and may you receive the breakthroughs you need. G Ire

[@eileenheinkel2374]

You are singing my song. We purchased a 250 plus year old farm house from my sister in law and her husband. It predates the civil ear. They had done no updates in over 25 years. The house had additions that were put up from doors from the barn etc. We are trying to gradually remodel it keeping the ambiance of the 250 farm life with modern life. The beautiful hardwood floors under the laminate were rotted. We do live in the country with no neighbors close by. The first thing I did to let more light in was get rid of the heavy curtains. We just have valances for texture. We also can't add ceiling lights in some rooms. In those we could we added ceiling lights with fans to help with the temps. Huggers fans due to low ceilings. When we could not add ceiling lights we added lamps strategically. We are currently remodeling the kitchen. It was 1940s style. We took it to the lath and plaster. It was difficult as nothing was square. We had an electrician put in recessed lighting in the center island which makes it look so much larger. Keep working on your place you won't regret it.

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Hi Heidi! I love old homes! But I don’t love plaster. If the lamps aren’t putting out enough light, I would check the following: * lumens output on the bulb (make sure it’s about 1100 lumens) * if the shade is open on top and bottom, more light gets out. Like a drum shade * light linen type shade, not black, or heavily lined. * lamps that hold two bulbs are best Wall sconces can be hung (fairly easily) on plaster walls. If you put blue painters tape over the plaster before you screw in the screw, the plaster won’t start falling apart. A weird, but cool trick.

[@happyhutchinsons]

Yes, thank you, I loathe blinds!! I love curtains that I hang wide so when I open them the WHOLE window is exposed. L

[@MrWhipp3]

🙂

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

😊

[@maritzarodriguez5813]

You have a small lamp behind you

[@creativelycountry1617]

I don’t Dawn, I’m still with you, I really feel the lower lights feel like visual clutter! I know what she is saying, and yet I do think it kinda bugs me…

[@bellaluce7088]

Great interview! Enjoyed seeing the images throughout. That special designer touch is clearly evident! 🤓It's cool that she offers online consultations. Given her personality, her company seems very aptly named! 😃🪴 ❤

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

Thank you!😀

[@angierossouw8061]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much!!!!!!

[@darlenemartin248]

❤❤❤

[@happyplaceinteriors_melanie_z]

😊