Minimal Home Habits | creating a tidy, clean, and comfy space

[@yanka1650]

Our fam is Ukrainian so taking off your shoes in the house is not even a question, its more of a culture. When we came to US 20 years ago and saw people wearing shoes in the house, it was a huge cultural shock for sure. Lol but thanks for sharing your tips and tricks, i do apply some of those to my home and life. 🤗♥️

[@garimaganda1536]

I am Indian and same rule is at my home too, more of a cultural thing as well

[@missmister6354]

As an American, my family culture was always to take our shoes off too. Growing up - my friends' family also took their shoes off. I was shocked & grossed out when I was in my early twenties & met people who never took their shoes off by their front door.

[@amma7244]

Canadians don’t wear outside shoes inside some of us have runners for just doing indoor housework. Really cuts housework down.

[@angelwings1]

I’m South African living in the UK. I expect us & guests to remove shoes when entering our house. I don’t want outside dirt coming in. We have shoes for the garden in a basket at the back door.

[@Diana-ue9tt]

I'm German but live in Canada and it's the same for us. Taking shoes of when entering a house is a must. Keeps the house clean and it's just weird for me to wear shoes at home

[@rachellehoogendoorn]

For artwork a fun idea (that may or may not by your style) is abstract art that you and your kiddos paint. You can pick 2-4 colors and let them smear it ... My son did it with me and it looks awesome, but even more it's such a fun memory to have displayed.

[@annalieseleon2064]

a gallery wall of photos of you and your family would be sooo cute!

[@janettekreulen54]

I like mirrors, clocks, wine rack, art of metaal like a butterfly, mandela, any animal you like. We have also put music instruments on the wall a cowhide..plants, you can put a light on the wall hope I give you some to think about

[@charlotterosero]

A tip we use is, don’t have a laundry basket at all, everyone brings their clothes down and puts it straight in the wash, everything gets washed together unless it’s bright white but works for us x

[@lovingsunshine3515]

I did this when we lived in a one level home. But now our laundry room is in the basement and it’s exhausting and annoying to go up and down the stairs to put dirty clothes, towels, and rags in the washing machine so one basket is a must. And when it’s full I take it down.

[@wendyhamer8479]

A mural painted onto your walls by an artist known by you depicting your family/heritage/ or whatever would be fantastic I believe

[@Margaret.Probst]

This got me thinking so much about how our home functions! Love this thank you

[@Corrindamato]

For the wall… I like the look of a couple simple bigger family pictures with natural warm colors. Sweet pictures that fit the vibe :)

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

Serving without expecting anything in return!!! So simple but sooooo eye opening! Thanks for the best reminder, Margaret... Also, probably that's the root of many frustrations, expectations!!

[@margaretmatheny]

It totally is the root of mine

[@rachellindsey8660]

Such a hard thing.

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

@@rachellindsey8660 😶💝

[@exploringespadrilles6803]

2 or 3 larger prints of your family since that is what is most important. Black and white would be cool too!

[@elizabethsummermeado]

My husband and I have a large fabric tapestry of the forest on our wall so we can stare at it together. Cost us like $15 I think. We love bringing the indoors any way we can. So peaceful. 💕 We also have a string of those white looking lights with these brown wooden things around them (not sure name of them). Love the look and feel!

[@heatherdowning6164]

You have a lovely home! I like the way that you described having a home with character but not junk. I can relate! Intentional but not excessive is a great way to live minimally. I made a wreath this weekend as a decor piece to bring a cosy feel to a blank corner. I used dried flowers and I selected specific flowers to represent each member of my family, It was a creative way to decorate in a meaningful and pretty way for me!

[@pjrichards3974]

4:45 and 7:41 are my favorite parts lol .. they are so so so cute. This is my first time to watch, love the video !

[@cosmicblaze9748]

For the wall, maybe make something together. I took a thick stick from outside, tide jute twine across it and attached faux eucalyptus so it looks like they drape. Hung it above my bed :)

[@simplycorinne]

My suggestion for above your couch is a triptych of black and white family photos in some matted frames or on canvas 💜 A triptych, portrait oriented, should fill the space nicely!

[@unraveledmotherhood]

Love seeing how you keep things simple and minimal, I need to go through our house again. I too have a donation bag but have found I need to hide it outside somewhere or else my toddlers will go through it and decide they need every item including items that are not even theirs hah gotta love em'.

[@kellygeatches]

An idea for your wall: some family friends have a giant painted portrait of their family on the wall and it looks amazing and is a sweet addition to their home

[@azahrashn]

Finally i found someone that has the same taste as mine, when it comes to my space i like it clear and clean without to much decoration, just like your bedroom, love it so much

[@nrutherford1628]

I am in the same mind about art on the wall, I’ve gone for a big mirror and a big clock would also fill a space, these are intentional as the clock will help your children read the time and a mirror will allow the light to bounce around the room!

[@joyfulreality]

family photos on the wall - can updae as they grow/keep as memories and add key photos.....change with the seasons

[@spamiam9272]

Hello I was going to comment on the wall. I am in a predominantly dark winter spot as well and find I like things personal that speak "life" and "vibrant" to combat those long dark hours in winter, without ruining the cozy vibe. personal favorites are plants, even a sparkly chandelier in the corner, or corner lamp (tall). Chandelier doesn't have to be traditional in any sense, could be even more modern with circular or square shapes. But I do enjoy a chandelier or corner lamp of some sort with sparkle to reflect the light a little extra and further into the room. Hope you find some value in that! 😊

[@Anitaaa1903]

I love your simplicity. You inspired me to simplify my home even more, and I have a baby boy so I really want to teach him of minimalistic life, less toys but in more montessori style, less clutter, and more outdoor experiences. ❤️ And for your wall, to me and my New minimalistic life style, I adore a gallery wall with black and White and some in soft color, family photos, maybe some basket decor between photos... I for example have a gallery wall with family photos, one weaved basket style circle decor, a little white boat from my honeymoon, dry flower in rustic frame, embroidery that I made, weaved white beige tapistery... And it is all in white and beige frames, simple, but so sweet, full of memories and I love it.

[@margaretmatheny]

Such a great idea. I never thought of b&W gallery. Sounds so beautiful, so interested! Thank you for that!

[@MichelleMom2My3bl3ssings]

I keep one laundry basket outside our (family of 5) bathroom door. Every day I take it down to our laundry room and sort it. Once there's a full load, I will do a load. My eldest is 15 and she does her own once her basket in the laundry room is filled.

[@gdsgrl4468]

I am a recent subscriber and I absolutely love what I have seen so far. This video was just awesome! I love that you have homes for all your stuff that you do have. I am not an uber-minimalist, but I do try to simplify and have a place for the things I have. I also love that you are willing to address the emotional side of things, because respecting other people’s emotions, as well as your own, is important. 🙏🏻😁

[@DanaPeshkovich]

I got rid of the extra pillows on our bed a couple of years ago. Pillows on - pillows off - pillows on - pillows off - lather rinse repeat! This started to drive me crazy! And why? To have a pinterest worthy 'look'? My husband and I do not entertain in our bedroom! I don't have to show it off! Just last week, I repainted it, I sew my own curtains and I've been decluttering (again) like a fool! It's amazing how much crap creeps into our spaces! I now have FIVE items of decor in our bedroom and my hubs has TWO. I don't need more to dust!

[@sincerelyASL]

less is definitely better. less stress more time for the important stuff in life.

[@mf3610]

I’m the opposite and like a separate laundry basket for everything! I don’t like to run a load every day. I have one for normal clothes, work clothes, towels, and my husband has his own that he handles Don’t have to sort loads when they come out of drier and I know where they’re going!

[@jonathanmcgovern3208]

A collage of family photos above the couch would look cozy and personal.

[@sumgolfer41]

Just sat down to eat lunch, perfect timing!! Love your videos! ❤️

[@jman64491]

I'm in Canada and we never discuss people wearing shoes inside someone's house. Its considered rude...I never knew it was a thing to wear shoes inside a home besides slippers!

[@jeaneliza23]

Same here. I'm in the UK. We change into slippers when we come through the door. Visitors automatically normally will slip their shoes off 😀

[@tbmalabey9557]

I'm Canadian as well and we are the same way. When my step dad moved us to America we were in such shock with how much shoe wearing in the home is done here in the US

[@sarahvold4009]

Canadian here too... I remember once when I was probably like 5, we went to my grandmas house to pick something up, so she said not to bother taking off our shoes, her floors needed a wash anyway. I still remember the guilt and how out of place I felt wearing shoes in a house. It’s so gross, hahaha

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Another Canadian- same here, shoes in a house are considered really rude and dirty.

[@Mausiska]

Same in Central Europe 🙃 Czech republic.. I guess it is a thing in USA but I also experienced shoes inside in Italy!

[@YennyCMorales]

I feel like I have to comment on all of your videos... But I just loveeee them. So real, raw and informative... Tks for always Sharing your wisdom and life with us all that really need it. Some nice family pics would look nice by the sofa.

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

Yenny!!! So true!!🥰💐

[@junehulton9776]

My mum used to say... everything in it's place, a place for everything...if no place or in the back of a cupboard....six months get rid... Love the simplicity of minimal x your boys are adorable x

[@jovaughnanderson483]

We have four words (song lyrics) made out of wood above our couch. It’s simple but it means something to us. Ordered on Etsy.

[@itoshiibaka8267]

I think most Canadians also remove our shoes when inside. My laundry hack is to have a small stackable laundry hamper the size of one medium load and wash when it's full. We also have one hamper on the main floor for kitchen and household laundry, but it usually all fits in one load unless there were a lot of towels. We do family cloth for number one, so it makes a lot of sense for our family. 100% yes to a large piece of art above the couch. If you like minimalist aesthetic, you can choose something textural or geometric, or even a whole monochromatic canvas. 🙂

[@olgabergere]

For me the best decor change is painting walls. Maybe a game of some different colors can help to create a new vibe in your home 🙏💖 Thank you so much for this video 🤗🤗🤗

[@uwubeesh]

Margaret! I love your content. So happy I found your channel.

[@margaretmatheny]

So glad you’re here!!

[@KR-os6nn]

Totally agree on the minimal bed and useful pillows :)

[@Kayla-yv7wc]

serving without expecting in return, holy CRAP so true

[@margaretmatheny]

Such a big lesson for me!

[@stephaniemacerola9918]

Hi! You seem so zen, I wish I could be like that. I have to admit that I need to be surrended by more stuff and now that I watch your video I am reflecting on why.? Thank you and have a great week-end 🌟

[@TheKierraJones]

I’m interested in the emotional side of things and can’t wait for the anxiety video

[@amberterry4106]

Behind the couch on the wall, check out Tiffany Beaston’s channel. She has huge framed pictures of her kids on the wall there and I think it’s just sooo sweet!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Wonderful tips and ideas!❤👍 I use command strips to put rimless canvas art or photos on the walls. That stops holes in the walls and I can switch them around as needed. 3M makes Velcro strips, hooks and other bits that can go up on a wall for pictures or broom holders etc.

[@emilyanschuetz8409]

I saw a KZbinrs declutter (I think it was loeppkyslife) that had a floating shelf above her desk with a picture and some other items on it. I got inspired - it keeps the clutter off the desk and the shelf can either be decorated or functional with a lamp!

[@margaretmatheny]

oh such a great idea! I'll look into this for my desk area

[@megangrelle]

I like the dip yarn art, kinda looks like a gradient. I made a pretty large piece (cause they can get pricy) of just gray and lighter gray, to white. And then A Beautiful Mess has a blog post of a large yarn piece on a big wooden dowel that I copied to cover a large wall in the bedroom. Took a bit of time, but I loved how it turned out.

[@vanessamay3689]

You should have a pic with this comment

[@lenarettke6708]

I think a big canvas with a family picture or just a picture of the kids would be very nice. Or maybe those art projects of the kids?

[@brandyclark6641]

A nice canvas family photo is always a nice touch🥰😊

[@VidyaSimran]

Same kind of thinking with me. For your walls instead of paintings I suggest artifacts from village artisans from different countries. They make their living n ur home will certainly get a Mystic down to earth character.

[@hippie_spirit]

I agree with the no shoe policy! Cringy when shoes are worn in the house!

[@caitloucole22]

Love a fellow minimalist! 🤍 Hope you’re well. For your desk, what if you opted for a salt lamp? I bought a white salt lamp at target and it has a dimmer, which is fantastic for early mornings or late evenings. For your living room wall, what about two simple poster prints with simple frames? I went on Society 69 and bought two poster prints of black/white map outlines of two cities we’ve traveled to overseas. It’s great for conversations when people have asked, it’s minimal, and it gives your space a decorated feeling w/o a cluttered look. I’ve also been inspired by a Scandinavian concept of putting a wall sconce on each side of the large couch; instead of, lamps I would put beeswax candles 🤍 It creates that coziness with a bit of Scandinavian character. H&M had a minimal wall sconce over the holidays. Not sure if that’s still there, but I found it under their home section.

[@maranathamama]

Great recommendations! Exactly what I was going to suggest re: white salt lamp & framed map/coordinates - It’s neutral, meaningful & a talking piece.

[@honeyteababy]

your hair looks even prettier than usual in this video!!

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah, thank you so much!! Those words are so kind.

[@hosseinjavidiniroomand]

I was composing and for a break, I came to KZbin then I saw your video. very inspiring and amazing for me. thanks a lot my friend🙏🌹🙏❤🤩

[@ivelysfuentes2471]

As far as the decor for your wall I think it will be beautiful if you have a family portrait of all three of y'all

[@suer292]

Omg I feel I found my younger self in you.a Just found your channel,so much resonates with me 🌿🌿

[@J3an_j3an]

Long lumbar pillow on the bed, the light trick like u mention for the desk area instead and a family photo above the lounge 🙂. All still minimal but with a touch of warmth and meaning to it all.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Love my Fitbit!

[@lifestylehomestead]

Omgoodness! You're in stl?? Me too, well, we recently moved out to Jeffco, but not far! So neat! Love your inspirating and down to earth content. Blessings, sis! ❤🙏

[@viviangautier2160]

Love your videos, your ideas, and everything. I am learning a lot from you! Thank you. 😊🤗

[@margaretmatheny]

THank you so much for sharing these words. I'm so glad you're here!

[@gemmazeterman4733]

I am currently trying to become more minimalist as a family, and living more intentionally. I have PTSD from clutter and my childhood so I now it would be so life giving for my family of 6. I love all of your videos and ideas and advice so thank you for this. I was wondering if you could share where you got your couch from? I love it and need something washable with my four littles all under the age of 8. ❤

[@jenniferlundquist1712]

We love mirrors for empty walls

[@inesladasic7106]

Ikea has three canvas pictures with similar background like your picture if you want to match the colors of your landscape picture.

[@faithmacwatters731]

I am so glad I dislike decor pillows as much as I do!! Creating the habit of making my bed each morning is so much easier!!

[@jayashiaco9476]

It is so strange to me to hear about having to ask people to take their shoes off in a home. It is absolutely the norm in Canada. Mind you, where I am, we have snow 6 months out of the year. We would never traipse dirty snow boots into each other’s homes but we take off our sandals/runners/other while in someone’s house as well. It’s refreshing to hear your perspective on screen time as well. Thank you for posting.

[@lizpetruzzi7700]

😁😁❤️always a gift...thank you❤️ I also have a no shoe policy for similar reasons. Love to see you grow and become more of who you are as you create a home for living! It is setting the stage, the environment and culture that creates life, moments and memories.❤️

[@MsKap222]

New subscriber! Thank you for the helpful tips! Your style is so nice. I'm looking for a dark colored couch. May you share where your couch is from?

[@marneangel7]

Love the length of your hair!

[@bearchild4352]

Here in Toronto, Canada no one would dream of wearing outdoor shoes inside!!

[@MrsQueen]

Thank you ☺️ 🙏🏼

[@JoceBoogie]

Love all of your videos! Towards the end you mentioned an “anxiety talk” soon… Would love to see that, your videos alone are calming but to hear how you deal/have dealt with anxiety would be awesome ☺️

[@margaretmatheny]

It's actually up already!

[@amyroy2132]

Loved this so much!

[@hannahgritter-vu1km]

Which watch and what size?? It’s beautiful and simple - love it!

[@Marsolan]

I have art on the wall but never generic prints something that you love

[@mypocketdesigner]

Nice job!

[@JesusLovesnLives]

Where’s your couch from? Looks so cozy!

[@susancook3360]

I’d pull the sofa in off the wall and your wall will not need art Hang art at 150cm from floor to centre of the piece You’ll find it fits the wall better

[@jasminebambury5841]

Hey Margaret☆ enjoying watching along♡

[@beavadakkoot]

I'm Germany you also don't wear shoes inside the house, in portugal you do. In India you don't, my hubby is Indian, I am german/portuguese and we also choose to not wear inside the house, for highene and for tidyness 🥰

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes! Wow, so many people from other countries are saying this. Love it so much. Why did America fail at this?! ha.

[@kathleensutton4117]

Perhaps a beautiful textured wall paper could be framed for your wall?

[@margaretmatheny]

Oh I like this idea!!! I feel like I could even make that...

[@janahallam54]

What about a mirror and some family photos on the wall?

[@dhard02]

The French live very simple with just a few things they need and mix and match outfits

[@jetteharris291]

I recommend something like a photo tree on your blank wall.

[@NatalieJeanChappell]

Love the approach to minimalism on the ‘internal aspects’ - definitely more on that please. Have a great weekend!

[@rachelfarson]

I really need someone to explain decorative pillows haha. Why spend the money on a pillow that you put on your bed in your room that no one is seeing to take it BACK off and put it on the floor 🤷🏼‍♀️🤪

[@margaretmatheny]

hahahahaha love this

[@DedessaAndrade]

Amei o finalzinho; a conversa sobre perdão, receber os outros mesmo com a casa não perfeita e ansiedade. Gostaria de ouvir sua opinião mais a respeito! Jesus abençoe o seu lar 🏡💕 Beijinhos do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@taraleanne]

hey! what's one of the best pieces of advice you've been given? and/or what advice would you give a christian teen girl? (this is for a youtube video fyi)

[@maranathamama]

Thank you for this video. Grace - May we receive it & may we extend it. We are all in different seasons ☀️🍂🌬🌷🌊

[@lollipop3105]

Ahhh, I spotted Wildlings 😍 Just found your channel and actually love your content!

[@megsdiy5965]

I can see you putting a huge macrame wall art piece above your couch :)

[@daninglesonline1526]

I am really interested in your sofa lol

[@abigailjensen3850]

Where is your green sweater from?

[@erinmay6992]

Margaret, I am wondering what size your watch is? Is it the 28 or 32 mm? Thank you!!

[@gypsyqueensha4758]

I've always wanted an minimal intentional home. But it just never really works out for me and my 3 kids are clutter bugs lol

[@capturedbyannamarie]

Maybe put a nice big family photo instead of a random gallery print

[@Melissa-hg3de]

The big wall you can put pictures of you and your family!

[@aidedeco]

TFS.

[@y.a.4464]

St. Louis?! Me too. How do you cope with living here? I always feel like I’m missing out.

[@tinad4182]

Hey! Is your couch non-toxic? If so, can you please share where you purchased it? Thanks!

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes! Albany park. I don’t believe it’s perfect, but it’s better than many of our other options!

[@LLhypno]

Across the pond you seem to have these weird dust collecting display pillows. ? Please explain what that is all about.

[@claudiajacobson4352]

hi Margaret, have you considered peel and stick art for your walls?

[@sarahlockridge7879]

No sconce. Then you have to clean them. I have photos of my children from Vaca on my wall with frames that have art to them.

[@brendamyers5995]

I'm a neutral gal, too!!