Investing In a Community, One Home at a Time with Mina Starsiak Hawk

In this episode, I talk with Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, the creators of the popular Instagram account Cheap Old Houses. During the interview, they shared insights about their inspiration for the account, their thoughts on the American dream, the value of renovating old homes slowly, and the significance of preserving everyday American homes. They also discussed their own experiences with their historic home and their unique interior design approach, as well as the educational aspects of their book.
https://www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/elizabeth-and-ethan

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode, I walk you through our new 'Fix My Room' quiz, aimed at helping you assess and enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your rooms.

I address four main pitfalls: not applying basic design rules, managing clutter, lacking a specific vision for the room, and lacking design confidence. At the end of the quiz, you’ll know which pitfall is the one you’ve fallen into and why it’s so important to start by addressing that one, before doing anything else. 

Additionally, I share info on our monthly membership program, the 'Slow Style Society,' as a resource for personalized help and community support with your home!

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode, I have a fun conversation with Bilal Rehman, a 23 year old designer making waves in the industry. We discussed the importance of creating personalized spaces that reflect a person's unique style and needs. Bilal shared insights on lighting, mixing metals, and incorporating cultural artifacts. And true to form, Bilal didn’t shy away from sharing his honest opinions on what’s going on in design today! 

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

Can you be a minimalist and a maximalist at the same time?

In this episode, I talk about the concepts of minimalism and maximalism. I share my personal experience with decluttering and the conflicting emotions I feel as someone who loves collecting things but also craves simplicity. Throughout the episode, I challenge the traditional definitions of these two styles, exploring the possibility of being both a maximalist and a minimalist. I emphasize the importance of intentional curation and finding balance in one's home. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to define their own style and embrace a mindful approach to their belongings.

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

During our insightful discussion on the podcast, Dana Che continually emphasized the concept of a "win-win" mentality while dealing with home-related conflicts among couples. Rather than trying to make one partner conform to the other's preferences, Dana offered strategies that encourage understanding, compromise, and finding mutual ground.

Dana expertly pointed out that navigating home decor conflict is not just about overcoming disagreements over furniture, pull-overs, or wall paint. It's more of a deeper issue that includes respecting each other's preferences. In dealing with disagreements over TV placements, chores or aesthetic choices, the idea is not to find a winner but to create a solution that pleases both parties.

She offered unique suggestions that encourage a "win-win" scenario in all aspects. For instance, if one partner prefers a dark room for nightly events while the other partner prefers a bright and lively room, she suggests solutions like blackout curtains that can cater to both preferences.

This "win-win" approach fosters respect and harmony in the relationship. It reinforces the idea that understanding and compromise are crucial for a peaceful living environment. Dana's conversation starters provide another tool to initiate these necessary discussions for couples. Through her advice, it's apparent that when both partners feel heard and respected, the home becomes a peaceful place where everyone's preferences are acknowledged and respected.

Dana Che Williams is a speaker, marriage and relationship coach, and the host of the Real Relationship Talk podcast where she helps people uncomplicate relationships and build deeper connections. On the podcast, she is known for her graceful candor, humor, and encouraging yet challenging relationship advice. Dana holds a B.A. in communication from Regent University. She shares her life with Shaun, her husband of twenty-four years, their four amazing children, and their “multi-cultural” dog in beautiful Virginia Beach, VA. Connect with her on Instagram @mrsdanache or her website at https://danache.com.

LINKS

Instagram @mrsdanache
Website  https://danache.com
“Conversation Starters for Couples in Conflict” https://danache.com/conversationstarters
Podcast https://realrelationshiptalk.com/

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I have a delightful conversation with designer Chad Graci. We discuss defining personal style, blending different styles, and the importance of balance in design. Chad shares his eclectic approach, influenced by travel and a mix of old and new elements. We explore merging styles in our own homes and the importance of investing in quality pieces. We touch on the big impact of tiny design rules like the significance of lighting and paying attention to lampshades. Lastly, we talk about the exciting connectivity and access to the design world through platforms like Instagram. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on the Slow Style Home podcast.

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

My guest is Lyndsay Caleo Karol, co-founder of The Brooklyn Home Company and co-author of their new book, also called “The Brooklyn Home.” Theirs is a truly unique design/build firm with a distinctive style, drawing inspiration from historical classical architecture, along with the concept of Passive House building. We also dive into the concept of "exchange" in their work, which refers to the interplay between materials, texture, and architecture, as well as the exchange of conversation and connection between the space and the people who inhabit it. I love the way Lyndsay thinks about design as well as the work that The Brooklyn Home Company is producing.  I highly encourage you to check out the show notes page of our website, https://www.slowstylehome.com/lyndsay-caleo-karol to see the gorgeous photos.  

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

How do you show up in your home? Would I know something about you just by looking around your rooms?  In this episode I discuss the importance of aligning our homes with our personalities, passions, values, and what energizes us. I provide prompts and examples to help you assess how you are currently showing up in your home and suggest ways to make your home more reflective of who you are. This not only means you’ll have a home that’s unlike anyone else’s, you’ll have a home that supports your goals and who you want to become.

Show Notes Page for This Episode

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

Buying handmade items is one of the best ways to share gifts over the holidays.  And in this episode, I talk with Anitra Terrell, owner of Reflektion Design, business that celebrates the beauty and authenticity of African art.  Anitra's journey into the world of African art and textiles began during her time as a Fulbright scholar in Ghana. Her passion for authentic African art and culture, rooted in her upbringing in culturally rich Philadelphia, eventually led her to create an online store that sells the handmade objects she finds through her many trips to Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya and Uganda.  Anitra's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's heritage through handmade objects.
http://www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/anitra-terrell

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.

In this episode, we'll be joined by the authors of the book, "The Maine House." If you've ever dreamed of what a perfect beach cottage, lake house, or home in the woods would feel and look like, you're going to absolutely love this conversation. Maura McEvoy, Basha Burwell, and Kathleen Hackett will take us on a journey through the stunning homes and breathtaking landscapes of Maine.
https://www.slowstylehome.com/episodes/the-maine-house

The Style Matters podcast is now Slow Style Home! Click here for the latest episode.