Foundational mixing techniques for a clean, balanced indie folk mix in an untreated

[Jerry.M]

I'm a home studio musician who has been recording my own indie folk songs for a while, but I consistently hit a wall during the mixing phase. My tracks sound muddy and lack the clarity and punch of professional releases, especially when it comes to balancing acoustic guitar, vocals, and subtle synth layers. For other producers, what are your foundational mixing techniques for achieving a clean, balanced mix in a untreated home environment? I struggle specifically with EQ decisions—knowing what frequencies to cut rather than boost—and creating a sense of depth and space without overusing reverb. What is a logical signal chain and workflow you'd recommend for a genre that relies on warmth and intimacy?