(I'm using this in Mint 16 Cinnamon, and not sure about anything, anywhere else on Mint or GNOME. I'd appreciate any comment saying how general is this method)

Install dconf-tools using the Software Manager. Run dconf Editor, Go to these sections, edit these variables to achieve your interests:

org > nemo > desktop >        (font)

org > nemo > icon view >     (default-use-tighter-layout)
                                                  (default-zoom-level)