During these uncertain times, it is likely we are going to all be spending more time at home. Whether that is working from home or spending leisure time there rather than going out, it may be the best way to stay safe and healthy for now. If you have not spent much time at home before, you may be looking around and thinking, wow, I wish my home looked or functioned better! I wish it was more comfortable, cozy, more of a sanctuary or an easy place to work from. Create a sanctuary at home. Edesign Read more […]
Author: Mary Ann Benoit
President- Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Owner- Arctic Paradise Bed and Breakfast
Artist- Stained Glass, Jewelry and Alcohol Ink Art
Wildlife Biologist
Director- Kaleido World Percussion and Dance Company
Director- Tavus Dance Company of Alaska
Lover of music, art, dance and animals.
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design awarded Best of Houzz 2020 for Customer Service
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design of Seward, AlaskaAwarded Best Of Houzz 2020The Annual People’s Choice Award from the Houzz Community Highlights Home Remodeling and Design Professionals with Most Popular Designs and Top RatingsSeward, Alaska, February 27, 2020 – Northern Lights Home Staging and Design of Seward, Alaska has won a “Best Of Houzz” award for Customer Service on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. The 5-year old interior design, Read more […]
Design Tips That Can Make Your Small Apartment Look Bigger
Getting claustrophobic in your small apartment? You don’t need to consider moving to a bigger space. If you’ve got some time on your hands, a little bit of renovation can make you feel like you’re in a totally new home for a fraction of the price. Some minor changes and adjustments here and there will grow your apartment significantly. At the same time, you can still enjoy the convenience of having a smaller place – everything is much easier to clean and organize.Here are some design tips Read more […]
10 Reasons to Love Global Style Interior Design
Global Style Interior Design is all about telling the story of your life and adventures through your decor. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter. Treasures, old and new are displayed from various parts of the world and layered in a rich tapestry of color, texture, art and history. Here are 10 great reasons to love and try global style with some examples of decor items to get the look. One of the thing I love about global style Interior Read more […]
Helpful Tips for Buying an Investment Property That Attracts Renters
Purchasing a home with the goal of renting it for extra income requires taking a hard look at the property. Appealing to renters is essential for your success — an investment property provides no return if it sits empty. Chances are, you face stiff competition for renters. If the supply outpaces the demand, you must devote time, energy, and money in order to secure a consistent return on the investment. A little paint and new bathroom fixtures can go a long way to show a renter that you care about Read more […]
Virtual Staging- Is it Home Staging or Interior Design?
Great question. I’m glad you asked Usually, they are very different things. The key difference is who you are decorating or designing for.Home staging is decorating for the buyer. The goal is to make an emotional connection with them, so they can envision themselves living there and want to make an offer. You are appealing to their vision of their ideal lifestyle. To learn more about home staging, see my article, Home Staging- How it Works and What it Costs.Interior design is decorating for the Read more […]
How to Make Moving Your New Favorite Thing!
I hear you laughing through your computer. Yes, I know. You are thinking yeah, right! I can hardly wait to have my life interrupted with endless showings, lay awake at night wondering if I will be able to sell for a good price or will lose money, find a new house that I actually like and can afford, pack a million boxes, move a million boxes, unpack and not know where the heck anything is for months! Yes!! I can hardly wait!OK, well, let’s think about this in a new way. How about this? I can Read more […]
2019- A Colorful and Exciting Year
Now that 2019 is in the rear-view mirror, I decided to look back and see what I did with all my time, what I accomplished and consider what’s ahead. Have you done the same? I hope the last year was all you hoped for! What the Heck I did with my time For me, 2019 this was especially meaningful as I retired last December 31st from a 33-year career as a wildlife biologist. Although I started Northern Lights Home Staging and Design five years ago, I had more time to work on my design business Read more […]
Re-Invent Yourself and Your Home in 2020
As the new year approaches, you will probably hear a lot about trends in design, color and the latest, greatest ideas in furniture and accessories. My mind is focused inward on a different way of transforming your home. I think about 2019, what I accomplished and what my life and home felt like. I’m compelled to plan for 2020 to re-invent my life, health, business and home to be the ideal expression of myself. How about you? I have been inspired lately listening to Jim Fortin’s podcast, Read more […]
Vote for my Master Bedroom Design in the Edesign Contest
I recently entered an Edesign for this global style master bedroom in a contest! We were given room dimensions and a photo, and could develop any design we wanted. I had recently seen Benjamin Moore’s new 2020 color of the year, First Light, and was not really a fan, as I am not fond of “pink or blush” for wall colors. I decided to challenge myself to come up with a design I loved using “First Light” as the wall color for this contest. The contest is for Edesigners of the Edesign Tribe of Read more […]