How to Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting
Lighting is Magic
Yes you can make magic happen in your home with lighting!
Lighting is magic. Lighting can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels. You have probably heard that layering your lighting, and having three sources such as overhead lighting, table or floor lamps and task lighting is important. But what does that really mean and how does it look? And is that all you need to do to really get the look you are going for? I find that lighting is a problem for many people when I do design consultations. For some reason, here in Alaska there are many homes that do not even have overhead lighting in the main living area. Many people do not have enough layered light sources. It can leave your room feeling uninspired, as well as make it difficult to do whatever tasks you want to do in your space.
Beautiful Lighting is Perfect for a Party
I recently created this Edesign which I thought would be a great example to show you what I mean when I say, “create magic with lighting”.
I wanted to create a room that would be perfect for an elegant adult Birthday party that could be used as a virtual background for Zoom events.
I created this room with a sideboard with the Birthday cake and other goodies as well as an area for wine and cocktails. The side tables are set with cocktail glasses and the coffee table with wine and cheese. Birthday presents are stacked on the floor near two of the chairs.
What do you want your light to highlight?
The design and colors were inspired by my fractal art, “Deep Purple” which I used over the sideboard. The paint color was selected to work with the art. I chose to create this room in a city and used modern furnishings. I would call this Modern Global Style.
“Deep Purple” fractal art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Natural Daylight
My first render of the space was done in using natural day light. Notice how the wall color looks, and how the accents for the party stand out, or should I say blend in, in the render.
Natural Daylight only. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Natural Daylight Only. “Deep Purple” Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Night Lighting- One Layer
I decided to try a night scene and play with the lighting to create a more “magical” atmosphere. In this render, I only used overhead lighting. Notice the change in how the paint color appears (a little washed out). The rug colors also appear dull. Still, the party accents do not really stand out.
Full overhead lighing only.
Night Lighting- 2 Layers
Next, I dimmed the overhead lights and I added light to the two lamps on the end tables so there was a second layer of light. This brought back a little of the richness of the paint color and a little more color to the rug. Still, the party accents do not really stand out.
Two layers of light. Dimmed overhead lighting and lighting from 2 lamps. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Night Lighting- 5 Layers
Finally, I turned off some of the overhead lights, and made other brighter over the end tables and coffee table to highlight the food and other goodies. I added accent lights over the art and sideboard to make them really stand out. I added up lighting under the trees so they would sparkle. The additional layers of controlled and directed light showed off all the different colors of the paint and really made it come alive. I changed the color of light in the lamps to make it warmer. And voila, magic!!
Five layers of light. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Here are some other views of the room. Notice how the lighting highlights different aspects of the party atmosphere.
Five layers of light. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Five layers of light. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Five layers of light. Edesign and fractal art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
In summary, to create a beautiful lighting plan for your room, layer your lighting, control the lighting brightness, direction and color and add lighting to highlight the aspects of your room that are important such as your focal points and art.
Need Help with Your Design?
Are you getting ready for a special event or need help creating a little magic in your home? Try one of my Edesign services.my Aligned Design consultation or my coaching call.
Global Style Interior Design weaves the narrative of your life’s journeys into your living space. Every artifact holds a tale, sparking engaging conversations. It’s a curated collection of treasures, both aged and contemporary, sourced from diverse corners of the world. This design approach creates a symphony of color, texture, art, and heritage. Dive into these 10 compelling reasons to embrace the global style, accompanied by decor inspirations to help you achieve this eclectic aesthetic
Global Style Celebrates Color
Global Style Interior Design captivates me, especially with its vibrant and bold hues. The colors that define a country often draw inspiration from its landscapes, flora, spices, emblems, and even its national flags, seldom settling for mere neutrals.
Global Style Celebrates Artisans
Global style is a mosaic of distinctive art, each piece echoing the vibrant hues and cultural nuances of different nations. For this Bohemian-style living room, I drew inspiration from my personal fractal art, a tribute to the sumptuous colors and intricate textures that epitomize Bohemian elegance.
Global Styles are Connected to the Outdoors
I’m enamored by how global styles often harmoniously intertwine their colors and patterns with nature. For instance, in the Greek-style living room I curated, the design is deeply resonant with the coastal vibes—reflecting the azure hues of the Greek sea and sky, the earthy tones of its rocky terrains, and the vibrant shades of its indigenous flora.
Global Style Loves Pattern and Color
Global style thrives on the artful fusion of captivating textures and intricate patterns. From the gentle caress of silk to the tactile embrace of textured wool, the allure of carved wood, and the sophistication of metals adorned with elaborate embossed or cut-out motifs—these elements converge harmoniously. When combined with the enchanting cultural patterns adorning rugs, pillows, and artwork, they create a masterpiece of layering. Just like this meticulously crafted design for a global style living room, where every glance reveals a tapestry of rich diversity and captivating allure.
Global Style Tells Your Story
Global style is your canvas to narrate your unique tale. Be it Bohemian whimsy or minimalist elegance, the charm of vintage or the edge of modern, vibrant hues or subdued palettes – it’s about weaving your narrative. Choose global elements that resonate with you, just like in this contemporary global style living room, and let your space echo your individuality
Global Styles Celebrate Culture and History
Global style reveres the rich tapestry of cultures and histories from which they emerge. It can be a singular ode to one nation or a melange of inspirations from across the globe. To truly encapsulate its essence, consider integrating decor unique to a specific culture. Take, for instance, this design inspired by Turkish aesthetics. Turkey, renowned for its exquisite Kilim rugs, beautifully exemplifies how specific cultural artifacts can elevate a space.
Global Style Celebrates the Magic of Lighting
The allure of global style designs is amplified by their captivating lighting choices. Often handcrafted, these luminaries feature intricate metal cutouts that cast enchanting patterns of light, akin to the magic found in many Moroccan and Turkish homes. Mexico also excels in crafting exquisite lighting, exemplifying how lighting transcends mere function to become a hallmark of beauty.
Beautiful Moroccan lighting. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Global Style Design Mixes Old and New
Global style is the perfect dance between the time-honored and the contemporary. In spaces like this Vintage Boho Office, there’s a seamless blend of the modern with relics from the past. Treasured items, such as Moroccan rugs, often bear the weight of generational stories. By interweaving cultural artifacts, cherished family heirlooms, and contemporary accents, you’re not just designing a space—you’re curating a visual biography of your life and lineage.
Global Style Celebrates Your Adventures
Global Style Interior Design is like weaving the chapters of your adventures into your living space. It brings to life the tales of places you’ve been by showcasing the treasures you’ve gathered along the way. Take, for instance, this Mexican-inspired dining area where the handmade lighting casts shadows reminiscent of Mexican evenings. It’s a sensory journey, right in your home.
Global Style is Eco-Friendly
Global style is intrinsically tied to nature, championing eco-friendly and sustainable design practices. Central to its ethos is the utilization of authentic, natural materials. From plush wool rugs that cradle your feet, to metallic accents that reflect tradition, intricately carved wooden furniture that narrates craftsmanship, to tactile leather and versatile rattan. There’s also the timeless appeal of natural stone and the earthen touch of pottery. Each element not only adds aesthetic value but also underscores a commitment to the environment and reverence for the natural world
Global styles are a perfect fit for aligning art, science, and energy to create a space perfectly aligned to support you. Get a consultation today.
Given the principles of your Aligned Design system, which focuses on harmonizing beauty, color science, and well-being, it’s clear why global design styles are a seamless fit. Here’s a breakdown:
Art of Beauty: Global design styles inherently celebrate the beauty of various cultures. Every piece, from a handwoven rug from Morocco to carved wooden artifacts from Bali, is a testament to the artistic skills honed over generations. This beauty aligns well with the art-centric facet of Aligned Design.
Science of Color: Global design taps into a vast palette influenced by natural landscapes, cultural festivities, and traditional crafts from around the world. The colors aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but are steeped in cultural significance. The Aligned Design system, with its emphasis on the science of color, can leverage these rich palettes to evoke specific feelings and energies.
Energy of Well-being: Global styles often prioritize natural, eco-friendly materials that resonate with the energy of the earth. Materials like wood, stone, and organic fabrics not only have a minimal ecological footprint but also exude an innate warmth and grounding energy. This aligns perfectly with Aligned Design’s goal of promoting well-being.
Personal Resonance: Global design, with its myriad of styles, allows individuals to choose elements that truly resonate with them. Whether it’s a memory from a trip or a connection to one’s roots, these design elements can serve as a reflection of personal journeys and transformations.
Transformational Journey: As people evolve, so can their interiors. Global design styles are versatile, allowing spaces to evolve and adapt. This fluidity is perfectly suited for individuals on transformational journeys, ensuring their spaces always align with their current phase of life.
Holistic Integration: The Aligned Design system, in aiming for harmony and balance, would appreciate global design’s holistic approach. Every element in global design has a story, a purpose, and an energy, ensuring a space is more than just visually appealing—it becomes a sanctuary for growth and well-being.
Given these alignments, it’s evident that global design styles can beautifully complement and enrich your design using my Aligned Design system, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply nurturing. Need help? Let’s do a consultation and see what’s possible.
Saturday Night Live Art Shows- “Raven Medicine”- Make Space for Magic
Welcome to Saturday Night Live Art Shows.
Animals have much to teach us if we just listen.
Would you like more magic in your life?
Ravens are associated with magic and the unknown. They teach us to be open to magic. That means being present now, rather than in your head with your checklist. Ravens teach us to:
Embrace Change
Pay Attention to Signs
Connect with our Spiritual Side
Take time for Introspection
My art, a collage of AI and fractal energy art supports you in energetically opening yourself to magic.
See it on the walls, pillows, and dining chairs.
My art, a collage of AI and fractal energy art supports you in living with integrity in this Edesign I created.
This collection is “Raven Medicine”. Remind yourself to be open to magic and the unknown. Raise the vibe in your space today. Great design starts with energy.
See my Raven Medicine collection at: https://maryann-benoit.pixels.com/collections/raven+medicine+magic
See all my AI/ fractal art at https://maryann-benoit.pixels.com/collections/ai+and+fractal+art
Surround yourself with art that reminds you what is important and enhances the energy of your space. When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better. The world needs you. My unique Interior Design philosophy combines The ART of beauty The SCIENCE of color The ENERGY of well-being.
Everything is energy. The energy of your space affects how you feel and can support you in reaching your potential. Energy art can serve as the basis for the design of the room, and how it feels.
My “Raven Medicine” Collection
Aligned Energy Art is another layer of meaning beyond the visual beauty in creating your perfect space that is aligned with who you want to be.”
Get the Look
Contact me to work together and create a design that is perfect for your space.
What is Energy Art and How Can it Change Your Life?
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of my digital art, where the fusion of AI and Fractal art unfolds in mesmerizing harmony and supportive energy. Guided by the power of language, and the ingenuity of algorithms, I communicate my artistic vision to the AI, refining and perfecting it until it resonates with my vision. Then, a captivating dance begins as I craft intricate energy infused fractal art which I add in layers to the design.
My computer screen becomes the playground where I interlace my AI-generated images with the bewitching patterns of fractals, creating a symphony of colors, textures, dimension and detail. But my art goes beyond the beauty. Embedded within each creation lies a unique energy message, carefully crafted to support you. My own energy infuses every stroke, enveloping the artwork with a positive force that resonates with you and what you need to support you in your space.
I love exploring the endless possibilities and pushing the boundaries of digital art to unveil the unseen, weaving threads of meaning and energy into the essence of the art.
My art transcends into the extraordinary, offering an immersive experience that helps you reach your potential to be who you truly are. With colors that bring you joy, textures that beckon to be touched, and intricate details that unravel like secrets, my art invites you to embark on a transformational journey.
I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- The Magic of Transitions
Transitions Make Magic Happen
Its the moments between the moments, the transitions, where the real magic happens.
Every dance is made up of a series of moves, but how a dancer goes from one move to the next shows what they are made of and creates the flow of the whole performance.
What happens in that space between the moves? I bet you never thought of that.
Is it like watching a slide show, where you see one picture, and then the next and the next? Or is it like a film or video where the transition between moves is seamless so you do not notice any break in the action?
And is it truly a work of art, where each transition is just as beautiful as the move that came before and what comes next?
Mary Ann Benoit of Kaleido World Percussion and Dance Company performing a Tribal Fusion dance solo in Anchorage Alaska.
The most amazing dancers put their hearts and souls into the transitions! Take a photo during any part of it and it will be a beautiful moment.
The transition leads the audience from one part of the dance to the next, telling the story in such a way that nothing breaks the magic.
Classical Persian dance performed by Simorgh Dance Company with Mary Ann Benoit , Melissa Wanamaker and Racin Engstrom Rowe.
Even in moments where there seems to be a pause, the energy continues to flow and move, pointing o what is coming next.
Classical Persian dance performed by Simorgh Dance Company with Mary Ann Benoit and Racin Engstrom Rowe.
Interior Design Lessons from Dance
How does this relate to Interior Design, you wonder? Well, transitions play a pivotal role in weaving the enchantment, whether on the dance floor or within your living space. Welcome to Part 9 of my insights, drawn from my experiences in dance, on the art of crafting your ideal environment.
As I grow older, I’ve come to realize the profound interconnections that exist within the realm of artistic expression. The very principles that underpin the mesmerizing beauty of dance are equally applicable to the realm of Interior Design, or indeed, any other form of artistic endeavor. All it takes is a discerning eye, an attentive ear, and a receptive heart to uncover these shared truths.
It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.
Ever walked into a house and instantly felt a sense of tranquility, with each room flowing seamlessly into the next? Conversely, have you ever felt slightly overwhelmed or uneasy, unable to pinpoint why, while navigating another home? This feeling often hinges on the art of transitions.
Transitions are the bridges between distinct spaces. They manifest in entryways, hallways, staircases, and even doorways leading to different rooms. Beyond the indoors, a window offering a view of the outdoors acts as a transition, merging the external and internal environments.
Within rooms, transitions might be found between separate seating arrangements or areas dedicated to diverse functions. Think of them as choreography in the dance of interior design, guiding your movement and experience.
Harmony emerges when there’s a purposeful connection between these spaces. Whether it’s through congruent colors, shapes, textures, or other design elements, these transitions create an interwoven tapestry of design that pleases the senses and soothes the soul.
Creating Beautiful Transitions
Enhancing transitions within your home’s decor is effortlessly achieved through the strategic use of color.
A clever approach involves selecting a consistent color that appears in each room, even if it serves as a subtle accent in some spaces while taking center stage in others. This establishes a unifying thread throughout your home.
Alternatively, you can experiment with varying shades of the same color or opt for a monochromatic color scheme that spans your entire living space.
Another effective method is to designate a primary color as the foundation for your interior palette, with all other rooms harmonizing with this chosen hue. This way, your home’s color schemes work together seamlessly, creating a sense of cohesion, whether you’re employing complementary, triadic, diadic, or other color schemes.
Transitions from Outdoors to Indoors
The entryway of your home carries immense significance, particularly if your home serves as your place of business. It’s the initial point where visitors form impressions about your residence and, by extension, you as the owner. This impression is shaped by various factors, including the exterior aesthetics, colors, landscaping, surroundings, neighborhood, and the design and color of your front door.
For this Bed and Breakfast, the flow between the exterior and interior is not working well.
While the exterior boasts a vibrant dark teal blue complemented by a striking hot pink door, the interior’s existing paint palette hasn’t been updated to match.
Then you enter and experience the transition to the interior. Do they go together? How does it feel?
The entryway is painted in a shade of blue, which works well since it belongs to the same hue family as the exterior color. However, when you peer through the doorway, you transition from the yellow living room with its assorted accents of rust and blue into the red kitchen
The yellow walls aren’t a major issue because yellow stands opposite to blue on the color wheel, making them complementary. However, the presence of red clashes with the teal.
The most straightforward solution is to repaint the kitchen. It could be refreshed with a neutral white, a similar yellow, or perhaps a shade of blue or green that harmonizes better with the exterior color. Furthermore, a makeover is in order to modernize the entire area and bid farewell to the outdated 1990s faux painting.
Just envision the welcoming atmosphere that would greet you upon entering.
Transitions Between Rooms
Transitions happen in every space where there are entrances and sightlines into adjacent rooms, regardless of whether it’s an open concept or not, as seen in the previous example.
In the illustration below, you’ll notice that the two rooms share a similar color palette. They both feature the same wall color, and there are resemblances in the colors of the bed, rug, and pillow in comparison to the living room pillow.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
I could change the wall color or the bedroom to an off white or gray, which still ties in to colors in the living room and the transition is still beautiful.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Or, I could pick a clashing color that may look nice in the bedroom, but in the context of the transition between rooms does not work as with this green.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Transitions between the Outside and Inside
Another important transition is between the outside and inside. Wherever you have windows with views you want to highlight, the transition is important and can often be the focal point of the room. Find similarity in colors and patterns you see outside and bring them into your interior in your art, decor or wall colors.
For example, in the bedroom below, the whole design is based on the view and the colors of ocean and sky. To create the smooth transition from outdoors to indoors, and make the room feel one with the outdoors, the color of the wall, bed, bedding, furnishings and even my custom designed fractal art all were harmonious with the colors and patters of the outdoors.
In the design below, the colors of the forest, sky,
and trees were used in the furnishings, pillows and rug.
Get the Look
See some of my energy art in the designs above on Society6 and Fine Art America.
“Icefield” and “Arctic Night” by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
“Watercolor” fractal art collection by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Are You Ready to Create Beautiful Transitions in Your Home?
Knowing the elements that craft your ideal space, are you prepared to bring that vision to life in your home? If you were certain that the perfect environment would elevate your life, you’d jump at the chance, right?
Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Want a beautiful house? The key to success is to make a plan! Figure out what you need to create the design you want, and if it fits in your budget before you buy a single thing!
Make a Plan
You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with a plan!
Often, people start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together. This may not work because the styles or colors may not fit well together, or they may end up buying too many colors and patterns because they have no unifying theme to work toward.
Sometimes homeowners select finishes such as flooring and counter tops and get excited and rush into other aspects such as painting and selecting furniture without thinking it all through. I get it, once you start, it’s hard to pause because you just want to see the end result!
To get an end result that will make you happy though , stop…., take time and make a plan first.
So how do you develop a great plan?
Start with your vision
Say you want to redo your master bedroom. Picture what your perfect master bedroom would look and feel like if you could have everything you want with no limitations. What would make you happy? How would you feel in the space? What activities do you want to do in the space? What style is the space? Do you like to change things up on a regular basis and want future flexibility or do you want the space to stay the same for a long time? Once you have the ideal room in your mind, you can try to work with your space, budget and time to create something as close as possible to your dream room.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Develop a budget and timeline
For now, this just needs to be a realistic picture of how much money you are willing to spend and how much time are you willing to devote to get it done.
Really….how much are you willing to spend and how much time are you willing to devote?
Determine what you have to work with
Fixed Finishes and Architectural Elements
Some things in your space like your fixed finishes may be “bossy” and can’t be ignored. The size of the room and existing architectural features such as your windows, doors, fireplace, counter tops etc. are unlikely to change and need to be considered. What colors are they? How will they affect the color palette, layout and style of your design? Of course, part of your plan may be to change some of these things.
What fixed finishes do you have to consider in your new plan?
Furniture, Art, Accessories
Do you have things you love and want to highlight in the room? Maybe a piece of furniture or art that is an heirloom or has special meaning? A beautiful rug that you love and want to use? What are the sizes and colors are some of these items?
Do you have special furniture or art you want to incorporate into your design? Edesign and art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
How will the Space Be Used?
What will you do in your space? Who will be using it? Do you have children, pets or a significant other that you need to consider in selecting colors or finishes so they will like it too, and the finishes will stand up to the use?
Who will be using the space and what will they use it for? Photo from Unsplash.
What Needs to Change?
What do you have to or want to change? Do you need a paint job or new flooring? Don’t decide on your colors and materials just yet. Now, just identify that you need them, and come up with general ideas on materials you prefer such as carpeting vs hardwood flooring, or quartz vs marble countertops etc.
What needs to change? Flooring? Countertops? Paint? Photo from Unsplash.
What Needs Replacing?
You know you hate your credenza and art for example, and want to purchase something new. Create a general wish list for the new items, without deciding yet on the exact items.
Kaleidoscope Credenza with fractal art designed by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Energy art can play a huge role in not only making your space beautiful but supporting you in being the person you want to be. See all my energy art at Fine Art America and let me guide you in how it can support you.
Select Your Color Palette
Color is key in pulling it all together, tying the bossy items together with the new items. A color strategist can measure the colors you have in your fixed finishes and inspiration pieces, and provide great recommendations for new flooring, countertops, paint colors, and furniture and accessories so it all works together. What order do you select everything in?
If you are putting in new flooring or countertops, select these first.
Select paint next. It is much easier to find a paint color to work with your flooring and countertops than the other way around. If you select a more neutral wall color, it can provide you with greater flexibility in the future to change colors in your rugs, pillows, and accent pieces
Check Your Budget
Check your budget. Are you still on track? Don’t forget to include labor and design costs. If not, where can you adjust.
Check your Budget. Are you still on track?. Photo from Unsplash.
Work in a Logical Order
Do your remodeling-flooring, counter tops, painting.
Develop a floor plan to arrange furniture around your focal points or highlight your inspiration pieces.
Select new items last. Pick furniture, rugs, accessories that work with your vision, inspiration pieces and color palette.
Do your design work and remodeling in a logical order.
Get Help With Your Plan
Developing a great plan can take some work and expertise. Try my Aligned Design consultation which considers design, color and energy to pull it all together so you get the end result you love and avoid costly mistakes.
Design is about more than just looks. Take this quiz.
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Some Colors are Bossy. Will You Listen to Them?
Some colors are just plain bossy. You might want to ignore them, but you can’t. And you shouldn’t.
It is not that they are overly bold or colorful. They are just in your face. Every Single Day.
They are your fixed finishes. The things you rarely change unless you are doing some significant remodeling.
They are your countertops, your floors, and architectural features such as stone or brick walls or fireplaces, or other predominant features.
They are the things that you do not plan to change any time soon.
They are “bossy” because they will be there for a long time, they take a lot of space and are often in your main living areas such as your kitchen or living room.
Hopefully, you like your fixed finishes. Everything really needs to work with them.
As an example, say you have Clarino quartz countertops and wood cabinets and flooring, you might consider a light-colored paint that is harmonious with the exact colors in the countertop, and that is also harmonious with the hue family of the wood cabinets and flooring.
How do you do that? Have a color strategist measure the exact colors in both the countertop and your wood cabinets and flooring. They will consider the hue family, color saturation, lightness, and color relationships.
There is a range of color choices that could work. Most countertops have numerous colors in them that can be matched. Or, you could consider a color that is in the same hue family or has similar chroma. Or, you could try a complementary color
The key thing is to consider the color data of all the colors in your fixed finishes and develop your color choices on color data, rather than guesswork or considerations of imaginary undertones. Of course, it needs to look good too, and you can not rely on data alone. Extraordinary color is the perfect mix of art and science.
Once you know the options that could work, consider which works best with the fabrics, art, and furniture in the rooms you are working with as well as the rest of the home.
It is all a big puzzle that needs to work together. The first pieces you put down are your fixed finishes and you build from there.
Creating a home that not only looks great but feels great, comes from all the pieces working together in harmony.
This includes the creativity of great design, the science of color, and the energy of how you relate to your space and the environment.
People often want to do color consultations without considering the whole picture and the Interior Design of the rest of the house. Something will always be missing.
My tip to you is when it is time to pick your paint colors, hire a pro to help you, and take a holistic approach to look at color with the rest of your home’s design.
Are You Ready to Listen to Your Bossy Colors?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection). The intersection of the three is where the magic happens. Getting extraordinary color is part of the science of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a plan to create your perfect space.
You can also start by just choosing paint colors for your room now, and think about a complete design plan later.
Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.
Make Magic Happen When You are Fearless with Color
Being fearless with color can lead to incredible transformations in your home. Embrace colors, and you’ll be amazed at the transformation they can bring to the energy of your space.
Fear of getting it wrong often leads us to stick to safe options like white, gray, or beige. But here’s the thing:
Start Small: Test a bold color on a small wall or piece of furniture. It’s less commitment and gives you a feel for how the color works in your space.
Sample First: Before you commit, paint a small patch on paper that you can move around and look at in different lighting throughout the day.
Ask for Help: A color consultation with a professional color strategist can save you a lot of time and money and help you get it right the first time.
Trust Your Instincts: If a color makes you happy, chances are you will love the energy of the room every time you spend time there.
It’s Just Paint: Worst case scenario – you don’t like the result. It’s okay. You can always repaint.
Color is an opportunity to express yourself. Don’t let fear hold you back from creating a home that feels like you.
FEAR
Color Brings Joy
Your home should be a place that brings joy, and color is a powerful tool to create that feeling. Embrace the fear and go for it.
Pick colors that evoke the feelings you want to experience in each room. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
I am not saying that your walls should be wild and colorful, although that would be cool!
Go with a wild color scheme. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
You could go wild and colorful in a small space.
Add Color in Accents
Your walls could be neutral and you could be brave with colorful accents, art or lighting!
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Butterfly Medicine energy art and office Edesign Design by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Your walls don’t have to be bright. They could be pastel!
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Play with Color Harmony
You colors could have lots of high contrast.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Your colors could be soothing and monochromatic.
Try a soothing monochromatic color scheme. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
They could be dark and comforting.
Create a comforting color scheme. Transformation Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Invite Color from the Outside In
The could highlight the colors of the outdoors and bring the outside in.
Bring the outside in with color. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Try No Color at All
You could even go dramatic with black and white!
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Lose the Fear
Color should reflect what you love. Why let fear hold you back from exploring new things?
Take the fear and uncertainty out of picking paint colors by relying on color science, rather than just using your eyes.
We all see things a little differently due to our vision. If we measure color and use color data, as well as our eyes, we can remove the guesswork, risk and fear.
All colors can be measured:)
Color science helps determine what colors work together perfectly because of their hue, chroma and values. Science helps solve color issues related to the light in your particular house. It brings your color to the level of extraordinary.
Are you ready to let go of fear? Think of how good you will feel to have extraordinary color in your home.
Aligned Design
My philosophy of Aligned Design, aligns art, science and energy in your space. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better.
My philosophy- Aligned Design.
Your home is like your body, a system that works together to be healthy.
Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a holistic plan to create your perfect space.
Imagine what that would feel like.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Ten Ways To Not Screw Up Picking Your Paint Colors
Does choosing paint colors make you anxious?
It’s common because many don’t understand color science, even some experts. There’s a lot of misleading information about selecting paint colors, leaving many confused and unsure.
Don’t worry!
The easiest way to confidently choose your colors is by seeking advice from a real color expert. Ignore the internet clutter and well-meaning, but potentially misguided, advice from friends and family. Here are some essential things to remember.
Don’t Listen to Friends, Family or the Internet
Everyone might suggest colors for your space, but remember, most of these suggestions may not be right for you. Why?
They aren’t you; they don’t know your personal tastes. They don’t live in your home; they don’t know how your fixed finishes look in various lights. They don’t see colors the way you do; everyone’s vision and perception are unique. Unless they’re trained color strategists, capable of interpreting color data, they don’t have the full picture to make the best color choices
Steer clear of seeking advice from online forums like Houzz. Photos of your home can’t accurately convey your space’s unique colors – they’ll look different on every screen and won’t reflect your home’s true hues. A color combo that works in one home might not suit yours.
Anyone advising based on a photo simply doesn’t understand color well enough.
Determine What Colors You Really Like
Seems straightforward, but choosing from countless colors can be daunting! Start by identifying colors that bring you joy and make you feel good. It might be easier to start by ruling out colors you strongly dislike
Narrow Color Choices Based on Fixed Finishes
Once you know what you really like, you do need to consider some “limitations” on what you can pick. They are your fixed finishes and narrow your choices to ones that look good with those things you are unlikely to change any time soon such as flooring, countertops, stonework, and more, Some Colors Are Bossy. Will You Listen to Them? to learn more.
Stay in a Lane
Commonly, homeowners mix grays and browns, leading to less-than-ideal results. With the passing gray trend, many people paired gray elements with their brown woodwork, but this often looks off.
The key to blending grays and browns is using the right hues, values, and chroma – something color science can help with.
But without this understanding, it’s best to stick to either grays or browns. Choose a lane (gray or brown) and select colors that harmonize with your choice
Ignore Undertones
There’s a lot of misinformation online about ‘undertones.’ People often use ‘undertone’ to describe how they see a color in a specific location, lighting, and time. However, this is subjective and inconsistent.
In reality, an ‘undertone’ is the color revealed when a paint layer is scraped off.
So, don’t get caught up in discussions about undertones. It’s likely to add confusion rather than clarity.
Don’t Paint a Bunch of Samples on a Wall Next to Each Other
When choosing paint colors, whether on your own or with an expert, painting samples in your space to observe them under different lighting conditions is crucial.
Many people paint various color samples side by side on a white background to compare. However, this isn’t effective. Why?
Because each color alters how you perceive the adjacent one due to a phenomenon called ‘simultaneous contrast.
For instance, if you paint a dark color like ‘Moscow Midnight’ on a white background, the white makes it seem darker and grayer. Similarly, painting complementary colors (those opposite each other on the color wheel) side by side can make them appear more vibrant. For example, green seems greener when next to red, and vice versa.
So, be mindful of this when comparing color samples.
It is better to paint on paper or something moveable rather than the wall, and look at colors individually in different light conditions.
When colors that aren’t complementary, like red and orange, are placed next to each other, they subtly affect each other’s appearance. For instance, red might make orange look slightly greenish, and orange could give red a slightly bluish tint.
I know, it might sound odd! But that’s one of the fascinating aspects of color science.
So, when evaluating colors, avoid painting a wall full of samples side by side. It complicates things! Instead, examine each color individually.
Look at Your Colors on a Gray Background- Not White
Many think white is the perfect neutral background to test colors. While it’s true that adjacent colors can influence your perception, white is not the solution. Just like other colors, white comes in various shades and can influence how your chosen color appears.
More importantly, the concept of ‘undertones’ that many refer to is often just a subjective opinion about the origin of a particular white or gray. In reality, this can be scientifically determined in seconds without painting anything.
The key issue with testing colors against a white background is that it can make all colors seem washed out, darker, duller, and less colorful. But once you paint your space, the color will appear much lighter, brighter, and more vibrant than expected.
For example, if you test Sherwin Williams ‘Moscow Midnight’ against a white background, it will look different than when applied to a full room.
Testing colors against a black background? It also distorts the appearance of your color, but in the opposite way to white. Black makes colors look lighter, brighter, and more colorful. When applied to a whole room, the color might look darker and duller than expected.
So, what’s the solution? Test your colors on a gray background. Gray is the most neutral color and will have the least influence on your chosen color. For example, Moscow Midnight appears truer to its actual color when viewed against gray.
Don’t Let Your Whites Look Dirty
Choosing white might seem simple, but it can be trickier than you think. Every white has a hint of color, or hue, with minimal chroma or saturation. If you’re planning to use different whites in the same space, ensure they harmonize well.
Whites that are too similar in color values can make each other appear ‘dirty’. So, picking the right whites can be just as important as choosing your main colors.
Find One Thing In Common
Creating a harmonious color scheme involves having a shared element – be it hue, value, or chroma – across your selections. Make sure to maintain this common thread throughout your home for a cohesive look
Use the Color Wheel to Make a Plan
After identifying your favorite colors that also complement your fixed finishes, the next step is forming a color scheme. A color wheel can be a great tool here, helping you see which color relationships you’re drawn to. You might prefer a monochromatic or complementary scheme, or perhaps a diad, triad, or tetrad arrangement. A split complementary scheme could also work well.
With the help of a color wheel and color science, you can create a scheme that truly resonates with you. A color strategist can really help with this.
Use the Science of Color to get Extraordinary Color
Color science is a powerful tool. It helps pinpoint your favorite colors, select options that match your fixed finishes, create a harmonious color palette, and even choose the ideal whites. It removes the guesswork, ensuring fantastic results the first time around.
Embracing color science can elevate your color choices to a new level, leading to extraordinary results. If you’re unsure, consider hiring a professional with color science knowledge. The outcome will undoubtedly be worthwhile.
You are Making My Head Hurt
Now that I have told you how to not screw up your paint colors, you may be realizing that color is more complex than you thought.
Understanding the complexity of color might make you second-guess advice from well-meaning friends or even online experts. But why listen to me? Well, don’t just take my word for it – trust the science.
Many might ignore the science of color, preferring to rely solely on their ‘eyes’ and the art of color, as it seems simpler and more enjoyable. However, combining both the science and art of color leads to quicker, easier, and ultimately more stunning results
You are making my head hurt.Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash
Are You Ready to Try a New Approach?
As a certified color strategist, I combine the art and science of color to eliminate guesswork and help you select the perfect paint colors. Let’s bypass the misinformation and aim for accurate, stress-free color selection the first time around, saving you time and money. Ready for a fresh approach?
Stop stressing about picking your paint colors and finishes with this science-based 2-hour color consultation. Learn More.
Attract Wealth with Interior Design: The Energy Art Quiz
Most of us want one or all of these things…to attract wealth, love, or health.
My “Attracting Wealth” collection energetically supports you in your space to attract wealth by reminding you to BE the person that energetically attracts wealth.
Everything is energy. The energy of your space affects how you feel and can support you in reaching your potential. Energy art can serve as the basis for the design of the room, and how it feels.
Are you adept at attracting wealth? Want to become even better at it?
This quiz will help you identify your current proficiency at drawing prosperity into your life. Furthermore, it’ll provide personalized advice on how to attract even more wealth by leveraging the power of energy art in your interior design.
Understanding how well you’re doing at attracting wealth is the first step. The next step is to learn how you can further enhance your wealth-attracting potential. With this quiz, you’ll uncover the areas in your life that could use some fine-tuning.
Once you have your results, I recommend specific energy art pieces that resonate with your unique needs. This energy art will not only uplift the aesthetic of your space but also serve as powerful visual reminders of the mindset and behaviors that foster wealth and abundance.
So, are you ready to unlock your wealth-attracting potential and transform your space into a beacon of prosperity?
Do you feel you have what you need to successfully attract more wealth and abundance? Take the quiz by clicking the button above. Or take it by reading the article below and tracking your points.
You will get 2 points for each ‘yes’ 1 point for every ‘sometimes’ 0 points for ‘no’.
Click on the art names linked to ‘no’ answers for helpful energy art.
Authenticity and Purpose
Do you feel you’re living your true purpose and passions? Are you embracing your true purpose, and pursuing your passion wholeheartedly? (Alignment). Does your work ignite a deep joy and sense of necessity within you? (Heartfire). If not, take quiet moments to dive deep into self-discovery and step out of your comfort zone (Journey).
“Heart Chakra” energy art on the wall art and 2 pillows and tray and Sacral Chakra on one of the pillows.
2. Do your decisions consistently align with your purpose and the person you’re becoming? Consider who you’re evolving into (Path with Heart, and Becoming).
Path with Heart living room.“Becoming” energy art on some of the pillows.
3. Are you comfortable expressing your authentic thoughts and feelings? Are you being genuine and voicing your own beliefs? (Throat Chakra).
Throat Chakra energy art.
Positive Intentions and Actions
4. Do you offer your services with a genuine desire to make a positive impact? Do you offer them wholeheartedly, with the intention of improving others’ lives? (Heart Chakra).
Heart Chakra wall art.
5. Have you discarded unhelpful beliefs about money and replaced them with positive ones? Have you let go of your past beliefs about money that may not serve you well (Stories from the Past, and rewritten narratives in your mind that support your success? (Stories of the Future). Do you realize your stories are not necessarily your customers stories?
Stories of the Future wall art. I have all these pieces in my own home.
6. Do you demonstrate self-integrity and discipline? Are you cultivating traits that attract wealth, like discipline and integrity? Remember, you must embody the life you want. Your actions reflect who you are and have a ripple effect in your life (Being).
“Being #2” energy art.
Embrace Change and Inspiration
7. Do you regularly take quiet moments to listen to your heart and generate ideas? Do you connect with your heart, letting ideas flow naturally instead of forcing them? (Journey and Silence is Golden).
“Silence is Golden” energy art.
8. Do you act quickly when inspiration strikes? When a brilliant idea strikes, do you recognize it as a universal gift and act on it before it’s passed on to someone else? (Inspiration).
Inspiration energy art.
9. Do you turn changes into business opportunities? Are you adaptable, seeking opportunities amidst change to benefit your business? Remember, your response to change determines its impact. Change can be transformative if you let it (Radical Change).
Radical Change Energy Art.
10. Do you feel you manage your time effectively? Do you use it to your advantage instead of letting it control you? (Unveiling Time).
“Unveiling Time” energy art.
Energy and Abundance Mindset
11. Do you regularly express gratitude for what you have? Do you appreciate what you have now? A thankful mindset draws abundance and well-being into your life. When did you last express gratitude for the simplest life-sustaining elements like water, air, or your own body? (Gratitude, and Abundance).
Gratitude energy art.
12. Do you believe you emit positive energy? Remember, you attract the same energy you exude (Frequency, and Qi ).
“Qi” energy art.
13. Are you confident in the flow of money in your life? Are you open-hearted, contributing to others, and ensuring money circulates freely? Understanding that money is an energy exchange with the universe encourages abundance (Abundance).
Abundance energy art.
14. Do you communicate your intentions clearly? Have you clarified what you truly desire, and communicated your intentions to others and the universe? Clear intentions have immense power. By letting your unique essence shine, you can make the world a better place (Manifest, Fire Element, Possibilities).
“Manifest” Energy art.
What Does Your Score Mean?
Get Your Quiz Results
Why Energy Art Can Help
Your environment reflects your state of mind, and art, as a vibrant form of expression, has the power to uplift it.
My art—a blend of AI and fractal energy art—imbues your space with meaningful reminders and positive energy.
When your environment thrives, you thrive, and in turn, the world thrives.
We all have a role to play, and the world needs you. My distinctive approach to interior design weaves together the beauty of art, the science of color, and the energy of well-being.
When Art, Science, and Energy unite, they create Magic.
Aligned Energy Art is another layer of meaning beyond the visual beauty in creating your perfect space that is aligned with who you want to be.”
Home Sellers, Build Your Home Selling Team! Part 1- Find a Home Stager
Ready to put your home on the market? Assemble a top-notch team to ensure a smooth and profitable sale. Your squad should include an expert home stager, a skilled real estate photographer, and a Realtor who excels in marketing and truly champions your interests.
Wondering how to pick the perfect team? Begin with your home stager. I recommend taking the initiative as a seller to make this selection. Choose the best in the business! For insights on why this matters, check out my blog post titled Why Hire a Professional Home Stager to find out more.
Considering selling your home? Proper home staging can significantly boost your final asking price. In fact, effective staging not only recovers its cost but often yields a profit! Additionally, you might be eligible to deduct staging expenses as advertising costs from your home sale taxes.
However, a word of caution: avoid Realtors offering staging services unless they’re professionally trained. Ineffective staging won’t produce the desired effect. An exceptional Realtor will likely suggest, and perhaps even cover, the cost of a professional home staging consultation.
Exercise caution if your Realtor offers to choose and fund the staging. While it sounds enticing and can lure clients, many just opt for the most affordable stager. Some might even inflate this cost for you. Remember, cheaper options can result in an unappealing presentation, leading to prolonged market time, several price cuts, and mounting monthly expenses.
Often, Realtors request “light staging” or “minor fluffing,” a minimalistic approach to make a property appear staged on a budget. This strategy, which might involve sparse furniture or sporadic décor, isn’t effective. Instead of a charming home, it renders the property peculiar both online and offline.
Your best bet? Personally hire a top-tier stager. This investment, done correctly, offers maximum returns.
For tips on hiring the best home stager, refer to my article, “Five Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Home Stager.
Learn More About Home Staging
Get Your Home Staging Consultation Today
Secure your online or in-person home staging consultation or service today. Click the images for more information. For comprehensive staging services, please call for a custom quote.
