Do you love the look of Global Style Design? Do you love the rich colors, exotic designs, hand-made works of art that bring the beauty of different cultures to life in your space?
Guess what? You can still get the beauty of all those global styles in black and white.
An easy way to get the look of any Global Style is with a beautiful rug, and then add some great Global Style pillows for accents.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Allow the rug to become the focal point for your room and guide the color scheme and your choices for accents and accessories such as throw pillows, art, lighting, and more.
A great way to get started is to work with black and white rugs and pillows. Then you can continue with the black and white theme throughout the room or add pops of color with your wall color, lighting, or other accents.
Because black and white are so neutral, they can work with just about any other color accents you choose and will highlight the beauty of those colors by contrast.
Examples of Global Styles Inspired by Black and White Rugs
Here are a few examples using Edesigns I created primarily in black and white. In the living room below, my inspiration was the beautiful black and white rug. I built the rest of the color palette and accessories around it and used red as my additional color. Learn more.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
In the bedroom below, I used the same rug as my inspiration piece, and used yellow as my accent color. Learn more about this project.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and DesignEdesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Black and White Global Style Rugs
Here are some of my favorite black and white Global Style rugs which would be great as the inspiration piece to build any room design from.
Black and White Global Style Rugs
Black and White Global Style Pillows
Here are some of my favorite black and white Global Style accent pillows.
Black and White Global Style Pillows
All Blacks and Whites are Not the Same
Remember, blacks and whites are actually either extremely saturated or unsaturated hues or colors, so all blacks and whites will look different.
When putting together a black and white themed room, it would be wise to have a color strategist measure your colors to make sure the blacks and whites you want to use will work together nicely.
Although there is a general rule in Interior Design that all “blues” work together or all hues in the same family work together, that is not always true. One white for example, if too close in values to another can make one look “dirty”. It is important to make selections that play well together.
Are You Ready to See the Beauty of Black and White in Your Home?
Are you ready to create your perfect space with Global Style design? Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy. Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.
Check out My Fractal Art Studios
One-of-a-kind eco-friendly fractal art fashions and home decor.One-of-a-kind fractal art home decor, art prints, and more.
Edesign- A Trip to Your Perfect Space in a Ferrari Instead of a Stage Coach
By now, you have probably heard of Edesign, which is sometimes called online Interior Design or Virtual Design. It is a fast way to work together with your favorite designer to create your perfect space.
People put off creating their perfect space for the right time, the right house, the right budget, the right whatever. Before you know it, it has never happened and you have lost such a great chance to improve your life. Why not make it happen now?
Edesign is one way to get there fast. It is a collaboration between the designer (me) and the client (you), where we can work together online to create your perfect space, even if you are in another state. Or it can be a convenient way to work together with a combination of in-person and online work.
I always recommend starting with a consultation, such as my Aligned Design consultation, whether we are working together in person or online. It is important to take a holistic look at your whole house or space, both inside and outside to develop a plan before you do any work or spend money on “things”. This gives you the guidance you need to work on different rooms or projects over time and as your budget allows, knowing in the end, everything will work together and create that perfect space for you.
You get to take on some of the fun, and the responsibility by taking room measurements, ordering the products I recommend, and putting everything in place. Because of this shared workload, Edesign may be more affordable, but it is important to invest in quality design and products. You can not get your perfect space by spending $89 for a room from one of the big box online stores that don’t pay a good designer enough to consider working for them.
The video below shows my process of how Edesign works. Different designers may offer different services or work with you in different ways. Most will likely provide all or some of the following services which may include a floorplan, concept or mood board, shopping list, 3D render of the final design, and set up instructions
Most Edesigners will start by getting to know you, your style and tastes, your lifestyle, your design issues, etc. A local designer does this with an in-person visit. I send you a questionnaire or we may do a video or phone call.
Once I know what you like and need, I will start developing a design for you. This usually starts with space planning and developing a floor plan for each room so we know what will fit and how things can be arranged to best fit your lifestyle.
An in-person designer will usually take room measurements of the space and any existing furnishings that you may want to use. Because most Edesigners can’t visit your home, they will ask you to take these measurements and photos for them so they know what they are working with. This information may be requested as part of the questionnaire.
The next step includes developing a concept of a design including furnishings, accessories, paint colors and finishes to create a space that meets all your needs functionally and makes your heart sing with the beauty of the finished design.
While a local designer may present all the pieces of the plan to you in person, with samples that you can see and feel, the Edesigner will provide a concept board or rendering showing all the elements and how they look together.
Example of a RenderingExample of a concept board This one shows all the products as well as a floor plan.
You will then get a shopping list of all the parts for you to order and put in place with any final instructions. Most Edesigners will have a follow-up process to make sure it all looks good and answer any final questions.
Example of a shopping list. Links to products are included.
Hop in the Ferrari
Are you ready to tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy now rather than waiting forever? Take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started
Home Staging is Like Meeting the Person you Want to Marry on Your First Date
You know it when you see it.
Whether it is the right person or the right house for you, your gut instinct will tell you it is right. Then your logical brain will come up with all the reasons to support the decision you already made.
The person or the home has made an emotional connection with you and that is all she wrote.
If you are the one selling, how do you make the emotional connection with buyers?
Home Staging.
Home staging is the art of decorating a home to sell fast and for top dollar. It works by highlighting the home’s best features and creating an atmosphere that buyers make an emotional connection with, so they can visualize themselves living there. Each year statistics come out that talk about things like staged homes sell 78% faster and for up to 20% more. Of course, this all depends on how well you or the realtor markets the home and if it is priced competitively to start with.
Wondering about the cost? A better question is how much will it cost you not to do it. This video gives a general idea.
What are my Home Staging Options?
Every house is different and there are options for every situation. When searching for a home stager, remember that low cost is not always better. Quality and the end result is what matters. Remember, staging always costs less than your first price reduction if it does not sell, and great staging will often bring in a lot more than your asking price.
Check out the following options to see what best fits your situation. The prices listed are general estimates for planning. Every house is different and the investment in staging may vary.
Home Staging Consultation
The most cost effective way to stage if you are living in the home while on the market, is to get a home staging consultation with a pro and then stage it yourself. They will give you their expert opinion on everything you can do both inside and outside to get top dollar and only recommend things that will give you a good return on your investment of time or money. This is great for folks with small budgets, but who know the value of home staging and are handy. The end result may not be as good as if a pro does it, but it will definitely help! Your stager may be able to offer a final review after you do the staging to refine the end result.
Every home, no matter how nice can benefit from a consultation. The value comes from the pro’s knowledge of the market, how to stage for the buyer and their un-biased view of your home. When you live there every day, it is impossible for you to have that perspective. Don’t be worried about what they will recommend…. their goal is to get you the most money possible and reduce stress by selling fast. When preparing your house for sale, it is all about the buyer.
The longer the home is on the market, the more showings you have to deal with at a moment’s notice while still paying your monthly home expenses. The longer it is on the market, the more likely your realtor is to recommend a price reduction, which is typically $10,000 each time. The longer it is on the market, buyers wonder what is wrong with the house and are less likely to offer top dollar. Once you set the initial price, it is only downhill from there. It is extremely unlikely you can list it un-staged for one price, then stage it later and raise your price. So do the staging before listing.
Investment.-$400-$850. A 2-hour consultation is about $600. Based on your location, size of your house and if you need a color consultation before painting, it may take more time and run up to $850 or more.
Occupied Home Staging
This is really the way to go if you will be living in the house while on the market. You start with the consultation to come up with a plan for staging. Then working mainly with what you already have, you work together and stage it that same day. Your stager may recommend purchasing a few items such as a new bedding set for the master bedroom, new shower curtains or towels for the bathrooms. Those things make a huge difference in helping the home look fresh, clean, modern and move-in ready to buyers.
Most people have everything we need to stage it beautifully. Often it is just a matter of re-arranging the pieces to make sure buyers know what the room function is, it looks spacious and modern, the best features of the home are highlighted and it appeals to your target market. Because we work with what you already have, you generally don’t have to rent anything, saving you money.
Investment– $800-$2200. Based on the size and condition of the house, it could take 4-10 hours or more to do the staging and you may have to purchase new bedding, towels etc. It depends on the time needed for your particular house. You should be done in a day though!
Before After
Hybrid Home Staging
The same as Occupied Home Staging except you may need a few things, like some furniture pieces if yours is in poor shape. Rental fees are by the month, and my estimate assumes you are paying some rental fees for 2 months.
Investment- $1000-$3500. Based on the size and condition of the house, it will likely take 6-13 hours to do the staging/de-staging and you may have some costs to purchase new bedding, towels etc. and rental furniture. Anything you will be “using” such as bedding, towels etc. (besides furniture) you need to buy, as they are not available for lease. Your stager needs extra time for sourcing the rentals, potentially packing and delivering some items, being there for delivery and then for de-staging to make sure no damage is done to your house. The staging should be done in a day.
Before After
Vacant Home Staging
Vacant homes don’t sell quickly. They look sad and lonely, don’t make an emotional connection with buyers, there is no sense of scale so no one can tell how big a room is or if their stuff will fit, how the furniture can be arranged, or the purpose of the room. There is nothing to look at but the flaws. As the house sits on the market for months, the utility and mortgage bills add up, plus all those price reductions! Just stage it! See the article in Alaska Home Magazine, “Staging a Vacant Home- Why It’s Worth the Money”.
Yes, it is expensive. Imagine if you had to completely deliver a house worth of stuff, unpack it and make the place look gorgeous in a day. Plus, your stager needs time to plan what can fit in the home, what looks good together and where to get the items, and may have to pack some and deliver some of it themselves. They also need to be there to de-stage the house when it sells.
Investment– $3000-$4500. It depends on how much furniture needs to be rented and how long the house is on the market. This estimate is for up to 2-3 months.
Before After
Virtual Staging
Virtual home staging is a computer rendering of what a vacant space might look like if it was staged with furniture and accessories. Virtual is better than not staging and can show the buyers the possibilities. It can be helpful for out of state buyers that may not be able to visit in person, real estate investors or for rental properties. It might be great for properties that need a lot of remodeling and the seller chooses to leave that to the buyer. It is also more affordable than renting furniture and accessories for actual staging.
Remember though, as soon as they arrive in person, they are seeing a “vacant” house with all the issues that I mentioned previously. See my article “Virtual Staging and Remodeling, the Pros and Cons” to learn more.
Investment– $125 per room, 2 room minimum for virtual staging. Varies if you are hiring people from other countries that are getting paid close to nothing to do the renderings. You will get a low quality job that will look just like all the rest on the market. Have a professional do it for you will give more of the look that works in person to make the emotional connection.
Before After
How Long Do I Need to Keep it Staged?
Keep it staged until after the inspection is complete and the sale is pretty much a done deal. You don’t want the buyer to come to the house and think, wow, this looks nothing like what I bought, or to have to start over if the deal falls through. Many staged homes sell within the first month and rentals go into the second month while waiting for the inspection to be complete. I have had some homes sell the first day on the market, but it still takes time for the inspection, etc. My cost estimates were based on two months. There are no guarantees though. No one can predict how long it will take.
Why Do It?
You know staging will help you sell faster and for more. Even if you spend $5000, that is likely half the cost of your first price reduction. You should be able to make the investment back easily at a higher selling price and reduced time (and expenses) on the market. See my article, “Spend a Little- Make a Lot with Home Staging” to learn more.
Home Staging is Like Meeting the Person you Want to Marry on Your First Date
Don’t be Cheap
I understand you probably don’t want to spend one more cent on the house you are trying to sell. You may be tempted to go with the lowest cost stager or try partial staging or vignette staging or some other half measure. Your realtor may offer to do it for you. Are they a professional stager? Wouldn’t you rather have them spending their time using their expertise to “market” your house instead? Halfway measures are a waste of your money, don’t work, and are distracting to buyers. When I get calls asking me to do those things I always say no. See my article, “Bad Home Staging is like going on a first date to the drive-in for dinner” to learn more.
I hope you found this helpful! For more info, check out my guides, FAQs for Home Sellers, or FAQs for Realtors, and best of luck on your home sale!! If you need help, I offer home staging consultations as well as virtual staging and remodeling services nationwide and in-person staging in my service area.
Home Staging is Like Meeting the Person you Want to Marry on Your First Date
You Know What You Need to Do
Give me a call. I am here to help and we can do a consultation online, wherever you live.
When it comes to Interior Design, less is more beautiful and more relaxing. Objects that truly make you happy can stand out more when they have space to breathe.
Edesign and “Unveiling Time ” Energy art by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Is your home not resonating with the peace and beauty you crave? Does the term “sanctuary” seem like a distant dream when you think of your living space?
With clutter strewn around and an outdated decor, the daunting task of choosing the right color palette, arranging furniture, or selecting the perfect art piece can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Often, amidst our busy lives, we wonder, “Who has the time to tackle all this?”
Yet, investing that time is essential for your mental tranquility and overall well-being.
Amid the chaos of life, it’s easy for our homes to reflect the whirlwind of our daily routines. Before we realize it, we’re surrounded by dated decor and a mismatch of styles, especially if living with a partner who might not share the same aesthetic vision.
Sometimes, we don’t need new things to create a big change. Just by rearranging what we already have, we can make a significant impact.
I realized this when I decided to replace my carpet with laminate flooring. This meant taking everything out of each room, replacing the flooring, and then putting everything back. It was an eye-opening experience.
One lesson I learned was that I had a lot of stuff that didn’t bring me joy or that I didn’t really need. Moving everything made me realize how little happiness some items were bringing into my life.
Before, I was used to a cluttered look, thinking “more is more.” But as I slowly put things back after the flooring change, I started to rearrange them. I began to appreciate the beauty of having fewer things around – it felt calming. I noticed how objects that truly made me happy stood out more when they had space to breathe.
I realized “less is more beautiful”.
When updating your space, stay open to new ideas. Sometimes, the unexpected choices delight us the most.
Start by decluttering and removing items that don’t bring joy. This creates room and clarity.
Consider emptying a room and reintroducing key items in fresh arrangements. Rotate accessories seasonally for a refreshed look.
If pressed for time, consider hiring a professional. They can quickly navigate through chaos to craft a harmonious setting for you.
Ready to Create the Perfect Space?
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.
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.
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Feel Connected and Relaxed When You Surround Yourself With the Beauty of Nature
One of my favorite reasons is that Global style design is great at bringing the outside in to your designs, to help you feel connected and relaxed by surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature.
What is Global Style?
Global style tells the story of your life and adventures with things you have collected in your travels and local adventures. Highlighting unique, colorful, and beautiful art and crafts is a wonderful way to create your perfect space.
Each piece tells part of your story while creating a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history. And you get the added benefit of supporting local and international artists and their communities.
How Global Style Brings the Outside In
Global styles are very connected to their natural environments. They often take their color palettes and design elements from the landscape, plants, and animals of the area.
Art, accessories, and rugs highlight colors and motifs based on natural and unique features of the culture.
This has the effect of creating the feeling o bringing the outside in, or making your interior space feel connected to the outdoors.
For example, I wrote a series of articles showing how the colors and patterns of different global styles were related to their culture and landscapes.
Here are a few examples. They contain affiliate links which means I may make a small commission for sharing with you at no additional cost to you.
Indian Style
Indian style design creates inviting, informal, relaxed spaces filled with bright colored hand spun fabrics with paisley patterns, floor cushions around colorful rugs, intricate mandala motifs and nature-inspired themes with flowers, birds, animals
Indian Style Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See an example of the natural landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Mexican Style
Mexican interiors are full of color, are welcoming, warm and there is often a sense of playfulness and whimsy. A mix of colorful, exotic Spanish and Indian handcrafted items and practical things add old-world charm. The colors are bright. Red is common and Yellow is also used heavily in shades ranging from bright lemon yellow to deep earthy golds. Terracotta is common. Blues are commonly used in art and accessories.
Mexican Style Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See the landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Moroccan Style
Moroccan homes use bright colors, such as red, blue, orange, turquoise, pale ocean blues and green mixed with gold.
Moroccan Style Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See the art of the landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Turkish Style
Turkish style is warm and inviting, earthy and exotic. There is an abundance of warm earth tones with pops of beautiful color. The colors and textures of the land have inspired much of the art, colors, and culture.
Turkish Style Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See how the colors in the landscape inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Greek Style
Greek Interior Design is simple and elegant, inspired by nature, and looks light, bright, airy, and clean. Imagine lots of white with beautiful vivid blue, green, fuchsia, and gold accents, and a clean, de-cluttered, rustic look,
See how the colors in the landscape inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Colors of Greece by Dimitris-Kiriakakis on unsplash
Bohemian Style
Bohemian style tends to be more general, selecting elements from many places and mixing and matching them into one glorious, colorful but harmonious whole. In other words, make it your own!
Bohemian style celebrates warm earthy colors, metals and jewel tones. Bohemian decor often uses deep browns, greens, grays or other neutral colors for base colors, then accessorizes with saturated purple, fiery orange, and electric blue and other jewel tones
Here are some examples of pieces I used for this design. Elements of the outdoors are incorporated in my fractal art inspired by bioluminescence in the ocean, pillows with plant motifs, bird accessories, lotus plant light fixture, and more. Learn more about this design in my article, Get the Look- Global Style- Bohemian.
What Story Does Your Landscape Tell?
Look around. What are the colors, shapes and inspiring things about your landscape that you can connect to your indoor spaces?
What are the main things you see from the windows into your main living areas?
Consider your surroundings. Do you live in the mountains, a forest, on the ocean or in a city?
What is your view?
What are the prominent colors and how do they change with the seasons?
Some of my Landscape Stories
Here are some of the colors, shapes, and inspiration from my landscape here in Seward Alaska that shape what I try to bring indoors into my space and my designs.
View from my window.
The colors of summer, with lots of beautiful fireweed.
How Can You Bring the Outside In?
It is easy to get started by picking art or accessories that have nature-inspired designs. Look for things that reflect the area you live in or a place you love to go. Maybe you are inspired by the scenery, water, plants or animals. You can also use your selection as an inspiration piece to build your color palette.
Art and Accessories Inspired by Water
Live near water? Here are some pieces of art inspired by the ocean or other water bodies you might like. Try a watery color scheme of greens and blues.
Art and Accesories Inspired by Plants
Live near a forest or have trees and shrubs in your yard? Try lighting, art, or accessories based on plant motifs.
Art and Accessories Inspired by Animals
Abstract Art Inspored by Nature
Before I became a designer, I was a wildlife biologist in Alaska for 20 years and 10 years before that in Arizona. I was always fascinated by the beauty of nature, the colors, the patterns of the landscapes, plants, and animals. Whether it was the amazing patterns I could see of the section of a plant under a microscope to the big picture view of doing wildlife surveys in a plane, those experiences influence the fractal art I create today. It is all related to nature in some way. Check out some of my fractal art below and visit my stores on Society 6 and Vida to see more.
Why Connecting with Nature Matters
As humans, we want to be connected with nature and other living things such as people, animals and plants. This longing for “connection” with other life forms is called “biophilia”.
As humans, we have always been connected to nature, for survival, sustenance, spiritual renewal, and inspiration. Mother nature is the best designer there is, with her endless abundance of beautiful color palettes, shapes, patterns, and textures. Spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing.
Look at your surroundings and find the colors and inspiration from the outdoors that it meaningful to you, and bring some into your space.
Ready to Connect to Nature in Your Home?
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.
Connecting to nature and biophilia is part of the energy of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a plan to create your perfect space.
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.
What Make’s Your Mother’s Day?
Another year has passed and Mother’s Day is coming up in a week. What are you going to do to make your Mother’s day?
My mom is 92 and I have mentioned before, she at the point in her life where she is not interested in collecting more things, so I am more careful about what I can give her. Often it is flowers or a gift card to a local book store. I am not sure yet what this years gift will be. How about you?
What are you going to do to make your Mother’s day? Why not give her the gift of a beautiful home this year with a Mother’s Day gift card for an Aligned Design Interior Design and color consultation from Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Happy Mother’s Day to all you beautiful Mothers out there!
Gift Cards
My 6 hour online design and color consultation takes a holistic approach and considers at art, science and energy to create a plan for her perfect space. Look great, feel great and be great. Add $100 for an in-person consultation. Learn More
What You Do With Your Five Minutes of Infamy Shows Who You Are
Some time or another, we all get our five minutes of fame, or infamy depending on what you do with it. I think your choices tell a lot about who you are.
I have had many chances for my five minutes of fame on the radio, on the dance or music stage, in publications and more. This time felt a little different, maybe because the audience seemed so big!
I thought I would share my experience, in case it helps you when your five minutes comes around:)
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
The Experience
I had a call from the Podcast Business News Network in New York City, inviting me to do an interview on home staging and Interior Design. The man I spoke to gave me the impression the interview would be about 20 minutes and it would happen either the next day or the day after. They found my name on the Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers. They mentioned how they had 21 million listeners live and 40 million listeners total. There were about 100,000 in Alaska where I live (mouth drop).
I asked if I would know what the questions were in advance and they said yes. They also said it was free, and there was no obligation. The interview would be live and then I would get a link to the recording to share on social media or wherever I wanted.
I thought OK, what the heck. What could go wrong other than saying something dumb when 20 million people could hear me. Why not. Sign me up.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
I was transferred to someone else who was to schedule me. Then I was told it was only 5 minutes and they would send me a questionnaire to fill out. Hmmm, OK, well that is fine too.
I got my questions quickly by email, took the evening to consider my responses, and sent them in the next day. I considered what message I really wanted to get across, and practiced, timing myself to make sure it could be said in under 5 minutes. Not easy! There was a lot of editing.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Other People’s Reaction to the Upcoming Interview
Now it gets interesting. I posted some info about the interview, the day and time, and how people could tune in. I hoped a few people might be interested and it would be easier picturing some friendly faces listening.
Friends on Facebook were all very supportive.
Crickets from anyone on my Facebook business page.
Some colleagues downplayed it or warned me about it. One said, oh I got one of those messages and deleted it. Another mentioned the red flags to consider, such as the reviews made it sound like the show was a bunch of infomercials and it may just be about selling me something. Others just ignored my post altogether. After all, most of us are busy with our own stuff with no time to waste listening to interviews.
The Facebook group I am in for a business class was incredibly supportive, with all kinds of positive things to say and suggestions on how to make the most of the interview, especially the call to action at the end.
My mom said, oh I will be busy then so can’t listen. You will do fine.
After all that, I had mixed emotions, running from nerves to excitement to wondering if I was being taken in by some too good to be a true scam.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
What Would You Do?
What would you do?
I started thinking, if I help 1 person out of the supposed 41 million just by jabbering on for 5 minutes, it is all worth it.
Whatever happens, I can share it in a blog article and help others as well.
All the preparation for the interview helped me clarify how I describe my new Aligned Design system to people which will help me with my website copy.
I learned a lot from my business class friends about how to make the most of these short interviews when the opportunity presents itself.
I also learned to consider what the red flags might be and if they were worth not doing it for.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
The Interview
Please give a description of your company and the products/services you offer.
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design offers Color Consulting, Edesign, Interior Design, and Home Staging, for homes and businesses in south-central Alaska and everywhere online. I also create a one-of-a-kind fractal art home décor. My unique method, called Aligned Design aligns art, science, and energy to create the perfect space for you or your customers. Considering these three key things together what makes the magic happen.
2. How long have you been in business?
7 years.
3. Tell us about your background and business.
Homeowners hire me to collaborate with them to create the perfect space for them, which makes them happy and it supports them in being their best selves. I think of this as creating “expansion”, or the look and feel of a “better, happier life”. Who doesn’t want that!.
Business owners also hire me to create that perfect space to attract their ideal customers. People buy when they think you are offering something that makes their lives better or happier in some way, whether it is an experience or a product.
Home sellers hire me to create that perfect space through home staging. I portray the possibility of that “better life” which makes an emotional connection with buyers so they make an offer.
Creating the Look and Feel of Something More, and a Happier, Better Life
To create the look and feel of something more, and happier, better life, I use a holistic approach, that aligns art, science, and energy,
Art is the creativity I use to express your style, tell your story and create a room that is beautiful to you.
Science is the color science which I use to help you create your perfect color palette. As one of the few color strategists in the country, I measure your colors and use color data as well as what looks great to give your extraordinary color.
Energyis the connection I create between you and your space and surroundings using tools like Feng Shui, and biophilia or connecting to the outdoors.
Example of Creating Expansion
Imagine, a master bedroom that looks like a calm, relaxing sanctuary with great views of the ocean and a fireplace. The design and colors connect with the outdoors. It had beautiful furniture and art, soft rugs and a fireplace with 2 chairs and a bottle of wine. For a homeowner, this “perfect space” would provide a sanctuary at the end of the day. For a business owner, say a Bed and Breakfast owner, the room would offer an experience of a “better and happier” life that people would pay for. For a home seller, a room staged this way would offer the buyer a glimpse of a better life they would have if they bought the house.
Expansion Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design Expansion Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design Expansion Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
What Do You the Listeners to Know About You?
I believe that your space has a huge effect on how you feel every day. When your space is aligned with who you truly are or want to become, you feel better. And that feeling can spread to other areas of your life, and to everyone around you. Your surroundings influence who you are and can become. It is worth investing in yourself by creating your perfect space.
How Can People Contact You?
If you are ready to create your perfect space, give me a call at 907-362-0065 to discover for yourself what’s possible.
Visit my website at northernlightsstaging.com and take my free style quiz to discover what your perfect space might look like and get my free top ten design tips to start creating your perfect space today.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
During the Interview
I was a little nervous, not too bad. All was going well. Then, they threw in the surprise question.
Seriously?
Why oh why do they do that? But guess what. I rolled with the punches. The question was, tell us about your background.
Ahhhhh, no. That will take the whole 5 minutes and no one cares. I would rather tell people about my business which could actually help them. So what did I do?
I answered with one sentence and then proceeded to tell them about my business. In other words, I took charge of the interview and talked about what I wanted to:)
I felt a little bad about that , but not that bad. Anyway, it was over in a couple minutes so I didn’t feel bad for long!
Over all, I think it went pretty well.
After the Interview
One friend listened that I know of, and was very complimentary.
I got a call from their executive producer who wanted to share the feedback from the show. She mentioned 8 people tried calling in, they had numerous compliments and three people inquired about it. It was funny, when she said this I thought this is probably the sales pitch they give everyone. But, when she opened the conversation she said they had an amazingly good response, and the tone in her voice made me wonder if it was really true and it surprised her. Or maybe she was just that good.
In any case, she did try to sell me on more. She said the free shows were a way to see who was a good candidate for a longer show and judge audience response. They had a variety of show packages you could do ranging from $500 for one show to 5 weeks for $7500 with individual commercials created, and the podcasts being listed forever on the site. I did not pay much attention to all the details because I was not interested in doing that.
This might be a good opportunity for you, however, regardless of the business you are in, so you can check out their website and see if you want to get your free 5 minutes of fame and go from there.
FYI, my mom actually listened to it after all. She is generally more critical than complimentary on just about anything I do, but in this case, was gushing with praise. That made it all worthwhile for me:)
How about you? What would you do? Take it, leave it, make the most of it or pass it by? Let it scare you? Rise to the challenge? Think about it….maybe they will call you tomorrow!
Aligned Design
Ready to create your perfect space and make a little magic happen? After all, where will you be six months from now if you continue to wait? Re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic and expecting a more beautiful outcome? You already know the end of that story! Call me at 907-362-0065 to see what’s possible for you and set up a consultation.
Are You Ready to Create Expansion in Your Life?
Are you ready for your house to look great, feel great and support you to be great? My Aligned Design consultation considers art, science and energy to give you guidance to create the perfect space for you.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
But guess what? It does not have to be so bad if you have a good plan, a good team to help you and you are prepared before you list. Then, it should be smooth sailing. A fast sale for the price you want is something to celebrate, not stress over.
Tips for a Stress-Free Sale Before You List
Stage It
I am sure you know by now that this is a no-brainer. Invest a little. Make a lot.
A stager can help you with all the rest of these tips as well. The fastest way to reduce stress is to be prepared and sell fast for a great price! Let them handle making the appeal to buyers while you get things packed and ready to move.
De-Clutter and Create Space
Your stager can recommend what things to keep out for staging and what to pack up.
Get rid of things you don’t use and are not moving to your next home.
Have a garage sale now, NOT after your house is listed. If you do it after listing it gives buyers the sense you are in a hurry to sell and they may make a lower offer.
Start packing things up for the move and put them in storage. Do not store it in your garage. That space is a selling point buyers are looking for. Let them see it….not a bunch of boxes.
Donate the things you don’t want and can’t sell to charity.
Create Curb Appeal and Outdoor Living Space
Your stager can recommend what things should be done to the exterior and yard to improve curb appeal.
Typically, this involves doing your yard work, trimming, trees and shrubs, putting everything away, a new welcome mat, and some flowers or art near the door.
Create outdoor living spaces with chairs, tables, and a BBQ grill in a beautiful spot in the yard or on the deck to show the possibilities.
Tips for Stress-Free Sale After You List
For all showings, keep all lights on so it is light and bright
Open all the curtains and let the light in.
Keep the toilet seats down
Turn off the TV
Make sure all beds are made, toys put away
Remove evidence of pets.
Bathrooms should have only clean towels and all personal items should be out of view and stored in baskets.
Remove your valuables from sight.
Create baskets or boxes for daily clutter and toys so you have a place to easily
Let there be Light- Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Turn off the TV.
Open windows for fresh air
Make sure all dishes are done or in the dishwasher.
These tips should help you sell fast and for more, so you can rest easy, sell without too much stress and move on to your next adventure.
Sell Your House Faster and For More
Check out my online home staging services. For in-person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote. Click on the pictures to learn more.
One of my favorite reasons is that Global style design celebrates unique art and the artists that create it while telling your story.
Tell Your Story
Global style tells the story of your life and adventures with things you have collected in your travels and local adventures. Highlighting unique, colorful, and beautiful art and crafts is a wonderful way to create your perfect space.
Each piece tells part of your story while creating a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history. And you get the added benefit of supporting local and international artists and their communities.
Show the World What Moves You
Art is very personal. The art you select to show the world reflects who you are and what moves you.
If nature is what inspires you, select art that brings the outside in and represents nature in its theme or materials. Consider purchasing eco-friendly art that will be healthy in your home.
For example, in the Edesign I did for this Bohemian style living room I was inspired by nature and used art to inspire the design. I created my own fractal art called Bioluminescence which was inspired by the beauty of that in the ocean. The pillows have nature-inspired prints and colors. The decor on the table highlights plants and birds. Here are some of those products to get the look in your own home. These and others below contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission for sharing if your purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Bohemian Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Buy Handmade
Global style art is often handmade by local craftspeople in areas that you travel to. These items are beautiful and tell a great story not only about your travels but about the artists who created them.
Buy Eco-Friendly Art
Global style art is often eco-friendly and made from natural and sustainable materials. So buy art you love, it’s good for you!
Global Style Living Room by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Support Artists
The artists you select to support by purchasing their work make a statement about who you are as well. Do you support local artists rather than buying art from a big box store? Do you purchase from local artists while traveling to support those communities? Every community usually has some extremely talented artists inspired by the place they live.
“Mystery” Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design Deep Purple Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Modern Global Style Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Ready to Celebrate Art in Your Home?
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.
Beautiful art is part of the art of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a plan to create your perfect space.
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.
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Do You Do These Dumb Things When Selling Your Home?
When you decide to sell your house, of course, you want to make the most money on the sale and sell fast. My house is my biggest asset. I bet it is for you too. It is important to hire the best person for the job to get the best results.
After all, if you had a brain tumor, would you go to someone who does cosmetic surgery and expect them to get the job done?
If you needed a tooth pulled, would you ask your neighbor? Maybe if they were a dentist.
Invest in the right person. Make sure they are experienced professionals.
Here are some of the common mistakes I see people make when they call about hiring me to stage their home.
1. Look for the Cheapest Price?
Think all stagers are created equally? It’s just decorating, how hard can it be? You can probably do it yourself. Those beliefs are going to cost you. Thousands. Maybe tens of thousands.
How much it costs you now is the last thing you should be thinking of. More important is how much your investment will make you when it sells.
Most home stagers will charge $350-$700 for an initial consultation which is usually about 2 hours. They will tell you everything you can do to prepare your house for the market and stage it yourself if that is what you choose to do. If you want them to stage it for you, which I highly recommend, they charge by the hour or a flat rate. Do it. They are trained to know what will get you the fast sale.
When you are looking for a stager, do not just pick the person with the lowest price. Look for someone experienced, with training that has a professional website that shows a great portfolio and testimonials.
After all, if you find a stager who charges half the price of another, but their work does not sell your house fast and for more, you just wasted a lot of money.
2. Allow Yourself to be Fooled by Meaningless Credentials?
Don’t be fooled by titles and credentials. The home staging industry is not regulated. There are no certifications out there that are regulated by the states or federal government. There are some companies that will say you are certified if you pay them money to take their unregulated classes and will give you a certificate. I am not saying they are not good classes, only that the certification really does not mean anything. After all, your neighbor can decide to call themselves a home stager tomorrow, make some business cards, and go into business. But will they get you a fast sale and a great price?
A professional stager should have some training from a reputable school or trainer. They should have experience. Maybe they are someone with a degree in design (although that knowledge is different than what is needed for home staging).
3. Allow Someone Else to Pick Your Home Stager for You?
Has your realtor said they will find a home stager for you? How much do they know about staging? Maybe they can recommend a good stager for you but I would do your own research and make phone calls. I say this because I get calls all the time from realtors for their clients and all they seem to care about is price. That is mistake number one and not helping you.
4. Not Reviewing the Stagers Website, Portfolio and References?
A professional always has a website. And it should look good and highlight their work in a beautiful portfolio. If it doesn’t, how will your house look when it is done? If they don’t have a website, I would not even consider them. No, A Facebook page does not count:)
They should have great testimonials. Many of them.
They should have an online portfolio. When you look at the after pictures, you should think, “I want to buy that house”!
5. Let Your Friend with “Good Taste” stage it for you?
No, no, no, no. Just say no.
Decorating is not staging. Stagers use decorating as a tool to take what they know about market conditions, your target market, worthwhile changes that will give you a great return on your investment, and more to emotionally connect to buyers.
I am a professional Interior Designer and know that knowledge tells me little about home staging. Luckily, I am also trained as a home stager. That is why I know what a difference there is between them. It is not about your decorating style or taste, or that of your friends, It is about the buyer. That is a whole different thing.
Get a Professional Home Staging Consultation
Get a professional home staging consultation today and find out the key things you need to know to sell fast and for the very best price!
But first, check out my training, portfolio,testimonials and pick up the phone and call so you know the value you will get for your money.
Color can help you sell for More- Or Less
Get a Professional Color Consultation Today.
Did you know that the right paint colors can help you make more money on your home sale? Or, reduce the price buyers are willing to pay?
