Not Home Staging is Like Going to Your Dream Job Interview in Sweat Pants
Of course, you wouldn’t. At least I hope not! When you are selling your home, just like going to an important job interview or getting ready for a first date, you need to make a great first impression. And you don’t have much time to do it. People have a short attention span. It is what it is.
Get ready for the market with these tips to help make a great impression fast.
1. Make the outside look just as inviting as the inside
When you drive up, if things are not neat, clean, and do not look well-cared for then the buyer will imagine the house has not well cared for either.
Imagine you drive up and see children’s toys, an un-mowed lawn, wild shrubs that have not been trimmed, broken fence posts. Do you want to see the inside? The thought probably scares you.
Make sure you have great curb appeal.
Mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, rake the leaves, shovel the snow.
Put away all children’s toys, projects, and yard tools.
Make the entrance look great with an eye-catching color on the front door, a new welcome mat, and some flowers or art near the door.
Repair walkways, steps, and railings.
Make sure garbage cans are not visible.
Make sure everything is clean and swept. A good pressure washing can really help make things look new.
2. Create Space-Eliminate Excess Stuff
A key thing buyers want is space to put all their stuff. They do not care to see your stuff. Only envision their stuff. Will their stuff fit, will it look good with the current paint job, and is there enough storage for their copious amounts of stuff.
Your stuff is a distraction. What you keep out for staging should be about highlighting the best features of the home, including the space, for buyers. It is no longer about your stuff. Time to break up with the house.
It is worth going through every closet and cabinet and taking out about 50% of your stuff.
And please, do not put boxes and boxes of your stuff in the garage. Buyers want to see the space you have to offer there as well.
3. Reduce Worry
As soon as a buyer sees an issue….a broken handle, a cabinet door that does not work, a light that won’t turn on, a water spot, a hole in the wall….they wonder what else is wrong with the house and start looking for problems.
The magic spell of emotional connection to their dream home is broken.
Then they start thinking of all the weekends they will spend working on the house instead of enjoying it and how much it will cost to fix, which you can be sure they will imagine being more than it will cost.
Take care of these problems before listing. Fix paint chips, small and large repair problems, peeling paint or wallpaper. Make sure all the electrical outlets have covers and matching ones at that. Take care of leaks, odors, and anything that needs repairing.
4. Let Color Make Money for You
A good coat of paint can go a long way in making things look fresh, new and making a connection with buyers. There is a balancing act between appealing to the greatest number of buyers and not having the house appear cold or boring.
Color can help you sell for more or turn buyers off. A color expert can help you select colors that will increase your sales price. Don’t just pick a beige or white and call it good. It will cost you.
5. Make the house memorable with art and accessories
There is a fine balance between being neutral enough to highlight the home rather than the objects within it and creating a space that is memorable and interesting enough to make an emotional connection with buyers.
Home stagers are experts at creating this balance. It is very different than decorating or designing for a homeowner. It is all about the buyer.
Strategically placed and carefully selected art and colorful accessories can create focal points in areas you want to highlight and create the magic buyers remember.
Art should be colorful, to scale, and definitely not political, religious, or controversial in any way. So please, forget about the animal heads.
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!
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?
Create Magical Ambiance and Illuminate Your Story with Global Style Lighting
There are a lot of reasons to love Global Style Interior Design. One is that it is all about you, and telling the story of your life, adventures, the things you love in your space. It is a total expression and celebration of you. Does that sound selfish? It’s OK, it is your house. Of course, it is about you!
Each piece tells your story. Celebrate your treasures, old and new. modern and vintage, from various parts of the world.
Create a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history.
In a previous article, I talked about 10 reasons to love global style design. Let’s talk about my favorite reasons in more detail, which is the magical lighting!
I love the lighting in global style designs. Much of it is handmade with intricate cutouts in metal that create magical patterns of light in a room. See examples from different global styles below, and learn more how to create magical effects with lighting by layering in my article How to Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting.
Modern Global Style Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Bohemian Lighting
Bohemian style combines many of the specific styles from different cultures noted below, and often includes modern colorful and artistic lighting options. Go wild!
Moroccan Style Lighting
The magical lace-like quality of traditional hand-sawn brass allows many Moroccan lights to cast captivating patterns of shadow and light across the room.
Moroccan Style Lighting Tangiers Pendant
Indian Style Lighting
Indian style lighting can have traditional Indian design prints as some of the lamps below, or try something fun like the lotus-shaped chandelier.
Greek Style Lighting
Greek-style lighting can be simple and often uses the color of the sea, the Greek key pattern, or labyrinth pattern that comes from Greek mythology.
Port 68 Cameron White and Gold Porcelain Table Lamp with Greek key pattern.
Mexican Style Lighting
Mexican style lighting often looks more rustic and folkloric, and uses wood, iron. pierced metal or ceramics.
Mexican Style Living Room Edesign by NOrthern Lights Home Staging and Design. Hand Made Manantial Lantern w/Frosted Glass Onyx and Iron. Castillo Collection Double Table Lamp Clay Wall Sconce
Turkish Style Lighting
Turkish style lighting often has pierced metal or beautiful colored glass.
Ready to Add Colorful and Exotic Design to Your Space?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Fantastic light is part of the art of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design plan that considers the art, science and energy of your home together. Merging creativity, color and connection, we can work together 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.
Pin These
Home Staging Helps Buyers see Their Dream Life Before Them
Home staging helps buyers see their dream life before them.
Helping buyers see is the key.
You may have heard that when people buy homes, they buy on emotion rather than logic. In the past I wrote about how Selling Your Home is Not About Selling Your Home, it is about selling a dream.
You can’t sell a dream if the buyer can’t see it. That is why vacant houses are hard to sell. Very few can “see the dream” in an empty house. They just look cold and uninviting.
Being able to see is just important in an occupied home.
Most people can’t visualize very well. They can’t picture that purple room of yours with white walls. They can’t picture that bedroom you converted to a playroom as a bedroom. They can’t visualize that home gym you created as a child’s room. And, they can’t really visualize how much space the room really has when you have so much stuff in it. Or, if it is totally empty.
If they can’t see it, in their mind’s eye or with their real eyes, they probably won’t buy it.
How can home staging help buyers see so you can sell your house fast and for the most possible?
Show Me the Money
Home staging helps buyers see the value of what you are offering.
Value partially comes in the number of bedrooms and whether a property can be income producing for example.
If you have converted a bedroom to another function such as an office or gym, it is important to stage it as a bedroom. The price of your home is partially based on number of bedrooms. If it does not look like a bedroom, buyers won’t see it as a bedroom.
Buyers are often looking for a home that has income producing potential, such as a rental unit with a separate entrance. If you have a space that could be income producing, stage it that way to show the possibility.
Selling a dream might be a different lifestyle. Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Show me the Dream
People buy to create a better life than they have now. You can show them the possibility of more outdoor living space, more beautiful decor, more room for their kids to play or for a growing family, more storage, room for a home based business or work out area and more with staging!
Know your target market and their dreams. Show the possibilities!
Can You See It?
A professional home stager is an expert at staging a home so people can see themselves living their dreams there. They will research your area and determine a target market to stage for.
They can see it, and can help others to see it.
Help Buyers See What They Need
I would like to show you how you can sell your house fast and for more by helping buyers see a better life in your for sale home. Get started with a home staging consultation today.
Home Staging Consultation Online. Call for a custom quote for an in person consultation.
Interested in become a home stager? Try the Staging Diva Home Staging Training. This is what I did and highly recommend it!
Pin This
Why Hire a Professional Home Stager When You can Do it Yourself for Free
Because you get what you pay for.
I know, you may have looked into hiring a home stager, but it turned out to be more expensive than you were expecting.
Have you fully considered what it may cost you not to stage? How about 10K on your first price reduction for starters.
Knowing you should stage it, you may have decided to just do it yourself. How hard can it be?
Home Staging Tasks You Can and Should Do Yourself
Yes, there are many things you can do yourself to save money and prepare your house for the market.
You can clean like it has never been cleaned before! It will pay off.
You can declutter, and pack up 50% of what you normally live with.
You can repaint using colors that will help you sell your house for more.
You can do repairs and upgrades.
You can create great curb appeal by making sure your yard is clean, trimmed and everything is put away.
But Here’s the Thing
Do you know what paint colors will help you sell for more and which might decrease your sales price?
Do you know what things are best to pack up and what is best to leave out for staging? Most home sellers pack away too much or the wrong things.
Do you know which repairs and upgrades will pay for themselves and which ones wont?
Are you an expert on the market? Do you know who your target market is and how to emotionally connect with them through decorating, space planning and other things the pros are trained to do?
Can you see your home objectively with the fresh eyes of someone who has never seen the home before? Really? How is that possible?
Are you an expert at what a realistic price range is for your house and how your house should be staged for that price range?
Can you emotionally detach from your house as if it belonged to someone else, and see all the things in it with fresh eyes? Wow, you’re good!
Are you up on who the different trades people are in the area that do a great job?
Are you an expert at decorating? How about decorating for buyers? That is a whole different thing.
Do you have an inventory or access to things to stage your home that look new, modern, and will highlight your homes best features for buyers? Considering you are moving; you are unlikely to want to purchase things that might be needed for staging.
Does your house have odors that you can’t detect because you are so used to them that may turn buyers off?
Selling a dream might be a different lifestyle. Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
The Pros and Cons
You may be tempted to do it yourself in order to save a little. Hiring a pro can increase what you can make on your sales price by tens of thousands of dollars. It can also cost you that if you don’t.
Home staging always costs less than your first price reduction. Those are usually about 10k each time. That can add up to some substantial losses if your “home staging” is not up to par.
And how can it be, if you are not a pro. After all, you are probably a nurse, or accountant or IT person or whatever your profession is. Do you think someone with no training or education could walk into your workplace and do your job as good as you could?
How About Hiring a Cheap Home Stager?
Are you thinking, OK fine, I will hire a home stager and will look for the cheapest one?
You could go with a cheap stager. Have you fully considered how much money you will be losing if their staging job does not result in a faster sale or a higher price? If it sits on the market for months, how many tens of thousands in price reductions are you willing to take?
A professional home stager is worth every penny you will pay. It is worth it.
Ready to Sell for More?
Ready to professional stage your home so you can get the best sales price? Get started with a home staging consultation today.
Home Staging Consultation Online. Call for a custom quote for an in person consultation.
Interested in become a home stager? Try the Staging Diva Home Staging Training. This is what I did and highly recommend it!
Pin This
When Your Trail is Leading Nowhere, Follow a Trailblazer to Happiness
We are all following a path to somewhere, hopefully to becoming the person we are meant to be, doing that thing that only we can do, that makes others lives better so they pay us generously for our service.
Sometimes we know the right path and sometimes we get lost or take the long way.
Some seem to know the way intuitively, or just want to blaze a new trail for themselves.
They inspire us with ideas on which way to go in our own journey.
There are four people that have inspired me and shaped my direction the last couple years. I thank them for being the trailblazers in my life. Maybe they can help you.
My Trail
When I was younger, I wanted to be an Interior Designer. Fresh out of design school, I did some work in the field but got distracted by other adventures, travel and life. Later, I went back to school and got a second degree in wildlife biology, and worked as a wildlife biologist for 35 years.
In 2014 I decided to start a creative business and considered going back into Interior Design. You can imagine how things had changed in 35 years and what a challenge that would be to overcome. Not being one to give up easily, I found a way.
The following four trailblazers helped me make that happen and changed my life.
Note this post contains affiliate links, meaning I may make a small commission for sharing with you if you try their programs at no additional cost to you.
Debra Gould- The Staging Diva. Photo courtesy of the Staging Diva.
As I considered how to get back into Interior Design after so long, I discovered home staging. I thought learning to be a home stager might be a great stepping stone back into the design world.
I found Debra Gould’s Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program online. Check out her amazing home staging courses.
Debra had a passion for decorating since she was a child but started her home staging career when she realized people would pay her to do what came naturally to her and what she loved doing! Sounds like a dream we all have! Since 2005 she has taught over 30,000 students how to make that dream come true.
Her training is fantastic and teaches you how to start and run a successful home staging business. An expert in marketing, business and home staging, she is also a fun and generous teacher and great mentor.
Debra is a marketing ninja and what she teaches I have seen proven true over time. Every time I listen to her course again, I learn something new.
I continue to enjoy ongoing support and mentorship from Debra along with an amazing group of her graduates. I highly recommend her courses.
I incorporated what I learned from Debra into my philosophy of Aligned Design and in my home staging services. By aligning art (creativity), science (color science) and energy (emotional connection with buyers) in my home staging projects, I have had great success in helping my clients sell fast and for more.
Lori Sawaya of Camp Chroma. Photo courtesy of Lori Sawaya.
Lori is a color unicorn. Her super power is taking complex concepts and theories and transforming them into clear and actionable ideas and strategies. She takes complex color problems and unravels them to create understanding and beauty for her students and clients.
She created and teaches a science based course on how designers and others can use color measurements to help homeowners and property managers choose the perfect colors.
In my journey with color, I finally “got it” after taking Lori’s Four Pillars of Color training.. I understand why people struggle with picking paint colors and why it is inevitable that most people will “mess up” and make expensive mistakes if they do not understand how color really works.
This course changed how I approach everything I do related to design! Now, the science of color is a key aspect of my Aligned Design system which aligns art, science (color) and energy to make magic happen in your home.
If you love color and truly want to understand it better for your own enjoyment or your business, you can’t go wrong with this course!
Best Color Training EVER. Become a certified color strategist when you learn to become a color unicorn like Lori.
Jenna Gaidusek of the Edesign Tribe. Photo from Jenna Gaidusek Designs.
Jenna Gaidusek, a young entrepreneur who founded the Edesign Tribe in August of 2018 inspired me to branch out more into Interior Design after being away from it for 35 years. I wondered how I could possibly catch up as times had obviously changed. She showed me that instead of going backwards to catch up, I could be a trail blazer with her, breaking new ground into the future of Edesign, working with clients online anywhere in the world, using the latest technology to create stunning designs, renders and an easy shopping experiences for our clients. The experience is above and beyond any you can get from a big box store, thanks to Jenna’s training, innovative software and the supportive unique community she has built of designers worldwide.
Jenna teaches how to do social media advertising, marketing, work with clients, set up a self-hosted website, create beautiful renderings and make money with affiliate partners. Jenna has built a beautiful, supportive tribe of designers worldwide as well as a working ecosystem of designers that help each other.
The things I have learned as part of the Edesign Tribe have become a key part of the “art” or creative part of my Aligned Design system which aligns art, science and energy to create your perfect space.
If you are an Interior designer that wants to add additional services. I highly recommend this!
Be a trail blazer and guide the future of Interior Design by learning the latest in Edesign.
Transformational Coaching Trailblazer
Jim Fortin and TCP
Learn to BE the person you are meant to BE with a little help from Jim Fortin and his amazing team.
I first heard about Jim Fortin when a friend recommended his podcast on transforming yourself from the inside out. And wow, what a podcast! I was hooked and started implementing some of the things I learned to transform my life for the better right away.
I took his Transformational Coaching Program (TCP) and I can not recommend this program enough to transform yourself or your business from the inside out to be the person you are meant to be or to serve your clients better and make more money. This is the best training course I have ever taken, hands down. Get on the Waitlist for the next TCP Program.
This training inspired my Aligned Design philosophy which aligns art, science, and energy in Interior Design. It is a key part of the “energy” aspect and how I use what I call Transformative Design to create your perfect space.
Jim teaches that you need to BE the person you want in order to do the things you need to have what you want in life (Jim’s BE, DO, HAVE model), I incorporate that thinking into my Interior Designs, where we work together to determine who you want to BE and create a space that supports that.
Now I blaze my own trail to create your perfect space with my Aligned Design philosophy, which aligns art, science and energy to create magic in your home through Interior Design or Home Staging.
My philosophy was built on the things I learned from the trailblazers above, mixed with my unique creative perspective, love of color and global style design.
I am happy to blaze the trail for you to happiness in your perfect space. Start with an Aligned Design consultation to develop your plan, and then we can work on individual rooms with some of my Edesign services.
Selling your home? I can help you sell fast and for more with home staging. The right colors can also increase the sales price of your home….or reduce it.
Find out more about your design style with this fun quiz.
Turkish style is warm and inviting, earthy and exotic. There is an abundance of warm earth tones with pops of beautiful color. lots of patterns and texture and there is a slightly more rustic feel. It is simple, soft and relaxing.
Turkey has ancient roots. The colors and textures of the land has inspired much of the art, colors and culture. Turkish elements are often used in Bohemian inspired designs.
Turkish style showcases Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles and modern and classical motifs.
Byzantine architecture had lots of exotic, sensual domes and mosaics, that are graceful and filled with light. It is ornate, vibrant and rich in detail, warm and sensual. It often blends soft whites with rich colors.
If you love feeding and entertaining guests, this might be the style for you, as this is very important in Turkish culture and reflected in their designs.
Byzantine Architecture. Image by Konevi from Pixabay
Turkey is known for their Kilim rugs and decorative coffee sets.
Turkish style is an example of global style Interior Design. Global Style Interior Design is all about telling the story of your life and adventures through your decor. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter. Treasures, old and new are displayed from various parts of the world and layered in a rich tapestry of color, texture, art and history.
Colors of Turkey
Here are some of the varied colors used in Turkish design.
Warm and Earthy Tones: Terra cotta, burnt orange, and deep browns, reminiscent of the country’s landscapes and architecture.
Jewel Tones: Sapphire blues, emerald greens, and ruby reds, drawing inspiration from the vibrant bazaars and royal history.
Mediterranean Blues: Aqua, turquoise, and teal, reflecting the hues of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Soft Neutrals: Creams, beiges, and soft grays often serve as base colors, providing balance to the vibrant hues.
Notice the colors of Turkey. Photo by Anna on UnsplashThe colors of Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by Tolga Ahmetle on Unsplash.r
Design Elements- The Art of Turkish Style
Here are some of the design elements Turkey is known for.
Iznik Tiles: These are highly decorative ceramic tiles, with intricate designs often featuring tulips, roses, pomegranates, and hyacinths in bright blues, reds, and greens.
Architectural Details: Arched doorways, domed ceilings, and detailed cornices reflect the influence of both Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles.
Textiles: Turkish design boasts a rich tradition of textiles, from thick kilims and dhurries to ornate silks and brocades. The patterns often include geometric shapes, stylized nature motifs, and medallions.
Turkish Rugs: World-renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, they come in a vast array of patterns, colors, and styles.
Ottoman-Style Seating: Low sofas or divans, often without legs, placed around a room’s perimeter, accompanied by low wooden tables and floor cushions.
Lanterns: Turkish lanterns or “mosaic lamps” are often made of colored glass set in metal, casting warm, colored light.
Copper and Brass: Hammered copper bowls, trays, and coffee pots (like the cezve used for Turkish coffee) are popular decor items.
Carved Wood: Intricately carved wooden furniture and panels, sometimes inlaid with mother-of-pearl or metal, are common.
Marble: Used extensively in architecture and interior elements, from floors to hammam (bath) interiors.
Market-Inspired Decor: Items like colorful ceramic bowls, embroidered textiles, and ornate metalwork, reminiscent of the bustling bazaars of Turkey.
Incorporating Turkish design elements into a space brings with it a sense of timeless beauty and a rich tapestry of cultural influences, from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene beaches of its coastline. Each piece, pattern, and color tells a story of Turkey’s diverse heritage and tradition.
The Energy of Turkish Style
The energy of Turkish style interior design is deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage, reflecting the country’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bridging diverse civilizations over the millennia. Here’s an exploration of the energy and ambiance this style evokes:
Cultural Fusion: The energy in Turkish interiors speaks of synthesis and harmony, amalgamating Byzantine, Ottoman, Persian, and Central Asian influences. This union of styles exudes an aura of both familiarity and exoticism.
Warmth and Hospitality: Turkish culture values warmth and hospitality, and this sentiment is palpable in their interior design. Spaces are meant to be welcoming, with comfortable seating, inviting colors, and an emphasis on communal areas.
Sensory Depth: Turkish design provides a multisensory experience. The textures, from plush rugs to intricate tiles, combined with the rich aromas of Turkish coffee and incense, create an atmosphere of sensory immersion.
Historical Resonance: There’s an energy of timelessness in Turkish interiors, reminiscent of grand palaces, bustling bazaars, and serene hammams. Elements like Iznik tiles or Ottoman motifs connect spaces to a storied past.
Mysticism and Spirituality: Turkey’s Sufi traditions and spiritual heritage bring a mystical energy to its interiors. Elements like ornate lanterns casting patterned shadows and the intricate geometric designs often have deeper spiritual meanings, promoting contemplation and introspection.
Natural Connection: Many elements of Turkish design, from the colors to the materials, draw inspiration from nature — the seas, landscapes, and flora. This connection brings a grounded, earthy energy to Turkish interiors.
Dynamic Vitality: Just as Turkey’s bazaars are lively and dynamic, Turkish interiors have a vivacity to them. Bold colors, varied patterns, and the play of light and shadow make spaces feel alive and vibrant.
Balance and Harmony: Despite the rich patterns and bold colors, there’s a sense of balance in Turkish design. This harmony is achieved through thoughtful arrangement, symmetry, and the strategic use of neutrals and open spaces.
In essence, the energy of Turkish style interior design is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and sensory richness. It evokes feelings of warmth, connection, and timeless beauty, resonating with both the heart and the senses.
Turkish Style Design
Here are some examples of Edesigns I created to express the art, science and energy of Turkish style using my own art.
Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
This design was inspired by the photo of Byzantine architecture and the Turkish area rug I also incorporated my Great Conjunction Fractal art. as the colors and shapes were perfect for Turkish Style.
My Great Conjunction Fractal Art.
The design highlights Turkish tiles on the floor, Moroccan lighting, and a beautiful Turkish rug. Arched windows, and a Turkish chandelier add to the look. Kilim inspired and global style pillows against a modern sofa create a nice contrast. The simple Bamboo tables have a rustic feeling and are eco-friendly.
Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
To get the look, you could go all out and incorporate all the elements or you can add some key elements to your existing decor.
If you want to get the look with more neutral colored walls, you could go with an off white or sand color to keep the look of the colors of the desert, and emphasize the grace and light of Byzantine architecture.
The colors of Turkey. Photo by Enes Aktas on UnsplashTurkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
How is Turkish Style Different?
How is Turkish Style different from other global styles? See my blog articles on the other styles to learn more.
Your takeaway is that by changing some of the elements in your existing design, you can work towards creating a certain global style. Or you can have a mix of elements for a more “Bohemian Style”. More on that to come.
Let’s Create Your Global Style Design
Are you ready to elevate your home to a whole new level of greatness? Picture it – a space that not only looks amazing but also feels incredible and uplifts you to be your best self. Can you imagine that perfect space tailored just for you?
That’s what my approach, Aligned Design, is all about. It’s a blend of three powerful factors: art, science, and energy. When these elements come together, that’s where the real magic unfolds.
Imagine being surrounded by a space that mirrors your sense of beauty and colors that resonate with you. On top of that, imagine fine-tuning the energy of your environment to boost your prosperity, well-being, love, and personal expression. This alignment doesn’t just make your space amazing – it syncs you with the universe, empowering you to lead your best life and make a positive impact on the world.
And guess what? Global style Interior Design is a key player in this journey of creating your dream space – a space that’s uniquely you and wonderfully aligned with your aspirations.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Immerse Yourself in Amazing Office Edesigns and Vote For Your Favorite
I’m sure you are aware of how important a beautiful, relaxing office space that you feel connected with is to your well being and productivity.
Do you have one? I recently wrote a blog article, Your Office is the Perfect Space to Relax and Be Happy, describing my philosophy for making your office your happy place and how I created this beautiful office Edesign.
My Edesign is one of many beautiful Edesigns that are part of Jenna’s New Office #eDesignChallenge Contest. Check out all the great designs and I hope you will vote for mine!
My Edesign incorporates good Feng Shui, flow, ample storage and brings the outside in with biophilia. The décor also includes natural elements such as plants, clay pottery and bird sculptures. The custom art is eco-friendly.
The décor includes a beautiful mural in calming greens, blues and purples, and custom designed fractal art to work with the mural to bring a calm, relaxing atmosphere that still had “energy”. The expert use of color science to bring it all together with the wall color and art brings stunning color to the space.
Relaxed and Happy Office Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. “Watercolor” Fractal Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. “Watercolor” Fractal Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Get the Look
Here are some of the pieces I used to get the look in this design. Some are affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission for sharing with you if you purchase at no additional cost to you.
This space is an example of a design I created using my Aligned Design process, aligning art, science and energy together to create a perfect office space to support the client to BE their best selves, to do what they love, while helping others and getting paid well for it!
Vote for my Edesign Office in the #eDesignChallenge Contest.
Vote for this design through 2-22-21 in the Edesign Office contest and see some of the other great designs.
Creating Your Perfect Office Space that makes you relaxed and happy.
Creating that perfect space for you includes developing a plan to aligns art, science and energy in your space and then thoughtfully implementing it. As you consider the benefits of having the perfect office space for you, I would like to show you how you can get that with a Aligned Design consultation today.
Imagine what it would be like to work in your perfect space.
When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
The key to beauty, whether it is a beautiful room, a poem, a dance, a piece of art or music is doing nothing. Create silence, emptiness, and space. The silence is nothing and everything. Without it there is nothing.
The silence allows the thing within it, before it and after it to shine, to align and have meaning, so it does not get lost in the racket of life.
Creating silence or space is hard. It is not easy or natural for us. Our minds are constantly going with monkey chatter, all day, every day and we have a hard time turning it off.
When was the last time you tried sitting in total silence for a day? 4 hours? An hour? A minute? Does that make you uncomfortable, like the silence in a conversation that must be filled?
Does sitting silently with yourself, highlight you in the space around you and who you really are?
Fellow drummer and Professor Nükhet Kardam taught me that the period of silence between when one person speaks, finishes and another starts is related to culture. For example, in England, there is a pause between speakers. In the US, there is no pause and people just jump in before you are sure the speaker is done. In Brazil, Italy and Turkey, speakers do not wait for you to finish before they start talking.
I don’t know about you, but I find it exhausting to not be able to finish my point or thought before being interrupted. And I know I do it to others, much as I do not mean to. And how often are we really listening to others rather than just thinking about what we are going to say when it is our turn?
I have been thinking a lot about the magic of silence lately.
What motivates us to express or be silent, in our spaces, words, art, music, or dance?
Is it to convince, show power, be known, connect, or show that we matter? As much is said in the silence as in the words, if not more since our imaginations fill in the space. I think the reasons for both are varied and tell us a lot about the person.
Sometimes we experience moments of silence in the midst of lot’s of activity and movement, and other times you can hear a pin drop in a silent room.
I remember the moment in the picture below, a moment of peace and internal silence amidst the swirling movement, colors, noise, music and people at a performance at a large festival.
The Drama of Silence in Dance
As a dancer, I know that the most dramatic moments of a dance are often in the silence, where you just totally stop in a pose, and look at the audience. That moment of total vulnerability and connection between you, alone on the stage while baring your soul to them. It is the place your heart is open and they can love you or throw tomatoes, and whatever they decide to do you must accept gracefully. Yes, people actually do this for fun?
Silence and Music
As a musician, as I read the music and play my drums, I know how important every rest, or silence is in making it possible to even have a beautiful rhythm. Otherwise, it is an endless series of meaningless notes. And it is not just the rhythm, but knowing when to add my notes to what others are playing and when to be silent, so the whole is something beautiful we have created together, rather than a piece being overwhelmed with one person’s ideas or need to express. The magic happens in combination of notes and silence.
Beethoven’s 5th would just be a bunch of meaningless notes without the silence.
Silence and Personal Transformation
In my personal development journey, I have silence homework as part of the Transformational Coaching Program with Jim Fortin (TCP) I am taking. I recently finished my second assignment of sitting in silence for 4 hours. I did not find the idea scary, although many of my fellow students had lots of excuses why they could not do it. I enjoyed it. The first time my mind was filled with monkey chatter until the last hour. Finally, when the silence became comfortable, meaningful thoughts were allowed in.
Where do they come from? Universal mind or energy, or from my true self? I don’t know, and it doesn’t really matter. The second time, the flow started almost right away. It is well worth it.
The word silence in Arabic means inner peace, heart ease, trust, calmness. When was the last time you experienced that? It is something we all need.
Writing and White Space
As a blogger, I am very aware of the importance of white space. When you see a long email with no breaks, what do you do? I delete, set aside and never come back to it, or say things I can’t repeat here and read if I have to.
If you want to share a meaningful idea, let it shine with a little space around it.
Silence and Interior Design
As an Interior Designer I often see what could be a beautiful room destroyed with too much stuff. It is like the owners have taken what is going on in the inside of their heads and put it all in the room. Too much information
As a Color Strategist, Color science tells me the way we see a color is affected by the adjacent colors. To see the beauty of a color in all it’s glory, give it a little space or contrast with the absence of color- white- next to it.
The picture below is an example of too much stuff, not giving anything room to shine, or a place for the eye to rest. There is also too much color chaos going on here. I love lots of colors when they work together harmoniously and in the right proportions. This room has no silence and it seems like you could never relax here.
Too much information.
Creating Your Perfect Space with Silence
Creating silence in your Interior Design is one way to get that “inner peace” in your home. I started thinking more about this after one of my TCP coaches, Jill Renee Stevens, mentioned how “white space is everything” in the brain for your own personal power, or in a beautiful home.
As an example, the Edesign I created below of a Moroccan style dining area is rich with warm color, texture, pattern and excitement, typical of this global style.
Edesign of Moroccan style dining room by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
How can you create silence in a design style like this?
In the same room, I toned down the colors and created physical white space on the walls, and simplified the table setting. Notice how in the design below the two sweet little bird sculptures now stand out, where they were lost in the other design.
This design feels more peaceful and relaxed. The extra “space” allows you to notice the window and lighting details more, as there are less other things to look at. The eye has the ability to rest more here.
Edesign of Moroccan style dining room with more “silence” by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
The same concepts apply to the adjacent living area. This design was inspired by the art, and contains lots of color and pattern on the walls, floor, decor, windows and lighting. There are interesting things to look at everywhere in the design, and it feels rich, and exciting, but no particular design element stands out more than another. The rich blue next to the white sofa looks even more dramatic.
Edesign of Moroccan style living room by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Below, to create “silence”, I used white on the walls, neutral colors on the pillows, a simple white floor, more subtle colors on the chairs. The result is that now the art (my own fractal art called the “Sea”) stands out and becomes the highlight of the room. This room has more silence and white space, feels more relaxed and it highlights the art in it’s own right, rather than as an inspiration to tie the room together as in the first design.
Edesign of Moroccan style living room with more “silence” by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Below, I changed the wall color, creating a more monochromatic color scheme. Notice how the white sofa and green plant now stand out. You can still create silence or white space without having to use the color white. Space and silence has a look and a feeling.
Edesign of Moroccan style living room with more “silence” by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Creating that perfect space for you may include doing nothing….and giving your design some silence.
Even if you crave more excitement and drama in your design, you can still add silence through perfectly placed art or accessories by giving them room to shine and through expert use of color.
Get the Look
Interested in what I used to create this design? Here are the actual or similar products. Some may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you for sharing.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?
Imagine what it would be like to live in your perfect space. I would live to help you make that dream come true.
When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better.
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors; art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Your home is like your body, a system that works together. To be healthy, you need to consider all the parts as a whole.
Start with an Aligned Design plan that considers the art, science and energy of your home together. The plan of course, incorporates silence:)
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design awarded Best of Houzz 2021 for Customer Service
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design of Seward, Alaska
Awarded Best Of Houzz 2021
Coveted annual award highlights home remodeling and design professionals with top ratings and most popular designs among the Houzz community.
Seward, Alaska, February 5, 2021 – Northern Lights Home Staging and Design of Seward, Alaska has won a “Best Of Houzz” award for Customer Service on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. This Edesign, Interior Design, Color Consulting and Home Staging firm was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.5 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.
The Best Of Houzz badge is awarded annually, in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including a pro’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2020. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award.
A “Best Of Houzz 2021” badge will appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.
“Thank you to all my customers for the privilege of working with you, your 5-star reviews on Houzz and for making it possible to receive this award for 6 years in a row”!
“This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home remodeling and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across the U.S. and around the world.”
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design provides an award winning, versatile, and unique one-stop shop for Interior Design, Edesign, Home Staging, and Color Consulting,for homes and vacation rental properties. They provide in person service in South Central Alaska, and online consultations and Edesign services nationwide.
Mary Ann Benoit is the only certified color strategist in Alaska as well as the leading home stager in south-central Alaska, trained as both a professional home stager and with a degree in Interior Design. Customers and colleagues describe her as “the best at what she does” and her work as “stellar,” “fantastic,” ”amazing,” “innovative,” “prompt and professional.” She is known for giving “above and beyond service,” being a “delight to work with,” and “a great coach and mentor.” Learn more.
About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. Houzz is a registered trademark of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.
Pin This
A Quick Resource Guide to Prepping a Home for Sale
Getting a house ready for sale is about maximizing asking price by emphasizing the best features of your home. It’s also important to know exactly what steps to take when putting it up for sale, now that we’re dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. These resources will tell you which improvements are necessary to attract buyers’ attention, and what precautions you should be taking right now.
You don’t have to pay top dollar for curb appeal projects to make the home’s exterior look inviting to potential buyers.
Give Your Home a Warm, Inviting Glow with These Curb Appeal Lighting Tips
Lighting doesn’t just matter inside the home. Make sure the exterior is well-lit so that buyers can see everything it has to offer.
Getting a home listing ready during the coronavirus means getting creative, but you don’t have to go overboard. Refer to this resource guide to gain a better understanding of recommended COVID-19 guidelines and home improvements. You should also discuss possible strategies with your real estate agent when making any decisions during the selling process.
Written by by Suzie Wilson of Happier Home for Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Ready to Sell Someone a Dream?
I would like to show you how you can sell your house fast and for more by appealing to your target market’s dreams for a better life. Get started with a home staging consultation today.
Home Staging Consultation Online. Call for a custom quote for an in person consultation.
