Vote for my Master Bedroom Design in the Edesign Contest
I recently entered an Edesign for this global style master bedroom in a contest! We were given room dimensions and a photo, and could develop any design we wanted. I had recently seen Benjamin Moore’s new 2020 color of the year, First Light, and was not really a fan, as I am not fond of “pink or blush” for wall colors. I decided to challenge myself to come up with a design I loved using “First Light” as the wall color for this contest.
The contest is for Edesigners of the Edesign Tribe of which I am a proud member. We were required to submit a concept board and a 3D render of the design.
My “ideal client” for this design was a single professional woman who prefers a more neutral palette, wants a serene space for her bedroom and of course, likes pink. She likes mixing modern and vintage pieces with a touch of glam and global style elements.
The design above is an example of full service Edesign, where you would get a floor plan, a concept board, a 3D render and a complete shopping list with set up instructions. Check out my Full Service Edesign package. See all my Edesign and Online packages here.
What’s Your Global Design Style?
The project above is an example of global style design. Are you curious what your global style is? Take the quiz and find out.
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.
Just about every call I get starts with how much does it cost, and how does it work? This video is for you!
Note: Prices have increased since the time this video was created. See more current costs below and note things are always changing.
What are my options and how much does it cost?
Every house is different and there are options for every budget and situation. Most folks are looking for the most affordable way to stage. Low cost is not always better though. Remember, staging always costs less than your first price reduction if it does not sell.
Check out the following options to see what best fits your situation. The prices listed are just general estimates for planning. Every house is different and the investment in staging may vary.
Home Staging Consultation- Most Affordable
The smartest way to stage your home while still living in it is to start with a professional staging consultation and then do the work yourself. A stager will give you expert, unbiased advice on everything — inside and out — that will help you get top dollar, focusing only on changes that deliver a real return on your investment of time and money. This approach works especially well for sellers with limited budgets who understand the value of staging and are comfortable being hands-on. While the result may not be quite the same as having a pro do everything, it will absolutely make a difference. Many stagers will also offer a follow-up walk-through after you’ve completed the work to fine-tune the final result.
Every home — no matter how well-maintained — benefits from a consultation. The real value lies in the stager’s knowledge of your local market, their ability to present your home through a buyer’s eyes, and their objective perspective. When you live somewhere every day, that kind of distance is nearly impossible to achieve on your own. Don’t be nervous about what they’ll suggest — their entire goal is to help you sell quickly and for the most money possible.
The longer your home sits on the market, the more disruptive last-minute showings become, all while you continue paying monthly carrying costs. Extended time on market also typically leads your agent to recommend a price reduction — often $10,000–$15,000 at a time in Alaska’s market. Buyers also grow suspicious of homes that linger, making them less likely to offer full price. Stage before you list — you rarely get a second chance to make a strong first impression at your original asking price.
Investment: In Alaska, expect to pay $500–$800 for a 2-hour consultation, with larger homes or those needing a color consultation running $800–$1,200 or more. Full-service staging (where the stager does the work) typically runs $1,500–$4,000+ depending on home size and scope. Given Alaska’s higher cost of living and limited pool of staging professionals, budgeting on the higher end is wise.
Occupied Home Staging- The Best Option
If you’ll be living in the house while it’s on the market, this is the approach I recommend most. We start with a consultation to assess your space and build a clear plan, then get to work staging it that same day — working mainly with what you already own.
In some cases, I may suggest picking up a few inexpensive items like fresh bedding for the master bedroom, new shower curtains, or updated towels for the bathrooms. Small touches like these go a long way in making a home feel clean, modern, and truly move-in ready to buyers.
The good news? Most people already have everything needed to create a beautiful result. Often it’s simply about rearranging what you have so that each room has a clear purpose, feels open and inviting, highlights the home’s best features, and connects with your target buyer. Because I work with your existing furnishings, you typically won’t need to rent a thing — saving you real money.
Investment: $650–$2200. Depending on the size and condition of your home, staging can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, and you may want to budget a little extra for items like new bedding or towels. Every home is different, but the great news is — you’ll be done in a day!
BeforeAfterBeforeAfter
Hybrid Home Staging- A Great Option
This service is similar to standard Occupied Home Staging, but is the right choice when some of your existing furniture has seen better days. In those cases, I’ll recommend bringing in a few rental pieces to elevate the overall look and ensure your home shows its best.
Furniture rental fees are billed by the month, and my pricing assumes approximately two months of rental costs. For soft goods like bedding, towels, and accessories — anything that will actually be used in the home — those will need to be purchased rather than rented, as they simply aren’t available for lease.
Because rentals add a few extra steps to the process, I’ll spend additional time sourcing the right pieces, coordinating delivery, and being on-site when items arrive. At the end of your listing period, I’ll also handle the de-staging carefully to make sure your home comes through without any damage.
The staging itself is still completed in a single day.
Investment: $2,500–$5,000. Depending on the size and condition of your home, the process typically takes 6 to 13 hours and may include costs for new soft goods as well as rental furniture. Every home is different, and I’ll give you a clear, honest estimate before we begin.
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Vacant Home Staging- Largest Investment- Just Do it.
Vacant homes don’t sell quickly. They look sad and lonely, fail to make an emotional connection with buyers, and offer no sense of scale — making it impossible to know how big a room really is, whether your furniture will fit, or even what the room is meant to be used for. With nothing to draw the eye, buyers focus on every flaw instead. Meanwhile, the house sits on the market for months while utility bills, mortgage payments, and price reductions pile up. Just stage it!
Yes, it’s an investment. But consider what’s involved — sourcing and planning an entire home’s worth of furniture and décor, making sure everything fits the space and works beautifully together, then delivering, unpacking, and styling the whole home to look gorgeous in a single day. And when the home sells, I’m back to de-stage everything carefully and ensure your property is left in perfect condition.
Investment: $3500–$6,000. The final cost depends on how much furniture needs to be rented and how long the home is on the market. This estimate covers up to 2–3 months.
BeforeAfter
How Long Does It Need to Be 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
The Bottom Line
OK, so you know staging will help you sell faster and for more. Even if you spend $5000, that is half the cost of your first price reduction most likely and you should be able to make the investment back easily in 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.
Food for Thought
I know, you are thinking YIKES! I want to sell and not spend one more cent on this house. 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, FAQ’s for Home Sellers or FAQs for Realtors and best of luck on your home sale!! If you need help, I offer staging consultations as well as virtual staging and remodeling services nationwide and in person staging in my service area.
Prepping for Sale: Home Projects That Won’t Cost You a Pretty Penny
Now that your home is ready to sell, you’ll soon be receiving money as opposed to spending it, right? Well, to get your home in tip-top shape and really grab those buyers’ attention, you’ll need to spend a little to impress a lot. Before you start to panic, rest assured that there are many budget-friendly ways to get your home ready to sell that won’t cost you a pretty penny.
Consider Small Renovations
There are definitely several simple ways to get your home ready to sell, but there are a few more extensive renovation projects you can take on first to really add the wow factor, all without spending a ton. For example, you can remodel your kitchen on a small, budget-friendly scale by painting cabinets, adding new hardware, or updating appliances. Another area of your home to look into is something you use every single day – the floor. Many buyers have hardwood floors on their list of things they are looking for in a home, but if your budget isn’t flexible, replace the floors in public areas such as the kitchen and living room. Many major retailers like Home Depot have seasonal sales and promotions that can make flooring installation a definite possibility without your wallet taking a hit. Alternatively, you can seek out niche flooring distributors that offer daily specials and a more customized shopping experience.
Make It Clean and Clutter-Free
When a buyer views your home, they’ll be looking at everything, so it might be hard for them to imagine the space for what it truly is if the coffee table is covered in trinkets and closets are packed full. De-clutter the home to create the illusion of space and give buyers a chance to picture their life there, not yours. It won’t cost a thing, and it can speed up the sale. You’ll also get a head start on packing.
Once you’ve de-cluttered, you’ll need to complete a thorough house cleaning. That even means getting down to the nitty gritty like wiping down baseboards and giving your blinds a solid dusting. You’ll also want to make vacuuming a daily chore, preferably with a HEPA-filtered vacuum so you’re picking up pet dander and allergens. If you’re in the market for a new vacuum, look for deals on easily stored cordless models to help make this chore a breeze.
Stage on a Smaller Level
Hiring a professional to stage your home can be pricey, but there’s no need to dish out the dough when you can stage on a smaller level. Simple changes, such as adding a ceiling fan, updating window treatments, placing cheap throw pillows on furniture, or replacing your decorative bath towels with ones that are crisp white, can make a huge difference. The best part is that many of the changes can be made for under $100 if you shop around for deals at retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond. Just use Bed Bath & Beyond coupons and promo codes to find discounts online.
If you choose to do the staging yourself, every home can benefit from a home staging consultation with a pro to give you a great checklist of everything you can do yourself to get your home ready for the market.
Welcome Them In
The front door doesn’t seem too important at first glance, but it’s the first thing the buyer will see. Plus, painting the front door is a cheap way to give your home a polished look, and you can do it without the help of a professional painter by following along with a tutorial. Before you go out and buy a gallon of candy apple red paint, take note that the current trends are leaning more toward darker hues of gray and blue, or even black. According to MarketWatch, black doors are becoming popular and can add up to $6,000 in home value. And to save money on paint, make note of sales and coupons from companies like Sherwin Williams.
Channel Your Green Thumb
You’ve seen plenty of homes with beautiful landscaping, and perhaps your thumb even turned green with envy. However, if you live in a climate where the temperature is scorching hot, you might feel as if your landscaping options are limited. The key is to adapt to your climate, and this means using flowers and plants that are drought-tolerant, such as purple coneflower, autumn joy, manzanita, or coyote brush. Rather than revamp your entire yard, add color and greenery in areas that are sparse to save both time and money. Look for sales at nearby nurseries or home improvement stores to help stretch your dollar.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be expensive. There are small ways to get your home ready to sell, such as de-cluttering, upgrading the entryway, adding greenery, staging, and making small renovations. Making these changes will make a huge difference in the eyes of a buyer, not to mention a small one on your wallet.
Plan to do your home staging yourself but not sure where to start? Send me pictures of your house and I will give you a detailed checklist of everything you can do inside and out to prepare your house to sell fast, sell high and appeal to your target market. as well as tips for living in your for sale home and preparing for your photo shoot. Perfect if you will be living in the home while it is listed. If your home will be vacant, I can give recommendations for paint, upgrades and preparation for market. Learn more.
Prices subject to change without notice. This post may contain affiliate links.
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Edesign- How it Works
By now, you have probably heard of Edesign, which is sometimes called online Interior Design or Virtual Design.
Edesign is a collaboration between the designer and client, where the client takes on some of the design process since the designer is not there in person to implement the design. All you DIYers out there, I am speaking your language!. As the client, you will share some of the responsibility for the design by taking room measurements, ordering the products that your designer recommends and putting everything in place. Because of this shared workload, Edesign tends to be more affordable than full service Interior Design. Learn more about if Edesign is right for you or if you would be better served working with a local designer in my blog article, How Can I work with an Interior Designer on my Budget?
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 include a floorplan, concept or mood board, shopping list, 3D render of the final design and set up instructions.
Most Edesigners, just as local designers will start the process getting to know you, your style and tastes, your lifestyle, your design issues etc. A local designer does this with an in person visit. An Edesigner will likely send you a questionnaire, or may do a video or phone call.
Once the designer determines what you like and need, they will start developing a design for you. This usually starts with space planning and developing a floor plan so they 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 the Edesigner 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.
You may be asked to draw a floor plan for your Edesigner.
The next step includes coming up with a concept of a design including furnishings, accessories, paint colors and finishes to try 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 showing all the elements and how they look together.
Example of a concept board.
The next step usually involves collaborating to make adjustments to the plan to make sure you love everything and it works with your budget. Both a local designer and an Edesigner will ask for feedback and provide additional options for product ideas if needed. The Edesigner will get your feedback and show you additional options online.
Before you get you get your shopping list, in some cases you may want to “see” how the design will actually look in your space before ordering to be sure it will look the way you want. A local designer or an Edesigner can create a 3D rendering or other drawing to show you the final design. Or you may feel comfortable going forward without a rendering if you feel you can visualize the design without this extra step.
Example of a 3D Render of an Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Once you love everything, you will be ready for a final shopping list of all the items for your design. An Edesigner will give you a document or picture of all the items with clickable links to the products, so you can go directly to a product website and purchase everything yourself on your own timeline. You would be responsible for setting up deliveries and returns if needed and putting all your products in place. An Edesigner will provide you set up instructions for everything, and often includes final advice on the installation if you send “after” pictures of the space. A local designer usually takes care of the ordering, delivery and installation for you.
And like most things, you get what you pay for. Finding an edesigner that offers premium design services will give you more personal service, unique product choices and quality design. The Edesign Tribe has set a high bar for industry standards in the world of Edesign and is a good place to start your search.
Ways to Use Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Color of the Year- First Light
How to Make Magic Happen with a Color You Don’t Like
As a certified color strategist, I get excited when the major paint brands announce their colors of the year, and dream about how I can use the colors in a design, various global styles, or create color palettes for you to use the new colors.
When I first saw Benjamin Moore’s color of the year for 2020, “First Light”, I thought “meh”.
I am not a pink/blush person, and generally love working with rich saturated colors over pastel colors. I also love global style Interior Design, and most global styles have a richer color palette. If I use pink, I like to go bold or go home such as with a deep rich fuchsia! I thought “First Light” was boring. Even for home staging, where I usually select more neutral colors to help sell homes, this color has enough chroma to look “too pink” for most buyers.
Benjamin Moore describes it as a “soft, rosy hue blooming with potential”, and they say “a refreshing wash of pink, First Light 2102-70 uplifts”.
According to the color data, “First Light” is a warm Red hue bordering on yellow/red, that is very light and that has low color saturation or chroma. Notice I said nothing about “undertones” (just put that meaningless term out of your mind). The way it will look on your wall is based on the hue family (red), the light, surrounding colors and your own vision. Here is the magic tool I use to measure color.
I decided to challenge myself to come up with a design I love using “First Light” as the wall color. Soon after, I heard of a design contest for Edesigners of the Edesign Tribe of which I am a proud member, to provide a design for a master bedroom. I thought, OK First Light, Bring It On! How can I use you to create a beautiful global style bedroom that is interesting, unique and still colorful?
Before
For the contest, we were provided some empty room photos and measurements. We could do whatever style we wanted and could choose who our ideal client was.
The Concept
My “ideal client” is a single professional woman who prefers a more neutral palette, wants a serene space for her bedroom and of course, likes pink. She likes mixing modern and vintage pieces with a touch of glam and global style elements.
Here is the concept board showing the floor plan and the elements I chose for the design. The door on the left goes to the master bath, center door is the closet and right hand door is the entry to the bedroom. Because this south wall is mainly a travel corridor, there is no furniture. Only a ” The Frame TV” that can display art when not in use near the bathroom door, and my unique fractal art clock on the wall between the entry and the closet.
Inspiration
I searched for inspiration by looking for two key pieces, a global style rug and a beautiful bed.
I found this gorgeous handwoven wool area rug from India in tones of blush, olive, cream and black which provided a global style focal point and set the color palette for the rest of the room.
The gorgeous bed has beautiful curves to contrast with the straight lines of the rug, it’s dark metal worked nicely with the black in the rug and it has old world charm and a vintage feel.
To work with the wrought iron and vintage look of the bed, I chose other metal accents such as the dresser and end tables made with aluminum sheets pressed with a delicate pattern, an iron and crystal chandelier for a touch of glam, and an antique hammered metal lamp. I thought the metals would provide a little masculine energy to balance out the feminine energy of the pink walls.
I added a variety of global style and natural elements in pink, blush and various shades similar to “First Light”.
To pull in the olive color from the rug and other harmonious shades of green, I selected a soft side chair, green end table lamps, art and plants. The greens and green/blues work perfectly with First Light as they are complimentary colors on the opposite side of the color wheel.
To provide depth and highlight the other colors, I added black and white accents.
Final Design
Here is the final design, created as a 3D computer render, and several close up views.
Shopping List
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Downloadable Shopping List
Vote in the Contest!
I hope you love this design as much as I do, and you will stop by and vote for my design in the contest! Contest voting will be December 13-15. I will post the link to vote HERE on December 13.
Do I like First Light Now?
You might be wondering if I like the color now that the design is done. Not really. I do love the design though! I love the color combinations, the mix of masculine and feminine, softness and hardness, the mix of straight lines and curves, the feeling of serenity the room evokes. It seems like a wonderful place to wake up at “first light” in a gorgeous bed, and then snuggle up on the soft chair with bare feet on the sheepskin rug and a great cup of coffee while watching the sun comes up.
It just goes to show that you can create something beautiful by putting the right design elements together, even if you don’t have everything you want. This is great thing to remember as you develop your design plan, or if you choose to do Redesign, working with what you already have. I hope it also re-assures you that a good designer can design to create something you love, even if it is not something they love. It is all about you, after all!
Are You Inspired?
The design above is an example of full service Edesign, where you would get a floor plan, a concept board, a 3D render and a complete shopping list with set up instructions. Check out my Full Service Edesign package. Learn more.
Above, I mentioned Redesign, where we work with what you already have. Here is my Interior ReDesign consultation package. Learn More.
You can see all my other online and Edesign services here, as well as my color consultation packages if you need help with your own colors. I offer science based color consulting, using both the art and science of color together to get your colors right the first time!.
What’s Your Global Design Style?
The project above is an example of global style design. Are you curious what your global style is? Take the quiz and find out.
My inbox is overwhelmed with Black Friday specials. Some are really worth checking out! I even have a few of my own! It is a great time to get some new things to spruce up your home design. Here are a few of my top picks! But first, I just want to say Thank You!!! Thanks for being here and reading this and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Gift Card- Interior Design Consultation- 50% Off
From now through Cyber Monday I am offering a special service of a 1 hour design consultation for 50% off my normal design consultations which are 2 hours. Get a 1 hour online Interior Design Consultation as a gift for yourself or that special someone or give yourself a present! Send me your pictures and we can talk by phone, we can do a video call or walk me through your house using Facetime. Ask me anything.
30% off and Free Shipping on my Unique Fractal Art
I create one of a kind Fractal Art which I share with you in my store, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design on Society 6. My designs are made into a wide variety of home decor including wall art, clocks, indoor and outdoor furniture, bedding, curtain, pillows wall hangings and more. In addition you can get tote bags, computer and ipad bags, cell phone cover, outdoor gear and more. Now through Cyber Monday, you can get 30% off everything with free shipping!
I love a great rug to create a focal point and set the style for any room. Boutique Rugs is offering 55%-60% off their rugs and they have some gorgeous designs! Here are some of my favorites. Click on the picture to learn more about each of these rugs.
What’s Your Global Design Style?
All of these picks are great for modern global style design and telling your own unique and amazing story. Wondering what your Global Design Style is? Take the quiz and find out!
Ready to get the look in your home but want a little help to make it happen? Check out my Online and Edesign services. I would love to help you.
Does the magic of lighting makes your heart sing? Do you love rich color, textured fabrics and natural materials? Your global design style may be Moroccan!
What is a Global Design Style?
Global styles are all about your worldly adventures and telling your story! They are usually very colorful, rich in bold designs and natural textures, patterns, colors and arts and crafts of various cultures. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter. Treasures are displayed without rules or grouping by the part of the world each piece is from. Antiques mix with modern pieces, and natural objects such as animal horns, plants and rocks add to the charm. While global design styles are eclectic and may mix and match items from a variety of countries, you may be drawn to the colors and cultural artifacts of some countries more than others.
What is Moroccan Style?
Moroccan design is filled with intricate carvings, arched doorways, beautiful tilework and vibrant colorful textured fabrics, baskets and accessories. Beautiful Intricate metal lanterns and pendant lights create amazing and magical patterns of light in your room. Mosaic and ceramic sinks create luxurious bathrooms
Moroccan homes use bright colors, such as red, blue, orange, turquoise, pale ocean blues and green mixed with gold. Interiors are filled with carved furniture pieces, poufs, floor cushions, textured vases, exotic figurines, Moroccan-inspired Berber, Kilim and Azilal tribal rugs, metallic details and natural elements, such as wood and stone.
Designs reflect the diverse culture of Arabs, Berbers, Europeans and African immigrants.
Here is an example of an eco-friendly Edesign I did for a Moroccan style living room, highlighting traditional Moroccan pieces mixed with modern elements such as mixed metals and furnishings.
Edesign of a Moroccan Living Room featuring a Kilim rug from Atlas Weavers. Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Concept Board
Here are some of the products and finishes I used for this design. Some products may contain affiliate links meaning I may receive a small commission if you purchase something at no additional cost to you.
Moroccan Style Living Room Concept Board by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Inspiration and Products
The inspiration and color scheme for this design came from this gorgeous Moroccan Kilim rug from Atlas Weavers. Kilim Rugs are tapestry weaves that date back to the fourth century and have a flat weave as well as bold designs and colors. They are made with natural dyes. Usually made of wool, they are not only beautiful, they are eco-friendly. A great piece of art for your floor that can last a lifetime or more. And you can get 20% off this or any other rug or non-sale item by using the code “Northern Lights” at check out!
Fine Moroccan Kilim – K8973from Atlas Weavers..Get 20% off this or any non-sale item by using the code “northern lights” at check-out!
I decided green would be a perfect third color to go with the beautiful brown and white of the rug to give the room a natural color scheme. I chose PPG’s color of the year, Night Watch for the walls and Sherwin Williams Alabaster for the trim. Other shades of deep green could also work well, as I mixed and matched various shades of green for variety in the furniture and pillows. Generally, all greens play nicely together.
Night Watch, PPG’s 2019 Color of the Year.
Furniture
This eco-friendly sofa by Medley Home Furniture is made with organic latex cushions and eco-wool pillows. Medley Furniture offers wonderful eco-friendly and sustainable furniture. And, you can get 5% off anything with code NLS5 at check-out.
Mota Sofa by Medley Furniture inBella Forest fabric. Get 5% off with code NLS5 at checkout. Eco-Friendly Mota Chair from Medley in Mariposa Lettuce fabric. Get 5% off with code NLS5 at checkout. Sloane Chaise by Interior Define
This simple but beautiful copper coffee table is made in Mexico, but I selected it to pull in an element of eco-friendly copper to enhance a modern element of mixed metals that ties nicely to the Moroccan art and lighting below.
Round Copenhagen Coffee Table by la Fuente
Art and Lighting
For art, I selected beautiful, authentic hand crafted mirrors, windows or doors from Morocco available at Berber Imports. Click on the link to Berber Imports to see all the following pieces. The center piece of art is an aged wrought iron window with traditional Moorish design in a carved cedar wood frame. It is flanked by two Moroccan mirrors, made from wood and beautifully decorated with hand carved white brass in the shape of old Moorish arches.
This gorgeous Moroccan door from Berber Imports is made from reclaimed cedar, all hand carved, with raised three dimensional brass carvings and with two tones of camel bones with an antique finish. It can be used as an indoor or outdoor door or just as a piece of art.
The elegant arch and the almoravids hand knockers give it a beautiful moorish touch!
n-Jima Moroccan Door from Berber Imports
Moroccan style often incorporated intricate lighting that creates absolute magic in a room! This hand hammered Moroccan Lamp from Berber Imports is made of traditional heavy fez brass in a modern style. Motifs are consistent with traditional jewelry design often used in a women’s mdamma or gold belt.
I adore these pillows from Bryar Wolf! Each is one of a kind. Local villagers harvest the leaves of the Sabra Cactus plant and loom the filaments into textural canvas with patterns of ancient motifs. Made with natural botanical pigments, each pillow cover gets its unique, burnished character from washing and drying under the Moroccan sun. And you can get 5% off everything at Bryar Wolf with code northernlightsstaging5 at check-out.
BIB cactus silk pillow. Get 5% off everything with code northernlightsstaging5 at check out.
This Bohenian Chic pillow adds a touch of white to go with the rug and adds and element of beautiful softness and texture.
POM POM AT HOME IMAN PILLOW from Lulu and Georgia
This white cotton pillow from the Citizenry is handwoven by artisans in Kerala India, and block printed by a master printer in Jaipur, each pillow can take up to 4 days to complete. Not from Morocco, but a beautiful design that adds to the global style of the whole.
This beautiful Moroccan Poof from Berber Imports is made from soft Moroccan leather.
This hour glass from World Market looks like a vintage piece and is made in India, not Morocco. I thought it would add a element of old world charm and would tie to the brass and other mixed metal accents.
These copper vases from the Citizenry are handcrafted in India by the artisans of Senapati. I selected this to mix different metal elements and harmonize wit with the copper table. Copper goes beautifully with all greens.
PASHAN COPPER VASES
Get Inspired
Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration on global style and eco-friendly design. Check out my board on Moroccan style for daily inspiration on this beautiful style!
Create your own Moroccan Oasis
Ready to create a Moroccan style room in your home? Check out my Online and Edesign services. I would love to help you. The project above was an example of Full Service Edesign. Learn more about what Edesign is and how it works in my article, How can I work with an Interior Designer on my budget. Learn more about Full Service Edesign and how it works here. Feel free to give me a call at 907-362-0065 to see if Edesign would be the best option for you!
What’s Your Global Design Style?
Are you curious about your global design style? Take the quiz and find out which style might be right for you.
Global styles are all about your worldly adventures and telling your story! They are usually very colorful, rich in bold designs and natural textures, patterns, colors and arts and crafts of various cultures. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter. Treasures are displayed without rules or grouping by the part of the world each piece is from. Antiques mix with modern pieces, and natural objects such as animal horns, plants and rocks add to the charm. While global design styles are eclectic and may mix and match items from a variety of countries, you may be drawn to the colors and cultural artifacts of some countries more than others.
What is 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.
You love the arched wood furniture with curved armrests and legs, carvings and inlay work in metal, ivory, stones and mirrors. Fill your rooms with wooden chests, footstools, bird cages, masks, clay pottery, and boxes in sandalwood metal or marble. Add some metal accents such as brass lamps, pots and figurines and some beautiful Indian flowing window drapes, bed canopies or bedspreads.
Create a sanctuary with an outdoor fountains and courtyard. Indian colors include vibrant bright blues, reds, saffron orange and golds and earthy tones like ochre yellows, browns and burnt oranges for walls and floors with brighter colors for accents and accessories.
Here is an example of an Edesign I did for an Indian style bedroom featuring the beauty of Indian art and hand crafted design elements. It is rich in color and provides a space to relax, read, and spend time together. This design celebrates the color purple and uses Pantone’s color, Love Symbol #2 created in honor of Prince for the walls. I loved working with this rich and beautiful hue!
Indian style bedroom. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Indian style bedroom. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Indian style bedroom. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
The concept board below shows the floor plan with a seating area near the window for enjoying the beautiful views and reading. An area is set aside in the opposite corner with a make up table, mirror and another seating and dressing area on the opposite side of the bed.
Indian Style Bedroom Concept Board
See below to learn more about my inspiration pieces and some of the products I used for the design. Some links are affiliate links, meaning they give me a small commission for sharing with you at no additional cost to you.
Inspiration
The beautiful purple rug and carved bed from India were my primary inspiration pieces. The rug inspired the color scheme celebrating a passion for purple!
Dickeyville Area Rug by Surya. Boutique Rugs
Color Scheme
I used Love Symbol #2 on the walls in the design to harmonize with the purple rugs. A paint color that is similar and would work with the design is Benjamin Moore’s Ultra Violet.
Pantone’s Love Symbol #2
Benjamin Moore’s Ultra Violet
The perfect compliment to this purple is Tumeric (yellow/gold) color, which is a typical color in Indian design based on the flowering plant, Tumeric which is native to India.
Ground turmeric in a wooden spoon | by wuestenigel. Photo from Flikr.
Want to get the look of Indian style design in your home? Try Edesign! The project above is an example of what you would receive with a Full Service Edesign package which includes a floor plan, concept board, 3D renders of the design and a shopping list with a complimentary check up on your design after you implement it. Check out all my Online and Edesign services. I would love to help you.
Get Inspired
Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration on global styles and eco-friendly design. Check out my board on Indian style for daily inspiration on this beautiful style! Want to explore other styles? Check out my What’s Your Design Style board.
What’s Your Global Design Style?
Are you curious about other global design styles and what might be right for you? Take the quiz and find out!
What’s Your Global Interior Design Style? Take this fun quiz to find out.
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design is an award winning company with training in home staging, Interior Design and color consulting. We have won numerous awards for customer service, our blog, youtube channel and Interior design.
Bad Home Staging is like going on a first date to the drive in for dinner
In a recent article, Staging a Vacant Home- Why It’s Worth the Money by Anna Martens in Alaska Home Magazine, some of my work and tips were featured on the importance of staging a vacant home.
Some of the key take-aways from the article were:
In today’s market, where home sellers need to make their homes stand out from the rest, those empty spaces can be a seller’s worst enemy.
“Vacant homes do not make an emotional connection with buyers and often look a little sad and lonely! A good way to fix this is to have your home staged.
Staging dramatically improves the marketability of a home.
Staged homes photograph much better and buyers can more easily remember the home after viewing it.
Tricky layouts and specialized rooms cause trouble when showing a vacant home
Staging a moderate-sized home in Alaska can run from $3,000-$4,500 depending on size, layout, accessibility and location.
Staging always costs much less than your first price reduction, which can be $10,000 or more.
An increased final sales price, faster closing, and reduced holding costs, will more than cover the staging investment and with a whole lot less stress!”.
This article provides additional insights into why it is so important to not only stage your vacant home, but make sure it is staged right. Staging it the wrong way can be just as ineffective as not staging it at all!
A professionally staged home done right, looks like a real home that people live in, and that buyers dream of and can envision themselves living in. The staging highlights the home’s best features, shows the purpose and possibilities of various rooms, how areas with poor layouts can be used, and feels warm and inviting.
Debra Gould, the Staging Diva, in her article Great Home Staging is Invisible says “I believe that great home staging is invisible. That sounds like a paradox. What I mean is that when you’ve really mastered the art of home staging, few people will realize the house is staged. Potential buyers just know that they love the house. “
Often, I get calls from Realtors that are just price shopping, looking for the cheapest stager. I am often asked if I will just stage a few rooms or lightly stage rooms. This is sometimes called “Vignette staging”, where a few items are put in a room to show scale as shown in the photo below.
Example of VIgnette Staging
Does this room look warm and inviting? Can envision yourself living here, or do you want to? Is it highlighting the best features? Does it show the purpose or possibilities of the room? If this is a bedroom, do you still wonder what size bed can fit here? Does it look like real people live here or like a staged space? If you were a buyer, would you be distracted by a room like this? It would be obvious that the owners do not still live in the home. Would you wonder if they might be desperate to sell and make a lower offer if you made an offer at all?
While this type of staging might appeal to some Realtors or sellers looking for the cheapest way to stage, how effective will this really be in selling the home quickly or for top dollar? Remember, you get what you pay for.
According to Debra Gould, “The point of home staging is that you are romancing the buyer so they fall in love with the house. Silly staging tricks like putting tape on the floor to show the outline of where a bed could go for scale, or putting a few pillows and a piece of art in a room to show scale are like “going on a first date with someone and they take you to the drive in for dinner”.
As a professional stager, I have been asked to stage many homes that had been on the market, sometimes for years without selling because they were poorly staged, partially staged or used vignette staging. After being properly staged, they sold quickly. The house below was on the market vacant for a year and did not sell, partially because it’s poor layout made it hard for buyers to visualize how they could arrange furniture in the room. Then it was poorly staged with limited furniture and vignette staging, and remained on the market for another year. Finally, I did a full staging job throughout the house and it sold within 6 weeks.
BeforeHome Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Remember, after a home has been on the market for a while, it can be harder to sell as quickly if you wait to invest in professional staging later. All those buyers that have already seen the house previously are not likely to be interested. The longer a house remains on the market, the more people wonder “what is wrong with it”. Better to stage it right the first time.
Susan Atwell, of Atwell Staged Homes mentioned to me recently that selling a home is all about the 4 P’s, Price, Product, Promotion and Place.” To sell a home quickly and for top dollar, it is important to have a reasonable price (your realtor can help with this), a great product (which is where home staging comes in), great marketing (which is where your realtor is important) and a great location. Bad home photos on the MLS reflect more poorly on the Realtor who posted them than on the home that is for sale. They are, after all, the ones who are responsible for marketing your home.
You as the home seller have control over who you select for a Realtor to market your home as well as who you select for a home stager to prepare your home for marketing. Take charge of this and hire a professional who will do the job right for you. Make the calls yourself and learn the value of what you are getting for your money. It’s worth the money in your pocket after the sale is done!
Need help with your home staging project? Get a professional home staging consultation today. We can do it online, so I can help you wherever you live!
I just entered an office design in a edesign contest. I hope you will stop by and vote for me here! Voting closes Monday at 12pm EST.
The Contest
We were given some photos of an empty room and some measurements and asked to design an office for our ideal client. My ideal client for this design loves color and a vintage Bohemian style. I found the beautiful desk and designed everything around it and included vintage accessories and some really cool wallpaper to add to the vintage look. Here are the before pictures.
Before Photos
After Photos
Vintage Boho Office Concept Board by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Vintage Boho Office Render by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Vintage Boho Office Floor Plan by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Coming soon, I will write a blog article about this project, describing how the design came together, the vintage and other items I chose for the design and why it was perfect for this “ideal client”.
Thanks for reading and for your support!
Want to learn more about global style design or get help with your project? Take the quiz and check out my Edesign and Online Services.
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