I learned to solve all my Interior Design problems by dancing. This is Part 2 of my revelations from dancing, on how to create a dramatic focal point.

As I reflect on my journey, it becomes increasingly clear that the threads of artistic expression weave a tapestry that transcends individual disciplines. The principles that animate the magic in Interior Design are akin to those that breathe life into any art form. The key lies in our ability to perceive, to truly see, listen, and feel.

At the heart of this revelation lies a profound alignment—an exquisite dance—between art, science, and energy. Here, art signifies the wellspring of creativity, where the soul’s expression takes form. Science, in the nuanced palette of color, offers the brushstrokes that breathe life into our visions. And energy, the connective force, weaves these elements into harmonious compositions.

This alignment is the crucible from which beauty emerges, both in the graceful movements of dance and in the curated aesthetics of interiors. It’s a testament to the universality of artistic expression, reminding us that the magic is not confined to one domain but is a living, breathing tapestry woven through the human experience.

Let’s start with an example, how to create a dramatic focal point.

Center Stage- The Focal Point of any Dance

In the realm of dance, center stage holds an undeniable allure, for it is the very heartbeat of a performance. Its significance is paramount, for when it is not graced by something truly captivating, the audience’s attention naturally drifts away, seeking the magnetic pull of that central spotlight.

When you dance solo, center stage becomes your anchor, your gravitational core. Even as you traverse the expanse of the stage, this central point acts as your compass, drawing you back. However, in a group dynamic, the center stage takes on an amplified significance. It’s the magnetic focal point, where eyes naturally drift. Thus, it’s imperative that the most pivotal dancer or the crescendo of the performance resides there, ensuring that the audience remains riveted to the narrative’s heartbeat.

As the solo performer, you are the focal point, and you command the spotlight. The audience is instinctively drawn to you, recognizing that you are the heart and essence of the show. Their gaze doesn’t need to wander or decipher; instead, they can comfortably immerse themselves in the narrative you present, free from the fatigue of scattering their attention. Your presence centralizes the experience, ensuring that every movement and emotion resonates profoundly with the viewer.

Center stage is the dance’s emotional epicenter. Here, passions surge, stories unfold, and souls connect. This pivotal space isn’t just a physical location but an intimate realm where dancers bare their essence, inviting the audience to step into their world. As the spotlight illuminates this sacred ground, it’s not just about showcasing talent but opening up, revealing raw vulnerability and authenticity. It’s a heartfelt invitation that says, “In this space, I lay bare my soul, seeking a shared moment of understanding and connection. Here, in the very heart of the stage, we become one.”

Your costume isn’t merely attire; it’s an extension of your narrative, a radiant beacon that accentuates your message and adds layers of depth to your story. Meanwhile, the lighting doesn’t just illuminate; it acts as an ethereal partner, magnifying each nuance of your movement, casting shadows and highlights that dance alongside you, echoing the cadence of your emotions. Together, they frame the performance, enhancing the magic and transporting the audience deeper into the tale you weave.

From that pivotal point at center stage, you become the conductor of an unspoken symphony. With the fluidity of your hands and the intensity of your gaze, you navigate the audience’s focus, orchestrating their journey across the stage’s expanse. It’s more than just the physical space—it’s an emotional and narrative landscape that, under your guidance, blooms from the stage’s heart to its furthest edges, spilling into the room, encompassing the entirety of the theater. For the exceptionally gifted, this sphere of influence doesn’t end at the theater’s walls; it reaches out, extending its tendrils into the vast, limitless theater of the mind, beckoning the audience into worlds uncharted, yet deeply felt.

There is a lot going on in the center of the stage.

The Center Stage of Your Room is Your Focal Point

The focal point of a room is its crown jewel, the undeniable epicenter of allure. It acts as a magnetic force, effortlessly drawing one’s gaze towards the most mesmerizing, elegant, or impactful element within the space.

Much more than just an aesthetic centerpiece, the focal point has the power to infuse the room with character, weave its narrative, and even manipulate its spatial perception, akin to a window framing a breathtaking panorama that seemingly extends the room’s boundaries.

While certain focal points naturally emerge from a room’s design, like grand fireplaces, panoramic windows, or distinct architectural nuances, the beauty lies in the potential to curate your own. Through deliberate color palettes, the transformative touch of energy art, evocative backdrops, or statement pieces of furniture, one can sculpt the heart of a space, ensuring it resonates with intent and style.

Create Drama with Your Focal Point

In my office Edesign, the focal point unequivocally revolves around the desk space. Here, the vibrant hot pink desk, juxtaposed with the captivating green fractal art adorning the wall, doesn’t merely catch the eye—it resonates harmoniously with the magnificent view that lies just beyond the windowpane.

This design doesn’t stop at aesthetics; it functions as a magnetic force, drawing you deeper into the room’s essence. Simultaneously, it orchestrates a subtle ballet of attention, guiding your gaze outward, where the interior drama converges seamlessly with the breathtaking grandeur of the outdoors. In this symphony of design, the boundaries between inside and outside blur, creating a holistic experience that marries the artistry of the interior with the awe-inspiring canvas of the natural world.

The focal point artfully encapsulates the essence of someone who is undeniably unique, artistically inclined, and pulsates with vivacious energy that’s inextricably tied to nature’s rhythm. Each supporting element is not merely decorative but intentional. The flower vase, breathing life into the room, and the lamp, grounded with its earthy, stone-inspired base, contribute effortlessly to this unfolding narrative.

More than individual elements, it’s the symphony they create together that captivates. The graceful lamp, with the soft luminescence it casts, works in tandem with strategic lighting to emphasize the art’s nuances. Meanwhile, the natural daylight doesn’t just illuminate, but it enriches, heightening the focal point’s color palette. In this harmonized ensemble, every component sings in chorus, celebrating the individual’s vibrant spirit and deep reverence for nature.

Learn more about this project in my article, The Colors of Summer, Bring the Outdoors In.

Get the Look

Get the look of this beautiful design with my “Spring” fractal art.

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?

Are you ready to tell your unique story and find the alignment of all the things you love that will create the perfect space for you? Enlist the help of an expert to take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

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Have the last few years made you rethink how you are living your life and what is important?

Has it highlighted all the things that are NOT working in your home if you have been spending more time there?

Have you realized what is important if you have required your home to act as your workplace, sanctuary, gym, school, and more?

Why not refresh, get inspired, and create a healthy, beautiful home that can handle all the things you need it to do for you now.

Imagine a home that looks great, feels great, and supports you so that you can be great:).

https://youtu.be/xdnvWSQp4KY

Aligned Design

My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors. These are art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.

Aligned Design is my holistic approach and philosophy of Interior Design, one that considers every layer of a space. There are three components, art, science and energy that create the perfect space for a person that truly support that individual in all ways. 

Where as most designers consider the aesthetics and the function first, I consider energy as the foundation for everything. 

What do I mean by art, science and energy? 

The Art of Beauty – The art is the part that primarily makes your design beautiful, as well as the art on your walls. Beyond mere aesthetics, I am passionate about creating spaces that tantalize the senses, celebrating art and artisans, striking a chord with those who step into them because it creates an extraordinary sensory experience.

The Science of Color – Standing out in the realm of design, I harness a scientific approach to color. As Alaska’s sole certified color strategist, I employ a scientific approach to ensure every hue sings in harmony based on color science and not on guesswork or made-up undertones.

The Energy of Well-Being – I go beyond the visible, intuitively tuning into the energies of individuals and spaces. This unique insight lets me weave a tapestry where every design element resonates with its inhabitants. In addition, I create energy art to tap into expressing the essence of who you are when you are in alignment with who you are meant to be and also pieces that can support you and your potential. This energy art serves as the foundation for the art and science of your design. The energy I put into the designs along with the energy of your desires and aspirations creates a powerful energy in your space every time you see it.

Combine art, science, and energy, and what do you get? A touch of magic. Spaces that don’t just look or feel right, but that elevate and transform the space and you. Because when your space thrives, so do you. And when you flourish, the world around you does too. Remember, the world isn’t just better with you in it; it needs you to shine. 

What if You Are Selling Your House?

What if you are selling your house? Byers will always be more attracted to a beautiful house than an ugly one. Data shows that the right colors can bring in more on your home sale. But energy….reading the energy of the home and staging it for the buyers that are meant to have that house, that is really the secret sauce. So art, science and energy work with home sales too. 

Can I Use Aligned Design for Business?

The three also work in business where your design can attract your perfect clients, color can help you sell your product and energy is what will help you make your sales and keep your clients happy.

Let’s Get Started

A great plan lays the foundation for everything to come and saves you time and money. The best way to get a plan is to do an Aligned Design consultation with me.

Take Your Time

Creating a perfect space tailored to you is a process that requires time. Stay patient. It’s better to gradually buy items that you love and fit your plan as your budget allows. Avoid rushing to fill your home with “just okay” items to finish quickly. Such purchases might not last or satisfy you in the long run. Spending on what you truly love will ensure your space truly resonates with you.

Out with the Old

Begin crafting your ideal space by decluttering, making room for new experiences and items. Remember, less is more. Is your space so crowded that individual items can’t stand out? Are there items that bring you joy that deserve a special spot?

If you have more belongings than space to display them, consider storing some away. Rotate these items seasonally to keep your space fresh and dynamic. Remember, all those items contain energy. Is it all positive energy? If not remove it. Too many things cause a feeling of chaotic energy in your space.

Who Are You and Who Do You Want To Be?

What’s your story? What brings you joy? What are your aspirations in life? What activities do you love doing, even without pay?

It’s easy to fall for the allure of online room pictures and desire the same for ourselves. However, creating your perfect space involves telling your unique story. While these pictures can inspire, not everything will fit well in your home, or lifestyle, or complement what you already have. Instead, seek out items that hold meaning to you, give them a special place, and make them the centerpieces of your design.

Consider where you want to go in life and who you want to become. Your space should support you on this journey.

Take the time to reflect and figure it out, as it truly matters.

Energy art is a great way to express who you are and support you, in addition to providing a foundation for the rest of your design. 

See my article, Tips to Design Wellness into a Spectacular Life for ideas.

Does it Bring You Joy?

Choose quality over quantity, even if it means spending more or taking longer to gather all the pieces you desire. Items you truly love will bring long-term happiness, while cheaper, less-loved items may lose their appeal quickly. Classic pieces will endure, while trendy items may fade along with your interest.

Remember, joy isn’t solely about possessions. It’s about connection—to yourself, your aspirations, nature, and the energy in and around your environment. 

Utilize color, nature’s inspiration, energy art and Feng Shui to create spaces that offer a sense of well-being.

Make Magic Happen with Color

Color can work wonders, influencing your mood and it’s easy to alter. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change a room, and it’s affordable. Experiment with rich colors, even if just in a small space like a powder room.

Alternatively, use neutral colors on your walls and bring vibrancy with colorful accessories or art. Neutrals on walls and furniture allow you to change accent colors like pillows, artwork, and accessories whenever you want a new look.

Consider consulting a color strategist such as myself, who uses color science to choose the perfect hues that complement your existing finishes and furniture.

Take Care of Yourself and the Planet

Consider eco-friendly natural materials when looking for furnishings, pillows, rugs, art, accessories, bedding and mattresses, paint and more. You will feel healthier and better in your space and it is good for the planet as well. See my article, Eco-Friendly Interior Design- Why it Matters,  to learn more.

Layer Your Lights

Add magic to a space with layers of light. Find beautiful fixtures that add overhead lighting, mixed with lamps at mid-level and task lighting. Accent lighting on art and under cabinets look great. Put all your lights on dimmer switches so you can control the lighting just the way you like it. See my article How to Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting to learn more.

Look Great, Feel Great, Be Great

With Aligned Design, harmonizing art, science, and energy, you can cultivate a home that’s beautiful, vibrant, and both visually and energetically uplifting.

When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better. And the world needs you.

A space that looks, functions, and feels great while supporting your dreams contributes to your happiness, tranquility, and productivity, ultimately making the world a better place.

You’ll recognize an improved space by its enhanced beauty, reflection of your personal style, and narrative it tells. It feels more spacious, flows effortlessly, and its color palette is not just visually stunning but also emotionally evocative. 

You’ll feel healthier while being kind to the environment, experience improved relaxation and sleep, feel more positive and productive, and enjoy a stronger connection to nature. Your space becomes a launchpad for your dream life, providing room for learning, silence, reading, exercise, and expressing your unique gifts. 

You will sense these positive changes, leading to a heightened sense of well-being and motivating you to strive for your best.

Just imagine how wonderful that would feel!

Create Your Aligned Design

Are you ready for your house to look great, feel great and support you to be great? My Aligned Design consultation considers art, science and energy to give you guidance to create the perfect space for you.

See a Gallery of Energy Art and Designs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha0e7-NUpE4

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

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Surprise and Delight!

A great dance performance always has a surprise. It might be an unexpected twist in the storyline. It might be the unveiling of the dancer so you see her beautiful face or costume.

Maybe it is the revealing of an unexpected part of the costume that was hidden that causes the audience to gasp in surprise and delight. Surprise and Delight!!

Maybe it is a surprising moment where the dancer drops to the floor and swings their hair in wild abandon.

It can be anything. The key is that it is unexpected and brings delight in the discovery.

Surprises tell the story and add drama, texture, and depth to the performance.

With any dance, there are some things that are predictable, such as repeating patterns.  These parts give the audience comfort in knowing they understand what is going on. Then there are the surprises, that keep things interesting, exciting and make a memorable performance.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

You might be wondering how all this ties back to Interior Design. Well, the concept of surprises resonates much like the unexpected twists in a dance or within the confines of a room. 

Over the years, I’ve come to discern the intricate tapestry that interconnects various art forms. The very principles underpinning the enchantment of Interior Design echo throughout many art forms. The crux lies in the art of perceiving, listening, and embracing the subtle nuances that surround us.

Repeatedly, I notice the harmonious interplay between art, the wellspring of creativity; science, the palette of colors; and energy, the unifying force. It’s this alignment that threads the fabric of enchantment, weaving its spell not only in  dance, but Interior Design.

How Does Surprise Relate to Interior Design?

Small surprises are the hidden gems that infuse a room with character. Often found in the accessories adorning bookshelves or gracing side tables, these are the tiny treasures that, as you navigate the space, unveil their charm, wit, or uniqueness. They offer a glimpse into the homeowner’s inner world, prompting questions about the reasoning behind their selection and placement. It’s an intimate experience, as though the homeowner has just whispered a secret to you.

But surprises need not be confined to the small scale; they can also manifest as bold, captivating elements. Whether it’s an unexpected work of art, a daring design choice, an innovative invention, or a fresh approach to presentation, these larger surprises, like choreography in a dance, contribute to weaving an unforgettable narrative. They infuse texture, depth, and intrigue into your design, evoking happiness and leaving a lasting impression that others cherish and remember.

What Surprises and Delights You?

Creating your dream space is an ode to authenticity, capturing the essence of your character, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Dive deep into what truly mesmerizes and uplifts you, and consider integrating these elements as nuanced or pronounced accents throughout your living space. Such treasures, when discovered, invariably bring forth a smile.

Personally, I’m endlessly enchanted by artistic globes crafted from an array of materials, the radiant spectrum of stained glass, and nuances drawing from the elegance of avian life and nature’s splendor. Such details resonate deeply with those who harbor a boundless curiosity for design’s infinite potential

Create Surprise and Delight with Accents

Accents, whether nestled within a home’s interior or gracefully placed outdoors, serve as delightful ways to add surprise and delight.  For me, the delicate presence of birds and wildlife artifacts lovingly gathered from nature, always strikes a chord. Equally enchanting are handcrafted creations, windows into the creator’s soul, revealing their unique essence and artistry.

Use Surprise and Delight to Sell a House

In the realm of home sales, the element of surprise and delight can be the winning touch. Staging a home is a delicate dance of ensuring broad appeal while leaving a distinctive, unforgettable mark. One surefire strategy to leave an indelible impression is to weave in elements of unexpected joy and charm.

I recall staging a home recently, working solely with the owner’s possessions. The residence already echoed a touch of whimsy, thanks to artful embellishments on the shutters by previous inhabitants. Among the available items, nothing immediately beckoned as a source of delight. However, drawing inspiration from the ambiance, I envisioned a rock cairn by the front entrance — a subtle, enchanting detail awaiting potential buyers’ discovery. This tiny gesture can intrigue and create a lasting connection with visitors, illustrating the power of thoughtful, delightful details

I created some small cairns indoors as decor on the end tables in the living room.

People noticed and commented. I am sure they never had seen something like this before and it made the home more memorable.

In another staging project, I carried my love of small decorative birds into a staging project where I created surprise and delight in a bathroom.

Learn More

Learn more in some of my other articles in this series:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

Are You Ready to Create Surprise and Delight in Your Home?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

Expansion is the thing that we all want. Expansion is a better life than we have now. It is something more, something bigger, something better. We are always striving for expansion.

When people buy something, it is because it provides expansion in some way in their life.

One of the reasons Interior Design is important is it creates expansion. It is worth investing in.

Creating a perfect space for you gives you something more, a better life than you have now.

If you have a business, creating the perfect space that attracts customers is key.  They come because they believe what you are offering is giving them expansion. It may be a better meal, a more luxurious room, an easier life or a more attractive look.

If you are selling a house, home staging, which is like Interior Design for home buyers, creates an atmosphere that the new house offers expansion, or a better life than the buyer has now.

Has the last year made you rethink how you are living your life and what is important? Maybe it is time for some expansion in your own life.

Have you noticed while spending more time at home that many things may not be serving you to create a better life?

Does your home serve you as your workplace, sanctuary, gym, school, or whatever you need it to be?

Imagine a home that looks great, feels great, and supports you so that you can be great:).

Creating a perfect space is important. Why wait?

How Aligned Design Creates Expansion

Interior design, especially when integrated with the principles of aligned design, plays a pivotal role in shaping our experiences, influencing our emotions, and improving the overall quality of our lives. Here’s how:

1. Space Optimization: Efficiently designed spaces can make a room feel larger, airier, and more open. This spatial expansion can have a psychological effect, making inhabitants feel less confined or restricted.
2. Harmonious Flow: Aligned design often emphasizes creating a harmonious flow within a space. When items and furnishings are positioned in a way that complements natural human movement and activities, it reduces obstacles and enhances functionality.
3. Emotional Impact: Colors, textures, and patterns can all influence our emotions. For example, calming colors like soft blues or greens can reduce anxiety, while brighter shades might energize a space.
4. Improved Productivity and Focus: A well-designed home office or study area can boost productivity by minimizing distractions and providing an organized environment.
5. Health and Well-being: Incorporating natural light, plants, and elements of nature can improve air quality and bring about a sense of well-being. This connection to nature is often referred to as biophilic design.
6. Personal Reflection: When our homes or workspaces reflect our personalities, values, and passions, we feel more connected to them. This personal connection can improve mood and create a sense of belonging.
7. Safety and Comfort: Good design ensures that spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and comfortable. Ergonomic furniture can prevent body strain, while proper lighting can prevent eye fatigue.
8. Social Cohesion: Open-concept designs or communal areas can encourage social interaction and strengthen familial or communal ties.
9. Flexibility for Life Changes: A design aligned with the inhabitant’s life can adapt to changes, whether it’s making space for a new family member or adjusting to a work-from-home routine.
10. Enhanced Aesthetics: Beauty has an intrinsic value. Being in a space that is visually pleasing can elevate mood and enrich daily life.
11. Sustainability and Longevity: Sustainable design choices ensure that the space is not only good for the inhabitants but also for the planet. These choices often lead to longer-lasting, durable design solutions that don’t need frequent updating or replacing.
12. Power of Energy Art: Integrating energy art into interior design can be transformative. Energy art, often imbued with intention or inspired by certain frequencies, can act as a focal point that resonates with inhabitants, evoking emotions, memories, or aspirations. Such pieces can serve as daily reminders of one’s purpose, dreams, or spiritual journey, amplifying the energy in a room and facilitating personal and spatial expansion. When art is more than just decorative, but carries a deeper energetic resonance, it can catalyze introspection, motivation, and a profound sense of connection to the broader universe.

In summary, interior design, particularly when it’s aligned with the specific needs and lifestyles of its inhabitants, can create a profound impact on daily life. It goes beyond mere aesthetics, deeply influencing our emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Combined with other elements of aligned design, energy art can amplify the holistic benefits of a space, making it not just aesthetically pleasing but also spiritually enriching.

Get the Look

This Edesign I created of this beautiful bedroom is an example of expansion. This bedroom is relaxing, yet happy and inspiring. It brings the outside in. It is eco-friendly. It provides a  calm and relaxing retreat or sanctuary to spend time in front of the fire with your special someone. This design could be for a homeowner, or for a business if you had a hotel or Bed and Breakfast. It is also a beautiful example of how a bedroom could be staged if you were selling the home. In each case, it shows an example of a better life and appeals to people’s emotions.

Aligned Design

My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors. These are art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.

Interior design is not just about arranging beautiful furnishings or picking attractive colors; it’s a blend of art, science, and energy.

• Art: This is the creative aspect we often associate with interior design. It includes selecting furniture, decor, lighting, and architectural details to create a cohesive and appealing space tailored to one’s lifestyle.
• Science: This brings a higher dimension to design, especially when considering color. Instead of just relying on personal preference, using color science ensures that the hues in a space not only look good but also evoke the desired emotions. Furthermore, understanding eco-friendly and sustainable design options means creating spaces that are both beautiful and responsible.
• Energy: This is about making deeper connections. It’s tying the design to personal stories, aspirations, and the surrounding environment, including elements of Feng Shui and biophilia. When a space resonates on this level, it elevates the overall experience from just being in a room to feeling truly connected to it.

In essence, a truly transformative space considers all these pillars holistically, aligning them perfectly to create magic in design.

Are You Ready to Create Expansion in Your Life?

Are you ready for your house to look great, feel great and support you to be great? Let’s get started with an Aligned Design consultation today.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

Become a Money Magnet

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Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

I am so glad you are here.I get it.

After potentially spending more time than usual at home in the last few years, have you found yourself yearning for a change? Perhaps you’ve felt your space is too cramped, cluttered, or simply doesn’t resonate with your tastes anymore.

Amidst ambitions of career growth, health, and nurturing relationships, our surroundings can often take a backseat. Yet, they hold profound influence over our well-being. In times of uncertainty, refining our living spaces can provide a semblance of control and positivity.

It’s time to prioritize our living environment. Making even small changes can be a refreshing step towards creating a harmonious sanctuary that supports all aspects of your life.

Are you open to embracing change? Personally, during times when the world feels chaotic, I find solace in cleaning, decluttering, organizing, and redecorating. Enhancing my living environment brings a sense of control and stability to my life.

Have you realized how important living in a great space is to your well-being?

While you have a keen eye for decor and a passion for design, do you ever feel like things just aren’t falling into place? Perhaps you’ve collected beautiful pieces over the years, but your space doesn’t feel cohesive. Maybe the task of selecting the right paint shade leaves you overwhelmed, or decluttering seems like a monumental task. Over time, instead of getting better, does it feel like your decor challenges are amplifying?

You’re not alone; I’ve walked in those shoes too.

I faced those challenges as well. Picking colors used to be a source of frustration for me until I became a certified color strategist and delved into the world of color science. Designing a home that truly resonated with me was a struggle before I embraced the role of a designer and learned more about how everything is energy.

In my personal transformation journey, I realized how design nourishes who we want to be so we can live our best lives.  I delved more deeply into how Feng Shui and Biophilia can connect our homes to nature to create positive, healthy energy in our spaces. To learn more about personal transformation, check out the Jim Fortin podcast.

We all spend more time at home than almost anywhere else. Living in a place that we love, that reflects us, nourishes our spirit, and supports our journey to be who we are meant to be is important!

After all, the world needs us.

The better we are, the more we can contribute to the world. A beautiful, colorful, and energetically aligned home is the perfect environment to make that happen.

My Aligned Design philosophy aligns Art, Science, and Energy to make magic happen in your home and life.

I believe in creating beautiful, colorful homes that look and feel great and energetically enhance your life.

When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better.

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?

I assume if you have read this far, you are serious about making a change you know will make you happy.

Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

Aligned Design- All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

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Essential Elements for a Beautiful Stage or Design.

Recently I took a dance class called From Practice to Professional Presentation with professional dancer and instructor Helia Bandeh.

This class discussed essential elements to create a beautiful stage or background to highlight your dance performance on a stage or video. She discussed decor, lighting, and costumes.

So many things related to creating your perfect space with Interior Design! This article focuses on decor.

Some critical factors related to set decoration included:

• • • The dancer is part of the stage environment.  There needs to be a visual balance between the dancer and the background. Consider how the dancer looks compared to the background based on the colors she is wearing, how large or small she appears compared to the background, or how interesting she might be in context. For example, if you are dancing in front of the Taj Mahal, will people be looking at you or the building?
    • Eliminate visual disparity between the dance and the background. For example, don’t perform a dance about a love story in a Catholic Church with the cross behind the dancer. A background in nature would be more appropriate.
    • Interactive elements in the decor add dimension to the performance (such as a chair or flowers). 
    • Removing distracting elements is more important than adding supporting elements. If you are doing a Persian dance on a stage filled with chords, speakers, signs, and more, adding some Persian decorations only makes it worse, not better. It is essential to neutralize the stage and removing unneeded things first, then add decoration if it highlights the dance. Otherwise, the audience looks at everything, not just the dancer, and in essence, sees nothing but distractions.

For example, above, we are performing an Azeri Drum Dance. The room is brightly lit. The stage decor is permanently set up with a design specific to the Alaska Shriners. The background also has flags and other decorative items unrelated to the dance we are doing. The background colors do not go with our costumes and the lights do not highlight the dancers.

While the stage itself is pretty, there are a lot of distracting elements for the audience to look at that have nothing to do with, and do not enhance the dance performance.

By contrast, below I am performing a Qashqai scarf dance on a beautiful stage that perfectly shows off my dance, costume, and the scarves with it’s simplicity, colors and lighting.

How Does This Relate to Interior Design?

All these things relate, but in particular, this is key to creating a beautiful room.

• Removing distracting elements is more important than adding supporting elements.

The more time goes by,  I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.

It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.

Creating a Magical Stage

Let’s look at the three elements in stage design that help create a beautiful performance and see how they relate to that room you are designing.

We are Part of the Design

We are part of the design of our rooms and need to consider how we look and feel within them.

 For example, if navy blue makes me look old when I wear it, but I look beautiful in turquoise, I will not design my living room with navy blue because I will not look good surrounded by that color. And if I don’t look good, I will not feel good in the room.

Think about how you will look and feel in the room. After all, when you are in it, you will be the star of that show.

Eliminate Visual Disparity

Eliminating visual disparity is important. What is your personality and story? Are you being true to it and does it fit with the architecture of the building?

For example, are you a maximalist that loves to be surrounded by lots of things and color, creating that style in an ultra-modern space?

Or, are you trying to create an ultra-modern look in an ornate Victorian living room? The contrast might be interesting, but can you live with that visual disparity every day?

Some may call this eclectic, but even eclectic styles need a balance with one primary style.

There needs to be a connection between the architecture, style, and story you are portraying. Otherwise, it will always be distracting to the viewer.

Interacting with Your Design Elements

In design, we interact with almost all the elements in our spaces. It is critical to make sure elements such as furniture and decor are comfortable, support how we live, are beautiful to us, and there is not too much of it!

Do you enjoy interacting with everything, and like the touch, feel, smell, and comfort of your decor items?

Removing Distractions is More Important than Adding Supporting Details

Removing distracting elements is more important than adding supporting details, which will make or break a room.

If you have a room filled with clutter and distracting things, no amount of adding more of your favorite decorative elements such as art or pillows or knick-nacks will fix the problem.

The most important thing is to neutralize the “stage” and eliminate all the unnecessary elements first. Then begin adding layers until you have created the effect you want. Otherwise, you and everyone else using the room will only see the distraction

Neutralize First

The first step in creating a beautiful stage or a room is to neutralize it first by removing distractions. Once that is done, then you can add meaningful decor items to create the perfect background for your performance or your perfect space.

A problem I often see, is when people have too many distractions in their room, usually in the form of clutter.  The room may also have too much decor or furniture. They think that adding beautiful decor items will fix the problem, and create the look they want. 

It does not work.

The key is remove the distractions first, then add decor to get the look you want.

In the example below the focal point of the room is the art. To make it stand out as much as possible, the rest of the room was designed with neutral colors.

In a similar way, a neutral background on a stage could highlight a dancer in a purple dress and her beautiful movements without distractions. 

This design highlights my fractal art, “A Passion for Purple” which you can purchase at my studio on Society 6.

Before you start decorating, take everything out of the room you really don’t need, neutralize things as much as possible and then add on your layers.

Learn More

To learn more, see some other articles in this series:

I Learned to All my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Every Part Must Play Its Part.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- We all Hear Music Differently.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful.

You might also enjoy my series on lessons I learned about Interior Design from dancing:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing: The Magic of Transitions.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : Surprise Me.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

Are You Ready to Create Your Masterpiece?

Now that you know some of the elements that work together to create your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home? If you knew absolutely for certain that creating a perfect space would create a better life for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

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This page contains affiliate links.

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 info@northernlightsstaging.com

I learned to solve all my Interior Design problems by dancing.

It’s true. Doesn’t matter what type of dancing. Belly dancing, Persian dancing, salsa, and more. There are lessons there. And, it is a lot more fun to learn them dancing than in a classroom

Art Is Guided by the Same Principles

The older I get, the more I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.

And sometimes that includes feeling the principles in how you move your body and express yourself.

It always seems to come back to this alignment between art, science, and energy that I combine when I am creating a perfect space for myself or you.

Interconnectedness of Dance and Design

There are lots of connections between dancing and designing a room. 

1. Movement & Flow: Just as in dance, where fluidity and grace are key, a well-designed space should enable ease of movement and a harmonious flow between its different parts.

2. Balance & Symmetry: Whether it’s balancing your weight on one foot during a pirouette or ensuring that the furniture in a room is symmetrically arranged, the concept of equilibrium is pivotal in both realms.

3. Emotion & Expression: A dance is more than just steps; it’s about expressing emotion. Similarly, a room is not just furniture and walls; it’s about conveying a mood or sentiment.

4. Attention to Detail: In dance, every hand movement, every facial expression matters. In design, it’s the same – from the color of the throw pillows to the texture of a rug, every choice contributes to the whole.

5. Rhythm: As in dance, rhythm in design can be established by repeating patterns, colors, or shapes, creating a visual tempo that guides the eye.

6. The Spotlight: Just as a dancer uses the focal point on stage to captivate the audience, so does an interior designer use a centerpiece or focal point to draw attention in a room.

7. Adaptability: Dancers adjust to the music, the space, the partner. Similarly, a good interior designer adjusts to the constraints of a space, the needs of the client, and the available resources.

 I get inspired by dance and apply it to art and design.  It’s a testament to the universal language of art and creativity and how understanding one form can inspire creativity in another.

Solving Design Dilemmas

So what do I mean I learned to solve all my Interior Design problems by dancing? There are so many ways and examples, 

such as how to mix styles.

Mixing Styles

Merging dance styles isn’t about merely mashing two forms together; it’s about putting them together in a manner that feels organic and new while still respecting their origins.

Let’s draw a parallel to interior design:

Imagine if you’re merging two distinct design styles, say, mid-century modern with rustic. Here’s how this dance choreography analogy can be applied:

1. Understand the Base Style: Just as in choreography, it’s vital to understand the core essence of your primary design style. If mid-century modern is your predominant style, recognize its key features: clean lines, organic curves, and functional form.

2. Introduce Elements from the Secondary Style: Now, take elements from the rustic design: raw wood, handmade items, and weathered materials, and incorporate them in a way that complements the mid-century modern vibe.

3. Maintain Essence: While adding the rustic elements, it’s crucial to maintain the essence of the mid-century modern style. It’s not about cluttering the space with mismatched items but choosing elements that augment the primary style.

4. Fusion, Not Confusion: The goal is to create a cohesive look that feels fresh and unique but still rooted in its origins. Every choice should be deliberate and not just a random addition.

5. Telling a New Story: The merged style should narrate a new tale, one that carries the legacies of both styles but stands on its own.

In the same way, a choreographer uses movement to weave a story that fuses two dance styles, an interior designer can blend elements to create a space that sings a fresh, harmonious song of its own.

The beauty lies in the balance, in understanding the essence, and in ensuring the fusion creates something novel while staying true to its roots.

Eclectic Versus Fusion

For example, I see dancers that want to do a belly dance/flamenco fusion. They do some classical belly dance moves, then some flamenco moves, and then back to belly dance. They alternate the twor recognizable elements and assume because they are together in one piece, they have created a “fusion” of styles. Really, it is just a bunch of moves mixed together.

It reminds me of what many people do in a room and they call it “eclectic”. That is an elegant way of saying, “I threw a bunch of things together that are unrelated into a room with no plan or story”.

A real dance artist will know the classical Egyptian moves and feeling well, and also the flamenco. They will notice where moves are similar in their feeling, flow, intention. They will naturally notice where a move of one style could “go with the flow” and move into something from the other style seamlessly and beautifully, creating a new “move” in the process, different from the 2 separate moves that inspired it.

They know the rules of both styles enough to break them and create something even more powerful by doing so.

Making Magic with a True Fusion of Styles

True fusion, be it in dance, design, or any other art form, is about creating a harmonious blend where the result is a beautiful and novel offspring of its parent elements, rather than just a juxtaposition.

1. Superficial Fusion vs. Deep Fusion: In the dance example, merely alternating between belly dance and flamenco is superficial fusion, much like putting different styles of furniture in a room without a connecting theme. It lacks depth and intention.

2. Understanding the Essence: True fusion requires a deep understanding of both styles. It’s about recognizing the essence of each and finding places where they want to combine naturally. Like noticing the rhythmic footwork in both flamenco and certain belly dance styles and blending them to create a novel movement.

3. The Narrative: Every dance tells a story. The same goes for a well-designed room. This narrative gets lost when styles are jumbled together without thought. But when fused with understanding, they tell a compelling tale that carries the flavor of both, but the uniqueness of something new.

4. Breaking Rules Creatively: Knowing rules well means you can break them intentionally, not accidentally. It’s the difference between creating a masterpiece and making a mess. A dancer or designer who understands both styles can take risks, pushing boundaries to create something revolutionary.

5. The Emotional Connect: Beyond moves or objects, both dance and design are about evoking emotion. A true fusion evokes feelings that resonate with both styles but also elicits something new.

Whether it’s dance or Interior Design, true fusion is an art. It’s not about mere combination but integration. The resultant creation should not only reflect its parent styles but should also stand on its own, captivating and novel.

The Art of Mixing Styles in Dance

In my choreographies, I frequently delve into the realm of fusion, an artful blending of different dance styles. For example, I united contemporary and ancient forms, by pairing modern silk butterfly wings with the ancient art of Persian Miniature dance.

Persian Miniature dancing is a classical tradition where dancers animate the pages of ancient paintings.

My dance weaves a tale of metamorphosis of a person from innocent childhood to the wisdom of old age, conveying a narrative of resilience, growth, and beauty, much like the emergence of a butterfly from its cocoon with a modern design element to help tell the story.

That is the artistry, the magic, the creative force that makes something beautiful. It is the unique expression of the dancer. It tells their story. No one else can do that.

Use that same artistry to create your perfect space, which is a unique expression of you. It is the dance or alignment of  creativity, color and connection that tells your story.

The Art of Mixing Styles in Design

I am personally drawn to creating what I call “Modern Global” style—a unique blend that echoes a simplified and more elegant version of Bohemian style, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors, intricate textures, artistry, and eco-conscious sensibilities of diverse cultures such as Morocco, India, Turkey, Mexico, and Greece, among others. These designs are inherently tied to nature, evoking the myriad hues and rhythms of the great outdoors.

This style marries the vibrancy, artistic flair, and resonance of Global Style with the elegant simplicity of modern design. It’s a harmonious dance between the two: exuding elegance, and highlighting art, celebrating curves and an organic fluidity.

In essence, “Modern Global” is a curated symphony of the world’s artistic treasures, distilled through a contemporary lens.

The understanding of mixing styles I gained as a dancer helps me get to know and express your story and style, as we are all unique.

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?

Are you ready to tell your unique story and find the alignment of all the things you love that will create the perfect space for you? Enlist the help of an expert to take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

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Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

Transitions Make Magic Happen

Its the moments between the moments, the transitions, where the real magic happens.

Every dance is made up of a series of moves, but how a dancer goes from one move to the next shows what they are made of and creates the flow of the whole performance.

What happens in that space between the moves? I bet you never thought of that. 

Is it like watching a slide show, where you see one picture, and then the next and the next?  Or is it like a film or video where the transition between moves is seamless so you do not notice any break in the action?

And is it truly a work of art, where each transition is just as beautiful as the move that came before and what comes next?

The most amazing dancers put their hearts and souls into the transitions! Take a photo during any part of it and it will be a beautiful moment.

The transition leads the audience from one part of the dance to the next, telling the story in such a way that nothing breaks the magic.

Even in moments where there seems to be a pause, the energy continues to flow and move, pointing o what is coming next.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

How does this relate to Interior Design, you wonder? Well, transitions play a pivotal role in weaving the enchantment, whether on the dance floor or within your living space. Welcome to Part 9 of my insights, drawn from my experiences in dance, on the art of crafting your ideal environment.

As I grow older, I’ve come to realize the profound interconnections that exist within the realm of artistic expression. The very principles that underpin the mesmerizing beauty of dance are equally applicable to the realm of Interior Design, or indeed, any other form of artistic endeavor. All it takes is a discerning eye, an attentive ear, and a receptive heart to uncover these shared truths.

It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.

Learn more in some of my other articles:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : Surprise Me.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

How Do Transitions Relate to Interior Design?

Ever walked into a house and instantly felt a sense of tranquility, with each room flowing seamlessly into the next? Conversely, have you ever felt slightly overwhelmed or uneasy, unable to pinpoint why, while navigating another home? This feeling often hinges on the art of transitions.

Transitions are the bridges between distinct spaces. They manifest in entryways, hallways, staircases, and even doorways leading to different rooms. Beyond the indoors, a window offering a view of the outdoors acts as a transition, merging the external and internal environments.

Within rooms, transitions might be found between separate seating arrangements or areas dedicated to diverse functions. Think of them as choreography in the dance of interior design, guiding your movement and experience.

Harmony emerges when there’s a purposeful connection between these spaces. Whether it’s through congruent colors, shapes, textures, or other design elements, these transitions create an interwoven tapestry of design that pleases the senses and soothes the soul.

Creating Beautiful Transitions

Enhancing transitions within your home’s decor is effortlessly achieved through the strategic use of color.

A clever approach involves selecting a consistent color that appears in each room, even if it serves as a subtle accent in some spaces while taking center stage in others. This establishes a unifying thread throughout your home.

Alternatively, you can experiment with varying shades of the same color or opt for a monochromatic color scheme that spans your entire living space.

Another effective method is to designate a primary color as the foundation for your interior palette, with all other rooms harmonizing with this chosen hue. This way, your home’s color schemes work together seamlessly, creating a sense of cohesion, whether you’re employing complementary, triadic, diadic, or other color schemes.

Transitions from Outdoors to Indoors

The entryway of your home carries immense significance, particularly if your home serves as your place of business. It’s the initial point where visitors form impressions about your residence and, by extension, you as the owner. This impression is shaped by various factors, including the exterior aesthetics, colors, landscaping, surroundings, neighborhood, and the design and color of your front door.

For this Bed and Breakfast, the flow between the exterior and interior is not working well.

While the exterior boasts a vibrant dark teal blue complemented by a striking hot pink door, the interior’s existing paint palette hasn’t been updated to match.

Then you enter and experience the transition to the interior. Do they go together?  How does it feel?

The entryway is painted in a shade of blue, which works well since it belongs to the same hue family as the exterior color. However, when you peer through the doorway, you transition from the yellow living room with its assorted accents of rust and blue into the red kitchen

The yellow walls aren’t a major issue because yellow stands opposite to blue on the color wheel, making them complementary. However, the presence of red clashes with the teal.

The most straightforward solution is to repaint the kitchen. It could be refreshed with a neutral white, a similar yellow, or perhaps a shade of blue or green that harmonizes better with the exterior color. Furthermore, a makeover is in order to modernize the entire area and bid farewell to the outdated 1990s faux painting.

Just envision the welcoming atmosphere that would greet you upon entering.

Transitions Between Rooms

Transitions happen in every space where there are entrances and sightlines into adjacent rooms, regardless of whether it’s an open concept or not, as seen in the previous example.

In the illustration below, you’ll notice that the two rooms share a similar color palette. They both feature the same wall color, and there are resemblances in the colors of the bed, rug, and pillow in comparison to the living room pillow.

I could change the wall color or the bedroom to an off white or gray, which still ties in to colors in the living room and the transition is still beautiful.

Or, I could pick a clashing color that may look nice in the bedroom, but in the context of the transition between rooms does not work as with this green.

Transitions between the Outside and Inside

Another important transition is between the outside and inside. Wherever you have windows with views you want to highlight, the transition is important and can often be the focal point of the room. Find similarity in colors and patterns you see outside and bring them into your interior in your art, decor or wall colors.

For example, in the bedroom below, the whole design is based on the view and the colors of ocean and sky. To create the smooth transition from outdoors to indoors, and make the room feel one with the outdoors, the color of the wall, bed, bedding, furnishings and even my custom designed fractal art all were harmonious with the colors  and patters of the outdoors.

In the design below, the colors of the forest, sky,

and trees were used in the furnishings, pillows and rug.

Get the Look

See some of my energy art in the designs above on Society6 and Fine Art America.

“Icefield” and “Arctic Night” by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

“Watercolor” fractal art collection by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. 

Are You Ready to Create Beautiful Transitions in Your Home?

Knowing the elements that craft your ideal space, are you prepared to bring that vision to life in your home? If you were certain that the perfect environment would elevate your life, you’d jump at the chance, right?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

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Want a beautiful house? The key to success is to make a plan! Figure out what you need to create the design you want, and if it fits in your budget before you buy a single thing!

Make a Plan

You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with a plan!

Often, people start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together. This may not work because the styles or colors may not fit well together, or they may end up buying too many colors and patterns because they have no unifying theme to work toward.

Sometimes homeowners select finishes such as flooring and counter tops and get excited and rush into other aspects such as painting and selecting furniture without thinking it all through. I get it, once you start, it’s hard to pause because you just want to see the end result!

To get an end result that will make you happy though , stop…., take time and make a plan first.

So how do you develop a great plan?

Start with your vision

Say you want to redo your master bedroom. Picture what your perfect master bedroom would look and feel like if you could have everything you want with no limitations.  What would make you happy? How would you feel in the space? What activities do you want to do in the space? What style is the space? Do you like to change things up on a regular basis and want future flexibility or do you want the space to stay the same for a long time? Once you have the ideal room in your mind, you can try to work with your space, budget and time to create something as close as possible to your dream room.

Develop a budget and timeline

For now, this just needs to be a realistic picture of how much money you are willing to spend and how much time are you willing to devote to get it done.

Determine what you have to work with

Fixed Finishes and Architectural Elements

Some things in your space like your fixed finishes may be “bossy” and can’t be ignored.  The size of the room and existing architectural features  such as your windows, doors, fireplace, counter tops etc. are unlikely to change and need to be considered. What colors are they?  How will they affect the color palette, layout and style of your design? Of course, part of your plan may be to change some of these things.

Furniture, Art, Accessories

Do you have things you love and want to highlight in the room? Maybe a piece of furniture or art that is an heirloom or has special meaning? A beautiful rug that you love and want to use? What are the sizes and colors are some of these items?

How will the Space Be Used?

What will you do in your space?  Who will be using it? Do you have children, pets or a significant other that you need to consider in selecting colors or finishes so they will like it too, and the finishes will stand up to the use?

What Needs to Change?

What do you have to or want to change? Do you need a paint job or new flooring? Don’t decide on your colors and materials just yet. Now, just identify that you need them, and come up with general ideas on materials you prefer such as carpeting vs hardwood flooring, or quartz vs marble countertops etc.

What Needs Replacing?

You know you hate your credenza and art  for example, and want to purchase something new. Create a general wish list for the new items, without deciding yet on the exact items.

Energy art can play a huge role in not only making your space beautiful but supporting you in being the person you want to be. See all my energy art at Fine Art America and let me guide you in how it can support you.

Select Your Color Palette

Color is key in pulling it all together, tying the bossy items together with the new items. A color strategist can measure the colors you have in your fixed finishes and inspiration pieces, and provide great recommendations for new flooring, countertops, paint colors, and furniture and accessories so it all works together. What order do you select everything in?

• If you are putting in new flooring or countertops, select these first.
• Select paint next. It is much easier to find a paint color to work with your flooring and countertops than the other way around. If you select a more neutral wall color, it can provide you with greater flexibility in the future to change colors in your rugs, pillows, and accent pieces

Check Your Budget

Check your budget. Are you still on track? Don’t forget to include labor and design costs. If not, where can you adjust.

Work in a Logical Order

• Do your remodeling-flooring, counter tops, painting.
• Develop a floor plan to arrange furniture around your focal points or highlight your inspiration pieces.
• Select new items last. Pick furniture, rugs, accessories that work with your vision, inspiration pieces and color palette.

Get Help With Your Plan

Developing a great plan can take some work and expertise. Try my Aligned Design consultation which considers design, color and energy to pull it all together so you get the end result you love and avoid costly mistakes.

Design is about more than just looks. Take this quiz.

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Every Part Must Do Its Part

Music is made of parts and every part is critical to making the magic happen. When they work together perfectly, then you have created a masterpiece!

All music has a structure. This usually includes a series of parts in order such as an introduction, a verse that is repeated several times with variations, a chorus or bridge that is different, and often the memorable highlight of the piece, a few more verses, and an ending. Often there are solos in the chorus.

All of these parts help build and tell the story and create something “delicious to the ears” as my drum teacher Amir likes to say.

Within the structure, there are more parts. These are the instruments, which layered together create a rich, delicious song for your ears. Eash has an important role to play in the final result.

The drums keep the rhythm for all the instruments. The bass is the bridge between the drums and the melodic instruments, playing both rhythm and melody. And there are several melodic instruments.

The melodic instruments usually take turns supporting each other with one or two playing the main role while the others back them up playing supporting roles or harmonies.

In the video below I created a 13 beat piece of music and played all the parts myself. Even as a one-woman band, I needed to make sure all the parts would work perfectly in harmony with the others and each supported the whole.

Mary Ann Benoit performing all the parts of her composition, For the Love of 13’s.

In many pieces, every instrument has a chance to be the star for a short time during a solo or by playing a more prominent part, while the others back them up. But, there should only be one star (at least at a time).

The magic happens because of the layers, which work in harmony for the greater good of the musical composition.  The collaboration creates something much more beautiful than any particular part or instrument on its own.

Even if all the instruments are the same, the layers of all working together to create one piece is magical.

Khoda, performed on Dafs and Frame Drums by students at Amir’s School of Music.

Yet, every part has a chance to shine. The piece needs just the right number of parts, no more or less.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

What does this have to do with Interior Design?

Your perfect space has a structure, tells a story, and is layered with pieces that all have their supporting roles and time to shine. When done in perfect harmony, that is when the magic happens.

This is Part 2 in my revelations from lessons learned from playing music on how to create your perfect space.

The older I get, the more I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.

It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.

To learn more, see Part 1, I Learned to All my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music.

You might also enjoy my series on lessons I learned about Interior Design from dancing:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing: The Magic of Transitions.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : Surprise Me.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

Intro, Verses, Chorus and Finale

Like a piece of music, your design also has a structure. You can think of it as an introduction, verses that lead to the dramatic chorus, more verses, and an ending.

As you enter the room, the flow to your focal point is like your introduction. All the supporting pieces that create the meat of the room and the story are like your verses. The focal point or main attraction is like your chorus or bridge and then you have an exit or end. All working together, tell the story of the room.

Play Your Part

Like instruments that each add a different sound and unique character to the music, your design parts include your flooring, furnishings, accessories, art, and lighting. They all need to coordinate and work together to create something more beautiful together than any individual part. The parts all have roles to play. If they are not contributing to a better “whole piece” than it may be “clutter” and should be removed.

Take a Solo

Musical compositions often allow the instruments to take a solo and have their time to shine while being supported by the other players.

Your art is often the focal point or soloist. Why not take a cue from music and change out your art to change the look and feel of your room from time to time. It creates a more interesting composition.

Here is an example of this same room (an Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design), with different art or “soloists”. See how the energy of the room changes by changing the art?

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_change_art.mp4

Playing with One Instrument or Many

One playing with a group of similar instruments, each piece still needs to add to the overall texture of the compositions in the Daf arrangement for Khoda above.

This neutral living room is an example of a musical piece with all the same instruments, due to the similar neutral colors. Each part stands out with its different patterns or textures to add to the final design.

This monochromatic and neutral design as the same feeling in that all the parts are very similar, but the subtle but interesting differences of the individual elements creates a beautiful layered final design.

In the Edesign below, all the parts are very different, as when you have a musical piece with many instruments. When the parts are so different, extra care must be taken to make sure all the parts work in harmony (such as with your color palette).

Are You Ready to Create Your Masterpiece?

Now that you know some of the elements that work together to create your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home? If you knew absolutely for certain that creating a perfect space would create a better life for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

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