At the end of a long day, what is nicer than having a beautiful space that you love to unwind and relax.

Kick back and enjoy a wonderful glass of wine with your family, friends, or just your amazing self.

So what do you need? Your perfect space and a perfect glass of wine.

Create Your Perfect Space

Let’s start with creating your perfect space. A place that feels like your sanctuary, tells your story, and gives you a feeling of comfort and relaxation as soon as you walk in.

As an example, I created this beautiful Bohemian style living room that celebrates jewel tones mixed with beautiful woods, soft denim. upholstered walls,  colorful global style rugs and pillows, unique artisan tables, one-of-a-kind art, and beautiful lighting.

Follow your heart’s desire!

Add vintage pieces, globally inspired textiles, and rugs, and display your collections of cool things found at markets. thrift stores and in your travels.

Add glamorous fabrics, lighting, and accessories. Anything goes if it makes you happy.

Bohemian style 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. Mix antiques 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.

For style elements, I created a mono-chromatic color scheme using denim blue for the relaxing feeling it evokes. I upholstered the walls with denim for a unique look. I mixed that with beautiful wood furniture and hardwood maple flooring to give an earthy and relaxed feeling that brings the outside in, mixed with my unique fractal art. I mixed different textures and styles with velvet, cotton, leather, wood, rattan, textured pottery and wool.

I mixed modern side chairs with a more rustic and ethnic coffee table and side tables. I mixed my modern computer fractal art with faux horn mirrors. The rug has a vintage look against the modern sofa and velvet side chair.

My design is more curated, and less is more.

I used this beautiful Kachina maple flooring from the Revel Woods Skyway Collection.

Named for the petroglyphs, this natural bridge in National Monument, Utah is the widest and youngest bridge in the park. The rich colors and variation of this natural maple floor are inspired by this natural bridge.

According to Revel Woods, “Perhaps the most important symbol of human ingenuity is the bridge. Whether it’s crossing a fast-moving river, or spanning a dangerous crevasse, a bridge makes these impossible tasks so simple we tend to take them for granted, yet there is a tremendous amount of science and technology that goes into each one. For our American Skyways Collection we looked to these engineering marvels for inspiration as we present a flooring collection that bridges the gap between traditional looks and modern technology. This collection is a very traditional look, but contains several technological advancements such as a bleeding-edge flex core technology to improve performance, as well as our new R-air finish, which neutralizes harmful compounds to create cleaner air in the space”.

My fractal art is called The Sea and is based on the beautiful colors and feeling of white caps on the ocean. The blues bring the outside in and create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. They work beautifully with the denim velvet upholstered walls.

Create Your Wine-Bar

Creating a small wine bar area is easy. Find a cabinet that you love that can store some of your favorite bottles of wine, and your favorite glassware, and a Plum Wine Dispenser! It does not need to take a lot of space.  The setup in your living room enables you to enjoy the perfect glass of your favorite wine in your favorite room, easily. And, it is a great place to entertain friends.

In this design, I used a cabinet with a combination of open and closed shelves with room for wine bottles, glasses, and a few decorative items, and of course the Plum Wine Dispenser. The Plum can sit on a countertop or can be built in to the wall. The focal point is the beautiful watercolor wallpaper mural that sets the space apart.

The Plum Wine Dispenser fits right on your countertop or wherever you choose to create your mini-bar.

It holds two bottles of wine and automatically preserves, chills, and serves any bottle by the glass.

Change the Look

Change the look with some different area rugs or paint colors. All of these could work.

Learn More about Bohemian and Global Style Design

I have written numerous articles on Bohemian style Interior Design and other Global Style you may like. Check out my articles and why not take my style quiz and see which style might be right for you!

Take the Quiz

Let’s Create Your Global Style Design

Are you ready for your house to go to the next level where your house looks great, feels great and supports you to be great? Imagine that. 

What’s it like when you are living in the perfect space for you?

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

Creating a space that envelops you in your vision of beauty and  color, while fine tuning the energy of your space to promote wealth, health, love and perfect self-expression aligns you with the universe, allowing you to live your best life so you can make a positive impact on the world.

Global style Interior Design is part of the art of great design and one of things you are really going to love about creating the perfect space for you.

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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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 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Most people would prefer to live in a beautiful home. They plan to get around to fixing up their ugly home someday. They are in no rush. But should you be? 

It is not just about the pretty. It is not just that a beautiful, healthy home looks and feels great and supports you in your journey to BE the person you want to be so you can live the life you dream of.

It is not just about the benefits of having a perfect space for you.

It is about the cost of not having one.

Why Should You Care?

We all need a place to decompress, recharge, rebuild, be inspired, relax, release stress and allow our bodies and minds to prepare for the next day.

While most of us would admit we wished our homes felt like a sanctuary, we know that it is not. Or if it is, maybe just one small area of it. 

Do you have areas for quiet? For study? For meditation? For working out? For reading? For contemplating your navel and the meaning of life?

Every day we do not have the ability to recharge and rebuild, we fall a little more behind, both mentally and physically.

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

Is Your Ugly Home Stuck in Another Time While You Have Moved On?

We all grow, change and evolve.

You are not the same person as you were five years ago. Does your space still look the same as it did then? Is it still really supporting you and who you are now?

Is Your Ugly House Stealing Your Sense of Well-Being?

If you are into the Wu-Wu stuff, a sense of well being is one of the highest states of mind we can achieve. Our space can support that. 

It can also stress us out. When we have too much clutter, or it can feel overwhelming. As I am sure you know, stress affects our emotional and physical health. Usually a lot more than we realize until it is too late. We say we just don’t have time to deal with the clutter and the mess and the updates.

Really, we don’t have time NOT to.

Is Your Ugly House Making You Sick?

I don’t mean are you sick of looking at it, haha! I mean is it physically making you sick because it is filled with synthetic materials emitting fumes and chemicals, from your flooring, rugs, furniture, paint, and more? Often we are so used to it we don’t realize how much better we would feel in a house that uses eco-friendly materials. Learn more in my article, Eco-Friendly Interior Design- Why it Matters.

Is Your Ugly Home Causing You to Not Take Care of Yourself?

We all need space and time to nourish and care for our physical, mental, and emotional needs. Does your home provide space to do that? Are you lacking a quiet comfortable place to read and learn, meditate, or work out? Does your bathroom feel like the perfect spa or like your college dorm? 

Self care is a habit that needs to be developed and your home can support that, or hinder it.

Does Your Ugly Home make you feel Dis-connected from your Surroundings?

One important aspect of our mental and physical well-being is feeling a connection to nature.   Biophilia, which translates to “love of life,” describes our connection with nature as a biologically driven need to interact with other life such as animals and plants. If our home is disconnected from nature, it can make us feel uncomfortable.  Learn more in my article, Feel Good with Biophilia, or The Colors of Summer- Bring the Outside In.

Does Your Ugly Home Have Bad Feng Shui?

Our feelings are influenced by our connection to the building, and the objects around us. The arrangement of things and how we interact with them make us feel good or bad and affect our health, wealth, and relationships. How does your space feel? Hope your feet are not facing the door when you sleep…..

Is Your Ugly Home Stealing Your Personal Growth?

Do you take time for getting to know yourself and for personal growth?  Is your house a comfortable and inspiring place to do that? If not, how much are you losing because of it? Where will you be in 6 months or a year from now? Not in the same place, but so much more behind because of lost opportunity.

Is Your Ugly Home the Enemy of Your Best Self?

Are you being your best self, so you can DO the things that create the life you want to HAVE? Is your space supporting the person you want to become, not just who you are now? If not, how much are you losing in your life that you could have? 

 If you are interested in transforming yourself, I highly recommend Jim Fortin’s Transformational Coaching Program, called TCP. It has been an ongoing journey and learning experience for me. You can read about my first round of this program in my article, Lose Weight, Quit Smoking, Get Healthy and Peaceful Without Pain.

Get on the Wait List for the next TCP Program.

Check out the Jim Fortin podcast to learn more.

Don’t Let Your Ugly House Steal YOur Happiness

As you can see, an ugly house, which you may not have thought was affecting you or being very important can have a big impact on your well-being. That adds up over time, day by day to big changes in how you feel about a lot of things. Take action.

Aligned Design

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

The “Energy” is all about connection and is what I described above in ways our perfect space can support us.

Connecting to yourself, your story, who you want to be and what you need in your space to support that journey (transformative design).  Connecting to the energy around you in and surrounding your home (Feng Shui) and to nature (biophilia). This connection creates another level of “feeling good” that is hard to put into words, but when you feel it in your space you will love that it is there.

The “Art”,  is the creativity of “Interior Design”, and includes beautiful furnishings,  decor, lighting, finishes, color and architectural details, all artfully arranged to look beautiful and function perfectly with our lifestyle.

The “Science”, is about using color science to take your color to the next level. Color has power and affects the way your design looks and how you feel. Science contributes knowledge and products for sustainable and eco-friendly designs that help you stay healthy and protect our planet.

It is important to consider all three together at the same time, as they all affect each other.

Your home is like your body, a system that works together. To be healthy, you need to consider all the parts as a whole. 

Start with an Aligned Design plan that considers the art, science and energy of your home together, and then implement as time and money allows.

Are You Ready to Transform Your Ugly House?

Imagine what that would feel like.

Just say Yes and let’s set up a consultation and get started.

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

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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Lighting is Magic

Yes you can make magic happen in your home with lighting!

Lighting is magic. Lighting can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels. You have probably heard that layering your lighting, and having three sources such as overhead lighting, table or floor lamps and task lighting is important. But what does that really mean and how does it look? And is that all you need to do to really get the look you are going for?  I find that lighting is a problem for many people when I do design consultations. For some reason, here in Alaska there are many homes that do not even have overhead lighting in the main living area. Many people do not have enough layered light sources. It can leave your room feeling uninspired, as well as make it difficult to do whatever tasks you want to do in your space.

Beautiful Lighting is Perfect for a Party

I recently created this Edesign which I thought would be a great example to show you what I mean when I say, “create magic with lighting”.

I wanted to create a room that would be perfect for an elegant adult Birthday party that could be used as a virtual background for Zoom events.

I created this room with a sideboard with the Birthday cake and other goodies as well as an area for wine and cocktails. The side tables are set with cocktail glasses and the coffee table with wine and cheese. Birthday presents are stacked on the floor near two of the chairs.

What do you want your light to highlight?

The design and colors were inspired by my fractal art, “Deep Purple” which I used over the sideboard. The paint color was selected to work with the art. I chose to create this room in a city and used modern furnishings. I would call this Modern Global Style.

Natural Daylight

My first render of the space was done in using natural day light.  Notice how the wall color looks, and how the accents for the party stand out, or should I say blend in, in the render.

Night Lighting- One Layer

I decided to try a night scene and play with the lighting to create a more “magical” atmosphere.  In this render, I only used overhead lighting. Notice the change in how the paint color appears (a little washed out). The rug colors also appear dull. Still, the party accents do not really stand out.

Night Lighting- 2 Layers

Next, I dimmed the overhead lights and I added light to the two lamps on the end tables so there was a second layer of light. This brought back a little of the richness of the paint color and a little more color to the rug. Still, the party accents do not really stand out.

Night Lighting- 5 Layers

Finally, I turned off some of the overhead lights, and made other brighter over the end tables and coffee table to highlight the food and other goodies.  I added accent lights over the art and sideboard to make them really stand out.  I added up lighting under the trees so they would sparkle. The additional layers of controlled and directed light showed off all the different colors of the paint and really made it come alive. I changed the color of light in the lamps to make it warmer.  And voila, magic!!

Here are some other views of the room. Notice how the lighting highlights different aspects of the party atmosphere.

In summary, to create a beautiful lighting plan for your room,  layer your lighting, control the lighting brightness, direction and color and add lighting to highlight the aspects of your room that are important such as your focal points and art.

Need Help with Your Design?

Are you getting ready for a special event or need help creating a little magic in your home? Try one of my Edesign services.my Aligned Design consultation or my coaching call.

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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.

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Being fearless with color can lead to incredible transformations in your home. Embrace colors, and you’ll be amazed at the transformation they can bring to the energy of your space.

Fear of getting it wrong often leads us to stick to safe options like white, gray, or beige. But here’s the thing:

1. Start Small: Test a bold color on a small wall or piece of furniture. It’s less commitment and gives you a feel for how the color works in your space.
2. Sample First: Before you commit, paint a small patch on paper that you can move around and look at in different lighting throughout the day.
3. Ask for Help: A color consultation with a professional color strategist can save you a lot of time and money and help you get it right the first time.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If a color makes you happy, chances are you will love the energy of the room every time you spend time there.
5. It’s Just Paint: Worst case scenario – you don’t like the result. It’s okay. You can always repaint.

Color is an opportunity to express yourself. Don’t let fear hold you back from creating a home that feels like you.

FEAR

Color Brings Joy

Your home should be a place that brings joy, and color is a powerful tool to create that feeling. Embrace the fear and go for it.

I am not saying that your walls should be wild and colorful, although that would be cool!

You could go wild and colorful in a small space.

Add Color in Accents

Your walls could be neutral and you could be brave with colorful accents, art or lighting!

Your walls don’t have to be bright. They could be pastel!

Play with Color Harmony

You colors could have lots of high contrast.

Your colors could be soothing and monochromatic.

They could be dark and comforting.

Invite Color from the Outside In

The could highlight the colors of the outdoors and bring the outside in.

Try No Color at All

You could even go dramatic with black and white!

Lose the Fear

Color should reflect what you love. Why let fear hold you back from exploring  new things?

Take the fear and uncertainty out of picking paint colors by relying on color science, rather than just using your eyes.

We all see things a little differently due to our vision. If we measure color and use color data, as well as our eyes, we can remove the guesswork, risk and fear.

Color science helps determine what colors work together perfectly because of their hue, chroma and values. Science helps solve color issues related to the light in your particular house. It brings your color to the level of extraordinary.

Are you ready to let go of fear? Think of how good you will feel to have extraordinary color in your home.

Aligned Design

My philosophy of Aligned Design, aligns art, science and energy in your space. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.

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

Your home is like your body, a system that works together to be healthy.

Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a holistic plan to create your perfect space.

Imagine what that would feel like.

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

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Mexican interiors are full of color, are welcoming, warm and there is often a sense of playfulness and whimsy. A mix of colorful, exotic Spanish and Indian handcrafted items and practical things add old world charm.

The furniture is made from solid wood or leather with designs from the Spanish and Mayan cultures. Most are made from pine, walnut and cherry. Sofas, beds and tables often have a rustic look. Rugs are usually hand woven and brightly colored. Multicolored cushions and geometrical patterns for the curtains are common.

Accessories are colorful and bright and include candles, vases and mirrors, painted wooden animal figurines, wall hangings, clay pottery, woven baskets, traditional masks and paintings.

Colors are bright. Red is common and Yellow is also used heavily in shades ranging from bright lemon yellow to deep earthy golds. Terracotta is common. Blues are commonly used in art and accessories.

Mexican style 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.

You can see that Mexico is a country that loves to celebrate rich colors! You have a lot to choose from.

Mexican style is an example of global style Interior Design. Global Style Interior Design is all about telling the story of your life and adventures through your decor. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter.  Treasures, old and new are displayed from various parts of the world and layered in a rich tapestry of color, texture, art and history.

Below is an example of an Edesign I created for an Mexican style living room using colors of some of the images above as inspiration.

Mexican Style Edesign

For style elements, I used South American rugs and pillows. leather furniture, wood and copper coffee and end tables, and rustic metal lighting.  I chose typical colors of Mexico including reds, terra cotta, gold and blue accents.

I added my Great Conjunction fractal art in reds and gold to highlight the colors of Mexicol

I selected some of my fractal art with a floral element called “Spring” in the green color of the flag for the walls.

Get the Look

To get the look, you could go all out and incorporate all the elements or you can add some key elements to your existing decor.

How is Mexican Style Different?

How is Mexican style different from other global styles?

The energy of Mexican interior design is vibrant, colorful, and rich in cultural heritage. It embodies warmth, a sense of community, and a celebration of life. The design often features bold patterns, traditional craftsmanship, and an appreciation for natural elements.

Learn more as we explore and compare a variety of global styles.

Check out my other articles on Bohemian,  Greek, Moroccan,  Turkish and Indian styles. Notice the differences in colors, textures, lighting, art etc. between these styles done in the same room.

By changing some of the elements in your existing design, you can work towards creating a certain global style. Or create a mix of elements for a more “Bohemian Style”.

For more ideas on Mexican style see my blog article on Get the Look- Mexican Style where I created an Edesign for a colorful and exotic living room.

Let’s Create Your Global Style Design

Are you ready for your house to go to the next level where your house looks great, feels great and supports you to be great? Imagine that. 

What’s it like when you are living in the perfect space for you?

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

Creating a space that envelops you in your vision of beauty and color, while fine-tuning the energy of your space to promote wealth, health, love, and perfect self-expression aligns you with the universe, allowing you to live your best life so you can make a positive impact on the world.

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

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Retirement is a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Many retirees choose to move to a new home during this time, whether it’s downsizing to a smaller space or moving closer to family and friends. Adjusting to a new home after retirement can be challenging, but with a few tips and tricks from Northern Lights Home Staging and Design, you can quickly and happily settle into your new space.

Before You Move In

Now is the perfect moment to consider the colors for your new space and how they will harmonize with your belongings. If you are considering repainting, doing so before you unpack can save you significant time and effort. To set yourself on the right track, why not consider a color consultation? Expert guidance on paint colors can make a world of difference. The right colors will seamlessly blend with the existing fixed finishes of your new home to complement your belongings and ensure that your new space becomes a true reflection of your style and personality.

Enlist Help for Unpacking

Unpacking can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve accumulated a lot of belongings over the years. Enlisting the help of family and friends or hiring professional movers can make the process much more manageable. Having a plan for unpacking, such as prioritizing essential items and organizing by room, can also help you feel more in control of the process.

Personalize Your Living Space

Buying new items for your new home can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, allowing you to personalize your living space and make it feel more like your own. When shopping for new items, be sure to read in-depth product reviews from unbiased sources to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Consider investing in items that will improve your quality of life, such as comfortable furniture, high-quality bedding, and kitchen appliances.

If you’re not sure where to start, contact Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. They can help you to make great choices to make your new place feel like home.

Set Up Your Bedroom First

Your bedroom is where you’ll spend a good portion of your time, so it’s essential to set it up first. This will give you a comfortable and familiar place to rest and recharge after a long day. Be sure to prioritize items such as your bed, nightstands, and lamps, and take the time to personalize the space with items that bring you joy.

Investing in high-quality bedding can transform your sleeping experience and make your new home feel more comfortable and inviting. Opt for a two-sided duvet in designs that you can change according to your mood. You can also find high-quality cotton sheets that are soft and breathable.

Make a Few Updates

While you probably don’t want to go into full renovation mode right after moving, you may want to make a few improvements once you’re settled in. Updating window coverings can give a room a fresh, new look while also changing the amount of light in your living space.

You may also want to update a few appliances to ensure they are energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Refrigerators can be a big draw on your energy needs, so put that one at the top of your list to consider. Also, upgrading your range hood can decrease the amount of cooking smells that permeate your kitchen and home. If you have an older one, look into upgrading.

Add Some Personal Touches

Incorporating personal touches into your new home can help you feel more connected to the space and make it feel like your own. Displaying family photos, hanging artwork, or showcasing your collection of books are just a few ways to personalize your new home. By incorporating these sentimental items, you can create a warm and inviting space that feels like home.

Protect Your Investment with a Home Warranty

If you’ve recently moved into a new home, it would be wise to consider investing in a home warranty. A home warranty can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case any unexpected repairs are needed on home appliances, systems, or major components.

Unlike homeowner’s insurance, which typically only covers damages caused by natural disasters, a home warranty can cover everyday wear and tear on items such as your refrigerator, air conditioning unit, or plumbing systems. With all the uncertainties that come with moving and homeownership, this deserves a look. A good warranty can provide this extra layer of protection, which is a small price to pay for the potential peace of mind.

Meet Your Neighbors

Meeting your neighbors is an excellent way to start feeling connected to your new community. Take the time to introduce yourself and get to know your neighbors. You can also attend community events or join local clubs or organizations to meet like-minded individuals and become involved in your new community.

Explore Your Surroundings

Exploring the area around your new home is a great way to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and find new places to enjoy. Take a walk through local parks, visit nearby museums, or try new restaurants to get a better understanding of your new location. By taking advantage of unique opportunities in your new community, you can create new experiences and make lasting memories.

Join Community Groups

Joining community groups is an effective way to meet new people, form friendships, and become an active part of your new community. There are several options to choose from, such as fitness groups, book clubs, or volunteer organizations like Rotary, that can help you stay engaged and active during your retirement years. Consider joining one of these groups to expand your social circle and add more joy to your daily life.

Make a Smooth and Enjoyable Transition

Adjusting to a new home after retirement can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can quickly and happily settle into your new space. Setting up your bedroom, adding personal touches, and exploring your new neighborhood are all excellent ways to make the most of your retirement and enjoy your new home.

This article was written by Suzie Wilson of  Happier Home for Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?

Get your home set up to be perfectly aligned with who you are with and Aligned Design consultation.

Learn more about Global style design in my article, Tell Your Story with Global Style Interior Design.  Curious about what Global Style might be right for you? Take the quiz below. Ready to try to get the look in your own home? Try one of my Edesign packages.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

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Prices subject to change without notice.

Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.

Paying for College by Flipping Houses

If you’re an adult looking to head back to school, expect to pay through your nose for it: A college education will set you back anywhere from $10,423 to $39,723 in most places. Flipping houses is a potentially fast, convenient way to save up the money you need for college. An average flip takes 177 days (close to 5 months), according to an ATTOM report, with a typical gross profit of $64,900 – which is enough for your tuition and then some.

If you’re interested in house flipping, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design offers some tips on getting started.

Getting into the right mindset

House flipping takes time, money, and patience. There will be challenges, ranging from absentee contractors to market downturns. It’s important to have a practical, committed mindset if you’re serious about making money from flipping. You’ll have to treat it as an investment, build up your skills, create a reliable team, and focus on growing a business.

Finding fixer-uppers with good potential

To turn a significant profit, you have to be discerning with your fixer-upper. First, consider the property’s location. You want something in a desirable neighborhood with, preferably, rising property values. Ask yourself if you’d want to live there, and why. Second, consider your fixer-upper’s condition. Factor in any repairs or upgrades you’re going to have to make to it.

Getting a mortgage

Purchasing a fixer-upper and upgrading it will require a significant amount of money. Some flippers purchase houses through hard cash while others do it through financing options like loans. Some examples are the FHA, VA Renovation Loan, and HomeStyle Renovation. Non-mortgage options include zero-percent credit cards, personal loans, and a home equity line of credit.

Improvements to attract buyers

Adding functional and aesthetic upgrades to your fixer-upper can make it more attractive to buyers, netting you a bigger profit at the end of the day. Some examples are adding a fresh layer of paint, modifying the washroom, adding smart home accessories, and setting up a security system. Again, it’s important you think about whether any upgrade is worth it. The Balance covers some upgrades that are not worthwhile.

Marketing your property is essential if you want to find buyers. Know your ideal buyers and target your marketing toward them. Also, price your property based on what your buyers can afford. Be sure to feature high-quality photos or videos of the property to give them an idea of the fixer-upper. Working with a good realtor can help raise your property’s profile. You can also conduct social media and other ad campaigns to cast a wider net.

Professional staging can help your property stand out

Staging a property is prepping it to make it look extra pretty for visitors during viewings. To stage a home, you clean, declutter, furnish (or refurnish), change up the lighting, add decoration, and make other changes to make it as attractive as possible. Working with Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design can be well worth it. She has the experience as well as an eye for what makes a home extra attractive.

You can opt for online education too

Online programs are an option if you’d like to learn while you work on growing your business. Furthermore, online programs are more affordable than in-person learning, and you can typically learn at your own pace. If you’d like to house flip full-time, you could do so while keeping up with your studies. For example, going back to school and earning an online teaching degree can help you obtain a teaching license.

Managing documents for your house-flipping business

You can expect a great deal of paperwork when you get into house flipping. If you’d like to store or share files, PDFs are often the preferred format over Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. This deserves a look if you want an online tool that allows you to convert these types of files to PDFs by simply dragging and dropping them into the tool.

House flipping can be very lucrative, and a lot of fun as well. Like with any other business or side gig, it will take some time for you to see any returns – meaning it could be a while before you have enough for college. For better chances of success, make sure to run the numbers before investing any money into a fixer-upper.

This article was written by Suzie Wilson of  Happier Home for Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Marketing Your Property for Profit.

After all your hard work, make sure you get the most from your sale with home staging.  I can help you sell fast and for more, wherever you live.

Offer your buyers a great tip on getting their new home set up   with an Aligned Design consultation which combines color and design advice and can even create some custom art and decor for  your new home.

Learn more about Global style design in my article, Tell Your Story with Global Style Interior Design.  Curious about what Global Style might be right for you? Take the quiz below. Ready to try to get the look in your own home? Try one of my Edesign packages.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.