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. This is Part 3 on my revelations from dancing, on how to create a drama with shapes

As I mentioned in my first article, 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.

Create Drama With Shapes

In the world of dance, the stage is our canvas, and every motion crafts a distinct shape. Each sweep of an arm, twist of a leg, or expression on the face traces lines that stretch, not just within the confines of the dancer’s form, but resonate outward into the encompassing space. These movements send forth energy, akin to an artist painting ethereal images in the air. While invisible to the eye, these ‘paintings’ weave a tangible tapestry of emotions palpable to both the performer and the audience.

When props like silk veils come into play, they amplify this visual drama, offering a tangible manifestation of the energy being channeled, extending the dancer’s presence even further.

These lines and shapes we create can be varied: straight or sinuous, brief or elongated, crafting patterns like circles or figure eights, spanning horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally.

It’s crucial for a dancer to utilize the stage’s entirety, ensuring a multi-dimensional dance landscape that traverses height, depth, and breadth. This dynamic spatial exploration is key to capturing an audience’s attention.

However, the beauty lies in balance. While diversity in movements adds intrigue and drama, cohesion is paramount. It’s the delicate dance between variety and unity that captivates. If you’re sketching the air with curvaceous lines, own that narrative. In essence, dance with intent, and let every motion echo the core theme you’ve chosen.

Creating drama by creating shapes in dance and Interior Design.
Dancing a slower Persian dance at the Seward Music and Arts Festival.

For example, a slow, beautiful dance will likely be filled with curves that move fluidly from one move to the next without stopping. There may be an occasional straight line such as a head slide here and there, but they are just dramatic accents.

Dancing to a drum solo may be filled with both verticle and horizontal lines, with lots of up and down motions and slides of the head, arms, chest, and hips. You might add a chest or hip circle or figure 8 every once in a while, more as a contrast that accentuates the straight lines by comparison.

The shapes help tell your story and give your dance…or your room…. drama, movement, and energy.

Creating drama by creating shapes in dance and Interior Design.
Me performing with silk poi scarves at the Seward Music and Arts Festival. Notice how you can see the shapes you draw with your arms and hands with the scarves.
Creating drama by creating shapes in dance and Interior Design.
Mary Ann Benoit and Doreen Valadez dancing at the Seward Music and Arts Festival.

Create Drama with Shapes in Your Space

The same concepts apply to Interior Design. Consider what shapes appeal to you. Lots of curves give the room softness, a more feminine look, and are more characteristic of global and vintage styles. Straight lines tend to be more sleek, modern, minimalistic, and masculine.

Creating drama by creating shapes in dance and Interior Design.
Modern global style Edesign and “Phoenx Rising” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Straight Lines

Straight lines tend to give a  room a more sleek, modern, and masculine feel. Notice how the lines in the windows create a feeling of movement up and down, yet also create interesting angular shadows.

See the Beauty of the World in Shades of Orange
Mexican style Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Below, the straight lines in the rug create a sense of dramatic movement and energy.

Curves

This design uses curves as the theme in the art, lamps, and bed frame details. The room has a more relaxed, feminine, global style look and feel.

Regenerate Energy Art and Edesign.
Modern global style Edesign and “Regenerate” energy art by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Modern global style Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Mixing it Up

In this example, I mixed it up by using primarily curved lines in the windows and art but with the addition of straight lines in some of the accents, like the pillows.. While this mixture feels a little more balanced and neutral in terms of masculine and feminine energy to me, it feels more relaxed, with less of a sense of movement that some of the other rooms had. It feels more “still”.

Turkish style Edesign and energy art, “Heart of Turkey” by Mary Ann Benoit, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

In this Greek Style design with energy art, there are a variety of straight and curved lines in the furniture, art and accessories.

Ultimately, the amount of drama, movement, and excitement you want in your space is personal taste.  The type of lines you draw in space with all the objects in the room affect the energy, and how you will feel using the space.

Other Ways to Create Drama with Shapes

Incorporating various shapes in interior design is a potent tool to infuse drama and transform a room’s energy. Shapes can dictate the mood, flow, and visual interest of a space. Here’s how to harness their power:

  1. Play with Scale: Oversized shapes, whether it’s a large round mirror, a massive rectangular artwork, or an expansive oval rug, can instantly become a dramatic focal point in a room.
  2. Contrast Shapes: Juxtaposing geometric with organic shapes can create a dynamic tension. A square coffee table against a curvilinear sofa, for instance, offers visual intrigue.
  3. Layer Textures: The shape of a texture, like the pattern on a geometric rug layered beneath a circular table, can add depth and energy to a space.
  4. Architectural Drama: Consider adding bold architectural elements like archways, dome ceilings, or multi-level platforms.
  5. Bold Patterns: Geometric patterns on wallpapers, tiles, or fabrics can bring in vibrancy and movement. Consider herringbone floors or hexagonal backsplashes.
  6. 3D Elements: Introduce 3D geometric elements, such as floating hexagonal shelves or sculptural furniture pieces, to break the two-dimensional plane.
  7. Varied Lighting: Shapes aren’t just solid objects; the play of light and shadow can form abstract shapes. Using angular pendant lights or spherical lanterns can cast intriguing shadows, adding drama and dimension.
  8. Nooks & Dividers: Create nooks or partitions using shapes, like a semi-circular reading nook or triangular alcoves, to break up spaces and add interest.
  9. Color Play: Highlight specific shapes using bold colors. A rectangular feature wall in a bold hue or a circular ottoman in a standout fabric can change the room’s energy.
  10. Strategic Placement: Positioning shapes in unexpected places can shift energy. Placing triangular shelves at varying heights or a series of circular decals in a cascading pattern can draw the eye and create a sense of movement.
  11. Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors, especially in unusual shapes, can transform and expand a space while adding a touch of drama.
  12. Transitional Spaces: Utilize unique shapes in transitional areas, like spiral staircases in hallways or round mats in entryways, to change the room’s flow and energy.

In essence, shapes in interior design are more than mere aesthetics. They’re storytellers and mood shifters. By thoughtfully and creatively incorporating them, you can dictate the narrative of a space, imbuing it with drama, energy, and emotion.

Learn More

Learn more in some of my other blog articles in this series.

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?

Greek style design and energy art by Mary Ann Benoit.
Greek style Edesign and energy art, “Heart of Greece” by Mary Ann Benoit, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Are you ready to tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science and energy that makes you happy?  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.


A transformational design experience that aligns Art, Science and Energy to Make Magic Happen in your Home and Life. Includes Interior Design, Color and Energy alignment advice to create a space perfectly aligned with you. We'll use Energy Art, personalized to reflect your true self, as the foundation of your space's transformation.

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


What's Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz


Why Work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

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Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today




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

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!!

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Persian Miniature Dance. The silk butterfly wings were hidden until the moment of “transformation” in the story brought surprise and delight to the audience.

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

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Bandari dance performance by Mary Ann Benoit.

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.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Example of surprise and delight. The meeting of the love birds on the table. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

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

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Loved this little statue showing this room is a place to meditate. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
I put colorful birds on the book shelves and the feather paperweight in this room to create a connection to wildlife as well as plants and the outdoors. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Back stage before a classical Persian dance performance. Mary Ann Benoit, of Tavus Dance Company.

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 Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me

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.

Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

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.


A transformational design experience that aligns Art, Science and Energy to Make Magic Happen in your Home and Life. Includes Interior Design, Color and Energy alignment advice to create a space perfectly aligned with you. We'll use Energy Art, personalized to reflect your true self, as the foundation of your space's transformation.

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


What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

Why Work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today


Aligning art, science and energy to make magic happen in your home and life.




I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part

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.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Mary Ann Benoit playing a frame drum for a Middle Easter dance show in Eagle River, Alaska.

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.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Some of my many drums.

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.


I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Original fractal art, “A Passion for Purple” by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

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.


I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part


I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and 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).


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign and Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

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.


Aligned Design System

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


What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

This page contains affiliate links.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com


I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing

Get Your Free Issue of Seasonal Living Magazine!


Seasonal Living Magazine




I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music

Contrast is the Key to Striking Beauty

While in my doumbek class last week, my drum teacher Amir Etemadzadeh, who is a native of Iran was talking about the importance of being able to distinguish clearly all the notes we can make on our drums. The more notes, the better.  The more clearly they are different from each other, the better and more beautiful it sounds to the listener.

Amir describes it as creating a beautiful and delicious meal and all the notes are like the spices and layers that make it delicious to the ears. 


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Mary Ann Benoit of Tavus Dance Company performing on her doumbek for a show in Anchorage Alaska.

As he waxes poetic about the beauty of contrast and how critical it is to distinguish the doum from the slap, and how the Teks and Kas should be as bright and high as possible, my mind wanders to Interior Design and the importance of contrast there as well. 

In music, if the notes are not easily distinguishable, they can all start to sound the same, and some notes will make others sound muddy or dull because each is not living up to its full potential. Your playing becomes boring for the audience.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

What does it have to do with Interior Design?

Just as a drummer wants their music to sound delicious to the ears, we want our rooms to look delicious to our eyes. Contrast is one of the keys to creating great beauty.

This is Part 1 in my revelations 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.

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.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

How Does Contrast Relate to Interior Design?

Contrast is important in creating interest and making you feel something in the room. You can create contrast with color, texture, shapes, lighting, levels, patterns, sizes and more.

The more contrast between things, the more they each stand out and shine with their own inherent beauty, complimenting each other, rather than one stealing the spotlight and making the other look dull.

There is a lot of complexity to this subject. Today, I will focus on color.

 

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Creating Contrast with Whites and Neutrals

As my teacher spoke about the sounds of the drum, the first thing that came to mind was how important contrast is when using the color white.

White. How seemingly simple but how complex. Many, when confused about color will say, lets just paint it white and be done with it. Haha, well, that just opened a big can of worms.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
The Beauty of white. Photo by Robin Schreiner on Unsplash.

There are so many whites out there, it is amazing. Why? Because white is a color, just like any other, and is ultimately, the least saturated or a low saturation of a hue. Example, take a blue and reduce its chroma until it looks white, It is still that same blue, but with very little chroma. That is why all whites look so different.

P. S., it has nothing to do with so called “undertones”, which is just a word people use that do not understand color science to subjectively describe what they see.

No big deal, until you decide to mix whites in your space. One white can make another look muddy, or dirty, or just “off”.

Why? You need to make sure there is enough difference in chroma to easily distinguish the two whites. And there should still be some color harmony between the hues the whites come from. Whites that are opposites on the color wheel look better together than ones that are so close to each other that they look off.

Neutrals are the same as whites. They just have a little more chroma.

Finding the beauty of a neutral palette using various shades of whites, off whites and neutrals with enough contrast to see all the variations can be gorgeous. Throw in a variety of shapes and textures to add even more interest and variety.


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Get the Look

 Here is an example of a beautiful and relaxing Edesign I created using whites and neutrals with contrasting colors and textures.  


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Creating Contrast with Opposite Colors

Of course, you can get maximum contrast with saturated hues. The highest degree of contrast comes from either using black and white, or opposite colors on the color wheel, which creates a complimentary color scheme.

Maximum Contrast with Black and White

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign and Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Maximum Contrast with a Complimentary Color Scheme

Blue and yellow are opposites or compliments on the color wheel. Each makes the other look even more vibrant.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

In the Edesign below, the green in my Spring Fractal Art is the complement of the purple walls. It has the effect of making the art really pop!


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign and Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Are You Ready to Create Beauty Through Contrast in Your Home?

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.


Aligned Design System

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


What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

This page contains affiliate links.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com


I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing

Get Your Free Issue of Seasonal Living Magazine!


Seasonal Living Magazine




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

Bring on the Bling

A dance performance needs some bling.

It can be sparkly and glittery jewelry or fabrics that create magic under the stage lights. It can be accessories that make musical or percussive sounds as you move. It might be the tassels and sparkly bits that show off your movements. It could be or a costume with cultural elements that tells the story of the dance or the culture it came from.  The bling adds depth, excitement and the final touches.

It is about more than beauty. It’s about the story it tells and the mood it creates.

It’s like the jewelry that completes the perfect black dress. The jewelry says who you are, how you are feeling, and the mood you are setting for your evening.

It is also like the elements or accessories that finish off the perfect space in your home.


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling
Me taking a bow after performing a classical Persian dance. I designed the coat with a peacock on it to represent our dance company, Tavus, which means peacock in Persian.

For example, I am in a dance company named “Tavus”, which means peacock in Persian.  The peacock is a sacred bird in Persian mythology and a symbol of royalty and power. The peacock has been sacred and revered throughout history by many cultures.

We designed classical Persian coats by attaching beautiful peacock appliques to sequined blue material to tell the story of our dance company. We designed  hats that have a peacock and peacock feathers. Our jewelry highlights the peacock colors and resembles a peacock tail. Everything sparkles under the lights, shows off movement, and a variety of textures.

Our bling tells the story of who we are, and adds depth and texture, like adding the shadows in a painting so you bring out the three dimensions.


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling
The custom classical Persian hats we designed to go with our costumes.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

What does it have to do with Interior Design? I learned to solve all my Interior Design problems by dancing. This is Part 6 in my revelations from dancing 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.

Learn more in my other five articles:

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.i

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling

How Does Bling Relate to Interior Design?

As in dance, bling, is what finishes off the room, creates the mood, and helps tell the story.  Bling is the special elements, accessories, and accents.

Here are some examples of some favorite accessories or elements that can help create your perfect space. Some contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you buy something at no additional cost to you.

It is about more than beauty. It’s about the story it tells and the mood it creates.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling

Fire Can be the Best Bling

Fire adds light, sparkle, warmth and a magic all its own. It can be your best bling. A fireplace is perfect in a bedroom or living room. Candles can create the same effect on a smaller scale.

In the Edesign I created below,  the fireplace and candles are the main bling. Additional accessories which would highlight the colors and natural elements of this beach front bedroom are listed below.   

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Copy-of-Animated-Fireplace.mp4

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling

Natural Elements Make Great Bling

Nature is great bling. A spectacular view highlighted by natural decor elements creates an inspiring and relaxing space.

While accessories made of natural elements such as wood, stone, plants, metals, and more are not often shiny, sparkly, or dramatic, they add warmth and texture and align the energy in your space with the outdoors.

In the Edesign I created below, the view is the bling, highlighted by natural elements for the decor such as the wood table, stone lamps and planter and plants. Everything is very simple, letting the view stand out as the main decor element.


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling

Lighting is Great Bling

Lighting adds beauty, color, style and  creates the ambiance that can really make a room.  Layers of lights create the magic. Use overhead lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, and spotlighting for art and other elements. Learn more in my blog article, How to Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting.

Below are some of my favorite table lamps. Some contain affiliate links.

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- Bring on the Bling

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?

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?

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.


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I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing

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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- Bring on the Bling
I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling

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