Create Magical Ambiance and Illuminate Your Story with Global Style Lighting
There are a lot of reasons to love Global Style Interior Design. One is that it is all about you, and telling the story of your life, adventures, the things you love in your space. It is a total expression and celebration of you. Does that sound selfish? It’s OK, it is your house. Of course, it is about you!
Each piece tells your story. Celebrate your treasures, old and new. modern and vintage, from various parts of the world.
Create a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history.
In a previous article, I talked about 10 reasons to love global style design. Let’s talk about my favorite reasons in more detail, which is the magical lighting!
I love the lighting in global style designs. Much of it is handmade with intricate cutouts in metal that create magical patterns of light in a room. See examples from different global styles below, and learn more how to create magical effects with lighting by layering in my article How to Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting.
Modern Global Style Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Bohemian Lighting
Bohemian style combines many of the specific styles from different cultures noted below, and often includes modern colorful and artistic lighting options. Go wild!
Moroccan Style Lighting
The magical lace-like quality of traditional hand-sawn brass allows many Moroccan lights to cast captivating patterns of shadow and light across the room.
Moroccan Style Lighting Tangiers Pendant
Indian Style Lighting
Indian style lighting can have traditional Indian design prints as some of the lamps below, or try something fun like the lotus-shaped chandelier.
Greek Style Lighting
Greek-style lighting can be simple and often uses the color of the sea, the Greek key pattern, or labyrinth pattern that comes from Greek mythology.
Port 68 Cameron White and Gold Porcelain Table Lamp with Greek key pattern.
Mexican Style Lighting
Mexican style lighting often looks more rustic and folkloric, and uses wood, iron. pierced metal or ceramics.
Mexican Style Living Room Edesign by NOrthern Lights Home Staging and Design. Hand Made Manantial Lantern w/Frosted Glass Onyx and Iron. Castillo Collection Double Table Lamp Clay Wall Sconce
Turkish Style Lighting
Turkish style lighting often has pierced metal or beautiful colored glass.
Ready to Add Colorful and Exotic Design to Your Space?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Fantastic light is part of the art of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design plan that considers the art, science and energy of your home together. Merging creativity, color and connection, we can work together to create your perfect space.
Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.
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When Your Trail is Leading Nowhere, Follow a Trailblazer to Happiness
We are all following a path to somewhere, hopefully to becoming the person we are meant to be, doing that thing that only we can do, that makes others lives better so they pay us generously for our service.
Sometimes we know the right path and sometimes we get lost or take the long way.
Some seem to know the way intuitively, or just want to blaze a new trail for themselves.
They inspire us with ideas on which way to go in our own journey.
There are four people that have inspired me and shaped my direction the last couple years. I thank them for being the trailblazers in my life. Maybe they can help you.
My Trail
When I was younger, I wanted to be an Interior Designer. Fresh out of design school, I did some work in the field but got distracted by other adventures, travel and life. Later, I went back to school and got a second degree in wildlife biology, and worked as a wildlife biologist for 35 years.
In 2014 I decided to start a creative business and considered going back into Interior Design. You can imagine how things had changed in 35 years and what a challenge that would be to overcome. Not being one to give up easily, I found a way.
The following four trailblazers helped me make that happen and changed my life.
Note this post contains affiliate links, meaning I may make a small commission for sharing with you if you try their programs at no additional cost to you.
Debra Gould- The Staging Diva. Photo courtesy of the Staging Diva.
As I considered how to get back into Interior Design after so long, I discovered home staging. I thought learning to be a home stager might be a great stepping stone back into the design world.
I found Debra Gould’s Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program online. Check out her amazing home staging courses.
Debra had a passion for decorating since she was a child but started her home staging career when she realized people would pay her to do what came naturally to her and what she loved doing! Sounds like a dream we all have! Since 2005 she has taught over 30,000 students how to make that dream come true.
Her training is fantastic and teaches you how to start and run a successful home staging business. An expert in marketing, business and home staging, she is also a fun and generous teacher and great mentor.
Debra is a marketing ninja and what she teaches I have seen proven true over time. Every time I listen to her course again, I learn something new.
I continue to enjoy ongoing support and mentorship from Debra along with an amazing group of her graduates. I highly recommend her courses.
I incorporated what I learned from Debra into my philosophy of Aligned Design and in my home staging services. By aligning art (creativity), science (color science) and energy (emotional connection with buyers) in my home staging projects, I have had great success in helping my clients sell fast and for more.
Lori Sawaya of Camp Chroma. Photo courtesy of Lori Sawaya.
Lori is a color unicorn. Her super power is taking complex concepts and theories and transforming them into clear and actionable ideas and strategies. She takes complex color problems and unravels them to create understanding and beauty for her students and clients.
She created and teaches a science based course on how designers and others can use color measurements to help homeowners and property managers choose the perfect colors.
In my journey with color, I finally “got it” after taking Lori’s Four Pillars of Color training.. I understand why people struggle with picking paint colors and why it is inevitable that most people will “mess up” and make expensive mistakes if they do not understand how color really works.
This course changed how I approach everything I do related to design! Now, the science of color is a key aspect of my Aligned Design system which aligns art, science (color) and energy to make magic happen in your home.
If you love color and truly want to understand it better for your own enjoyment or your business, you can’t go wrong with this course!
Best Color Training EVER. Become a certified color strategist when you learn to become a color unicorn like Lori.
Jenna Gaidusek of the Edesign Tribe. Photo from Jenna Gaidusek Designs.
Jenna Gaidusek, a young entrepreneur who founded the Edesign Tribe in August of 2018 inspired me to branch out more into Interior Design after being away from it for 35 years. I wondered how I could possibly catch up as times had obviously changed. She showed me that instead of going backwards to catch up, I could be a trail blazer with her, breaking new ground into the future of Edesign, working with clients online anywhere in the world, using the latest technology to create stunning designs, renders and an easy shopping experiences for our clients. The experience is above and beyond any you can get from a big box store, thanks to Jenna’s training, innovative software and the supportive unique community she has built of designers worldwide.
Jenna teaches how to do social media advertising, marketing, work with clients, set up a self-hosted website, create beautiful renderings and make money with affiliate partners. Jenna has built a beautiful, supportive tribe of designers worldwide as well as a working ecosystem of designers that help each other.
The things I have learned as part of the Edesign Tribe have become a key part of the “art” or creative part of my Aligned Design system which aligns art, science and energy to create your perfect space.
If you are an Interior designer that wants to add additional services. I highly recommend this!
Be a trail blazer and guide the future of Interior Design by learning the latest in Edesign.
Transformational Coaching Trailblazer
Jim Fortin and TCP
Learn to BE the person you are meant to BE with a little help from Jim Fortin and his amazing team.
I first heard about Jim Fortin when a friend recommended his podcast on transforming yourself from the inside out. And wow, what a podcast! I was hooked and started implementing some of the things I learned to transform my life for the better right away.
I took his Transformational Coaching Program (TCP) and I can not recommend this program enough to transform yourself or your business from the inside out to be the person you are meant to be or to serve your clients better and make more money. This is the best training course I have ever taken, hands down. Get on the Waitlist for the next TCP Program.
This training inspired my Aligned Design philosophy which aligns art, science, and energy in Interior Design. It is a key part of the “energy” aspect and how I use what I call Transformative Design to create your perfect space.
Jim teaches that you need to BE the person you want in order to do the things you need to have what you want in life (Jim’s BE, DO, HAVE model), I incorporate that thinking into my Interior Designs, where we work together to determine who you want to BE and create a space that supports that.
Now I blaze my own trail to create your perfect space with my Aligned Design philosophy, which aligns art, science and energy to create magic in your home through Interior Design or Home Staging.
My philosophy was built on the things I learned from the trailblazers above, mixed with my unique creative perspective, love of color and global style design.
I am happy to blaze the trail for you to happiness in your perfect space. Start with an Aligned Design consultation to develop your plan, and then we can work on individual rooms with some of my Edesign services.
Selling your home? I can help you sell fast and for more with home staging. The right colors can also increase the sales price of your home….or reduce it.
Find out more about your design style with this fun quiz.
Today I was asked “How have you changed since the pandemic began? Are you more self-aware? Have you shed your cocoon and blossomed into the person and business owner that you never knew existed within you?”
Interesting question. Why yes, I have. How about you?
We are all in the same storm but it in different boats.
Are you thriving or remaining positive? Or not?
From my perspective, this pandemic has separated people into two groups. Those that have figured out ways to thrive or at least remain positive, and those who have not.
I am in the first boat. I could have easily been in the second boat though if I had made a few different choices.
One big choice is the set of your sail.
What is the set of your sail? Photo by Robert Anitei on Unsplash
We have all been affected in different ways. Some of us have been sick or lost loved ones. Some have lost our jobs, or businesses or wonder if we will in the future. Many of us have taken a big financial hit. Some have kids and struggle with what is happening with schools, how work with kids at home and making sure they are still getting an education, or how to keep them safe. The scenarios are endless.
There is not much we can control, except the most important thing.
OUR THOUGHTS
Control your thoughts. Photo by Keegan Houser on Unsplash
We can choose those and how we will respond to all that is happening around us. The thoughts affect how we feel. We can live in endless fear and worry, which changes nothing but how we feel.
In those articles I focused on some of the most obvious physical changes that others could see such as weight loss and quitting smoking. But the biggest transformation was the way it affected my thinking, and how I deal with adversity. I learned to control my thoughts, and thus my emotions and habits and other ways of BEING. It gave me an amazing sense of peace and well being in the middle of this storm.
I tell you about it because the program opens twice a year, and it opens up September 14.
Here is a testimonial I created when I took the program.
My testimonial of the TCP program. The internal changes in the way I think are more important than the outward, visible changes that resulted.
TCP was so great, I went on to take the TCP business program and will be doing TCP again. I hear from many people that retake the program, each time is a new experience for growth, because you are a different person each time.
Transform Yourself with TCP- The Transformational Coaching Program with Jim Fortin. PHoto by NOrthern Lights Home Staging and Design.
There is also a BE DO HAVE Free Training going on right now that is amazing. It has started already but replays are available here.
I think this is the best training I have ever invested in. It made a huge difference for me which is why I am sharing. I hope it can make a difference for you too.
I specialize in helping you create a colorful and happy home that tells your story. I can work with you in person or online and assist you with design and color consultations so you can do the work yourself, or I can help you implement it all. My most popular package is a design/color consultation. Check out all my Edesign packages here.
Lose Weight, Quit Smoking, Get Healthy and Peaceful Without Pain
How are you feeling about yourself?
How are you feeling about yourself? Photo by Taylor Smith on Unsplash
Do you like the way you look?
Are you healthy and happy?
Do you feel peaceful, abundant and grateful for all you have?
Do you love the way you start each day?
Why do so many of us go on for years without changing our lives for the better? I know for me it has always been the struggle between the short-term pain versus the long-term gain.
Imagine yourself thinner, healthier, happier and more peaceful. What if you could transform yourself? I mean lose weight, quit smoking, improve your health and well-being, reduce your stress and do it all without all the “pain” we usually imagine coming along for the ride?
The Same Old Struggle
Like many people, I struggle with all of those things. Every year I had the same resolutions, goals etc. Lose weight, work out, eat better, quit smoking. EVERY YEAR for at least 20 years. I had some successes in some things some of the time, but never in all of the things.
For me it was the same old struggle. Mary Ann Benoit- President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
I heard about Jim Fortin and TCP (Transformational Coaching Program) from a friend who was taking the program. I listened to his free podcast and was so hooked on it I was excited to learn about the program which opens up 2 times a year. Just from listening to his podcast about controlling your thoughts and habits among other things, I was inspired to change my diet and started losing weight. I thought the program could also help me not only with health but with business. Learn more about Jim Fortin in this Inc Magazine article.
Invest money in personal development during a pandemic? Are you smoking crack?
I was scared to invest in a program like this at the beginning of COVID. The program was just under $3000. I knew business would be slow or suspended for both my Bed and Breakfast and my Home Staging and Design businesses. I had never invested in any type of “personal development” course before. I decided it was the best time to do it because I had time and it would be better to remain positive during this time of uncertainty and to make lemonade out of lemons. I also figured investing in myself and my business would hopefully pay for itself later.
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash Make a Change. Photo by Kat Yukawa on Unsplash
I soon realize that Jim and his coaches are truly amazing. I join their Facebook private group with about 500 others, and receive weekly content such as workbooks, videos and audios with homework followed by weekly Facebook lives with Jim and the coaches on a wide variety of topics from health to business. We worked on things like clarity, vision, sub-conscious values, habits, self-integrity, responsibility, commitment, choices, relationships You could also ask for coaching on any topic in the FB group or do a “hot seat” on one of the live calls. The community of people in the group from all over the world was extremely positive and supportive. Participants also did regular videos talking about their struggles and wins so everyone got to know each other.
We were each asked to do a 90 planner and track our goals and activities, with a focus on either health/wellness or business. I picked business.
So, what happened to me?
TCP Improved my Health
I joined TCP to increase my income for my Interior Design/Home Staging business.
Although my focus was business, the program instead provided incredible value to my health and well-being.
TCP helped me overcome stress over-eating and smoking that I had struggled with for more than 20 years. I lost 14 lbs, quit smoking and totally changed my diet to healthy whole foods and went from exercising a few hours a week to 3-4 hours a day.
What was interesting was what we learned about subconscious re-programming and habits helped make all these changes much less painful than I had experienced in the past. Why? As Jim mentioned in an article in Forbes Magazine, “Research has demonstrated that 95% of all habits and everything that we do is subconsciously-driven, which is housed in the right brain. But when we say, for example, ‘I’m going to change my mindset,’ that is a left-brain, analytical thought. We’re using the smallest part of the brain, the 5% analytical part, to try to change our habits at a core level, and it just doesn’t work that way.”
I also struggled with voice issues which made it difficult to speak sometimes and found that doing healing visualizations and quitting smoking helped improve that tremendously.
I also have a nerve issue in my right foot that made it painful to walk more than 30 minutes. With healing visualizations and weight loss I am out walking several times a day without pain
Re-program your subconscious mind..
TCP Improved My Well-Being
I used to be that person that would wake up thinking about what I had to do, check my email and social media and then DO DO DO all day and into the night for my business. I watched 5-6 hours of news a day and was stressed out, like a hamster on the wheel that never stopped.
Now, I start the day with a Miracle Morning routine consisting of silence, affirmations, visualizations, exercise, reading and journaling. I’ve learned do less better and feel amazingly peaceful, and grateful for all I have. I limit my news watching time to an hour or less.
TCP helped me release anger and stories I had developed from a 15 year traumatic work experience which likely caused some of my health issues and stress eating. Releasing the stories and forgiving brought me peace and healing.
Find Peace. Get off the Hamster Wheel.
My Doctor Was Amazed
Last week I went to my doctor for my annual check up and blood work. She said “Holy cow Mary Ann, What the heck have you been doing? Actually she said “Holy Shit Mary Ann, What the hell are you doing?”. My doctor and I used to dance together in a dance troupe so that is how she really talks to me:) Your blood work looks fantastic and you have lost 45 lbs from your highest weight record here. I told her about TCP. She said, “I am so proud of you, you just inspired me and made my whole day”!.
Yeah!! I’m good with that!
Photo- Wow from Pixaby
While my business income didn’t increase, I think I needed to be better to offer more to my clients and am looking forward to what the future brings for my business now that I feel like a new person. I liked it so much, I just joined TCP for Business.
“The pandemic puts the earth on pause, cleansing and shifting our planet. This course does that for me on an individual level”.
Try it for Yourself
Don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself. Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may get paid a small amount for referring you at no additional cost to you.
Get on the Waitlist for the next TCP Program. I think this is the best training I have ever invested in. It made a huge difference for me which is why I am sharing. I hope it can make a difference for you too.
Listen to this podcast episode- Why Your Bad Habits are So Hard To Break. This one really helped me to change some of my eating habits and lose weight, even before joining the program.
I specialize in helping you create a colorful and happy home that tells your story. I can work with you in person or online and assist you with design and color consultations so you can do the work yourself, or I can help you implement it all. My most popular package is a design/color consultation. Check out all my Edesign packages here.
We are working, learning and entertaining from home online to stay connected. Our co-workers, parents, teachers and students now have an intimate look into our homes whether we like it or not! Or do they? Not if you have a great Zoom background!
Turn your messy bedroom or kitchen table into a beautiful office, or a beautifully decorated living room set up for a party designed by an Interior Designer!
The EDesign Tribe has created beautiful Zoom Room Backgrounds to download through a fun #MyZoomRoom Contest for it’s Edesigners. The most downloads by for a designer wins the challenge! Search through more than 100 high-quality, 4K renders created by professional designers to find the perfect virtual backgrounds for you for any occasion.
I have 9 zoom backgrounds including 3 of a beautiful, serene office, 3 of a beautifully elegant living room for a party, and 3 colorful living rooms in the forest, beach or the city. You can use code MaryAnn to get any one of my Zoom Rooms for free. A download is a vote for me in the contest and I appreciate that!
There are lots of other beautiful designs as well for you to look at. The Edesign Tribe is an amazing group of designers that are raising the bar for Edesign worldwide! There are a variety of styles for everyone!
This is also a great way to support small businesses.
Click on any of the images below to purchase them for $10 each and vote for me in the contest. Get one free with code MaryAnn.
To learn more about how to use a virtual background for zoom meetings, check out my blog article The #MyZoomRoom Challenge.
Living Room Virtual Backgrounds
Beach House- BACKGROUND #1
Learn more about this Beach House design and shop the look in my blog article, Start with the Art.
These backgrounds were created to celebrate an elegant adult birthday party, Valentines day or other special event where you might exchange presents and celebrate with adult beverages and treats. The mood is magical with beautiful lighting. Learn more about this design and shop the look in my blog article, How to Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting.
Elegant Birthday Party- Background #2
Office Virtual Backgrounds
These office backgrounds were created to provide a beautiful, stress-free office setting that brings the outside in and has a feeling of spring. Find out more about how this design was created and shop this look in my blog article, How to Work from Home Stress Free.
Let’s Get Your Real Background Looking Great!
Let’s face it, we can fool them with a virtual background on Zoom, but what do people see when they come to your actual house? Whether you need to update the look of your office for a great space to work and invite clients to, or a great living room to entertain, I’ve got you covered.. Try a Full Service Edesign project. Or try my Refresh Edesign service which includes everything but a render of the design. Click on the pictures to learn more and purchase. Feel free to call if you are not sure which is best for you and we will figure it out!
If you like any of my designs, I would love your vote. It’s $10 to download one background and if you do, it is equal to one vote for me. Click on the images below for the links to my designs. My designs are on page 3.
There are lots of other beautiful designs as well for you to look at. The Edesign Tribe is an amazing group of designers that are raising the bar for Edesign worldwide! There are a variety of styles for everyone!
This is also a great way to support small businesses and of course, make your background look amazing while you are working at home.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS & DOWNLOAD YOUR #ZOOMROOM BACKGROUND
Need Help Designing Your Home Office?
Check out my Edesign Services so I can help your create your perfect stress free office. The example in this article is of a Full Service Edesign project. Or try my Refresh Edesign service which includes everything but a render of the 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. Here are 10 great reasons to love and try global style with some examples of decor items to get the look.
One of the thing I love about global style Interior Design is the rich bold colors as in this Indian style bedroom Edesign I created. Colors of a particular country are usually based on their landscapes, plants, spices, symbols, national flags and more. They are rarely “neutral colors”. In this design of an Indian Style bedroom, the color scheme came from this beautiful handmade Indian rug and other decor elements based on the color of Tumeric, a common spice in India.
Get 5% off with code NLS5 at checkout.
Global style is filled with interesting and unique art, reflecting the rich colors or cultural elements of various countries. This Bohemian style living room was based on my own fractal art to celebrate the rich colors and textures of Bohemian style.
Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design Apache Mirror Fractal Art pillow by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
I love that most global styles, are very connected in their colors and patterns to the natural environment. This Greek style living room I designed or example, is a coastal style that is in tune with the colors of the sea, sky, rocks and native plants of Greece.
Turquoise Sea Throw Pillow
Global style loves mixing interesting textures and patterns. From soft silks, to textured wools, carved wood, metals with intricate embossed or cut out patterns and beautiful cultural patterns on rugs, pillows and art. All these things can be artfully layered to create a rich and diverse design filled with interest wherever you look as in this design for a global style bedroom.
Global style is all about telling your story, whatever it is! Whether it is Bohemian or more streamlined, vintage or modern, colorful or neutral, tell your own story with global style elements that appeal to you as in this modern global style living room.
Get 5% off anything at Bryar Wolf with code NLS5
Global styles celebrates the culture and history of the countries they originate from. or it can combine elements from many countries. Try including decorative elements that are unique to a particular culture. An example is this design of a Turkish style living room. Turkey is known for their Kilim rugs and decorative coffee sets. Below are examples of a vintage Turkish Kilim rug, and a pillow made from a vintage rug from Kilim.com, as well as a traditional coffee set. Get 5% off anything from Kilim.com with code nls2019 at checkout.
Vintage Kilim rug from Kilim.com.Get 5% off with code nls2019 Traditional Design Brass Cast Turkish Coffee Set Vintage Kilim pillow cover. Get 5% off with code nls2019
I love the lighting in global style designs. Much of it is handmade with intricate cutouts in metal that create magical patterns of light in a room, such as in this Moroccan/Turkish living room. Beautiful lighting is also a hallmark of Turkey and Mexico. See these great examples of Moroccan lighting below.
Global style easily mixes new and modern materials with vintage decor or antiques as in this Vintage Boho Office. Often heirlooms like Moroccan rugs are passed down through generations. Mix historical or cultural artifacts and family heirlooms with modern elements to tell the story of your life and your family.
I love the way Global Style Interior Design celebrates your adventures by displaying treasures you have found in your travels. An example is this Mexican style living room which highlights wooden masks, copper furniture and hand made lighting from Mexico.
Global style is very eco-friendly and primarily uses natural materials. There is an abundance of wool rugs, metal lighting and accents, carved wooden furniture and wall art, leather, rattan, natural stone and pottery. In this example of a Moroccan style living room, the focal point is a gorgeous traditional wool rug. Moroccan rugs are like a work of art for your floor. Learn more about the Magic of Moroccan Rugs in my blog article. Get 20% off these gorgeous, authentic Moroccan wool rugs below or any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out!
Get 20% off any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out! Get 20% off any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out! Get 20% off any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out!
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.
Follow me on Pinterest for daily Inspiration on Global Styles.
Edesign- How it Works
By now, you have probably heard of Edesign, which is sometimes called online Interior Design or Virtual Design.
Edesign is a collaboration between the designer and client, where the client takes on some of the design process since the designer is not there in person to implement the design. All you DIYers out there, I am speaking your language!. As the client, you will share some of the responsibility for the design by taking room measurements, ordering the products that your designer recommends and putting everything in place. Because of this shared workload, Edesign tends to be more affordable than full service Interior Design. Learn more about if Edesign is right for you or if you would be better served working with a local designer in my blog article, How Can I work with an Interior Designer on my Budget?
The video below shows my process of how Edesign works. Different designers may offer different services or work with you in different ways. Most will likely provide all or some of the following services which include a floorplan, concept or mood board, shopping list, 3D render of the final design and set up instructions.
Most Edesigners, just as local designers will start the process getting to know you, your style and tastes, your lifestyle, your design issues etc. A local designer does this with an in person visit. An Edesigner will likely send you a questionnaire, or may do a video or phone call.
Once the designer determines what you like and need, they will start developing a design for you. This usually starts with space planning and developing a floor plan so they know what will fit and how things can be arranged to best fit your lifestyle. An in person designer will usually take room measurements of the space and any existing furnishings that you may want to use. Because the Edesigner can’t visit your home, they will ask you to take these measurements and photos for them so they know what they are working with. This information may be requested as part of the questionnaire.
You may be asked to draw a floor plan for your Edesigner.
The next step includes coming up with a concept of a design including furnishings, accessories, paint colors and finishes to try to create a space that meets all your needs functionally and makes your heart sing with the beauty of the finished design. While a local designer may present all the pieces of the plan to you in person, with samples that you can see and feel, the Edesigner will provide a concept board showing all the elements and how they look together.
Example of a concept board.
The next step usually involves collaborating to make adjustments to the plan to make sure you love everything and it works with your budget. Both a local designer and an Edesigner will ask for feedback and provide additional options for product ideas if needed. The Edesigner will get your feedback and show you additional options online.
Before you get you get your shopping list, in some cases you may want to “see” how the design will actually look in your space before ordering to be sure it will look the way you want. A local designer or an Edesigner can create a 3D rendering or other drawing to show you the final design. Or you may feel comfortable going forward without a rendering if you feel you can visualize the design without this extra step.
Example of a 3D Render of an Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Once you love everything, you will be ready for a final shopping list of all the items for your design. An Edesigner will give you a document or picture of all the items with clickable links to the products, so you can go directly to a product website and purchase everything yourself on your own timeline. You would be responsible for setting up deliveries and returns if needed and putting all your products in place. An Edesigner will provide you set up instructions for everything, and often includes final advice on the installation if you send “after” pictures of the space. A local designer usually takes care of the ordering, delivery and installation for you.
And like most things, you get what you pay for. Finding an edesigner that offers premium design services will give you more personal service, unique product choices and quality design. The Edesign Tribe has set a high bar for industry standards in the world of Edesign and is a good place to start your search.
I just entered an office design in a edesign contest. I hope you will stop by and vote for me here! Voting closes Monday at 12pm EST.
The Contest
We were given some photos of an empty room and some measurements and asked to design an office for our ideal client. My ideal client for this design loves color and a vintage Bohemian style. I found the beautiful desk and designed everything around it and included vintage accessories and some really cool wallpaper to add to the vintage look. Here are the before pictures.
Before Photos
After Photos
Vintage Boho Office Concept Board by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Vintage Boho Office Render by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Vintage Boho Office Floor Plan by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Coming soon, I will write a blog article about this project, describing how the design came together, the vintage and other items I chose for the design and why it was perfect for this “ideal client”.
Thanks for reading and for your support!
Want to learn more about global style design or get help with your project? Take the quiz and check out my Edesign and Online Services.
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.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Living Room
Here is an example of an eco-friendly Edesign I did for a Mexican style living room. The clients were a retired couple that loved to travel and enjoyed collecting art and figurines from Mexico and other countries. They wanted a space rich in color where they could relax, read, watch TV, entertain and share their love of travel and ethnic art. They also wanted a space that was as eco-friendly as possible.
Before Photos
The clients had just moved into a new home. Here is what it looked like before their new design. They provided these photos and floor plan to create the design from and information on what they liked in term of style and color and how they wanted to use the room. The only things that would be staying in the room from the photos was the flooring, which was new.
Sustainable Mexican Living Room Design-Before Photos. View from the living room toward front door.
Sustainable Mexican Living Room Design-Before Photos- Back wall
Sustainable Mexican Living Room Design-Before Photos- Room Dimensions
After
This project was a full service Edesign. These after pictures are 3D renders of the finished design which they received with a concept board, shopping list and set up instructions. As you can see, I changed the wall color, and used PPG’s color of the year for 2020, Chinese Porcelain which I extended into the entry way to create a feeling of more space. I changed the front door, window treatments, lighting and furniture.
Mexican Style Eco-Friendly Living Room. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Mexican Style Eco-Friendly Living Room. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Get the Look- It’s Healthy and Great for Entertaining
The products I used are all sustainable and healthy for your indoor environment. See my article on “Eco-Friendly Interior Design- Why You Should Care” on the Edesign Tribe blog. All the items are made from natural materials such as wood, cotton, wool, copper, iron, sheepskin, clay, ceramic, palm and leather. Here is the concept board I created for the clients.
Mexican Style Living Room- Whimsical, Colorful and Eco-Friendly. #Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Inspiration and Products
The following products were used in this design. Some are trade sources in which I was able to work out a discount for you if you like them and order directly yourself. Others may be affiliate sources, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase them for sharing them with you, at no additional cost to you.
The inspiration for this room was this mural from Anthropologie. The whimsical, crewelwork-inspired motif is based on an embroidery style created by the Otomi people of central Mexico and is filled with pre-historic symbols based on native flora and fauna, local beliefs and even primitive cave drawings. Animals, were thought to be bearers of important news. This piece inspired the color scheme, the purple couch, the colors of the leather chairs and velvet pillows on the sofa.
Mural used as inspiration for the design. Melika Mural. Photo from Anthropologie.
Eco-Friendly Accessories
The animals in the mural inspired the collection of painted wood animal figurines on the book shelves which I got from La Fuente and Wayfair. The ones from La Fuente are Oaxacan Woodcarvings. The wood carvers of Oaxaca Mexico create whimsical designs in festive colors, are carved by hand from the wood of the copal tree. They are painted in stunning detail with acrylic colors. The carvers believe their figures will bring good luck to the potential owner. The figurines from Wayfair are representations of these, which I chose because I loved the colors and some of the cats were just too cute!
Oaxacan Woodcarvings. Photo of the carving from La Fuente.
Stevensville Excited Cat Figurine. Made in Mexico. Photo from Wayfair.
I set this cat up on the side table to peak at you from behind the sofa.
This purple cat had some nice colors that tied in with the purple sofa and colors on the wall and mural.
Wood Kittycat Folk Art Figurine. Photo from Wayfair
The whimsical mural’s focus on plants and animals also inspired the use of the ceramic masks which feature plants and animals.
Ceramic Hand Painted masks from La Fuente. Photo of mask from La Fuente.
I found these gorgeous eco-friendly baskets made in Mexico from palm leaves, at The Citizenry.
Mercado Floor Baskets. Photo from the Citizenry
I found the velvet cotton pillows at Bryar Wolfe, where you can get 5% off with code northernlightsstaging at checkout.
Cotton velvet pillows from Bryar Wolfe. Photo by Bryar Wolfe. Get 5% off with code northernlightsstaging at checkout.
Eco-Friendly Furniture
The sofa uses natural latex cushions, wool stuffed pillows and hardwood frame from Medley Furniture which specializes in eco-friendly furniture. Get a 5% discount on all their products with the code NLS5 at check out. They use sustainable materials such as certified hardwoods and bamboo, no harsh chemicals or fire retardants. Cushions are made of latex foam, pillows are stuffed with wool, cotton, hemp or down. The furniture is custom made for you within 6-8 weeks and they offer free returns. And they have some beautiful fabrics and colors! Who doesn’t need a purple couch!
Get a 5% discount on all the eco-friendly, sustainable furniture at Medley with the code NLS5 at check out.I love these copper tables, made in Mexico, from La Fuente. Copper is a great option for incorporating unique, authentic and eco-friendly furniture in your design. I found the coffee table, console table and side tables, all made in Mexico there, and loved the color and the petroglyph cut outs on the console table. I thought it related nicely back to the pre-historic elements of the Otami art.
Round Copenhagen Coffee Table- Photo from La Fuente
Petroglyph Console Table- Photo from La Fuente
This picked this end table from Mexico because it was made from reclaimed wood and re-purposed hammered copper on the top and the drawer.
French End Table- Photo by La Fuente
I loved this small floating hardwood and iron table made in Mexico from The Citizenry because it did not take up a lot of space and was perfect for the reading area I created near the bookshelves.
Centro Floating Table- Photo from The Citizenry
These beautiful leather chairs from The Citizenry are unique and made in Mexico
Aldama Chair-Photo from The Citizenry
San Rafael Safari Chair- Photo from The Citizenry
Eco-Friendly Rugs and Throws
The beautiful wool Moroccan Azrou rug is from Atlas weavers. I could not find an eco-friendly rug that fit the design from Mexico, but this one from Morocco is simple and has that folkloric look that worked nicely with the design.
Azrou rug from Atals Weavers. Get 20% off at check out with code “northern lights”. Photo by Atlas Weavers.
Atlas Weavers will give you a 20% discount on their beautiful authentic new or vintage rugs, made from wool or animal hides. Use the code “northern lights” at check out on any non-sale item. To learn more about Moroccan rugs, see my blog article on the Magic of Moroccan Rugs.
Get 20% off any non-sale rug at Altas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check out.
At Arhaus , I found the sheepskin rug and throw to add a feeling of softness and create an atmosphere you just wanted to snuggle up and relax! Not made in Mexico, but eco-friendly!
Sheepskin wool linen rug. Photo from Arhaus
Ivory Tibetan Wool Throw. Photo from Arhaus
Eco-Friendly Lighting
I also found the iron and onyx chandelier, and the clay sconces, made in Mexico at La Fuente.
Castillo Collection Three Light Chandelier- Photo from La Fuente
Castillo Collection Double Table Lamp- Photo from La Fuente
Clay Wall Sconce- Photo from La Fuente
Plants are Great for Indoor Air Quality
A nice touch to add beauty to your room and to help filter your air is to use plants. I found these clay and marble pots and vases, made in Mexico at The Citizenry as well, where you can shop “by country”.
PUEBLA MARBLE PLANTER . Photo from The Citizenry
PUEBLA MARBLE PLANTER- Photo from The Citizenry
CANTARO POTS- Photo from The Citizenry
BLACK ENGOBE VASE SET- Photo from The Citizenry
Are You Inspired to Create your own Mexican Oasis?
I love the way this design came out. It seems like a happy, magical space where you can sit back, relax, and tell stories about the wonders of your travels to exotic lands.
Wondering what your Global Design Style is? Take the quiz and find out!
Edesign and Online Services
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design is an award winning company with training in home staging, Interior Design and color consulting. We have won numerous awards for customer service, our blog, youtube channel and Interior design.
