People often struggle with creating a great color scheme.  Often, we start the conversation by talking about the limitations, or the box of colors you need to play with based on your fixed finishes.

In my last article, Celebrate Your Favorite Color- Go Monochromatic, we talked about how you could take your favorite color and celebrate it in all it’s glory with a monochromatic color scheme. Simple and easy!

What if you would like a little more color variety,  but still want something that is simple and easy to create?  Go analogous!

Analogous color schemes are based on three hues that are next to each other on the color wheel. They are friendly neighbors, they like each other and  play well together:)

Analogous colors are harmonious and often found in nature.

Why does it work? They go well together because one of the three colors is usually a combination of the other two as with the red, yellow and orange peppers above.

Analogous schemes offer more color variety than monochromatic schemes while still retaining that harmonious and often serene quality, although it can also be more dramatic too based on the hues you use. It is also a simple scheme to create by using your color wheel and picking three adjacent colors that you like.    

Which three adjacent colors are your favorites?

For example, in my last article, I created a monochromatic design using blues and blue/purples around the range of 250-270 on the color wheel.

If I wanted to take this monochromatic design, and create a more analogous scheme, I could go clockwise around the color wheel and add the neighbors of blue in including purple and red-purple.  Or, I could go counter-clockwise  and add blue-green and green. 

I could also pick neighbors on either side and add purple and blue green. Let’s play.

Analogous Color Scheme #1

This design starts with our base blue as in the sofas and moves counter-clockwise along the color wheel to include blue greens and greens. I set the tone for this design with a new rug in blue green and then changed the paint color, lamps, side chairs and some of the accessories. I maintained the sofas and art as the anchor of the main blue color I wanted to harmonize with.

This design still maintains a calm, serene feeling similar to the original monochromatic scheme, but feels a little richer and warmer with the greens and blue greens.

Fractal Art

This design, as with the monochromatic design, incorporates some of my original fractal art in a collection called “The Sea”, which reminded me of white caps on the ocean and also uses variety of blue shades.

Analogous Color Scheme #2

In this case, I again maintained the blue sofas as the base color from the previous design and went clockwise around the color wheel to include purple and red/purple.

I found a nice rug that contained the 3 main colors I wanted to work with to tie everything together. Then I switched the paint color, lamps, one accent pillow and some of the art to bring in some of the other colors.

This design is a little more dramatic due to the deep, rich moody wall color and the high contrast of colors against the white background of the rug. I still think it looks calm and relaxing too.

Fractal Art

Here is some fractal art I designed that could be used in this design. My Forest Floor designs were inspired by colors in the boreal forest here in Alaska which have a lot of water in them (streams, ponds, rivers, lakes), thus the blues.  The purples represent many of our purple wildflowers. Mystery is a mystery…..use your imagination of what it means to you.

Benefits of an Analogous Color Scheme

Analogous color schemes use colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. These schemes offer a harmonious and visually pleasing palette. Here are the benefits of using an analogous color scheme:

• Harmony and Cohesiveness: Analogous colors have a natural harmony because they share common color components. This results in a unified and cohesive look that’s easy on the eyes.

• Subtle Contrasts: While the colors in an analogous scheme are similar, there are still subtle contrasts that can be used to highlight or differentiate design elements.

• Versatility: Analogous colors can be adapted to both vibrant and muted tones, offering flexibility in setting the mood or theme of a design.

• Richness and Depth: Using several shades and tints of a color range adds richness and depth to designs.

• Natural and Comforting: Analogous color schemes often mimic how colors appear in nature, making them inherently familiar and comforting to the human eye.

• Easy Color Matching: It’s easier to match colors within an analogous palette because they share similar undertones, reducing the risk of clashing hues.

• Reduced Visual Tension: Analogous colors create a more relaxed visual experience because there’s a lack of high contrast between the colors.

• Flexibility in Highlighting: One can easily highlight an element by choosing a color from either end of the analogous range, making it slightly more vibrant or darker than the surrounding hues.

• Aesthetic Appeal: This type of color scheme tends to be naturally pleasing and aesthetically appealing because of its harmonious nature. An analogous color scheme can look richer and add more color diversity and interest than a monochromatic color scheme.

• Enhanced Mood Setting: Due to their close relation, analogous colors can be effectively used to evoke specific moods or feelings, like warmth (reds, oranges, yellows) or calmness (blues, greens).  These are really nice for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Analogous color schemes can also be more dramatic based on the hues you select, placement of colors and how saturated they are.

•  

While analogous color schemes offer many advantages, it’s essential to ensure adequate contrast within designs to avoid them becoming monotonous or washed out. Using a neutral color or even a complementary color in small amounts can help add interest and break up the scheme.

Celebrate Your Favorite Colors

Imagine stepping into your space where every hue resonates with your spirit. It’s not just a room; it’s a reflection of you – a haven of happiness and tranquility. In a world where everything aligns, your surroundings uplift and rejuvenate you. When your home mirrors your essence, harmony is effortless.

Purchase an Aligned Design  or Color Consultation today.

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Welcome to Saturday Night Live Art Shows ! I am Mary Ann Benoit and am with you tonight from Seward Alaska! So excited to be with you tonight to share my new idea, called Aligned Energy Art and three fractal art pieces I designed to introduce it.

Thanks to Saturday Night Live Art Shows creator, artist Brooke Harker and her co-hosts Joan Marie of Joan Marie Art, Sheryl Benjy, and Nichole McDaniel for making this possible.

Be sure to check out all the other artists from around the world,   having art shows in their Facebook and social media feeds at 6-9 pm in their time zones. Follow Saturday Night Live Art Shows on Facebook by searching #snlartshows.

Introducing “Release” Aligned Energy Art

My latest fractal art, named “Release” was inspired by the idea of releasing all the things in our lives that do not serve us and make us feel heavy. One of my teachers, Jim Fortin, often repeats this quote from his mentor, DX, that “when you think too much, you make yourself heavy, and when you are heavy, you can not fly”. 

What does that mean? We all have  things in our lives that make us feel heavy, uncomfortable, angry, resentful, and other ways that do not promote well-being.

They take our time and energy and stress us out. It might be things, like clutter, or things we do, or over-do that we really don’t enjoy or do to please others.

When was the last time you took an inventory of those things to see how many were really adding anything important or meaningful to your life?

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Copy-of-release_video.mp4

I decided many months ago that I wanted to release things that were taking up too much of my time and causing me to feel stressed and overwhelmed. “Release” became my new motto, and favorite word.

I noticed, the more I released, the better I felt. Thinking about the word “Release” daily, helped me improve my well-being.

I was thinking about the concept of releasing things when I created this art.

As I described in my previous Saturday Night Art Show, creating fractal art, which is digital art, is like traveling through a kaleidoscope until you find the perfect spot to stop and then you can adjust any element you want.

The place I chose looks like a landscape filled with mountains and rivers from above, releasing the energy of the water and soil down to the ocean where you see it expanding out from there.

It has the colors of fall, and the energy of the changing of the seasons, when the trees release their leaves and transform themselves to be ready for winter.

It has the colors of nature and the earth, greens and browns, blues, yellow and orange. 

The greens and colors of nature add a feeling of calmness and well-being, as if sitting in a beautiful forest. This is the feeling I want to have as a result of releasing what no longer serves me.

As I usually do, I created 2 more pieces to go with it, so you can see the movement between pieces and use three together over a sofa t create a focal point in a room.

How can you use Aligned Energy Art in your space?

If the message of “Release”, or future concepts I plan to create resonate with you, then adding art that is meaningful as well as beautiful is a great way to create your perfect space and remind yourself of what is important in your life each day when you see it.

Art like “Release” can be added to your living room, bedroom, meditation or work out area or wherever your intuition guides you to put it.

Because this art is digital, it can also be put on a variety of home decor products such as pillows, bedding, serving trays, coffee mugs, notebooks and more. So you could think about “Release” as you sip your morning coffee out of a “Release” coffee mug while writing things you want to release your “Release” journal for example, drinking out of your travel cup on the way to work or doing yoga on a “Release” mat.

 Aligned Energy Art  is another layer of meaning beyond the visual beauty in creating your perfect space that is  aligned with who you want to be.

An Example

I created this Edesign, or virtual design as an example of how you could created a space using this art and expressing the energy of “Release” in your space. Note the “Release” fractal art on the framed canvases on the wall, the serving tray on the coffee table, the pillow on one of the chairs and the place settings on the table.

Your selection of art determines the energy you want to surround yourself with.

How do you want to feel?

What is Fractal Art?

Fractal art is digital art I create on my computer. I love creating fractal art because it allows me to work with brilliant colors, interesting textures, and incredible detail. Learn more about how it is created in my last Saturday Night Live Art Show, ” A Passion for Purple” where I show some video of the process. See examples at my store on Society 6.

https://youtu.be/Ha0e7-NUpE4?si=bN1ObYbHebxXW-Y8

Check out my Fractal/ Energy Art Studios

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space with Art?

Are you ready to create your perfect space with amazing art?  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.

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Crafting the perfect color palette can be a daunting task for many. Often, the starting point revolves around fixed finishes and certain constraints. In my recent blog posts, we’ve delved into constructing color schemes from a favorite hue, like blue. We’ve explored monochromatic and analogous palettes, and today, we’re diving into complementary color schemes.

Complementary colors are a pairing of hues that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. When juxtaposed, they amplify each other’s vibrancy and intensity. The beauty of complementary colors lies in their mutual ability to enhance one another’s brilliance.

Complementary color schemes, offer several benefits when used in design:

1. Visual Contrast: The stark contrast between complementary colors makes each hue stand out distinctly, creating an eye-catching and vibrant look.

2. Balanced Visual Stimulation: Complementary colors provide a sense of balance; one color might be warm (like red) while its complementary color is cool (like green).

3. Enhanced Vibrancy: When placed next to each other, complementary colors can make each other appear brighter and more vivid.

4. Versatility: Complementary color schemes can be adapted to fit various moods and styles. For a bold and energetic look, you can use the colors in their full saturation. For a more subdued and harmonious look, you can use toned-down versions of the colors.

5. Focus and Attention: Because of their contrast, complementary colors can be used to draw attention to specific elements in a design or space.

6. Harmony: Even though they’re opposites on the color wheel, complementary colors inherently work well together and create a harmonious design.

7. Flexibility in Decor: A complementary color scheme allows for flexibility. For instance, if you have a room with predominantly blue decor, introducing some orange accents (like pillows, art, or rugs) can instantly invigorate the space.

8. Depth and Dimension: In art, especially painting, complementary colors can be used to create depth, with one color serving as a shadow or highlight against its opposite.

9. Enhancement of Features: Complementary colors can be used to make features stand out. For example, putting orange flowers in a blue vase draws attention to the arrangement and makes both colors pop.

The key to a successful complementary color scheme is balance. Use in moderation and pair with neutral tones to provide a visual rest.

Complementary colors can create interesting optical illusions. For example, if you stare at a square of color for thirty seconds to a minute, and then look at a white paper or wall, you will briefly see an afterimage of the square in its complementary color. Try it with this blue square and see if you see an after image of yellow.

Why does it work? Leonardo da Vinci observed that the finest color harmonies were those between colors exactly opposed. Maybe that is where the saying opposites attract came from?

So, let’s create a complementary color scheme with the blue we have been working with in several other articles, as you  see the  sofas. See these other color schemes see my articles Celebrate Your Favorite Color- Go Monochromatic and Create a Harmonious Color Scheme- Go Analogous.

It’s opposite or compliment on the color wheel is yellow, which ranges from Yellow/red to Green/Yellow and can have varying degrees of saturation or chroma, and lightness. In other words, there are lots of yellows we can work with:)

The Design

Here are examples of two living rooms I created using a blue and yellow complimentary color scheme. The first is bright and dramatic. The second is more relaxed and neutral.

Complimentary color schemes don’t have to be bright and colorful. They can use darker, less saturated or more muted tones of opposite colors for a more understated look. The design below uses an area rug with muted yellows and blues, and wallpaper with minimal yellow. Otherwise everything is the same.

Benefits of A Complimentary Color Scheme

Navigating the world of complementary color schemes is easy and straightforward. Begin by pinpointing your favorite hue on the color wheel, then locate its direct opposite. This partnership is where the magic happens.

Complementary colors inherently possess a dynamic tension, making them ideal for spaces meant for lively conversations and gatherings, such as living rooms and dining areas.

However, this boldness can be tempered using muted or desaturated versions of these hues. Then you can craft a serene and sophisticated palette, perfect for spaces meant for relaxation and introspection.

Whether you seek vibrancy or tranquility, complementary color schemes offer versatility to match your vision.

Create Beauty with Color in Your Space

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Click on the picture to find out more about the best training class on color available, the Four Pillars of Color!.

Previously, I showed you how flat lays give a bird’s eye view of a lot of magic possibilities about to unfold before you.

A flat lay creates endless possibilities for creating a perfect space.

I showed you three flat lays inspired by bird feathers and asked what room you visualized each could become.

I created some magic with the first design and wanted to share that possibility with you.

This flat lay and design was inspired by the beauty of Pintail duck and eagle feathers.  Birds provide endless inspiration for creating beautiful designs with the intricate patterns,  colors, and textures of their feathers! Who else but Mother Nature could come up with such great designs.

This flat lay showed initial ideas for flooring, tile, carpeting, fabrics, and more that I thought looked beautiful and created a feeling or mood for a room. I wanted the room to feel peaceful, earthy, spiritual and a little exotic, as if you were relaxing on the forest floor in an old-growth forest where it was totally quiet except for bird calls.

I decided to create a living room with the idea. I tried using the two shades of green for paint colors to see how it would change the look and feel of the room. I think the darker green evokes more of a feeling of the forest. Which do you prefer?

Here is the final design. Does this look like any of the possibilities you imagined from the flat lay?

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?

Are you ready to create your perfect space? I assume you are since you are reading my blog post. 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.

Check out My Energy Art Studios

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Where do you spend most of your time? 

Indoors, both at home and at work. All the things in our indoor environments can affect our health. While we probably don’t have much say about our work environments, we can totally control what is in our homes, and we can use those things to make our homes both beautiful and healthy at the same time!

 Furniture, rugs, upholstery, flooring cabinets and paint all affect our indoor air quality. Some of the chemicals used to keep us safe, such as flame retardants in synthetic fabrics and rugs can also be hard on our health. Chemicals in some carpeting and flooring off-gas into the air. Adhesives used in furniture, especially particle board, contain formaldehyde that emit harmful substances into the air.

Ways to Create a Healthy Interior Space

How can you reduce or eliminate the negative effects of common products that can affect our health and still have a beautiful home?

 • Buy higher quality furniture that uses wood joinery and fewer adhesives.

 • Get rugs made of natural materials such as wool, cotton, silk or jute. 

• Paint with brands that use fewer chemicals (low VOCs). VOCs are compounds that evaporate into the air and smell bad and are bad for indoor air quality. Benjamin Moore makes a low VOC paint in their Natura collection in all their fabulous colors with reduced levels of allergens and irritants.

 • Purchase furniture with upholstery that does not use fire retardant chemicals. 

• Purchase furniture that uses foam made of natural materials such as latex. 

• Go for furniture and décor items made of wood or metal and avoid plastics.

 • Look for pillows, mattresses, upholstery and beddings made from wool-stuffed materials rather than synthetics. 

• Consider flooring made from natural materials such as stone or wood and avoid vinyl.

 • Give your space plenty of natural light and fresh air.

 • Add plants to add beauty and filter your air.

 • Use natural cleaning products. 

• Use natural materials and objects from nature as decoration.

 • Use rammed earth or adobe for walls instead of plaster or cement.

 • Use rubber walkways made from recycled rubber outdoors rather than concrete

How Your Choices Help the Planet

Besides actions you take to improve the air quality directly in your home, consider how your choices affect the health the planet too! 

• Buy high quality, long lasting furniture rather than cheap low-quality stuff that will end up in landfills or on the street as “free stuff” in a few years. Many cities are being overwhelmed with furniture no-one wants.

 • Find local products so that the shipping doesn’t contribute to emissions in the environment.

 • Use energy efficient lighting.

 • Use vintage items.

 • Use products made of recycled materials such as glass tiles or paper wallpaper. You can use glass in your countertops, tiles, lamps and accessories and paper for beautiful wall coverings. Even some polyester can be recycled. If you must use polyester, use rPET which can be spun into yarn and dyed without toxic properties. 

• Use renewable or sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, teak, hemp, palm, soy fabric or cotton. Bamboo is used in fabrics, flooring and window treatments. Cork is used in textiles, floor and wall coverings. Teak is used in furniture and decking. Hemp is used in furniture upholstery, bedding, curtains and paper products. Soy fabric is soft and silky. Palm is used in some baskets. Organic cotton can be used for upholstery fabric, bedding, pillows and more. 

• Use sustainable metals that can be recycled such as copper, aluminum and steel. 

• Use solar energy for your home.

Get the Look- Eco-Friendly Design.

So, what does eco-friendly design look like? 

It can really reflect any style that you want. Most of the eco-friendly furniture produced is in a more modern style with fabrics in a wide range of colors and uses beautiful natural wood and bamboo. 

Ethnic rugs, pillows and decorative accessories are often made of natural materials and can create a global style or Bohemian look.

 Whether you are starting fresh with a new home or redoing a whole room, consider making it eco-friendly. Or add eco-friendly elements as you update your look over time. 

Eco-Friendly Furniture and Decor

It is easy to find beautiful sustainable products for your home décor. Sometimes these products may cost a little bit more, but it is worth it!

Ready to Create a Beautiful Eco-Friendly Space?

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.

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Art is a reflection of your soul. Does it speak of your vibrant and eclectic spirit? Do you lean into fluidity and boldness? Are you captivated by intricate nuances? Do sinuous curves resonate more with you than rigid lines? Is it the voyage, rather than the endpoint, that intrigues you? Are you drawn to art that leaves a lingering, dramatic impact? Is the dance of texture and motion in art something you’re fond of? And do you believe that nature, in all its glory, is the ultimate artist?

The art you’re drawn to offers insights into your own personality. interests, and feelings.

Art is a powerful medium, not only as a reflection but as a projection and affirmation of who you aspire to be.

I create energy art tailored to your individual’s essence and then weave that aesthetic into the fabric of your living space in a deeply personal and transformative approach to interior design.

By grounding the design in such custom pieces of art, we create spaces that aren’t just functional or visually appealing—but that resonates on an emotional and spiritual level, too.

My approach of Aligned Design crafts spaces that are not just habitats but sanctuaries, a canvas that bears testimony to your journey, dreams, and aspirations.

By interweaving personal energy art into interior design, we are creating an environment that not only mirrors you, but also nurtures, empowers, and inspires you.  It’s a beautiful synthesis of art and life.

To do that, I use an art form I’m passionate about, which is fractal art. Crafted digitally, these creations breathe life into unique art pieces and home decor. I love the vivid hues, intricate textures, and mesmerizing spirals that define each masterpiece.

Fractal art is algorithmic art created by calculating fractal objects which can create still and moving images. It is digital art or abstract art created by math. 

Fractal art is a journey into an infinite kaleidoscope. Delving into it feels like a serene blend of meditation and a vibrant color therapy session. As I traverse its endless expanse, I find distinct moments in the space where I pause, immersing myself in adjusting hues, textures, luminosity, and more. Once I’ve sculpted that perfect realm, I capture it, forever crystallizing that fleeting moment into an image. Each creation is irreplicable—akin to pinpointing a single droplet in the vastness of the ocean, making every piece uniquely it’s own.

I recently have been exploring AI (artificial intelligence) art, and created collages with my fractal art, layering the beauty and energy of the two forms.

I can create energy art for you such as an energy art portrait, which expresses the essence of who you are and serves as the foundation for the rest of your design. I can also create custom pieces to add to it that are about particular energy concepts that can support you, such as in the examples above or you can find some in my various stores (see below).

See My Energy Art or Get a Custom Design

See my art on Fine Art America

I also have a different variety of home decor with my energy art on Society6.

I even have wearable art at Le Galeriste!

Get an Aligned Design consultation today which includes custom energy art designed for you.

As the season changes and we move from summer into fall, we are often inspired to change our decor. But why? Are there any good reasons to do it?

Why yes! There are several. And they are all good for us!

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Copy-of-blog_titles-4.mp4

1. Stay Connected to the Outdoors

One way to stay connected to the outdoors is by bringing the changing colors of the outside in.

Humans want to be connected with nature and other living things.  This longing for “connection”  is called “biophilia”.  

We have always been connected to nature, for survival, sustenance, spiritual renewal, and inspiration. Mother nature provides an endless abundance of beautiful color palettes, shapes, patterns, and textures to inspire us, our health and wellbeing, and our interior environments,

Feeling “connected” makes us feel good. One way to get that connection and those good feelings are to change the colors in our interior environment to reflect what is happening outside so there is an energy flow between the outdoors and indoors.

If you have considered the colors of your exterior view and outdoor landscaping in your Interior Design, you likely have a change of colors happening in the fall.

So the colors of fall may be different for everyone based on your location. Play with the colors you see outside your windows:)

While fall colors are typically shown as reds, yellows, oranges, browns and deep greens, the colors in your area may be different. 

For example, I grew up in the northeast and always thought of fall as having the beautiful reds of the maple leaves as they changed. Now that I live in Alaska, we have very few trees that turn red. It is mainly low ground plants that turn a deeper, darker red than the maples. Yet, we have a glorious gold color that many of the birches and cottonwoods turn that I did not see on the east coast.

• Bring the colors in by changing your accent pillows, rug,  art, or accessories. Work with things that are easy to change because you may want to change things in other seasons as well.
• Get outside, collect cool objects from your outdoor adventures to decorate your home including branches, rocks, shells, gourds, grasses, and more.
• Use of colors that harmonize with the outdoor environment. Use your outdoor windows as indoor “art”.
• Get indoor plants to provide a variety of colors, textures and improve your indoor air quality. Flowering plants are a special treat to add pops of color!

• Use the colors of nature in your home, inside and out. As a certified color strategist, I often measure some of the colors from clients’ landscaping (shrubs, flowers, trees) and translate that to paint colors for exterior walls, front doors, or interior paint palettes.
• Blues, greens, browns, off whites and grays, are great natural colors to try to bring the outdoors in since they are prominent in trees, shrubs, the sky, and water.
• Find pops of color from some of your colorful outdoor landscaping such as the fall colors of your trees, shrubs, or ground covers (golds, reds, oranges).  Black and pure white are not often found in nature but can be great colors to add to make the others stand out in all their glory. If it is a prominent color you can see from your windows, even if it is from an adjacent property, consider tying it into your color scheme.

Even if you live in the middle of a city, you can follow some of these guidelines to create a space that feels good and gives a sense of being more connected to nature. 

2. Change your Interior to go with the feeling of the season for you.

Fall feels different than spring, summer or winter. Biologically, it is the time we reap the harvest of our labors, prepare for the winter ahead and get ready to conserve our energy.

In the fall I want to relax after working hard in the summer. I feel like snuggling up and reading, enjoying a fire, taking a nap, stocking up for winter, making soup, putting the garden to bed, and slowing down. I bring out the fluffy blankets, enjoy the first fires in the fireplace, and more. I’m like my cat who moves from enjoying naps on the cool, hard floor to laying on the fluffy blanket on my bed in the fall.

I want to surround myself with warmer colors, fabrics, and softer textures than I did in the summer. My decor becomes more cozy and intimate. These things would not feel right in the summer.

So, I adapt my decor to match how I am feeling energetically at this time of the year, and in doing so, I feel more comfortable and enjoy my space more.

Create Connection During the Holidays.

Fall is filled with holidays to celebrate and decorate for including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Autumn Equinox, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Octoberfest, Columbus Day, and more. 

There are lots of ideas for decorating for different holidays online or you can create your own traditions. The main point is to create a special atmosphere to celebrate and connect with friends and family that is beautiful and comfortable.

Create Your Perfect Space for Fall

Here is an example of a beautiful living room Edesign I created to highlight fall decor. For me, fall is a time of darker and brighter reds of the shrubs and ground plants, mixed with browns and greens of the forest, charcoal of the rocks on the mountain tops with a light dusting of snow, with snow, golds, yellow and oranges of the hardwood trees. I love a nice fire, a soft rug under my feet and an intimate get together with friends, wine and cheese.

For this design, I used pieces because I was drawn to the colors and textures that evoke a feeling of fall to me. The design primarily used pieced from Arhaus. I also appreciate the natural, eco-friendly materials, the handmade artistry of some of the pieces, and the cultural elements I am drawn to when creating global-style designs.

Try Energy Art that Evokes a Feeling of Fall

Here are a some fractal energy art pieces I created that I think evoke a feeling of fall that are available in wall art, pillows and other home decor. The energy message for each piece and how it an help you is listed in the caption.

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?

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Summer is one of my favorite times of year. It’s warm and the outdoors beckons, the colors explode with flowers, fruit, an explosion of green growth and the showiness of all the male birds. There is a feeling of abundance and adventure. Completion of all the things you have sown. It is bold and beautiful.

Would you like to have that same look and feeling inside in your home year round? Take some color and other cues from nature and bring the outside in. Here is an example of what I mean.

This picture was taking by a friend down the road at a beautiful spot named Tern Lake. I love all the various shades of green from very dark in the spruce tree to the lighter shades in the shrubs, grasses and herbs. The sky has a beautiful blue along with shades of off white and grays in the clouds. You see various shades of brown in the tree and in the rocks in the mountains. The most striking color is the fuchsia in the fireweed in full bloom. And there are a few wildflowers with yellow in the foreground as well.

This is what summer looks like in Alaska to me.  We have an abundance of hot pink and purple wildflowers, but the fireweed is so “Alaskan”.

Fireweed is one of the first plants to establish in recently burned areas, which is how it got it’s name. It is a symbol of release, rebirth, and potential for something innovative and new.

The fireweed blooms from the bottom of the plant and works its way up. The saying here is that “when the fireweed blooms at the top, summer is over”.

So how do you bring the outside in? The easiest way is with a color palette that highlights the view you see outside your windows. Select either a neutral or a bolder tone from the view and use it on your walls. Select a more vibrant tone for accents, or even key pieces in your décor.

I loved the deep green and color of fireweed together and they symbolized “summer” to me so I decided to design   this calming Modern Global Style office with those as my main colors. I decided to experiment with an extremely dark shade of green for the walls, to make it feel calm and enveloping, like the feeling of being deep inside the boreal forest. I added additional green tones in accent vases, the lamp and fractal art that I designed called “Spring” and several plant accents. I added wood to the floors. I played with the color of fireweed in my furnishings such as the desk and two chairs.

To continue with the wildflower theme, I added a wildflower accent table. I added off whites to the bookshelf, desk chair, rug, drapes, flowers and some accents to balance things so it would not be too dark. By adding several layers of lighting, it helped keep it from being too dark, brought out the various shades of green of the paint color in different lighting and highlighted the art.

The Process

The End Result

Get the Look

My “Spring” energy art collection seamlessly intertwines the abstract with the tangible, channeling spiritual energies through the  vibrant color, patterns, and symbols. The “Spring” series in this design, in prosperous shades of green, symbolizes renewal, invigoration, and flourishing growth. Evoking the Wood Element from Chinese traditions and Feng Shui, it embodies, warmth, and idealism. Bringing the energy message of the outdoors in, it can  amplify the energy you want to channel in your endeavors.

Bring Summer Into Your House Year Round

Imagine stepping into your space, immediately enveloped by colors that resonate with your essence. Every detail feels right, sparking joy within you. It’s more than just a room; it’s your sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, and inspiration. When your surroundings mirror your spirit, life flows seamlessly.

Why limit yourself? Infuse the vibrant hues of summer or the subtle tones of your cherished season into your home.

Invest in an Aligned Design or Color Consultation today and see the transformation.

What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

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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 reason, that it celebrates color, and how you can use it to spark some joy in your life.

Within global-style interior design, a captivating aspect that resonates with me is the vivacious spectrum of bold colors.

These hues are a direct reflection of the origins and cultures, drawing inspiration from the landscapes, flora, spices, national symbols, and even flags of various countries.

Although inherently vibrant, the world of global design also unveils remarkable instances where neutrals and whites harmoniously mingle with layers of textures and metallic accents.

To capture this essence, consider embracing bold choices—a striking wall color or an exquisite rug that becomes the palette’s cornerstone. These handmade, eco-friendly rugs are veritable artworks for your floor, blending utility and aesthetics.

You might derive your color palette from the rug, letting it inspire choices for walls, pillows, accessories, and art. Alternatively, if a more subdued backdrop appeals to you, allow your rug’s colors to shine as the focal point.

In essence, global-style design is a canvas of color that tells stories of distant lands and their distinctive identities. Whether bold or muted, these palettes are portals to culture, connecting your space with a world of history and beauty.

Here are some examples of some global style designs I have created using the color palettes of different countries, and often their rugs for inspiration.

Yellows, Golds and Orange

Yellows and golds are great colors to use in modern global style, Bohemian, Turkish,  Indian and Mexican style designs.

Above I created this beautiful Indian-style living room using a yellow/gold wall color. Learn more in my article Get the Look_ Global Style- Indian.

Below I created a modern global style Edesign for a living room using a a gorgeous handmade wool rug from Egypt as the centerpiece, and a gold wall color. The room would still have been beautiful with an off white wall color.

Blues and Greens

Blues and greens are wonderful for Greek Style, Moroccan, Modern Global and Bohemian. They really can be used in any global style design, but tend to be most prevalent in areas near the ocean.

Red, Pinks, Purples

Reds are very common in Turkish, Mexican, Bohemian and Modern Global styles. Pinks are often used in Turkish design. Purples are used in Indian, Moroccan, Bohemian and Modern Global styles. As an example, see my Edesign for a Modern Global Style bedroom below and some favorite rugs in these colors.

Black, White and Neutral

Try black, white or gray wall colors or area rugs to get the look of modern global style, Bohemian, Turkish, and Moroccan styles. As an example, see the Edesign I created above with light gray walls and a beautiful Moroccan rug.  Learn more in my article Great Paint Color Schemes- Black, White and Shades of Gray.

Below, I used a rich dark gray wall color and a beautiful Turkish rug. Learn more in my article  Do you Need an Alignment?

Black, white and neutrals can really be used with any style if you choose. Go neutral or add a color or two for high contrast.

Ready to Add Colorful and Exotic Design to Your Space?

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.

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Global Style Interior Design weaves the narrative of your life’s journeys into your living space. Every artifact holds a tale, sparking engaging conversations. It’s a curated collection of treasures, both aged and contemporary, sourced from diverse corners of the world. This design approach creates a symphony of color, texture, art, and heritage. Dive into these 10 compelling reasons to embrace the global style, accompanied by decor inspirations to help you achieve this eclectic aesthetic

Global Style Celebrates Color

Global Style Interior Design captivates me, especially with its vibrant and bold hues. The colors that define a country often draw inspiration from its landscapes, flora, spices, emblems, and even its national flags, seldom settling for mere neutrals.

Global Style Celebrates Artisans

Global style is a mosaic of distinctive art, each piece echoing the vibrant hues and cultural nuances of different nations. For this Bohemian-style living room, I drew inspiration from my personal fractal art, a tribute to the sumptuous colors and intricate textures that epitomize Bohemian elegance.

Global Styles are Connected to the Outdoors

I’m enamored by how global styles often harmoniously intertwine their colors and patterns with nature. For instance, in the Greek-style living room I curated, the design is deeply resonant with the coastal vibes—reflecting the azure hues of the Greek sea and sky, the earthy tones of its rocky terrains, and the vibrant shades of its indigenous flora.

Global Style Loves Pattern and Color

Global style thrives on the artful fusion of captivating textures and intricate patterns. From the gentle caress of silk to the tactile embrace of textured wool, the allure of carved wood, and the sophistication of metals adorned with elaborate embossed or cut-out motifs—these elements converge harmoniously. When combined with the enchanting cultural patterns adorning rugs, pillows, and artwork, they create a masterpiece of layering. Just like this meticulously crafted design for a global style living room, where every glance reveals a tapestry of rich diversity and captivating allure.

Global Style Tells Your Story

Global style is your canvas to narrate your unique tale. Be it Bohemian whimsy or minimalist elegance, the charm of vintage or the edge of modern, vibrant hues or subdued palettes – it’s about weaving your narrative. Choose global elements that resonate with you, just like in this contemporary global style living room, and let your space echo your individuality

Global Styles Celebrate Culture and History

Global style reveres the rich tapestry of cultures and histories from which they emerge. It can be a singular ode to one nation or a melange of inspirations from across the globe. To truly encapsulate its essence, consider integrating decor unique to a specific culture. Take, for instance, this design inspired by Turkish aesthetics. Turkey, renowned for its exquisite Kilim rugs, beautifully exemplifies how specific cultural artifacts can elevate a space.

Global Style Celebrates the Magic of Lighting

The allure of global style designs is amplified by their captivating lighting choices. Often handcrafted, these luminaries feature intricate metal cutouts that cast enchanting patterns of light, akin to the magic found in many Moroccan and Turkish homes. Mexico also excels in crafting exquisite lighting, exemplifying how lighting transcends mere function to become a hallmark of beauty. 

Global Style Design Mixes Old and New

Global style is the perfect dance between the time-honored and the contemporary. In spaces like this Vintage Boho Office, there’s a seamless blend of the modern with relics from the past. Treasured items, such as Moroccan rugs, often bear the weight of generational stories. By interweaving cultural artifacts, cherished family heirlooms, and contemporary accents, you’re not just designing a space—you’re curating a visual biography of your life and lineage.

Global Style Celebrates Your Adventures

Global Style Interior Design is like weaving the chapters of your adventures into your living space. It brings to life the tales of places you’ve been by showcasing the treasures you’ve gathered along the way. Take, for instance, this Mexican-inspired dining area where the handmade lighting casts shadows reminiscent of Mexican evenings. It’s a sensory journey, right in your home.

Global Style is Eco-Friendly

Global style is intrinsically tied to nature, championing eco-friendly and sustainable design practices. Central to its ethos is the utilization of authentic, natural materials. From plush wool rugs that cradle your feet, to metallic accents that reflect tradition, intricately carved wooden furniture that narrates craftsmanship, to tactile leather and versatile rattan. There’s also the timeless appeal of natural stone and the earthen touch of pottery. Each element not only adds aesthetic value but also underscores a commitment to the environment and reverence for the natural world

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.

Create Your Perfect Globally Inspired Space

Global styles are a perfect fit for aligning art, science, and energy to create a space perfectly aligned to support you. Get a consultation today.

Given the principles of your Aligned Design system, which focuses on harmonizing beauty, color science, and well-being, it’s clear why global design styles are a seamless fit. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Art of Beauty: Global design styles inherently celebrate the beauty of various cultures. Every piece, from a handwoven rug from Morocco to carved wooden artifacts from Bali, is a testament to the artistic skills honed over generations. This beauty aligns well with the art-centric facet of Aligned Design.

2. Science of Color: Global design taps into a vast palette influenced by natural landscapes, cultural festivities, and traditional crafts from around the world. The colors aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but are steeped in cultural significance. The Aligned Design system, with its emphasis on the science of color, can leverage these rich palettes to evoke specific feelings and energies.

3. Energy of Well-being: Global styles often prioritize natural, eco-friendly materials that resonate with the energy of the earth. Materials like wood, stone, and organic fabrics not only have a minimal ecological footprint but also exude an innate warmth and grounding energy. This aligns perfectly with Aligned Design’s goal of promoting well-being.

4. Personal Resonance: Global design, with its myriad of styles, allows individuals to choose elements that truly resonate with them. Whether it’s a memory from a trip or a connection to one’s roots, these design elements can serve as a reflection of personal journeys and transformations.

5. Transformational Journey: As people evolve, so can their interiors. Global design styles are versatile, allowing spaces to evolve and adapt. This fluidity is perfectly suited for individuals on transformational journeys, ensuring their spaces always align with their current phase of life.

6. Holistic Integration: The Aligned Design system, in aiming for harmony and balance, would appreciate global design’s holistic approach. Every element in global design has a story, a purpose, and an energy, ensuring a space is more than just visually appealing—it becomes a sanctuary for growth and well-being.

Given these alignments, it’s evident that global design styles can beautifully complement and enrich your design using my Aligned Design system, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply nurturing. Need help? Let’s do a consultation and see what’s possible.

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