Birds provide endless inspiration for creating beautiful designs with the intricate patterns, colors, and textures of their feathers!
Flat Lay #1- The Forest
In my article Birds of a Feather- What Birds Can Teach Us About Designing the Perfect Room, I shared a design for the first flat lay, inspired by realistic photo art of Pintail duck and eagle feathers. I designed a room with a calm and earthy feeling that reminds me of being in the forest using the feather art and colors of nature.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Flat Lay #2- Bohemian Meets Hollywood Glam
The second flat lay, evoked a much more glamorous style and feeling, like a cross between Modern Global Style and Hollywood Glam. I developed several ideas capturing the drama and glamour with different color walls.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Flat Lay #3- A Time for Whimsy- Let’s Fly
The third flat lay to me evoked a sense of whimsy and playfulness, filled with color and the sense that you can take flight and soar to any place you want to go.
As in Flat Lay #2, the feathers are stylized rather than realistic, and more colorful and playful than the gold and black feathers. Even though it has a sense of fun and whimsy, it also feels calm and relaxing with the blues and greens.
I designed two living rooms. One uses wallpaper and is more light and airy yet has texture. The deep blue wall adds more drama with the darker, rich blue.
Which is your favorite?
Bird Feathers Are a Great Source of Inspiration!
As you can see, you can use natural elements like bird feathers to inspire earthy, glamorous, and dramatic, or whimsical and playful designs!
Bird feathers can inspire many design styles and are fun to work with. There is a huge amount of variety.
Did you know you can often identify a bird just by the feathers? That is how unique they are. Mother Nature provides endless inspiration. Try your own flat lay and see what it inspires.
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.
I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing-Light Transforms Ordinary to Extraordinary
Light isn’t merely an illuminating force—it’s a storyteller, a guide, and an artist. In the intricate dance between shadow and glow, there lies the potential to transform any space into an evocative sanctuary of feelings and experiences.
As in my philosophy of Aligned Design, the combination of artistry, science, and energectic connection captivates the power of light.and its ability to spotligh the unique facets of your environment and create an atmosphere of enchantment.
Light Makes the Magic Happen.
I have a love for many forms of art, including one of my favorites, dance. I am always noticing the similarities between what is important in the different art forms I explore.
I had the privilege of attending a dance workshop titled “From Practice to Professional Presentation,” led by the renowned dancer and instructor, Helia Bandeh. This immersive experience delved deep into the nuances of creating a visually captivating stage or backdrop for dance performances, whether live or on video. Helia shed light on crucial aspects such as décor, lighting, and costuming.
It’s astonishing how much it intersects with the principles of Interior Design! In this article, we’ll zoom in on the magic of lighting.
According to Helia, “light is the most important element in your visual presentation and can totally transform the performance or the space”. I agree, whether it is dance or Interior Design.
Edesign and “Deep Purple” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit. Deep Purple Fractal Art by Mary Ann Benoit
Light Shapes Perception
The power of light extends beyond mere illumination. It serves as a director, guiding one’s gaze. Whether illuminating an entire auditorium – encompassing both audience and stage – or narrowing down to a singular performer, light dictates where our attention lies.
In our homes and workplaces, strategic lighting can accentuate a piece of art, create a cozy reading nook, illuminate a kitchen countertop, or guide a path. The right play of light can alter our perception of space, both in terms of size and ambiance.
For instance, during a performance, when a specific area is spotlighted, it not only commands focus but can also transform the vastness of a stage or room into a cozy, intimate setting, allowing external distractions to fade into obscurity.
Edesign and “Heart of Turkey” energy art by Mary Ann Benoit. Heart of Turkey energy art by Mary Ann Benoit Heart of Turkey #4 energy art by Mary Ann Benoit
Light is the Master of Color
In the realm of the stage, light serves as a masterful tool for manipulating color, all without altering the physical aspects of the set. Consider, for instance, the transformative effect of various lights on a dancer adorned in a white dress. Colored lighting has the capacity to envelop the backdrop, intensify the hues enveloping the performer, or instill a distinct mood.
Within your interior spaces, the presence of colored light can profoundly impact the perceived warmth or coolness of the surroundings, thereby orchestrating the very essence of your colors. Here, light reigns supreme as it can effortlessly usher in a festive ambiance, as exemplified by the twinkling charm of Christmas lights.
Edesign and “Deep Purple” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit. Notice color difference between night lighting in this picture and day light in the picture below.Edesign and “Deep Purple” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit.
Light is the Maestro of Drama
Sharp, hard light, characterized by its pronounced contrast between luminosity and shadow, isn’t just a source of illumination; it’s a storytelling tool. By carving out a space with stark differences between light and dark, hard light can evoke intense emotions, channel focus, and create a cinematic atmosphere.
Imagine a room bathed in soft, uniform light. Now, introduce a singular beam of hard light, spotlighting a piece of art on the wall or a vintage table in the center. Instantly, that object becomes the room’s protagonist, drawing eyes and sparking intrigue. This interplay isn’t merely about visibility, but about imbuing significance.
Similarly, in the realm of theater and dance, hard lighting can elevate a scene or movement, turning a simple gesture into a moment of raw, emotional power. The way it carves shadows and highlights can echo the intricacies of the human condition – our vulnerabilities, our strengths, our moments of introspection.
In essence, light doesn’t just illuminate; it punctuates, intensifies, and narrates, shaping our experience of any given space or moment.
Lighting creates drama.
Light- The Ultimate Designer’s Tool
In the realm of design, light isn’t just an element; it’s the alchemy that metamorphoses a space. “Light stands as the cornerstone of design, wielding the power to wholly redefine an environment.”
As I journey through life, my appreciation deepens for the interwoven tapestry of artistic disciplines. The parallels between Interior Design and other artistic endeavors are striking. At their core, they share foundational principles that breathe life into masterpieces. It requires a keen sense of observation, a discerning ear, and a heart that resonates with the ambient energy to truly discern these connections.
The artistry (innate creativity), melded with the precision of science (understanding of colors), and the profoundness of energy (the emotive connection), orchestrates a harmonious ballet of elements. This trinity of alignment is my guiding compass, allowing me to choreograph exquisite dance performances and craft evocative interior spaces.
Light highlights the energy of the art and it’sobvious and subliminal messages as well as the flowers. “Heart of Turkey #3” energy art by Mary Ann Benoit
Light- The Unspoken Director
Within the canvas of your interior, light is the artist’s brush, poised to highlight key facets of your environment. It possesses the remarkable ability to draw the viewer’s focus with pinpoint precision – whether it’s accentuating a cherished piece of art, carving out a serene reading alcove, illuminating a workspace in your kitchen or office, or gently guiding you along a well-defined pathway.
Moreover, the art of spotlighting and dimming is akin to wielding a magician’s wand. It bestows the power to sculpt how we perceive space, deftly crafting an atmosphere of intimacy and charm. Envision yourself nestled before a flickering fireplace, with the remainder of the room bathed in a soft, subdued glow. Or picture a cozy reading nook or a captivating game corner, bathed in the gentle embrace of selectively dimmed lighting, beckoning you to unwind and lose yourself in the moment. These are the artful manipulations of light that transform mere spaces into immersive experiences.
Light- The Master of Energy
Light directs your attention to what you want to highlight such as the art sculpture on the table, and the elements of the celebration on the other tables. Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.
The energy of lighting profoundly influences the energy, or ambiance, of a space through how it affects our senses, emotions, and perceptions:
Emotional Resonance: Different lighting can evoke different feelings. Warm, soft lighting often feels cozy and inviting, evoking feelings of relaxation and warmth. In contrast, cool, bright lighting can energize and invigorate a space, making it feel active and alert.
Focus and Perception: Lighting can be used to draw attention to specific elements of a room, guiding one’s gaze and perceptions. By spotlighting a particular object or area, it becomes a focal point, altering how the space is experienced. Conversely, shadows can be used to create depth and mystery, lending a room an air of intimacy or contemplation.
Spatial Dynamics: The way light spreads throughout a space can make it feel larger or smaller. Bright, evenly distributed light gives the sensation of openness, making a space feel larger. Dim lighting or selectively illuminated areas can make a space feel cozy, intimate, and more segmented.
Temporal Ambiance: The changing nature of lighting, especially natural light, sets the rhythm of our day. Morning light can feel fresh and invigorating, while evening light is often warm and settling. By mimicking these natural transitions, artificial lighting can set the mood or change the energy of a room to align with our circadian rhythms.
Color Interaction: Light affects the way we perceive colors. The hue and intensity of light can enhance or mute the colors in a room, thereby changing its overall energy. A room bathed in golden hour light will feel vastly different from the same room illuminated by the bluish light of a cloudy day.
Cultural and Personal Associations: Different cultures, and even individuals, might have varying associations with light based on experiences and upbringing. For example, candlelight might evoke feelings of romance, spirituality, or introspection depending on one’s personal experiences.
Energetic Flow: In metaphysical terms, light is often associated with positive energy flow. A well-lit space is considered to have good ‘Chi’, encouraging vitality, clarity, and well-being.
In essence, the energy of lighting is intrinsically linked with the energy of a space. It’s more than just visibility; the beauty it creates or its effects on color, it’s about creating an ambiance, invoking emotions, and influencing the very essence of a space’s character.
Edesign of a Mexican style dining table with beuutiful outdoor amd indoor lighting by Mary Ann Benoit.
Learn More
Learn more about some of the unique lessons I have learned about creating great interiors from dance and music in some of my other blog posts below.
Light isn’t merely an illuminating force—it’s a storyteller, a guide, and an artist. In the intricate dance between shadow and glow, there lies the potential to metamorphose any space into an evocative sanctuary of feelings and experiences.
Drawing on the sacred triad of artistry, science, and connection, we invite you to embark on an Aligned Design journey with us. Together, we’ll harness the captivating power of light, spotlighting the unique facets of your environment and crafting an atmosphere of intimacy and enchantment.
Imagine your cherished art pieces bathed in precise illumination, a serene reading nook beckoning you to lose yourself in a book, or a workspace radiant with just the right balance of light, enhancing both functionality and ambiance.
Dive into the transformative world of lighting with our specialized consultation, and let’s co-create spaces that don’t just look good, but feel magical
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Birds provide endless inspiration for creating beautiful designs with the intricate patterns, colors, and textures of their feathers!
In my article Birds of a Feather- What Birds Can Teach Us About Designing the Perfect Room, I shared some ideas for one of those flat lays inspired by realistic photo art of Pintail duck and eagle feathers. I designed a room with a calm and earthy feeling that reminds me of being in the forest using the feather art and colors of nature.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
This second flat lay, to me, evoked a much more glamorous style and feeling, like a cross between Modern Global Style and Hollywood Glam.
Flat lay and Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
I am not sure what bird the feathers in the photo came from, but the art is less realistic and more stylized. The black and gold color combination felt very luxurious, and like a great place to add a variety of metallic finishes.
The natural theme of bird feathers still evoked a sense of nature, inviting wood, stone, and natural materials such as velvet, leather, and cotton. I selected green, which is a wonderful color of nature, for the fabrics and added plants.
I decided to create a living room, that was dark and moody, with black or deep chocolate walls, and lots of different gold-tone metals. Dramatic lighting enhances the art and brings out the shine of the various brass and gold-toned lights and accessories.
Instead of the photo in the flat lay, I found several other art prints of feathers in black and gold that I used as inspiration.
I could see this combination in a living room, master bedroom, master bathroom, or powder room. How about you?
I decided to try a living room. A flat lay can first evolve into a drawing or floor plan to get a feel for how the room will work spatially.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
To get the feeling of drama and glamour, I decided to try the idea of a black wall. I love it! It beautifully highlights the feather art and sets off the beautiful greens in the furniture. Of course, lighting, strategically placed and lots of it, is important when using black.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
For variety, I tried a textured light-colored wallpaper similar in color to the feathers to give the room a more light and airy feeling. I think I like the black better for a glamorous feeling.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
And here is it in a shade of off-white. While still pretty, I like the black walls best, and the feeling of dimension the textured wallpaper gives over the white walls. How about you?
The moral of this flat lay tale is that you can use natural elements like bird feathers to inspire glamorous, dramatic, modern, and sleek designs while still bringing the outdoors in. And, don’t be scared to use black!
Bird feathers can inspire many design styles. Look for my next article on the design for my third flat lay inspired by bird feathers.
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. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started
Mexican interiors radiate a vibrant warmth, effortlessly blending color and comfort with a touch of whimsy. These spaces capture the heart with their delightful fusion of handcrafted treasures from Spanish and Native Indian heritages, lending an age-old allure.
The furnishings, rooted in the robust aesthetics of Spanish and Mayan cultures, are typically crafted from rich woods like pine, walnut, and cherry, or upholstered in genuine leather. Often exuding a rustic charm, these sofas, beds, and tables are both sturdy and enchanting. The floors come alive with vivid, handwoven rugs, while multihued cushions and geometric-patterned curtains dance with color, encapsulating the vivacious spirit of Mexican design.
Colors of Mexico. Artist unknown.
Mexican interiors burst with vivid accessories like candles, mirrors, painted figurines, wall hangings, masks, and handcrafted pottery. The color scheme is dominated by fiery reds, sunny yellows, earthy terracottas, and artistic blues.
At its core, Mexican design is a global story, reflecting world travels and personal experiences. It’s vibrant, rich in textures, and blends diverse artifacts, from antiques to modern items. Each piece has a tale, often becoming a talking point. While the style embraces elements from various cultures, there’s a unique pull towards certain colors and crafts, making every space deeply personal and inviting.
Mexican-style interior design is influenced by a rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant aesthetics. Typical design elements include:
Color Palette: Mexican interiors often boast vibrant colors, as described in the next section.
Talavera Tiles: These hand-painted ceramic tiles, often with intricate patterns and bright colors, are a hallmark of Mexican design. They’re used for flooring, wall decoration, countertops, and backsplashes.
Handcrafted Pottery: Clay pots, vases, and dishes, often in earthy tones or hand-painted in vivid colors, are popular decor items.
Rustic Wooden Furniture: Heavy, sturdy wooden furniture, often with carved detailing, is a staple. Woods like pine, mesquite, and alder are frequently used.
Wrought Iron: This is commonly used for light fixtures, bed frames, window grills, and decorative gates. Its intricate designs add a touch of vintage elegance.
Textiles: Handwoven blankets, rugs, and cushions in vibrant colors and patterns play a significant role. These often feature Aztec or Mayan-inspired designs.
Architectural Details: Exposed wooden beams, arched doorways, and niches or “nichos” are common architectural elements.
Courtyards and Patios: Reflecting the importance of outdoor living in Mexican culture, courtyards and patios often serve as the heart of the home, adorned with plants, fountains, and tiles.
Religious Artifacts: Items like crosses, altars, and statues of saints often find their way into Mexican homes, reflecting the country’s deep Catholic roots.
Murals and Folk Art: Walls may be adorned with large painted murals or smaller pieces of folk art, showcasing stories, history, or religious themes.
Plants: Natural elements are integrated with plants like cacti, succulents, and colorful flowers, both inside the home and in outdoor spaces.
Leather Elements: Leather, often hand-tooled, can be found on furniture, as decorative elements, or in floor coverings.
These elements, when blended together, produce interiors that are warm, inviting, and reflective of Mexico’s rich tapestry of history and culture.
Mexican-style interior design is renowned for its vibrant color palette, which draws inspiration from its rich cultural, historical, and natural landscapes. Here are some colors commonly associated with Mexican-style interiors:
Fiery Reds & Oranges: These colors often recall sunsets, traditional spices, and are prominently featured in textiles and ceramics.
Earthy Terracottas & Browns: Reflecting the clay pottery and landscapes, these hues add warmth and grounding.
Bright Yellows & Golds: Evoking the brilliance of the sun, these shades can range from pale lemon to deep mustard.
Cobalt & Turquoise Blues: Influenced by Mexican tiles (“talavera”) and the Caribbean Sea, these colors are vibrant and prominent.
Lush Greens: Reminiscent of Mexico’s rich vegetation and forests.
Deep Indigos & Purples: These can be found in traditional textiles and represent the blending of Spanish and indigenous influences.
Soft Pinks & Coral: Inspired by traditional architecture and flora.
Whites: Often used as a neutral backdrop, especially in colonial-style buildings and interiors.
Each color can be used in a variety of shades, from muted to bright, depending on the desired effect and regional influences. These colors are often complemented by natural materials like wood and leather, as well as traditional patterns and motifs, to create a holistic and authentic Mexican ambiance.
Below is an example of an Edesign I created for an Mexican style living room using colors of some of the images above as inspiration.
Mexican Style Edesign
See my Saturday Night Live Art Show on this fun design!
https://youtu.be/XZdCPrAk1qs
For the style elements forming the foundation of the design, I created energy art with AI and layers of fractal art for the wall art, beautiful rug and pillows.
Mexican Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Heart of Mexico #3 Heart of Mexico AI/fractal art rug.
How is Mexican style different from other global styles?
The energy of Mexican interior design is vibrant, colorful, and rich in cultural heritage. It embodies warmth, a sense of community, and a celebration of life. The design often features bold patterns, traditional craftsmanship, and an appreciation for natural elements.
Let’s Create Your Global Style Design
Are you ready for your house to go to the next level where your house looks great, feels great and supports you to be great?Imagine that.
What’s it like when you are living in the perfect space for you?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors; art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Creating a space that envelops you in your vision of beauty and color, while fine-tuning the energy of your space to promote wealth, health, love, and perfect self-expression aligns you with the universe, allowing you to live your best life so you can make a positive impact on the world.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Stay Warm This Winter and Slash Bills with These Home Efficiency Upgrades
Stay Warm This Winter and Slash Bills with These Home Efficiency Upgrades
Do you ever feel like it’s impossible to stay warm in the winter without spending a fortune on energy bills? If this sounds familiar, you may be surprised by how easy it can be to heat your home more efficiently. Smart home tech is one of our favorite solutions, but it’s not the only option. From high-tech devices to small changes in everyday habits, there are countless ways to boost your home’s efficiency — and make electric bills more manageable this winter.
Don’t Fight Mother Nature!
When winter hits, our natural inclination is to fight the cold by cranking up the heat indoors. This can be an uphill battle, but accepting the season for what it is — and even working with Mother Nature — can increase your home’s efficiency dramatically. One example is how the sun provides warmth year-round, even when the air temperature is cold. For this reason, an easy way to reduce heating costs is to open window coverings on sunny days, especially on any south-facing windows, because the natural warmth from the sun means less work for your heating system. Along the same lines, most people could change other small habits, such as closing the doors to any seldom-used rooms and keeping the vents in those rooms closed.
The bottom line is that your furnace has to work hard to keep your home nice and toasty, but you can give your heating system a break by changing your habits and by making efficient upgrades. Another easy change is to keep your thermostat set a little lower. Any programmable thermostat will work, but with a smart thermostat, you have even more control to adjust it as needed. For example, if your whole family is out of the house most of the day, keep it set lower during those hours, and you can easily raise the temperature when needed.
Insulate Everything
Besides heating the air inside efficiently, it’s important to keep cold air out. The best way to do this is to ensure your home is insulated properly. If you’re up for a DIY project, Family Handyman has an excellent guide for how to install insulation yourself. As they explain, installing insulation correctly is a major factor in how effective it is.
Along with boosting the insulation in your attic, don’t forget about insulating other spots that are easy to overlook. For example, Money Talks News recommends insulating attic doors along with your basement and other sneaky spots, such as electrical outlets and heating ducts. In addition to adding insulation, another essential step for keeping cold air out is to seal off leaks. According to the blog Direct Energy, an easy way to identify air leaks is to go room by room and either use your hand to feel for air or use a candle to see where the flame flickers. Doing this works best on a windy day, and you’ll want to turn your heating system off. Then, you can add caulk, foam, or weather stripping wherever it’s needed.
Target Other Energy Hogs
Heating may be the main culprit that drives up winter utility bills, but it probably isn’t the only source of increased energy use. When the sun sets earlier, it’s normal to compensate by using more indoor lighting. Not to mention, it’s awfully tempting to warm up in the winter by taking a hot bath or an extra long shower. The good news is that it’s easy to make these habits less costly. For example, switching to LED bulbs makes lighting more efficient. Getting a new tankless water heater will make those warm showers more eco-friendly. Alternatively, you can simply set your old water heater to a lower temperature.
The reality is that energy consumption is part of our everyday lives. That’s a fact that’s unavoidable, but what you can avoid is wasted energy. Whether you make small changes or big home improvements, each of these swaps will cut down on waste, all with the added benefit of cutting your utility bills at the same time.
Eco-friendly Interior Design is a great thing to think about in all aspects of creating a healthy, cost efficient and beautiful space. Besides being energy efficient using tips as in the article above, you can incorporate natural and eco-friendly materials in your decor. See my article, Eco-friendly Interior Design- Why it Matters, to learn more. Try my Aligned Design consultation to come up with an eco-friendly design plan for your space.
Need help creating a beautiful and eco-friendly design in your home? See my Edesign and Online Services and let me know if I can help you!.
Unfolding Magic: The Bird’s Eye Brilliance of Flat Lays
A flat lay is a bird’s eye view of a lot of magic possibilities about to unfold before you.
At its simplest, it is a picture of objects arranged on a flat surface being viewed from above. But it is so much more!
When used in Interior Design, a flat lay creates endless possibilities for creating a perfect space.
A flat lay is an idea filled with possibilities.
As an example, here is a flat lay I created that was inspired by the beauty of Pintail duck and eagle feathers. Being a wildlife biologist in a past career, I think birds provide endless inspiration for creating beautiful designs!
I started with art of feather details. Then I selected samples of flooring, tile, carpeting, fabrics and more that I thought looked nice with the art and arranged them.
What room will this become? Who knows, the possibilities are endless.
Will the room have all these exact tiles, fabrics, woods, etc.? Probably not. It is just an idea to build on.
Other Bird Feather Inspired Flat Lays
I created two additional flat lays that were also inspired by bird feathers. The first seems like a cross between Hollywood Glam and Bohemian waiting to happen.
The second seems like more of a Modern Global/Bohemian Style.
What rooms do you envision these flat lays inspiring?
See my next article, Birds of a Feather- What Birds Can Teach Us About Designing the Perfect Room and see the designs that came from these flat lays.
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.
I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing-Distractions Ruin Everything
Essential Elements for a Beautiful Stage or Design.
Recently I took a dance class called From Practice to Professional Presentation with professional dancer and instructor Helia Bandeh.
This class discussed essential elements to create a beautiful stage or background to highlight your dance performance on a stage or video. She discussed decor, lighting, and costumes.
So many things related to creating your perfect space with Interior Design! This article focuses on decor.
Some critical factors related to set decoration included:
The dancer is part of the stage environment. There needs to be a visual balance between the dancer and the background. Consider how the dancer looks compared to the background based on the colors she is wearing, how large or small she appears compared to the background, or how interesting she might be in context. For example, if you are dancing in front of the Taj Mahal, will people be looking at you or the building?
Eliminate visual disparity between the dance and the background. For example, don’t perform a dance about a love story in a Catholic Church with the cross behind the dancer. A background in nature would be more appropriate.
Interactive elementsin the decor add dimension to the performance (such as a chair or flowers).
Removing distracting elements is more important than adding supporting elements. If you are doing a Persian dance on a stage filled with chords, speakers, signs, and more, adding some Persian decorations only makes it worse, not better. It is essential to neutralize the stage and removing unneeded things first, then add decoration if it highlights the dance. Otherwise, the audience looks at everything, not just the dancer, and in essence, sees nothing but distractions.
Simorgh performing an Azeri Drum Dance at the AlAska Shriners in Anchorage.
For example, above, we are performing an Azeri Drum Dance. The room is brightly lit. The stage decor is permanently set up with a design specific to the Alaska Shriners. The background also has flags and other decorative items unrelated to the dance we are doing. The background colors do not go with our costumes and the lights do not highlight the dancers.
While the stage itself is pretty, there are a lot of distracting elements for the audience to look at that have nothing to do with, and do not enhance the dance performance.
By contrast, below I am performing a Qashqai scarf dance on a beautiful stage that perfectly shows off my dance, costume, and the scarves with it’s simplicity, colors and lighting.
Me performing a Qashqai Scarf Dance in Anchorage Alaska on a beautiful stage, perfectly set up to highlight the dancers.
How Does This Relate to Interior Design?
All these things relate, but in particular, this is key to creating a beautiful room.
Removing distracting elements is more important than adding supporting elements.
The more time goes by, I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.
It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.
Creating a Magical Stage
Let’s look at the three elements in stage design that help create a beautiful performance and see how they relate to that room you are designing.
We are Part of the Design
We are part of the design of our rooms and need to consider how we look and feel within them.
For example, if navy blue makes me look old when I wear it, but I look beautiful in turquoise, I will not design my living room with navy blue because I will not look good surrounded by that color. And if I don’t look good, I will not feel good in the room.
Think about how you will look and feel in the room. After all, when you are in it, you will be the star of that show.
We are part of the design. Does it make you look good? Photo by Jens Lidner on Unsplash. We are part of the design. Does it make you look good? Photo by TheWonderAlice on Unsplash.
Eliminate Visual Disparity
Eliminating visual disparity is important. What is your personality and story? Are you being true to it and does it fit with the architecture of the building?
For example, are you a maximalist that loves to be surrounded by lots of things and color, creating that style in an ultra-modern space?
Or, are you trying to create an ultra-modern look in an ornate Victorian living room? The contrast might be interesting, but can you live with that visual disparity every day?
Some may call this eclectic, but even eclectic styles need a balance with one primary style.
There needs to be a connection between the architecture, style, and story you are portraying. Otherwise, it will always be distracting to the viewer.
Interacting with Your Design Elements
In design, we interact with almost all the elements in our spaces. It is critical to make sure elements such as furniture and decor are comfortable, support how we live, are beautiful to us, and there is not too much of it!
Do you enjoy interacting with everything, and like the touch, feel, smell, and comfort of your decor items?
Do you enjoy the touch, feel, smell, and comfort of your decor items? Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash. Do you enjoy the touch, feel, smell, and comfort of your decor items? Photo by Johnathon Fink on Unsplash. Do you enjoy the touch, feel, smell, and comfort of your decor items? Photo by Gemma Evans on Unsplash.
Removing Distractions is More Important than Adding Supporting Details
Removing distracting elements is more important than adding supporting details, which will make or break a room.
If you have a room filled with clutter and distracting things, no amount of adding more of your favorite decorative elements such as art or pillows or knick-nacks will fix the problem.
The most important thing is to neutralize the “stage” and eliminate all the unnecessary elements first. Then begin adding layers until you have created the effect you want. Otherwise, you and everyone else using the room will only see the distraction
Its better to remove distractions than add more decor when creating a beautiful room. Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash.
Neutralize First
The first step in creating a beautiful stage or a room is to neutralize it first by removing distractions. Once that is done, then you can add meaningful decor items to create the perfect background for your performance or your perfect space.
A problem I often see, is when people have too many distractions in their room, usually in the form of clutter. The room may also have too much decor or furniture. They think that adding beautiful decor items will fix the problem, and create the look they want.
It does not work.
The key is remove the distractions first, then add decor to get the look you want.
In the example below the focal point of the room is the art. To make it stand out as much as possible, the rest of the room was designed with neutral colors.
In a similar way, a neutral background on a stage could highlight a dancer in a purple dress and her beautiful movements without distractions.
Edesign and “A Passion for Purple” fractal art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
This design highlights my fractal art, “A Passion for Purple” which you can purchase at my studio on Society 6.
Before you start decorating, take everything out of the room you really don’t need, neutralize things as much as possible and then add on your layers.
Its better to remove distractions than add more decor when creating a beautiful room. Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash.
Learn More
To learn more, see some other articles in this series:
Now that you know some of the elements that work together to create your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home? If you knew absolutely for certain that creating a perfect space would create a better life for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?
Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy. Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
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.
Colors of Mexico. Artist unknown.
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.
Guanajuato, Mexico. Photo by Dennis Schrader on Unsplash
You can see that Mexico is a country that loves to celebrate rich colors! You have a lot to choose from.
Colors of Mexico City. Photo by Jeremy Iwanga on Unsplash.
Mexican style is an example of global style Interior Design. Global Style Interior Design is all about telling the story of your life and adventures through your decor. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter. Treasures, old and new are displayed from various parts of the world and layered in a rich tapestry of color, texture, art and history.
Below is an example of an Edesign I created for an Mexican style living room using colors of some of the images above as inspiration.
Mexican Style Edesign
For style elements, I used South American rugs and pillows. leather furniture, wood and copper coffee and end tables, and rustic metal lighting. I chose typical colors of Mexico including reds, terra cotta, gold and blue accents.
I added my Great Conjunction fractal art in reds and gold to highlight the colors of Mexicol
Mexican Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
I selected some of my fractal art with a floral element called “Spring” in the green color of the flag for the walls.
My Great Conjunction Fractal Art. Great Conjunction Great Conjunction 2 Great Conjunction 3Mexican Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.Mexican Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Get the Look
To get the look, you could go all out and incorporate all the elements or you can add some key elements to your existing decor.
How is Mexican Style Different?
How is Mexican style different from other global styles?
The energy of Mexican interior design is vibrant, colorful, and rich in cultural heritage. It embodies warmth, a sense of community, and a celebration of life. The design often features bold patterns, traditional craftsmanship, and an appreciation for natural elements.
Learn more as we explore and compare a variety of global styles.
Check out my other articles on Bohemian,Greek, Moroccan, Turkish and Indian styles. Notice the differences in colors, textures, lighting, art etc. between these styles done in the same room.
By changing some of the elements in your existing design, you can work towards creating a certain global style. Or create a mix of elements for a more “Bohemian Style”.
For more ideas on Mexican style see my blog article on Get the Look- Mexican Style where I created an Edesign for a colorful and exotic living room.
Let’s Create Your Global Style Design
Are you ready for your house to go to the next level where your house looks great, feels great and supports you to be great?Imagine that.
What’s it like when you are living in the perfect space for you?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors; art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Creating a space that envelops you in your vision of beauty and color, while fine-tuning the energy of your space to promote wealth, health, love, and perfect self-expression aligns you with the universe, allowing you to live your best life so you can make a positive impact on the world.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Create an Exotic Global Style Living Room with a Gorgeous Blue Rug
Bohemian style celebrates warm earthy colors, metals and jewel tones. Bohemian decor often uses deep browns, greens, grays or other neutral colors for base colors, then accessorizes with saturated purple, fiery orange, and electric blue and other jewel tones.
Bohemian style lovers are often carefree, dislike rules and want to follow their heart’s desire!
Do you like vintage furniture and light fixtures, globally inspired textiles and rugs, and love displaying your collections of cool things found at markets. thrift stores and in your travels?
I bet you like glamorous fabrics, lighting and accessories with well-worn items, antiques or cool pieces from other styles. Anything goes if it makes you happy. More is more!
Bohemian style is a global design style. Global styles are all about your worldly adventures and telling your story! They are usually very colorful, rich in bold designs and natural textures, patterns, colors, and arts and crafts of various cultures.
Get the Look and Celebrate Your Favorite Color- Blue!
A great way to get the look of Bohemian style is with a beautiful area rug. It can become a focal point for your room and help guide the color scheme and your choices for accents and accessories such as throw pillows, art, lighting, and more.
Celebrate your favorite color by picking a rug that highlights it and build the rest of your room around the work of art you picked for your floor.
One of my favorite colors is blue, so here are some examples of my favorite blue Bohemian or global style rugs.
My Favorite Blue Global Style Rugs
I changed the look of the following living room by changing the rug and sometimes the paint color. See how the room changes its look and feeling just by changing the pattern of the rug and shades of blue in the room, while still using the same art, furniture and accessories.
CRAIL AREA RUG
I love the colors and the abstract modern watercolor design of this rug.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
BARN AREA RUG
This rug has a Transitional, Bohemian, Vintage vibe.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
THOUSANDSTICKS AREA RUG
Love the rich teal colors in this Bohemian, Vintage rug made in Turkey.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
BEVERLY AREA RUG
Love the colors and the textured look of this more contemporary design.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
KENMARE AREA RUG
One of my favorites, I just love the design and colors of this Bohemian, Vintage rug.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
And for those of you a little scared of so much color, you can still get your blue fix with the rugs, furnishings and art and go neutral on the walls.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
LIMESTONE AREA RUG
I love the vintage look of this area rug, and it is a great rug if you love darker blues.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
KAI Area Rug
Here is a beautiful Bohemian-style rug that you could use with a dramatic blue room or a more neutral room. I have also used some of my fractal art, called Bioluminescence in this design.
Bohemian Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Bioluninescence Framed Fractal Art Print by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Bioluninescence #2 Framed Fractal Art Print by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Bioluninescence #3 Framed Fractal Art Print by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Let’s Create Your Global Style Design
Are you ready for your house to go to the next level where your house looks great, feels great, and supports you to be great?Imagine that.
What’s it like when you are living in the perfect space for you?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors; art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Creating a space that envelops you in your vision of beauty and color, while fine-tuning the energy of your space to promote wealth, health, love, and perfect self-expression aligns you with the universe, allowing you to live your best life so you can make a positive impact on the world.
Global style Interior Design is part of the art of great design and one of the things you are really going to love about creating the perfect space for yourself. Are you ready to immerse yourself in rich beautiful colors and truly tell your story?
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
