As humans, we want to be connected with nature and other living things such as people, animals, and plants because it makes us feel good. This longing for “connection” is called “biophilia”.

There are numerous ways that we could use Interior Design to get that connection for a happier, healthier home including using natural materials, plants, animals, color, art, scents, and lighting.

Some tips include”

• Bringing the outdoors “in” through the use of design, strategic window placement, and use of colors that harmonize with the outdoor environment. Use your outdoor windows as indoor “art”.
• Using the colors of nature in your home such as blues, greens, browns, off whites and grays since they are prominent in trees, shrubs, the sky and water.
• Using color from your outdoor landscaping visible from your windows in your color scheme.
• Using art that shows landscapes, plants, animals, or other natural elements.
• Designing to make it easy to live with pets such as pet-friendly upholstery, washable rugs, etc.
• Creating exterior landscapes that are visible through your windows and are beautiful, colorful, smell great, and attract wildlife.

This Edesign for a global style living and dining room is a nice example of how to apply some of these ideas.

In this design, the windows and beautiful views of the forest provide the perfect indoor “art” and create a focal point and color scheme for the design.

• The color palette from this “art” or view includes greens, yellows, browns and blue from the sky which are incorporated in the furniture, pillows and wall color. Various shades of green are used to highlight the various shades outside. The area rug creates the illusion of flowing water.
• The art shows a natural mountain landscape showing yellow birch trees similar to what is in the outdoor landscape.
• The furnishings use pet friendly materials, and as you can see, makes it comfy cozy for pets such as the kitty on the chair.
• The décor includes plants and flowers.
• The furnishings and flooring are wood and include different wood types and colors for variety.
• The window treatments allow in natural light and are simple in color and pattern to keep the focus on the outdoor view.
• The lamps use the shape and pattern of a natural element (pineapple).

In the adjacent dining room, the forest theme continues.

In this room, the browns of the forest are highlighted in the wood of the chairs and table the area rug with various shades of brown on the wood floor and the art. The fractal art which I designed is part of my “Old Growth” series I developed because it reminds me of the colors and patterns of an old growth forest. Each frame is in a different wood tone.

The greens in the chair cushions add a pop of color and harmonize with the outdoor view and the living room colors. The décor includes plants.

The wall color here and window treatments are neutral to keep the focus on the outdoor views and the art.

Overall, this design is simple, affordable to create using color, natural elements such as wood and plants and art that highlights nature. The overall feeling is one of serenity with a focus on the amazing forest views. The look of this room will change as the seasons change and the yellow from the fall foliage changes to green, but it will still look great.

Ready to Bring the Outside in To Your Home?

Need help with your home? Try my Aligned Design consultation or my Design Coach package.

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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.

Specially written for NorthernLightsStaging.com

By:  Dennis Kane  of the Winterize Guys at winterizeguys.com

Want to learn more about Eco-Friendly Design?

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!.

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Has your home become the backdrop for most of your day? Whether you are working out of the house rather than in the office or skipping restaurants in favor of home-cooked meals, these tips from Northern Lights Home Staging and Design can help you refresh your living space and make it as cheery and welcoming as possible.

Declutter Your Space

Many home improvements are simple enough to be done without professional help. For example, decluttering is a DIY job that can make an enormous difference in the appearance and energy of your space. Moreover, research shows that clearing clutter from your environment increases your ability to focus, process information, and be productive. Additionally, keeping things clean and organized can help eliminate dust, which can reduce the symptoms of breathing conditions such as asthma (wheezing, feelings of breathlessness, etc.).

To begin, set realistic expectations and pick a method that appeals to you. You can attack the problem with the KonMari process, which encourages you to keep things that spark joy and get rid of the rest, or try a longer-term approach, such as getting rid of at least one item per day. The method is not as important as the commitment, so choose an approach that resonates with you to increase your chances for success.

Decluttered living spaces also contribute to a home’s feng shui, or positive energy that aligns with and supports your life’s natural balance and rhythms. As Architectural Digest notes, it’s a simple way to improve the vibes of your home’s interior, taking steps like strategically arranging furniture (which is difficult to do if clutter abounds) and integrating vertical shapes and lines in each room.

Let in More Light

Exposure to natural light can offer many benefits, including better sleep, improved mood, and increased productivity. Aim to increase the amount of natural light in your home by replacing heavy curtains with sheers or blinds that allow the sunlight to shine in. Adding a few strategically placed mirrors can increase the amount of daylight in your room through the power of reflection.

If your windows are outdated or too small to allow enough light, consider replacing them. Unless you have advanced renovation skills, you should hire a professional for the job.

Carve Out a Workout Space

Being home every day can take a toll on your health if you allow yourself to be sedentary for long stretches of time. To offset this, consider devoting a room or space to be used as your at-home gym. Having a designated workout spot increases your likelihood of maintaining a consistent exercise regime.

While it doesn’t need to be large or fancy, your workout space should provide:

• Privacy while exercising
• Enough space to move around
• Adequate storage for your equipment

Make Strategic Changes

When you are making home improvements, it always pays to think strategically and focus on changes that can increase the value of your property. For example, repairing or replacing your roof is a sure-fire way to reap a good ROI, so look into nearby roof replacement companies to get the job done right. This is especially true if you are planning to sell your home soon.

With this in mind for the home’s interior, invest in renovations that give you the most return for your money. Experts suggest that you can get 10% more for your home if you invest in kitchen and bathroom upgrades, including:

• Modern bathroom fixtures, such as a freestanding tub, a glass shower enclosure, or a frameless LED vanity mirror
• A kitchen island or breakfast bar, especially one with contrasting surfaces or interesting architectural details
• New, energy-efficient appliances
• Updated cabinets, often achievable with a simple coat of paint and new hardware
• A kitchen backsplash that features contrasting colors or textures
• A whimsical touch in the bathroom, such as a chandelier, a waterfall showerhead, or a black-and-white mosaic tile floor

While you can tackle the smaller jobs yourself, large-scale projects are best left to the professionals. Document any major home improvements with before and after photos as well as receipts.

Investing time, energy, and money into your house can pay off both now and in the future. In addition to enjoying your revived space right away, you can also benefit later when you decide to sell.

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

Ready to Create the Perfect Space?

My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection). The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.

I like to start with a look at what you already have and how we can re-arrange or re-purpose to create your perfect space. This is part of the art of great design.

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.

Check out My Fractal 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.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

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

Before You Move In

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

Enlist Help for Unpacking

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

Personalize Your Living Space

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

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

Set Up Your Bedroom First

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

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

Make a Few Updates

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

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

Add Some Personal Touches

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

Protect Your Investment with a Home Warranty

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

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

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Explore Your Surroundings

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

Join Community Groups

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

Make a Smooth and Enjoyable Transition

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

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

Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?

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

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

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

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

Paying for College by Flipping Houses

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

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

Getting into the right mindset

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

Finding fixer-uppers with good potential

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

Getting a mortgage

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

Improvements to attract buyers

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

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

Professional staging can help your property stand out

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

You can opt for online education too

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

Managing documents for your house-flipping business

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

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

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

Marketing Your Property for Profit.

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

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

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

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

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

With the home buying and selling process comes a lot of paperwork. It can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make it easier. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design has compiled some tips and tricks to take the stress out of this process.

Find the Best Rates

Before you start looking for homes, it is important to know what budget you can work within. Carefully estimate what you can afford to buy and research mortgages that will fit your needs and budget. Knowing your budget will help narrow down your options and save time when looking for homes.

Use Tools to Make Collaboration Easy

Digitizing documents into PDF forms helps you keep them organized and easy to find in one place. A PDF merger saves time by quickly merging multiple documents together, eliminating the risk of losing track due to clutter. Conversely, you can use a tool to streamline documents—you may consider this option to delete pages from a PDF for free, so you don’t have to handle massive file sizes.

Track Timeline and Deadlines

A timeline document is an essential tool for tracking key dates and deadlines in the home buying or selling process. The Balance notes that these dates can be used to keep track of important events, such as closing day, as well as any tasks that need to be done before a given deadline. Crosschecking these timelines ensures all steps are completed on time, which is critical for a successful transaction.

Plotting key dates in advance is an important part of the home buying and selling process. This will ensure that documents are properly retrieved from storage or sent to other parties to be completed on time. Setting reminders ahead of time is a good idea.

Gather All Your Documents

When selling your home, it’s important to be prepared. Realtor.com suggests collecting necessary documents such as title deeds, mortgage details, and tax information beforehand so that the process is smooth and you get paid promptly once closing day arrives. Not only will this save time, but it can protect you from any potential issues during the sale.

Consider Online Banking

Online banking can help keep track of closing costs, taxes, and legal fees associated with any transaction. It also makes it easier to file taxes at the end of the year since all transactions are documented. Additionally, tracking expenses online eliminates worry over paper receipts getting lost due to clutter or forgetfulness which could lead to unexpected fees in the future.

Color-Code Your Physical Files

Color coding files is a great way to simplify organization during a hectic time. Different colors can represent different categories so that documents are easily identifiable at a glance. This eliminates the hassle of searching through tons of files just to find one document, thus taking away the stress from an already difficult situation.

Stay on Top of Your Budget

Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, setting your sights on a new life ahead, but it is expensive. To make sure you keep track of your budget, create a document listing all your expenses. On the list should be major payments from both parties, as well as estimated costs and what you actually spend. This can identify where potential savings might have been made.

Buying or selling your next home can be a daunting process with the long list of paperwork you have to handle, but by digitizing and organizing documents, color coding physical files, listing expenses, and researching mortgages beforehand, you can make sure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Taking the time to prepare ahead of time will make the home buying or selling process much more straightforward for you.

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

Tips for Before and After You Buy

Before you buy, you are probably trying to sell your current home as fast and profitably as possible. Home staging is the best way to make that happen and keep your stress levels low while looking for your new home. I can help you sell fast and for more, wherever you live.

Once you buy your new house, if you are like most folks, you move in quickly and everything remains where it is initially placed.  Why not get your colors and design right from the start! Let me help you with an Aligned Design consultation which combines color and design advice and can even create some custom art and decor for you and your new home.

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

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

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When it comes to Interior Design, less is more beautiful and more relaxing. Objects that truly make you happy can stand out more when they have space to breathe. 

Is your home not resonating with the peace and beauty you crave? Does the term “sanctuary” seem like a distant dream when you think of your living space?

With clutter strewn around and an outdated decor, the daunting task of choosing the right color palette, arranging furniture, or selecting the perfect art piece can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Often, amidst our busy lives, we wonder, “Who has the time to tackle all this?”

Yet, investing that time is essential for your mental tranquility and overall well-being.

Amid the chaos of life, it’s easy for our homes to reflect the whirlwind of our daily routines. Before we realize it, we’re surrounded by dated decor and a mismatch of styles, especially if living with a partner who might not share the same aesthetic vision.

Sometimes, we don’t need new things to create a big change. Just by rearranging what we already have, we can make a significant impact.

I realized this when I decided to replace my carpet with laminate flooring. This meant taking everything out of each room, replacing the flooring, and then putting everything back. It was an eye-opening experience.

One lesson I learned was that I had a lot of stuff that didn’t bring me joy or that I didn’t really need. Moving everything made me realize how little happiness some items were bringing into my life.

Before, I was used to a cluttered look, thinking “more is more.” But as I slowly put things back after the flooring change, I started to rearrange them. I began to appreciate the beauty of having fewer things around – it felt calming. I noticed how objects that truly made me happy stood out more when they had space to breathe.

I realized  “less is more beautiful”.

When updating your space, stay open to new ideas. Sometimes, the unexpected choices delight us the most.

Start by decluttering and removing items that don’t bring joy. This creates room and clarity.

Consider emptying a room and reintroducing key items in fresh arrangements. Rotate accessories seasonally for a refreshed look.

If pressed for time, consider hiring a professional. They can quickly navigate through chaos to craft a harmonious setting for you.

Ready to Create the Perfect Space?

My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection). The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.

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

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

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Prices subject to change without notice.

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

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