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.
Edesign and “Unveiling Time ” Energy art by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
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With clutter strewn around and an outdated decor, the daunting task of choosing the right color palette, arranging furniture, or selecting the perfect art piece can feel like an insurmountable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.
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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Feel Connected and Relaxed When You Surround Yourself With the Beauty of Nature
One of my favorite reasons is that Global style design is great at bringing the outside in to your designs, to help you feel connected and relaxed by surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature.
What is Global Style?
Global style tells the story of your life and adventures with things you have collected in your travels and local adventures. Highlighting unique, colorful, and beautiful art and crafts is a wonderful way to create your perfect space.
Each piece tells part of your story while creating a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history. And you get the added benefit of supporting local and international artists and their communities.
How Global Style Brings the Outside In
Global styles are very connected to their natural environments. They often take their color palettes and design elements from the landscape, plants, and animals of the area.
Art, accessories, and rugs highlight colors and motifs based on natural and unique features of the culture.
This has the effect of creating the feeling o bringing the outside in, or making your interior space feel connected to the outdoors.
For example, I wrote a series of articles showing how the colors and patterns of different global styles were related to their culture and landscapes.
Here are a few examples. They contain affiliate links which means I may make a small commission for sharing with you at no additional cost to you.
Indian Style
Indian style design creates inviting, informal, relaxed spaces filled with bright colored hand spun fabrics with paisley patterns, floor cushions around colorful rugs, intricate mandala motifs and nature-inspired themes with flowers, birds, animals
Indian Style Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See an example of the natural landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Mexican Style
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 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 Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See the landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Moroccan Style
Moroccan homes use bright colors, such as red, blue, orange, turquoise, pale ocean blues and green mixed with gold.
Moroccan Style Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See the art of the landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Turkish Style
Turkish style is warm and inviting, earthy and exotic. There is an abundance of warm earth tones with pops of beautiful color. The colors and textures of the land have inspired much of the art, colors, and culture.
Turkish Style Living Room- Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
See how the colors in the landscape inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Greek Style
Greek Interior Design is simple and elegant, inspired by nature, and looks light, bright, airy, and clean. Imagine lots of white with beautiful vivid blue, green, fuchsia, and gold accents, and a clean, de-cluttered, rustic look,
See how the colors in the landscape inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.
Colors of Greece by Dimitris-Kiriakakis on unsplash
Bohemian Style
Bohemian style tends to be more general, selecting elements from many places and mixing and matching them into one glorious, colorful but harmonious whole. In other words, make it your own!
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
Here are some examples of pieces I used for this design. Elements of the outdoors are incorporated in my fractal art inspired by bioluminescence in the ocean, pillows with plant motifs, bird accessories, lotus plant light fixture, and more. Learn more about this design in my article, Get the Look- Global Style- Bohemian.
What Story Does Your Landscape Tell?
Look around. What are the colors, shapes and inspiring things about your landscape that you can connect to your indoor spaces?
What are the main things you see from the windows into your main living areas?
Consider your surroundings. Do you live in the mountains, a forest, on the ocean or in a city?
What is your view?
What are the prominent colors and how do they change with the seasons?
Some of my Landscape Stories
Here are some of the colors, shapes, and inspiration from my landscape here in Seward Alaska that shape what I try to bring indoors into my space and my designs.
View from my window.
The colors of summer, with lots of beautiful fireweed.
How Can You Bring the Outside In?
It is easy to get started by picking art or accessories that have nature-inspired designs. Look for things that reflect the area you live in or a place you love to go. Maybe you are inspired by the scenery, water, plants or animals. You can also use your selection as an inspiration piece to build your color palette.
Art and Accessories Inspired by Water
Live near water? Here are some pieces of art inspired by the ocean or other water bodies you might like. Try a watery color scheme of greens and blues.
Art and Accesories Inspired by Plants
Live near a forest or have trees and shrubs in your yard? Try lighting, art, or accessories based on plant motifs.
Art and Accessories Inspired by Animals
Abstract Art Inspored by Nature
Before I became a designer, I was a wildlife biologist in Alaska for 20 years and 10 years before that in Arizona. I was always fascinated by the beauty of nature, the colors, the patterns of the landscapes, plants, and animals. Whether it was the amazing patterns I could see of the section of a plant under a microscope to the big picture view of doing wildlife surveys in a plane, those experiences influence the fractal art I create today. It is all related to nature in some way. Check out some of my fractal art below and visit my stores on Society 6 and Vida to see more.
Why Connecting with Nature Matters
As humans, we want to be connected with nature and other living things such as people, animals and plants. This longing for “connection” with other life forms is called “biophilia”.
As humans, we have always been connected to nature, for survival, sustenance, spiritual renewal, and inspiration. Mother nature is the best designer there is, with her endless abundance of beautiful color palettes, shapes, patterns, and textures. Spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing.
Look at your surroundings and find the colors and inspiration from the outdoors that it meaningful to you, and bring some into your space.
Ready to Connect to Nature in Your Home?
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.
Connecting to nature and biophilia is part of the energy of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a plan to create your perfect space.
Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.
Celebrate Unique Art and Artisans while Telling Your Story with Global Style Design
One of my favorite reasons is that Global style design celebrates unique art and the artists that create it while telling your story.
Tell Your Story
Global style tells the story of your life and adventures with things you have collected in your travels and local adventures. Highlighting unique, colorful, and beautiful art and crafts is a wonderful way to create your perfect space.
Each piece tells part of your story while creating a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history. And you get the added benefit of supporting local and international artists and their communities.
Show the World What Moves You
Art is very personal. The art you select to show the world reflects who you are and what moves you.
If nature is what inspires you, select art that brings the outside in and represents nature in its theme or materials. Consider purchasing eco-friendly art that will be healthy in your home.
For example, in the Edesign I did for this Bohemian style living room I was inspired by nature and used art to inspire the design. I created my own fractal art called Bioluminescence which was inspired by the beauty of that in the ocean. The pillows have nature-inspired prints and colors. The decor on the table highlights plants and birds. Here are some of those products to get the look in your own home. These and others below contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission for sharing if your purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Bohemian Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Buy Handmade
Global style art is often handmade by local craftspeople in areas that you travel to. These items are beautiful and tell a great story not only about your travels but about the artists who created them.
Buy Eco-Friendly Art
Global style art is often eco-friendly and made from natural and sustainable materials. So buy art you love, it’s good for you!
Global Style Living Room by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Support Artists
The artists you select to support by purchasing their work make a statement about who you are as well. Do you support local artists rather than buying art from a big box store? Do you purchase from local artists while traveling to support those communities? Every community usually has some extremely talented artists inspired by the place they live.
“Mystery” Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design Deep Purple Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Modern Global Style Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Ready to Celebrate Art in Your Home?
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.
Beautiful art is part of the art of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a plan to create your perfect space.
Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.
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Create Magical Ambiance and Illuminate Your Story with Global Style Lighting
There are a lot of reasons to love Global Style Interior Design. One is that it is all about you, and telling the story of your life, adventures, the things you love in your space. It is a total expression and celebration of you. Does that sound selfish? It’s OK, it is your house. Of course, it is about you!
Each piece tells your story. Celebrate your treasures, old and new. modern and vintage, from various parts of the world.
Create a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history.
In a previous article, I talked about 10 reasons to love global style design. Let’s talk about my favorite reasons in more detail, which is the magical lighting!
I love the lighting in global style designs. Much of it is handmade with intricate cutouts in metal that create magical patterns of light in a room. See examples from different global styles below, and learn more how to create magical effects with lighting by layering in my article How to Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting.
Modern Global Style Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Bohemian Lighting
Bohemian style combines many of the specific styles from different cultures noted below, and often includes modern colorful and artistic lighting options. Go wild!
Moroccan Style Lighting
The magical lace-like quality of traditional hand-sawn brass allows many Moroccan lights to cast captivating patterns of shadow and light across the room.
Moroccan Style Lighting Tangiers Pendant
Indian Style Lighting
Indian style lighting can have traditional Indian design prints as some of the lamps below, or try something fun like the lotus-shaped chandelier.
Greek Style Lighting
Greek-style lighting can be simple and often uses the color of the sea, the Greek key pattern, or labyrinth pattern that comes from Greek mythology.
Port 68 Cameron White and Gold Porcelain Table Lamp with Greek key pattern.
Mexican Style Lighting
Mexican style lighting often looks more rustic and folkloric, and uses wood, iron. pierced metal or ceramics.
Mexican Style Living Room Edesign by NOrthern Lights Home Staging and Design. Hand Made Manantial Lantern w/Frosted Glass Onyx and Iron. Castillo Collection Double Table Lamp Clay Wall Sconce
Turkish Style Lighting
Turkish style lighting often has pierced metal or beautiful colored glass.
Ready to Add Colorful and Exotic Design to Your Space?
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Fantastic light is part of the art of great design.
Start with an Aligned Design plan that considers the art, science and energy of your home together. Merging creativity, color and connection, we can work together to create your perfect space.
Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.
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Get the Look- Global Style- Turkish
Turkish style is warm and inviting, earthy and exotic. There is an abundance of warm earth tones with pops of beautiful color. lots of patterns and texture and there is a slightly more rustic feel. It is simple, soft and relaxing.
Turkey has ancient roots. The colors and textures of the land has inspired much of the art, colors and culture. Turkish elements are often used in Bohemian inspired designs.
Turkish style showcases Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles and modern and classical motifs.
Byzantine architecture had lots of exotic, sensual domes and mosaics, that are graceful and filled with light. It is ornate, vibrant and rich in detail, warm and sensual. It often blends soft whites with rich colors.
If you love feeding and entertaining guests, this might be the style for you, as this is very important in Turkish culture and reflected in their designs.
Byzantine Architecture. Image by Konevi from Pixabay
Turkey is known for their Kilim rugs and decorative coffee sets.
Turkish 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.
Colors of Turkey
Here are some of the varied colors used in Turkish design.
Warm and Earthy Tones: Terra cotta, burnt orange, and deep browns, reminiscent of the country’s landscapes and architecture.
Jewel Tones: Sapphire blues, emerald greens, and ruby reds, drawing inspiration from the vibrant bazaars and royal history.
Mediterranean Blues: Aqua, turquoise, and teal, reflecting the hues of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Soft Neutrals: Creams, beiges, and soft grays often serve as base colors, providing balance to the vibrant hues.
Notice the colors of Turkey. Photo by Anna on UnsplashThe colors of Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by Tolga Ahmetle on Unsplash.r
Design Elements- The Art of Turkish Style
Here are some of the design elements Turkey is known for.
Iznik Tiles: These are highly decorative ceramic tiles, with intricate designs often featuring tulips, roses, pomegranates, and hyacinths in bright blues, reds, and greens.
Architectural Details: Arched doorways, domed ceilings, and detailed cornices reflect the influence of both Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles.
Textiles: Turkish design boasts a rich tradition of textiles, from thick kilims and dhurries to ornate silks and brocades. The patterns often include geometric shapes, stylized nature motifs, and medallions.
Turkish Rugs: World-renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, they come in a vast array of patterns, colors, and styles.
Ottoman-Style Seating: Low sofas or divans, often without legs, placed around a room’s perimeter, accompanied by low wooden tables and floor cushions.
Lanterns: Turkish lanterns or “mosaic lamps” are often made of colored glass set in metal, casting warm, colored light.
Copper and Brass: Hammered copper bowls, trays, and coffee pots (like the cezve used for Turkish coffee) are popular decor items.
Carved Wood: Intricately carved wooden furniture and panels, sometimes inlaid with mother-of-pearl or metal, are common.
Marble: Used extensively in architecture and interior elements, from floors to hammam (bath) interiors.
Market-Inspired Decor: Items like colorful ceramic bowls, embroidered textiles, and ornate metalwork, reminiscent of the bustling bazaars of Turkey.
Incorporating Turkish design elements into a space brings with it a sense of timeless beauty and a rich tapestry of cultural influences, from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene beaches of its coastline. Each piece, pattern, and color tells a story of Turkey’s diverse heritage and tradition.
The Energy of Turkish Style
The energy of Turkish style interior design is deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage, reflecting the country’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bridging diverse civilizations over the millennia. Here’s an exploration of the energy and ambiance this style evokes:
Cultural Fusion: The energy in Turkish interiors speaks of synthesis and harmony, amalgamating Byzantine, Ottoman, Persian, and Central Asian influences. This union of styles exudes an aura of both familiarity and exoticism.
Warmth and Hospitality: Turkish culture values warmth and hospitality, and this sentiment is palpable in their interior design. Spaces are meant to be welcoming, with comfortable seating, inviting colors, and an emphasis on communal areas.
Sensory Depth: Turkish design provides a multisensory experience. The textures, from plush rugs to intricate tiles, combined with the rich aromas of Turkish coffee and incense, create an atmosphere of sensory immersion.
Historical Resonance: There’s an energy of timelessness in Turkish interiors, reminiscent of grand palaces, bustling bazaars, and serene hammams. Elements like Iznik tiles or Ottoman motifs connect spaces to a storied past.
Mysticism and Spirituality: Turkey’s Sufi traditions and spiritual heritage bring a mystical energy to its interiors. Elements like ornate lanterns casting patterned shadows and the intricate geometric designs often have deeper spiritual meanings, promoting contemplation and introspection.
Natural Connection: Many elements of Turkish design, from the colors to the materials, draw inspiration from nature — the seas, landscapes, and flora. This connection brings a grounded, earthy energy to Turkish interiors.
Dynamic Vitality: Just as Turkey’s bazaars are lively and dynamic, Turkish interiors have a vivacity to them. Bold colors, varied patterns, and the play of light and shadow make spaces feel alive and vibrant.
Balance and Harmony: Despite the rich patterns and bold colors, there’s a sense of balance in Turkish design. This harmony is achieved through thoughtful arrangement, symmetry, and the strategic use of neutrals and open spaces.
In essence, the energy of Turkish style interior design is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and sensory richness. It evokes feelings of warmth, connection, and timeless beauty, resonating with both the heart and the senses.
Turkish Style Design
Here are some examples of Edesigns I created to express the art, science and energy of Turkish style using my own art.
Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
This design was inspired by the photo of Byzantine architecture and the Turkish area rug I also incorporated my Great Conjunction Fractal art. as the colors and shapes were perfect for Turkish Style.
My Great Conjunction Fractal Art.
The design highlights Turkish tiles on the floor, Moroccan lighting, and a beautiful Turkish rug. Arched windows, and a Turkish chandelier add to the look. Kilim inspired and global style pillows against a modern sofa create a nice contrast. The simple Bamboo tables have a rustic feeling and are eco-friendly.
Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
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.
If you want to get the look with more neutral colored walls, you could go with an off white or sand color to keep the look of the colors of the desert, and emphasize the grace and light of Byzantine architecture.
The colors of Turkey. Photo by Enes Aktas on UnsplashTurkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.Turkish Style Living Room Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
How is Turkish Style Different?
How is Turkish Style different from other global styles? See my blog articles on the other styles to learn more.
Your takeaway is that by changing some of the elements in your existing design, you can work towards creating a certain global style. Or you can have a mix of elements for a more “Bohemian Style”. More on that to come.
Let’s Create Your Global Style Design
Are you ready to elevate your home to a whole new level of greatness? Picture it – a space that not only looks amazing but also feels incredible and uplifts you to be your best self. Can you imagine that perfect space tailored just for you?
That’s what my approach, Aligned Design, is all about. It’s a blend of three powerful factors: art, science, and energy. When these elements come together, that’s where the real magic unfolds.
Imagine being surrounded by a space that mirrors your sense of beauty and colors that resonate with you. On top of that, imagine fine-tuning the energy of your environment to boost your prosperity, well-being, love, and personal expression. This alignment doesn’t just make your space amazing – it syncs you with the universe, empowering you to lead your best life and make a positive impact on the world.
And guess what? Global style Interior Design is a key player in this journey of creating your dream space – a space that’s uniquely you and wonderfully aligned with your aspirations.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Global Style Interior Design is all about telling the story of your life and adventures through your decor. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter. Treasures, old and new are displayed from various parts of the world and layered in a rich tapestry of color, texture, art and history. Here are 10 great reasons to love and try global style with some examples of decor items to get the look.
One of the thing I love about global style Interior Design is the rich bold colors as in this Indian style bedroom Edesign I created. Colors of a particular country are usually based on their landscapes, plants, spices, symbols, national flags and more. They are rarely “neutral colors”. In this design of an Indian Style bedroom, the color scheme came from this beautiful handmade Indian rug and other decor elements based on the color of Tumeric, a common spice in India.
Get 5% off with code NLS5 at checkout.
Global style is filled with interesting and unique art, reflecting the rich colors or cultural elements of various countries. This Bohemian style living room was based on my own fractal art to celebrate the rich colors and textures of Bohemian style.
Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design Apache Mirror Fractal Art pillow by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
I love that most global styles, are very connected in their colors and patterns to the natural environment. This Greek style living room I designed or example, is a coastal style that is in tune with the colors of the sea, sky, rocks and native plants of Greece.
Turquoise Sea Throw Pillow
Global style loves mixing interesting textures and patterns. From soft silks, to textured wools, carved wood, metals with intricate embossed or cut out patterns and beautiful cultural patterns on rugs, pillows and art. All these things can be artfully layered to create a rich and diverse design filled with interest wherever you look as in this design for a global style bedroom.
Global style is all about telling your story, whatever it is! Whether it is Bohemian or more streamlined, vintage or modern, colorful or neutral, tell your own story with global style elements that appeal to you as in this modern global style living room.
Get 5% off anything at Bryar Wolf with code NLS5
Global styles celebrates the culture and history of the countries they originate from. or it can combine elements from many countries. Try including decorative elements that are unique to a particular culture. An example is this design of a Turkish style living room. Turkey is known for their Kilim rugs and decorative coffee sets. Below are examples of a vintage Turkish Kilim rug, and a pillow made from a vintage rug from Kilim.com, as well as a traditional coffee set. Get 5% off anything from Kilim.com with code nls2019 at checkout.
Vintage Kilim rug from Kilim.com.Get 5% off with code nls2019 Traditional Design Brass Cast Turkish Coffee Set Vintage Kilim pillow cover. Get 5% off with code nls2019
I love the lighting in global style designs. Much of it is handmade with intricate cutouts in metal that create magical patterns of light in a room, such as in this Moroccan/Turkish living room. Beautiful lighting is also a hallmark of Turkey and Mexico. See these great examples of Moroccan lighting below.
Global style easily mixes new and modern materials with vintage decor or antiques as in this Vintage Boho Office. Often heirlooms like Moroccan rugs are passed down through generations. Mix historical or cultural artifacts and family heirlooms with modern elements to tell the story of your life and your family.
I love the way Global Style Interior Design celebrates your adventures by displaying treasures you have found in your travels. An example is this Mexican style living room which highlights wooden masks, copper furniture and hand made lighting from Mexico.
Global style is very eco-friendly and primarily uses natural materials. There is an abundance of wool rugs, metal lighting and accents, carved wooden furniture and wall art, leather, rattan, natural stone and pottery. In this example of a Moroccan style living room, the focal point is a gorgeous traditional wool rug. Moroccan rugs are like a work of art for your floor. Learn more about the Magic of Moroccan Rugs in my blog article. Get 20% off these gorgeous, authentic Moroccan wool rugs below or any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out!
Get 20% off any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out! Get 20% off any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out! Get 20% off any non-sale item at Atlas Weavers with code “northern lights” at check-out!
Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.
Follow me on Pinterest for daily Inspiration on Global Styles.
2019- A Colorful and Exciting Year
Now that 2019 is in the rear-view mirror, I decided to look back and see what I did with all my time, what I accomplished and consider what’s ahead. Have you done the same? I hope the last year was all you hoped for!
What the Heck I did with my time
For me, 2019 this was especially meaningful as I retired last December 31st from a 33-year career as a wildlife biologist. Although I started Northern Lights Home Staging and Design five years ago, I had more time to work on my design business in 2019. A big change was the decision to offer Edesign, or online Interior Design, online color and home staging consultations and virtual staging. Living in small town Alaska, I have a limited market and thought this would be a great way to expand my ability to help more people. So 2019 was a year of learning how to do Edesign and work with clients in a new way.
Colorful Projects
The year was filled with home staging, virtual staging, color consultations, local design projects and Edesign. When doing consultations or working with people taking their time to implement their design or staging, I don’t always get to see the “After” photos. Here is a video of my favorite projects where I did see the result. It was a very colorful year!
Cool Things
Some other exciting things that happened in 2019 were that:
I won the “Best of Houzz” for Customer Service again for the 4th year in a row.
I was awarded Best Interior Designs of 2018 and noted as an Interior Designer to Watch in 2019 in an article by Searchmetry.
One of my Edesigns was published in an international magazine! See the article, 5 Things You Need to Know About Edesign by JoAnne Lenart-Weary on page 50, and my design on page 55.The picture below is my design. More on how it came together in a future blog post. (shown below).
Edesign in Vision Magazine by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
So Much Writing!
In 2019, I posted articles and tips on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest daily and wrote weekly blog posts compared to monthly in 2018. I did my best to provide information that you might find valuable on Interior Design, Color and Home Staging. I hope you will follow me and find some information helpful to you.
Here are some of my favorite blog articles which I think really tell the story of what I can do to help you.
In discovering Edesign, I also discovered some things about myself.
I LOVE color. Well, I already knew that, but Edesign gave me a chance to indulge my love of color, challenge myself and delve deeper into using the art and science of color I learned when I became a certified color strategist.
I LOVE global style and the layering of textures, handmade and exotic art and decor, eco-friendly materials, the history and culture, magic of lighting, rich colors and so much more!!
I LOVE eco-friendly, sustainable design. I realized how important it is to our health, well-being, and our planet and how easy it is to create beautiful and unique designs with eco-friendly elements.
I LOVE Edesign. It’s fast, affordable, unique and opens doors to working with anyone with a computer (is there anyone without one?).
What’s Next?
Now that I know more about the things that make my heart sing, and hopefully yours too, I plan to do more of the things I love! The current design trends are embracing color, global styles, eco-friendly design and new ways of doing things such as Edesign and I am ready to spread the love! Are you ready? Check out my blog article, Re-Invent Yourself and Your Home in 2020 to get inspired!
