Why not try using black and white as your main colors in your Interior Design? It will make the rest of your colors really pop! Forget the gray; go for high contrast and drama! Whether your room is light and airy with white walls or dark and moody with dark charcoal walls, you will create a dramatic room sure to make a statement.

Using black and white is a timeless classic, gives a modern look and can satisfy your love of color or your desire to have little color while creating a beautiful space.

Why does it work? Because of the high contrast! Alone, black and white bring the ultimate contrast with each other. Any color you bring in against either the black or white creates high contrast. For the boldest design, use saturated bold colors such as jewel tones as accents. Bring in pops of color in your accessories, art or a colorful accent chair. These are also easy to switch out over time to give lots of variety in your design when you are ready for a change.

Create a beautiful focal point with an amazing rug or wall art and build the rest of your room design around your focal point. Take a cue from the style of the rug or art to build the rest of the room. For example, a Moroccan rug is a great start to build a bohemian style or global style room. Find a rug or art that has some black and white in it, to help pull everything else together.

For example, in the mood board below, I used the Moroccan rug as a the focal point to create a global or Bohemian style Interior Design with a modern twist. I used some the ethnic pillows, the chandelier and the lamps to add to the global/Bohemian vibe. I selected a modern abstract painting with lots of color to add that pop of vibrant color I wanted to contrast with the black and white. From the colors in the art, I selected two modern comfortable chairs in the red color from the art, and the accent bowl for the table to pull out the beautiful the blue in the art. I selected simple modern coffee and end tables with black finishes and marble tops in black and white. I loved the black and white abstract art, so simple and clean to use on the adjacent wall and coordinate with the modern touch both pieces of art bring to the room. And finally, when I saw the dancer within the black circles, I thought it would be the perfect accessory piece. Being a dancer myself, I am partial to dancer art! In any case, it expresses joy, which I hope is what you feel when you see this room!

If you like some of the pieces in this design, you can click on the picture to go to a pin I created on Pinterest which links to most of the products I used. Click on the picture or here to find out more about the items. While you are on Pinterest, feel free to check out other great ideas and additional products for your black and white design in my Interior Design and Home Staging Products I Love board. Follow me on Pinterest to get great ideas each month.

If you would like help pulling together a dramatic room, globally inspired or Bohemian style Interior Design in your home, feel free to contact me and we can work together in person or online using Edesign to create the perfect space for you!

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Wondering what your Global Design Style is? Take the quiz and find out!

Check out our publications 

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

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

Greek Interior Design Style Elements

Greek Interior Design is simple and elegant, inspired by nature, and looks light, bright, airy and clean. If you like lots of white with beautiful vivid blue, green, fuchsia and gold accents, and a clean, de-cluttered, rustic look, Greek Interior design might be perfect for you! Designs tend to be simple, symmetrical, classical, and relaxing. Less is more.

• Color- Lots of white with beautiful vivid blue, green, fuchsia and gold accents.
• Design elements- whitewashed or exposed stone walls, blue shutters, Greek key pattern, columns (Ionic, Corinthian or Doric designs) incorporated into architecture, furniture or accessories. Moldings with classical details.
• Accessories– Antique oil jars, glazed pottery, colorful glass. Greek columns holding sculptures or statues, plants or framing architectural elements.
• Fabrics– Lightweight, sheer and white or neutral colors. Hang sheer white curtains on the windows or use sheer white fabric as a canopy over a bed. Varying shades of blue, often incorporating the Greek key pattern or stripes.
• Architectural elements– exposed  wooden beams, stone walls, columns, and arches.
• Flooring- stone, marble or limestone, ceramic tile, stained concrete. Area rugs with stripes, flowers or the Greek key patters are common.
• Furniture-wooden furniture with carvings and soft simple lines. Modern furniture often incorporates the Greek key pattern.

Greek Interior Design Style Elements to Try

To get the look, you could go all out and incorporate all the elements of Greek Interior Design, or you can add some key elements to your existing decor. Try  lamps, pillows or rugs incorporating varying shades of blue reflecting the colors of the sea and the sky typically used in this style. Incorporate art using shades of blue that have natural elements related to plants or the sea. Try furniture, accessories or rugs with the Greek key pattern.   Here are some products you might like. Click on any of the pictures learn more.   Some contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase, they give me a small commission but it does not change your price. This allows me to take time to curate these products for you for free.

Are You Inspired?

These are just a few ideas of how to capture this beautiful style in your home. For help in putting it all together, other options to create this beautiful style, or help with your Interior Design or color needs, call 907-362-0065 today for a design consultation. Find out more about my services.

Wondering what your Global Design Style is? Take the quiz and find out!

Pantone’s “Living Coral” is their 2019 Color of the Year. It is a warm, peachy orange that is bold, earthy and inviting.  What can you do with this color? Well, you could be brave and paint an entire room with it, or try it in smaller doses a powder room. If it is not a color you can see yourself living with in large doses, why not try using it in accents such as a wall mural, pillow, rug, art, a beautiful side chair or accessories. These can be easily changed over time if you want to try a different color. This color would work nicely with walls that are painted in a neutral color such as a light gray. Click on the picture below to go directly to my Pinterest pin, which has links to the products in the picture so you can find out more and purchase if you like (contain affiliate links). All should go nicely together.

I think these items together with some neutral off white sofas would create a clean, fresh, beautiful room in the Bohemian style with a modern twist. 

You can also visit my Pinterest board, “Ways to use Living Coral- Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year” for more options.

If you would like help selecting paint colors to go with Living Coral, or pulling it all together for your Interior Design project, give me a call for a color or design consultation today!

So why did I pick these items?  I love global design styles, such as Bohemian, with lots of color but with a little more elegant and pulled together look. I think of it as “Elegant Bohemian”. This look can have touches of modern, vintage, industrial, farmhouse or other styles to make it unique. I think these items give it a modern touch. Colorful, but still light, clean and airy.

See the descriptions below. If you click on the picture it will bring you to the site where you can purchase them if you like. These contain affiliate links, meaning they give me a small commission for sharing their product with you but it does not affect your price at all. This helps me share some free design tips with you:)

This original art on wallpaper is 8×8′, is printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels, and is easy to stick on and off. Support an artist and set the palette for the rest of the room. Beautiful! She also made the pillows you can put on your sofa to help tie it all together.

I love this Moroccan shag rug for giving that Bohemian vibe and giving lots of colors to work with to pull in with your furniture and accessories such as the deep rich teal and light blue.

What can I say, can this pillow be any cooler or go any better with the rug?

Nothing says Bohemian like a pouf and this one has the perfect colors. Take a cue from some of the colors in this for any wooden furniture you may add to the space.

I just love these, clean, fresh, light, pretty and the perfect color. Light shining through beautiful colored glass is one of my favorite things.

Some of the pillows I selected above have gone out of stock so I found these new ones below that I think would work beautifully with the rug and mural. 

Ready to Add Some Amazing Color to Your Space?

Try one of my online Color or Edesign Consultations today!

Wondering what your Global Design Style is? Take the quiz and find out!

When I painted the exterior of my house, it looks gorgeous, like a new house. Then,  I was inspired to repaint and redecorate the inside so there would be harmony between the outside and inside.

The thought of decorating makes me happy. 

I know it will take time, work, and money, but I don’t care because I know decorating will make me feel great! 

Why is that? What is it about decorating that is so good for our minds, our hearts, our souls? Why do we want to do it? Why should we do it? I can think of nine reasons, and when added together, the end result is bliss!

It’s Refreshing

One of the first steps in redecorating is getting rid of the old, excess, or unwanted things that are taking up space. Taking stock of what we love and what we don’t or haven’t looked at or used in years is a good first step.

This allows us to make room for new things and provides space to highlight the things we love most.

Getting rid of excess stuff always makes me feel refreshed. How about you?

It Brings Serenity

Going through the de-cluttering process often brings on a frenzy of organizing as we create more room for all our things.

This always helps me feel like I have a little more control over my life, my destiny, my time.

I feel more relaxed after getting rid of things and reorganizing what’s left.

It Celebrates Good Memories

Once the decluttering is done, there is more room to re-arrange what is left, display cherished art and accessories in a new way, and highlight objects with memories of travels, friends, family, and our history.

Our story comes to life for us and others to see and enjoy.

It Allows Us To Express Our True Selves

 Once we have decluttered, organized, and started to display the things most meaningful to us, it is time to take stock of what new things to bring into our space.

If you haven’t done this for a while, lots of things are probably looking dated and you may be bored with them.

Maybe your style and likes have changed and what you have doesn’t express your taste anymore.

It is time to what serves you now and to bring it to life. Express yourself!

We always feel the most comfortable and at home in a space that truly reflects who we are.

Does your home make you feel that way now?

Color Brings Us Joy

Whether you love bright, bold color or revel in calming and serene neutrals, color has a big impact on how you feel every day.

Changing the colors of the walls or accessories can make the space look fresh and new and change your mood…for the better!

Beauty beats Chaos

What an amazing feeling to walk through your rooms and let beauty, rather than chaos wash over you.

Imagine how much better you would feel every day.

It Creates Connection

When we are not proud of the way our space looks, we tend to be less likely to invite friends over to socialize and connect.

Once your space looks beautiful, you want to show it off! Decorating helps make us more likely to entertain friends at home and spend time relaxing and connecting.

It Creates Renewal

 Creating our perfect space or sanctuary to retreat to during our busy lives renews our energy and gives us the space and peace of mind we all need.

Well-being is the highest state of mind you can achieve. Our surroundings have a big impact on that feeling.

It Creates Excitement

Redecorating is exciting, a journey of discovery.

We may not be sure exactly what the end result will be.

It can be like a treasure hunt for all the right pieces of a beautiful puzzle that tells our story. Sometimes the end result may surprise you!

Does the Process Bring You Joy?

I realize, the process may not be fun for everyone and you might need a helping hand. You may struggle with the de-cluttering and organization, how to arrange things,  figuring out your style, finding new items to complete the space, selecting paint and other colors, and more.  That’s what I am here for. And I am would love to help you find your bliss.

The first step is to create a plan with an Aligned Design consultation. I take a holistic and transformative approach to Interior Design, aligning art, science, and energy to develop a great plan for you. Then we work on the details of implementing it with my in-person and Edesign Services.

See all my Edesign Services here.

Curious about your design style? Take my quiz to find out more about what brings you joy.

Pin These

It’s a new year. Why not make a resolution to make your house beautiful! But how! Here are ten ways to make your house beautiful in 2018.

Make a Plan

You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with a plan. Many people just start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together in the end. This usually does not work. A designer can help you come up with a great and affordable plan. It starts with understanding your own style, what you want and how your design will enhance how you live in your space.

Tell Your Own Story

It is easy to see pictures in a magazine or online of a room and think, “I want that”.  To have a beautiful house you love and will be unique, you need to tell your own story! Those pictures may serve as inspiration, but the items may not fit well in your space, fit your lifestyle, or work with things you own. Find things you love and are meaningful to you, give them a place of honor and build the design around them.

Buy what you Love

It is better to buy what you love, even if it is more expensive and it takes longer to get all the pieces you want than to rush to finish your design project with cheaper items. The things you love will make you happy over the long term. Try to find classic items that will stand the test of time, rather than something trendy. Trends fade quickly as will your interest in it.

Be Brave with Color

Color makes magic happen, affects the way you feel and is easy to change. Painting is an inexpensive way to make a dramatic difference. Get help from a color consultant or Interior Designer to determine the perfect colors for you that work with your finishes and furniture.

Let there be light

Add magic to a space with layers of light. Find beautiful fixtures that add overhead lighting, mixed with lamps at mid-level and task lighting. Accent lighting on art and under cabinets look great.

Edit

We often collect so many things that nothing has a chance to shine. Get rid of the things you do not love.  Give the things you love a place of honor and enough uncluttered space around them so the eye is drawn to them and you can appreciate it. You can always put the other things away and change out the items you want to highlight for variety.

Be Patient

A great interior design perfectly suited to you happens in layers and takes time. Be patient.

Create a sanctuary for yourself

Your space should not only look good but feel good, give you a place to re-charge and feel like your favorite place in the world.

Change it up

Using more neutral colors for the walls and furnishings allows you to change the other colors in the room such as accent pillows, art and accessories as often as you like for variety.

Break the rules

If it looks good, feels good and you love it, do it!

Ready to make your home more beautiful? Call 907-362-0065 today.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Here are my top ten Interior Design tips to create a beautiful space that is uniquely aligned with you, tells your story and is your favorite place in the world!

Make an Interior Design Plan

You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with an Interior Design plan. Many people just start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together in the end. This usually does not work. A designer can help you develop an overall plan to guide you before you buy anything. This starts with really understanding your own style, what you want and how your design will enhance how you live in your space.

Tell Your Own Story

It is easy to see pictures in a magazine or online of a room and think, “I want that”.  To have a beautiful interior design you will love and will be unique, you need to tell your own story! Those pictures may serve as inspiration, but the items may not fit well in your space, fit your lifestyle, or work with things you own. Find things you love and are meaningful to you, give them a place of honor and build the design around them.

Buy what you Love

It is better to buy what you love, even if it is more expensive and it takes longer to get all the pieces you want than to rush to finish your design project by buying cheaper items. The things you love will make you happy over the long term, while you may lose interest in the other items quickly. Try to find classic items that will stand the test of time, rather than something trendy. Trends fade quickly as will your interest in it.

Be Brave with Color

Color makes magic happen, affects the way you feel in a space and is easy to change. Painting is a cheap way to make a dramatic difference. Get help from a color consultant or Interior Designer to determine the perfect colors for you that also work with your finishes and furniture.

Let there be light

Add magic to a space with layers of light. Find beautiful fixtures that add overhead lighting, mixed with lamps at mid-level and task lighting. Accent lighting on art and under cabinets look great.

Edit

We often collect so many things that nothing has a chance to shine. Get rid of the things you do not love.  Give the things you love a place of honor and enough uncluttered space around them so the eye is drawn to them and you can appreciate it. You can always put the other things away and change out the items you want to highlight for variety.

Be Patient

A great interior design perfectly suited to you happens in layers and takes time. Be patient.

Create a sanctuary for yourself

Your space should not only look good but feel good, give you a place to re-charge and feel like your favorite place in the world.

Change it up

Using more neutral colors for the walls and furnishings allows you to change the other colors in the room such as accent pillows, art and accessories as often as you like for variety.

Break the rules

If it looks good, feels good and you love it, do it!

Northern Lights Home Staging and Design of Seward Alaska Awarded Best of Houzz 2017

Over 35 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World

Seward, Alaska, January 17, 2017 – Northern Lights Home Staging and Design of Seward, Alaska has won “Best Of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design provides Home Staging, Interior Design and Social Media Marketing services in South-Central Alaska including Anchorage, Seward and the Kenai Peninsula. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2017” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

“We all deserve to live in a home that is beautiful, functional and reflects our unique style. Our goal is to help you “make magic happen” in your home” says Mary Ann Benoit, President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design                                                    

“We’re so pleased to award Best of Houzz 2017 to this incredible group of talented and customer-focused professionals, including Northern Lights Home Staging and Design,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “Each of these businesses was singled out for recognition by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts for helping to turn their home improvement dreams into reality.”

Follow Northern Lights Home Staging and Design on Houzz at http://www.houzz.com/pro/northernlightsstagingalaska

About Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Mary Ann Benoit, is the foremost home stager in south-central Alaska, and provides an award winning, versatile, and unique one-stop shop for home staging, Interior Design and social media advertising  services for homes and vacation rental properties.

Customers and colleagues describe her as “the best at what she does” and her work as “stellar”, “fantastic”,” amazing”, “innovative”, “prompt and professional”.  Known for giving “above and beyond service”, being a “delight to work with” and “a great coach and mentor”,  “hiring Mary Ann is more than worth every dollar and led us to success, and a new future.”

The only home stager in south central Alaska with training as a home stager and with a degree in Interior Design,  Mary Ann is a highly gifted leader in her field, providing premier home staging of vacant, occupied and vacation rental properties as well as social media marketing to make your property outshine the competition online. She is an expert at helping the average homeowner sell their home profitably so they can move on quickly and with less stress to their next adventure.

She provides diverse and unique Interior Design and Redesign services for clients looking for an affordable way to update and upgrade their space using primarily what they already have.  When you grow and change in your life, but your house hasn’t, Mary Ann can bring new life to your home so it works for you and tells your story!  She provides interior consultations, home face-lifts, space planning, color consulting, home styling, personal shopping, digital photos and video and virtual consultations nationwide.

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are registered trademarks of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.

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Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com