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.
Get the Look- Moroccan Style Interior Design
Does the magic of lighting makes your heart sing? Do you love rich color, textured fabrics and natural materials? Your global design style may be Moroccan!
What is a Global Design Style?
Global styles are all about your worldly adventures and telling your story! They are usually very colorful, rich in bold designs and natural textures, patterns, colors and arts and crafts of various cultures. Each piece has a story and becomes a conversation starter. Treasures are displayed without rules or grouping by the part of the world each piece is from. Antiques mix with modern pieces, and natural objects such as animal horns, plants and rocks add to the charm. While global design styles are eclectic and may mix and match items from a variety of countries, you may be drawn to the colors and cultural artifacts of some countries more than others.
What is Moroccan Style?
Moroccan design is filled with intricate carvings, arched doorways, beautiful tilework and vibrant colorful textured fabrics, baskets and accessories. Beautiful Intricate metal lanterns and pendant lights create amazing and magical patterns of light in your room. Mosaic and ceramic sinks create luxurious bathrooms
Moroccan homes use bright colors, such as red, blue, orange, turquoise, pale ocean blues and green mixed with gold. Interiors are filled with carved furniture pieces, poufs, floor cushions, textured vases, exotic figurines, Moroccan-inspired Berber, Kilim and Azilal tribal rugs, metallic details and natural elements, such as wood and stone.
Designs reflect the diverse culture of Arabs, Berbers, Europeans and African immigrants.
Here is an example of an eco-friendly Edesign I did for a Moroccan style living room, highlighting traditional Moroccan pieces mixed with modern elements such as mixed metals and furnishings.
Edesign of a Moroccan Living Room featuring a Kilim rug from Atlas Weavers. Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Concept Board
Here are some of the products and finishes I used for this design. Some products may contain affiliate links meaning I may receive a small commission if you purchase something at no additional cost to you.
Moroccan Style Living Room Concept Board by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Inspiration and Products
The inspiration and color scheme for this design came from this gorgeous Moroccan Kilim rug from Atlas Weavers. Kilim Rugs are tapestry weaves that date back to the fourth century and have a flat weave as well as bold designs and colors. They are made with natural dyes. Usually made of wool, they are not only beautiful, they are eco-friendly. A great piece of art for your floor that can last a lifetime or more. And you can get 20% off this or any other rug or non-sale item by using the code “Northern Lights” at check out!
Fine Moroccan Kilim – K8973from Atlas Weavers..Get 20% off this or any non-sale item by using the code “northern lights” at check-out!
I decided green would be a perfect third color to go with the beautiful brown and white of the rug to give the room a natural color scheme. I chose PPG’s color of the year, Night Watch for the walls and Sherwin Williams Alabaster for the trim. Other shades of deep green could also work well, as I mixed and matched various shades of green for variety in the furniture and pillows. Generally, all greens play nicely together.
Night Watch, PPG’s 2019 Color of the Year.
Furniture
This eco-friendly sofa by Medley Home Furniture is made with organic latex cushions and eco-wool pillows. Medley Furniture offers wonderful eco-friendly and sustainable furniture. And, you can get 5% off anything with code NLS5 at check-out.
Mota Sofa by Medley Furniture inBella Forest fabric. Get 5% off with code NLS5 at checkout. Eco-Friendly Mota Chair from Medley in Mariposa Lettuce fabric. Get 5% off with code NLS5 at checkout. Sloane Chaise by Interior Define
This simple but beautiful copper coffee table is made in Mexico, but I selected it to pull in an element of eco-friendly copper to enhance a modern element of mixed metals that ties nicely to the Moroccan art and lighting below.
Round Copenhagen Coffee Table by la Fuente
Art and Lighting
For art, I selected beautiful, authentic hand crafted mirrors, windows or doors from Morocco available at Berber Imports. Click on the link to Berber Imports to see all the following pieces. The center piece of art is an aged wrought iron window with traditional Moorish design in a carved cedar wood frame. It is flanked by two Moroccan mirrors, made from wood and beautifully decorated with hand carved white brass in the shape of old Moorish arches.
This gorgeous Moroccan door from Berber Imports is made from reclaimed cedar, all hand carved, with raised three dimensional brass carvings and with two tones of camel bones with an antique finish. It can be used as an indoor or outdoor door or just as a piece of art.
The elegant arch and the almoravids hand knockers give it a beautiful moorish touch!
n-Jima Moroccan Door from Berber Imports
Moroccan style often incorporated intricate lighting that creates absolute magic in a room! This hand hammered Moroccan Lamp from Berber Imports is made of traditional heavy fez brass in a modern style. Motifs are consistent with traditional jewelry design often used in a women’s mdamma or gold belt.
I adore these pillows from Bryar Wolf! Each is one of a kind. Local villagers harvest the leaves of the Sabra Cactus plant and loom the filaments into textural canvas with patterns of ancient motifs. Made with natural botanical pigments, each pillow cover gets its unique, burnished character from washing and drying under the Moroccan sun. And you can get 5% off everything at Bryar Wolf with code northernlightsstaging5 at check-out.
BIB cactus silk pillow. Get 5% off everything with code northernlightsstaging5 at check out.
This Bohenian Chic pillow adds a touch of white to go with the rug and adds and element of beautiful softness and texture.
POM POM AT HOME IMAN PILLOW from Lulu and Georgia
This white cotton pillow from the Citizenry is handwoven by artisans in Kerala India, and block printed by a master printer in Jaipur, each pillow can take up to 4 days to complete. Not from Morocco, but a beautiful design that adds to the global style of the whole.
This beautiful Moroccan Poof from Berber Imports is made from soft Moroccan leather.
This hour glass from World Market looks like a vintage piece and is made in India, not Morocco. I thought it would add a element of old world charm and would tie to the brass and other mixed metal accents.
These copper vases from the Citizenry are handcrafted in India by the artisans of Senapati. I selected this to mix different metal elements and harmonize wit with the copper table. Copper goes beautifully with all greens.
PASHAN COPPER VASES
Get Inspired
Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration on global style and eco-friendly design. Check out my board on Moroccan style for daily inspiration on this beautiful style!
Create your own Moroccan Oasis
Ready to create a Moroccan style room in your home? Check out my Online and Edesign services. I would love to help you. The project above was an example of Full Service Edesign. Learn more about what Edesign is and how it works in my article, How can I work with an Interior Designer on my budget. Learn more about Full Service Edesign and how it works here. Feel free to give me a call at 907-362-0065 to see if Edesign would be the best option for you!
What’s Your Global Design Style?
Are you curious about your global design style? Take the quiz and find out which style might be right for you.
