Every initial inquiry about home staging usually begins with, “What’s the cost?”

Likewise, if you offer a service or product, you’ve likely been asked the same.

While the cost of home staging might catch some off guard, it’s essential to consider its value. Thinking it’s “too expensive” is relative. Compared to the price drop on your home? It’s a wise investment!

“Home staging is more expensive than I expected.” More expensive compared to what? Not your first price reduction. 

I completely understand the instinct to seek the best deal possible. A recent client expressed that the staging costs exceeded her expectations, but she chose to proceed. She recalled instances where investing a bit more yielded significant returns and satisfaction.

She’s insightful! She hoped for a specific selling price, yet a realtor confided that, given its present state, her home might fall short by $20K. Homes that don’t outshine the competition often linger on the market, frequently leading to reductions of around $10K. This protraction not only causes stress but also escalates costs, including mortgages and utilities.

The outcome? After staging, her home attracted two offers above the asking price within a day and 15 offers in a week, finally selling at a price $30K beyond her initial expectation!

Her investment in staging yielded a return 30 times its cost. Rather than potentially losing $20K, she sold rapidly, netting an extra $30K. So, is staging an expense you can overlook?

Consider another scenario: After staging a client’s home, it was snapped up on its very first day on the market at the full asking price. Although they didn’t secure an amount above their initial price due to maintenance and repair needs, the swift sale spared them the hassle of countless showings and the stress associated with it. Moreover, they saved a considerable sum on monthly maintenance costs.

“Home staging is too expensive. That belief is going to cost you.”

In another case, I staged a home that had been on the market several years without selling. In the beginning, the owner did not want to spend money on staging and tried to sell it vacant. No luck. They had numerous price reductions. After a year or more they decided to stage with a lower priced staging service that did minimal staging in some of the rooms. No luck. Finally, two years later they contacted me. After doing a professional staging job, the house sold in 6 weeks. That was actually very fast considering the home had been on the market for years and had the stigma of “what is wrong with that house that it has not sold yet”. Think of all the money and time this seller lost in trying to save a little on home staging costs.

How much are you prepared to shave off your sales price for a cut-rate staging service, or by skipping staging altogether?

Is the immediate savings on staging worth the potential loss in your final sale price? What truly matters: a short-term saving or a quicker, more profitable sale in the long run?

Ready to drop your expensive belief?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.

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Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

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Here is the crazy story of how I started Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

You never know when inspiration will hit. The question is, will you take action and do something about it?

My  inspiration came in a surprising way, from one of those silly “Facebook” quizzes. You know, one of those games that tell you who you were in a past life or what your handwriting says about you etc. One day I played “What is your true profession”. The answer was “Designer”. Whoa! This made me take a step back and think.

I had been working as a wildlife biologist for 25 years at the time, but back in 1980 had gone to school and gotten a B.A. in Interior Design. It was a passion I always had, but after getting my degree decided to pursue traveling and other interests. Life got in the way and I never did alot with it besides a few jobs, designing my own homes or helping friends.

Later, I pursued another degree in wildlife biology because I love animals and the outdoors, and took another path. Although I enjoyed it, I missed being involved in creative work. Working for the government did not encourage or inspire much creative thinking!

Over time, creative pursuits such as dance, music and art took on more importance in my life. Thoughts of starting another business (I already had a Bed and Breakfast) were in the back of my mind without a real idea of what it would be, just that I wanted something that would bring more fulfillment to my life.

When I got “Designer” as the answer to my true profession, I thought about that path not taken and wondered how my life would have turned out if I had chosen that path years ago. I do not know if it would have been the wiser choice, or if everything I had done was just preparing me for that path now, but something about that quiz totally spurred me to action! Why not now?

And so my business, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design was born on 11-20-2015.

And while I still worked as a wildlife biologist until December 2018 when I retired,  and continued to operate my B&B, I was thrilled to have this new adventure in my life and so glad I took action!!

My business started off focused on home staging, and evolved into adding Interior Design. With  my experience running a Bed and Breakfast, I added  vacation rental design and staging. I became more fascinated with color, and became a certified color strategist and added color consultations. That evolved into learning Edesign and adding online home staging, Interior design and color consulting.

On my first day of retirement from being a wildlife biologist on January 1, 2019,  I discovered fractal art and started creating my own art. Soon I created stores for my art and home decor on Society 6, and Pixels.com. Both stores include art a wide variety art and home decor products.

That evolved into creating wearable art on Le Galeriste.  

In each case, inspiration hit, I took action and I am amazed now at all twists and turns, new adventures in creativity and life that have evolved in less than 5 years from an idea inspired by a simple Facebook quiz.

Sometimes you just never know where your path will lead.

What inspires you and have you taken action?

Whether it is to start a new business, change your existing business, start a new path or hobby… I hope inspiration finds you and you jump in with both feet

Looking to boost your home’s sale price by over $10,000? The right paint color can make all the difference. On the flip side, the wrong choice might cost you. Picking the perfect shade can be daunting, and you’re not alone in the struggle; nearly half of all paint purchases stem from color missteps. Don’t let mistakes drain your wallet!

Discover the best choices for a profitable home sale in my complimentary guide, “Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale”. Claim your copy now.

Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale

Get Your Color Consultation for a Fast and Profitable Sale

The right hue can elevate your home’s appeal and its sale price. But the key isn’t just knowing which colors boost value; it’s integrating them harmoniously with your home’s existing finishes. Let me assist you in making the best choice with a tailored color consultation.

Leveraging a blend of art and science, my approach as Alaska’s sole certified color strategist, goes beyond typical color consultations.

I use precise color data, aided by a spectrometer, to ensure your color choices are spot-on from the start.

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Other People’s Successes

We had an excellent experience working with Mary Ann! We contacted Northern Lights Home Staging and Design through Houzz and before our first meeting she had already started working on color ideas for our home addition. Ms. Benoit spent time before and after our consultation working on colors and design with us, communicating via email, so that in addition to our “official” consultation, she gave us a good deal of her professional time. Mary Ann Benoit is easy to work with and down-to-earth. Our anxiety about working with a design professional was put to rest within the first 5 minutes of our consultation, allowing us to to be open about our preferences and ideas while remaining open to hers. We highly recommend Northern Lights Home Staging and Design both for professional knowledge and results, and for being a pleasure to work with. S. Lambert- Eagle River, AK

 

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We were extremely happy with the color consultation service provided by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. She was absolutely able to resolve our color issues for our exterior painting project for our home. The color options she provided made it so easy for us to decide what to choose. She gave us several options to choose from. After the first round of options we wanted to make some changes and that was such a simple process. Mary Ann made it easy for us to make our final selections.I would highly advise anyone in need of a color consultation to use Mary Ann. Her professionalism and knowledge are top notch. She made the chore of picking house colors seem so easy! Jason Bressler, Anchorage.

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Take the Quiz

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Find out more about the best training class on color available, the Four Pillars of Color!.

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Art is a reflection of your soul. Does it speak of your vibrant and eclectic spirit? Do you lean into fluidity and boldness? Are you captivated by intricate nuances? Do sinuous curves resonate more with you than rigid lines? Is it the voyage, rather than the endpoint, that intrigues you? Are you drawn to art that leaves a lingering, dramatic impact? Is the dance of texture and motion in art something you’re fond of? And do you believe that nature, in all its glory, is the ultimate artist?

The art you’re drawn to offers insights into your own personality. interests, and feelings.

Art is a powerful medium, not only as a reflection but as a projection and affirmation of who you aspire to be.

I create energy art tailored to your individual’s essence and then weave that aesthetic into the fabric of your living space in a deeply personal and transformative approach to interior design.

By grounding the design in such custom pieces of art, we create spaces that aren’t just functional or visually appealing—but that resonates on an emotional and spiritual level, too.

My approach of Aligned Design crafts spaces that are not just habitats but sanctuaries, a canvas that bears testimony to your journey, dreams, and aspirations.

By interweaving personal energy art into interior design, we are creating an environment that not only mirrors you, but also nurtures, empowers, and inspires you.  It’s a beautiful synthesis of art and life.

To do that, I use an art form I’m passionate about, which is fractal art. Crafted digitally, these creations breathe life into unique art pieces and home decor. I love the vivid hues, intricate textures, and mesmerizing spirals that define each masterpiece.

Fractal art is algorithmic art created by calculating fractal objects which can create still and moving images. It is digital art or abstract art created by math. 

Fractal art is a journey into an infinite kaleidoscope. Delving into it feels like a serene blend of meditation and a vibrant color therapy session. As I traverse its endless expanse, I find distinct moments in the space where I pause, immersing myself in adjusting hues, textures, luminosity, and more. Once I’ve sculpted that perfect realm, I capture it, forever crystallizing that fleeting moment into an image. Each creation is irreplicable—akin to pinpointing a single droplet in the vastness of the ocean, making every piece uniquely it’s own.

I recently have been exploring AI (artificial intelligence) art, and created collages with my fractal art, layering the beauty and energy of the two forms.

I can create energy art for you such as an energy art portrait, which expresses the essence of who you are and serves as the foundation for the rest of your design. I can also create custom pieces to add to it that are about particular energy concepts that can support you, such as in the examples above or you can find some in my various stores (see below).

See My Energy Art or Get a Custom Design

See my art on Fine Art America

I also have a different variety of home decor with my energy art on Society6.

I even have wearable art at Le Galeriste!

Get an Aligned Design consultation today which includes custom energy art designed for you.

Summer is one of my favorite times of year. It’s warm and the outdoors beckons, the colors explode with flowers, fruit, an explosion of green growth and the showiness of all the male birds. There is a feeling of abundance and adventure. Completion of all the things you have sown. It is bold and beautiful.

Would you like to have that same look and feeling inside in your home year round? Take some color and other cues from nature and bring the outside in. Here is an example of what I mean.

This picture was taking by a friend down the road at a beautiful spot named Tern Lake. I love all the various shades of green from very dark in the spruce tree to the lighter shades in the shrubs, grasses and herbs. The sky has a beautiful blue along with shades of off white and grays in the clouds. You see various shades of brown in the tree and in the rocks in the mountains. The most striking color is the fuchsia in the fireweed in full bloom. And there are a few wildflowers with yellow in the foreground as well.

This is what summer looks like in Alaska to me.  We have an abundance of hot pink and purple wildflowers, but the fireweed is so “Alaskan”.

Fireweed is one of the first plants to establish in recently burned areas, which is how it got it’s name. It is a symbol of release, rebirth, and potential for something innovative and new.

The fireweed blooms from the bottom of the plant and works its way up. The saying here is that “when the fireweed blooms at the top, summer is over”.

So how do you bring the outside in? The easiest way is with a color palette that highlights the view you see outside your windows. Select either a neutral or a bolder tone from the view and use it on your walls. Select a more vibrant tone for accents, or even key pieces in your décor.

I loved the deep green and color of fireweed together and they symbolized “summer” to me so I decided to design   this calming Modern Global Style office with those as my main colors. I decided to experiment with an extremely dark shade of green for the walls, to make it feel calm and enveloping, like the feeling of being deep inside the boreal forest. I added additional green tones in accent vases, the lamp and fractal art that I designed called “Spring” and several plant accents. I added wood to the floors. I played with the color of fireweed in my furnishings such as the desk and two chairs.

To continue with the wildflower theme, I added a wildflower accent table. I added off whites to the bookshelf, desk chair, rug, drapes, flowers and some accents to balance things so it would not be too dark. By adding several layers of lighting, it helped keep it from being too dark, brought out the various shades of green of the paint color in different lighting and highlighted the art.

The Process

The End Result

Get the Look

My “Spring” energy art collection seamlessly intertwines the abstract with the tangible, channeling spiritual energies through the  vibrant color, patterns, and symbols. The “Spring” series in this design, in prosperous shades of green, symbolizes renewal, invigoration, and flourishing growth. Evoking the Wood Element from Chinese traditions and Feng Shui, it embodies, warmth, and idealism. Bringing the energy message of the outdoors in, it can  amplify the energy you want to channel in your endeavors.

Bring Summer Into Your House Year Round

Imagine stepping into your space, immediately enveloped by colors that resonate with your essence. Every detail feels right, sparking joy within you. It’s more than just a room; it’s your sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, and inspiration. When your surroundings mirror your spirit, life flows seamlessly.

Why limit yourself? Infuse the vibrant hues of summer or the subtle tones of your cherished season into your home.

Invest in an Aligned Design or Color Consultation today and see the transformation.

What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

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Welcome to Saturday Night Live Art Shows.

Animals have much to teach us if we just listen.

Would you like more magic in your life?

Ravens are associated with magic and the unknown. They teach us to be open to magic. That means being present now, rather than in your head with your checklist. Ravens teach us to:

• Embrace Change
• Pay Attention to Signs
• Connect with our Spiritual Side
• Take time for Introspection

My art, a collage of AI and fractal energy art supports you in energetically opening yourself to magic.

See it on the walls, pillows, and dining chairs. 

My art, a collage of AI and fractal energy art supports you in living with integrity in this Edesign I created.

This collection is “Raven Medicine”. Remind yourself to be open to magic and the unknown. Raise the vibe in your space today. Great design starts with energy.

See my Raven Medicine collection at: https://maryann-benoit.pixels.com/collections/raven+medicine+magic

See all my AI/ fractal art at https://maryann-benoit.pixels.com/collections/ai+and+fractal+art

Surround yourself with art that reminds you what is important and enhances the energy of your space. When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better. The world needs you. My unique Interior Design philosophy combines The ART of beauty The SCIENCE of color The ENERGY of well-being.

Art + Science + Energy = Magic

See the Show

https://youtu.be/P5RzLSpxbcA

Thanks to Saturday Night Live Art Shows creator, artist Brooke Harker and her co-hosts Joan Marie of Joan Marie Art, Sheryl Benjy, and Nichole McDaniel for making this possible. Follow Saturday Night Live Art Shows on Facebook by searching #snlartshows.

“Raven Medicine” Aligned Energy Art

Everything is energy. The energy of your space affects how you feel and can support you in reaching your potential. Energy art can serve as the basis for the design of the room, and how it feels.  

My “Raven Medicine” Collection

 Aligned Energy Art  is another layer of meaning beyond the visual beauty in creating your perfect space that is  aligned with who you want to be.”

Get the Look

Contact me to work together and create a design that is perfect for your space.

What is Energy Art and How Can it Change Your Life?

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of my digital art, where the fusion of AI and Fractal art unfolds in mesmerizing harmony and supportive energy. Guided by the power of language, and the ingenuity of algorithms, I communicate my artistic vision to the AI, refining and perfecting it until it resonates with my vision. Then, a captivating dance begins as I craft intricate energy infused fractal art which I add in layers to the design.

My computer screen becomes the playground where I interlace my AI-generated images with the bewitching patterns of fractals, creating a symphony of colors, textures, dimension and detail. But my art goes beyond the beauty. Embedded within each creation lies a unique energy message, carefully crafted to support you. My own energy infuses every stroke, enveloping the artwork with a positive force that resonates with you and what you need to support you in your space.

I love exploring the endless possibilities and pushing the boundaries of digital art to unveil the unseen, weaving threads of meaning and energy into the essence of the art.

My art transcends into the extraordinary, offering an immersive experience that helps you reach your potential to be who you truly are. With colors that bring you joy, textures that beckon to be touched, and intricate details that unravel like secrets, my art invites you to embark on a transformational journey.

See more of my Fractal Art/ Sacred Geometry designs on Fine Art America or Society 6. 

Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space with Art?

Isn’t it time to create a space that is aligned with who you truly are?

My unique Interior Design philosophy combines:

The ART of beauty

The SCIENCE of color

The ENERGY of well-being

Art + Science + Energy = Magic

Get an Aligned Design consultation which includes an Interior Design, Color, and Energy consultation, and custom fractal art to tie it all together. 

https://youtu.be/uIfSAJMThm4

What is Your Design Style?

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Want a beautiful house? The key to success is to make a plan! Figure out what you need to create the design you want, and if it fits in your budget before you buy a single thing!

Make a Plan

You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with a plan!

Often, people start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together. This may not work because the styles or colors may not fit well together, or they may end up buying too many colors and patterns because they have no unifying theme to work toward.

Sometimes homeowners select finishes such as flooring and counter tops and get excited and rush into other aspects such as painting and selecting furniture without thinking it all through. I get it, once you start, it’s hard to pause because you just want to see the end result!

To get an end result that will make you happy though , stop…., take time and make a plan first.

So how do you develop a great plan?

Start with your vision

Say you want to redo your master bedroom. Picture what your perfect master bedroom would look and feel like if you could have everything you want with no limitations.  What would make you happy? How would you feel in the space? What activities do you want to do in the space? What style is the space? Do you like to change things up on a regular basis and want future flexibility or do you want the space to stay the same for a long time? Once you have the ideal room in your mind, you can try to work with your space, budget and time to create something as close as possible to your dream room.

Develop a budget and timeline

For now, this just needs to be a realistic picture of how much money you are willing to spend and how much time are you willing to devote to get it done.

Determine what you have to work with

Fixed Finishes and Architectural Elements

Some things in your space like your fixed finishes may be “bossy” and can’t be ignored.  The size of the room and existing architectural features  such as your windows, doors, fireplace, counter tops etc. are unlikely to change and need to be considered. What colors are they?  How will they affect the color palette, layout and style of your design? Of course, part of your plan may be to change some of these things.

Furniture, Art, Accessories

Do you have things you love and want to highlight in the room? Maybe a piece of furniture or art that is an heirloom or has special meaning? A beautiful rug that you love and want to use? What are the sizes and colors are some of these items?

How will the Space Be Used?

What will you do in your space?  Who will be using it? Do you have children, pets or a significant other that you need to consider in selecting colors or finishes so they will like it too, and the finishes will stand up to the use?

What Needs to Change?

What do you have to or want to change? Do you need a paint job or new flooring? Don’t decide on your colors and materials just yet. Now, just identify that you need them, and come up with general ideas on materials you prefer such as carpeting vs hardwood flooring, or quartz vs marble countertops etc.

What Needs Replacing?

You know you hate your credenza and art  for example, and want to purchase something new. Create a general wish list for the new items, without deciding yet on the exact items.

Energy art can play a huge role in not only making your space beautiful but supporting you in being the person you want to be. See all my energy art at Fine Art America and let me guide you in how it can support you.

Select Your Color Palette

Color is key in pulling it all together, tying the bossy items together with the new items. A color strategist can measure the colors you have in your fixed finishes and inspiration pieces, and provide great recommendations for new flooring, countertops, paint colors, and furniture and accessories so it all works together. What order do you select everything in?

• If you are putting in new flooring or countertops, select these first.
• Select paint next. It is much easier to find a paint color to work with your flooring and countertops than the other way around. If you select a more neutral wall color, it can provide you with greater flexibility in the future to change colors in your rugs, pillows, and accent pieces

Check Your Budget

Check your budget. Are you still on track? Don’t forget to include labor and design costs. If not, where can you adjust.

Work in a Logical Order

• Do your remodeling-flooring, counter tops, painting.
• Develop a floor plan to arrange furniture around your focal points or highlight your inspiration pieces.
• Select new items last. Pick furniture, rugs, accessories that work with your vision, inspiration pieces and color palette.

Get Help With Your Plan

Developing a great plan can take some work and expertise. Try my Aligned Design consultation which considers design, color and energy to pull it all together so you get the end result you love and avoid costly mistakes.

Design is about more than just looks. Take this quiz.

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Most of us want one or all of these things…to attract wealth, love, or health.

My “Attracting Wealth” collection energetically supports you in your space to attract wealth by reminding you to BE the person that energetically attracts wealth.

Everything is energy. The energy of your space affects how you feel and can support you in reaching your potential. Energy art can serve as the basis for the design of the room, and how it feels.  

Are you adept at attracting wealth? Want to become even better at it? 

This quiz will help you identify your current proficiency at drawing prosperity into your life. Furthermore, it’ll provide personalized advice on how to attract even more wealth by leveraging the power of energy art in your interior design.

Understanding how well you’re doing at attracting wealth is the first step. The next step is to learn how you can further enhance your wealth-attracting potential. With this quiz, you’ll uncover the areas in your life that could use some fine-tuning.

Once you have your results, I recommend specific energy art pieces that resonate with your unique needs. This energy art will not only uplift the aesthetic of your space but also serve as powerful visual reminders of the mindset and behaviors that foster wealth and abundance.

So, are you ready to unlock your wealth-attracting potential and transform your space into a beacon of prosperity?

Let’s begin!

Take the Quiz

Take the Quiz

Do you feel you have what you need to successfully attract more wealth and abundance? Take the quiz by clicking the button above. Or take it by reading the article below and tracking your points.

You will get 2 points for each ‘yes’
1 point for every ‘sometimes’
0 points for ‘no’.

Click on the art names linked to ‘no’ answers for helpful energy art.

Authenticity and Purpose

1. Do you feel you’re living your true purpose and passions? Are you embracing your true purpose, and pursuing your passion wholeheartedly? (Alignment). Does your work ignite a deep joy and sense of necessity within you? (Heartfire). If not, take quiet moments to dive deep into self-discovery and step out of your comfort zone (Journey).

2.  Do your decisions consistently align with your purpose and the person you’re becoming?  Consider who you’re evolving into (Path with Heart, and Becoming).

3.  Are you comfortable expressing your authentic thoughts and feelings? Are you being genuine and voicing your own beliefs? (Throat Chakra).

Positive Intentions and Actions

4.  Do you offer your services with a genuine desire to make a positive impact? Do you offer them wholeheartedly, with the intention of improving others’ lives? (Heart Chakra).

5.  Have you discarded unhelpful beliefs about money and replaced them with positive ones? Have you let go of your past beliefs about money that may not serve you well (Stories from the Past, and rewritten narratives in your mind that support your success? (Stories of the Future). Do you realize your stories are not necessarily your customers stories?

6. Do you demonstrate self-integrity and discipline? Are you cultivating traits that attract wealth, like discipline and integrity? Remember, you must embody the life you want. Your actions reflect who you are and have a ripple effect in your life (Being).

Embrace Change and Inspiration

7. Do you regularly take quiet moments to listen to your heart and generate ideas? Do you connect with your heart, letting ideas flow naturally instead of forcing them? (Journey and Silence is Golden). 

8. Do you act quickly when inspiration strikes? When a brilliant idea strikes, do you recognize it as a universal gift and act on it before it’s passed on to someone else? (Inspiration).

9. Do you turn changes into business opportunities? Are you adaptable, seeking opportunities amidst change to benefit your business? Remember, your response to change determines its impact. Change can be transformative if you let it (Radical Change).

10. Do you feel you manage your time effectively? Do you use it to your advantage instead of letting it control you? (Unveiling Time).

Energy and Abundance Mindset

11. Do you regularly express gratitude for what you have? Do you appreciate what you have now? A thankful mindset draws abundance and well-being into your life. When did you last express gratitude for the simplest life-sustaining elements like water, air, or your own body? (Gratitude, and Abundance).

12. Do you believe you emit positive energy?  Remember, you attract the same energy you exude (Frequency, and Qi ).

13. Are you confident in the flow of money in your life? Are you open-hearted, contributing to others, and ensuring money circulates freely? Understanding that money is an energy exchange with the universe encourages abundance (Abundance).

14. Do you communicate your intentions clearly? Have you clarified what you truly desire, and communicated your intentions to others and the universe? Clear intentions have immense power. By letting your unique essence shine, you can make the world a better place (Manifest, Fire Element, Possibilities).

What Does Your Score Mean?

Get Your Quiz Results

Why Energy Art Can Help

Your environment reflects your state of mind, and art, as a vibrant form of expression, has the power to uplift it.

 My art—a blend of AI and fractal energy art—imbues your space with meaningful reminders and positive energy. 

When your environment thrives, you thrive, and in turn, the world thrives. 

We all have a role to play, and the world needs you. My distinctive approach to interior design weaves together the beauty of art, the science of color, and the energy of well-being.

When Art, Science, and Energy unite, they create Magic.

 Aligned Energy Art  is another layer of meaning beyond the visual beauty in creating your perfect space that is  aligned with who you want to be.”

See more of my Fractal  and AI designs on Fine Art America or Society 6. 

Are You Ready to attract Wealth and Abundance?

Let’s get started with an Aligned Design consultation.

What is Your Design Style?

Take the Quiz

TAKE THE QUIZ

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Ready to put your home on the market? Assemble a top-notch team to ensure a smooth and profitable sale. Your squad should include an expert home stager, a skilled real estate photographer, and a Realtor who excels in marketing and truly champions your interests.

Wondering how to pick the perfect team? Begin with your home stager. I recommend taking the initiative as a seller to make this selection. Choose the best in the business! For insights on why this matters, check out my blog post titled Why Hire a Professional Home Stager to find out more.

Considering selling your home? Proper home staging can significantly boost your final asking price. In fact, effective staging not only recovers its cost but often yields a profit! Additionally, you might be eligible to deduct staging expenses as advertising costs from your home sale taxes.

However, a word of caution: avoid Realtors offering staging services unless they’re professionally trained. Ineffective staging won’t produce the desired effect. An exceptional Realtor will likely suggest, and perhaps even cover, the cost of a professional home staging consultation.

Exercise caution if your Realtor offers to choose and fund the staging. While it sounds enticing and can lure clients, many just opt for the most affordable stager. Some might even inflate this cost for you. Remember, cheaper options can result in an unappealing presentation, leading to prolonged market time, several price cuts, and mounting monthly expenses.

Often, Realtors request “light staging” or “minor fluffing,” a minimalistic approach to make a property appear staged on a budget. This strategy, which might involve sparse furniture or sporadic décor, isn’t effective. Instead of a charming home, it renders the property peculiar both online and offline.

Your best bet? Personally hire a top-tier stager. This investment, done correctly, offers maximum returns.

For tips on hiring the best home stager, refer to my article, “Five Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Home Stager. 

Learn More About Home Staging

Get Your Home Staging Consultation Today

Secure your online or in-person home staging consultation or service today. Click the images for more information. For comprehensive staging services, please call for a custom quote.

Learn to Sell Fast, For More and With Less Stress

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Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

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.

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