There’s no place like home to work, and it can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance when done right. You’re spared commuting, you can enjoy a flexible schedule, and working from home is known to lower stress levels and increase productivity—on top of many other benefits. Among the best ways to guarantee this is to create a working environment that’s set up for success, focus, and inspiration. Here’s how to do so without breaking the bank.

Stock up on essentials.

At the most fundamental level, a great home office must have the bells and whistles and tools that not only make it possible for you to do your work, but also do it efficiently. Inc. points out some well-chosen electronic equipment like laptops and printers are a best start. You’ll also need basic supplies like paper, pens, the ubiquitous stapler, and many more, which vary according to your work functions.

It might seem like stocking up your home office with essentials will put a sizable dent on your budget, but it really doesn’t have to. Consider purchasing your office supplies from sites like eBay where you can find pretty much everything that you need, brand-new or secondhand, at reasonable prices. You can even save more money by searching out eBay cash back offers and coupons, so make sure to do your research before hitting that check-out button.

Furnish for comfort.

Your home office needs furniture as much as it needs equipment and supplies. At the very least, you will need a good desk and a comfortable chair, and maybe even storage. Thankfully, you can also affordably furnish your home office in many ways. For one, consider re-purposing furniture you already have. For another, you can opt to go secondhand by shopping in used furniture stores or scouring the internet and your local online marketplace for pieces being unloaded by other people.

While sticking to your budget is clearly a priority, it’s just as important not to scrimp on quality. Spine-Health explains that your chair, in particular, needs to be ergonomic for your general comfort and long-term health. You can even find functional and comfortable chairs for less when you take the time to shop around and search for great offers. For instance, major office retailers like Staples offer free shipping on qualifying orders when you spend $45 or more.

Cut the clutter.

Did you know that clutter is one of productivity’s worst enemies? Indeed, there’s nothing more distracting than a messy work space, which is why it’s a must to keep your work space clean and clutter-free. Doing so not only helps you focus and gives you more space to work, but it’s also generally better to look at. So consider investing in practical and affordable storage solutions. Staying on top of the mess is also essential so they don’t build up over time.

Strike a balance.

Finally, it’s a well-known fact that working out of your desk can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which will do more harm than good to your health. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked. When you’re busy working, you will find yourself invariably sacrificing physical activity and healthy movement for lack of time, tiredness, and more, and this just won’t do.

One great way to ensure that you get the right amount of physical activity daily, despite working long hours, is with an under-desk elliptical. This is truly a great addition to your small home office because it doesn’t take up much room as it goes under your desk. You can then use it throughout your day to work your muscles while sitting and working. Another idea is to invest in a standing desk. Shop around and consider sizes and customer reviews on performance and durability before getting one—within your price point, of course.

Working from home can be a real joy, especially when you have a work space tailored to your personal tastes and needs. Thankfully, you don’t need to go broke doing it, either. Make use of these simple and cost-effective steps today to start creating the home office of your dreams.

Written by guest blogger Suzie Wilson from Happier Home. Suzie is an Interior Designer and author.

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Welcome to Saturday Night Live Art Shows. In this show, I share an office I designed for an older couple that chooses to sometimes work from home for extra income. This Edesign is one of the rooms I designed for the MyDoma Designer Virtual Home Tour Contest. See how you can use energy art to create a beautiful space that reflects who you truly are.

The clients, the Jones’s, are an older couple aging in place in their home. Cassandra still chooses to work as an Interior Designer with choice clients from her home office.

This dream office highlights her energy art creations, and how she uses them to tune in to what others need, and create the perfect spaces for them.

In essence, Cassandra is me, and this is what my dream office might look like. It is an example of shining your own light and inspiring others to do the same.

Learn more about each piece of art and how it affects the energy of the room below. All combined create an office that is relaxing, creative, and unique, that inspires others to shine their light in their homes.

See a Panorama of the Office

Take a 720-degree trip around the room here to see how it feels!

Designer Office with Energy Art- See the Show

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.

Be sure to check out all the other artists from around the world, having art shows in their Facebook and social media feeds at 6-9 pm in their time zones. Follow Saturday Night Live Art Shows on Facebook by searching #snlartshows.

“The Shiny Ones” Aligned Energy Art

If you have watched some of my previous shows, you know everything is energy.

“The Shiny Ones”  is inspired by those who shine their light, beauty, and energy to help light the way for others and make the world a better place. The Shiny Ones” shown on the wall mural, inspires people to be true to who they truly are.

“The Fountain” Aligned Energy Art

“The Fountain” shown on the chairs, represents water. In Feng Shui, the water element enhances imagination and creativity. It teaches us to go with the flow using the path of least resistance. This design inspires us to create what we want easily, rather than forcing things by “over-doing “.

 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.

“I Love Your Energy” Aligned Energy Art

“The Water Element”, represents water, ease, and flow. “I Love Your Energy”, is available on the design as an option. shows the importance of energy in the design.

The table balances energy elements such as fire, water, earth, metal, and wood. The rose has the highest frequency of any living thing.

The office is filled with ease, flow, and creative energy that shows who Cassandra is and inspires others to shine their light in their homes.

Get the Look

Learn more about some of the other designer products I used in this space, contact me to create your own design.

What is Fractal Art?

Fractal art is digital art I create on my computer. I love creating fractal art because it allows me to work with brilliant colors, interesting textures, and incredible detail. Learn more about how it is created in my Saturday Night Live Art Show, ” A Passion for Purple” where I show some videos of the process.

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.

Learn More About Energy, Healing, and Transforming Your Life

Many of the energy concepts that inspire my art to create harmonious energy in your home, I learned from Jim Fortin’s Transformational Coaching Program (TCP). His program changed my life and almost everyone that I know that has taken it. Get on the waitlist for the next TCP program here.

What is Your Design Style?

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Have you ever wondered how Interior Designers come up with designs for you?  Are you curious what it might be like to work with an Interior Designer or what Edesign is all about?
I’m sure all designers have their own ways of creating that perfect space for you!  One of the reasons you hire us is because we can visualize the possibilities of an empty space, which is something most people have difficulty with. So how do we do it?

To take a look inside the brain of a designer, at least this designer, and see how I developed this Vintage Boho office design.

This design emerged from a contest that challenged participants to craft an ‘edesign’ for an office tailored to our ‘ideal client.’ The onus was on us to define that client and to conceptualize within their budget. Our tools of representation were a concept board and a digital render. The canvas for our creativity was an existing room, complete with photos and dimensions to guide our design journey.

Before

My Client

My ideal client for this design was a woman who loves color and Bohemian or global style design with a mid-high range budget. She worked in a creative field such as  graphic, fashion, color or Interior Design.  Yes, my ideal client was someone like me! Well, of course, I know myself better than anyone else, so why not!

Function First

My first step was to understand the client’s energy and what she needed in the space to be in alignment with who she truly is. Since this was an imaginary client, I pictured myself and what I would want.

Then, my focus revolved around functionality and the practical requirements that would make this space not just aesthetically pleasing but genuinely functional for the client.

I determined that the client would need:

1. Ample Storage: To house client files, sample materials, and essential reference books, ensuring easy accessibility.
2. Meeting Space: A designated area to accommodate 2 to 3 clients comfortably, facilitating design presentations.
3. Aesthetics and Atmosphere: Given her creative profession and the likelihood of client meetings in this space, it was paramount that the office exuded style, uniqueness, and an element of fun. It needed to serve as an inspirational yet relaxed haven for clients, enhancing their overall experience.

Floor Plan

Next, I considered how she would want to move in the space and created a floor plan to bring the functional aspects of the design to life. My primary focus was on optimizing the layout to cater to the client’s work requirements, ensuring seamless access to essential elements.

The key considerations were:

• Desk and Storage Placement: I explored various desk configurations, complete with accessible file cabinets and bookshelves. Equally crucial was creating a designated area for meetings and presentations, equipped with adequate overhead and task lighting.
• Traffic Flow: I meticulously designed the layout to facilitate smooth movement into the office from the outside entrance while also maintaining accessibility to the adjoining room.
• Strategic Wall Usage: After careful assessment, I determined that the back wall offered the ideal location for two flanking file cabinets and a central bookshelf. Placing the desk in front allowed for effortless access, enabling the client to pivot their chair and access everything with ease. This setup not only improved functionality but also visually balanced the elongated room.
• Aesthetic Cohesion: To tie the units together and create an appealing display area, I envisioned a custom countertop spanning the file cabinets and shelves. This surface could showcase plants, books, or decor, taking advantage of the adjacent window.
• Furniture Dimensions: Sizing up the furniture was a crucial step, factoring in the room’s traffic flow. The chosen layout accommodated a circular table that maximized seating while maintaining clear pathways. To define the two distinct work zones, I considered rugs for each area. An 8-foot-diameter circular rug appeared to be the perfect fit for the table area.

This meticulous planning ensured not only functional efficiency but also a harmonious aesthetic within the office space.

Inspiration

Then I started researching pieces for the design, looking for foundational pieces that would direct the rest of the design. I started with the desk, as it would be the focal point as you entered the room, and the most important piece functionally for the client. When I found this gorgeous desk, I knew it was the one! It was unique, colorful and had a vintage Bohemian vibe.  it inspired the color scheme, the feeling for the room and the rest of the design!

Color Scheme

The desk’s striking aesthetics naturally suggested a palette of pinks, greens, black, and subtle shades of gray or off-white. A hint of yellow, used sparingly, could accentuate key elements. The room’s expansive windows offered a lush green backdrop, seamlessly integrating nature’s touch. I visualized using pink either in one of the rugs or the upholstery for the desk or table chairs. A black marble countertop atop the file cabinets and shelves would elegantly frame the desk zone. With an emphasis on preserving the room’s luminosity, I considered a light gray or an antique white as the ideal wall shade, ensuring the space felt open and airy.

Major Design Elements

While seeking complementary pieces for the desk, I stumbled upon a rug that resonated beautifully with both the color scheme and the Bohemian vibe. My next discovery was a captivating wallpaper, its hue in perfect harmony with the room. Its design, reminiscent of antique ceilings or walls, subtly enhanced the space without overshadowing the desk—something wall art might have inadvertently done. This vintage essence further steered my search, leading me to incorporate vintage or vintage-inspired accents and lighting, enriching the evolving theme.

While exploring furniture and accessories for the design, I integrated each find into my Photoshop workspace where I curated the concept board. This digital canvas enabled a holistic view, letting me juxtapose various items. Through this iterative process, I tweaked, added, or removed elements to strike the right balance in terms of color, form, style, and functionality.

Concept Board

Design Products

I sourced a variety of beautiful furniture and accessories and created a render to help visualize the final design.

Voilà!

My design journey always begins by getting to know the client, understanding what they need to be in alignment with who they truly are and how the design can enhance that. Then I delve into their functional and space needs. From there, I seek out inspiration pieces that resonate with the client’s style, often creating energy art specifically for them.

These foundational elements set the tone, directing the design’s evolution and color narrative.

Are You Inspired?

Want to create a beautiful office or other space that is perfect for you? Try an Aligned Design consultation with my to get started.

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When most people move into a new home, they sell their old property. But this isn’t your only option! If you want to skip the stress of marketing your home and negotiating with buyers—especially during the age of social distancing—consider turning it into a rental property. Converting your residence into a rental is a great way to get into the world of real estate investing and earn some passive income. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get set up and find your first tenants!

Make a Few Upgrades

Of course, before you can rent your home out to tenants, you will have to repair anything that needs fixing. One of your responsibilities is to provide a well-maintained property. After this, consider making some upgrades! For example, give the walls a fresh coat of paint, replace your plumbing fixtures, and if you have hardwood floors, get them refinished and polished. Think about lighting that gives the home a welcoming vibe. You might even want to make some home efficiency upgrades to reduce your utility bills. At the very least, Mashvisor explains that adding in-demand features to your property should let you charge higher rental rates!

If you’re going to be doing any major renovations, make sure you come up with the funding first. Cash-out refinancing could be a viable option, especially right now—the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in low mortgage rates! As PMUSA explains, cash-out refinancing involves replacing your existing mortgage loan with a loan of a higher amount and receiving the difference in cash. It’s common for homeowners to use this cash to make home upgrades, and with such tantalizing rates, you might want to strike while the iron is hot.

Protect Your Finances

Renting out property is always somewhat risky, even if you already own the home. Planning ahead will ensure your cash flow is secure. This is especially important given the financial uncertainty surrounding the virus! Start by estimating your monthly expenses and comparing these to your desired rental rate, remembering to account for hidden costs like emergency maintenance, insurance premiums, and vacancies. To get an idea of what you can charge for rent, look at the average rates for other rentals in your area, specifically for properties that are similar to yours.

It’s also important to update your insurance when you become a landlord. Allstate explains that your existing homeowner’s insurance won’t cover accidents, robberies, or disasters that occur in your rental, so be sure to protect yourself with landlord insurance!

Consider Long Term versus Short Term Rentals

Consider whether you want to do a short-term rentals such as  vacation rentals, or a long term rentals for housing. Short term rentals require more work and time on your part but may give you a higher return per night and more flexibility to list your home for sale when the time is right. Short term rentals will like need to be designed and furnished to attract your ideal renters. Long term rentals may be more appealing to renters but offer you less flexibility when you want to sell.

Start Looking for Tenants

When you’re finally ready to look for tenants, start with a good rental listing. Write a catchy headline, include several quality photos, and list any information potential renters might want from you regarding the rental rate, security deposit, amenities, parking situation, move-in date, pet policy, and utilities.

Before signing a lease, make sure you screen your potential tenants thoroughly. Dealing with bad tenants is expensive and incredibly stressful, so you want to take all possible precautions to avoid issues. Some important steps in the screening process include running a background check, verifying the tenant’s income, and calling their previous landlords.

Create a Management Plan

Many first-time landlords don’t realize just how much work it is to manage a rental property. You will have to create lease agreements, collect rent, perform regular maintenance, and deal with all of the financial aspects of renting out a home. On top of all this, you must be prepared to respond to tenant concerns and requests at any hour. If you have the budget for it, hiring a property manager will take a lot of these responsibilities off your plate. Your property manager can even help you set your rental rates and find tenants!

If you’re hesitant to put your home on the market during the coronavirus pandemic, consider renting it out instead! Renting out your home can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, especially if you want to try real estate investing. Take the right steps to prepare your rental and you’re sure to enjoy success!

Written by guest blogger Suzie Wilson from Happier Home. Suzie is an Interior Designer and author.

Need Help Getting Your Rental Property to Stand Out from the Crowd Online?

Whether you are putting your home on the market, or renting it as a vacation or other rental, home staging and a color consultation can help you. Make sure your property stands out from the crowd and has great photos to attract your ideal renters, guests or your target buyers.

Learn more about global design styles.

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 info@northernlightsstaging.com

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Zoom meetings are becoming our new normal. 

We are working, learning and entertaining from home online to stay connected. Our co-workers, parents, teachers and students now have an intimate look into our homes whether we like it or not! Or do they? Not if you have a great Zoom background!

Turn your messy bedroom or kitchen table into a beautiful office, or a beautifully decorated living room set up for a party designed by an Interior Designer!   

The EDesign Tribe has created beautiful Zoom Room Backgrounds to download through a fun #MyZoomRoom Contest for it’s Edesigners.  The most downloads by for a designer wins the challenge! Search through more than 100 high-quality, 4K renders created by professional designers to find the perfect virtual backgrounds for you for any occasion.

I have 9 zoom backgrounds including 3 of a beautiful, serene office, 3 of a beautifully elegant living room for a party, and 3 colorful living rooms in the forest, beach or the city. You can use code MaryAnn to get any one of my Zoom Rooms for free. A download is a vote for me in the contest and I appreciate that!

There are lots of other beautiful designs as well for you to look at. The Edesign Tribe is an amazing group of designers that are raising the bar for Edesign worldwide!  There are a variety of styles for everyone!

This is also a great way to support small businesses. 

Click on any of the images below to purchase them for  $10 each and vote for me in the contest.  Get one free with code MaryAnn. 

To learn more about how to use a virtual background for zoom meetings, check out my blog article The #MyZoomRoom Challenge.

Living Room Virtual Backgrounds

Learn more about this Beach House design and shop the look in my blog article, Start with the Art.

Learn more about this design and shop the look in my blog article, Bring the Outdoors In with Interior Design.

Event Virtual Backgrounds

These backgrounds were created to celebrate an elegant adult birthday party, Valentines day or other special event where you might exchange presents and celebrate with adult beverages and treats. The mood is magical with beautiful lighting. Learn more about this design and shop the look in my blog article, How to  Make Magic Happen in Your Home with Lighting.

Office Virtual Backgrounds

These office backgrounds were created to provide a beautiful, stress-free office setting that brings the outside in and has a feeling of spring. Find out more about how this design was created and shop this look in my blog article, How to Work from Home Stress Free.

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The eDesign Tribe has created the first Zoom Room Background Download Contest for it’s Edesigners.  The most downloads by 4/17/20 wins the challenge!  I have 3 zoom backgrounds of a beautiful, serene office. Go Green!

If you like any of my designs, I would love your vote. It’s $10 to download one background and if you do, it is equal to one vote for me. Click on the images below for the links to my designs. My designs are on page 3.

There are lots of other beautiful designs as well for you to look at. The Edesign Tribe is an amazing group of designers that are raising the bar for Edesign worldwide!  There are a variety of styles for everyone!

This is also a great way to support small businesses and of course, make your background look amazing while you are working at home.

Find out more about how this design was created and shop this look in my blog article,  How to Work from Home Stress Free.

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS & DOWNLOAD YOUR #ZOOMROOM BACKGROUND

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Struggling to concentrate while working from home? Overwhelmed by distractions or hesitant to show your workspace on Zoom calls with clients? Whether you’re making do with the kitchen table, repurposing a spare room, or seeking a fresh revamp for your usual home office, it’s time for a change.

Tips for Creating a Stress Free Office

There’s loads of advice available on creating the ideal office space, from optimizing natural light to managing cords. While you’re likely aware of the functional aspects like proper chair height or task lighting, aesthetics and ambiance are equally crucial.

It’s not just about how the office looks, but how it feels. A workspace should inspire and invigorate you. Moreover, if you’re hosting clients, the atmosphere should exude comfort and professionalism. Remember, a well-designed office is both efficient and evocative!

Design Ideas to Make your Office Serene and Calm

In designing this office, my aim was to create the energy of tranquility amidst the chaos. With today’s challenges, a serene home workspace is essential. Here’s how I infused serenity into this design:

Nature’s Embrace: Merge your space with the great outdoors. Whether it’s an inspiring outdoor view, nature-themed decor, or lush plants, let nature be a prominent guest. In this layout, my “Spring” fractal energy art from my collection infuses the essence of springtime greenery. Accentuating the theme, I’ve included plant motifs, florals, and bird-inspired art.

Palette of Peace: Opt for soothing hues like blues, greens, and gentle yellows. For this room, I drew inspiration from the woodland view outside, ensuring a harmonious and calming color flow.

The wallpaper, reminiscent of water, embodies the essence of fluidity and “going with the flow.”

Illuminate Naturally: Optimize natural light by choosing rooms with ample windows, complemented by window treatments that welcome sunlight. Here, textured semi-sheer draperies maintain a light, breezy feeling.

Streamline and Store: Minimize clutter by integrating concealed storage solutions. In this setup, bookshelf cabinets effortlessly stow away files, paperwork, and other essentials, ensuring a fresh, clean and organized energy for visiting clients. Clutter can block the flow of prosperity.

Embrace Comfort: Transition from the rigid aesthetics of conventional office furniture. Choose soft, inviting materials for seating; like the plush velvet-covered chairs in this design, which offer both comfort and color. A productive and comfortable workspace can help attract financial success.

A Haven of Calm: Seek a secluded, noise-free zone or one where doors can seal off distractions. Should ambient noise or a sense of serenity be desired, incorporate a sound system for gentle melodies or calming nature sounds. The colors of nature such as blues and greens are also calming.

Harness Energy Art to Magnetize Wealth and Prosperity.

Energy art seamlessly intertwines the abstract with the tangible, channeling spiritual energies through vibrant colors, patterns, symbols, and the artist’s fervent intentions. It serves not only as a visual feast but as a beacon, attracting harmonious energies. The “Spring” piece in this design, painted in prosperous shades of green, symbolizes renewal, invigoration, and flourishing growth. Evoking the Wood Element from Chinese traditions and Feng Shui, it embodies strength, warmth, and idealism. Let such art be your muse, amplifying the energies you channel in your endeavors.

Are you trying to work at home and finding it hard to stay focused? Feeling stressed with everything going on around you? Are you uncomfortable connecting with clients online through Zoom because you don’t want them to see the background of your office or workspace?

Right now, you may not have the perfect home office. You may be working from whatever space is available such as your kitchen table. Or maybe you have converted a spare room to make an office space. Maybe you normally work at home but you are ready for a change.

Shop the Look

Would you like to create this look your home? Why not try some of my beautiful fractal energy art.

Need Help Designing Your Home Office?

Try my Aligned Design consultation to create the perfect office for you. Includes custom energy art to help you attract wealth and abundance.

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