I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

A Great Story Makes the Dance

A great dance performance always has a story.

It might be a love story set to a song based on romantic Persian poetry. The Persians really know how to tell a romantic story!

Maybe it’s the story of the love affair between a girl and her drum.


I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.
The story of a love affair between a girl and her drum. Mary Ann Benoit.of Tavus Dance Company.

Maybe it is the story of an epic battle between warrior queens.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.
Kaleido World Percussion and Dance Company performing a battle of the warrior queens. Choreography by Mary Ann Benoit.
I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.
Kaleido World Percussion and Dance Company performing a battle of the warrior queens. Choreography by Mary Ann Benoit.

It can be anything. The key is that there is an interesting journey, with a beginning, middle, and end. The path leads the audience to a final destination, feeling, revelation, or something that moves them in some way.

The choreography is the story and the choreographer is the master storyteller.

The dance has meaning.

It is not just a collection of a dancer’s favorite moves set to music so that it looks pretty and the dancer can show off what they can do.

That’s like someone reading an encyclopedia to you instead of a story. BORING!

Every move has a meaning and all of them together create the magic. There is nothing more or less than needed to tell the perfect story.

A great story is authentic to the storyteller, comes from the heart, and is told so the audience can relate it to their own experience.


I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.
Mary Ann Benoit in traditional Afghan costume with a daf near Resurrection Bay, Seward, AK.

Sometimes the story can take on a life of its own if it captures people’s imagination. For example, in the picture above, fellow dancer Doreen Valadez  took this photo in Seward, Alaska next to Resurrection Bay of me in an Afghan folk dance costume, as part of the story for this dance. Somehow it got picked up in Iran by the Ministry of Culture, went a little viral over there, and was noted as an Iranian girl at the Caspian Sea.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

What does it have to do with Interior Design? A great story is the key to a beautiful dance and room.  This is Part 7 in my revelations from dancing on how to create your perfect space.

The older I get, the more I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.

It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.


I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

How Does a Great Story Relate to Interior Design?

Just like the perfect dance, a beautiful room has meaning.

It is not just a collection of your favorite decor items put in the same room so it looks pretty, like the dancer showing off their favorite moves without a story.

I often see people trying to create their perfect space by buying all the things they love over time, with no plan,  and hoping for the magic to appear. It rarely turns out well.

As in the dance where every move has a meaning, and there is nothing more or less than needed to tell the perfect story, the same is true for your room.

If you have too many things, the room feels crowded and chaotic, and the star of your room can not shine. Too few things and it feels like something is missing and loses the feeling of comfort and connection.

It is important to start with a plan and figure out first what story you want to tell. That story can be your personal style, the story of your travels, your life, your family, or whatever has special meaning to you.

It’s important to have your beginning, middle, and end. The end is generally your focal point or star of your show as I mentioned in a previous article. The beginning should be an interesting entrance to your space that directs you to the focal point. The middle is all the other pieces of the room that support your story.

A Story of Simplicity and Connection

Greek Interior Design is simple and elegant, inspired by nature, and looks light, bright, airy and clean. The energy of Greek interior design is a blend of serenity, simplicity, reverence for history, and a deep connection to the natural world. It’s an energy that invites introspection while also encouraging communal bonds. The art in this design show motifs, colors and elements that are simple, connected to nature and the ocean, and community.




Greek style design and energy art by Mary Ann Benoit.


Heart of Greece #3 by Mary Ann Benoit- AI and fractal energy art collage.


Heart of Greece by Mary Ann Benoit- AI and fractal energy art collage.

The Story of Transformation

The design and fractal energy art below were a story of transformation for me, and the series is called “Transformation”.

As the date February 22, 2022 approached, the numbers alone, 2-22-22 predicted a powerful energy day. I started to wonder what the energy would be like at 2:22 pm. I decided to set aside that time to create something and see what would evolve. I had no plan or idea.

Here is what I was inspired to create. Originally, I named it 22222222

Clearly, the number 2 held significance on this day. Upon researching numerology, I learned about its implications.

The number two amplifies intuition, enabling a deep, subconscious understanding. It can sense energies that aren’t visible, only perceptible.

Known as the peacemaker, number two promotes partnerships, balance, and teamwork. It symbolizes grace and diplomacy, harmonizing people, ideas, and elements.

While creating these pieces, I didn’t consciously think about the significance of the number two. I was simply guided by my intuition. I looked up the meaning later.

Originally, I labeled these artworks highlighting “2” in the title. But an observer’s comment, noting their resemblance to “transformation in action”, struck a chord. Over time, I recognized their symbolic essence and renamed them “Transformation”.

Personal growth is much like fire. Sometimes it’s as evident as a raging wildfire, changing our landscape. Other times, it’s subtle, smoldering beneath until it’s ready to surface.

Fire rejuvenates, clearing away the old, making room for new growth. Similarly, as we let go of our past, we pave the way for new beginnings. After a fire, though the land might seem empty, new life eagerly emerges, free from the shadow of what once was. This mirrors our journey, shedding old narratives to truly embrace our potential.

This design tells the story of transformation and is a reminder to celebrate it in yourself, whether it is a slow burn or a dramatic wildfire.

 


Saturday Night Live Art Shows- Aligned Energy Art: "Transformation".

Saturday Night Live Art Shows- Aligned Energy Art: "Transformation".
“Transformation #2”

Saturday Night Live Art Shows- Aligned Energy Art: "Transformation".
“Transformation” fractal energy art by Mary Ann Benoit.

Saturday Night Live Art Shows- Aligned Energy Art: "Transformation".
“Transformation #3”

A Story of Prosperity, Hospitality and Protection

The design below is an example of Turkish style,  and it is highlighting energy art of fish which is a sign of prosperity and protection against the evil eye. Turkish style is warm and inviting, earthy and exotic. It is simple, soft and relaxing. It is a great style for feeding and entertaining guests and sharing prosperity yet protecting its inhabitatants. The Nazar Boncuk or evil eye, symbolizes the jealous and envious look of others, which can cause misfortunes to a person or his property. Turkish people believe that this amulet protects its holder from these types of bad energies by absorbing them. This story says to open your home and share your prosperity with others, yet don’t worry as you are protected from jealousy.


Saturday Night Live Art Shows- Turkish Style


Saturday Night Live Art Shows- Turkish Style


"Heart of Turkey" energy art by Mary Ann Benoit


"Heart of Turkey #2" energy art throw pillow by Mary Ann Benoit


"Heart of Turkey" energy art by Mary Ann Benoit


"Heart of Turkey #4" energy art by Mary Ann Benoit

A Story of the Great Conjunction

In this room, the story revolves around the synergy of positive energy and alignment with our true selves, and its significance in our lives.

At the heart of the design is my “Great Conjunction” fractal art collection, inspired by the celestial alignment of Jupiter and Saturn on 12-21-20. Delve deeper into the backstory of this piece in my blog, “Do You Need an Alignment?

Upon entering, this artwork immediately captures your attention. Guided by the rug’s patterns, your gaze is naturally directed towards this centerpiece. Every other element in the room gracefully complements the art, serving as the ensemble cast enriching the primary narrative.

The colors are vibrant, inspiring, and energetic.


Great Conjunction Fractal Art and Edesign


Great Conjunction 3 Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Great Conjunction 3- Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Great Conjunction 2 Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Great Conjunction 1- Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Great Conjunction 1 Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Great Conjunction 2- Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

The Story of Serenity and Alignment

The story of this office is “serenity”. It was designed for an artist that loves watercolors because the colors and flow of the art make her feel serene. This office was designed with the watercolor mural as the focal point. I designed a series of fractal art prints called “Watercolor” to go with it. The modern global design style is clean and uncluttered and filled with calming blue tones. Learn more in my blog article, Your Office is the Perfect Space to Relax and be Happy.

This energy art inspires you to go with the flow of energy in your life, while staying strong yet fluid, like water. Creating your perfect space matters because it can support you in your journey to BE the person you need to be to live your perfect life.

Your Office is the Perfect Space to Relax and be Happy

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful

Watercolor fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit


Watercolor fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit
Watercolor #2 fractal energy art by Mary Ann Benoit

Watercolor fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit
“Watercolor” fractal energy art by Mary Ann Benoit

What is Your Story?

Your story is authentic to you, your life, your style, your energy, and the mood you want to create. Consider the story you want to tell, develop a plan, and think about how you want to tell it to create your perfect space.

Are You Ready to Tell Your Story?

Now that you know some of the elements that work together to create your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.   Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.


A transformational design experience that aligns Art, Science and Energy to Make Magic Happen in your Home and Life. Includes Interior Design, Color and Energy alignment advice to create a space perfectly aligned with you. We'll use Energy Art, personalized to reflect your true self, as the foundation of your space's transformation.

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.


Why Work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today


What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.




I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful

Precision is Beautiful

Precision equals beauty. I know, it sounds weird. But it’s true!

Today in drum class, as we were practicing our “ornaments” or rolls coming before the main notes, my teacher Amir said, “You are all playing very precisely today. It is very beautiful.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful

Our ornaments are a series of three notes played with the left hand that lead up to the main note played with the right hand. What makes them precise and beautiful is that each note is clear, evenly spaced, starts with lower volume, and gets higher until the main note is the loudest. At its fastest, it might sound like the whoosh of a car going by, but the goal is to make every note precise, audible, and even so you can hear the beauty of the whole phrase.

 

It is not as beautiful if you play it fast, unevenly, or too loud, so the notes are muddy rather than standing on their own. 

Of course, I start thinking of Interior Design, haha. 

Precision in the small elements that highlight the main pieces are just as important in design as in music.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Me okaying my doumbek for a performance of Persian dance and music.

Precision and Interior Design

What does this have to do with Interior Design?

The older I get, the more I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.

It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.

Precision in interior design refines the art, science, and energy of a space by:

  1. Art: Ensuring every element is intentionally chosen, enhancing aesthetics and storytelling.
  2. Science: Balancing scale, proportion, and functionality for optimal spatial harmony.
  3. Energy: Creating purposeful flow and mood through meticulous placement and selection.

In essence, precision harmonizes the aesthetics, color and energy for a beautiful and extraordinary space.

Twin Flames energy art and edesign by Mary Ann Benoit
Edesign and “Twin Flames” fractal energy art by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

When precision is employed to narrate your story through accentuating art, arranging accessories, or choosing colors, it elevates your space from beautiful to extraordinary.

Precision and the Art of Interior Design

Precision in interior design enhances the art of a space or what makes it beautiful to you by:

 

Focused Emphasis: It allows you to deliberatly highlighting of key artistic elements to create focal points that captivate and resonate with you. For example, when you arrange accessories to highlight a main element, such as a fireplace, coffee table, or bookshelf, the accessories are like the small notes in the ornament leading to the main note in the music. Perfectly done, all the pieces and the whole are beautiful.

Twin Flames energy art and edesign by Mary Ann Benoit
Edesign and “Twin Flames” fractal energy art by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Coordinated Aesthetics: Precision ensures that every design element, from color choices to furniture placement, works in harmony, resulting in a visually pleasing and cohesive environment.

Optimal Balance: It achieves a perfect balance between various design elements, preventing overcrowding or underutilization of space, for a more beautiful and functional room.

Enhanced Personalization: Through precision, I can help you tailor the space to make it more meaningful and beautiful to you.

Intentional Storytelling: It allows the intentional use of design elements to tell your story or convey a specific mood, making your space not just beautiful but also meaningful and engaging.

As in music, the clarity, spacing, and volume of the note is important.

Each piece should stand on its own because it is beautiful and has its own story to tell that relates to the room’s theme.

Attention to Detail: Precision means paying attention to the smallest details, ensuring that nothing disrupts the overall aesthetic, resulting in a more beautiful environment. 

In other words, precision in interior design transforms a space into a work of art, where every element is purposefully chosen and arranged to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant environment that speaks to your sense of beauty and aesthetics.

Precision and the Color of Interior Design

Precise color is beautiful. It comes from knowing color science and picking perfectly matched and harmonious colors based on their lightness, saturation, or hue angle. 

Twin Flames energy art and edesign by Mary Ann Benoit
Edesign and “Twin Flames” fractal energy art by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Precision and the application of color science can have a profound impact on the look and feel of your space:

 

Color Psychology: Precision in color selection based on color psychology can evoke specific emotions. For example, warm colors like red and orange can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool colors like blue and green can induce a sense of calm and relaxation.

 

Visual Perception: Understanding color theory allows for precise manipulation of spatial perception. Light colors can make a room feel more expansive, while dark colors can add coziness and intimacy.

Harmonious Palettes: Applying color science ensures that color palettes are harmonious, with precise combinations of hues, shades, and tints that complement each other, resulting in a more beautiful environment.

Twin Flames energy art and edesign by Mary Ann Benoit
Edesign and “Twin Flames” fractal energy art by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Accents and Focal Points: Precision in color placement can draw attention to specific areas or objects in the room, creating focal points.

Mood Enhancement: The precise use of color can create the mood you want in each space. Vibrant and energetic colors can make a room feel lively, while muted and analogous color schemes can create a tranquil atmosphere.

Personalization: By considering your color preferences and the intended function of the space, precision in color choices ensures that the room reflects your tastes and needs.

Cohesion and Flow: A carefully planned color scheme ensures that each room in the space flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive and harmonious feel throughout. It can also be used to create a flow from the exterior to the interior.

 

In summary, precision and the application of color science in interior design enable the deliberate creation of a space’s look and feel, allowing for the manipulation of emotions, spatial perception, and overall aesthetics to align with the intended purpose and atmosphere of the environment.


Color Consulting Services of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful

Precision and the Energy of Interior Design

Precision in interior design plays a pivotal role in shaping the energy dynamics of a space, influenced by the collective energy emitted from every object:

Harmonious Interactions: Objects in a room emit their own energy based on material, color, and history. Precision ensures these objects resonate harmoniously, fostering a unified and positive ambiance.

Balanced Vibrations: Every piece, from furniture to accessories, emits vibrational energy. Meticulous placement ensures these energies don’t clash, maintaining equilibrium in the room’s overall vibe.

Amplified Intent: Precision emphasizes intentional selections, meaning each item is chosen for a purpose. This clarity and purposefulness enhance the positive energies in the space.

Emotional Resonance: A precisely designed space can evoke specific emotions, be it serenity from a carefully chosen color palette or warmth from strategically placed lighting.


Twin Flames energy art and edesign by Mary Ann Benoit
“Twin Flames #2” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit.

Twin Flames energy art and edesign by Mary Ann Benoit
“Twin Flames #4” fractal art by Mary Ann Benoit.

Optimized Flow: Precision avoids energy blockages. A well-thought-out layout ensures energy circulates freely, affecting how open and breathable a room feels.

Elevated Aesthetics: When objects are thoughtfully curated and placed, the beauty is amplified, making the space feel more inviting and uplifting.

In essence, precision in interior design is akin to orchestrating a harmonious symphony where each object’s energy contributes to the room’s collective feel, ensuring it aligns with the desired ambiance and emotional impact.

Learn More

Find this blog interesting? See other articles in this series.

I Learned to All my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Every Part Must Play Its Part.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- We all Hear Music Differently.

You might also enjoy my series on lessons I learned about Interior Design from dancing:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing: The Magic of Transitions.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : Surprise Me.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

Are You Ready to Create Your Masterpiece?

Now that you know some of the elements that work together to create your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home? If you knew absolutely for certain that creating a perfect space would create a better life for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.


A transformational design experience that aligns Art, Science and Energy to Make Magic Happen in your Home and Life. Includes Interior Design, Color and Energy alignment advice to create a space perfectly aligned with you. We'll use Energy Art, personalized to reflect your true self, as the foundation of your space's transformation.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.


What's Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz


Why Work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

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I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful
Photo by Hatim Belyamani on Unsplash.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful
I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful




I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me

Surprise and Delight!

A great dance performance always has a surprise. It might be an unexpected twist in the storyline. It might be the unveiling of the dancer so you see her beautiful face or costume.

Maybe it is the revealing of an unexpected part of the costume that was hidden that causes the audience to gasp in surprise and delight. Surprise and Delight!!

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Persian Miniature Dance. The silk butterfly wings were hidden until the moment of “transformation” in the story brought surprise and delight to the audience.

Maybe it is a surprising moment where the dancer drops to the floor and swings their hair in wild abandon.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Bandari dance performance by Mary Ann Benoit.

It can be anything. The key is that it is unexpected and brings delight in the discovery.

Surprises tell the story and add drama, texture, and depth to the performance.

With any dance, there are some things that are predictable, such as repeating patterns.  These parts give the audience comfort in knowing they understand what is going on. Then there are the surprises, that keep things interesting, exciting and make a memorable performance.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

You might be wondering how all this ties back to Interior Design. Well, the concept of surprises resonates much like the unexpected twists in a dance or within the confines of a room. 

Over the years, I’ve come to discern the intricate tapestry that interconnects various art forms. The very principles underpinning the enchantment of Interior Design echo throughout many art forms. The crux lies in the art of perceiving, listening, and embracing the subtle nuances that surround us.

Repeatedly, I notice the harmonious interplay between art, the wellspring of creativity; science, the palette of colors; and energy, the unifying force. It’s this alignment that threads the fabric of enchantment, weaving its spell not only in  dance, but Interior Design.

How Does Surprise Relate to Interior Design?

Small surprises are the hidden gems that infuse a room with character. Often found in the accessories adorning bookshelves or gracing side tables, these are the tiny treasures that, as you navigate the space, unveil their charm, wit, or uniqueness. They offer a glimpse into the homeowner’s inner world, prompting questions about the reasoning behind their selection and placement. It’s an intimate experience, as though the homeowner has just whispered a secret to you.

But surprises need not be confined to the small scale; they can also manifest as bold, captivating elements. Whether it’s an unexpected work of art, a daring design choice, an innovative invention, or a fresh approach to presentation, these larger surprises, like choreography in a dance, contribute to weaving an unforgettable narrative. They infuse texture, depth, and intrigue into your design, evoking happiness and leaving a lasting impression that others cherish and remember.

What Surprises and Delights You?

Creating your dream space is an ode to authenticity, capturing the essence of your character, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Dive deep into what truly mesmerizes and uplifts you, and consider integrating these elements as nuanced or pronounced accents throughout your living space. Such treasures, when discovered, invariably bring forth a smile.

Personally, I’m endlessly enchanted by artistic globes crafted from an array of materials, the radiant spectrum of stained glass, and nuances drawing from the elegance of avian life and nature’s splendor. Such details resonate deeply with those who harbor a boundless curiosity for design’s infinite potential

Create Surprise and Delight with Accents

Accents, whether nestled within a home’s interior or gracefully placed outdoors, serve as delightful ways to add surprise and delight.  For me, the delicate presence of birds and wildlife artifacts lovingly gathered from nature, always strikes a chord. Equally enchanting are handcrafted creations, windows into the creator’s soul, revealing their unique essence and artistry.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Example of surprise and delight. The meeting of the love birds on the table. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Loved this little statue showing this room is a place to meditate. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
I put colorful birds on the book shelves and the feather paperweight in this room to create a connection to wildlife as well as plants and the outdoors. Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me
Back stage before a classical Persian dance performance. Mary Ann Benoit, of Tavus Dance Company.

Use Surprise and Delight to Sell a House

In the realm of home sales, the element of surprise and delight can be the winning touch. Staging a home is a delicate dance of ensuring broad appeal while leaving a distinctive, unforgettable mark. One surefire strategy to leave an indelible impression is to weave in elements of unexpected joy and charm.

I recall staging a home recently, working solely with the owner’s possessions. The residence already echoed a touch of whimsy, thanks to artful embellishments on the shutters by previous inhabitants. Among the available items, nothing immediately beckoned as a source of delight. However, drawing inspiration from the ambiance, I envisioned a rock cairn by the front entrance — a subtle, enchanting detail awaiting potential buyers’ discovery. This tiny gesture can intrigue and create a lasting connection with visitors, illustrating the power of thoughtful, delightful details

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Surprise Me

I created some small cairns indoors as decor on the end tables in the living room.

People noticed and commented. I am sure they never had seen something like this before and it made the home more memorable.

Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

In another staging project, I carried my love of small decorative birds into a staging project where I created surprise and delight in a bathroom.

Learn More

Learn more in some of my other articles in this series:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

Are You Ready to Create Surprise and Delight in Your Home?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.


A transformational design experience that aligns Art, Science and Energy to Make Magic Happen in your Home and Life. Includes Interior Design, Color and Energy alignment advice to create a space perfectly aligned with you. We'll use Energy Art, personalized to reflect your true self, as the foundation of your space's transformation.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.


What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

Why Work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today


Aligning art, science and energy to make magic happen in your home and life.




I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part

Every Part Must Do Its Part

Music is made of parts and every part is critical to making the magic happen. When they work together perfectly, then you have created a masterpiece!

All music has a structure. This usually includes a series of parts in order such as an introduction, a verse that is repeated several times with variations, a chorus or bridge that is different, and often the memorable highlight of the piece, a few more verses, and an ending. Often there are solos in the chorus.

All of these parts help build and tell the story and create something “delicious to the ears” as my drum teacher Amir likes to say.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Mary Ann Benoit playing a frame drum for a Middle Easter dance show in Eagle River, Alaska.

Within the structure, there are more parts. These are the instruments, which layered together create a rich, delicious song for your ears. Eash has an important role to play in the final result.

The drums keep the rhythm for all the instruments. The bass is the bridge between the drums and the melodic instruments, playing both rhythm and melody. And there are several melodic instruments.

The melodic instruments usually take turns supporting each other with one or two playing the main role while the others back them up playing supporting roles or harmonies.

In the video below I created a 13 beat piece of music and played all the parts myself. Even as a one-woman band, I needed to make sure all the parts would work perfectly in harmony with the others and each supported the whole.

Mary Ann Benoit performing all the parts of her composition, For the Love of 13’s.

In many pieces, every instrument has a chance to be the star for a short time during a solo or by playing a more prominent part, while the others back them up. But, there should only be one star (at least at a time).

The magic happens because of the layers, which work in harmony for the greater good of the musical composition.  The collaboration creates something much more beautiful than any particular part or instrument on its own.

Even if all the instruments are the same, the layers of all working together to create one piece is magical.

Khoda, performed on Dafs and Frame Drums by students at Amir’s School of Music.

Yet, every part has a chance to shine. The piece needs just the right number of parts, no more or less.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

What does this have to do with Interior Design?

Your perfect space has a structure, tells a story, and is layered with pieces that all have their supporting roles and time to shine. When done in perfect harmony, that is when the magic happens.

This is Part 2 in my revelations from lessons learned from playing music on how to create your perfect space.

The older I get, the more I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.

It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.

To learn more, see Part 1, I Learned to All my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music.

You might also enjoy my series on lessons I learned about Interior Design from dancing:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing: The Magic of Transitions.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : Surprise Me.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

Intro, Verses, Chorus and Finale

Like a piece of music, your design also has a structure. You can think of it as an introduction, verses that lead to the dramatic chorus, more verses, and an ending.

As you enter the room, the flow to your focal point is like your introduction. All the supporting pieces that create the meat of the room and the story are like your verses. The focal point or main attraction is like your chorus or bridge and then you have an exit or end. All working together, tell the story of the room.

Play Your Part

Like instruments that each add a different sound and unique character to the music, your design parts include your flooring, furnishings, accessories, art, and lighting. They all need to coordinate and work together to create something more beautiful together than any individual part. The parts all have roles to play. If they are not contributing to a better “whole piece” than it may be “clutter” and should be removed.

I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Some of my many drums.

Take a Solo

Musical compositions often allow the instruments to take a solo and have their time to shine while being supported by the other players.

Your art is often the focal point or soloist. Why not take a cue from music and change out your art to change the look and feel of your room from time to time. It creates a more interesting composition.


I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Original fractal art, “A Passion for Purple” by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Here is an example of this same room (an Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design), with different art or “soloists”. See how the energy of the room changes by changing the art?

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FB_change_art.mp4

Playing with One Instrument or Many

One playing with a group of similar instruments, each piece still needs to add to the overall texture of the compositions in the Daf arrangement for Khoda above.

This neutral living room is an example of a musical piece with all the same instruments, due to the similar neutral colors. Each part stands out with its different patterns or textures to add to the final design.

This monochromatic and neutral design as the same feeling in that all the parts are very similar, but the subtle but interesting differences of the individual elements creates a beautiful layered final design.


I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part


I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music- Every Part Must Do Its Part
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

In the Edesign below, all the parts are very different, as when you have a musical piece with many instruments. When the parts are so different, extra care must be taken to make sure all the parts work in harmony (such as with your color palette).


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign and Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Are You Ready to Create Your Masterpiece?

Now that you know some of the elements that work together to create your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home? If you knew absolutely for certain that creating a perfect space would create a better life for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.


Aligned Design System

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.


What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

This page contains affiliate links.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com


I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing

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I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Playing Music

Contrast is the Key to Striking Beauty

While in my doumbek class last week, my drum teacher Amir Etemadzadeh, who is a native of Iran was talking about the importance of being able to distinguish clearly all the notes we can make on our drums. The more notes, the better.  The more clearly they are different from each other, the better and more beautiful it sounds to the listener.

Amir describes it as creating a beautiful and delicious meal and all the notes are like the spices and layers that make it delicious to the ears. 


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Mary Ann Benoit of Tavus Dance Company performing on her doumbek for a show in Anchorage Alaska.

As he waxes poetic about the beauty of contrast and how critical it is to distinguish the doum from the slap, and how the Teks and Kas should be as bright and high as possible, my mind wanders to Interior Design and the importance of contrast there as well. 

In music, if the notes are not easily distinguishable, they can all start to sound the same, and some notes will make others sound muddy or dull because each is not living up to its full potential. Your playing becomes boring for the audience.

Interior Design Lessons from Dance

What does it have to do with Interior Design?

Just as a drummer wants their music to sound delicious to the ears, we want our rooms to look delicious to our eyes. Contrast is one of the keys to creating great beauty.

This is Part 1 in my revelations from playing music on how to create your perfect space. 

The older I get, the more I realize the connections between all things artistic. The same principles apply to making the magic happen in Interior Design or any other art form. You just need to open your eyes, listen, and feel it to notice.

It always seems to come back to the alignment between art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection) that makes the magic happen. I use this alignment to create both beautiful dance pieces and interiors.

You might also enjoy my series on lessons I learned about Interior Design from dancing:

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : The Magic of Transitions.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : Surprise Me.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.

I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.

I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

How Does Contrast Relate to Interior Design?

Contrast is important in creating interest and making you feel something in the room. You can create contrast with color, texture, shapes, lighting, levels, patterns, sizes and more.

The more contrast between things, the more they each stand out and shine with their own inherent beauty, complimenting each other, rather than one stealing the spotlight and making the other look dull.

There is a lot of complexity to this subject. Today, I will focus on color.

 

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Creating Contrast with Whites and Neutrals

As my teacher spoke about the sounds of the drum, the first thing that came to mind was how important contrast is when using the color white.

White. How seemingly simple but how complex. Many, when confused about color will say, lets just paint it white and be done with it. Haha, well, that just opened a big can of worms.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
The Beauty of white. Photo by Robin Schreiner on Unsplash.

There are so many whites out there, it is amazing. Why? Because white is a color, just like any other, and is ultimately, the least saturated or a low saturation of a hue. Example, take a blue and reduce its chroma until it looks white, It is still that same blue, but with very little chroma. That is why all whites look so different.

P. S., it has nothing to do with so called “undertones”, which is just a word people use that do not understand color science to subjectively describe what they see.

No big deal, until you decide to mix whites in your space. One white can make another look muddy, or dirty, or just “off”.

Why? You need to make sure there is enough difference in chroma to easily distinguish the two whites. And there should still be some color harmony between the hues the whites come from. Whites that are opposites on the color wheel look better together than ones that are so close to each other that they look off.

Neutrals are the same as whites. They just have a little more chroma.

Finding the beauty of a neutral palette using various shades of whites, off whites and neutrals with enough contrast to see all the variations can be gorgeous. Throw in a variety of shapes and textures to add even more interest and variety.


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Get the Look

 Here is an example of a beautiful and relaxing Edesign I created using whites and neutrals with contrasting colors and textures.  


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Creating Contrast with Opposite Colors

Of course, you can get maximum contrast with saturated hues. The highest degree of contrast comes from either using black and white, or opposite colors on the color wheel, which creates a complimentary color scheme.

Maximum Contrast with Black and White

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign and Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Maximum Contrast with a Complimentary Color Scheme

Blue and yellow are opposites or compliments on the color wheel. Each makes the other look even more vibrant.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

In the Edesign below, the green in my Spring Fractal Art is the complement of the purple walls. It has the effect of making the art really pop!


I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music
Edesign and Fractal Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Are You Ready to Create Beauty Through Contrast in Your Home?

Now that you know some of the elements that work together to create your perfect space, are you ready to take action to make it happen in your home? If you knew absolutely for certain that creating a perfect space would create a better life for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?

Let’s tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science, and energy that makes you happy.  Let me help you take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.


Aligned Design System

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.


What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

This page contains affiliate links.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com


I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing

Get Your Free Issue of Seasonal Living Magazine!


Seasonal Living Magazine