Globally Inspired Styles with the Soul of Aligned Design

I’ve always been inspired by global design styles — the way they gather beautiful stories, textures, and colors from around the world. Each piece, from the art to the decor, carries a story, inviting us to connect with different cultures and experiences, weaving a rich tapestry of meaning into our spaces.

In my philosophy of Aligned Design, we focus not just on beauty, but on creating environments that resonate deeply with who we are and what we value. Global style naturally supports this, helping us forge a connection — not only to the wider world but also to ourselves.

When we Connect through design, we invite a sense of unity, belonging, and soulful alignment into our homes. A space becomes more than just a place to live — it becomes a reflection of the beauty of the world and the peace within us.

This blending of global inspiration and inner resonance is, to me, a new design frontier — one that honors the world’s diversity while supporting our personal journey toward deeper connection and authenticity.

If you love global design styles, you’re in good company — I do too. There’s something magical about how they bring together beautiful stories, textures, and colors from all around the world. Every piece tells a story and adds a little soul to your space.

At the same time, Aligned Design is all about creating spaces that don’t just look good — they feel good. It’s about making sure your home reflects deeper values and feels true to who you are.

So how do these two come together?
Global style helps you Connect — with the world, with different cultures, and most importantly, with yourself. It brings a sense of unity and meaning into your home, creating a space that’s as rich in spirit as it is in beauty.

It’s like giving your space a passport and a purpose — globally inspired, soulfully aligned.

Connecting Globally Inspired Style and Aligned Design

There’s a natural connection between globally inspired design and Aligned Design. Styles from places like Morocco, Greece, Turkey, India, and Mexico — and the free-spirited vibe of Bohemian design — bring so much heart, color, and story into a space.

When you blend that with the idea of Aligned Design — creating spaces that feel as good as they look — you get something really special. Spaces that aren’t just beautiful, but full of meaning, soul, and connection. It’s a way of living that feels good inside and out.

The Beauty of Art

Globally inspired and Bohemian styles are all about weaving together rich stories from around the world. With their layers of color, texture, and soul, they create spaces that feel alive and full of meaning. Bohemian style, with its free-spirited, eclectic energy, adds a playful depth that fits beautifully with my Aligned Design philosophy — creating spaces that don’t just look good, but feel like home for your soul.

My energy art is designed to complement these styles — capturing the beauty and essence of Moroccan, Greek, Turkish, Indian, Mexican, and Bohemian influences. Each piece is layered with fractal energy art, helping you stay aligned with who you truly are and supporting your goals energetically.

In my Connect Through a Tapestry of Modern Global Styles collection, you’ll find art inspired by these rich traditions, each one infused with energy and meaning — a perfect way to connect to the world and yourself, through your space.

Explore the collection here: Connect Through a Tapestry of Modern Global Styles

The Science of Color

Color plays a huge role in how a space feels — and it’s a big part of my Aligned Design philosophy. The vibrant palettes of globally inspired and Bohemian styles naturally create a sense of harmony and energy.

Think of the calming blues and whites of Greek interiors, the rich patterns and warmth of Turkish and Bohemian textiles, or the joyful bursts of color in Indian and Mexican design. Each one tells a story — and when we use color with intention, it creates a space that feels alive and balanced.

That’s the same approach I take with my energy art. Every color is chosen with care to support alignment, well-being, and connection — so your space doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels like a reflection of your true self.

The Energy of Well Being

Every global style carries its own special energy. Greek interiors bring a sense of calm and serenity. Bohemian spaces celebrate creativity and freedom. Moroccan design adds a touch of the exotic, Turkish interiors wrap you in warmth, Indian decor radiates spirituality, and Mexican design bursts with life and joy.

Through Aligned Design, we tap into these beautiful energies and blend them with what you need to feel supported, balanced, and at home. My energy art brings it all together — combining the beauty and spirit of these styles with intentional energy that helps you align with your highest well-being.

Surround yourself with the energy that lifts you up — every single day.

Personal Reflection, Growth and Alignment

At its heart, Aligned Design is about creating spaces that reflect who you truly are and support you as you grow into who you’re meant to be.

Globally inspired styles, with their deep cultural roots, and the free-spirited nature of Bohemian design offer the perfect canvas. They give you room to create an environment that tells your story — a space that evolves with you, grows with you, and helps you stay connected to your personal journey.

Because when your space aligns with your soul, it becomes a powerful part of your transformation.

Sustainability and Connection to Nature

Many global styles naturally focus on sustainability, and Bohemian design brings in its own love of upcycling and creative reuse. It all fits beautifully with Aligned Design’s eco-friendly approach — creating spaces that are not only good for you but good for the planet too.

Natural materials like Turkish textiles, Greek stonework, Indian silks, Mexican crafts, and the earthy charm of vintage Bohemian pieces help keep your space connected to nature. These elements don’t just look beautiful — they create a more harmonious energy that supports you, instead of working against you.

Bringing nature into your space can be simple and powerful. My energy art captures the spirit of flora, fauna, and the wisdom of Animal Medicine, adding layers of meaning and energy. Pair it with plants and natural elements in your decor, and you create a space that feels fresh, grounded, and alive — a true sanctuary for your soul.

In connecting to nature, we find a deeper connection to ourselves — calm, grounded, and alive.

The Results

At its core, the rich colors, stories, and patterns of global styles fit perfectly with the heart of Aligned Design. By combining art, science, and energy, we create spaces that aren’t just beautiful to look at — they lift your spirit and feel alive with meaning.

The result? Spaces that captivate the eye, uplift the heart, and resonate with the energy of who you truly are.

Ready to Create Your Globally Inspired Aligned Design?

Are you ready to take your home to a whole new level — one that not only looks beautiful but feels amazing and lifts you up to be your best self?

Imagine a space that’s tailored just for you — where every detail reflects your sense of beauty, the colors feel just right, and the energy supports your dreams. That’s what Aligned Design is all about. It’s the magic that happens when art, science, and energy come together to create a space that truly resonates with you.

Now picture fine-tuning your environment to boost your prosperity, well-being, love, and personal expression — all through thoughtful design and intentional energy. When your space is aligned, you’re aligned — and that’s when life starts flowing in beautiful ways.

Global style interior design plays a big part in this. It brings rich stories, soulful textures, and vibrant energy into your home — helping you create a space that’s not only beautiful but deeply, authentically you.

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What is a Global Design Style?

Global styles capture the essence of your adventures across the world, weaving together a tapestry of your experiences and stories. Characterized by vibrant hues, they radiate with the boldness of designs inspired by various cultures, suffused with rich textures and patterns. Every item isn’t just a decor piece; it’s a narrative, sparking curiosity and conversations.

Instead of adhering to a strict theme, treasures find their place without being confined by their origin. It’s a harmonious chaos where antiques cozy up to contemporary pieces, and nature plays its part—be it through the rugged beauty of animal horns, the serene presence of plants, or the raw allure of stones.

Although the heart of global design revels in its eclectic nature—melding elements from myriad cultures—certain colors and cultural symbols might resonate more deeply with you, reflecting your unique journeys and preferences. This design approach isn’t about uniformity; it’s about personal expression, celebrating diversity, memories, and the beautiful mosaic of worldwide cultures.

Examples of Global Style

Global design styles are a treasure trove of cultural richness and diversity. Here are some of my favorite styles and why I like them.

1. Bohemian: Rooted in a free-spirited and unconventional ethos, the Bohemian style celebrates individuality. It’s marked by an eclectic mix of vibrant colors, mismatched patterns, and a blend of old and new. Common elements include macrame hangings, colorful textiles, and layered rugs.

2. Turkish: Turkish design radiates with opulence and intricate detailing. Think of ornate lanterns, sumptuous kilim rugs, and Iznik tiles with their intricate blue and red motifs. Brass and copperware, often with intricate engravings, are also hallmarks.

3. Moroccan: This style evokes the allure of a desert oasis. Key elements include geometric mosaics, lanterns, carved wooden pieces, and rich textiles in deep reds, oranges, and blues. Arched doorways and lush courtyards complete the look.

4. Mexican: Bursting with vivid colors, Mexican interiors draw from its indigenous cultures and Spanish colonial influences. Hand-painted Talavera tiles, rustic wooden furniture, and vibrant textiles are central, along with folk art pieces and pottery.

5. Greek: Greek design channels the serene beauty of the Mediterranean. Bright white and deep blue are dominant colors, reminiscent of the iconic Santorini landscapes. Elements include airy linens, hand-painted ceramics, and rustic wooden details.

6. Indian: Indian interiors are a tapestry of rich hues, intricate patterns, and spiritual motifs. Brass lamps, colorful silk textiles, carved wooden furniture, and ornamental mirrors are typical. The vibrant colors—saffron, turquoise, and fuchsia—are inspired by Indian festivals and landscapes.

A common thread that binds these styles is the emphasis on craftsmanship and the use of natural materials, making them perfect for eco-friendly and sustainable designs. The use of wool, silk, wood, bone, and stone, among others, underscores a deep connection to the earth and traditional artisanal practices.

So, which ones resonates with your personal experiences, aesthetic preferences, and the ambiance you want to create?

Each style has its unique charm, narrative, and essence. Which one feels like home to you? Which one ignites your wanderlust or brings back cherished memories?

Let’s Create Your Global Style Design

Are you ready to transform your home into a sanctuary that not only looks amazing but also uplifts and supports you? Imagine that.

Think about living in a space that truly reflects who you are. How does it make you feel?

My approach to interior design, called Aligned Design, revolves around three key elements: art, science, and energy. It’s at the intersection of these three where the magic happens.

Creating a space that embraces your unique sense of beauty, color, and energy while attracting positivity in the form of prosperity, well-being, love, and self-expression aligns you with the universe. This alignment empowers you to lead your best life and make a positive impact on the world.

Global-style interior design, a part of this creative journey, is something you’ll truly enjoy as we embark on creating a space that’s perfectly tailored to you.

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Art possesses a transformative power. Consider embracing symbols like the spiral, which energetically align with you. When curating art for your space, reflect on its significance. Why is it your choice? Beyond its hues, forms, and designs, does it resonate with a memory, emotion, journey, or a cherished individual? Dive deeper than aesthetics; connect with its essence and the personal narrative it brings into your space.

As an artist who creates the art for your space, the meaning behind what I create is important to me. I usually create abstract art that is not about a specific person, place or event but is more about the colors, shapes and feeling that it evokes. Some shapes are more meaningful than others and tend to draw you into creating more and more with the same shape. I find that much of my work revolves around spirals.

Spirals are prevalent in nature, in a beautiful sea shell, the unfolding of a new fern, the shape of a pine cones or the petals of a flower.

Spirals are meaningful cultural and religious symbols. They often symbolize connection to God and universal energy, and can represent harmony, beginnings, focus, a journey, direction, and progress. The spiral progression is symbolic of the route to a higher level of consciousness.

In some Native American cultures, the spiral is a sacred symbol of birth, rebirth and personal power, a metaphor for personal vision and enlightenment. They honor the grouse as a symbol of the sacred spiral, because the grouse does a spiral dance.

It can represent growth and evolution, eternity and continuity and is one of the most common symbols found among petroglyphs created by ancient or primitive peoples.

The whirling dervishes of some Sufi orders are masters of the spiral dance or whirling which they use to transcend to higher states of awareness and connect to God.

Spirals are important in great design, from the Mona Lisa to the Pyramids. The spiral is an example of the Golden Ratio which is a mathematical ratio. When used in a design, it fosters organic and natural-looking compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The ratio is even used to create music masterpieces.

Even the Milky Way, the galaxy that includes Earth and our solar system – is an example of a spiral galaxy. We live in one big, beautiful spiral.

That’s one powerful shape.

In summary, the spiral is a symbol that has been used in art across cultures and epochs. Its meaning can vary based on context, culture, and the artist’s intention.

1. Life Cycle & Growth: Spirals often represent life cycles, growth, and evolution. They can symbolize the journey of life from birth to death or the natural progression and transformation of life.
2. Connection to the Universe: In many ancient cultures, spirals symbolize the cosmos or a spiritual journey. They can represent the vastness of the universe or the interconnectedness of all life.
3. Eternal Life: Due to its never-ending pattern, the spiral can symbolize eternity and immortality.
4. Change & Development: Spirals can represent the idea of expansion, change, and development. It can be about personal growth or the evolution of a concept or idea.
5. Feminine Energy: In certain contexts, the spiral is symbolic of the womb and fertility, representing feminine energy and birth.
6. Natural Phenomena: The spiral is often seen in nature, such as in the patterns of shells, galaxies, or the way water whirls. As such, artists might use it to represent nature, mathematics, or the golden ratio.
7. Journey & Progression: Spirals can also symbolize a journey, be it a spiritual, personal, or physical one. It can denote progression, taking a path, and continuously moving forward.
8. Mysticism & Rituals: Spirals have been used in various rituals and religious symbols. They can indicate deeper knowledge, mysticism, or a connection to the divine.

In art, the meaning of the spiral can be personal to the artist and the energy they have infused into it, or the viewer.

When viewing spiral art, consider the context in which it was created to fully understand its intended significance.

Art with Power

“The Spiral” Energy Art

As an energy artist creating spirals, my intention is that the spiral is a symbol of personal transformation for you. Each piece inspires and uplifts you to be in alignment with who you truly are.

Everything is Energy. The spiral represents the energy of evolution, life, consciousness, and creation. Since ancient times it has been a symbol of growth and transformation. The spiral in your space is a reminder and invitation to shed your old skin and become something new.

This “Spiral”series is dedicated to Jim Fortin, who inspires us to transform and be our best selves. See my Saturday Night Live Art Show on this series.

“Infinity” Spiral Energy Art

My “Infinity” collection is a reminder that everything is energy including every object in your home, and the people, animals, plants, furniture, etc. Is the energy harmonious like an orchestra playing together or chaotic like an orchestra tuning up? A home that feels great has harmonious energy. Your art plays a big part in that. How is your energy evolving and what is it creating?

See my Saturday Night Live Art Show highlighting my “Infinity” series.

“Yin/Yang” Spiral Energy Art

This series inspires balance. Yin is female energy, and Yang is male energy. We all have, and need both, to get things done. Are you an over-doer of all the things? Try focusing less on masculine doing and more on feminine receiving. Yin receives ideas and inspiration. Yang puts the ideas into action. Yin receives the rewards of your actions. Yang takes the action and celebrates. Balance is the key to happiness. As above, so below. As within, so without. See my Yin/Yang collection here.  See my Saturday Night Live Art Show on this series below.

“Phoenix Rising” Spiral Energy Art

Step into the fire, burn away all your hurts and fears that define who you and rise from the ashes of all that does not serve you. This is part of my Fire Element collection. In Chinese healing arts, the fire element represents transformation, divinity, power, and passion. It can also represent destruction. The fire phase is a state of peak power and manifesting. Here you are in the maximum state of doing and activity. See my “Phoenix Rising” collection of spiral art here.  See my Saturday Night Live Art Show on this collection.

“Deep Purple” Spiral Energy Art

Deep purple embodies various energetic connotations:

1. Spirituality: Represents divine connection and higher consciousness.
2. Transformation: Signifies profound change and perspective shift.
3. Mysticism: Linked with magic and deeper mysteries.
4. Royalty: Historically associated with nobility and wealth.
5. Intuition: Resonates with inner wisdom and insight.
6. Protection: Seen as a shield against negative energies in spiritual practices.
7. Creativity: Encourages artistry and imagination.
8. Deep Emotion: Symbolizes introspective feelings and thoughts.

In essence, deep purple connects the material and spiritual, embodying upliftment, transformation, and contemplation.

“Bioluminesence” Spiral Energy Art

In essence, bioluminescence reflects nature’s magic, adaptability, and the dance between fleeting beauty and profound depth. It is a reminder to appreciate or embody the following:

1. Mystical Wonder: Nature’s magical display.
2. Inner Radiance: Shining from within amidst external darkness.
3. Adaptation: Nature’s clever survival tool.
4. Nature’s Rhythm: Representing balance and harmony.
5. Transient Beauty: Fleeting yet captivating.
6. Deep Exploration: Delving into mysteries, whether within or in the universe.

To see more of my spiral designs check out my Spiral Collection on Pixels.com and Artist Studio at Society 6.

Learn more about the power of art in this video.

Custom Spiral Designs

If you are interested in a spiral design to fit your color scheme and personal power journey, let me know and I will create something for you. They can be created on a wide variety of art and home decor products. See my Artist Studio at Society 6 to see more.

Create Your Own Spiral Magic

My Aligned Design consultation ties it all together, including custom energy art designed for you and what you need for your own alignment.

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As  a certified color strategist, love playing with beautiful color. One of my favorites is Benjamin Moore’s “Aegean Teal”.

Benjamin Moore describes Aegean Teal,  as  “A blend of blue-green and gray, Aegean Teal 2136-40 is an intriguing mid-tone that creates natural harmony.”

According to the color data (LCH), “Aegean Teal” is a blue/green hue (209.5),  with a Lightness of 56 and Chroma of 8.8. In other words,  it is a pretty saturated and rich blue green that on a scale of 1 to 10 for lightness it is just over the halfway point.

Ways to Use Aegean Teal

Aegean Teal is a versatile, calming, and deep color that beautifully balances blue-green hues. Here are some ways to incorporate this rich shade into various spaces:

1. Accent Walls: Use Aegean Teal on a single wall in a room to create a focal point without overwhelming the space.
2. Kitchen Cabinets: For a chic and modern feel, paint your kitchen cabinets with Aegean Teal. Pair it with gold or brass hardware for a touch of elegance.
3. Front Door: Make a statement by painting your front door in Aegean Teal, especially against neutral exterior shades.
4. Furniture: Revamp old furniture pieces by painting them in this hue for a fresh, updated look.
5. Bathroom: Aegean Teal can be a tranquil choice for bathrooms, creating a spa-like feel. Consider it for vanity cabinets or walls.
6. Bedroom: Use this color as the main wall shade for a serene and restful bedroom ambiance.
7. Accessories: If you’re not ready for a major color change, introduce Aegean Teal through accessories like throw pillows, vases, or lampshades.
8. Trim or Moulding: Painting trims, mouldings, or built-in shelves with Aegean Teal can accentuate architectural details.
9. Ceiling: For a twist, paint the ceiling in Aegean Teal while keeping walls in a soft complementary shade.
10. Textiles: Consider curtains, upholstery, or bed linens in this shade to bring warmth and depth to a room.
11. Pair with Complementary Colors: Aegean Teal pairs beautifully with warm earth tones, soft beiges, and even some muted corals or terracottas.
12. Home Office: Create a focused and calming environment by using Aegean Teal in your home workspace.

Consider the room’s lighting and other color elements, as this can affect how the color is perceived. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate it, Aegean Teal can bring a sophisticated and balanced feel to any space.

Master Bedroom Design

I  decidec to create a master bedroom design using Aegean Teal for the wall color and chose a primarily monotone color scheme with other similar blues and a few green accents.

My design celebrates circles and curves, mixes modern pieces with antiques, and mixes soft fabrics with glass, metal and pottery. I used my fractal art from the “Jenna” collection in the comforter, the pillow shams and accent pillow, the wall art, and on one of the antique chairs. My fractal art celebrates curves and spirals. To learn more about spirals and fractal art, see my blog article What Does Your Art Mean?

By using this beautiful color and a monotone color scheme, I think the room has a very relaxing and serene feeling. The energy in the room seems soft and flowing with all the curves, but still interesting with the mixture of hard and soft textures.

Are You Inspired?

Be brave and try some  new color with an expert color consultation.

What’s Your Global Design Style?

The project above is an example of global style design. Are you curious about what your global style is? Take the quiz and find out.

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Has your home become the backdrop for most of your day? Whether you are working out of the house rather than in the office or skipping restaurants in favor of home-cooked meals, these tips from Northern Lights Home Staging and Design can help you refresh your living space and make it as cheery and welcoming as possible.

Declutter Your Space

Many home improvements are simple enough to be done without professional help. For example, decluttering is a DIY job that can make an enormous difference in the appearance and energy of your space. Moreover, research shows that clearing clutter from your environment increases your ability to focus, process information, and be productive. Additionally, keeping things clean and organized can help eliminate dust, which can reduce the symptoms of breathing conditions such as asthma (wheezing, feelings of breathlessness, etc.).

To begin, set realistic expectations and pick a method that appeals to you. You can attack the problem with the KonMari process, which encourages you to keep things that spark joy and get rid of the rest, or try a longer-term approach, such as getting rid of at least one item per day. The method is not as important as the commitment, so choose an approach that resonates with you to increase your chances for success.

Decluttered living spaces also contribute to a home’s feng shui, or positive energy that aligns with and supports your life’s natural balance and rhythms. As Architectural Digest notes, it’s a simple way to improve the vibes of your home’s interior, taking steps like strategically arranging furniture (which is difficult to do if clutter abounds) and integrating vertical shapes and lines in each room.

Let in More Light

Exposure to natural light can offer many benefits, including better sleep, improved mood, and increased productivity. Aim to increase the amount of natural light in your home by replacing heavy curtains with sheers or blinds that allow the sunlight to shine in. Adding a few strategically placed mirrors can increase the amount of daylight in your room through the power of reflection.

If your windows are outdated or too small to allow enough light, consider replacing them. Unless you have advanced renovation skills, you should hire a professional for the job.

Carve Out a Workout Space

Being home every day can take a toll on your health if you allow yourself to be sedentary for long stretches of time. To offset this, consider devoting a room or space to be used as your at-home gym. Having a designated workout spot increases your likelihood of maintaining a consistent exercise regime.

While it doesn’t need to be large or fancy, your workout space should provide:

• Privacy while exercising
• Enough space to move around
• Adequate storage for your equipment

Make Strategic Changes

When you are making home improvements, it always pays to think strategically and focus on changes that can increase the value of your property. For example, repairing or replacing your roof is a sure-fire way to reap a good ROI, so look into nearby roof replacement companies to get the job done right. This is especially true if you are planning to sell your home soon.

With this in mind for the home’s interior, invest in renovations that give you the most return for your money. Experts suggest that you can get 10% more for your home if you invest in kitchen and bathroom upgrades, including:

• Modern bathroom fixtures, such as a freestanding tub, a glass shower enclosure, or a frameless LED vanity mirror
• A kitchen island or breakfast bar, especially one with contrasting surfaces or interesting architectural details
• New, energy-efficient appliances
• Updated cabinets, often achievable with a simple coat of paint and new hardware
• A kitchen backsplash that features contrasting colors or textures
• A whimsical touch in the bathroom, such as a chandelier, a waterfall showerhead, or a black-and-white mosaic tile floor

While you can tackle the smaller jobs yourself, large-scale projects are best left to the professionals. Document any major home improvements with before and after photos as well as receipts.

Investing time, energy, and money into your house can pay off both now and in the future. In addition to enjoying your revived space right away, you can also benefit later when you decide to sell.

This article was written by Suzie Wilson of  Happier Home for Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

Ready to Create the Perfect Space?

My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection). The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.

I like to start with a look at what you already have and how we can re-arrange or re-purpose to create your perfect space. This is part of the art of great design.

Learn more about Global style design in my article, Tell Your Story with Global Style Interior Design.  Curious about what Global Style might be right for you? Take the quiz below. Ready to try to get the look in your own home? Try one of my Edesign packages.

Check out My Fractal Art Studios

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Many people struggle with finding the perfect color scheme, often bound by the constraints of their existing finishes. But what if we make this more fun? Imagine magnifying and embracing your favorite color wholeheartedly. Welcome to the world of Monochromatic design!

Monochromatic schemes delve deep into one hue, exploring its diverse shades, tones, and tints. Visualize your cherished color transitioning from its lightest whisper to its richest depth, seamlessly incorporating white and black.

Why is it effective? The singular hue fosters visual harmony, resulting in a seamless design. Think of the design principle: “All greens blend” or “Every blue complements the other.” Their shared base hue unifies them, ensuring a cohesive look.

But isn’t monochromatic boring? NO! The absence of contrasting colors can be offset by using a range of “blue” hues for example rather than just one.  You can also create drama and interest with patterns and textures.

For instance, I could craft a monochromatic palette starting with the blue at 230 degrees on the color wheel. From there, I’d explore its spectrum, transitioning from pure white (unsaturated) to shades of light blue, deepening to dark blue, and ultimately black. To add richness, I might dabble with hues ranging from 235 to 250 degrees, all within the blue family, while experimenting with different saturation levels.

When I select my design pieces, I look for various materials, textures and patterns to add variety, such as mixing soft and hard, matte and shiny, smooth and rough, curves and straight lines etc.

Mastering Monochrome: A Singular Hue Living Room Transformation”

I created this living room design where I embraced a blue monochromatic palette. From pristine white to profound black, the spectrum features diverse blue hues manifesting in paint, furniture, drapery, lighting, and accents. Admittedly, the greenery introduces a dash of contrast, lending the space a touch beyond strict monochrome.”

This design incorporates some of my original fractal art in a collection called “The Sea”, which reminded me of white caps on the ocean and also uses variety of blue shades.

See More of My Blue Energy Art

See a collection of my blue energy art which could work beautifully together in creating your own blue monchromatic color scheme.

Benefits of A Monochromatic Color Scheme

• A monochromatic color scheme offers several benefits, including:
  1. Cohesiveness: By using variations of a single hue, the design inherently feels unified and harmonious.
  2. Visual Simplicity: Monochromatic designs reduce visual clutter, making spaces feel more organized and easier on the eyes.
  3. Flexibility: With one dominant color, it’s easier to mix and match patterns, textures, and shades without overwhelming the space.
  4. Depth and Dimension: By using tints, tones, and shades of a single color, you can create depth and dimension in a space without introducing multiple colors.
  5. Creates Mood: Depending on the color chosen, monochromatic schemes can evoke specific moods – blues for tranquility, reds for warmth, greens for rejuvenation, and so on.
  6. Easier Color Coordination: Choosing decor, furnishings, and finishes become simpler when you’re working within a single color spectrum.
  7. Timelessness: Monochromatic rooms often have a timeless quality and can stay relevant despite changing design trends.
  8. Highlights Architectural Features: In a monochromatic setting, architectural features can stand out more as they aren’t competing with varied colors.
  9. Enhanced Spatial Perception: In some cases, using a monochromatic scheme can make spaces seem larger or cozier, depending on the hue and its intensity.
  10. Focus on Texture and Form: With color variation minimized, there’s a greater focus on other design elements like texture, form, and material, allowing for richer tactile experiences.

  Using a monochromatic scheme can be a strategic design choice to bring tranquility, unity, and a unique aesthetic appeal to any space.

Celebrate Your Favorite Color

Imagine entering a room where every hue resonates with your spirit, instilling a profound sense of joy and tranquility. A sanctuary where you rejuvenate and spark inspiration. When your space mirrors your essence, harmony effortlessly follows.

Why not infuse the vibrant colors of summer into your dwelling? Or perhaps the palette of your cherished season?

Elevate your space with an Aligned Design Consultation today.

What is Your Global Design Style? Take the Quiz

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People often struggle with creating a great color scheme.  Often, we start the conversation by talking about the limitations, or the box of colors you need to play with based on your fixed finishes.

In my last article, Celebrate Your Favorite Color- Go Monochromatic, we talked about how you could take your favorite color and celebrate it in all it’s glory with a monochromatic color scheme. Simple and easy!

What if you would like a little more color variety,  but still want something that is simple and easy to create?  Go analogous!

Analogous color schemes are based on three hues that are next to each other on the color wheel. They are friendly neighbors, they like each other and  play well together:)

Analogous colors are harmonious and often found in nature.

Why does it work? They go well together because one of the three colors is usually a combination of the other two as with the red, yellow and orange peppers above.

Analogous schemes offer more color variety than monochromatic schemes while still retaining that harmonious and often serene quality, although it can also be more dramatic too based on the hues you use. It is also a simple scheme to create by using your color wheel and picking three adjacent colors that you like.    

Which three adjacent colors are your favorites?

For example, in my last article, I created a monochromatic design using blues and blue/purples around the range of 250-270 on the color wheel.

If I wanted to take this monochromatic design, and create a more analogous scheme, I could go clockwise around the color wheel and add the neighbors of blue in including purple and red-purple.  Or, I could go counter-clockwise  and add blue-green and green. 

I could also pick neighbors on either side and add purple and blue green. Let’s play.

Analogous Color Scheme #1

This design starts with our base blue as in the sofas and moves counter-clockwise along the color wheel to include blue greens and greens. I set the tone for this design with a new rug in blue green and then changed the paint color, lamps, side chairs and some of the accessories. I maintained the sofas and art as the anchor of the main blue color I wanted to harmonize with.

This design still maintains a calm, serene feeling similar to the original monochromatic scheme, but feels a little richer and warmer with the greens and blue greens.

Fractal Art

This design, as with the monochromatic design, incorporates some of my original fractal art in a collection called “The Sea”, which reminded me of white caps on the ocean and also uses variety of blue shades.

Analogous Color Scheme #2

In this case, I again maintained the blue sofas as the base color from the previous design and went clockwise around the color wheel to include purple and red/purple.

I found a nice rug that contained the 3 main colors I wanted to work with to tie everything together. Then I switched the paint color, lamps, one accent pillow and some of the art to bring in some of the other colors.

This design is a little more dramatic due to the deep, rich moody wall color and the high contrast of colors against the white background of the rug. I still think it looks calm and relaxing too.

Fractal Art

Here is some fractal art I designed that could be used in this design. My Forest Floor designs were inspired by colors in the boreal forest here in Alaska which have a lot of water in them (streams, ponds, rivers, lakes), thus the blues.  The purples represent many of our purple wildflowers. Mystery is a mystery…..use your imagination of what it means to you.

Benefits of an Analogous Color Scheme

Analogous color schemes use colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. These schemes offer a harmonious and visually pleasing palette. Here are the benefits of using an analogous color scheme:

• Harmony and Cohesiveness: Analogous colors have a natural harmony because they share common color components. This results in a unified and cohesive look that’s easy on the eyes.

• Subtle Contrasts: While the colors in an analogous scheme are similar, there are still subtle contrasts that can be used to highlight or differentiate design elements.

• Versatility: Analogous colors can be adapted to both vibrant and muted tones, offering flexibility in setting the mood or theme of a design.

• Richness and Depth: Using several shades and tints of a color range adds richness and depth to designs.

• Natural and Comforting: Analogous color schemes often mimic how colors appear in nature, making them inherently familiar and comforting to the human eye.

• Easy Color Matching: It’s easier to match colors within an analogous palette because they share similar undertones, reducing the risk of clashing hues.

• Reduced Visual Tension: Analogous colors create a more relaxed visual experience because there’s a lack of high contrast between the colors.

• Flexibility in Highlighting: One can easily highlight an element by choosing a color from either end of the analogous range, making it slightly more vibrant or darker than the surrounding hues.

• Aesthetic Appeal: This type of color scheme tends to be naturally pleasing and aesthetically appealing because of its harmonious nature. An analogous color scheme can look richer and add more color diversity and interest than a monochromatic color scheme.

• Enhanced Mood Setting: Due to their close relation, analogous colors can be effectively used to evoke specific moods or feelings, like warmth (reds, oranges, yellows) or calmness (blues, greens).  These are really nice for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Analogous color schemes can also be more dramatic based on the hues you select, placement of colors and how saturated they are.

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While analogous color schemes offer many advantages, it’s essential to ensure adequate contrast within designs to avoid them becoming monotonous or washed out. Using a neutral color or even a complementary color in small amounts can help add interest and break up the scheme.

Celebrate Your Favorite Colors

Imagine stepping into your space where every hue resonates with your spirit. It’s not just a room; it’s a reflection of you – a haven of happiness and tranquility. In a world where everything aligns, your surroundings uplift and rejuvenate you. When your home mirrors your essence, harmony is effortless.

Purchase an Aligned Design  or Color Consultation today.

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Crafting the perfect color palette can be a daunting task for many. Often, the starting point revolves around fixed finishes and certain constraints. In my recent blog posts, we’ve delved into constructing color schemes from a favorite hue, like blue. We’ve explored monochromatic and analogous palettes, and today, we’re diving into complementary color schemes.

Complementary colors are a pairing of hues that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. When juxtaposed, they amplify each other’s vibrancy and intensity. The beauty of complementary colors lies in their mutual ability to enhance one another’s brilliance.

Complementary color schemes, offer several benefits when used in design:

1. Visual Contrast: The stark contrast between complementary colors makes each hue stand out distinctly, creating an eye-catching and vibrant look.

2. Balanced Visual Stimulation: Complementary colors provide a sense of balance; one color might be warm (like red) while its complementary color is cool (like green).

3. Enhanced Vibrancy: When placed next to each other, complementary colors can make each other appear brighter and more vivid.

4. Versatility: Complementary color schemes can be adapted to fit various moods and styles. For a bold and energetic look, you can use the colors in their full saturation. For a more subdued and harmonious look, you can use toned-down versions of the colors.

5. Focus and Attention: Because of their contrast, complementary colors can be used to draw attention to specific elements in a design or space.

6. Harmony: Even though they’re opposites on the color wheel, complementary colors inherently work well together and create a harmonious design.

7. Flexibility in Decor: A complementary color scheme allows for flexibility. For instance, if you have a room with predominantly blue decor, introducing some orange accents (like pillows, art, or rugs) can instantly invigorate the space.

8. Depth and Dimension: In art, especially painting, complementary colors can be used to create depth, with one color serving as a shadow or highlight against its opposite.

9. Enhancement of Features: Complementary colors can be used to make features stand out. For example, putting orange flowers in a blue vase draws attention to the arrangement and makes both colors pop.

The key to a successful complementary color scheme is balance. Use in moderation and pair with neutral tones to provide a visual rest.

Complementary colors can create interesting optical illusions. For example, if you stare at a square of color for thirty seconds to a minute, and then look at a white paper or wall, you will briefly see an afterimage of the square in its complementary color. Try it with this blue square and see if you see an after image of yellow.

Why does it work? Leonardo da Vinci observed that the finest color harmonies were those between colors exactly opposed. Maybe that is where the saying opposites attract came from?

So, let’s create a complementary color scheme with the blue we have been working with in several other articles, as you  see the  sofas. See these other color schemes see my articles Celebrate Your Favorite Color- Go Monochromatic and Create a Harmonious Color Scheme- Go Analogous.

It’s opposite or compliment on the color wheel is yellow, which ranges from Yellow/red to Green/Yellow and can have varying degrees of saturation or chroma, and lightness. In other words, there are lots of yellows we can work with:)

The Design

Here are examples of two living rooms I created using a blue and yellow complimentary color scheme. The first is bright and dramatic. The second is more relaxed and neutral.

Complimentary color schemes don’t have to be bright and colorful. They can use darker, less saturated or more muted tones of opposite colors for a more understated look. The design below uses an area rug with muted yellows and blues, and wallpaper with minimal yellow. Otherwise everything is the same.

Benefits of A Complimentary Color Scheme

Navigating the world of complementary color schemes is easy and straightforward. Begin by pinpointing your favorite hue on the color wheel, then locate its direct opposite. This partnership is where the magic happens.

Complementary colors inherently possess a dynamic tension, making them ideal for spaces meant for lively conversations and gatherings, such as living rooms and dining areas.

However, this boldness can be tempered using muted or desaturated versions of these hues. Then you can craft a serene and sophisticated palette, perfect for spaces meant for relaxation and introspection.

Whether you seek vibrancy or tranquility, complementary color schemes offer versatility to match your vision.

Create Beauty with Color in Your Space

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

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

Where do you spend most of your time? 

Indoors, both at home and at work. All the things in our indoor environments can affect our health. While we probably don’t have much say about our work environments, we can totally control what is in our homes, and we can use those things to make our homes both beautiful and healthy at the same time!

 Furniture, rugs, upholstery, flooring cabinets and paint all affect our indoor air quality. Some of the chemicals used to keep us safe, such as flame retardants in synthetic fabrics and rugs can also be hard on our health. Chemicals in some carpeting and flooring off-gas into the air. Adhesives used in furniture, especially particle board, contain formaldehyde that emit harmful substances into the air.

Ways to Create a Healthy Interior Space

How can you reduce or eliminate the negative effects of common products that can affect our health and still have a beautiful home?

 • Buy higher quality furniture that uses wood joinery and fewer adhesives.

 • Get rugs made of natural materials such as wool, cotton, silk or jute. 

• Paint with brands that use fewer chemicals (low VOCs). VOCs are compounds that evaporate into the air and smell bad and are bad for indoor air quality. Benjamin Moore makes a low VOC paint in their Natura collection in all their fabulous colors with reduced levels of allergens and irritants.

 • Purchase furniture with upholstery that does not use fire retardant chemicals. 

• Purchase furniture that uses foam made of natural materials such as latex. 

• Go for furniture and décor items made of wood or metal and avoid plastics.

 • Look for pillows, mattresses, upholstery and beddings made from wool-stuffed materials rather than synthetics. 

• Consider flooring made from natural materials such as stone or wood and avoid vinyl.

 • Give your space plenty of natural light and fresh air.

 • Add plants to add beauty and filter your air.

 • Use natural cleaning products. 

• Use natural materials and objects from nature as decoration.

 • Use rammed earth or adobe for walls instead of plaster or cement.

 • Use rubber walkways made from recycled rubber outdoors rather than concrete

How Your Choices Help the Planet

Besides actions you take to improve the air quality directly in your home, consider how your choices affect the health the planet too! 

• Buy high quality, long lasting furniture rather than cheap low-quality stuff that will end up in landfills or on the street as “free stuff” in a few years. Many cities are being overwhelmed with furniture no-one wants.

 • Find local products so that the shipping doesn’t contribute to emissions in the environment.

 • Use energy efficient lighting.

 • Use vintage items.

 • Use products made of recycled materials such as glass tiles or paper wallpaper. You can use glass in your countertops, tiles, lamps and accessories and paper for beautiful wall coverings. Even some polyester can be recycled. If you must use polyester, use rPET which can be spun into yarn and dyed without toxic properties. 

• Use renewable or sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, teak, hemp, palm, soy fabric or cotton. Bamboo is used in fabrics, flooring and window treatments. Cork is used in textiles, floor and wall coverings. Teak is used in furniture and decking. Hemp is used in furniture upholstery, bedding, curtains and paper products. Soy fabric is soft and silky. Palm is used in some baskets. Organic cotton can be used for upholstery fabric, bedding, pillows and more. 

• Use sustainable metals that can be recycled such as copper, aluminum and steel. 

• Use solar energy for your home.

Get the Look- Eco-Friendly Design.

So, what does eco-friendly design look like? 

It can really reflect any style that you want. Most of the eco-friendly furniture produced is in a more modern style with fabrics in a wide range of colors and uses beautiful natural wood and bamboo. 

Ethnic rugs, pillows and decorative accessories are often made of natural materials and can create a global style or Bohemian look.

 Whether you are starting fresh with a new home or redoing a whole room, consider making it eco-friendly. Or add eco-friendly elements as you update your look over time. 

Eco-Friendly Furniture and Decor

It is easy to find beautiful sustainable products for your home décor. Sometimes these products may cost a little bit more, but it is worth it!

Ready to Create a Beautiful Eco-Friendly Space?

Learn more about Global style design in my article, Tell Your Story with Global Style Interior Design.  Curious about what Global Style might be right for you? Take the quiz below. Ready to try to get the look in your own home? Try one of my Edesign packages.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

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