We are thrilled to announce the release of “Activate Your Life Volume 4,” a compilation of transformative exercises from coaches around the world. Among these gems is the enlightening chapter, “Get Aligned & Attract Wealth, Health, and Love with Interior Design” by Mary Ann Benoit. This chapter is not just a contribution; it’s a guide to unlocking the potential within your living space and, consequently, your life.

Activate Your Life By Embracing Authenticity for True Alignment

In a world where well-being, wealth, health, and love are interconnected, Mary Ann Benoit’s chapter stands out. It begins by emphasizing the importance of embracing your authentic self—the cornerstone for manifesting happiness and success in various aspects of life. Authenticity, as the chapter suggests, becomes the catalyst for optimal health and the magnet for nurturing relationships.

The Concept of Energy in Living Spaces

Benoit introduces us to the profound concept that everything is energy and interconnected. By enhancing the energy in our living and working environments, we promote personal alignment and become magnets for health, wealth, and love. The exercises presented in this chapter utilize Aligned Design©, a groundbreaking interior design philosophy that merges art, science, and energy.

Exercise 1: Are You and Your Space Aligned?

This exercise is a journey of self-discovery, consisting of three parts. It begins by assessing personal alignment with life’s purpose, followed by evaluating daily activities, and finally, scrutinizing the alignment of your living or workspace. The exercises are not just about enhancing the visual aesthetics of your space but about creating an environment that resonates, uplifts, and nurtures your genuine identity.

Exercise 2: Elevate Your Space for Abundance

Once personal alignment is recognized, Exercise 2 guides readers to elevate their space to energetically attract more wealth, health, and love. With a solid foundation established, Aligned Design© combines art’s beauty, the science of color, and the energy of well-being to enhance your surroundings. This exercise is a roadmap to transform your space into a magnet for abundance.

Who Would Benefit from These Exercises?

Everyone seeking clarity, feedback, and immediate actions for personal growth and space enhancement would benefit from these exercises. Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery, looking to attract abundance, or simply wish to optimize your living space, Mary Ann Benoit’s exercises offer invaluable insights.

Activate Your Life by Aligning Your Living Space With Your True Self

In a world where personal growth meets interior design, Mary Ann Benoit’s chapter is a beacon of wisdom and practicality. The exercises provided in “Get Aligned & Attract Wealth, Health, and Love with Interior Design” are not just steps; they are transformative actions that align your living space with your true self. This chapter, housed in “Activate Your Life Volume 4,” is not just a contribution to a book; it’s a gift of empowerment for those seeking positive change.

The decision to invest in energy art for your interior design isn’t merely about filling empty walls. It’s about making a commitment to your personal growth, fostering a harmonious living space, and creating a sanctuary that supports your journey of self-discovery. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together—where your home becomes a canvas, and your journey becomes a masterpiece.

See My Saturday Night Live Art Show on This Book

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“Activate Your Life Volume 4” is now available on Amazon, recognized as a #1 New Release in Energy Healing. Dive into this treasure trove of exercises and let the transformation begin.

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Attract Wealth, Health and Love in Your Home

Are you ready to transform your life with Aligned Design? When your space is better, you are better. When you are better, the world is better. The world needs you. Choose to create a space that is aligned with You.

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Our intrinsic desire to connect with nature and living entities is encapsulated in the term “biophilia.” Coined initially by Erich Fromm and later popularized by Edward O. Wilson, this concept has found a renewed emphasis in contemporary interior design.

 

Throughout history, our bond with nature has been pivotal, not only for sustenance and survival but also for spiritual rejuvenation and inspiration. Nature, in all its splendor, offers a plethora of colors, shapes, patterns, and textures that have always intrigued our aesthetic senses. Beyond the visual delight, nature nourishes our well-being. Plants, for instance, not only beautify our spaces but purify our air and offer sensory pleasures. Similarly, our reverence for animals can be traced back through art, religion, and their cherished presence in our lives as companions.

 

My personal journey as a wildlife biologist for 33 years, trekking the terrains of Arizona and Alaska, deepened my appreciation for nature’s designs. Be it the intricate patterns of plant parts under a microscope or the harmonious color schemes, I’ve often been inspired by nature’s unparalleled creativity.

 

In an ever-evolving technological world, the essence of biophilia reminds us of the solace nature provides. So, the question is, how can we bring this comforting connection to nature into our homes through interior design?

 

Natural Materials

Opt for eco-friendly and sustainable materials in both your construction and interior design choices. Discover more in my article on Eco-Friendly Interior Design. Embrace nature by integrating unique finds from your outdoor excursions – think branches, rocks, or shells – into your home decor. Elevate your space with indoor plants that not only beautify but also purify. Enhance your home’s synergy with the outdoors by strategically landscaping visible from your interiors. Design outdoor sanctuaries that beckon you outside. Seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces with design choices and window placements that frame nature as living art.

Plants

Incorporate native plants in your garden to not only attract local wildlife but also ensure sustainability. These indigenous species are tailored to thrive in local conditions, ensuring they’re resilient and eco-friendly by preventing the spread of invasive species that could harm native ecosystems. On my Alaskan adventures, I’ve handpicked native perennials like wild roses, blueberries, and geraniums, which beautify my garden, attract wildlife, and even offer delicious treats. Indoors, adorn your space with houseplants that enhance aesthetics and purify the air. Choose flowering varieties for a burst of vibrant color!

Animals

For many, including me, a home feels incomplete without the affection of a pet. Their presence greatly enhances our overall well-being. When designing interiors, consider pet-friendly choices that not only facilitate but celebrate life with animals. Opt for durable upholstery and washable rugs to minimize pet-related wear and tear, reducing any stress that may come with adding a furry friend. Moreover, cultivate an outdoor space that’s both visually pleasing and teeming with life. Plant flora that captivates the senses and invites wildlife. Thoughtfully positioned plants near windows can provide natural ‘entertainment’, as you watch birds, butterflies, and pollinators drawn to your garden.

Color

• Incorporate nature’s hues into your home’s interior and exterior. As a certified color strategist, I’ve often drawn inspiration from the landscaping colors of clients’ gardens, converting them into paint shades for walls, front doors, or interior palettes. Think of the calming blues of the sky, lush greens, earthy browns, muted grays, and soft off-whites. Highlight with vibrant shades inspired by garden blossoms in pinks, purples, yellows, and reds or the autumnal tones of foliage like golds and oranges. While stark black and pure white are rare in nature, they can accentuate and uplift these natural shades. And remember, if a color dominates your view—even from a neighboring property—it’s worth integrating into your decor palette.

Art

• Get great photos of your outdoor adventures that evoke the feeling you had while you were there for art.
• Consider art that shows landscapes, plants, animals or other natural elements that bring you joy and work with your design and color palette.
• Incorporate energy art that connects energetically and spiritually to nature.

Scents

Scents can have a huge impact on the way you feel.

• Try a diffuser with natural oils of lavender, orange or other scents related to herbs or fruits to make the connection through smell.
• Flowering plants add a beautiful scent to your indoor space.
• Avoid products that emit harmful odors.

Lighting

• Use full spectrum bulbs to get the quality of natural daylight, especially in northern climates where light can be very limited in the winter. Living in Alaska, I can personally attest that they work and affect your mood.
• Lots of strategically placed windows provides an abundance of natural light.

Get the Look and Feel Good

Even amidst urban sprawl, it’s entirely possible to forge a natural sanctuary in your living space. Let’s explore how I transformed rooms with views of nothing but an adjacent brick building into rejuvenating havens. By leveraging earthy tones like greens, blues, and browns, incorporating artwork showcasing flora and fauna, and introducing real plants, I managed to evoke a “feel-good” ambiance that resonates with the calming embrace of nature.

We spend more time in our homes in general than we do anywhere else. Why not make it feel great with some of these tips! If you need help with your design, check out my local and online Design and Color Services.

Get Connected to Nature in Your Design

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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

Call 907-362-0065 today

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With the home buying and selling process comes a lot of paperwork. It can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make it easier. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design has compiled some tips and tricks to take the stress out of this process.

Find the Best Rates

Before you start looking for homes, it is important to know what budget you can work within. Carefully estimate what you can afford to buy and research mortgages that will fit your needs and budget. Knowing your budget will help narrow down your options and save time when looking for homes.

Use Tools to Make Collaboration Easy

Digitizing documents into PDF forms helps you keep them organized and easy to find in one place. A PDF merger saves time by quickly merging multiple documents together, eliminating the risk of losing track due to clutter. Conversely, you can use a tool to streamline documents—you may consider this option to delete pages from a PDF for free, so you don’t have to handle massive file sizes.

Track Timeline and Deadlines

A timeline document is an essential tool for tracking key dates and deadlines in the home buying or selling process. The Balance notes that these dates can be used to keep track of important events, such as closing day, as well as any tasks that need to be done before a given deadline. Crosschecking these timelines ensures all steps are completed on time, which is critical for a successful transaction.

 

Plotting key dates in advance is an important part of the home buying and selling process. This will ensure that documents are properly retrieved from storage or sent to other parties to be completed on time. Setting reminders ahead of time is a good idea.

Gather All Your Documents

When selling your home, it’s important to be prepared. Realtor.com suggests collecting necessary documents such as title deeds, mortgage details, and tax information beforehand so that the process is smooth and you get paid promptly once closing day arrives. Not only will this save time, but it can protect you from any potential issues during the sale.

Consider Online Banking

Online banking can help keep track of closing costs, taxes, and legal fees associated with any transaction. It also makes it easier to file taxes at the end of the year since all transactions are documented. Additionally, tracking expenses online eliminates worry over paper receipts getting lost due to clutter or forgetfulness which could lead to unexpected fees in the future.

Color-Code Your Physical Files

Color coding files is a great way to simplify organization during a hectic time. Different colors can represent different categories so that documents are easily identifiable at a glance. This eliminates the hassle of searching through tons of files just to find one document, thus taking away the stress from an already difficult situation.

Stay on Top of Your Budget

Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, setting your sights on a new life ahead, but it is expensive. To make sure you keep track of your budget, create a document listing all your expenses. On the list should be major payments from both parties, as well as estimated costs and what you actually spend. This can identify where potential savings might have been made.

 

 

Buying or selling your next home can be a daunting process with the long list of paperwork you have to handle, but by digitizing and organizing documents, color coding physical files, listing expenses, and researching mortgages beforehand, you can make sure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Taking the time to prepare ahead of time will make the home buying or selling process much more straightforward for you.

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

Tips for Before and After You Buy

Before you buy, you are probably trying to sell your current home as fast and profitably as possible. Home staging is the best way to make that happen and keep your stress levels low while looking for your new home. I can help you sell fast and for more, wherever you live.

Once you buy your new house, if you are like most folks, you move in quickly and everything remains where it is initially placed.  Why not get your colors and design right from the start! Let me help you with an Aligned Design consultation which combines color and design advice and can even create some custom art and decor for you and your new home.

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.

Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

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When it comes to Interior Design, less is more beautiful and more relaxing. Objects that truly make you happy can stand out more when they have space to breathe. 

Is your home not resonating with the peace and beauty you crave? Does the term “sanctuary” seem like a distant dream when you think of your living space?

With clutter strewn around and an outdated decor, the daunting task of choosing the right color palette, arranging furniture, or selecting the perfect art piece can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Often, amidst our busy lives, we wonder, “Who has the time to tackle all this?”

Yet, investing that time is essential for your mental tranquility and overall well-being.

Amid the chaos of life, it’s easy for our homes to reflect the whirlwind of our daily routines. Before we realize it, we’re surrounded by dated decor and a mismatch of styles, especially if living with a partner who might not share the same aesthetic vision.

Sometimes, we don’t need new things to create a big change. Just by rearranging what we already have, we can make a significant impact.

I realized this when I decided to replace my carpet with laminate flooring. This meant taking everything out of each room, replacing the flooring, and then putting everything back. It was an eye-opening experience.

One lesson I learned was that I had a lot of stuff that didn’t bring me joy or that I didn’t really need. Moving everything made me realize how little happiness some items were bringing into my life.

Before, I was used to a cluttered look, thinking “more is more.” But as I slowly put things back after the flooring change, I started to rearrange them. I began to appreciate the beauty of having fewer things around – it felt calming. I noticed how objects that truly made me happy stood out more when they had space to breathe.

I realized  “less is more beautiful”.

When updating your space, stay open to new ideas. Sometimes, the unexpected choices delight us the most.

Start by decluttering and removing items that don’t bring joy. This creates room and clarity.

Consider emptying a room and reintroducing key items in fresh arrangements. Rotate accessories seasonally for a refreshed look.

If pressed for time, consider hiring a professional. They can quickly navigate through chaos to craft a harmonious setting for you.

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.

 

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

Download my Brochure

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Prices subject to change without notice.

Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.

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There are 10 great reasons to love global style design.

One of my favorite reasons is that Global style design is great at bringing the outside in to your designs, to help you feel connected and relaxed by surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature.

What is Global Style?

Global style tells the story of your life and adventures with things you have collected in your travels and local adventures. Highlighting unique, colorful, and beautiful art and crafts is a wonderful way to create your perfect space.

Each piece tells part of your story while creating a rich tapestry of color, texture, art, and history.  And you get the added benefit of supporting local and international artists and their communities.

How Global Style Brings the Outside In

Global styles are very connected to their natural environments.  They often take their color palettes and design elements from the landscape, plants, and animals of the area.

Art, accessories, and rugs highlight colors and motifs based on natural and unique features of the culture.

This has the effect of creating the feeling o bringing the outside in, or making your interior space feel connected to the outdoors.

For example, I wrote a series of articles showing how the colors and patterns of different global styles were related to their culture and landscapes.

Here are a few examples. They contain affiliate links which means I may make a small commission for sharing with you at no additional cost to you.

Indian Style

Indian style design creates inviting, informal, relaxed spaces filled with bright colored hand spun fabrics with paisley patterns, floor cushions around colorful rugs, intricate mandala motifs and nature-inspired themes with flowers, birds, animals

See an example of the natural landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.

Mexican Style

Mexican interiors are full of color, are welcoming, warm and there is often a sense of playfulness and whimsy. A mix of colorful, exotic Spanish and Indian handcrafted items and practical things add old-world charm. The colors are bright. Red is common and Yellow is also used heavily in shades ranging from bright lemon yellow to deep earthy golds. Terracotta is common. Blues are commonly used in art and accessories.

See the landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.

Moroccan Style

Moroccan homes use bright colors, such as red, blue, orange, turquoise, pale ocean blues and green mixed with gold.

See the art of the landscape that inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.

Turkish Style

Turkish style is warm and inviting, earthy and exotic. There is an abundance of warm earth tones with pops of beautiful color. The colors and textures of the land have inspired much of the art, colors, and culture.

See how the colors in the landscape inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.

Greek Style

Greek Interior Design is simple and elegant, inspired by nature, and looks light, bright, airy, and clean.  Imagine lots of white with beautiful vivid blue, green, fuchsia, and gold accents, and a clean, de-cluttered, rustic look,

See how the colors in the landscape inspired the design and some of the design elements I used below.

Bohemian Style

Bohemian style tends to be more general, selecting elements from many places and mixing and matching them into one glorious, colorful but harmonious whole. In other words, make it your own!

Bohemian style celebrates warm earthy colors, metals and jewel tones. Bohemian decor often uses deep browns, greens, grays or other neutral colors for base colors, then accessorizes with saturated purple, fiery orange, and electric blue and other jewel tones

Here are some examples of pieces I used for this design. Elements of the outdoors are incorporated in my fractal art inspired by bioluminescence in the ocean, pillows with plant motifs, bird accessories, lotus plant light fixture, and more. Learn more about this design in my article, Get the Look- Global Style- Bohemian.

What Story Does Your Landscape Tell?

Look around. What are the colors, shapes and inspiring things about your landscape that you can connect to your indoor spaces?

What are the main things you see from the windows into your main living areas?

Consider your surroundings. Do you live in the mountains, a forest, on the ocean or in a city?

What is your view?

What are the prominent colors and how do they change with the seasons?

Some of my Landscape Stories

Here are some of the colors, shapes, and inspiration from my landscape here in Seward Alaska that shape what I try to bring indoors into my space and my designs.

How Can You Bring the Outside In?

It is easy to get started by picking art or accessories that have nature-inspired designs.  Look for things that reflect the area you live in or a place you love to go. Maybe you are inspired by the scenery, water, plants or animals. You can also use your selection as an inspiration piece to build your color palette.

Art and Accessories Inspired by Water

Live near water? Here are some pieces of art inspired by the ocean or other water bodies you might like. Try a watery color scheme of greens and blues.

Art and Accesories Inspired by Plants

Live near a forest or have trees and shrubs in your yard? Try lighting, art, or accessories based on plant motifs.

Art and Accessories Inspired by Animals

Abstract Art Inspored by Nature

Before I became a designer, I was a wildlife biologist in Alaska for 20 years and 10 years before that in Arizona. I was always fascinated by the beauty of nature, the colors, the patterns of the landscapes, plants, and animals. Whether it was the amazing patterns I could see of the section of a plant under a microscope to the big picture view of doing wildlife surveys in a plane, those experiences influence the fractal art I create today. It is all related to nature in some way. Check out some of my fractal art below and visit my stores on Society 6 and Vida to see more.

Why Connecting with Nature Matters

As humans, we want to be connected with nature and other living things such as people, animals and plants.  This longing for “connection” with other life forms is called “biophilia”.

As humans, we have always been connected to nature, for survival, sustenance, spiritual renewal, and inspiration. Mother nature is the best designer there is, with her endless abundance of beautiful color palettes, shapes, patterns, and textures. Spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing.

Learn more in my article, Healthy Home- Feel Good with Biophilia.

Look at your surroundings and find the colors and inspiration from the outdoors that it meaningful to you, and bring some into your space.

Ready to Connect to Nature in Your Home?

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

Connecting to nature and biophilia is part of the energy of great design.  

Start with an Aligned Design consultation to create a plan to create your perfect 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.

Check out My Fractal Art Studios

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Download my Brochure

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Prices subject to change without notice.

Examples may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission for sharing them with you if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.