Eclectic Elements

Trends for 2012

2012-01-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret that more and more people are acting upon their concerns about environmental well-being than ever before. As a result, various furniture manufacturers have focused on creating green, eco-friendly furniture in order to meet public demand. Now furniture is often made out of sustainable materials, and is typically thought to be better for the environment than more traditional furniture. The downside to this trend in furniture is that the materials that are used are often exorbitant in price, forcing manufacturers to raise their prices beyond what many people would consider to be fair. Still, those who do not need to worry about sticking to a budget can find a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction in outfitting their homes with eco-friendly furniture.

Secrets to a Well-Lit Room

2012-01-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

The right lighting can make or break a room. Here, how to get it.

Have you ever walked into a room and marveled at how the light was diffused? Probably not—and for good reason. When lighting is impeccable you hardly notice it.

Here are a few tips to help strike the right balance.

Localize your light source.
A common misconception is that you need to light the whole room. Try instead to incorporate multiple points of light. “The best-lit rooms have layers of light that blend well together,” says architect and designer David Rockwell. “Choose your light source, and then determine how to diffuse it.” The right lampshade can make all the difference. Rockwell suggests bringing your low-wattage bulb to the store to try it with different shades.

Always add a dimmer.
For multipurpose rooms, dimmers are essential. Consider it a worthwhile investment, as dimmers reduce energy consumption and increase bulb life.

Know your bulbs.
Fluorescent tubes should be avoided at all costs. They make everything look off color and can lead to fatigued eyes. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are a great option, however, but you need to be careful disposing of them. Screw-in LEDs have a long life, but can be pricey.

Consider the function of the room.
What will the space be used for: Cooking? Watching television? Doing homework? In the dining room, an overhead chandelier with a dimmer works best. If you’re using track lighting, be sure not to shine the light directly into the faces of guests around your table. Kitchen lighting is more complex. Pinpoint your work areas and light them directly.

In living rooms, use a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and down-lights (recessed or track lighting). Bathrooms are trickier. Some say to go the clinical route—the brighter the better—especially at the vanity. But others prefer a softer glow from dimmable sconces. Compromise and incorporate both with the addition of candles. Candlelight helps you unwind while you soak in the bath. Master bedrooms should feature good reading lights at the bed and desk, and a task light for getting dressed. Any overhead lighting should be fit with a dimmer.

Drama Lessons - - Lighting

2012-01-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed that the use of oversized lighting pendants is catching on to be a major design trend of late? Take a cue from the pros and go EXTRA BIG with only one element of a room to create a dramatic and memorable space.

Mirror It

2012-01-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Do you have a beautiful view or something you would like to reflect into your space? Use some mirrored furniture and floor mirrors...We have plenty to choose from at Eclectic Elements!

The Natural Brightness of Miami - What an asset to any room!

2012-01-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

With all of the new buildings and large window - open space trends of Miami any room can be tranformed into a grand and comfortable space that you love to call home! Warm colors, wood tones, and soft luxurious textures mix with the natural bright light and make a great pair! How can you take advantage of the sunny sunshine in Miami? Adding a glass coffee table and a large floor mirror can bring the light in.....Watch for more posts with Mirrors and Coffee tables you can find in our furniture showroom.

Philippe Starck - Design in Miami

2012-01-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

Looking for that piece that is going to complete your room? Make it interesting and a topic to talk about with something fabulous from Phillippe Starck like this red stool. It doesn't get cooler than this and comes in a variety and colors like silver and gold!

Eclectic Elements has them all! Let us update your room this winter with some trendy and fun accessories too!

Open Bathroom Design--Bare it all!

2012-01-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

We love this bathroom. This open shower with a rain fall shower head and pebble mosaic tiles is quite genius and looks great too. Love the white painted wood floors throughout and of course the wonderful double french glass doors letting in all of the light.

What a great idea...an open shower at either end with one of the walls doubling as the backsplash for the pedestal sink. Maximize space while creating a unique and exciting space.

When you’re building a room, you’re building character, and character is the strength and wisdom of a home.

2011-11-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

Relax the Mind and Soul. Start at Home.

2011-11-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

Light, earthy and beige tones used in most rooms, emanate a feeling of calmness, which helps in relaxing the mind and the soul.

A Place for Reconnecting and Dreaming

2011-11-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

A beautiful bedroom is essential, it is important to have an escape from the world, a place to experience a sense of peace and calm in the home, a room to rest and recharge your energy and of course, a place for reconnecting and dreaming!

Balance

2011-11-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

For a house to be successful, the objects in it must communicate with one another, respond to and balance one another

Halloween Inspires Dark Interiors for your Home

2011-10-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

The appeal of light and airy interiors of spring and summer are always welcomed as the weather turns warm, but as autumn sets in, and Halloween grows near, the appeal of dark interiors to warm up next to a crackling fireplace are more inviting for the season. Whether you love dark accents throughout your home of deep walnut stained wood floors, or you enjoy the heavy and dark textiles of dramatic bedding in your bedroom, here is a dark interior that creates the perfect Halloween themed interior for you to surround yourself in.

Sexy and Serene

2011-10-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

The look, feel and vibe of a bedroom means something different to everyone but we can all agree that sexy and serene are two words that many of us strive for. This type of design can accomplish several things at once; to provide a relaxing space to catch some serious zzz's and the sexy steps in and creates an environment that we want to spend a lot of time in.

Durable, Sexy, Leather!!!

2011-10-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Leather is a great upholstery material — it’s durable, easily cleaned, and comes in every color under the sun! You will never have to worry about the kids, the cocktail party, red wine or your best friends dark denim rubbing off all over your white sofa. With leather, anything goes! Shop for your new Italian Leather furniture at Eclectic Elements!

Create a better environment by freshening up your home & Change your mood, balance your spirit and inspire you to accomplish your goals!

2011-10-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

The more you look around, the more you will begin to notice how the placement of objects in a space can have a dramatic impact on your life and the lives of others. Visit Eclectic Elements and meet our group of cutting edge professionals who make and shape the surroundings that influence our lifestyles. www.eemiami.com

Take your space to the next level with Eclectic Elements!

2011-10-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Acrylic furniture not only adds an unmistakably modern feel to any space, but a HUGE benefit is that it doesn't take up much visual space, so it allows you to have more furniture in a room. Some think acrylic furniture is too modern for them; but there are pieces that have traditional lines with an updated style.

Eclectic Elements creates an ecstatic vision, and not only an aesthetic one.

2011-10-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

This modern Italian lighting was founded in 1996. The inspiration of the trendsetting a modern light collection is not only illuminates the ambience around us, but also our inner self. Light, besides being designed, in turn designs our perception of the world and of life itself.

This intuition is seldom explored with awareness and intention in contemporary design. It spearheads the philosophy of production, the technological research, the selection of materials, shapes, colours and the choice of the designers.

The Eco-Friendly Miami Chic Fireplace

2011-10-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

While traditional fireplaces offer warm, old-world ambiance to homes, many of us don't have one because we live in a condo or an apartment or simply because it is not allowed, now there is an alternative. Fortunately, Eclectic Elements offers an Eco-Friendly option to set the mood while only producing a gentle heat with adjustable shutters in order to create the desired ambiance and warmth. The Flame burns clean, without odor or smoke and will provide a relaxing flame in any home, condo or terrace. The wall units require little installation, the tabletops make incredible gifts, weighing about 12lbs, and can be moved from room to room with ease, as well as a free standing option that will be perfect for any space. For all occasions, indoors or outdoors, this feature will surely be the talk of the party. Please stop by our showroom today for more information. 2227 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33145.

About Eclectic Elements

2011-05-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

Eclectic Elements is a design firm focused on turning client’s dreams and desires into functional living environments. We specialize in original design, innovative space planning, and rich use of color and texture. Our philosophy is to create eclectic and dynamic environments which redefine indoor and outdoor living. The nuance of every project is to construct multidimensional spaces that blur the line between fashion, art, and interior design.

Eclectic Elements specializes in residential and commercial planning and design. We are dedicated to working one-on-one with our clients, understanding their design needs, while remaining budget oriented. Our continued success is built on the principle that each client relationship is based on trust, dedication, and a shared vision.Client centered personal service is the assurance Eclectic Elements unconditionally guarantees. We understand the need for clients to have their environment reflect their sense of style and individuality.

Our design ideology is:

1. Each space should be as unique as the people who are living there.
2. The difference between good design and great design is perfect balance in color, space, and texture.
3. No matter how good it looks, it must feel good as well. Comfort should take the utmost priority.

Eclectic Elements is dedicated to creating personal environments that are aesthetically pleasing, as well as, practical and functional with precise attention to detail. Our talented team of design professionals offer complete interior design services from conception to completion. It is a pleasure for Eclectic Elements to see our client’s dreams and desires become reality.

New eemiami Videos

2010-06-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Animal print rugs

2010-02-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

The right area rug can really pull the design of a room together. When choosing a rug for a room, pay attention to the style of the room. The colors and patterns used around the room determine the direction you should take when looking for the right rug. If the wrong rug is chosen, it will stand out as looking out of place instead of bringing the room together and making it look like a perfectly blended part of the decor. An animal print rug can be the finishing touch to a boring room. Make sure when you choose the rug that the animal print you choose goes with the colors and patterns that are already present in the room. Animal print is a fun accent in a room, but it can be overpowering if you use too much. Just as you would not wear an all animal print outfit, you should not overpower your room with animal print either.

Baroque style furniture

2010-02-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

Baroque style furniture is a style prevailing from the late 16th century to the early 18th century. The popularity and success of the Baroque style was encouraged by the Roman Catholic Church. The characteristics of this style are very dramatic and striking, they represented power and control. When Baroque style of furniture is mixed with modern and vibrant color upholstery, the results are one of a kind and unique. Each piece makes a statement of its own and is a timeless work of art.

2009-09-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Colorful Inspiration

Now that we have covered the importance of contrast and the impact accessories can have on a room it is time to discuss application.

What do you do with your accessories?

How do you select your accessories?

Where can you find inspiration for your very own designs?

When it comes to design most of our decisions are based on color and how colors complement each other. Out side of natural light, color has more impact on the human psyche then any other outside influence. Colors can affect our mood, our appetite, even our tolerance for pain.

Fun Color Facts:

Saturated Primary colors encourage quick movement. This is most often applied in fast food restaurants for a quick turn around.
Warm colors include reds, oranges, and yellows. These colors advance making rooms appear smaller than they are.
Warm colors also inspire activity

Red is an appetite stimulant and increases heartbeat and breathing.

Pink drains energy and calms aggression. Often sports teams paint their visitor locker room in pink to take away their competitions edge.
Yellow can stimulate a person’s temper and aggravate a baby, but also enhances concentration.

Orange increases energy levels.

Cool Colors include Blues, Greens, and Some variations of Violet. These colors recede and open up smaller spaces.
Cool colors are calming and soothing (this is why most spas are painted in blues and greens)

Blue triggers the secretion of endorphins that calm the body and increase focus. It has been proven that weight lifters can lift more weight in a blue painted gym.
Blue is most popular for being an appetite suppressant.

Green can improve vision, and is the easiest color for the eye to see.

So how does all of this information translate into home décor? When adding color into your space it is helpful to know the implications of the color you are adding. A person with high blood pressure may not want to paint there bedroom Red. However, small amounts of red would add excitement to the room.

How do you apply all this information to your own home?

How does this help you to put together a color scheme?

Where do you begin?

These answers are no further then looking outside your window. Nature is the perfect place to get inspiration for color schemes. Nature doesn’t get it wrong. There is no such thing as an unpleasant sunset. You can literally take any picture of a natural setting and use all of the colors in the picture and apply them to your room. The results will be remarkable. The more abstract you get with your interpretation the better the results.Below you will find three examples of Design imitating nature.

The living room of WideBayEstates.com property Hollywood in Miami mimics Miami Beach scenery beautifully. The flooring tile color creates a sandy beach feel throughout the space. The lush patterned shag rug is a very literal representation of the water with its aqua green and deep blue colors. The shape of the white leather sofa replicates the shape of the waves. The white of the sofa and the Barcelona Chairs act like the clouds from this scene. The glass coffee table reflects light throughout the space similar to the reflection of the water.

The Grand Canyon is visible throughout the home office of WideBayEstates.com property Hollywood in Miami. The similarities go beyond the color, and include the texture of the walls as well. These two features tie this space to the cascading rock walls of the Grand Canyon. The draperies are representative of the shadows of the chiseled rock. The Blue stream is depicted by the frosted glass desk.

The Master Bedroom of Hollywood in Miami is the perfect representation of a small stream waterfall in the middle of the woods. The dark brown accent wall has been pulled from the bark of the trees. The leaves covering the forest ground has inspired the variation in the color of the wooden planked flooring. The blue and white sheers descend from the ceiling in the same manner in which the water pours over the edge of the rocks creating the beautiful waterfall.

Designing using nature as a guideline is both simple and fun. If you have any design questions or would like assistance with finding your own inspiration please contact Eclectic Elements Design Consultant Eydie Voss at Eydie@eemiami.net. All of the pieces pictured in this post are available at Eclectic Elements. Please call the showroom 305-285-0899 with any inquiries.

2009-07-25T15:03:00.001-07:00

Space Personification

Every room is a blank canvas waiting to be given life. How do you personify a lifeless room? Easy with the addition of accessories. Accessories can be used to assert a harmony between objects within proximity to each other. Typically Accessories include artwork, rugs, plants and lighting. Bellow are two photos that exemplify how accessories can completely transform the mood of a space. In both pictures you can see the same room sitting room from Wide Bay Estates property Hollywood in Miami, with the same Carter Sofa. This space has been taken from a zen sanctuary to a south beach modern sitting room, by the rearrangement and addition of just a couple accessories.

Add Your Own Personal Touch
Before you begin accessorizing take time to think about the mood you are trying to convey. Once you have decided on a concept do not stray from it. You can look to a variety of design magazines and the internet for inspiration. Now before you begin purchasing keep these few rules in mind.

Less Is More
Remember that you are decorating for your home not a child’s birthday party. Too many accessories can be overwhelming and repetitive. If you showcase a few beautiful pieces you will be able to get your point across with ease!

Accentuate Your Natural Focal Point
Accessorize your home the same way you would your favorite outfit. Use accessories to enhance the natural elements in your space that already dominate visual interest. Create your focal point around them. Natural focal points are easy to diagnose. Typically in a room there is one wall with an architectural feature that catches your eye every time you enter. In most cases the natural focal point is a picture window with a view. In the picture above you can see that the sofa arrangement has been created to complement the view of the picture window.

Don’t Be Afraid to be Yourself
Our homes are an extension of our selves. If you forget to interject your personality into your home essentially you are living in a hotel. Personality is what gives a room life. For instance if you love the color red, it is a great idea to put a red shag rug in the middle of your neutral living room. It’s a bold statement; it is gorgeous and adds spice to your room. I encourage you to take risk that you might not usually take. You will surprise yourself, with how in love you are with the outcome. Not to mention the sense of pride you’ll feel when others complement your great taste, and your ability to think outside of the box!

For more help accessorizing your home please contact Eclectic Elements design consultant Eydie Voss at 305-285-0899 or at eydie@eemiami.net

2009-06-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Give your Space Some Spice

The easiest way to achieve interest in a room is to add a little bit of contrast.

The importance of Contrast

When a room lacks contrast it is left uninviting and bland. A room with too much contrast can be visually jarring and can cause anxiety. People tend to avoid spending time in spaces with an uneven balance of contrast. There are 3 ways to create contrast within your home. These include texture, color and size.

Example of Balanced Contrast

Pictured is the entry way of the Modern Glass Estate that was featured in the Ace Hood “Ride” music video. This space designed by Eclectic Elements President Monica Suleski is a great example of the 3 important elements of contrast. Looking at this picture your eyes are immediately drawn to 3 places, the set of fettuccine shag rugs, the geometric painting to the right and the Dancing Girl statue. Why is your eye drawn to these places? Because, they are all contrasting elements and they are creating a visual harmony within this space.

Your eye notices the Fettuccine shag rug because its plush texture is a direct contrast to the smooth finish of the concrete floor.
The Geometric painting to the right adds a pop of color to an otherwise neutral room.
The Dancing Girl statue is significant to the space because it is much taller than its surroundings forcing your eye to travel to appreciate its full beauty.

Creating Your Personal Contrast

Before you attempt to add contrast into your own space you must first be aware of your personal tolerance for contrast. The best way to do this is to look through several design magazines and tag pictures you like and don’t like. Once you have done this use the guidelines in this article to asses why you like and dislike these layouts. After going through a few pictures you will begin to notice a pattern. The pictures you dislike either have too much or too little contrast for your personal taste. The pictures you are drawn to have just the right amount for you.

For more ideas and help on creating contrast within your space please contact Eclectic Elements Design Consultant Eydie Voss at Eydie@eemiami.net