Setting The Mood - NEUTRAL / WARM / COOL

Neutral colors create a bare canvas in all rooms. When used with pops of color, neutral tones add a sophisticated element to any space. Neutrals are also a great way to create a sense of peace and well being. They foster familiarity, quiet conversations and a feeling of warmth and serenity. Neutrals can also be used as accent colors to help ground other color schemes.

Warm colors create a sense of excitement. They lend stimulation to our emotions, evoking feelings of happiness, optimism and energy. Warm hues foster passion, laughter and vitality; they encourage social engagement and enjoyment. However, it's important note that overusing warm colors can potentially create negative effects as well.

Cool colors create a sense of relaxation. Blues, whites, purples and grays are known to chemically calm and sooth the mind. These colors symbolize balance, creativity and feelings of trust of security. Cool colors are great for promoting intellectual stimulation, invoking a sense of peace and renewal, as well as encouraging artistic ability.

How to choose the right sofa

Interior Design Tips by Eclectic Elements

The best looking sofa in the whole world cannot measure up to the most comfortable sofa, especially if you plan to spend any amount of time on it. Here at Eclectic Elements we carry a variety of sofas in all styles & budgets! Here are a couple tips to help you choose the sofa of your dreams:

Take Your Time

Give yourself plenty of time when you are trying out a sofa, so that you get to know it. A mere few seconds of quickly plopping down on one is not going to tell you much about it. A good salesperson will understand and not bother you while you are trying on different sofas for size. You need to get an understanding of how it feels when you stay sitting on it for a while.

Test Different Styles

Test all different styles, and make sure to try them out in a way you would use a sofa at home. Do you like to sit with your legs curled up? Do you like to lie down on it? Do you feel happiest sitting in the center? Do remember to take your shoes off before you place your feet on a sofa in a furniture store, if that is your sitting style.
Consider the height and depth of the seat. For taller people, it is best to have deeper seats. If you find it hard to rise from a seated position, try a shallower seat.
When you sit down on a sofa to try it out, take into account the height and feel of the back as well. Do you prefer a tight-back sofa or one with loose cushions? Try out all different cushion configurations to see which one feels right.

Test Different Fills

Every person differs in what they consider to be comfortable. Some would like a sofa they can sink into, while others prefer a firmer seat. Which one do you like? Try sitting on different fills to select the level of firmness or softness that you like.
Consider if you want the same level of softness or firmness in the seat and back. They do not have to be the same.

Test Different Fabrics

Each fabric is going to feel different, and it will add in a very different way to the over all feel of a sofa. You may like the look of heavily textured fabrics, but do you like the feel of them? Does a surface feel too slick? Do you like the sound leather makes when you shift your weight on it?
Sit on different fabrics long enough till you find one that is right for you. This is especially important if it is going to be "the sofa," that special one that is used all the time.
When testing for fabric, you should also check to see if it wrinkles easily or stretches. If it wrinkles easily, it will be difficult to maintain its looks for a long time. Sagging fabric will make it look dilapidated very quickly.


For more of a selection, Please visit us at our showroom! www.eemiami.net

Tips for Choosing the Right Dining Table

Interior Design Tips by Eclectic Elements

Your Dining Room is an area of our homes where our families gather. It becomes a place for meals, work, projects, entertaining, and so much more. But selecting the right dining room furniture can become a daunting task. Here are some tips from one of our Eclectic Elements designers to help you select the most comfortable and practical dining room furniture options for you!

- The most important step in selecting any new furniture is to take measurements. You don’t want to find the table of your dreams, only to discover it doesn’t fit. Taking measurements before shopping will save you time and grief in the long run. Record all of your measurements on a notepad and take them with you for easy reference. You may consider making a small sketch (it does not have to be to scale).

- When selecting a dining room table, determine how many place settings you will need. This will help you select the proper size and shape table; as well as how many chairs to purchase. Allow 24” per person as a guide when thinking about how many chairs a given sized table will accommodate.

- A dining room table should be a minimum of 36 inches across however it is more practical to purchase a 40”- 42” width. Based on the length of the table, you may consider an even wider width so it looks proportional. For example, a 12’ table could easily be 48” wide.

- Allow for at least 36 inches around the outside of the table to allow space for chairs and a walkway on all sides. If your table measurement does not leave enough space consider reducing the number of place settings. Most tables come with removable/storable leaves that can be added for special occasions.

- If purchasing dining chairs separately be sure they are the correct height for your table. Most dining tables are 29 to 30 inches tall; look for chairs that are approximately 18-19 inches tall. If your table is an unusual height, speak with the salesperson about the proper size of chair to make your diners comfortable.

- Once you have selected the proper size dining room table and chairs you may want to add additional furniture to the dining room. China cabinets and hutches are decorative and practical for storing delicate items. Buffet tables offer more serving space and linen storage. Many people are using console tables in their dining areas as well, long narrow wall hugging tables that offer additional space for placing smaller items.

- More often than not, people will also consider mixing finishes in dining rooms to give a more relaxed dining feel. Our sales consultants can offer up numerous suggestions if you are open to considering a dining room that in not to “matchy-match”

Eclectic Elements is here to assist you in selecting the right size, shape, and style of furniture for any room in your house. We offer all kinds of furniture in all styles & budgets. Visit us at our showroom for Special Sales up to 50% off! www.eemiami.net

How to select a rug for your new home

Interior Design Tips by Eclectic Elements

When decorating your home, think of your floors as the foundation for your design scheme. An area rug can visually integrate or harmonize eclectic elements in any decor or can revitalize a room. There's an endless array of rug designs
to choose from.

1. Visualize the desired total look of the room. Do you want a room that's uncluttered and monotone or a room rich with colors or textures? If you start with a totally empty room, choose a rug, then paint or paper the walls in colors found in the rug.
2. Remember, the rug has to fit the room - in more ways than one. Consider how the room is used, how much traffic the area gets and who will view it under what light. For high-traffic areas such as hallways and foyers, you may want a durable, patterned rug.
3. Choose furniture that enhances the rug design or colors found in the rug.
4. If you start with furniture, choose a rug to pick up the colors used in your furnishing patterns. Patterns can be mixed if they are coordinated by color. Elements of a rug design can be further incorporated into the overall design scheme. For example, if the rug is floral, add framed prints or flowers in similar colors.
   Size up the size of the room and the area you want to cover. The most common area rug sizes are 4-by-6 and 6
   by-9 feet. They work well under a coffee table. An 8-by-11-foot rug or larger can cover an entire room. Smaller area and scatter rugs can be ideal for adorning smaller spaces-a hearth, a bedside, the area in front of a kitchen sink-with a splash of color and warmth.
5. A rug with a bold, overall design can be the focal point of a room with a chair and sofa in solid or subdued patterns.
6. Light colored rugs make a room look more spacious, and deeper colors lend coziness to a room.
7. Choose a rug that will perform well, with the right combination of density and fiber. The denser the pile, (with closer tufts or stitches), the better your rug will wear.
8. The naturals - wool and cotton - are durable, soft, and easy to clean.
9. Watch out for fringe elements. If the rug you like has fringe, make sure it's sewn on well, and very carefully use the vacuum cleaner.
10. Remember to take a swatch of any fabrics you'd like to match with you when you shop for a rug. That way, you'll have a better idea of what will complement your existing décor.
11. Don't underestimate the value of an underlay. Not only will it absorb the impact of feet and noise, it will reduce wear and tear on the rug and make vacuuming easier.
12. When buying a rug, it pays to select a reputable dealer with a knowledgeable staff like Eclectic Elements. Here at Eclectic Elements we carry a wide selection of home decor in all styles & budgets. www.eemiami.net

Top 10 Living Room Decorating Ideas

Interior Design Tips by Eclectic Elements

 

• Hang a Collection: Hang an eclectic collection of silver trays to serve as eye-catching ornaments.
 
• Bring in Flowers: Perk up a room (inexpensively) with a bouquet of vibrant flowers set in an equally vibrant vase.

• Mix Materials and Textures: Give a living room depth by mixing materials and textures.

• Create New Roles: Craft an instant end table with a stacked set of your favorite reads.

• Embrace a Wild Print: Mix in a bold accent―like a zebra print―to add some contrast to a low-key sofa.

• Trick a Small Space into Feeling Bigger: Use transparent tables in small spaces to give them an uncluttered feel.

• Group Similar Objects Together: Group objects by theme―here, different typographical elements―to create a point of interest on a mantel or shelf.

• Put Pattern on the Floor: Add tactile and visual interest to a room with a patterned rug.

• Maximize Minimalism: Give a room a clean look with a sofa that has long, lean lines and minimal cushioning.

• Let Pieces Work Together: Use a rug to draw the eye in the direction of furniture you want to highlight, like a gorgeous tufted sofa.

Visit us at our showroom and receive complimentary Interior Design! Eclectic Elements guarantees to save you both time and money. www.eemiami.net

 

Top 5 Feng Shui Do's

Interior Design Tips  by Eclectic Elements

Spring is the season of renewal, manifestation, celebration and falling in love, of course! Now is the time to take those bold steps and manifest your dreams. A good spring cleaning of your home can do wonders for your personal energy; it will nourish and strengthen you. Feng Shui as always, can help with a variety of easy, powerful tips for spring cleaning your home.

If you still feel sluggish and low-energy after a long and maybe challenging winter, here are some proven-and-true feng shui steps to lift your energy up.

The keywords are spring cleaning and decluttering; and the goal is get rid of everything that does not serve you anymore.

Spring cleaning will help you make space for new, fresh feng shui energy to come into your life.

SPRING CLEANING TIP # 1: If you are looking to improve your health, get rid of all the items that are cluttering and blocking the energy flow in your kitchen (especially your cupboards and the freezer.) The state of your kitchen, is the state of your health, so do yourself a favor and thoroughly clean that kitchen. De-clutter the refrigerator; clean the stove and all the pots and pans. Let go of all harsh chemical kitchen cleaners and go for natural ones. Clean out all the drawers, surfaces, light fixtures, etc - create a fresh pathway for strong vibrant chi to flow and nourish your energy.

SPRING CLEANING TIP # 2: Bring three new pots with vibrant feng shui green plants, to refresh the energy of your space and symbolize, as well as ground, the energy of new beginnings. If you plan to place them in the kitchen, go for lush and aromatic herbs, such as basil, rosemary or mint. Focus on your front entrance, as well as your kitchen, as both are strongly connected to your health.

• SPRING CLEANING TIP # 3: Thoroughly clean and clutter clear your bedroom and your bathroom, get rid of anything that you haven't used in the past 6 months. Clear the space under the bed, clear the windows, refresh and re-decorate for spring both your bedroom and your bathroom.

• SPRING CLEANING TIP # 4: If you would like to welcome a new love relationship, into your life, make space, and I mean actual, physical space, for this new person to be in your home. Clear out your closets for a better flow and more space. You literally have to create an open flow of energy in your home to be able to attract and manifest more of what you are looking for. Spring cleaning time gives you great opportunity to do just that!

• SPRING CLEANING TIP # 5: Last but not least, be sure you understand the importance of space clearing and are comfortable with at least a simple feng shui space clearing session for your home. Better yet, find the time to do a major space clearing session; as spring is the best time for clearing stagnant energy in your home.

Clarify, purify and let go this Spring Season. Renew your home and renew your body. Step into a new way of being, and fill it with a happy and healthy energy of excitement.

For beautiful furniture in all styles & budgets, please visit www.eemiami.net

Happy new and fresh beginnings, fun celebrations and precious memories to behold!

 

10 Clever Tricks to Transform Your Home 

Interior Design Tips by Eclectic Elements

1. Paint smaller rooms in softer, lighter colors to help make the room feel larger:

The living room above is a great example of how to maximize a small living space. A room of this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light colored walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colors will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.

2. Use decorative mirrors to add instant light to your living space:

As seen above, mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.

3. Mix it up. Mix up patterns and textures. Mix up old and new, expensive and inexpensive:

There’s nothing wrong with placing family heirlooms alongside your modern couch. All good interior decorators will tell you that the most important aspect to decorating your home is that it reflects who you are, your personality and your style. The antique Chippendale desk that was your grandfather’s tells a story. It tells the story of your past. The modern couch you fell in love with and simply had to purchase also tells a story, your present story, and there is no reason why the present and past can’t co-exist beautifully together. The same can be said for art. Now you might not want to place a painting by Salvador Dali on the same wall next to a Monet, but there’s no reason why they can’t be in the same room together. With fabrics whether it be furniture, rugs or pillows, varied colors and patterns can bring warmth and texture into your living space.

4. Slip into something a little more comfortable:

Slip covers often get a bad rap but they are truly wonderful things. They can serve as a  means of changing your furniture’s look to reflect the seasons. These easily removed coverings allow you to have a sophisticated look without constantly worrying about people dirtying or spilling on your furniture. Slip covers are ideal for rooms used frequently by children. Above the white slip-covered couches gives the air of a casual, comfortable, easy yet sophisticated elegance.

5. Wicker baskets:

Wicker baskets are an economical and elegant way to add storage to any room. Baskets can be used to store and display books, architectural and decor magazines, toys, towels and blankets to name a few. Place a couple of small wicker baskets on the counter-tops in your kitchen to beautifully display and store your fruit and vegetables.

6. Use what you already have to decorate:

We all have items in our possession, probably packed up in boxes somewhere and haven’t given them a second glance. Your home needs some accessories. Instead of running to the store, take a good look at what you already have. Trays, wooden, acrylic, metal or silver can be placed on top of luggage racks, tea carts, trunks, bedside tables and coffee tables for extra texture and dimension. Arrange candles on them, frames or pile books on top of them. Plates can be hung to create wonderful wall art. Art from children’s books can be framed and hung in nurseries, children’s rooms or their bathrooms. You will be amazed at what you can do with what you already have!

7. Add a hanging pot holder to your kitchen:

Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone complained of having too much storage.

8. Go green:

Add plants to your living space. Add them to every room, small or large, few or many. Plants are an inexpensive means to accessorizing your space and adding color and texture. Not only are plants beautiful but many can clean household air and balance humidity. They can absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air. No home should be without these wonderful greens!

9. Paint or wallpaper your bookcases:

This instant pop of color will brighten and re-energize any room! It’s amazing how something so simple as a coat of colorful paint can instantly energize and transform your space. This built-in bookcase would be simple and ordinary without the bright blue interior. Perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive way to transform a boring space is to apply a coat of paint somewhere unexpected. Bookcases are an ideal place to start because you don’t need to paint a large area. Other fun places to add a pop of color include painting fireplace mantels, the insides of closets, hallways and ceilings.

10. Use area rugs to soften hardwood floors:

Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, color and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same color. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There are many lovely cotton, washable area rugs which are ideal for those homes with children. There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.

For more information on Interior Design please visit us on the web at www.eemiami.net