Design Study: EAST Miami
In the heart of Miami’s infamous financial district lies the EAST Miami Hotel, one of the most stylish places to enjoy an afternoon coffee or cocktails with friends. Besides the can’t-beat views and central location, my favorite part of this hotel would be the design, of course. EAST Miami keeps it effortlessly cool and modern with a subtle nod to the city's rich cultural heritage. In this blog post, I will dissect all of the design elements that make the EAST Miami one of my top design destinations—even though it’s in my home city—and how interior design choices establish the mood and energy of a space.
Contemporary Architecture, Meet Art Deco Glamour
The lobby of the EAST Miami blends contemporary architecture with the glamour of the city’s Art Deco era. The sleek lines, open spaces, and minimalist color palette embody the essence of modern design, while dispersed gilded accents and hints of geometric patterns pay homage to the city's iconic Art Deco heritage. This seamless marriage of opposite styles nods to a bygone era while staying firmly rooted in the present.
The lobby floor consists of generous slabs of neutral tile with a very subtle pattern. The simplicity and neutrality of the floor plays off of the warmness of wooden structure behind the check-in desk, while letting the lobby artwork take center stage.
The lobby of the EAST Miami reflects the city’s reputation as an art capital. With seasonally rotating collections from esteemed contemporary artists, the EAST Miami is a gem for any art enthusiast. Eye-catching sculptures, thought-provoking paintings, and captivating installations adorn the walls and corners to spark conversation and contemplation.
Intimate Seating Areas
The lobby's design incorporates several cozy seating areas thoughtfully arranged to facilitate relaxation and socialization. Plush sofas and upholstered chairs invite guests to take a load off and connect with their travel companions in stillness. The furniture's modern yet comfortable design urges them to sit and stay a while.
Past the lobby is one of my favorite spaces in the building: Domain, a cafe and co-working space by day, cocktail lounge by night. Great interior design is not only visually interesting, but functional as well, and Domain has gotten this combination down to a science. Down-to-earth chalkboards that feature daily specials behind the coffee counter slide over to reveal a full bar when the sun gets lower and the hours get happier.
Transitional Spaces
Luxury is all about attention to details, and no effort was spared when it came to the elevator and the hallways of the EAST Miami. The hotel features a traditional luxury LED display in its elevator that resembles the cosmos. The hallways are painted in a smoky gray with a darker panel backlit on both the top and bottom. The lighting gives the hallway an almost other-worldly feel, and while it certainly feels luxurious, it doesn’t come with a celestial price tag. The wood panels are affordable to mount on a wall, as is the LED lighting you can adhere on top and bottom.
Light and Space
One of the most impressive aspects of the EAST Miami lobby is the endless light and space. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the area with natural light, accentuating the lobby's airy feel. Mirrors strategically placed along the walls amplify the space and create an illusion of endless depth.
And the abundance of light and space doesn’t end with the lobby. With an open concept and glass balcony doors, each room reflects the lobby’s expansive feel. Even the bathroom is an open concept, with a wooden divider and frosted glass shower doors for privacy. One of the cozier spaces in the room, the shower features a darker glass tile and wood porcelain tile to make shower time a comfortable and meditative experience. As always, the design team went a step beyond and added LED room numbers to give the East Miami experience that extra glow.
Nature's Sublime Touch
Drawing inspiration from Miami's lush tropical landscape, the lobby of the EAST Miami seamlessly incorporates nature into its design. Large potted palms and verdant indoor plants serve as living sculptures, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside. The incorporation of natural materials like wood and stone in the furnishings further enhances the connection to nature, evoking a sense of detachment amidst a bustling city.
The EAST Miami is a testament to the power of design in creating memories and feeling. I am so lucky to live in the same city as this interior design masterpiece, and I often visit for a rush of design inspiration (or just for a craft cocktail with some friends!). Stay tuned for my next tour of beautiful spaces through the eyes of an interior design expert!
xx,
Micky
