"Eclectic" is antique enthusiast Mitchell Sotka’s buzzword, and he’s got a melting pot of a store to prove it. The Rocky River gallery, which bears the same name as its owner, is packed with items from around the globe...

"Now that we’re near restaurants and other stores and boutiques, we're finding customers who may not go into a traditional antique district to shop coming in." Sotka says of his Rocky River store.

Mitchell Sotka shows what a little rearranging and paring down can accomplish.

Something about the cheeriness of the day inspired me to head to Rocky River. After a haircut and an espresso at the Caribou in front of Heinen's, did a stroll through the Old River Rd. shops. Two favorites still going strong: Adesso and Mitchell Sotka antiques. Adesso being well stocked with Neapolitan fashion, and Sotka stocked with arguably the most tasteful antiques and little things in the city. Despite the air of whimsy, I resisted both a Borrelli Napoli shirt and moss covered, entwined twig balls.

Sotka's business has flourished since moving and the new location has allowed him to host unique events, including a recent trunk show featuring Susan Scaparotti of red i jewelry. Scaparotti has been designing jewelry for 10 years and specializes in lariats - a type of knotted necklace - vintage pieces, hand-crafted pendants and pieces involving fresh water pearls.

In your home-decorating fantasies, do distinctive pieces add just the right flair to every room? In reality, however, do your rooms fall sadly short of your dreams?

Perhaps shop owner Mitchell Sotka can help.

Appraisers Mitchell Sotka of Mitchell Sotka Antiques, Ltd., Kelly Grimm and Cammy Stites...