10 Things I've Learned from Nate Berkus

In honour of #nateday (yes I'm joining in on the mob-blogging ocassion today hosted by the Moggit Girls); I'm posting 10 things Nate Berkus has taught me:

No. 1. Be Genuine
I remember seeing Nate's home in Chicago being featured in Elle Decor and falling in love with it and how he brought personal mementos and meaning into his space. It was genuine and real, and to me meant so much more than say a home displayed like a showcase.

No. 2. Use What You Have
Sometimes using what you already have (eg - old kitchen cupboards - see top photo) can be better than buying something new. In his Chicago home, Nate kept his old kitchen cupboards rather than replacing them, which brought character and history to the room.

No. 3. Paint Accent Doors Black
This is such a great trick (what more can I say)?




No. 4. If you can't find it, make it!
I like how Nate will make things like a headboard, repanel a wall in leather, recover a lampshade if he can't find exactly what he wants or to suggest DIY to make things more affordable.

No. 5. Mix it Up!

I love how effortlessly he mixes things up. Bringing so many different styles together to create a beautiful yet personal vignette.




No. 6. Collect
I love the idea of collecting things, mementos from your travels or a day at the beach and bringing them back home into your space.

No. 7. Make Things Interesting
I love how Nate makes things interesting by using texture, and interesting objects from around the world.




No. 8. Look For Chipped Paint
Reading about Nate's assistants in Chicago home + Garden, something that stuck with me is what they mentioned Nate always saying, "Look for chipped paint". This is such a great tip!

No. 9. Make Things Look Lived In
Sometimes that's hard to do. Especially if things get a little bit too matchy matchy.

No. 10. Be Kind and Generous
I think you can just tell when someone means well.



In case you haven't heard, Nate Berkus is heading off to his own New York-based syndicated show premiering September 13th! Visit the other bloggers joining in on the fun today here.

nateberkus.com
twitter.com/nate_berkus

Images from Elle Decor (Photographed by Pieter Estersohn) and oprah.com.