Nate Berkus Says This Sterile Decorating Faux Pas Is His 'Worst Nightmare'
While perfectly curated minimalist homes can look gorgeous on social media, they're not the most practical for the average person. Additionally, these spaces can also feel boring, which is why HGTV star Nate Berkus is very against this look. Fan Ramona asks him, "Although [some upscale] homes have beautiful kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, and patios, I'm struck by how sterile they feel. There are no books, family photos, collections, or anything personal about the homeowners on display. Is this the current trend in decorating?" To this, Berkus replies, "Oh my God no, that's actually my worst nightmare," per The Washington Post.
Even though Berkus loves neutral colors and subtle textures, that doesn't mean his designs are devoid of personality. Instead, he believes that everything you put in your home should reflect your interests. "I believe your home tells a story about who you are and who you aspire to be," Berkus says, per New York Daily News. "We represent ourselves through the things we own." This plays directly into his love for timeless elements, as he says, "I don't believe in trends. I believe in collecting things that you connect with. We should surround ourselves with things we care about, that have meaning."
Where to get meaningful items
For Nate Berkus, antiques are crucial to creating a personalized space. "There's something about a patination and a character in things that have aged that I think deepens the space and the sentiment of the room," Berkus says, per Homes & Gardens. "I've never designed a room that was all new." To find these items, you could visit your local thrift store, or you could use heirlooms passed down from family members. "Vintage pieces add so much personality and a sense of history. So absolutely include that vintage table from your grandmother," he tells American Express Essentials. He adds, "If you have your grandmother's vintage tea set, don't just put it in a cabinet to collect dust. Get it out and use it."
Another great way to grow your collection of meaningful items is by collecting things while traveling. Bringing home a box, basket, book, trinket, or any other item from a unique place will infuse the piece with memories and significance. Finally, you can also simply display items that you purchase on a regular basis but that mean something to you or that you especially enjoy.
How to arrange personal pieces
It's important to remember that collecting meaningful pieces takes time, and you shouldn't rush to find every decoration all at once. As your possessions grow, you can slowly begin displaying your items in tasteful ways. "I've always believed that your home should tell the story of who you are, where you've been, who you've loved, and where you hope to go," Nate Berkus tells American Express Essentials. "You do that by the selection of things you let cross your threshold ... layering and assembling them over time."
Further, when purchasing items, don't be concerned with price tags. "It's not about the cost or where things come from ... it's about creating spaces that we love, and living beautifully in them every day, that matters," explains Berkus. When deciding where to decorate, any tabletop or shelf will work. "Look at every horizontal surface in your home as an opportunity," Berkus says. "A side table, mantel, or console table are all opportunities to display objects that have meaning." By layering on different textures, colors, and materials, you can create a vignette that speaks to you without worrying about trends or what others might think.