Nate Berkus Shares The Vintage Gem To Look Out For At Thrift Shops And Secondhand Stores

You certainly don't have to take everything Nate Berkus says or suggests when it comes to home decor as non negotiable, but you have to admit the man knows his interior design. As a popular HGTV expert, he also gives followers consistent and helpful advice on social media, offering styling tips and decor ideas (many of Nate Berkus' easy decor ideas can be recreated). But one vintage gem Berkus recommends seeking out when thrifting and antiquing could really elevate any surface while adding storage in a unique way: stone boxes. They are not only extremely stylish, but their durability and design create instant visual interest in a room, while providing a place to hide everything from cords and wires to trinkets. One of these could even act as a catch-all in an entryway for keys and accessories without devaluing the overall aesthetic, and Berkus is a big fan of this home addition.

In an Instagram post, he discusses vintage items that he is searching for to decorate with, and two items that he specifically covers are stone and marble boxes. Berkus says, "I really, really love natural materials and decorative boxes will always find their way onto side tables, coffee tables." At the beginning of the video, he notes that he was looking for items for his desk; however, because he later says that these work for a variety of surfaces, you can add one of these (or several) anywhere.

The box Nate Berkus discusses in his video is made of red marble, but there are so many natural stone materials that you can look for while shopping at secondhand stores. Onyx pieces are trending at the moment, and are one piece of vintage decor you should definitely snag at the thrift store. What makes any stone box so special are the natural patterns that can elevate any blank space, adding dimension and texture. Granite and travertine are two other types of boxes to keep an eye out for (the latter could also be valuable).

No stranger to using natural materials, especially stone, in his designs, Nate Berkus' number one choice for kitchen countertops also happens to be marble. When discussing why he likes this material, he explained that as a timeless design, marble is a top choice to decorate with in your home. He also notes that oftentimes this material isn't cheap, but since you're thrifting and searching for vintage pieces you may be able to find a stone or marble box for a budget-friendly price. He suggests key words to search for when shopping online, saying to type in "vintage stone box" or "vintage stone decorative box." Try site like eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or even local estate sales, and, of course, check the wares section at your local thrift stores. They can be hiding among random items on the shelves, so check thoroughly.

Styling with these is an exciting endeavor, because the natural element of the stone brings so much design potential. If you're trying to style more minimalistic aesthetic, use your rock or stone box as a statement piece within the room. Place it on a surface that is visible from anywhere and then build around it with more simple pieces like candles and brass accents. If you prefer a rustic design, incorporate wood accents that amplify the earthy vibe of the stone box. This could be wooden bowls, wooden trays, or even frames with wood. Keep in mind that, depending on the pattern of your box, you don't want to overdo it, so determine your other accessories according to how textured/patterned your box is.

If you're trying to decorate for a mid-century modern vibe, brass elements, as well as various metals, can complement your stone. Marble can also be played up with gold, or if you happen to find a box similar to Nate Berkus', you could always bring in terracotta elements and sage green colors for a calming, neutral design. However, these are just a few suggestions, and you can get as creative as you want when using stone storage boxes.