The Antique Decor Nate Berkus Hung Above His Stove (Quirky But Brilliant)

Nate Berkus is at it again. Just when you think he couldn't possibly have another decor trick up his sleeve, he'll start offering tips on giving your home a designer look without costing a dime, or advice on using your favorite items to tell stories throughout your space. One of his quirky but brilliant design tricks? Hanging an antique-looking mirror above his stove.

Berkus and his husband, fellow designer Jeremiah Brent, showcased the stove decor (and the rest of their stunning California dream home) in an Architectural Digest home tour. Amidst fun design touches like an old fireplace decorated with Belgian roof tiles and an antique cabinet filled with sweet treats, the couple invited viewers to take a look at the unique aspects of their kitchen. It's a space they called "the heart of the home." Their large stove is flanked by a black and white stone backsplash, and that backsplash also has an indented ledge that holds a small antique mirror.

In the video, the duo doesn't touch on the mirror specifically, so we don't know about the design intentions behind the memorable piece. But Berkus has waxed poetic about designing with mirrors in the past. On Instagram he said, "I have a fixation with mirrors that will never end. Every time I buy one, it's for life, and it comes with me to every new home." When you know how to decorate with mirrors, they can help enhance a room's light sources, make the space feel more expansive, and also add a touch of glamour to an otherwise ordinary area.

Nate Berkus may be one of the more famous designers to use mirrors behind the stove, but other designers have tried it, too. And per usual from a comment section, the reactions were a bit mixed. Married designers Deb and Danelle used the trick and received tons of comments questioning the design decision. Some adored the look and thought it was the start of a new trend, but others worried that it would be impossible to keep the mirror clean. 

While Berkus's mirror is small and mostly decorative, a larger mirror can be a practical addition, especially if you have kids or pets that you want to keep an eye on while you're cooking. At the right angle, a well-positioned mirror can help you see the entire kitchen even with your back to it. This ensures that shenanigans aren't going down while you make dinner. A mirror can also be an interesting alternative to a traditional backsplash. 

If you're looking to take a boring thrift store mirror to the next level and add it to your kitchen, keep a few things in mind. First, look for mirrors that are tempered glass to prevent cracks that could happen if it gets too overheated. And using an edge sealer like a water-based varnish can help protect the mirror from moisture, Additionally, make a DIY glass cleaner that never leaves a streak, so your mirror can look as bright and fresh as all the meals you'll cook in your kitchen.