10 Nate Berkus Design Tips That Go Against Everything You’ve Been Told

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Interior design is a tricky game. You may have been fed some “rules” on repeat – light colors make rooms look bigger, always buy matching sets, and don’t even think of mixing different patterns. The beloved designer and TV personality, Nate Berkus, however, has a knack for bending the rules. Berkus has made a name for himself with his cozy yet polished style, and his design approach produces a combination of sophistication and warmth that has people throwing out the usual rules.

If you’re sick of cookie cutter decor advice, you’re in the right place. Berkus’ tips are a breath of fresh air, pushing us to get out of our comfort zone and get creative in ways that actually make a home your own. Whether you’re just sprucing up a single room, or taking on a whole house, here are a few of Nate Berkus’ unconventional design tips you might want to rethink everything you’ve been told.

Mix High and Low Pieces

HOME — Photo Credit: ATHENEA CODJAMBASSIS ROSSITTO/Pexels

Berkus is a huge fan of mixing high and low items. He doesn’t think every item in a room needs to be an investment piece. It’s not about how much something costs, it’s about how it feels in your space. It gives your space character and personality, for example, mixing a designer coffee table with a thrifted armchair or an antique rug. This way rooms feel relaxed and accessible, but not ‘stuffy’ or curated.

Forget About “Rules” for Patterns

One of those things that’s usually met with a raised eyebrow is pattern mixing. Right, we’ve all heard the warnings about clashing, right? Berkus throws caution to the wind, and tells people to mix patterns without thinking too hard about it. He believes florals and stripes, bold graphics and traditional designs will work if you love the pieces. It adds depth and interest to your space.

Use Dark Colors in Small Spaces

Dark colors make a space feel smaller, you may have been told, but Berkus disagrees. And he often suggests painting small rooms in dark, rich colors. He believes a deep navy or charcoal wall can make a tiny room feel cozy and inviting retreat. In smaller spaces, dark colors can actually make a space feel intimate and deep, instead of trying to make it something it’s not.

Embrace Imperfection

Why should I stage my home — Photo Credit: Pexels/ Pixabay

Berkus is all about avoiding the sterile feeling of perfection. He believes a home should reflect the people living in it, quirks and imperfections included. These things add authenticity whether it’s an old family heirloom with a scratch, or a handmade pottery piece that isn’t perfectly round. Instead of striving for a picture perfect space, Berkus advises that you curate items that tell a story, leaving each individual piece to add its own irresistible intrigue in the room.

Don’t Obsess Over Matching

Matching furniture sets are the holy grail in the world of home design. But Berkus enjoys combining furniture from different periods and styles. If you pair a vintage sofa with modern armchairs or match industrial lighting with a rustic table, you’re adding layers to a space. Instead of feeling that it was staged for a catalog, the room ends up real and lived in.

Let Sentiment Guide You

Couple Arranging Picture Frames — Photo Credit: Blue Bird/Pexels

Berkus says the most important design elements are those that have personal meaning. He urges people to include items that make them feel something — even if they don’t match the room’s color scheme or aesthetic. These are things that have emotional value, whether they’re a quirky souvenir from a once in a lifetime trip, or a framed photo of a family you love. But this approach goes beyond aesthetics and seeks to produce a space that is rich with personal history.

Invest in Timeless Pieces

Nate Berkus believes people should put their money into things that will last. It doesn’t mean not following any trends, but he advises picking out pieces that are going to last, like a solid wood dining table or a well made sofa. Because these foundational pieces can change with the style around them.

Go Big With Art

One of the most common design advice is: Choose artwork that ‘fits’ the wall space, but Berkus thinks big. He even recommends oversized art pieces that make a statement, even in small rooms. A large piece is eye catching and can be a focal point that breathes life into a space that smaller pieces simply can’t do. A single, oversized artwork can set the tone of a whole room rather than getting lost in a gallery wall.

Don’t Be Afraid of Clutter

While Berkus may have a thing for the “less is more” mantra, he also values a little bit of controlled chaos. He believes in living in homes, and what goes with that is that sometimes things will be out and visible. A few plants, a stack of books on the coffee table, a cozy throw on the sofa will make a home seem welcoming. He advocates for a little organized clutter that makes it feel warm and your own.

Experiment With Texture, Not Just Color

Color gets a lot of attention in interior design, but Berkus stresses the importance of texture. The layering of different textures from smooth leather, soft velvet, rough stone, and woven fibers can make a space feel rich and multidimensional. The mix of materials makes things visually interesting and adds a tactile quality that color alone cannot accomplish. The trick is to balance textures so it’s intentional and inviting, and not overwhelming.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.