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Nate Berkus is a household name when it comes to home renovations. The designer is famed for designing spaces that are as much about personality as they are about how a space functions. While contractors have their tried and true methods, Nate often steps outside of the traditional playbook to breathe life into spaces in a way you wouldn’t expect. What sets him apart is his knack for making what can seem daunting, approachable and personal.
What’s Nate’s secret sauce, then? Essentially, it’s a combination of creativity, the ability to make things work, and a healthy amount of honesty around what does and doesn’t work. If you’re in the midst of planning a renovation, you may want to listen up, because the following tips are the lesser known renovation tricks of Nate that the pros don’t always share.
Break the rules
Berkus believes there are no rules in design: only suggestions. Love something? Make it work somehow. Do you want mismatched dining chairs? Go for it. Too bold for wallpaper in the bathroom? Think again! Do it anyway. The purpose is to make a space that feels like you.
Make it personal
Personalization is key, according to Nate. Family photos, heirlooms or art pieces that share a story will make it a success. He once used a homeowner’s grandmother’s vintage rug as a wall tapestry in one of his projects. No contractor can replicate these personal touches that will turn a house into a home.
Buy vintage, not Just New
Of course, it’s fun to have brand new furniture and fixtures, but Berkus says to mix old with new. To create some character and charm in your space, you can add vintage sideboard or reclaimed wood accents. Plus, it’s eco-friendly. The Environmental Protection Agency says that furniture waste accounts for over 12 million tons sent to landfills each year. You are adding style, while also helping to reduce waste, by incorporating vintage pieces.
Lighting Makes or Breaks a Space
Nate says lighting is one of the most underrated aspects of design. He suggests layering your lighting: use overhead lights, task lights, and accent lights to give depth and ambiance. And don’t forget dimmers! Proper lighting can transform a monotonous room into a comfortable sanctuary or any other chic gathering place, so add it to your renovation checklist.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Dark
Berkus isn’t afraid to suggest dark, moody hues for certain areas, even though light, airy spaces are popular. Something as deep navy, charcoal gray or even black injects a sense of sophistication and intimacy into a room. When combined with the proper lighting, and accented, these shades have a luxurious cocoon effect.
Plan Storage Like a Pro
Don’t think of storage as something you add after you design; integrate it into your design. There are built in shelves, hidden compartments, or even multi functional furniture to help you stay organized while keeping it looking clean. A beautiful room is no good if it is full of clutter.
Splurge Where It Counts
Nate Berkus is a balanced budget guy. Be frugal where you don’t need to be, but don’t go cheap on the things that you will use every day. Buying a high quality sofa, kitchen countertops that last, or a solid front door are all investments that will pay off in the long run.
Test Paint Colors in the Daylight
Here’s a common mistake many people make: selecting paint colors from how they look in a store or under artificial lighting. Berkus suggests testing paint samples on your walls and watching them over the course of a day or so to see how the light changes. Natural light can shift the tones, and what looks beige in one light can lean pink in another.
The “Why” Before the “What”
Berkus swears by starting any renovation by asking yourself, ‘why am I doing this?’ Don’t just dive right into Pinterest boards; take a minute to figure out why you’re renovating in the first place. Is it to make your life more comfortable? Increase functionality? Understanding your intent will save you from making choices that aren’t a fit for your lifestyle.’ It’s not about following trends, it’s about what makes sense for you.
Consider the Ceilings
Nate often reminds homeowners to look up, while everyone fusses over flooring and walls. Creating from ceilings is overlooked too frequently. From tossing in wooden beams for a rustic look or splashing it with a bold color for drama, you can give some love to your ceiling and the whole room will thank you. He had one of his projects with a metallic finish on the ceiling that produced an awesome, unexpected reflection of light.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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