Sometimes, when you’re decorating a home, it feels like you’re playing a game of Tetris, where nothing fits quite the way you wanted it to. That’s where Nate Berkus comes in. He’s known for his eccentric, seemingly chaotic approach to design — a mix of what appears wild and then, somehow, pure magic. It’s that kind of organized chaos described by twists that turn heads and hearts.
The decorating style of Berkus isn’t about being bound by rules; it’s about beauty in imperfection. If you need some ‘chaotic’ decorating ideas that will break you loose from traditional decor rules, then here are some of Nate Berkus’ decorating ideas that are sure to transform your home into a haven of personality and warmth.
Layer Different Patterns
When it comes to layering patterns, one of Nate Berkus’s signature tricks is to pile on. Whether plaid with stripes, floral with geometric, you name it. It may sound like a recipe for disaster, but mixing patterns actually adds depth to a room when it’s done well. The trick here is to maintain a color scheme that complements the different prints. Blending a bold stripe and a subtle floral in the same hue will give you that delicate balance Berkus has become known for. With this mix-up, the space is never too lively or overwhelming to the senses.
Play With Asymmetry
Symmetry is nice, but sometimes life is better when things aren’t always perfectly even. Berkus often works with an off-kilter arrangement of decor items. What if your sofa has mismatched throw pillows or your coffee table features uneven groups of objects? Asymmetry not only looks good, but it also brings a relaxed, laid-back vibe. It’s a breath of air in an obsessed-with-perfect-lines world. If you’d like to try this, place your coffee table decor in an odd number, hang up art at different heights, or whatever else you like to do.
Blend Old and New
In Nate Berkus’ world, an antique piece is infinitely more interesting in a space when paired with something modern. Think of a suburban wooden family room table with crisp, modern chairs or an old-fashioned chandelier in a room full of modern furniture. Because this kind of pairing adds depth and character to a room, a space feels rich in stories. His tip? Start hunting for one-of-a-kind vintage items that pique your interest and let them live alongside your current decor.
The Gallery Wall With Personality
A gallery wall isn’t anything new, but Nate Berkus’s version is more than a standard family photo display. Instead, he uses photos, vintage posters, and even random objects to give the wall some personality. Imagine your item of interest could include an odd item like a small mirror, or a unique piece of memorabilia that references your profession… In this case, the gallery wall becomes a visual scrapbook of your life, and adds energy and character to what could have been a plain wall.
In Small Spaces, Use Dark Colors
Most designers would advise on light colors for small rooms, and Berkus goes against this by choosing deep, rich colors. Small spaces with darker shades like navy, charcoal, or even black feel cozier and more intimate than cramped. It’s a particularly good trick to use in small spaces such as powder rooms or entryways.
Let Rugs Define Zones
Nate Berkus tends to use multiple rugs instead of one large one to define different zones in an open plan space. Layering rugs or using different rugs in different parts of the space will help visually break the space up, and each part will feel distinct, but it’ll remain unified. It’s especially handy in multi-functional spaces like a living room that can be a dining area. So long as the rugs have at least one color in common, the look will be cohesive.
Mix Textures Like a Pro
Berkus isn’t afraid to play with textures. In his designs, he is happy to live with velvet, wood, metal, and even rattan. You’ll get the depth and a tactile quality of the room: in other words, they have layers of depth. It’s the richness of that texture which creates life in a room. Don’t be afraid to get bold with your texture choices; after all, life’s too short for plain old smooth surfaces.
Decorate With Books as Art
Books are not solely reading material to Nate Berkus; they’re also decor. He’s a fan of using stacks of books to add visual interest to coffee tables, sideboards, or shelves. Berkus takes advantage of the fact that books are flat objects and stacks them in innovative and creative ways, adding candles or small sculptures, so they become stylish decor pieces. It also means that your decor evolves naturally with you adding new reads and passing along old favorites. Skip the fancy coffee table decor and let your latest novel collection be seen.
Add Unexpected Pops of Color
Berkus knows how to allow a color to pop without overwhelming a room. His trick? Include small bursts of color where you wouldn’t expect them. An example is a bright yellow vase on a neutral bookshelf or a colorful throw pillow on a subdued couch. It lets the room stay calm while still being a visual surprise. It adds a bit of life through small bursts of color without being overwhelming on the palette.
Bring the Outdoors In
Plants are not just optional in Berkus’ style, they’re essential. Whether it’s a huge fiddle leaf fig in the corner of the room, some lavenders, or a collection of tiny succulents on a windowsill, plants bring freshness and energy to the space. He’s not afraid to throw in a bit of ‘controlled jungle’ with different sizes, colours, and textures of greenery. If you don’t have a green thumb, start small with easy-care plants like snake plants or pothos. Plants are a fantastic way to bring a little nature into your life with little effort.
Embrace Imperfection
There doesn’t have to be a pristine piece of decor in every room. Berkus believes that a little bit of wear adds character, so he mixes in vintage pieces with signs of a well-loved past. A worn leather chair, a slightly chipped vase, something adds a story to whatever that is this space is. It’s about looking for charm in the not-perfect things that, in their own way, make the space feel more lived in and loved.
Play With Lighting Layers
Nate Berkus doesn’t just use one light source in a room. Rather, he layers different types of lighting to create a room that is cozy and multifunctional. All the floor lamps, table lamps, and even candles work together. According to ResearchGate, multi-layered lighting provides different moods and keeps the room dynamic. Simple examples include a pendant light, which provides general lighting, and a table lamp, which is one for additional, softer, ambient glow, nice for unwinding.
