What I’ve Learned from Nate about design and about life

Have you ever been asked the question “what famous person would you like to have dinner with?”  I have and my list of names includes a handful of people, one of which has inspired me in design and in life.

The first person on my list, Oprah, needs no explanation and I am grateful to her for giving the second person on my list the design opportunity of his life and making me aware of him.

Nate Berkus

Do you all remember one of the first shows Nate did on Oprah, decorating a teeny tiny NY studio apartment?  I think the space was something like 320 sq. feet and had no storage.

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Do you remember the design brilliance he came up with to make that apartment look larger than life?  All those built-in bookcases and that black and white striped rug.  Nate made black and white striped rugs a design staple long before IKEA was in vogue.

Nate taught me how to maximize a space but using every inch of vertical space that you can. 

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I remember sitting in front of the TV with my mouth opened thinking there is no way he could have created a space like that.

Nate taught me the power of striped rugs and how they can make any room look for spacious.

Ever since that Oprah show I’ve followed Nate, admired and studied his work and have been inspired by the beautiful spaces he creates.

Nate reinforced my love of mixing textures and how they can make a room feel warm and personalized.

I would love to have a work space with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a massive work table. Nate made this space look so unstructured yet stylish at the same time.

Nate showed me how to mix black, white and brown together without it looking too stark and that an accent of gold adds instant style.

Almost all of his kitchen designs are the perfect blend of form, function, storage and design details. Oh how I love that glass mirror that separates the kitchen from the living space…brilliant!

Simple and classic details are a signature of his design style as well as lots metal and artistic touches.

And talk about sophisticated glam…Nate is a genius.

Black and white rugs are always in the mix.

And holy Batman…KaPow, Bam, Whamm doesn’t this closet make your heart skip a beat? I could live in there!

I’ve always loved organization but Nate showed how great organization can be beautiful too!

Besides being one of my design idols and someone I’d love to have dinner with, Nate has taught many other things about life based on his outlook and how he has come back from some really devastating life experiences.

Nate has taught me that Nice Matters.  I have not doubt that beyond his talent one of the things that attracted Oprah to him is that is a genuinely nice person.  I try to live each day by being nice and kind to anyone I come in contact with.

Nate has taught me that even after tough times there is still joy to be had..  After losing his partner in a Tsunami he found the strength to move on and enjoy life again.

Nate has taught me that from small things greatness can happen.  I know that when Nate first appeared on Oprah he never imagined he would be where he is today.  His journey makes me believe even more in my dreams.

Thanks Nate for being an inspiration to me and so many others. 

If you could have dinner with someone who inspired you, who would it be???

p.s. Mark your calendars for Nates’ new show on NBC, American Dream Builders.  It debuts on March 23rd at 8 pm.

And check out his latest collection at Target. This, this and this are on my shopping list.

all images unless otherwise noted via NateBerkus.com