In a minimal interior, what you don't do is as important as what you do.
— Nate Berkus
Working on 'Big Give' was an opportunity that I felt compelled to do. It was my chance to share in showing people how they can give big in their own life, to send the message that giving goes way beyond the gift of money. We want to share that the best thing you can give is your time and understanding.
I live in a beautiful vintage building that was built in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Mixing in some rusty oranges is a warm way to update your place for fall.
Layering in different patterns will keep things from appearing too studied.
I hate sets. I've always hated sets. I think that if you have a dining room set, break it up!
When you buy things that are expensive, like a sofa or something that really feels like an investment, you need to keep it as plain as possible, as simple as possible. Make sure that it's a clean design that will work with whatever style you want it to.
In a modern loft, you can't just fill a space with furniture. Each piece has to be perfect.
I think I was the only kid on the block who knew about furniture scale by the time I was 8.
Books are the heart of any home, and I spend hours going through books for design inspiration.
I love linen in soothing colors for any room in the house.
Color is a very personal thing. You need to make sure to choose a color that makes you happy. But I don't recommend accent walls - choose a color you can live with on all four walls.
My favorite thing about decorating is mixing different periods and styles. If you have something that's old, and you really do want to mix those styles, then you have to add something that's obviously modern with it. You can't put a kind of a mediocre thing in the middle.
When you have a bunch of comfortable upholstered pieces, a single bronze or brass chair really turns the energy up.
As a kid, I think I rearranged the rooms of almost every house on the block.
I was barely in grade school when I helped my mother rearrange the living room furniture for the first time.
Everywhere in my house are these little things that have meanings and make me think of great memories.
You can change the feel of your sofa by adding a thick, cozy throw and playing a couple of classic pillows off a more Moroccan-inspired one.
You can find a lot of reasonable buys at Wal-Mart. But one key to making it on a budget is by donating your time and labor to the project. Do-it-yourself projects will always help you save.
Go outside! I mean, even leaves from a park are beautiful in a clear glass vase. I'd rather see that than fake anything any day.
I made my parents crazy. As a kid, I redecorated my bedroom every month. I would literally save my allowance and go buy things.
