The Simple Pattern Nate Berkus Swears By For Design Beginners

Design is a vast field with many patterns, techniques, and concepts to explore. Using patterns in home décor, for one, can add a touch of visual interest and liveliness to your space, but it isn't always easy to work with if you're new to designing. That's why Nate Berkus believes it's so common for beginners to decorate with stripes, saying, "They're very easy to incorporate in your space. It's kind of like baby steps into embracing pattern" (via TikTok).

Stripes are considered a good design pattern for beginners due to their simplicity, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. They have a timeless quality that can add a sense of order, structure, and rhythm to a space without being overwhelming. They can also be adapted to various design contexts, making them suitable for use in many ways.

Because there are so many scale and color options when it comes to stripes, they can always match a desired aesthetic. Stripes also teach a lot about design. They allow beginners to experiment with color combinations, contrast, alignment and proportion, and other aspects of balancing elements.

Stripes are highly versatile and can be applied anywhere — it all depends on how you use them. Some simple ways to incorporate stripes into home décor are accents and textiles. Introduce striped patterns through bedding, throw pillows, curtains, rugs, towels, or table linens to easily add something interesting to a room. For something more substantial, choose striped upholstery for furniture, striped wallpaper, or a striped accent wall to have a focal point in a space.

With regard to beginner designers often incorporating stripes into their design ideas, Nate Berkus shared on TikTok that he understands. "I know you can't go full floral or paisley," he said while pointing to a striped pillow. "This [stripes] is still considered a pattern." By deciding between vertical or horizontal stripes in monochrome or vibrant colors, new designers learn about elements of design, from where they can prepare to move on to the more complex ones.

Stripes are generally clean and orderly, which helps beginners avoid the pitfalls of overcomplicating their space with too many elements. More specifically, subtle and neutral stripes can blend seamlessly into various design styles, while bolder stripes can make a statement in more eclectic or contemporary settings.