The Unexpected Place Nate Berkus Wants You To Keep Your Most Treasured Items

Nate Berkus has often spoken about creating a bedroom that helps you start every day on the right foot, so it's not exactly surprising that he's all for keeping the things you love most in the same space. From stunning fixtures that make you smile, to super sentimental finds, the HGTV star believes all of it contributes to setting the right tone for each new day.

In the past, Berkus has made a point of sharing that keeping the bedroom tidy was a vital first step to a more soothing space, so it only made sense that in a 2023 interview with Homes & Gardens, he doubled down on that. Speaking to the outlet, he pointed out, "Looking at an exercise bike with your dry cleaning hanging on it, it just reminds you that you didn't exercise and you need to put your dry cleaning away." Of course, keeping clutter in the bedroom to a minimum is a great first step to combatting that. However, Berkus also took things a step further.

The designer doesn't just stop at keeping too many things out of the bedroom — he's also an advocate for bringing the things you love most, in. "In bedroom design, what you open your eyes and see first thing in the morning should be something that really is really beautiful," he explained. Sure, it's tempting to put your most treasured items on display for guests, but Berkus wants you to think differently.

Speaking to Homes & Gardens, Nate Berkus emphasized that every single item placed in the bedroom should be there intentionally. "I think we're affected deeply, either positively or negatively, when we first open our eyes," he mused. In contrast with his exercise bike example, he continued, "Waking up and looking at a beautiful chest with a beautiful mirror and a wonderful vintage lamp and 3D pottery vases that you found on the weekend, is a different moment."

Of course, not everyone loves vintage lamps or pottery, but the same logic can be applied in any scenario. Simply remove anything that doesn't make you smile, and prioritize the things that you do. That could mean photographs of loved ones, calming artworks, or even the houseplants you adore. The key is to curate a space that you love. 

Another thing Berkus advises when decorating a bedroom is to bring in natural elements. Speaking to In Kansas City, Berkus noted that relaxation and nature were part and parcel, so he always tried to bring natural textures into the space. That said, he also said that that doesn't have to mean straying from your preferred aesthetic if you're not into things like rattan and wood. Far from it, the designer pointed out that even stone touches, iron items, or cotton bedding help bring that sense of calm. It's all about tailoring natural materials to your preferences. 

Of course, bringing your most cherished items into your bedroom is easier to do when you have a ton of space. Smaller spaces, not quite as much. However, Nate Berkus has advice for those working with small bedrooms, too. 

In a different interview with Homes & Gardens, Berkus acknowledged that when it came to smaller rooms, chests, pottery and houseplants weren't really an option. "What you're limited to is your bed, your bedding, your bedside tables, and your lighting," he explained. As such, he continued, "You need to take your time with those four decisions." Berkus suggested looking around for beautiful lamps and bedside tables in less obvious places (he suggested Etsy, but a browse at flea markets or antique stores is also always a good bet), and going for the most luxurious bedding in your price range. 

Once again, though, Berkus pointed out that a smaller room made it even more vital to remove anything that wasn't contributing to greater relaxation, or bringing a smile to your face, first thing in the morning. "Anything that isn't beautiful or practical has to leave. This is the most important thing in a small bedroom," he said. It might not be possible to bring a ton of your treasured items into a smaller bedroom, but the rules of curation still apply.