Interview: Transition to Summer with Nate Berkus

Is it just me, or does the warm weather send your decorating instincts into overdrive? The long days and blue skies make me want to throw open my windows and welcome summer with a complete Top Design-style makeover. But who amongst us has the time and budget for a complete overhaul? Fortunately, I got the inside scoop from interiors uber-guru Nate Berkus on how to celebrate the sunshine without getting burned.

Regardless of season, Nate recommends subtle yet effective touches to make a tired interior feel alive again. "I love adding pops of color to the room. Put out new toss pillows. Add some sparkle with a sequined pillow or mercury candle sticks. Swap out the lampshades. They can get dingy and putting out new ones can really brighten the space."

When making the transition to warmer weather, Nate identifies some surefire ways to capture the best of summer and bring it indoors. "Candles in large hurricanes can be a great way to add a bit of the beach to an indoor space. And, head out to the backyard and bring in some wild flowers or some branches to add a bit of nature to the room. For the bedroom, swap out your heavy winter duvet with a crisp white option. For the living room, add a photo wall and intersperse some travel photos of the beach or the shore in with the pictures to add some interest."

Nate is reknowned for his striking skill with texture, so it comes as no surprise that he has some 'summer specific' materials in mind! "I love the idea of adding wicker to the space. A great grouping of baskets under a console table to be a catch-all for those winter throws. Or put out a jute rug to make the room feel summer ready. For the dining room, add a bamboo runner to give a bit of texture to the room and make it feel fresh again."

So what does Nate suggest for making interiors look up-to-date for Summer 2009? "I love blue and green right now. I did several knit pillows and piece tie pillows in these great greens and blues. Plus, I love metallic. I did a top of bed with a glazed metallic linen. It just feels fresh."

Thank you so much to Nate for sharing your thoughts and inspiration with us! Words can't express my gratitude (maybe a big virtual kiss on the cheek will have to do!). And don't forget to enter this week's giveaway to win three throw pillows from Nate's gorgeous collection!

All images courtesy of NateBerkus.com.

Comments

[PS~Erin]

Pretty much every season change gets me wanting to at the very least rearrange. I love that dining room with the fire place!

[Shell Sherree]

Nice puppy dogs! It's winter here, so I'll follow Nate's suggestions in reverse and we'll be sweet.

[A Life More Fabulous]

I always fall for a bold black and white print! I love the way Nate mixes antiques and classical designs but it never looks to stuffy or precious.

[FROM THE RIGHT BANK]

His ideas and tips are really fantastic and very do-able. I'm in love with the white bedroom with the black and white painting.

[Pretty Little World]

These rooms are all so gorgeous and chic. And I agree that these are all quite usable suggestions -- fast and pretty ways to update your home for a new season!

[blair]

Oh, Anne--how wonderful! Love his advice--especially about the lampshades!

[Jenny]

Great interview, thanks for sharing an inspiration like this!

[Julia]

He gives fabulous advice :)

[Maria Killam]

I love Nate Berkus, the intro on my website is inspired by his!

[Amy I.]

Great interview Anne, how neat!! Mmmm, wildflowers....

[Paloma {LaDolceVita}]

Oh, how I love his style! Great interview!

[georgia]

fabuloso, anne!!!

you're a lucky duck, i say. actually, that's not factual. it's not luck at all. i know you work hard to make this a rock star blog! i see how you go after things—that's such an inspiration.

keep it comin'!

{georgia peach}

[Shea]

Great interview, so approachable...makes me want to go buy metallic linen and new lamp shades.

[Chris]

Oh, I just love looking at pictures like this. They're so inspirational, and they make me want to push my style even further in my home.

[Down and Out Chic]

is that a chalk board i spy?! i'm liking all the navy too.

[christina]

Such great rooms! I love all his advice. I've actually been running around changing out all my candles and adding some new pillows, so I guess I'm right on track. :)
Great interview!

[Paula Grace]

I love the second picture down. I really like how the black and white art relate to the area rug. Then there is the pop of green on the chairs. Well done. Nate has very nice designs - great to read his interview.

[Rebecca]

All I can say is that Nate is one hunka-hunka man! And can he design! He does such beautiful and personal spaces. They never feel stuffy, overdone or contrived. I love his style and I want to be his friend (is that too much to ask?). :)

[velvet and linen]

What could be better than getting advice from the gorgeous and incredibly talented Nate Berkus?
Great interview and beautiful images, Anne.
Have a wonderful weekend!

xo
Brooke

[{this is glamorous}]

Fantastic interview -- adore dreamy + talented Nate and have always loved the idea of sequined pillows & mercury candle sticks -- a little sparkle is always the perfect addition to any room.

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

Oh, wow, what a fun post! Love Nate Berkus and his ideas for summer decorating. There is something about the warmer months that makes me want to redecorate everything.

[Betty]

I just moved into my first (owned not rented) flat two months ago and although I'm pleased with how I've started to decorate/furnish, I'm concerned it will feel a bit too light and bleak in winter. Would love some tips for how to make it really cosy and work for all seasons.