Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Interior designer Nate Berkus gives Yahoo the exclusive scoop on his new show. Plus the top 5 things he can't live without

Oprah Winfrey announced today that her protege Nate Berkus is getting his own show. With the backing of several major NBC owned-and-operated stations, the show is cleared to air in six of the largest markets including New York, where the local WNBC station has made room for Nate in Martha Stewart's former time slot. The show is tentatively called "The Nate Berkus Show." In an exclusive interview with Make Home a Haven, Nate told me all about his new daytime series. In Nate's own words, "It's going to be a daily multi-topic talk show. I'm going to have guests, all my great friends and people I haven't met yet, and really let the audience drive. We'll have instant feedback with social media, Twitter, Facebook, everything like that. I'm gonna find out what people really want to know about, whether its design, whether its a celebrity, whether its an idea of how they can help in a certain situation, a current event, and that's what we're going to craft the show on." Check out our interview (and read below) for Nate's totally stylish, easy-to-pull-off tips—and what’s on his home decor radar right now.

1. Pop Colors
First on Berkus’ list of must-haves were pop colors. For those of us who might not be ready for huge doses of color, Berkus says it’s ok to try smaller pieces like accent pillows or throws to drape on the back of a sofa, since a little goes a long way.

2. Bring Nature Inside
After being cooped up all winter, Berkus says he really craves nature in his home. Whether it’s a new houseplant, a rug made of natural fibers like seagrass or jute, or a nubby textured linen pillow, he suggests incorporating organic elements into your space to bring the feeling of the outdoors into your home.

3. Gold and Aged Brass
Gold and aged brass are also hot this year, and as the designer points out, these kinds of finishes weather well in your home (unlike polished chrome or lacquer, which shows wear-and-tear much easier). Adding a lamp base, candlesticks, or a grouping of vases or bowls in a warm metallic shade make any room feel so much more sophisticated, and as a bonus, the stuff is really easy to find at antique stores and just about everywhere else too.

4. Recycle - Nate Berkus Style
It might also be possible to re-fab your house without buying a thing. Berkus reminds us not to overlook the stuff we might already have lying around. That totally blah, ten year-old desk you threw in the attic? Revive it with a coat of high-gloss grey paint for a fresh, modern look. And remember that just because you might be sick of a piece of furniture, doesn’t mean your friends are, so you might even be able to swap your armoire for a buddy’s table.

5. Shop Online
Last, Berkus tells us he’s hooked on online shopping. If you see something you like in a book or a magazine, it’s always great to do some internet research to find more even more similar pieces you love. “There’s nothing better than finding the find of the century while you’re in your underwear with coffee,” he says. We couldn’t agree more! If you want to spend some time with Nate online, check out his collection at HSN. Or, become a fan of Nate on Facebook.

Thanks for watching the Make Home A Haven! We'll be back next week from our Manhattan studio with a brand new episode.

courtesy of shine from yahoo!

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