In this article, we explore home design myths debunked by the renowned designer Nate Berkus. Interior design is often surrounded by myths that have been accepted as rules over time. Whether decorating a new space or updating an old one, these so-called rules can sometimes stifle creativity. Fortunately, Nate Berkus—renowned designer, TV personality, and author—is here to set the record straight.
Home Design Myths Debunked
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common design myths Nate debunks, allowing you to design a space that truly reflects your personality and needs.
You Can Only Use One Wood Tone in a Room
One of the most persistent myths in design is that you should stick to just one wood tone to maintain cohesion in a space. Many people worry that mixing different types of wood, such as dark oak with lighter finishes, will create visual chaos. Nate Berkus, however, completely disagrees with this notion. He encourages blending multiple wood tones to add depth, texture, and warmth to a room.
“That is a lie,” Nate states about the one-wood-tone rule.
According to him, different wood species, finishes, and vintage pieces bring energy and character to a space. Imagine combining a sleek, modern oak table with antique wooden chairs. The varied tones create a more dynamic and lived-in feel. This method also allows you to incorporate heirloom or vintage furniture without the pressure of perfectly matching new purchases to old items.
Actionable Tip: When mixing wood tones, aim for variety in texture and finish. For example, balance dark woods with lighter ones, and mix glossy finishes with matte or natural textures. This approach prevents the room from feeling too matchy or flat and instead offers a sense of layered richness.
Small Rooms Must Be Painted White to Appear Larger
It’s often suggested that small rooms should be painted white to create the illusion of more space. While it’s true that lighter colors can make a room feel more expansive, Nate Berkus argues that painting small rooms dark can make them more intimate and interesting.
“Why not try painting it dark?” Berkus suggests.
He challenges the traditional thinking that small spaces should be bright and open, encouraging homeowners to embrace the room’s inherent coziness. For instance, a small powder room with dark navy walls and a matching ceiling can feel dramatic and luxurious, rather than constrained.
By choosing to embrace the natural limitations of a small space, you can make a bold design statement. The key is to balance dark walls with adequate lighting and contrasting elements, such as light-colored furniture or accents, to keep the space from feeling closed off.
Actionable Tip: If you want to go bold in a small room, consider pairing dark wall colors with large mirrors and layered lighting. These elements can enhance the sense of depth while making the room feel cozy rather than cramped.
White Bedding is Too High Maintenance
With Nate’s insights, many home design myths debunked reveal the truth behind common misconceptions. Many people avoid white bedding because they believe it’s too difficult to maintain. However, Nate Berkus, who advocates for crisp, clean design, debunks this myth with confidence. According to him, white bedding is one of the easiest options to keep clean.
“I like to climb into bed that’s all white and know that there’s nothing on the sheets,” Nate shares.
He highlights that white linens reveal any dirt, making it easy to know when they need cleaning. Additionally, modern performance fabrics have made it much easier to keep white bedding fresh and stain-free.
White bedding also offers a classic, timeless look that can work in almost any design style, from minimalist to traditional. The clean slate allows you to change up your room’s accent colors as often as you like without needing to replace the core bedding. If you are still looking for other colors, you can explore some bedding options from Nate Home on Amazon below.
- 2-Piece Cotton Percale Duvet Cover – White
- 3-Piece Cotton Percale Sheet Set – Light Blue/Cream
- 3-Piece Cotton Chambray Sheet Set – Light Grey
- Cotton Bedding 3-Piece Deep Pocket Sheet Set – Navy Blue
- 100% Cotton 2-Piece Percale Pillowcase Set – White
Actionable Tip: To maintain white bedding with minimal effort, choose high-quality cotton or linen fabrics that are machine washable and designed to resist stains. If you’re worried about spills or stains, add a duvet cover that can be easily removed and washed.
Symmetry is the Foundation of Good Design
Symmetry has long been considered essential in interior design. While symmetrical arrangements are pleasing to the eye, Nate Berkus believes balance is equally important, and sometimes more interesting. Achieving balance doesn’t require identical objects on each side of a room, but rather a harmonious distribution of visual weight.
“Balance, which is not the same as symmetry, is also as important,” Berkus explains.
He encourages homeowners to experiment with asymmetry, such as placing a large, eye-catching piece of furniture on one side of the room, and offsetting it with a smaller piece of art on the other. The goal is to create a sense of equilibrium without relying on matching pairs.
For example, instead of placing two identical lamps on either side of a sofa, you could use one lamp and a tall houseplant on the opposite side. This approach creates a balanced yet more dynamic look.
It’s Not Worth Updating a Rental Home
Many renters believe that since they don’t own their home, it’s not worth investing time or money in decor. Nate Berkus is quick to dismiss this myth. He firmly believes that everyone deserves to live in a beautiful space, even if it’s temporary.
“Everybody deserves to live beautifully, even if you’re renting,” Berkus insists.
Small updates like temporary wallpaper, area rugs, or statement furniture can dramatically improve a rental without breaking the bank or violating the lease. Nate also recommends investing in pieces that can move with you, such as an antique chest or a well-made dining table, so you can take your style from one home to the next. Through the lens of home design myths debunked, we see that renters can, indeed, invest in their spaces without major renovations. If you want to learn more, read Nate Berkus Top 3 tips for Rental
You Can’t Have a White Sofa with Kids or Pets
For households with kids or pets, white furniture seems like a risky choice. However, Nate Berkus encourages homeowners to rethink this assumption. Thanks to advances in performance fabrics, which are both washable and durable, having a white sofa is now a realistic option for busy households.
“Living with white can be complicated with kids, but there are many fabrics that are wipeable and washable,” Berkus explains.
Performance fabrics, like stain-resistant and moisture-wicking textiles, make it possible to enjoy the crisp, clean look of white without constantly worrying about stains.
Actionable Tip: If you want a white sofa but are concerned about messes, opt for one made from performance fabric or use a slipcover that can be easily removed and washed. This way, you get the look without the stress.
Large Empty Walls Must Be Filled
A blank wall can feel like an empty canvas that needs to be filled with artwork or decor. Nate Berkus, however, encourages a more intentional approach. Sometimes, less is more.
“The negative space is as important as the positive space,” Berkus says.
Leaving walls bare can give the art or decor that is present more significance, allowing it to stand out without overwhelming the space. Instead of filling every wall, Berkus suggests using just one or two pieces of statement art. It will give the room a curated, gallery-like feel. Finally, the home design myths debunked reveal that leaving large empty walls blank can create a more intentional and impactful design.
Actionable Tip: Don’t feel pressured to fill every wall with art. Instead, select a few impactful pieces and allow them to shine. This creates a more cohesive and thoughtful design.
Final Thoughts
Nate Berkus’s approach to design is all about breaking free from outdated rules and embracing flexibility. By debunking these common myths, Nate gives homeowners and renters alike the freedom to create spaces. Spaces that are personal, functional, and beautiful. Whether it’s mixing wood tones, painting small rooms dark, or investing in rental decor, the goal is to make your home feel like an authentic reflection of who you are.
Remember, the best design choices are the ones that make you feel comfortable and at ease in your home. So, don’t be afraid to break the rules and make your space truly your own.
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