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Nate Berkus Dishes on How to Redecorate Your Space for Spring

The interior design guru gives us the scoop

By Emily Popp Mar 28, 2014 9:50 PMTags
Nate Berkus Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

Nate Berkus is on a major roll.

The renowned interior designer's spring collection for Target hit stores last month, he scored a gig staring in a Banana Republic ad campaign, and he's a host/judge/producer on NBC's new reality competition series, American Dream Builders. He's also just a really cool guy.

In Nate's new show, designers compete against each other to create the best redesigned home for families. If it sounds both dramatic and uplifting, that's cause it is. Since Nate also acts as one of the show's judges, clearly he is the ultimate person to go to for design advice. So, we did.

We caught up with Nate to find out exactly what he recommends for refreshing your digs this spring, where he goes to find the best deals and why he's not into following trends when it comes to interior design.

NBC

What are your favorite ways to redesign your space for spring?
In the spring it's all about outdoor living. Have fun overhauling your yard and take inspiration from your living room, but under the trees. Get an outdoor rug and lots of moveable pieces...stools, cord chairs, over sized pillows for seating. Mirrors help to create the illusion of a bigger space. And put a hammock up. Spring is all about casual elegance and easy entertaining. The best kind!

What's a really common mistake people make when redecorating?
The thing is, design isn't about how fast or cheaply you can do it. Take your time…the best spaces are the ones assembled over time.

Where are your favorite places to shop for affordable home goods?
Target, of course. And not just because my own collection is sold there! And I love to shop antiques markets. They are the best for one-of-a kind, vintage finds that feel special.

What are your favorite underground/lesser-known interior design stores?
I'm obsessed with ShowPlace Antiques on 25th Street in New York. It's the first place I go to when I'm looking for a gift, or for something unique for a design project.

NBC

In your opinion, what's one of the biggest new trends in interior design?
I don't believe in trends. I think they make people feel bad about what they didn't buy. Rather, it's about what you love and what makes you live more beautifully in your space. That's what you should care about.

How often do you recommend that people redecorate or "refresh" their home? How often do you?
I am a ruthless editor—in my own home and with clients. You should always be looking at what you have and asking yourself, do I love this? Design is such a fluid thing. Your home should evolve over time…don't be afraid to experiment.

What's your favorite thing about being a part of American Dream Builders?
I was host, judge and EP on the show, and I loved wearing so many different hats. The thing is, somewhere along the line, someone decided design on TV was about how quickly and cheaply things could be done. This show is a return to high design and inspiration. My hope is that through this show, people will feel empowered to live more beautifully in their own spaces.

American Dream Builders airs Sundays at 8pm ET/PT on NBC. 

(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)