One design rule that famed interior designer Nate Berkus always follows in all of his design projects, and in his own home, is decorating with vintage lighting.
Not only can decorating with vintage bring beautiful character to a space, helping a room feel more unique and eclectic, it can create a wonderfully timeless feel that never dates.
In a recent post shared to his Instagram, Nate Berkus shares why he always incorporates vintage lighting into his interior designs, and why this style of lighting ideas will always stand the test of time.
Since Nate’s first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2002, he has become one of the world’s most recognizable interior designers. He has authored two New York Times bestselling books and stars alongside his husband, Jeremiah Brent, in HGTV's Nate & Jeremiah Home Project.
In the stairwell in his NYC home, a sculptural, asymmetrical vintage wall sconce makes a beautiful statement for the staircase lighting ideas, uplifting the transitional space with a unique design detail that acts as both a practical light source and an eye-catching artwork.
As Nate says, 'using vintage lighting is an opportunity for you to really show a lot of personality. If you really scour auction sites, and even local antiques malls, you'll find something really amazing that not everybody has.'
If there ever was one enduring interior design trend that interior designers always swear by, it's styling a space with an eclectic mix of the old and the new.
Interior designer, Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO, Blythe Interiors says, 'Unapologetically mixing pieces from vastly different eras and styles will always be on trend. Yes, that Victorian-style table lamp does have a place in your ultra-modern home, and in fact, that type of style mixing is exactly what we’re going to see more of in 2024.'
Opting for vintage lighting, like Nate, is an easy way to add antique charm to a space. A home will always need lighting, and these antique designs can be as bold or as subtle as you like, and can elegantly celebrate design styles of the past whilst beautifully illuminating a room.
Jennifer Verruto is Founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors. Blythe Interiors has a team in Spokane, WA, and a San Diego Design studio/showroom, as well as an online shop.
When using vintage items and decorating with antiques, in both classic and contemporary homes, always shop for designs that really speak to and complement your personality.
Don't just buy any old vintage lamp, spend time exploring different styles and eras of lighting designs to find a piece that you're really drawn to and that you will never grow tired of – your chosen design can then become a beautiful investment piece that seamlessly grows with changing styles and spaces over time.
Shop the Nate Berkus Lighting Collection at 1stDibs
FAQs
What is Nate Berkus' interior design style?
Nate is regarded as one of the most inspirational, contemporary American interior designers, and his design philosophy is rooted in 'authenticity, approachability, and storytelling.'
Favoring more classic, neutral color palettes and a luxurious use of natural materials, from warming wood, leather and marble, his chic designs always champion an elegant mix of the old and new, and embody a feel of timeless luxury – but they are always wonderfully homey, too.
For further insight into his style, in our dedicated feature, Nate shares with us the one ‘endless source of inspiration' for his design projects.
If you're thinking of decorating with vintage lighting in your home but have never shopped at an antique auction before, Nate shares the things you should always do before bidding on an antique auction.
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