Oldie but Goodie: Nate Berkus's Manhattan Pad

We've all seen and love Nate Berkus's spectacular Chicago home, but in rediscovering pictures of his Manhattan pad, I have a new found affinity for Oprah's golden boy. He transformed a tiny 550 square foot apartment into a beautiful place to call home during business trips to The City. (To really appreciate his work, check out the before pictures and video.)

These french doors painted in high-gloss blue-black open up to the living room and are situated where a wall once was. Tearing down the wall made all the difference in the world! It opens up the space, making it feel larger, and keeps the flow of the apartment light and airy.

Nate started by painting everything white - the walls, the ceilings, the floors - the perfect choice for small spaces. In his words, he wanted the boundaries to just "disappear." From that jumping off point, the art and furniture really take center stage. I love how his interiors always have a lived in quality to them, as if nothing is new and everything has a story.

On the other side of the living room, he has a little office area. Isn't it interesting how he re-purposed the closets into entertainment centers? I love the idea of hiding unsightly things, like TV's, behind closed doors. And coincidentally enough, last week at a dinner, I was seated next to a man whose son, I learned, made this table. Small, interconnected world!

Nate in his kitchen. The cabinets were given new life with a coat of the same glossy blue-black used for all the doors in the apartment, then adorned with little brass latches. Of course, appliances were updated and the bar area was injected with style. All in all, it's a beautiful, comfy new place and I love it! If anyone can tackle a small space, it's this man!

*images via Oprah