May 25, 2010

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

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Loving this space especially the glossy doors! He is such a sweetie and just so cute! xo

Emily A. Clark said...

Although I've seen this space before, the glossy painted doors really jumped out at me this time. Has my little wheels turning about the doors in our house :)

C. Anne said...

I remember watching this episode, I especially like the glossy navy blue as a contrast to that white. Perhaps inspired by his trip to greece where he had gone for a vacation before embarking on this project. The workspace is genius.

Unknown said...

i adore french doors!!! - i want to put them in my bedroom for my closet!!!

*Hug*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Tiina said...

lovely space! i love the hidden tv and the doors

Unknown said...

Great trip down memory lane! Still loving those high gloss, blue/black doors!

Alaina @ Live Creating Yourself said...

Definitely a goody!! What a GREAT space for a guy!

Alaina

Heather Feemster said...

Just faulous and in the photos it looks much bigger than 550 sq ft.

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

I love Nate! Can't wait for his TV show.

Design Actually said...

Everything Nate does is impeccable! I can't wait to see him today on Oprah for the farewell show.

Vær våken said...

I love everything Nate does! Thanks for sharing!

Kristin xx

ephemerette said...

Really nice - just a perfect slightly battered masculine space.

Caitlin said...

What a perfect day to post this! I had a similar one ready to go :) Great minds think alike! This is one of my favorite apartments - love the tones he used. xoxo

Unknown said...

i love all the glossy paint! the closet entertainment center is brilliant.

Averill said...

An oldie but a goodie indeed -- love the glossy inky blue doors. Makes me want to perk my own builder basic ones up!

jessica | destined to design said...

I've always loved this space. Thanks for the refresher + have a great weekend!

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