#NateDay
June 14, 2010 at 12:57 AM Well, I'm a joiner. Today -- in just the nic of time -- I decided to join the massive #Nateday (will hashtags start to creep out of Twitter and into other writing forums?) mob blogging event spearheaded by the Moggit Girls. It's not much of a challenge to sing the praises of someone so talented and famous and pretty as Nate Berkus. The challenge is in knowing so many people -- I think 77 at last count -- will be doing the exact same thing at the same time. Oh the pressure to be good and to be original -- I can barely stand it! I'm far too tired to be super super clever. This weekend has been work work work, prepping for a shoot on Tues. Body aches and stress level is up. So here's what I'm thinking -- a list: 10 Things I Have in Common with Nate Berkus.
1. We agree on the perfect formula for getting a home you love.
It seems every designer has a book. But not all books are created equal. Nate's book is wonderful. It's not an ego-parade of beautiful rooms -- though there are plenty -- it's a guidebook and the friendly instructive text offers an excellent formula for getting rooms you love. I agree with every word and often recommend the book to those who need guidance and inspiration.
2. We both love a little bit of history.
I just adore the fact that he left the historic metal kitchen cabinets in his Chicago place intact and didn't feel the need to rip them out in favour of something shiny and new and showy. Nate and I both think sometimes old is good. And we also both love green, an interesting kitchen island and industrial chic.
3. We believe that a creamy room is a lovely thing.
I've been carrying this photo around for months as inspiration for my current project in Tweed. Love the creaminess. Love the centre table. Love the daybed. Love the giant seagrass carpet. Die for the ceiling height.
4. The character and heft of a limestone mantel cannot be denied.
I've been searching high and low for a mantel like this for the aforementioned Tweed project...want.
5. We like the cozy and chic idea of a daring dark den.
I'm planning to paint one room -- our small den (I like to call it the Snug) -- in a glossy dark colour. I was searching fan decks to find the right colour when the issue of ELLE Decor landed with this room on the cover. It's Farrow & Ball's Off Black. Hmmm, love it but still think I'll go for a deep blue instead. And just like Nate I'll hang plenty of pictures in the room to temper the darkness.
6. We both own a lovely leather Liberty animal footstool.
That little fella in the corner is from Liberty of London. The company is kind of famous for them. You can get pigs, hippos and many more animals. Hubs and I have had a vintage bulldog version since way before we had our live bulldog! He found it for less than $100 at an antique sale. They sell for $800!
7. We believe that a simple striped carpet is almost always right.
Want. PS. also love the sawhorse-style desk base.
8. We believe in the importance of a layered vignette.
A manifestation of his lessons from Home Rules, Nate is a mix-master with so many eras, points of origin, styles and price points mingling to create a very personal story.
9. He's a dog-lover...
Me too.
10. Kirsten Hollister.
Remember this issue of O At Home? Well, that's Kirsten Hollister. Through the miracle of the interwebs Kirsten found my blog here and e-mailed me to ask a question about a wallpaper. So, when I found her web site I clicked on the press section and flipped out when I saw this article. When the issue came out I was loving her place. I even tried to find the exact IKEA bench she was using for a banquette -- but sadly it had been discontinued. Anyhoo, how cool that she won this contest and how cool that she got in touch with me. We've been in touch a bit off and on. Kirsten recently got a dream job at Target (ok, when I read that back it makes me think of the Target lady on SNL -- it's not like that, I assure you). Congratulations Kirsten!
sources: 2, 4-9: ELLE Decor
Reader Comments (7)
great post...and very original. Love how your theme of "what you have in common" with Nate.
A whole post on Nate Berkus how endearing... would have never guessed! But I am trying so hard to decorate my house this really was refreshing of a post.
Margot - such a great post - and my sentiments exactly! That's what I like about Nate and am learning about you - not showy, sort of understated, cool and refreshing.
Thanks for the great post Margot.
I didn't know that Nate Berkus was was responsible for all of those beautiful room. Love so many of them.
mb from Dallas
By the way Margot, you can take a photo of your favorite limestone fireplace and have it made by a local company.
I had a limestone fireplace made at a stone mason shop. It came out great and the it was exactly what we designed. More affordable than buying one already made. It was easy. Just look on line for someone who does that in your area.
mb from Dallas
I love your unique take on our NateDay! I completely agree you almost can never go wrong with a stripped rug!
Thanks so much for joining in on our special blogging day, it was great fun to meet new people like yourself!
Hello Margot, what a marvellous list and perfect photos. Very clever list indeed and all great points. By the way, I love Nate and have always loved you too, so that is my number 11 of things you two have in common...haha!
Love your blog. I am linking to you. I am in Calgary and have been blogging abour decor for eons but haven't marketed myself around the Canadian blogs too well. When I started blogging 4 years ago, it was all Americans and Swedes and Australians on here...now there are finally some awesome Canadian blogs. So nice to find you. Love your work...
xo Terri