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Nate Berkus has clad entire bathrooms in bold marble (tub included), built a two-story bookshelf, and reimagined the bar on a cruise ship. He’s even designed teeny-tiny furniture for hamsters. But out of all the dreamy homes he’s created, I have never forgotten about his very first New York City apartment, published by O, the Oprah Magazine in 2007. The way he decorated the space still feels so relevant today: He painted the floors, walls, and ceiling white to make the place seem bigger; constructed a desk out of industrial shelves from a Paris flea market; and hid his TV inside a closet. Every time I flip through the photos, I discover a new idea for my own Manhattan studio. —Lydia Geisel, home editor

The first time I saw Nate’s old home, I thought, How is this a studio? In photos, at least, it looks roomy; there are three different seating options in the living space, not including the desk. It also doesn’t hurt that Nate renovated, adding custom French doors between his bedroom and living room to help divide the apartment. But as the interior designer told O years ago, as long as you stay very organized (and I like to think that I do!), you can squeeze more than you’d assume into tight quarters. I’m vigorously taking notes.

Photography by William Waldron

Here are all the ideas I’m stealing to make my 500-square-foot space feel a bit grander.

01. I’d like to believe that hanging an adjustable plug-in sconce over my headboard will encourage me to read every night, or at the very least add a layer of coziness.

02. Nate’s designer husband, Jeremiah Brent, once told me that they use terms like geometric, transitional, and mixed medium/acrylic when shopping for art online. Here’s what I found when I did the same.

03. I’ve been on the hunt for a new coffee table for months, not realizing what I really need is a perforated one that allows my rug to shine through.

04. I’d gain so much space in the corner of my living room by swapping out my current desk for a wall-mounted version. At 31.5 inches wide, I could even follow Nate’s lead and fit it next to my bed.

05. Crisp white sheets—that’s how you keep a tiny bedroom “clean, calm, and collected,” Nate reveals. I just tacked on Coyuchi’s sateen duvet cover to my fall shopping list.

06. My next DIY: painting my wood dresser a high-gloss blue-black, similar to what Nate used on his closet doors to help bounce light around.

07. My current bathroom looks a whole lot like Nate’s old one: windowless and cramped. One of his clever fixes? An extra-long mirror that makes the ceiling appear taller.

08. Nate reminded me just how versatile the Bertoia side chair really is. One second, the lightweight piece can serve as extra seating for guests, and the next it can be a perch for Zoom calls.

09. Displayed on top of this Nate-inspired shelf, my glassware will be the star of my galley kitchen.

10. The only major pattern that appears in Nate’s studio is thanks to a thick striped rug, probably because it made his sleeping nook appear wider.

Clockwise from top left: Lily Rug, Ernesta, from $500, Bianca Sherpa Pillow, Ballard Designs, $95, Hurup Møbelfabrik Three-Seater Sofa, 1stDibs, $3,200, Mawa Tray, The Citizenry, from $89

Based on the above, you’d think Nate’s color palette for the apartment back in ’07 was entirely black and white. But that’s not the whole story. In true Nate fashion, he weaved in organic materials to warm things up. Here are four finds I saw him using back then and continue to see in his projects today.

A Jute Rug

Not only does this natural fiber feel nice underfoot, it’s known for its durability and ability to disguise dirt.

Chunky Sherpa Accents

The nubby fabric screams comfort, whether it’s in the form of a caramel-colored pillow (Nate’s move way back when) or a bed frame (Jeremiah’s creation for Crate & Kids).

A Vintage Leather Sofa

I hope Nate hasn’t parted with the 1960s Danish leather sofa, but if he has, maybe it’ll come back around to me one day via 1stDibs. In the meantime, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for look-alikes.

Coffee-Table Catchalls

Nate seems to have a storage solution for just about everything. One of his go-tos that I’ve noticed? Woven trays.

Nate’s first NYC abode isn’t the only designer’s home that lives in my head rent-free. Here are five others I return to time and again.

• I can’t wait to have a living room that’s big enough to re-create Paul Bates’s Birmingham space. It’s basically six sitting areas in one.

• Bryan Graybill’s pool bar makes multiple appearances in my Instagram saved folder, all thanks to the genius window.

• Upon realizing I might never have a backyard that looks exactly like Scott Shrader’s oasis, I bought his coffee-table book to live vicariously through the landscape designer’s work.

• Two years ago, I had the pleasure of stepping inside Prospect Refuge Studio founder Victoria Sass’s Minneapolis home. Her library, swathed in Nicholas Herbert’s Golden Toile des Lapins pattern, made a lasting impression.

• The butter yellow cabinets and striped tile backsplash at Flamingo Estate is a combo that will never get old.

Today’s Topic… Nate Berkus is known for sharing his strong design stances. Which one resonates most with you?

Save family photos for tabletop picture frames, not gallery walls.

Have your drapery skim the floor, never puddle.

Mixing wood tones in the same room is a good thing.

From Last Week… What makes your home feel lived-in?

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