Nate Berkus on how to create a ‘lived

Jul 04, 2023

The key to creating a 'lived-in' feel at home is all about shopping vintage – according to Nate Berkus

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NYC-based interior designer Nate Berkus has shared his top tips on how to create a ‘lived-in’ feel in the home. Taking to Instagram, the celebrated interior designer who is known for sharing resourceful tips on the social platform to help homeowners elevate their homes, shared a series of images that all have one thing in common: black leather furniture.

A post shared by Nate Berkus (@nateberkus)

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The post celebrates decorating with vintage furniture that is crafted from high-quality materials, such as original leather, to create a homely feeling that can add real depth to a space. ‘Using materials that are not “perfect” can bring a lived-in element to a new space that makes it feel more like home,’ Berkus explains in the post’s caption.

Whilst you may usually opt to purchase new, shopping vintage is a great way to, as Berkus explains, add character and ensure the home doesn’t lack in personality. It's a design choice that translates across many decor styles, from farmhouse decor ideas to mid-century modern homes, and it can also be styled successfully in newly built homes to capture this lived-in feel as Berkus explains.

Artem Kropovinsky, NYC-based interior designer and founder of Arsight, explains: ‘One of the most understated attributes of original leather is its adaptability. Whether your home is chic modern, rustic farmhouse, or somewhere in-between, vintage leather can seamlessly integrate into diverse design themes without losing its innate charisma.’

Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, has a decade of global design experience. Prioritizing minimalism, sustainability, and authenticity, Artem, alongside his team of professionals, works on projects in the US and worldwide.

Kropovinsky goes on to explain that opting for original leather offers far more than just style: it is also prized for its added comfort qualities in the home.

‘There's an ineffable sense of comfort that comes with vintage materials. The notion of 'lived-in' isn't just about aging or aesthetic appeal; it taps into the human need for spaces that feel 'real.'

‘The texture of worn-in leather, its distinct smell, even the sound it makes when you sit on a vintage leather sofa – all of these things contribute to an immersive environment that engages all your senses, not just your sense of style.’

In a bid against home decor being formed exclusively of brand-new pieces, vintage leather can aid in creating a much more relaxed environment that feels effortless in style. 'As opposed to spaces that look like they're a showroom or a page from a catalog, vintage leather pieces tell you it's okay to relax, to be yourself, and to live your life without the perpetual pressure of keeping things 'pristine,' Kropovinsky concludes.

Whether you're used to incorporating vintage pieces into your home to add personality, or you're new to experimenting with shopping second-hand, we've rounded up six tricks you need to know to shop for vintage furniture like a pro.

Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

Emily Moorman is a News Writer at Homes & Gardens, working across a range of topics spanning interiors, celebrity and emerging trends. With a background in the fashion industry, Emily is well-versed in the world of design and trend cycles. Her undergraduate degree was in Fashion Communication and Promotion which she studied at Norwich University of The Arts, specialising in writing and digital communications.

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