Designer Nate Berkus reveals the secret to filling your home with 'one-of-a-kind' pieces

The HGTV star knows exactly how to source unique pieces that demand attention in your home – this is his top shopping tip

Nate Berkus
(Image credit: Nate Berkus for 1stDibs)
Megan Slack
By Megan Slack
published

When sourcing a unique focal point for your home, you could do far worse than following in the footsteps of Nate Berkus. 

The Nate and Jeremiah by Design star has partnered with antique powerhouse 1stDibs to reveal a collection of 'handpicked' pieces that will struggle to go out of style. And in celebration of this collaboration of the year, Nate has revealed this top sourcing secret. 

Sharing his interior design ideas in the wake of his curation, Nate revealed the source of his style – and you can follow suit. This is what you need to know. 

How to fill your home with unique pieces – Nate Berkus way 

Nate Berkus

(Image credit: Nate Berkus for 1stDibs)

'I use auctions to shop for gifts, to shop for clients, to furnish our own homes. It is just my favorite way to find unique, one-of-a-kind things,' Nate reveals in the discussion of his home decor ideas. 

But where did the designer first find his inspiration? According to Nate, his adoration for antique goods came from his experience at an auction house when he was first breaking into the industry. 

'People may not know this, but I started out working for Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago, where I was constantly surrounded by the most beautiful things and learned so much,' Nate shares.

Little Greene ceiling

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Stemming from his roots in the Illinois antique house, Nate revealed that he now spends the majority of his time scouting the online market for statement pieces. 

'I get alerts and notices every time a designer pops up, every time a watchmaker pops up, every time a furniture maker pops up,' he says. 

However, before investing in an online auction, Nate urges you to do your background research to ensure you're getting the piece your home deserves – at a price that's right for you. 

Abigail Ahern controversial paint tip, green painted walls and accessories

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

'Make sure you know the correct spelling of the creator that you're interested in so you can search accurately for things that may be coming up at auction,' he says. 'When you see something that you really love, do a little bit of research to gain some knowledge about pricing.'

Nate's curation with 1st Dibs is live now. Happy sourcing, one and all. 

Megan Slack
Megan Slack

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team.


Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US whilst studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site.


Megan currently lives in London, where she relocated from her hometown in Yorkshire. In her home, she experiments with interior design trends and draws inspiration from the home decor ideas she observes in her everyday work life. Her favorite pieces include her antique typewriter and her expansive collection of houseplants. When she isn’t writing, she is browsing London’s coffee shops and bookstores to add to her ever-growing library, taking over the open shelving in her apartment. 

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