Interior design legend Nate Berkus joins Malcolm Gladwell in a live conversation covering topics such as travel, design, and their careers. They discuss the importance of sourcing and the love for vintage items, as well as the challenge of creating a home that exceeds expectations. They also share their reactions and judgments towards spaces and express frustration with repetitive TV storylines. The conversation ends with a lighthearted discussion on finding places to cure melancholy, mentioning AC Hotels as the live episode sponsor.
Traveling and experiencing new places can inspire and shape one's passion and career.
Sourcing unique and meaningful items from different cultures adds depth and character to interior spaces.
Deep dives
Nate Birkus and the Travel Bug
Nate Birkus shares the story of how he discovered his travel bug during a semester abroad in Paris. He recalls feeling fascinated by the ancient city and was inspired to explore the local markets and experience the culture through objects. This trip cemented his desire to constantly move and experience new places.
The Intersection of Design and Travel
Nate Birkus discusses his passion for design and travel, highlighting the importance of sourcing unique and meaningful items from different cultures. He believes that discovering local crafts and exploring authentic experiences in each destination adds depth and character to interior spaces.
Creating Spaces that Delight
Nate Birkus explains how he approaches his work as an interior designer, aiming to assemble spaces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' preferences and designing spaces that exceed their expectations, creating environments that ignite joy and inspire a sense of home.
Confidence in Personal Aesthetic
Nate Birkus reflects on his design philosophy, which encourages people to trust their own taste rather than following trends. He believes in creating spaces that reflect personal style and preferences, rejecting the pressure to conform to popular opinions. He speaks out against the confidence of those with bad taste, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal expression in design.
Malcolm Gladwell sits with interior design legend Nate Berkus in a live conversation covering everything from travel, to their moms, prestige TV, and finding the places that can cure us of melancholy. This episode was recorded at the AC Hotel New York Times Square, and is brought to you by AC Hotels.