POPSUGAR UK

Queer Eye's Bobby Berk Shares 6 Design Tips That Will Help Transform Your Space

10/04/2020 - 06:10 PM

QUEER EYE

When it comes to interior design, is there anyone we trust more than Bobby Berk? Hm, probably not, to be honest. As one member of Queer Eye [1]'s Fab Five, Bobby handles all things interior design on the show. From thoughtful design techniques to helping people incorporate their passions into their decor pieces, his ability to transform spaces [2] — especially small spaces — is truly unmatched. And since so many of us are spending lots of extra time in our own spaces right now, chances are you might be thinking about how to change things up a bit or improve upon what you already have.

POPSUGAR recently spoke to Bobby to get his expertise on making the most of your space, and his advise already has us excited to give things a refresh. Keep reading to see his tips, and get excited for Queer Eye's upcoming seasons on Netflix [3]!

POPSUGAR: What is your biggest tip for making the most of a small space?
Bobby Berk: Going vertical. The more you can take things off the floor and on to the walls, the more your room will open up. In a small space, try to keep the floorplan as open as possible by installing floor to ceiling bookshelves with bins and baskets for storage as well as hooks to hang anything you need to keep handy. I also love to go big with wall art and play with the scale in the room. The combo of wall art and wall storage will keep your space feeling large, while still feeling inviting.

PS: What are some of the major don'ts when decorating a small space/some of the biggest mistakes people make?
BB: Hanging the curtains right on the window frame. More often than not, people will hang their curtain rods right above the window frame which will block most of the light coming in your window and make the room smaller. Instead, take them up almost all the way to the ceiling and hang them 10 to 12 inches wider than the window. That way it visually makes your window look larger and doesn't block any light.

PS: Does colour matter when decorating a small space?
BB: Absolutely! A lot of people think that painting a small room white can make it bigger, but sometimes going dark can actually make the room more dramatic and visually blur the lines between walls making it feel larger. Just be sure to add some pops of warmth around the room so that it doesn't feel too cold or stark. I love bringing in brass and leathers to mix with the darker paint tones on the wall.

PS: Any specific tips for making a home office space even if you don't have a separate room?
BB: Clear out the clutter. Workspaces work best when they are uncluttered and give you and your mind some space to focus. Try to carve out an area that is dedicated to work and then include everything that you need within arm's reach. If you are the visual type and love having some inspiration around you, think about adding a little corkboard above your desk area that you can pin inspiration to.

PS: Any favourite decor pieces you're loving right now that don't break the bank?
BB: Plants! I always try to bring in greenery and plants into any space, no matter how big or small. Not only do they bring some life into a room, but they can also help with the air quality. Go with something simple and sculptural for the plant and place it in a modern planter to give it a custom look. If you aren't the type with a green thumb, there are some great faux options [4] that are affordable.

PS: Tips for remodelling/overhauling a space on a budget?
BB: Paint is always a good option when you are looking to totally give a space an overhaul and still keep it affordable. I love to use temporary wallpaper to take it to the next level. Bringing some pattern onto your walls can completely change the look and feel of the room. With just a few rolls you can create an accent wall. My line with Tempaper [5] is a great place to start if you are looking for some graphic patterns for your walls.

For more of Bobby's design tips and tricks check out his lifestyle site over at BobbyBerk.com [6]!


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/home/bobby-berk-interior-design-tips-47384054