Nate Berkus Reveals How You Can Transform Your Space for Summer

Summer can be a great time to refresh your home and the possibilities are endless. Celebrity designer Nate Berkus says that the key is to have a clear picture of the way you want to live. "I've watched homeowners try to pretend to be something they're not, and a good designer is looking for those cues. You have to really pay attention to the way a person wants to aspire to live. Homes are a reflection of what is going on in a homeowner's life."

Berkus co-hosts TLC show "Nate & Jeremiah by Design," which allows him to help homeowners transform their spaces to match their goals. "What's been most rewarding about the show is that I've watched as people walk into their space after it's been redone and seen the transformation in their face and body language in their reaction. I've gotten to watch people be able to move forward in life in a really positive way," Berkus says.

Berkus, who is also a spokesperson for Nicorette, has personal experience in making changes to his home that mirror his aspirations. Nate had been an on-and-off smoker since high school and had tried to quit many times, but it wasn't until he changed his environment that he was able to quit for good. "The importance of our homes and environments when quitting any bad habit cannot be understated. Our homes determine what habits and behaviors we keep. We do better when we love how we live," says Berkus.

A great start to any home refresh is a deep clean of your space.

"Send out everything to be cleaned, and clean of all the surfaces in your home. Only put back the items that make you happy," Berkus says.

A pop of color can completely change a space and your attitude.

"Maybe your paint is looking a little tired," Berkus says. "I love a fresh coat of paint."

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Surrounding ourselves with inspirational images can be a great way to encourage breaking bad habits in your home. Plus, they look amazing!

"Inspirational black-and-white photos are a great touch," Berkus says.

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Creating a space in your home that is personal and allows you to reflect is important when transforming your habits and lifestyle.

"Use a comfortable chair by a window or a writing desk to create a space just for you. Make a space that used to cater to bad habits into a positive ceremonial area," says Berkus.

You don't have to limit yourself to home-goods stores when picking out new pieces for your space. Summer is great for spending time outdoors, so try swinging by local estate sales for some unique finds.

"You can find great things at an antique store or estate sales. Try a unique piece of pottery or picture frame. Any horizontal surface is a chance to do something beautiful," says Berkus.

As the weather warms up, put those heavy winter fabrics into storage and try something lighter.

"Switch out heavier pillows and throws, and replace them with something like ticking stripe or seersucker pillows, and a cotton or linen throw," Berkus says.

You don't have to break the bank to refresh your home. Switching around furniture doesn't cost a thing and can make a huge change in how your home feels.

"Rearrange your furniture. Trying pieces in new places is a way to break habits and the way we live, and that can be really exciting," Berkus says.

Make the most of your budget by using a single statement piece to change up a room.

"You can find flat-woven or wool rugs for pretty cheap, and if you do something bright or with a pattern, it's going to change a whole room instantly," says Berkus.

"Change your bedding. Your bed is the biggest piece of furniture in your bedroom, so changing that makes a lot of impact for not a lot of money," says Berkus.

Can't find something quite right in stores? No problem!

"Take some fabric to a seamstress and have some new curtains made to fit your space," says Berkus.