Nate Berkus Shares the Unexpected Item That Adds “Fun” Into Any Space

Olivia Harvey
Olivia Harvey
Olivia Harvey is a freelance writer and award-winning scriptwriter from outside Boston, Massachusetts. She’s a big fan of scented candles, getting dressed up, and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. You can make sure she’s doing okay via…read more
published Jun 16, 2025
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Nate Berkus on colorful background
Credit: Photo: Getty Images; Design: Apartment Therapy

If you’re usually the type of person to play it safe when it comes to interior design, you might feel as though your space is missing something. Texture, color, and pattern are essential elements to include in a space to make it feel layered and cozy, and designer Nate Berkus says that there’s one piece of furniture that can help you dip your toes into the world of “fun” without making a huge commitment. 

“An accent chair,” Berkus captioned a recent Instagram post. “A way to have fun with form, material, and sometimes pattern.”

Nate Berkus Says an Accent Chair Is an Easy Way to Add “Fun” to a Room

The images Berkus shared on Instagram all include a good-looking armchair that adds richness to the space. Each one features luxurious upholstery with an interesting texture or pattern that draws the eye in without overwhelming the rest of the design.

A chair that would fit right into this lineup from Berkus is the Remmy Swivel Chair from Pottery Barn, which is currently on sale starting at under $800. It’s not only a rich, chocolate brown that instantly adds depth, but it’s upholstered in a soft, velvety fabric that catches and reflects the light.

But don’t be afraid to go louder, too! Experiment with shape, color, and texture by selecting a piece like the George Oliver Kyajah chair from Wayfair. It comes in a handful of bold and colorful velvet upholstery and features a mid-century modern shape with wood accents. It definitely draws attention, but it will remain cohesive in a space with other contemporary and mid-century modern elements.

Or stick to a classic form, but play with a pattern. The stripes on this Dovecove accent chair from Wayfair give it a Nancy Meyers vibe, keeping it fresh and interesting when a basic solid color could lean less visually intriguing.

If you’re looking to make a statement in a room that may be lacking interest, take Berkus’s advice and opt for a fun accent chair. It could be the exclamation point you’ve been searching for.

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