Nate Berkus Says To Stop Spending So Much Money on These Common Kitchen Appliances

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 23, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Headshot of nate berkus
Credit: Photo: Getty Images; Design: Apartment Therapy

Although interior designer Nate Berkus has designed all sorts of rooms, one could argue dream kitchens are his bread and butter. His ability to mix and match textures, colors, and old and new decor pieces really shines in his kitchen makeovers. And now he wants to help you embark on your own remodel by sharing a few key pieces of wisdom before you break ground.

“I’ve designed a lot of kitchens … Here are YOUR kitchen questions answered,” Berkus captioned a recent Instagram post. His advice on where to splurge and where to save might surprise you.

“You can save by shopping for deals on quality appliances,” Berkus wrote, adding, “Look online for the best price possible.” And after saving some money on your appliances, you can reinvest it into your countertops.

“Stone countertops are worth the splurge,” Berkus shared. And you probably saw that one coming based on his love of interesting marble in both kitchens and bathrooms.

And while you’re investing in a stone countertop, Berkus suggests paying extra close attention to your backsplash as well. If you don’t want to continue the stone up the wall with a seamless backsplash, you can instead opt for hand-glazed tiles, which is a “design element that can’t be missed,” according to the designer.

Berkus even suggests just tiling the range hood to turn the feature into a centerpiece rather than something you’re trying to disguise.

Another kitchen tip Berkus shares is a way to maximize your space, even if you’re dealing with a tight floor plan. “Bring the cabinetry up to the ceiling, if you can, to maximize your storage,” he suggests, adding that using a vintage armoire as a pantry is a cool way to store away your items without skimping on style.

Nate Berkus knows best! So if you’re planning a kitchen renovation, his tips on where to save and splurge might prove helpful. 

More to Love from Apartment Therapy