As the resident design expert on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” Bobby Berk helps the decor-challenged add a little style to their spaces. To do that, Berk stays trained on the latest trends influencing the home.
The interior designer recently released his first book, “Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind,” which serves as a guide for creating spaces that not only look great, but also make their inhabitants feel happy and comfortable. And at the recent High Point Market — the semiannual home furnishings trade show held in High Point, N.C. — Berk launched his second collection of wall art for Leftbank Art, which includes eight pieces in an earthy palette designed to bring a calming, natural vibe to interiors.
WWD caught up with Berk to talk about the collection and the importance of art in completing a room, as well as getting his take on some of the biggest trends shaping home design now and in the coming year.
WWD: What inspired your new collection for Leftbank Art?
Bobby Berk: I’ve been spending a lot of time at my home in Palm Desert, California, and this collection was inspired by that landscape. The geometric and organic shapes, the fields of color, and the interplay of linear and circular elements are a reflection of when nature meets form and structure.
WWD: How do you see these pieces living in homes?
B.B.: All the pieces have a more muted color scheme and can work together, but also work separately in all sorts of different rooms. I really see them in any number of interior styles as a way to elevate and add visual interest.
WWD: Why is art such an important component to home design?
B.B.: Art adds so much personality and life to a home. It’s a way to express emotion, make you think or create a real sense of calm. It also provides that extra layer of visual appeal that really ties a room, and a home, together.
WWD: What are the three biggest trends you see influencing home design right now?
B.B.: There is definitely a big push toward a return to nature and organic materials as of late. Warm wood, natural fibers like jute and rattan, and patterned stone are all quite prevalent. I also see the trend of the handmade really popping up everywhere. Objects with a unique appearance, that are one-of-a-kind and handcrafted, as well as vintage furniture that has patina and character. And lastly, I’m seeing a return to all shades of neutral and rooms that are entirely monochromatic.
WWD: What do you think is driving these trends?
B.B.: In a world that is increasingly digital, fast-paced and impersonal, we crave connection — and that includes in our homes. Looking to the most primitive aspects of life — nature and using our hands to create — offers a much-needed way to feel that connection and brings us in touch with something real and deeper.
WWD: Moving into 2024, how do you see home design evolving?
B.B.: I think we can expect to see an evolution in how we utilize space and technology within our homes. Rooms that are multifunctional and clever ways to take advantage of space will be in demand. Sustainability will also continue to be a top priority, with the design of homes utilizing new smart products, renewable resources and repurposed and recycled materials.