Designer Nate Berkus!
Yes, it really happened. I spent an evening this week with interior design star Nate Berkus. I know—it sounds surreal. We painted furniture side by side in a Soho loft, shared laughs, and enjoyed the kind of informal, creative energy you only get at events like this. I was thrilled to be included and still pinch myself when I think about it.
I was invited by Lowe’s and Valspar Paint to fly to New York, stay in Tribeca, and spend an evening experimenting with paint alongside Nate in Soho. It was a generous invitation and an experience I won’t forget.
Centsational Girl & The Inspired Room
One of the highlights was that fellow blogger Kate from Centsational Girl was also there—one of only 30 bloggers invited. It’s always a treat to connect with blogging friends in person. We met in the hotel lobby and walked together in our heels to an unmarked loft overlooking Soho. The day was beautiful and the mood was excited and energetic.
Before long we were sitting on the floor in our white dresses next to Nate, competing in a quick paint challenge. We were focused on the task—determined to win—so much that we barely noticed Nate sitting right beside us. I considered borrowing his paintbrush for a second, but mostly I stayed in competition mode. The thirty-minute time limit made things a little stressful, but it was a fun, creative scramble.
Our table became a whirlwind of brushes, tape, and paint. Full disclosure: Kate handled most of the design, taping the chevron pattern, and the bulk of the painting. I helped by holding the paint can, fetching brushes, snapping photos, and trying to keep my dress clean. I’ll admit I’m not a fan of painting, so having Kate on my team was a blessing.
Nate chimed in with helpful tips—like painting hinges and knobs—and even teased Kate to listen to me next time. He awarded us the creativity prize, and we walked away with two $250 Lowe’s gift cards. After Nate’s feedback, Kate promptly painted the hardware, which made the finished piece look even better.
During his presentation, Nate spoke about his favorite neutral paint choices. He favors gray walls, crisp white trim, and black doors, paired with pops of color for contrast. That palette feels classic and flexible—exactly the kind of combination many people love for living and dining areas.
At the event we tested Valspar Signature Colors paint, the same line I used on a blue table last summer. The finish and coverage were impressive—one coat covered dark stripes effortlessly—so it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among DIY and design bloggers.
We also learned about Lowe’s Allen & Roth home décor line and enjoyed great conversation over margaritas and Mexican food after the event. Kate and I talked about how much we appreciate our readers—seriously, not just because of the margaritas. We genuinely love the creative community that follows our blogs.
To share the excitement, we decided to give away the Lowe’s gift cards we won. One $250 Lowe’s gift card was offered on The Inspired Room and another on Centsational Girl. The giveaway included simple steps to enter and additional ways to increase the chances to win.
The contest has since ended. Thank you to everyone who entered and to Lowe’s and Valspar for making this memorable evening possible.