Bobby Berk, the Emmy-nominated host of Queer Eye and renowned interior designer, has ventured into the world of writing with the release of his first book, “Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind.” This 304-page book serves as a guide for readers to create a space that promotes mental wellness and suits their lifestyle, without succumbing to the pressure of designing for social media.
Berk’s inspiration for the book came from his desire to help people find happiness not only in their design choices but also in other aspects of their lives. The book covers various topics such as sleep, grief, children, and cooking, aiming to encompass every inch of one’s home. Berk’s personal experience with grief led him to realize the emotional impact that design can have. After losing his father, Berk brought a copy of his book home for his mother to see, not realizing that the section on dealing with grief would resonate with her. Seeing how his book could emotionally help people in such a personal way brought him immense joy.
This venture into the world of writing is not Berk’s only accomplishment. At the age of 42, he has already established his own line of furniture, wallpaper, and decor, along with collaborations with A.R.T. Furniture and QVC. His expertise and experience have led him to share his knowledge in his book, which is now available for purchase from various booksellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target.
Right at Home goes beyond the typical design book format, offering more than just pretty living room pictures. Berk purposefully avoided a book that would make readers feel bad about their own spaces. Instead, he wanted to create a self-help design book that focuses on mental wellness. He believes that design should not be solely about impressing others or creating picture-perfect spaces; it should be about creating a home that brings joy and comfort to the individual living in it.
Berk acknowledges the influence that social media and home makeover shows have on homeowners, often leading to a fear of taking design risks and a tendency to design for the approval of others. His advice is simple: do not design for others. Filling your home with things that cater to others’ tastes does not recharge your emotional batteries. Your home should be a place where you can recharge and feel truly comfortable. Berk encourages readers to design for themselves and not worry about impressing friends or family.
That being said, Berk offers some practical advice for those who view their homes as temporary investments rather than forever homes. He suggests making design decisions that not only make you happy but also increase the resale value of your property. However, for those living in their forever homes, he encourages them to go all out and make their homes a true reflection of their personal tastes and desires.
One of the focal points of the book is the connection between mental health and organization. Berk believes that an organized space can greatly impact one’s mental well-being. He advises readers to stay away from plastic when it comes to organizing their homes and instead suggests the use of wood containers and boxes. He also recommends biodegradable cardboard boxes as a more sustainable option.
In terms of design trends, Berk observes a shift from the cold, neutral aesthetic of the past few years to a warmer and moodier style. Designers like Jake Arnold and Colin King are leading the way with their collections that incorporate darker and cozier elements. Berk appreciates this change and commends these designers for pushing the boundaries and moving design in a new direction.
In a fun quick-fire round, Berk shares some of his favorite things related to decor and design. He mentions his love for Command Strips, as they have made renting and staging much easier for him. He also emphasizes the importance of having a well-stocked project toolkit, although he admits that he doesn’t need to carry one around anymore due to his success and support staff.
Bobby Berk’s book, “Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind,” is not just another design book filled with pretty pictures. It is a self-help guide that explores the intersection of mental wellness and design. Berk’s mission is to help readers create spaces that bring them happiness and improve their overall well-being. With his expertise and personal experiences, Bobby Berk offers invaluable insights and practical tips that can transform any home into a sanctuary.
