I see it every day: People trying to create a home that somebody else tells them they should have. I don't care if it's a magazine or a bossy friend - when somebody says, 'This is what's elegant, this is what's trendy,' if it doesn't represent you, you're not going to be happy.
Interpretation
True happiness comes from creating a home that reflects your own identity, not one dictated by external influences.
In this quote, Nate Berkus highlights the importance of personal authenticity in creating a space that genuinely represents who you are, rather than conforming to the often arbitrary standards set by others. He emphasizes that when people follow trends or advice that do not resonate with their true selves, they are likely to feel unfulfilled and unhappy in their own environment.
In practice
In a talk about interior design, you could share this quote to emphasize the importance of personal style.
About 80 percent of the stuff I live with is old. I like letting things take on the character they’re meant to have by really being used. … when you own things that have the imperfections they deserve, that they’ve earned from a well-lived life, it frees you from feeling as though they’re untouchable.
I believe your home tells a story about who you are and who you aspire to be. We represent ourselves through the things we own. I don't believe in trends. I believe in collecting things that you connect with. We should surround ourselves with things we care about, that have meaning.
You are 27 or 28 right? It is very tough to live at that age. When nothing is sure. I have sympathy with you.
When you're 40, you can't ride the fence anymore. You gotta make definite decisions about your life.
I looked up at the dark sky and prayed to God for a better break in life and a better chance to do something for the little people I loved.
It will take all your heart, it will take all your breath It will be short, it will not be simple
I'm not okay, you're not okay, and that's okay.
Some days I do appreciate things more, eggs, flowers, but then I decide I'm only having an attack of sentimentality, my brain going pastel Technicolor, like a beautiful-sunset greeting cards they used to make so many of in California. High-gloss hearts. The danger is grayout.
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