Last year we had the pleasure of joining Lowe’s for a lively event featuring Nate Berkus and Valspar paint.
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Nate shared practical design insights while we took part in a series of hands-on painting challenges—from creating painted canvases to updating pieces of furniture. Nate participated alongside a talented group of designers and bloggers, including Kate Riley of Centsational Girl, Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan of Apartment Therapy, Danny Seo, Julia Walsh of CasaSugar, Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room, and Crystal Gentilello of Rue Magazine.
The day was equal parts instructive and playful: we learned small design moves that make big visual impacts, explored color selection and finish choices with Valspar products, and practiced techniques for achieving clean lines and smooth coverage on both fabric and wood surfaces. The challenges encouraged experimentation—mixing colors, layering glazes, and trying bold patterns—while Nate emphasized how thoughtful restraint and a few well-chosen pieces can elevate a space.
Attendees praised the collaborative atmosphere, noting how useful it was to see professionals work through real-time decisions about color, scale, and texture. Practical tips that stood out included starting with a strong neutral base to let accents sing, using contrast to define focal points, and layering different textures to add depth and warmth. Nate also reminded everyone that personal touches—family photos, meaningful objects, or a handmade item—create spaces that feel lived-in and authentic.
The event showcased Valspar’s range of finishes and color families, demonstrating how a single paint line can support a variety of aesthetics—from soft, calming palettes to dramatic, moody schemes. Hands-on demos showed proper surface preparation, priming where necessary, and techniques for avoiding brush strokes and roller marks, resulting in professional-looking outcomes even for DIYers.
Beyond technique, the gathering highlighted the creative exchange between established designers and the DIY community. Participants shared stories, trade secrets, and quick hacks for finishing projects faster without sacrificing quality. For example, working in layers—blocking in color, adding washes, and finishing with protective sealers—yielded durable, attractive results on furniture and decorative panels.
For those seeking quick takeaways, here are five design tips inspired by Nate Berkus that were discussed during the event:
- Start with a neutral foundation: A calm base allows accent colors and textures to stand out.
- Be selective with focal points: Let one or two strong elements anchor a room instead of overcrowding it.
- Mix textures: Combine smooth, rough, matte, and glossy surfaces to add visual interest and depth.
- Use contrast intentionally: Light vs. dark, warm vs. cool, and polished vs. rustic contrasts help define spaces.
- Personalize with meaning: Include objects that tell a story to make a space feel uniquely yours.
If you enjoyed this recap and want more design inspiration, check out our full write-up of the event for additional insights and photos.