Bobby Berk’s Favourite Things

Queer Eye’s interiors expert Bobby Berk is a specialist in how to brighten up a space and in maximising feel-good energy.

The TV personality is most well known for his role as one of the Fab Five - the cult show’s team of lifestyle gurus on a quest to change peoples lives for the better, one makeover at a time.

For those in the dark, the multi-award winning Netflix show sees a group of LGBTQI+ lifestyle extraordinaires use their individual areas of expertise to empower guests, and is adored worldwide for its overarching message of positivity and its lessons in self-love.

In the post-Christmas gloom, an extra dose of positivity is the boost we all need. Luckily for us, the life affirming show is set to return to Netflix on December 31. This time round, the sixth season will see Bobby Berk alongside Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness touch down in Texas to continue their mission.

A connoisseur in impeccable taste and home styling, Berk is also on hand to brighten up our homes in more ways than one this year. In collaboration with home décor brand Yellowpop, he has launched a collection of limited-edition neon signs.

Featuring phrases such as, “Style Taste Class” and “Honey, I’m home” in bold colours, they are designed to celebrate individuality and freedom.

We chatted with the interior designer about some of his favourite things.

What can we expect from the next season of Queer Eye?

It’s the best season yet! After the difficult couple of years we’ve all had, what better way than to watch some inspiring stories and see how our heroes’ lives can be transformed?

What have you learnt during your time filming the show?

I’ve learned so much from all the heroes. They’ve inspired me to be more resilient, generous and grateful in my own life. I’ve also learned it really takes a village to create a home makeover, and how much of an impact a well-designed space can have on someone’s life.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style and interiors are very similar. Both are clean, minimalistic, unfussy and modern. I love being comfortable but polished, and you can achieve that in your wardrobe and your home with simple silhouettes, neutral tones and textures.

What are your favourite pieces in your home?

It’s hard to pick a favourite piece, but I have a vintage mid-century hutch that used to live in my office area that is now in my living room that I love. While I do love bringing in new and modern items into my home and my projects, I believe that every room needs something vintage in it to bring in some character and charm.

What are your favourite homeware labels?

My go to big box brands for homeware are Target, West Elm, and CB2. I also love poking around Etsy to find homemade artisans that can bring those unique and one of a kind elements to the home.

What has been your favourite interiors trend and what’s something you wish would end?

Ah! The trend questions! While I don’t believe in trends (for this reason) I do believe if you buy what you like (despite what is seen in other homes) it will be timeless. I don’t believe anyone should feel pressured to have their home look a certain way. You should focus on pieces that make you happy!

What budget friendly pieces can you invest in to transform a space?

I think an easy investment that can really transform in any space is paint. Colour can impact your mood and certainly can impact a space. It sets the tone for your interior and allows you to style shelves or even a unique piece of art like my Yellowpop collection to stand out.

What’s the one item you can’t live without?

My earplugs for sleeping. I need my sleep and my noise cancelling buds are my best buds.

What’s your self-care routine?

Water! Sleep! And more sleep! I am very committed to staying active and working out, but a good night sleep and drinking plenty of water are my self-care essentials.

What’s on your bookshelf?

A have a ton of books from designers, architects, creatives and friends. I’ve been collecting older coffee table books for some time now and it’s always inspiring to go back and look at the spaces from earlier periods of time. For current design inspiration, I’m always leafing through Made for Living by Amber Lewis, Jungalow: Decorate Wild by Justina Blakeney and Living With Color by Rebecca Atwood.

What was your inspiration behind your collection with Yellowpop?

Every piece from Yellowpop that I created aligns with my brand and/or myself. Whether it’s the “xx” (how I sign every email) or Style Taste Class (the iconic QE loft moment) or even just a representation of the LQBTQ community, we were strategic in thinking about what people would want to hang up in their homes and how it can be a reflection of them as well. It needed to be relatable and also look beautiful.