Style Stalking: Sasha Adler & Lauren Gold of Nate Berkus Associates (Kunst)

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I’m having a severe case of style envy over Nate Berkus Associates Design Directors Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler! These two young women sit at the helm of Nate Berkus Associates in Chicago and oversee all design projects while Nate focuses on his TV show and branding initiatives in New York. I remember seeing the pair featured a few years ago in Chicago Home + Garden where they talked about how they got their start in design. The piece also included photos of their impeccably chic condos and I remember thinking to myself back then that these two were going to become serious taste-makers one day. This year, they’ve done just that, having emerged from Nate’s shadow and received a ton of recognition including the honor of being named one of Trad Home’s top 20 young designers. Recently, Lauren & Sasha took Refinery 29 on a tour of their favorite shopping destinations in Chicago and shared their top tips for decorating with style.When asked about their must-have decor tips for a quick change Lauren said, “People sometimes overthink paint colors and get sucked into that whole ‘accent wall’ situation. If you’re stuck in a paint-color rut, I would recommend painting your walls a light warm gray and making sure your trim is a bright white—it will freshen up your home.” Sasha added, “You cannot go wrong investing in a gorgeous, over-sized mirror to liven up your space. It functions like a piece of artwork and immediately adds architecture to the space.”

To see more photos and read the full feature click here to head over to Refinery 29!

What are your rules for workday outfits?

Lauren: "I don’t have any rules, per se, but people are very fashion-conscious in our industry. I always try to add an interesting detail, whether it be in the form of vintage jewelry or a cool shoe."

Sasha: "My outfit selection really depends on what’s on my agenda for the day. I have tried to build a collection of classic, timeless pieces that can be assembled in interesting combinations without a tremendous amount of effort. I adore wearing heels, but flats are a must if visiting a job site is on deck."

What is one interior-design must for those of us in need of a quick-change?

Lauren: "People sometimes overthink paint colors and get sucked into that whole 'accent wall' situation. If you’re stuck in a paint-color rut, I would recommend painting your walls a light warm gray and making sure your trim is a bright white—it will freshen up your home."

Sasha: "You cannot go wrong investing in a gorgeous, over-sized mirror to liven up your space. It functions like a piece of artwork and immediately adds architecture to the space."

What do you love about Pavilion Antiques?

Lauren: "Their furniture is like art and can stand on its own. The pieces epitomize classic modern."

Sasha: "They have an incredibly curated collection of French and Italian, 20th Century furniture and objects. The owners are extremely knowledgeable about the various designers they carry, and I learn something new every time I visit the store."

What is your go-to shopping ensemble?

Lauren: "In the summertime, I like to wear clothes that are easy and comfortable, but stylish. I am usually in a long, fitted black dress from Rick Owens or The Row, black Alaïa flats, and a stack of gold bracelets."

Sasha: "I usually wear something comfortable, yet still assembled. In the summer, that’s probably a light dress paired with flat sandals and a great vintage necklace. I usually forgo my large tote for a messenger-style bag, like my Proenza Schouler PS1 or my Chanel 2.55 to keep my hands free."

What design rules do you follow in your own space?

Lauren: "Since my apartment is small, I really pay attention to scale. It can make a world of a difference in terms of how spacious your home feels."

Sasha: "I wait to find pieces that I am absolutely in love with rather than rush to fill my home with furniture."

How would you describe your personal style?

Lauren: "I like classic, tailored pieces accented with a great piece of vintage jewelry."

Sasha: "Thoughtful, refined and classic."

Why is Revival one of your favorite shopping spots?

Lauren: "While I love this store for its reasonable prices, I also love the interesting and often quirky inventory."

Sasha: "Revival has an amazing collection of everything from Mid-Century furniture to pottery and architectural elements. It is always on our shopping list."

Where would we find you shopping in Chicago?

Lauren: "I don’t get out to the stores too often, but when I do, it’s within walking distance of my apartment in the Gold Coast area, and anywhere that will allow me to shop with my dog."

Sasha: "With my busy schedule, I love to spend my free time with my husband and daughter, so I am definitely more of a destination-shopper. I usually head to where I know I can find what I am looking for quickly."

What do you love most about living in Chicago?

Lauren: "To me, big-city living doesn’t get better than this. We have amazing restaurants, museums, parks, and a gorgeous lakefront, and we don’t have to live in a closet to reap the benefits."

Sasha: "I grew up in Downtown Chicago, so to me it just feels like home. But it truly is an energetic, yet extremely livable city. During the nice weather, I seize every possible opportunity to be near the lakefront, my favorite aspect of the city."