Five rules of design from Nate Berkus

Nate Berkus, founder of the interior design firm Nate Berkus Associates, author of "The Things That Matter" and a frequent design expert for "The Oprah Winfrey Show" when it was on the air, was a guest on The Washington Post's recent Home Front chat. Here are some of our favorite pieces of advice from the live Q&A:

• Don't worry about trends. Love traditional Oriental rugs but you're seeing modern patterns in all the magazines? Don't worry about it. "Design is really about finding a style that represents who you are and not following the trends in magazines."

• For a balanced fireplace mantel, you can go one of two ways: One large mirror or piece of art hung above the fireplace or several small framed pieces leaning against the wall. "A beautiful pottery bowl, a pair of candlesticks or a series of handmade pottery in complementary colors would be beautiful."

• Don't be a slave to a home's history. Rather than painstakingly searching for only art deco pieces for a 1920s home, pair classic elements, such as subway tile, with newer materials. "The best part of a well-designed interior is respecting the history but also incorporating elements available now."

• A small space doesn't have to mean small furniture and accessories. A large mirror can make the space feel larger and brighter. And "resist the urge to scale down your furniture in a small space," Berkus said. "Keep the sofa large, and remember that no one will be comfortable in your tiny chairs!"

• Symmetry doesn't mean pairs of things. "Symmetry is not always required, but it does make certain people (like me) more comfortable," Berkus said. "It creates a sense of visual balance that can feel relaxing when you walk into a room." Instead of loading up on pairs of heavy bookcases or chairs, try using items of similar heights, such as a bookcase on one side of a window and a tall potted tree on the other.