Nate Berkus: Nate's Hope Lodge Renovation

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Nate's Hope Lodge Renovation

Flip through shots of Nate's transformation of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in New York City!

Renovating Hope Lodge
Nate offered to help renovate the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in New York City, a place where cancer patients and their caretakers can stay when they're being treated far away from home. Currently there are 32 Hope Lodge facilities throughout the United States, and in 2010, the program helped nearly 50,000 patients save over $23 million in lodging costs.
Shelter from the Storm
Guest Brenda Turner and her husband, William, spent time in New York City's Hope Lodge while away from their home in North Carolina. Brenda describes Hope Lodge as "my rock in a weary land, my shelter in a time of storm."
Garden Refuge
Nate also tackled the exterior design of Hope Lodge, with help from exterior decorate and "Nate Show" contributor, Kim Levell.
The Great Room
"They call this space 'The Great Room,'" explains Nate. "And for the cancer patients at Hope Lodge, it is a place to gather, to rest, and a place to heal."
Comfortable Seating
Nate equipped the newly-renovated Hope Lodge with comfortable, high seating in soothing colors for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Family Unit
"Hope Lodge is a family unit. The people make Hope Lodge, but the space is equally important," says Lindsay Edgar, a Hope Lodge manager and volunteer. "We provide a home away from home, and we need that home-like environment in order to bring comfort to the people who stay with us.
Small Seating Areas
Nate devised a plan to create small seating arrangements throughout the large room, to help create a sense of intimacy in the space.
Outdoor Oasis
The outdoor spaces functions as a garden refuge for patients and caregivers looking for an escape from the cement and asphalt of the city.
City Garden
"I wanted to bring a lot of green into the space because green symbolizes life, and that's what the Hope Lodge is all about" says exterior designer, Kim Levell. "It was extremely important to bring trees into the space because it creates the perfect buffer between the hectic city and the serenity we're creating on this beautiful terrace."
Powerful Words
Nate chose to use handmade wallpaper decorated with inspirational quotes from luminaries such as Dr. Martin Luther King and Dr. Maya Angelou to inspire patients to stay strong in their fight against cancer.
Renovation Reveal
Nate invites employees and residents of Hope Lodge to tour their newly-renovated space!
Spreading Hope
"Our most important goal was to give hope," says Nate. "So if anyone that comes through this space is soothed or calmed and we have helped that in the smallest of ways, then I am grateful."
Hope Lodge Network
Nate meets with representatives from the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge network, Kirsten, Karen, and Lindsay.
Spreading Hope
For more pictures from the renovation, visit Morebirthdays.com, and to learn more about staying or volunteering at a Hope Lodge, visit Cancer.org/hopelodge.