Whenever we need solid cleaning advice, we call up Bobby Berk. The author, design expert, and Emmy-nominated TV host has given us plenty of hot tips in the past. Inside of your microwave caked with food? Zap a bowl of fresh lemon water in there and then watch it wipe right off. Out of duster refills? Get the job done with an old gym sock. But as we sat down with Berk to chat about his Amazon Devices partnership, he revealed he doesn’t do spring cleaning.
“I personally think fall is the best time for that,” says Berk. His argument: In autumn, most of us are going through our attics and garages anyway, often hunting for holiday decor—we might as well do a big sweep of these areas while we’re in there. “It’s the perfect time,” he continues. “I never do it in the spring. You put everything outside to organize it and it gets rained on.” Ahead, in his own words, the designer offers a glimpse into what fall organizing looks like for him, plus a few other updates that are making his life easier these days.
20-Gallon Weathertight Trunk
Container Store
$60
Years ago, I switched my cardboard boxes out for the translucent ones and it made my garage super-organized. I back them in parallel to the shelf, long-ways, so I can see everything in there and find what I need.
Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In Weather-Resistant Outdoor Camera
Amazon
$100
$70
Blink Outdoor Security Camera
Amazon
$100
$60
My father passed last year, and my mother lives out in the middle of nowhere, and she was honestly scared to live by herself. So I went home and put Ring cameras up outside, so not only can she see what’s going on, but I can as well. She feels much safer knowing that anytime there’s movement in her yard, I’m looking at the thumbnail on my watch and I’m like, Who’s that, Mom?
I also have a camera set up for my construction [in Palm Desert]. I sent her a video of the pool, and she was like, “I’d love to watch that.” I shared my Ring camera with her, and one day I was there taking pictures, and she said, “I see you!” You don’t usually think of a smart camera as a way to connect with your family, but it really has been, because it’s given my mother peace of mind to be by herself.
His Summer Renovation: Casa Tierra
We had some flash floods at our place in the desert, Casa Tierra, about a month ago. I spent a lot of time out there repairing all that damage. I took it as an opportunity to put down new, beautiful concrete and stone stairs, add a 2,000-square-foot wedding-yoga-events deck, and a pickleball court.
His Current Favorite Color: Terracotta
Sienna Rug, 4’x6′
Bobby Berk
$239
It’s the perfect time to infuse some of those terracotta colors into your home, and that will take you through Halloween and Thanksgiving. I’m over neutrals (hopefully everybody kind of is?), but I’m still not a huge fan of bright colors. It’s just not me; they give me anxiety.
Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit
Amazon
$130
$110
I think some Amazon smart devices are great gifts, because, again, it’s a really good way to simplify somebody’s life and to show them how easy it is. Starting out with a smart bulb kit that works with Alexa is a great way for people to be like, Oh, this was simple. I use the Philips Hue lightbulbs, which connect with Alexa. Let’s say you have friends over for dinner, and you say, “Okay, Alexa, set the drink vibe.” It not only will change the music, it will change the brightness and color of the lighting.
