KENNETT SQUARE, Pa., Jan. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nate Berkus, product designer and New York Times best selling author, this month launches his own line of fabrics exclusively at America's go-to fabric retailer, Calico.  The inaugural collection, manufactured by Swavelle / Mill Creek, consists of 24 styles and 102 SKUs of fabric.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130121/NY45351)

As a decorator himself, Nate designed the line for both the professional and home decorator.  "Fabric is often the first thing we reach for in our firm when beginning a project," explained Nate.  "It adds depth and texture in a way that no other medium can. It's critical to the way we build a space." The Nate Berkus collection starts at an affordable $14.99 a yard.  Calico will carry the Nate Berkus line in all of its 75 stores across the country.  

As a designer and an avid traveler, Nate has crossed the world for his work, and his debut line of fabrics reflects the inspirations he collected along the way. The line features fabrics for all purposes.  Beautiful constructions with metallic embellishment and rough-hewn linen burlap marry with ethnic inspired jacquards and menswear herringbone for upholstery. "I want people to see how diverse fabric can be," explained Nate. "I've covered walls, created headboards, transformed lampshades...all with fabric. People should feel empowered by the fact that whether it's one yard or ten, they get to decide the impact it will make in their room. That's what makes fabric so great." 

With the arrival of his fabrics at Calico stores, Nate finds an even greater opportunity to speak to consumers about their homes. "I believe your home should tell your story.  In designing products, I design built entities...which I love....but if it's a tray in the store, it's still a tray when you bring it home. Fabric, though, can become anything. Consumers get to decide how they'll use it...how it will tell their story. I can't wait to see what they make with it.  I almost want to demand that whatever it is they create to snap a pic and Facebook it to me," laughed Nate.

According to Calico Vice President of Merchandising Julie Morris, the launch comes at a time when consumers are showing a renewed interest in better quality home design projects. "Younger shoppers are showing more interest in custom product," she said. "Their tastes tend to represent a convergence of classic and modern styling, and Nate is a master at striking that perfect balance."

Morris added, "Calico has a legacy of delivering designer product, positive home decorating experiences and quality to our customers. What is special about this partnership is that Nate's brand philosophy is in perfect harmony with our own overarching brand concept – we empower people to make their homes unique to them with all of their own passions embedded in the details. With Nate's vision and the quality that these fabrics bring to home furnishings we have a winning combination to inspire our Calico customers in 2013."

About Calico: Established in 1948, Calico is America's premier retail destination for decorative and designer fabrics, hand crafted furniture, custom-made window treatments, bedding, reupholstery and slipcovers.Calico offers a premium level of expert decorating advice and free in-home design consultation in more than 75 stores nationwide. Calico is committed to creating a truly unique personalized product and has the experience to help consumers realize their dreams. www.calicocorners.com

About Nate Berkus: In 2002 Nate was invited to make over a small space for "The Oprah Winfrey Show," after which he became a featured design expert for the show and continued to garner national press in publications such as Elle Decor, US Weekly, People, O Magazine, Lucky, InStyle and House Beautiful. Following the debut of his branded line of home products, Nate's first book, Home Rules (Hyperion) was released in 2005 and went on to become a New York Times Bestseller. "The Nate Berkus Show," a daily syndicated first run talk show hosted by Nate, launched in September 2010 and returned for a second season in the fall of 2011 (co-produced by HARPO Productions and Sony Pictures Television [SPT] & distributed by SPT). In 2011, Nate also enjoyed a new role as executive producer on the Disney and DreamWorks film, The Help. Nate's Chicago-based design firm, Nate Berkus Associates, which he founded in 1995, continues to design interiors across the country and around the world.  Fall 2012 Nate brought his branded line of home goods and accessories to Target stores nationwide. In addition, he published his 2^nd book, The Things That Matter (Spiegel & Grau).  To learn more about Nate please visit www.nateberkus.com.  

SOURCE Calico