Nate Berkus has designs on daytime television

You might think Nate Berkus' road to hosting his own daytime talk show began at the age of 8 when his mother, Nancy Golden, woke him from a deep sleep in his Hopkins bedroom to get his opinion about a knickknack she had just added to the living-room mantel. Or maybe it was when he opened his own consulting firm in his mid-20s. You could argue it happened the moment Oprah Winfrey anointed him as her show's go-to interior decorator, which is akin to the cardinals appointing a new pope.

But the real starting point probably occurred in December 2004, the day a mighty wave engulfed much of Asia. Berkus, who was vacationing in Sri Lanka, hung on to a telephone pole while his boyfriend, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, got washed away in the tsunami.

The superstars of daytime talk -- Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil -- intrinsically understand that the most important thing to their audience isn't goofy dancing, giveaways or appearances by George Clooney. It's compassion. Compassion for the nursing-home resident who wonders why his grandkids haven't visited in a month, compassion for the stay-at-home parent with a screaming baby in the crib, compassion for the unemployed viewer who would rather be collecting a paycheck than collecting cellulite on the couch.

Promos for "The Nate Berkus Show," which debuts Monday in 95 percent of the country's markets, emphasize his puppy-dog cuteness, but it's his ability to empathize with the average American that will be his strongest asset.

"I think what that tragedy did was make him see the world as a bigger place than the small world he thought of prior to that," said Golden, who spent three weeks taking care of her son after he was rescued.

"He was always a compassionate person, but I watched how he came to really care about people whose lives were changed on a dime through no fault of their own."

Berkus, who turns 39 on Friday, said the letters he received upon his return had a deep effect.

"I was shocked at the pain people walk around with," he said. "It made me more empathetic and a better listener. I think that's one of the most important things if this show is going to work."

Decorating his life

Berkus believes that improving one's outlook on life starts with improving one's personal space, a gift he discovered at an early age. While other kids were playing Little League, he was scouting estate sales. While other kids were scruffing up their jeans, he was critiquing his mom's wardrobe. While other kids were watching sports on TV, he was in the kitchen gabbing with the women.

"I've always had strong women around me," Berkus said. That trend will continue during premiere week, which will include sit-down interviews with Elizabeth Edwards and Dolly Parton, as well as a visit from mom, who had her own success offering decorating tips on HGTV and the DIY network.

"Everyday women can't afford a Vogue lifestyle, but they can be inspired by it," said executive producer Terry Murphy, who previously oversaw talk shows by Queen Latifah and Gordon Elliott. "He's so keenly aware of women's time. It's the same thing I see in Oprah."

Among the tools being used to help Berkus: A giant design screen that borrows heavily from 3-D gaming techniques, allowing the host to change palettes and shuffle furniture with the swish of a hand. Berkus said he's also excited about a segment titled "Curbside Pickup," in which he'll reinvigorate abandoned items.

If Berkus can also manage to reinvigorate daytime audiences, he just might have a found a long-lasting, cozy home.

njustin@startribune.com • 612-673-7431 • Follow Justin on Twitter: @nealjustin