Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent
Power couple Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent have perfected the craft of turning houses into homes both professionally and personally—proving that home is always where the heart is.
“I think that fall and winter in the Hamptons are actually our favorite times as a family. We love going over the weekends, putting on a big fire, staying in sweats for three days and playing card games until we can’t anymore. We’ll host dinner parties with friends (with one too many glasses of wine) and bundle up the next morning while just sitting in the quiet. We love offseason in the Hamptons.”–JEREMIAH BRENT
Both dashingly handsome and armed with exquisite taste, power couple Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are undeniably impressive. Yet, as a busy parent, I find it even more remarkable how they have managed to raise two adorable children while juggling the demands of their professional lives. The talented tastemakers have crafted a life that marries professional brilliance with a beautiful family life. Their impressive design work has informed spectacular homes for families around the globe—but also redefined what it means to balance the personal with the professional.
The family’s Montauk home features a stone fireplace perfect for family gatherings during the holidays.
“I’ve been working on a new book that is almost done,” shares Berkus. “It’s the culmination of my 30 years of design experience and will be out next year,” he says, sharing that he is also launching a new collection with Rugs USA and developing a new television project. With such a flurry of projects, it’s clear that Berkus’ design star will continue to shine as one of the most brilliant in the industry.
Brent, equally passionate, unveils his upcoming ventures that are sure to succeed thanks to his Midas touch. “We have so many projects coming out that I’m really excited about,” he says. “Outside of our seventh collection with Living Spaces, I’m launching an adhesive wallpaper line with Tempaper full of sophisticated motifs and a really timeless palette.”
Berkus and Brent prioritize family time with their beautiful children, Poppy and Oskar.
Yet, even as their professional lives thrive, both Berkus and Brent hold a sacred perspective on family time. “I love what I do, so it doesn’t really feel like work. But when it’s family time, it’s family time,” Berkus explains, articulating a clear boundary that helps him juggle his demanding schedule. “I think it’s really important to mindfully carve out time for the different parts of your life so you can fully show up, whether that’s as a designer, a husband or a father,” he says.
Incorporating their family’s needs into their home design projects, Berkus reveals a key strategy: “My firm has become experts at homes that feel elevated but livable with children.” Their own homes echo this philosophy, blending functional design with their signature style, creating spaces that respect both adult sensibilities and children’s whims. “Our kids have been raised to understand that some things in our home are special and need to be respected,” Berkus explains. “But when you decorate with a focus on vintage and antique things, they already come with a patina that makes them almost kid-proof.”
The couple’s home offers a quiet elegance mixing tones and textures
The couple’s approach to parenting is refreshingly candid and practical. Brent, reflecting on his role as a parent, admits, “I don’t pretend to be an expert! I’ve figured out what works for us in each season—but it’s a daily practice as our children grow and evolve.” His philosophy is anchored in consistency. “I think the one thing that I can give them (that I am very committed to) is consistency,” he shares. “Consistency in love, consistency in attention, consistency in boundaries. ... For us, that’s what has been really effective. We have beautiful kids with beautiful spirits. And beautiful manners.”
Their life in the Hamptons, away from the professional hustle, is rich with traditions and moments that deepen their family bond. “We really are connected to going on winter walks in Montauk, down to the water, and we each throw a stone into the sea and make a wish for the coming year,” shares Berkus. The simplicity of these traditions spotlights the depth of connection they foster within the family. “Find things to do as a family, whether that’s cooking or decorating or playing together,” Berkus advises. “In our house, Jeremiah does all the cooking, but it’s a great way to spend time together. I’m the UNO shuffler and in charge of the dishwasher,” he shares.
the parents share that consistency is key.
“I think that fall and winter in the Hamptons are actually our favorite times as a family,” says Brent. “We love going over the weekends, putting on a big fire, staying in sweats for three days and playing card games until we can’t anymore. We’ll host dinner parties with friends (with one too many glasses of wine) and bundle up the next morning while just sitting in the quiet,” he says. These moments, imbued with simplicity and warmth, form the backdrop against which their family thrives. “We love offseason in the Hamptons.”
Part of their undeniable charm, both Berkus and Brent bring a heartfelt authenticity to their roles in media. Brent’s experience on Queer Eye stands out as particularly poignant as he recalls working with a fantastic woman who was a single mother, a circumstance close to his heart, having been raised by one himself. “It gave me the opportunity to provide what I wish I could have given to my mom as a kid,” he says, underscoring the personal connection. “With work, I’m constantly inspired by the people I get to work with,” he says. “It turns out the best part of starting a business is the people you get to work with every day. People that inspire you, challenge you, push you and are constantly providing you the opportunity to look at something with a different perspective.”
A vignette of vintage photographs nods to the magic of Montauk.
Berkus and Brent’s family life is a testament to their commitment to living a life that is as beautifully designed as the spaces they transform. They navigate their roles with a grace that inspires, a commitment to design that captivates and a familial love that profoundly resonates. “The truth is our children, our family, will always come first,” shares Brent. “I make breakfast every morning; I walk the kids to school; I don’t miss dinners. I give them everything I have when I’m with them.” A design for living, indeed.
“I think it’s really important to mindfully carve out time for the different parts of your life so you can fully show up, whether that’s as a designer, a husband or a father.”–NATE BERKUS
Photography by: Photographed by KELLY MARSHALL
