Nate Berkus’s Latest Project Was Actually Inspired by His Own Home

Nate Berkus recently undertook a design project for longtime associates who became clients, seeking to replicate the aesthetic of his former West Village townhouse. The clients, based in Los Angeles, purchased an Upper East Side residence with similar 1899 architectural characteristics, intending it as a New York City base for visiting their son. Berkus noted that the couple shared similar personal styles, extending to preferences in restaurants and clothing, making their desire for a home akin to his own a logical progression. The inspiration for the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath property largely stemmed from Berkus's previous home, though certain elements were considered off-limits for direct replication. Berkus emphasized the collaborative nature of his own townhouse's design with his husband, Jeremiah Brent, and wished to respect Brent's unique contributions by not reproducing them for another client. Despite these considerations, many finishes, wallcoverings, and notably, a double-height white oak bookshelf, will be recognizable to those familiar with Berkus and Brent's design journey. Other features, such as a vintage French iron railing and the primary bathroom, represent entirely new concepts introduced for this specific project. Berkus highlighted that starting with a clear point of view facilitated the development of a cohesive design language for the entire residence. The objective was to create a comfortable family home with a timeless appeal, designed to remain relevant and avoid dating over the next 10 to 20 years. Specific areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The stairway features custom double-height millwork, a direct replication from Berkus’s former West Village townhouse. A 19th-century French wrought iron railing, sourced from a Texas auction, was restored and customized to fit the space. The living room includes new white oak flooring, with a 19th-century French chaise placed by the window, offering a reading spot and connection to the city outside. A midcentury steel chair, reupholstered in Dedar fabric, serves as a sculptural element. The grand double-height family room on the garden level is accentuated by vintage French iron sconces. A custom-made sofa addresses the challenge of finding appropriate sizing for the space, while grasscloth wallcoverings add texture and dimension, moving away from a stark white aesthetic. The kitchen layout, including cabinets, range, and refrigerator, was largely maintained. Updates focused on finishes, appliances, cabinet paint, and an enlarged island featuring Italian stone with a notched edge, designed to accommodate family gatherings. The dining room, adjacent to the kitchen, incorporates a custom banquette, a natural oak table, and vintage chairs and ceiling light from 1stdibs. In the primary bedroom, Berkus opted for an antique tapestry found on LiveAuctioneers instead of replicating wallpaper from his own home, cutting it to fit behind the headboard to create a timeless look. A chandelier, a cherished family heirloom from the clients’ parents, was incorporated, symbolizing a new chapter for the homeowners. The primary bathroom was created by reconfiguring space from a home office, enabling the inclusion of a double vanity, separate WC, soaking tub, and stand-up shower. Classic finishes such as white oak floors, marble moldings, and a freestanding black enamel tub were selected. The home office retained its original architectural details, including banisters, hardware, windows, shutters, marble fireplaces, and paneling, all meticulously restored. The home office bathroom features warm, handsome spaces with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Great Barrington Green, a 1stdibs mirror, and Nero Marquina marble countertops. Berkus also shared insights on cost-saving measures, such as maintaining the existing layout, limiting plumbing and electrical relocation, and preserving original doors and hardware. Kitchen cabinets were repainted, and new stone countertops and backsplashes were installed. The stairs were repainted and fitted with a runner to conceal imperfections. Furniture sourcing combined high and low pieces, including catalog counter stools reupholstered in green leather, and the retention of original fireplace mantels. These approaches underscore a thoughtful balance between honoring existing structures and introducing new, personalized elements. #NateBerkus #HouseTour #UpperEastSide #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #LuxuryInteriors #TimelessDesign #VintageFinds #DesignInspiration #NateBerkus #HouseTour #UpperEastSide #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #LuxuryInteriors #TimelessDesign #VintageFinds #DesignInspiration