Berkus replicated: designer captures west village dream for elite clients
Nate Berkus is facing a unique design challenge: replicating a townhouse that practically became a muse. Two longtime clients, captivated by photographs of his iconic West Village Home, commissioned him to recreate the 1899 structure on the Upper East Side – a request that demanded a delicate balance of homage and innovation.
A mirror image, with a twist
The clients, drawn to the original’s aesthetic and the lifestyle it embodied, sought a space mirroring Berkus and his husband, Jeremiah Brent’s, former New York City abode. ‘They told me the reason they bought this Home was because it reminded them of the photographs they had seen of my former townhouse on Charles Street,’ Berkus revealed. The desire wasn’t simply to copy; it was to capture the essence of that particular chapter, a sentiment amplified by their shared appreciation for the same restaurants and clothing styles.
However, Berkus was resolute. ‘We like the same restaurants, we wear the same type of clothing,’ he explained. ‘So it made sense that they’d want to live in a similar way to how Jeremiah and I were living.’ A crucial distinction: the original townhouse was a collaborative effort, meticulously crafted by Berkus and Brent themselves. ‘I wanted to be really sensitive to his ideas and not recreate his ideas for someone else,’ he stated firmly, underscoring the importance of respecting the original vision’s authorship.
While many of the finishes – the showstopping double-height white oak bookshelf, the vintage French iron railing, and the primary bath – bore a recognizable lineage from the West Village townhouse, significant departures were planned. The design team consciously steered clear of replicating the original’s stripped-down details, recognizing the need for a fresh, contemporary interpretation. ‘When you start a project with such a solid point of view, it’s easier to have a developed language for the whole residence,’ Berkus emphasized.
The resulting Home, a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath townhouse, represents a harmonious fusion of inherited charm and bespoke design. Though the clients favored a warm, inviting atmosphere – a preference Berkus readily acknowledged – the emphasis on textural walls, a thoughtful selection of vintage furnishings, and a carefully curated palette ensured the space wouldn’t feel like a mere imitation. The homeowner’s desire for a ‘comfortable family Home that will stand the test of time and not look dated 10 or 20 years from now’ shaped every decision.
Key details: a refined legacy
Designer: Nate BerkusLocation: New York, New YorkThe Space: A four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom townhouse on the Upper East Side.
Floor-to-ceiling shelving offers a worthy spot for storied reads. The jaw-dropping custom double-height millwork was replicated from Berkus’s previous West Village townhome. His team found the 19th-century French wrought iron railing at an auction in Texas and had it restored. ‘It needed to be rewelded and assembled to be the correct length and the correct height and brought up to code,’ Berkus explained.
Living Room: Berkus kept the palette light and airy to let the patina of objects shine. Mirror: 1stDibs. Floor lamp: Chairish. Chaise longue: 1stDibs, reupholstered in C&C Milano fabric.
Family Room: Textural walls add dimension without too much visual stimulation. Mirror and sconces: 1stDibs. Sofa: custom, Martin & Brockett, in Rose Tarlow fabric with Rogers & Goffigon piping.
Kitchen: The veining on the countertops ties into the Home’s overall palette. New white oak flooring was installed throughout the townhouse.
Ultimately, Berkus believes the finished product is a testament to his commitment to thoughtful design, one that honors the past while embracing a future built on enduring style.