Nyc abode: upton and verlander's pink-hued home reflects family life

Inside the Manhattan residence of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander, a transformation unfolds. The former supermodel and baseball star enlisted interior designer John Ruggiero to infuse their home with personality after a move to the city.

A designer's touch: from bare walls to a family haven

Ruggiero, a former celebrity stylist for Kate Upton, had a distinct task: to imbue the couple's all-white apartment with warmth and character. The pair, who relocated to New York in 2023 following Verlander's signing with the Mets, sought a space that felt less like a hotel and more like a true family home. “We travel so much,” Upton explained, wanting a home that reflected their life as a young family with children and a dog.

The initial blank canvas provided a foundation for Ruggiero's vision. Wainscoting and molding introduced a touch of pre-war charm. A surprising choice – a pink limewash by Portola Paints – warmed the central living room, echoing the city's golden hour glow. “We call it the She Shed,” Upton playfully noted, embracing the feminine scheme. Verlander, a self-proclaimed lover of color, enthusiastically supported the design direction.

Color and texture define the spaces

This hue established a bold yet cohesive color palette throughout the apartment. Iksel for Schumacher wallpaper added Art Deco flair to the primary bedroom, complemented by Georgian Revival blue millwork from Sherwin-Williams. In Upton’s office, Vladimir Kagan and Sander Bottinga pieces provided comfortable seating, while a custom-designed bed upholstered in a Josef Frank pattern by Schumacher added a personal touch. The couple opted for a home theater, transformed into a moody lounge with blackberry paint and heavy velvet curtains – a favorite spot for relaxed evenings.

Vintage and antique furnishings, including pieces by Paul McCobb, Vladimir Kagan, and Giancarlo Piretti, layered the spaces with history. Custom elements, such as a walnut and velvet bench in the entryway, offered both style and practicality. The elevated bed in the master suite allowed for unobstructed city views. For their daughter, Genevieve, purple walls created a playful atmosphere, enhanced by a bespoke bed featuring a Josef Frank pattern.

The family, who welcomed their son Bellamy in June, has quickly embraced their home. “There’s no off-limit zone in this apartment,” Upton said. “Everything the kids can get in can get dirty, can have fun with. That was really important to us.” The apartment, a testament to both design and family life, remains stylish despite the inevitable wear and tear of a young family.

The design serves as a reminder: a home should be a reflection of the people who inhabit it – a space where life unfolds, vibrant and unscripted.

The home's design isn't just about aesthetics: it's a deliberate curation of experiences, reflecting the family's dynamic and their desire for a space that feels both luxurious and lived-in. This approach to interior design—prioritizing functionality alongside personality—is increasingly shaping how families create their modern havens.