Last year, we learned from Architectural Digest that Nate and Jeremiah have bought by the water again! After moving from NYC, to LA, and then back to NYC, they had to be missing the beach. Concrete is no substitute for cabanas. After a year of designer transformations, let’s take a tour inside Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s Montauk beach house!
Jeremiah says in his instagram post announcing the tour,
“We’ve been waiting all summer to show you the house that brought us back to the water – the house that we designed organically, without a goal of perfection in mind. Together, Nate Berkus and I made a home that celebrates slowness and creativity in this season of life. “
Isn’t that a beautiful sentiment? As someone who frequents The Hamptons (okay fine, I go like once every 4 years), I can tell you that Montauk is the perfect place for tranquility. Located at the very tip top of Long Island, it features light houses, sprawling coasts, and so much nature (not to mention lobster roll stands on the side of the road). It’s perfect. Don’t believe me? Here’s an image I took last time I was in The Hamptons in 2015 (with an old iphone, mind you):
So dreamy, right? From what I know about Jeremiah, he’s a sensitive soul who acts intentionally, slowly, and with precision. He wakes up and meditates every morning, and what better place for that than on Long Island compared to their place in the fast paced city?
We are lucky enough to have a glimpse into their home once again. I don’t know about you, but I have followed pretty much every single home they have transformed as a couple. Each of the homes are glorious and the duo has truly mastered the modern neutral aesthetic that is infused with special touches from all their travels. Let’s take a look, shall we!
Inside Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s Montauk Beach House
All images courtesy of Elle Decor | photographer Richard Foulser
If you don’t know Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent (get on it because they’re amazing), they are 2 very talented interior designers known for their use of textured neutrals and love of vintage pieces. You know how ‘California style’ neutrals are everywhere (greatly popularized by the genius, Amber Interiors)? There’s also now something called ‘Scandifornian’ which comes to us from the other design genius, Natalie Myers. Well, these spaces are kind of a mix of the two, but add in some Studio Giancarlo Valle and Axel Vervoordt vibes, and you’ve got it! PS: I hate comparing designers, but just wanted to give you a visual by relating to familiar styles and taste makers.
Nate and Jeremiah put a lot of emphasis on pieces acquired over a lifetime. This is great because the best interiors really are collected over time. Many designers, including myself, go to great lengths to make a new build or renovation not feel so “new”. Why? It’s because “new” can translate as “sterile” and “void of life”. New builds are void of life and history because no one has lived there before. But you don’t want it to feel that way. The solution? Add items with life such as plants or antiques.
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s Montauk Beach House is new to them but doesn’t feel new. I’ll show you what I mean:
Nate and Jeremiah have 2 children, Poppy and Oskar, so their home(s) need to be family friendly. There’s the infamous story of Nate and Jeremiah dressed up in tuxedos about to go to an event when Poppy shattered the glass coffee table (no one was hurt). But, that’s dad life, right? Personally, I learned from Seinfeld to never get a glass coffee table; so this one is kind of on them (kidding).
I mean look at this bedroom. You can actually feel it through the photo. You can feel the warmth, the texture, the comfort. The slowness that Jeremiah was seeking. Natural fibers, neutral palettes, and sun streaming though makes this beach house the perfect zen getaway.
Something interesting about this photo: I’ve never seen a side table in front of the 2 side chairs its flanking. That’s a super interesting way to fit 2 large chairs that you’re in love with, without taking up extra space by adding the table between the chairs. Brilliant, actually, and it looks so casual and organic.
One thing I’m noticing that’s different about this house than Nate and Jeremiah’s previous residences, is the use of darker walls. Maybe they are afforded these darker walls because the home is larger than their city apartments. Either way, you know I can’t do dark walls, personally, but none of these spaces feel cavernous to me. Because these guys are experts in pairing light neutrals with various wood tones, everything still feels warm.
One of my favorite things that Nate and Jeremiah do in their designs is to make space for little delights. They are masters at peppering in special little details that you have to pay attention to. Like that small chair with the spa towels and string of beads casually strewn over the back. It all evokes such a feeling of warmth and serenity; kind of like a hug.
Ah-ha! They finally got their neutral kids’ room. If you’ve ever read an interview of them speaking about their experience designing Poppy’s room, you know they had to compromise when it came to color. This shared bedroom is casual, calming, but also cool! Check out that giant cactus.
What do ya think? What do I think? Well, I think Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s Montauk beach house makes me wish I spent more time (or any time) in Long Island this summer. That’s my dream, did I tell you that? To have a house on Long Island, near the water, with land for chickens and bee hives. I’ll just live vicariously through this designer duo until it happens:-)
-Kristen
