Nate Berkus is an American interior designer, television personality, and author. As of 2026, his net worth is reported at $18 million. He co-owns Nate Berkus Associates, a Chicago-based design firm, and gained fame appearing regularly on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Over the years, he hosted The Nate Berkus Show and starred with his husband, Jeremiah Brent, on TLC’s Nate & Jeremiah by Design and Nate & Jeremiah Save My House.
He has also worked as an executive producer on his reality series, the 2011 Oscar-winning film The Help, and NBC’s American Dream Builders. Berkus made guest appearances on shows such as Days of Our Lives and The Mindy Project. His books, Home Rules (2005) and The Things That Matter (2012), have cemented his reputation in the design world.
How Did Nate Berkus Start His Career?
Nate was born Nathan Jay Berkus on September 17, 1971, in Orange County, California. His mother, Nancy Golden, is a designer who helped establish the Minnesota chapter of the Independent Designers Association. His father, Michael Berkus, co-founded the National Sports Collectors Convention. Nate grew up in Hopkins, Minnesota, attending Cushing Academy, a boarding school in Massachusetts.
After high school, he completed internships in Chicago and Paris, then earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and French from Lake Forest College in 1994. The following year, he launched Nate Berkus Associates in Chicago.
What Are His Major Career Achievements?
Nate has a wide range of accomplishments:
- Launched a home merchandise line at Linens 'n Things in 2005.
- Hosted Oprah’s Big Give in 2008 and The Nate Berkus Show from 2010 to 2012.
- Released a bestselling book, The Things That Matter, in 2012.
- Created a Target bed and bath collection and Nate Berkus Fabric Collection at Calico Corners.
- Starred with Jeremiah Brent on TLC shows starting in 2017 and appeared on Netflix shows like Gordon Ramsay: 24 Hours to Hell and Back.
- Featured in advertisements for brands like Hyundai and Banana Republic.
His projects mix personal style with practical design solutions, making his work appealing to both homeowners and media audiences.
What About His Personal Life?
In 2004, Nate faced a tragic loss when his partner at the time, Fernando Bengoechea, died during the Indian Ocean tsunami. He has spoken openly about how the experience shaped his perspective on life.
Nate became engaged to Jeremiah Brent in 2013, and they married in 2014 at the New York Public Library. The couple has two children, Poppy (born 2015) and Oskar (born 2018), both via surrogacy. Nate and Jeremiah were the first same-sex couple featured in Banana Republic ads, and their New York apartment appeared in Architectural Digest.
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The things that matter — combining creativity with business to build $18 million in wealth through design, television, publishing, and brand partnerships.
— Nate Berkus · Interior designer, TV host, author, executive producer
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1995
Launches Nate Berkus Associates, Chicago
Fresh from Lake Forest College and Paris internships, founded his own design firm at 23. Still operating in 2026.
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2002–2010
The Oprah Winfrey Show — Regular Segment
Regular design contributor on Oprah, reaching millions of viewers. Hosted Oprah's Big Give in 2008. Career-defining exposure.
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2005
Home Rules Published & Linens 'n Things Line
First book release and launch of home merchandise line at Linens 'n Things. Established retail design presence.
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2010–2012
The Nate Berkus Show — NBC Daytime Host
Own daytime show on NBC. Exec producer on The Help (2011 Oscar winner for Best Picture) in the same period.
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2012–2014
The Things That Matter + Marriage to Jeremiah Brent
Bestselling book released 2012. Married interior designer Jeremiah Brent at the New York Public Library in 2014.
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2017–2020
TLC Shows with Jeremiah Brent
Nate & Jeremiah by Design and Nate & Jeremiah Save My House on TLC. NBC's American Dream Builders exec produced.
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2020–2026
$18M Net Worth & Brand Expansion
Target collection, Calico Corners fabric line, Hyundai and Banana Republic ads, Netflix appearances. Architectural Digest feature.
Nate Berkus Associates · High-end residential & commercial projects
NBC, TLC, Netflix appearances · Executive producer credits
Target collection · Calico Corners fabric line · Licensing royalties
Home Rules (2005) · The Things That Matter (2012) · Royalties
Hyundai · Banana Republic · Campaign appearances
Net Worth
$18M
USD · 2026 estimate
Design Firm Age
31 yrs
Est. Chicago 1995
Books Published
2
Both bestsellers
Oscar Win
2012
The Help — Exec Producer
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Oscar-Winning Producer
Executive produced The Help (2011), winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2012.
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Oprah & Own Show
Years as Oprah's go-to design expert, followed by The Nate Berkus Show on NBC 2010–2012.
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Bestselling Author
Home Rules (2005) and The Things That Matter (2012) cemented his authority in the design world.
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Target Collection
Mass-market bed, bath, and home collection at Target plus Nate Berkus Fabric Collection at Calico Corners.
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Historic First
First same-sex couple in Banana Republic advertising. NY apartment featured in Architectural Digest.
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30-Year Design Legacy
Nate Berkus Associates, founded 1995, still active in 2026. Over three decades of high-end design work.
Notable Property · Chicago Condo
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3,980 Sq Ft
Listed at $2.65M in 2011. Three bedrooms, four bathrooms across nearly 4,000 sq ft of designer-finished space.
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18th-Century Fireplace
Antique French limestone fireplace as centrepiece. Hardwood floors, library with fireplace, corner master suite.
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Designer Kitchen
Fully custom kitchen featuring vintage steel cabinets and high-end professional-grade appliances throughout.
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Architectural Digest
New York apartment with Jeremiah Brent featured in Architectural Digest. The home reflects his signature style.
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Design Roots
Mother Nancy Golden co-founded the Minnesota Independent Designers Association. Design runs in the family, shaping Nate's career path from childhood.
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Resilience Story
Survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Lost partner Fernando Bengoechea. Spoke openly about how the experience profoundly shaped his life perspective.
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Family Life
Married to interior designer Jeremiah Brent since 2014. Children Poppy (2015) and Oskar (2018). Two high-profile designers under one roof.
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Multi-Hyphenate Career
Designer, host, author, executive producer, brand ambassador — Nate's wealth stems from five distinct pillars built over three decades in media and design.
What Properties Has He Owned?
Nate previously owned a 3,980-square-foot Chicago condo, listed for $2.65 million in 2011. The property included:
- Three bedrooms and four bathrooms.
- An 18th-century limestone fireplace and hardwood floors.
- A fully designed kitchen with vintage steel cabinets and high-end appliances.
- A library with a fireplace and a corner master suite with a walk-in closet.
His homes reflect the same design philosophy he applies professionally – functional, stylish, and personal.
Nate Berkus has built wealth through design, television, publishing, and brand partnerships. By combining creativity with business, he maintains influence in interior design while securing a stable income, leading to his $18 million net worth in 2026.