Designer Nate Berkus Launches First Residential Development In New York City

Interior designer Nate Berkus, known for his impressive roster of A-list celebrity clients, home product lines, and national TV appearances, recently unveiled the interiors for his first-ever residential development project in New York City, called The Katharine.

Located in New York’s Greenwich Village neighborhood on West 13th Street, The Katharine was developed by Slate Property Group in partnership with Avenue Realty Capital. Berkus was tapped to design the seven-story building, which includes eight luxury residences, a chic lobby, rooftop terrace, and fitness studio. The designer has lived in Greenwich Village for more than 20 years and feels a deep connection to the architectural and design history of the area. He currently resides in New York with his husband, Jeremiah Brent, a fellow notable interior designer, and their two young children.

The Katharine is housed in a historic landmark building that was constructed in 1910, and the name pays homage to the building’s century-year-old history. It was originally known as the Katharine House, founded and run by the nonprofit organization Ladies Christian Union, and was one of the many women-only residences in New York that offered independent living opportunities for women coming to the city for education and employment opportunities. It closed in 2000. In its new era as a residential property, it has been carefully updated by BKSK Architects, who worked on restoring the pre-war, landmarked facade. Berkus also personally advised on architectural decisions.

“For the design of The Katharine, we drew inspiration from the classic white-glove, pre-war residences uptown that are admired for their elegance and sense of permanence,” Berkus tells Forbes. “We reinterpreted those timeless elements through a more modern lens through details like custom millwork, vintage Italian lighting, and bespoke stone flooring patterns. The result is a collection of homes that feel both stately and livable with thoughtful design elements that unfold in surprising ways.”

Most of the building’s layouts will span the entire floor and have four bedrooms and five bathrooms, and select residences will have a private outdoor terrace. In every residence, the kitchens, often considered the heart of the home, feature breakfast nooks with banquettes for casual hanging; meanwhile, the formal living rooms have easy, open access to the dining room, which are perfect for those who love to entertain.

“We approached The Katharine as we would a private home, designing a space that feels layered, assembled over time, and elegantly curated,” he says. “To achieve this, we sourced furniture from around the world, combining auction finds with pieces from top NYC antique dealers. Even the lighting is predominantly vintage, adding to the home’s enduring character and charm.”

Berkus is known for his use of neutral colors, a tasteful mix of textures, and natural materials, and this project was no different. Berkus paid close attention to every individual furnishing, fixture, paint color, and window treatment. While each space certainly feels Berkus-coded, the residences offer a timeless style that is sure to be appreciated by a range of design tastes.

The Katharine is located on a quiet, tree-lined street and has a 24-hour attended lobby, landscaped rooftop terrace, fitness studio, yoga area, and private storage for each residence. Sales will launch this spring and will be spearheaded by Compass.