Jeremiah Brent Says “Queer Eye” Reminded Him Why He Loves Design

Sep 13, 2024 at 9:10 PM

Jeremiah Brent's Crate & Kids Collection: Designing Spaces That Grow With Your Family

Jeremiah Brent, the renowned interior designer, has always believed that our living spaces are a reflection of our inner selves. Growing up, his room was his first canvas to express himself freely, a sentiment he has now translated into a thriving career. With the launch of his new collection with Crate & Kids, Brent is redefining the way we approach children's spaces, creating pieces that evolve alongside the family.

Designing for the Long Haul: Jeremiah Brent's Vision for Timeless Kids' Spaces

Crafting Heirloom-Worthy Pieces

Brent's Crate & Kids collection is a testament to his belief that children's rooms can be sophisticated and layered. Dominated by rich hues and intricate details, the line of furniture, linens, and accents is designed to serve as heirloom pieces, growing with the child as they mature. From a lacquered ivory armoire with a wooden doorknob and decorative metal lock and key to embroidered baby quilts and throw pillows, each item is crafted with longevity in mind.

Personalization and Storytelling

Brent's design philosophy extends beyond mere aesthetics; he wants the pieces to be personalized and imbued with meaning. "Like when I was designing that dresser, I kept imagining my kids putting their stickers on them," he shares. The collection also features customizable items, allowing families to add their children's names and create a truly unique space.The designer's own children, Poppy and Oskar, served as inspiration for the collection, with the patterns and symbols reflecting the stories and dreams they share with their parents. Mythical creatures, the Joshua tree, and the evil eye all hold special significance for the Brent-Berkus family, creating a deeply personal and meaningful collection.

Evolving Spaces for Growing Families

Brent's vision for the Crate & Kids collection is to design pieces that can seamlessly transition as children grow. "As the kids get older, the pieces can transition with them," he explains. This approach not only ensures longevity but also allows families to create spaces that grow and adapt to their changing needs, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging.

Bringing Sophistication to Kids' Spaces

Brent's design expertise shines through in the collection, which he describes as having "a level of playfulness while also feeling sophisticated." The rich color palette, intricate details, and versatile pieces challenge the notion that children's spaces must be limited to primary colors and whimsical themes. Instead, Brent has crafted a collection that can easily integrate into any home, blending seamlessly with the surrounding decor.

Designing for Queer Families

Brent's personal experiences as part of a queer family have also influenced the collection. "As a queer family, having children, raising the children, and now getting to share kind of everything that we've learned as a family … we get to watch other people connect to it. It's a really special thing," he says.The collection's inclusive and meaningful design elements reflect Brent's desire to create spaces that celebrate the diversity of modern families, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional children's room aesthetic.

Joining the Queer Eye Squad

Brent's foray into the Queer Eye franchise has further solidified his position as a design expert. He describes the experience as "so much work, but … it reminded me so much of what I love about design." The designer has found a deep connection with his fellow Queer Eye cast members, forging lasting friendships that have only strengthened his passion for his craft.Brent's journey from a young boy expressing himself through his room to a renowned designer shaping the spaces of others is a testament to the power of design as a form of self-expression and storytelling. With his Crate & Kids collection, he continues to redefine the way we approach children's spaces, creating heirloom-worthy pieces that grow alongside the family and celebrate the unique narratives of each household.