In an exclusive tour with Architectural Digest, model Kate Upton and baseball star Justin Verlander have unveiled their vibrant New York City apartment, which they affectionately refer to as the “Shenthouse”—a playful twist on “she-penthouse.” This nickname reflects Upton’s ownership over the home’s design, which prominently features a striking pink colour scheme throughout. The couple, who have two children together, have transformed their space into a lively abode overlooking the picturesque Central Park.
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The couple’s recent tour was published on March 13, showcasing the results of their collaboration with interior designer John Ruggiero. Upton, 33, and Verlander, 43, have put a tremendous amount of thought into their apartment’s aesthetic, incorporating bold patterns and vibrant colours that echo their familial warmth and artistic vision. Verlander humorously acknowledged his wife’s influence in the decor, stating, “This is Kate’s place — she had full design control.”
Upton’s design philosophy is evident as she warmly describes their living room as “the fun room.” This space, awash in pink, perfectly captures the essence of their family life. With splendid views of Central Park, Upton explains their intention to infuse the room with the natural beauty and vibrant colours seen in New York’s sunsets, emphasizing her fondness for the golden hour, a critical time for any fashion model.
As the tour progresses, viewers are invited into a unique vintage-inspired theatre room that was once a formal dining space. Upton expressed their vision of creating an old Hollywood cinema ambiance, complete with rich gold velvet curtains and Art Deco ceiling details. “We wanted to have a place that was comfortable, where we can lounge and watch movies with the kids,” noted Verlander, reflecting on how their lifestyle preference led to this decision. The couple’s approach exemplifies a break from traditional dining areas in favour of a family-friendly entertainment space.
Adding an element of personal touch, Verlander commissioned a striking 3D artwork, featuring some of Upton’s most iconic magazine covers displayed on mini billboards in Times Square. This thoughtful gift was inspired by Upton’s love for the city and serves as a testament to their life together in New York.
In the kitchen, the couple opted for a completely different aesthetic, favouring deep green tones that harmonise with the gold and green floral wallpaper. “We really use this as the heart of the home,” Verlander explained, highlighting its centrality in their family’s daily routine. Upton concurred, saying, “This is where we’re pretty much eating every meal,” reinforcing the kitchen’s significance as a social and culinary hub.
The primary bedroom maintains the colourful motif, with blue dominating the walls while pink and green tones are integrated through bedding and decor elements. Upton expressed, “We very much were like, ‘Why do the kids have all the fun with their bedrooms?’ We wanted colour, and we wanted fun too.” Their desire for a vibrant and engaging space reflects a shared understanding that adult areas should also embody joy and personality.
Another highlight of their redesign is the previously unconventional privacy arrangement of the primary bedroom. Verlander disclosed that they had originally used a shower curtain as a makeshift door, which was far from ideal. The couple’s excitement was clear as they finally installed a traditional door, giving them not only privacy but also a sense of completeness in their home.
Overall, Upton and Verlander’s New York City apartment paints an inviting picture of modern family life interlaced with personal touches of style. With vibrant colours and carefully curated spaces, the couple’s home not only celebrates their love for each other but also their passion for creativity in design.
Their unique approach serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating that a home can be both sophisticated and lively—striking a balance that resonates with their family values and lifestyle in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities.