Nate Berkus, renowned interior designer and television personality, recently shared his thoughts on family life and creativity during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. He and his husband, Jeremiah Brent, have been navigating the challenges and joys of parenthood with their two children, Oskar and Poppy, as they grow older. The couple’s emotional journey as parents is intertwined with their latest venture—a partnership with Pepperidge Farm that highlights the importance of family rituals.
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During the conversation, Berkus reflected on a touching moment involving his daughter, Poppy, that moved both him and Brent to tears. The 11-year-old recently delivered a presentation at school on the significance of being a girl, and her insightful comments struck a chord with her parents. “Our daughter is incredibly artistic, poetic, and deeply thoughtful,” Berkus remarked, recalling how they were taken aback by her mature insights.
Poppy’s poignant views on societal expectations for girls resonated deeply with Berkus and Brent. “She talked about how you should be smart, but not too smart,” Berkus shared. The emotional impact of her words left the couple realising the depth of Poppy’s understanding of her identity as a young girl. Such reflections demonstrate the rich, creative lives that their children lead—Poppy is particularly inclined towards beauty, fashion, and design, while eight-year-old Oskar channels his creativity into building and construction projects.
As the children age, Berkus maintains that fostering a sense of togetherness is paramount for their family. He emphasised the importance of establishing small, endearing rituals that encourage mindfulness and connection. “We are very ritualistic as a family,” he stated. Simple acts, such as setting the table for every meal—even for a take-away sandwich—become significant practices that help the family appreciate their time together.
Berkus elaborated on the value of these rituals, noting how they can slow down the fast pace of life. He stressed that having his children take part in setting the table for their breakfast is an important lesson in mindfulness. “It just gets you to slow down long enough to appreciate the moment,” he explained, showcasing how such daily routines create opportunities for reflection and gratitude amid their busy lives.
Emphasising the role of these familial habits, Berkus believes these simple ceremonies allow them to “stop the clock for just that moment and enjoy what’s actually happening.” In a world that often feels rushed, these practices offer a little breathing room, encouraging children to take pride in their contributions to family life.
Berkus’ collaboration with Pepperidge Farm has excited the family, especially given their love for cookies. He described how baking with Jeremiah is a cherished weekend tradition that brings joy to their household. The partnership introduces a limited-edition Chessmen Cookie Board, aimed at celebrating family moments through an appealing design inspired by traditional chessboards.
The Chessmen Cookie Board will be available for purchase on two dates, April 22 and April 29, at 10 a.m. ET, priced at £60. This stylish accent piece aligns with Berkus’ vision of transforming everyday rituals into beautiful displays, a concept that pays homage to nostalgia while embracing modern aesthetics.
Berkus fondly recalled his childhood in Minnesota where Pepperidge Farm cookies held a special place in his family’s pantry. “Those were the cookies that my mum saved,” he reminisced. The memories tied to these treats and the new flavours—Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Sugar, and Brown Butter Pecan—embody a delightful mix of nostalgia and contemporary design.
In blending cherished family traditions with innovative design, Berkus and Brent continue to create a nurturing environment for their children. As they strive to foster creativity and mindfulness in their family life, their partnership with Pepperidge Farm serves as a delightful reminder of the small joys that can enrich domestic routines. Berkus concludes that their journey as a family is one of embracing creativity, fostering connection, and celebrating the beautiful simplicity of life’s moments.