Jeremiah Brent Brings Queer Storytelling and Inclusive Design to Crate & Barrel’s New Capsule Collection

On September 9, 2025, Crate & Barrel unveiled its highly anticipated collaboration with Jeremiah Brent, an interior designer renowned for his layered aesthetics, television presence, and outspoken queer advocacy. The collection, titled “The Collected Home,” signals a new era in accessible, emotionally resonant design—and places Brent’s voice and queer story at the center of the mainstream decor conversation .

Brent’s design philosophy for “The Collected Home” draws deeply from his personal journey as a queer man, husband, and father. “This collection reflects the way I see home, and Crate & Barrel’s modern approach to design made them the perfect partner to bring these pieces to life,” Brent said in a statement accompanying the launch . His vision fuses sculptural forms, thoughtfully sourced materials, and a palette inspired by lived experience, resulting in pieces that evoke warmth and layered histories rather than fleeting trends.

Brent emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional resonance in design—values closely connected to his lived experience as a queer person navigating both public and private spaces. “Even the sleekest spaces need warmth. Whether through vintage inspiration, rich patinas or intricate fabrics, I wanted every piece to evoke a sense of history and softness—something that feels curated, not coordinated,” Brent explained .

Brent’s approach with “The Collected Home” intentionally steps away from prescriptive design trends, instead inviting customers to embrace the beauty of layered narratives and personal identity within their own spaces . “A collected home is one that feels distinct and unforced,” Brent told Homes & Gardens. “When you look around, you have a better understanding of who the person is and what they care about” .

The collection weaves together references from around the world, integrating contrasting materials like linen, ironwork, wicker, marble, and glass . Brent collaborated closely with his own design firm and Crate & Barrel’s creative teams, asking, “What are the materials we’re reaching for that we can’t find? What can we translate in a fresh, new way?” .

This philosophy is particularly meaningful for queer consumers, for whom home can be a sanctuary of self-expression and safety. Brent’s layered, eclectic approach mirrors the diversity of queer experiences and challenges the notion that home design must conform to a singular, heteronormative ideal.

Brent’s comments underscore a broader goal: making elevated, meaningful design accessible to a diverse range of customers. “I wanted to give access to everybody, and a freedom to create, assemble, and play,” Brent said in an interview with Domino . This commitment is evident both in the variety of pieces—spanning large couches to small accents—and in the collection’s broad price points and materials.

As a visible gay designer and television personality, Brent’s partnership with Crate & Barrel also represents a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in an industry historically dominated by heteronormative narratives. Brent, who shares two children with husband Nate Berkus, has frequently spoken about the importance of representation and creating spaces where all families and identities feel at home .

Brent’s work is particularly resonant for queer families seeking to see themselves reflected in the spaces and stories of contemporary home brands. The designer’s previous collection with Crate & Kids demonstrated his focus on family and inclusivity, and “The Collected Home” extends that ethos to the broader market .

In interviews, Brent has described his home as a place where “opposing elements find harmony”—a metaphor that speaks to the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ experiences and the idea that difference can be celebrated, not hidden . The deliberate pairing of historic and modern references within the collection—such as a shearling-covered ottoman inspired by his earlier work with stylist Rachel Zoe, or a media console reminiscent of 1940s Milan—allows queer customers and allies alike to see their own stories reflected in the materials and forms .