You might want to grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable—there’s a lot of good stuff to share today. I recently made a new friend, Jessica, who reached out with the sweetest email. Blogging brings new acquaintances all the time, but her message stood out.
After years of blogging and meeting countless people, it can feel overwhelming to keep up. Still, when Jessica emailed, we connected instantly. For one thing, she and her husband had unfinished, half-painted walls—just like I did—so we immediately bonded over that shared experience.
While I recruited friends to help finish my paint project, Jessica ended up with a rather extraordinary helper: Nate Berkus. Yes, really. She got help from Nate Berkus—an unexpected surprise that led to an amazing bedroom transformation. I’ll share more about how that happened and the final results later in this post.
Jessica quickly proved to be warm, motivated, and creative. She and her husband Cody are a hardworking couple, and I love supporting people who are inspired and willing to do the work to reach their goals. After getting to know her a little, I felt comfortable introducing her to you—because one of the best parts of blogging is sharing wonderful people with readers.
In case you’re curious how this all began: Martha Stewart coordinated Jessica and Cody’s wedding, and they were married on The Today Show—an unforgettable event. Their connection to that world helped start a chain of good things, eventually bringing Nate Berkus to redo their bedroom.
Cody and Jessica are a young couple balancing work and school. When they moved into their first house, they were still using furniture from their college days. When The Today Show called and invited them to apply for a room makeover, they seized the opportunity. After applying and waiting for weeks without word, they finally received the call: they had been selected.
Once selected, Lowe’s came to measure the room, but the team stayed tight-lipped about details. Packages began arriving at their doorstep—boxes of items chosen with them in mind. For several weeks they wondered what the plans would be. Then demolition and construction began, and they were temporarily relocated while jackhammers and saws transformed the space. The makeover turned out to be far more extensive than a new comforter; it included structural changes and custom elements.
As work progressed, the room was taped off and locked to prevent peeking. Near the end of the process they finally learned who was behind the surprise: Nate Berkus. He greeted them warmly, hugged them, and even received a grateful kiss on the cheek from Jessica. Nate was genuine and humble, and he showed real interest in their home and life, even noting a reclaimed barn wood picture frame Cody had made. He complimented Jessica’s collection of Le Creuset pans too—he admitted to collecting the red ones.
The reveal took place early in the morning—live for New York time. A satellite truck and production crew lit up the house. Cameras, hair and makeup artists, and producers from both Nate’s team and The Today Show were on location. After several live shots, Nate led the couple into the room blindfolded. When they removed the blindfolds, they found a transformed master bedroom they hardly recognized.
The carpet had been removed and beautiful hardwood floors installed, with two coordinating area rugs defining the sleeping and office areas. Nate preserved their antique twin brass beds—family heirlooms that carry sentimental history—and made them feel fresh with crisp white sheets and textured bedding. A large canopy over the headboard adds visual weight, while the decision to skip a bedskirt accentuates the polished wood floors and the brass casters.
To the right of the bed, a newly designed office area awaited. Warm mustard-yellow grasscloth covers the walls, creating a cozy texture. There are his-and-hers desks topped with Carrera marble countertops that blend vintage character with clean, chic lines. Custom cabinetry was crafted and flown in to meet the reveal deadline, showcasing what a coordinated team can accomplish under pressure.
A floating table beneath a statement light fixture anchors the office space. Behind it, Nate layered a signature mirror on top of a twin headboard for a striking mix of reclaimed wood and metallic finishes. Throughout the room, Nate placed battery-operated candles on timers that glow each evening, adding an affordable, effortless luxury that makes nightly routines feel special.
One of the sweetest touches was how Nate and his team incorporated personal items into the design—family photos, wedding invitations, and books about architecture and design—so the room felt curated and meaningful. A funny anecdote: Nate deliberately placed a book upside down on a shelf to avoid a feeling of over-perfection. Despite family members repeatedly straightening it, he insisted it remain as he had styled it.
After the reveal, the family chatted with Nate about his career and even shared a few stories about his past. When it was time to leave, Nate and his team waved goodbye and departed. Though the visit was brief, the couple felt deeply grateful. There was even casual talk about a future nursery makeover—always nice to dream.
Following the makeover, Jess and Cody focused on launching a new online venture called Reclaimed Marketplace. Their site helps artists, collectors, and fabricators sell eco-friendly and reclaimed goods. It’s designed to let creators build their own branded shops rather than just listing items on a marketplace, giving sellers tools to grow independent businesses. The platform offers a free trial period and aims to support artisans by providing marketing and traffic they need to succeed.
Jess also offered a giveaway on her blog as a way to introduce herself to the blogging community and thank readers for their support. It’s been a delight to host Jess as a guest and to share her inspiring story—one that blends creative entrepreneurship, heartfelt design, and a bit of television magic.
Thank you, Jess, for sharing the behind-the-scenes story and the beautiful photos of your Nate Berkus bedroom makeover. Your experience is a great reminder of how thoughtful design can combine family history, reclaimed materials, and modern touches to create a warm, personal space.